Chapter Summaries

Chen Ping'an concealed his identity as the mysterious Grandmaster while Gu Qingchan examined him and the battle site. After they left the Ten Thousand Demons Blood Pool, they reached Blood Flame Cave as the encirclement was nearing its end.

• Gu Qingchan examined Chen Ping'an, confirmed he was in the Profound Light High Realm, and helped wake him; Chen Ping'an pretended to awaken with a defensive saber strike and thanked her for saving him.
• Gu Qingchan said all the Ten Thousand Demons Bandits had been executed, while Chen Ping'an praised her and privately confirmed that she had kept his role secret.
• Chen Ping'an pointed to damage left by the mysterious Grandmaster, and Gu Qingchan warned him not to study techniques beyond his current realm; she did not expose the Grandmaster's identity.
• Gu Qingchan questioned Chen Ping'an about the mysterious Grandmaster, but he convincingly claimed to know nothing beyond her fight with the Gray-robed Old Man.
• Gu Qingchan and Chen Ping'an left the Ten Thousand Demons Blood Pool, encountered Town Pacification Office forces, and arrived together at Blood Flame Cave.

Chen Ping'an used his authority as a constable head to secure Uncle Zhang’s release from the Flying Sand Gang, receiving an apology and fifty taels of silver from Deputy Gang Leader Peng Tongliu. Afterward, Uncle Zhang’s family thanked Chen Ping'an, who considered saving his money to move to South City Neighborhood.

• Chen Ping'an reassured Aunt Zhang that he was handling Uncle Zhang’s detention and sent two constables to the Flying Sand Gang with his Constable Head Token.
• Peng Tongliu brought Uncle Zhang back to Chen Ping'an’s courtyard and presented the bound leader responsible for detaining him.
• Chen Ping'an had the leader whipped a few times and accepted fifty taels of silver from Peng Tongliu as compensation.
• Chen Ping'an counted his savings, considered moving to South City Neighborhood, and decided to wait for a possible transfer to the South City Pacification Office.
• Uncle Zhang and his family visited Chen Ping'an over the following days to thank him for saving Uncle Zhang.

After discovering that Head Constable Zheng had helped steal his credit for killing Mottled Fish, Chen Ping'an considered taking revenge but chose to wait until he was stronger to protect Chen Er'ya. He ended the night resolved to settle the score within two months while continuing his Iron Cloth training.

• Chen Ping'an concluded that Head Constable Zheng had shielded the men who took his merit and that he could not prove he had killed Mottled Fish without revealing his martial cultivation.
• Chen Ping'an told Monkey Head and Da Shan that he had found clues about Mottled Fish, but concealed that he had killed him himself.
• Chen Ping'an promised to treat Monkey Head and Da Shan when his reward arrived, then went home to Chen Er'ya.
• Seeing Chen Er'ya made Chen Ping'an reconsider killing Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong, since their deaths could bring investigators to his door and endanger his sister.
• Chen Ping'an hid his injury from Chen Er'ya and trained Iron Cloth among the stones, vowing to get revenge within two months after advancing his strength.

Chen Ping'an pursued a nighttime intruder from his courtyard and discovered that the man was Mottled Fish, the Green Fish Gang Head. He endured Mottled Fish's attacks with Iron Cloth and was about to grapple with him when Mottled Fish realized the kick had not harmed him.

• Chen Ping'an reflected on his Iron Cloth progress and resolved to become a Formal Constable before reaching Perfection.
• A shadow entered Chen Ping'an's courtyard, searched the kitchen, and headed toward his room before turning away.
• Chen Ping'an followed the shadow through the streets to an overgrown courtyard and was ambushed by a tall man hiding behind a woodpile.
• Chen Ping'an recognized the attacker as Mottled Fish, who tried to flee because he was injured and feared attracting the Night Patrol.
• Mottled Fish struck Chen Ping'an with a whip kick, but Chen Ping'an endured it, freezing Mottled Fish's smile.

Chen Ping'an comprehended and initiated the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art, then left Sanqi Mountain after the siege. The Blood Devouring Demon Lord vowed to investigate the destruction of the inheritance ground, while Gu Qingchan resolved to pursue her own destined Great Dao.

• Chen Ping'an recognized the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art as a trap meant to cause backlash, but used his Golden Finger Panel and ability to suppress demons to master its initiation safely.
• Chen Ping'an improved his cultivation, then bid farewell to Zhong Zeyu and the officers at Sanqi Mountain Garrison before heading back toward the Wei River.
• The Blood Devouring Demon Lord learned that the Ten Thousand Demons Inheritance Ground had been destroyed and ordered his followers to investigate who led the siege.
• Gu Qingchan recalled telling Gu Haoqing that Chen Ping'an had earned great merit and broken through during the siege, strengthening his claim to the Li Yang Town Pacification Office Brigade Commander position.
• Gu Qingchan reflected that entrusting her emotions to her destined man had greatly accelerated her cultivation of the Mystic Maiden Heart Sutra, and declared that Heavenly Mandate should belong to her.

Chen Ping'an reached Qi Blood Fifth Level Perfection and continued building his influence within the Town Pacification Office. After promoting Monkey Head and promising to help his old companions, he was summoned by Constable Director Shen Shi Kang.

• Chen Ping'an broke through to Qi Blood Fifth Level Perfection after accumulating 80 points of experience in Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training.
• Chen Ping'an reflected that he needed to reach the Inner Qi Realm to feel secure against powerful opponents like Wu Haihua.
• Chen Ping'an asked Monkey Head how he was handling his new acting Squad Leader role and urged him to perform his duties well.
• Chen Ping'an promised Monkey Head he would arrange opportunities for Da Shan and Little Zeng as well.
• Tao Lei told Chen Ping'an that Shen Shi Kang wanted to see him.

Zheng Zhenwu plotted to kill Chen Ping'an in a surprise attack, but Chen Ping'an revealed overwhelming strength and killed him. Zheng Shiyong tried to flee, but Chen Ping'an brought him down and stood over him.

• Zheng Zhenwu brought Zheng Shiyong to Spring Rain Pavilion and drugged two girls so they could leave unnoticed to ambush Chen Ping'an.
• Zheng Zhenwu explained that he feared Chen Ping'an's rapid rise and decided to kill him before he grew stronger.
• Zheng Zhenwu attacked Chen Ping'an in an alley, but Chen Ping'an's body resisted the blow and he beheaded Zheng Zhenwu with a single strike.
• Zheng Shiyong tried to run, but Chen Ping'an injured both his legs and stood over him as he fell into despair.

Chen Ping'an chose Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training from Mu Wanjun’s reward, valuing its fit with his perfected Iron Cloth and its protection over the other prizes. He left the South City Pacification Office with the booklet, while Mu Wanjun regretted that his age might keep him from reaching the Inner Qi Realm.

• Chen Ping'an chose the white paper and selected Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training from the listed rewards.
• Mu Wanjun questioned his choice internally but ordered Xiao Die to fetch the martial arts booklet.
• Chen Ping'an accepted the booklet and explained to himself that strengthening his defense mattered more than a saber technique, a blade, a token, or a favor.
• Mu Wanjun told Chen Ping'an to train in South Spring Lane and said she would transfer him to the South City Pacification Office when the time was right.
• After Chen Ping'an left, Mu Wanjun regretted discovering his talent too late and worried that his age would make further cultivation difficult.
• Chang Zheng escorted Chen Ping'an out of the South City Pacification Office, and Chen Ping'an departed with the booklet tucked against his chest.

Chen Ping'an killed Xue Mingde in the Li Yang Town Pacification Office and framed the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, then escaped back to his carriage. He examined the spoils taken from Xue Mingde and Xue Shishun, discovering valuable weapons and clues about Xue Shishun’s injuries.

• Chen Ping'an used the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art to overwhelm and kill Xue Mingde, who recognized him as a Top Grandmaster before dying.
• Chen Ping'an took Xue Mingde’s Hundred Treasures Pouch and jade, then escaped through the roof as Town Pacification Office elites arrived.
• Xu Chongyuan ordered martial law across the city and sent an urgent report to the Province Town Pacification Office.
• Chen Ping'an returned unnoticed to his carriage and inspected Xue Mingde’s wealth, finding nearly four thousand Origin Crystals’ worth of goods and a Silver Moon Spear close to a Divine Weapon.
• Chen Ping'an found Azure Jade Pills in Xue Shishun’s pouch and suspected that Xue Shishun had suffered severe injuries, possibly in Northern Cang.
• Chen Ping'an discovered that Xue Shishun had possessed the Divine Weapon Seven Luminaries Finger Sheath, which could enhance Chen Ping'an’s killing power.

Chen Ping'an visited the Wei River Town Pacification Office and exchanged his accumulated merit, Cold Iron Spear, and Wild Goose Feather Saber for an Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber. Before he could leave, Liu Yuanhua summoned him and greeted him with conspicuous warmth, leaving Chen Ping'an unsure of his intentions.

• Major forces in Wei River County City invited Chen Ping'an to visit, but he declined and went to the Town Pacification Office.
• Chen Ping'an traded his merit, Cold Iron Spear, and Wild Goose Feather Saber for an Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber that would arrive from the provincial city.
• Liu Yuanhua sent a steward to bring Chen Ping'an to his office, and Chen Ping'an agreed to meet him.
• Liu Yuanhua warmly welcomed Chen Ping'an, offered him North Mountain Mist Tea, and called him a hero of the Wei River Town Pacification Office.
• Chen Ping'an declined the tea blandly, saying he could not appreciate its qualities.

Deputy Constable Director Tian Fulang announced bounties for Green Fish Gang remnants who had fled into South Spring Lane, giving the constables a chance to earn merit. Chen Ping'an, Monkey Head, and Da Shan agreed to search carefully on patrol, while Qin Head declined to join them.

• Tian Fulang told the constables that Green Fish Gang Deputy Gang Leader Flounder and Head Mottled Fish had escaped into nearby lanes, and announced rewards and merit for leads or captures.
• Tian Fulang revealed that Flounder and Mottled Fish had been injured during their escape, raising the constables' hopes of earning merit.
• Monkey Head told Chen Ping'an and Da Shan that even finding a lead could bring him closer to becoming a Formal Constable, and suggested they search carefully during patrol.
• Chen Ping'an and Da Shan agreed to search, but Qin Head refused to join them, saying he was too old.

At the South Spring Neighborhood Pacification Office meeting, Shen Shi Kang announced that Chen Ping'an had been promoted to Formal Constable for raising the alarm about the Ten Thousand Demons Sect. Chen Ping'an received his saber, Waist Tag, and the Public Gate Thirteen Blades, then celebrated with his friends.

• Shen Shi Kang arrived at the pre-shift meeting and urged the constables to unite in rooting out the Ten Thousand Demons Sect.
• Shen Shi Kang announced that Chen Ping'an had earned merit by raising the alarm and had been promoted to Formal Constable with the Chief Constable's approval.
• Chen Ping'an accepted the promotion and received his saber, Waist Tag, and the Public Gate Thirteen Blades.
• Head Constable Zheng showed jealousy, while Monkey Head, Da Shan, and Qin Head congratulated Chen Ping'an.
• Chen Ping'an invited his friends to lunch to celebrate.

Xue Kunsheng and the North Azure Town Pacification Office gathered to welcome Chen Ping'an, but Chen stayed away while his arrival with Guan Dongxiang unsettled the officials. As Xue Kunsheng's plan to use the stronghold's powers to establish leverage fell apart, Chen stood alone at the Dragon Peace Trade Route monument, where a group of riders approached.

• Xue Kunsheng and Liu Gongxi waited with North Azure officials to welcome Chen Ping'an, while Liu suspected that Xiong Sanrang's appointment would strip him of authority.
• Chen's carriage arrived with Xiong Sanrang and Guan Dongxiang, whose presence as an accompanying guard shocked Xue Kunsheng and the welcoming party.
• Xiong Sanrang told Xue Kunsheng that Chen was not in the carriage and instructed everyone to wait for his arrival.
• Xue Kunsheng concealed his anger as his plan to use North Azure's other powers to demonstrate his influence was undone by Chen's absence.
• Chen stood studying the Dragon Peace Trade Route monument when a group of riders led by a proud youth in white approached.

After Chen Ping'an killed Blood Demon Hammer Shi Tianpo and demonstrated his strength, Zhong Zeyu apologized for the Council Hall's insults, offered compensation, and briefed him on the Three Forks Mountain siege. As the forces sealed and searched the mountain, Gu Haoqing nominated Chen Ping'an for the vacant Brigade Commander post in Li Yang, but the Province Town Pacification Office deferred the decision.

• Chen Ping'an left the Council Hall after defeating Lu Boxu and Xu Dejun and killing Shi Tianpo, leaving the officials wary of his strength.
• Zhong Zeyu visited Chen Ping'an, apologized on behalf of the factions, gave him two hundred Origin Crystals, and explained the plan to surround the Ten Thousand Demons Deputy Altar.
• The suppression forces sealed Three Forks Mountain, defeated a band of Ten Thousand Demons Sect bandits, and gradually narrowed down the deputy altar's location.
• After learning that Chen Ping'an had killed Shi Tianpo, Gu Haoqing nominated him for the vacant Brigade Commander position at the Li Yang Town Pacification Office.
• Ning Zhengyue ended the deliberation by postponing a decision on Chen Ping'an's appointment.

After learning that Chen Ping'an had been reassigned beyond the Outer Town Pacification Office’s authority, Wang Changxu realized his report against him had lost its effect. Chen Ping'an prepared to leave for White Stone City with Chen Er'ya and Peony, where he would take up his new post as Deputy Commander.

• Supervisor Lin told Wang Changxu that Chen Ping'an’s file had been transferred to the Wei River Town Pacification Office and that the Outer Town Pacification Office no longer had jurisdiction over him.
• News spread through the South City Pacification Office that Chen Ping'an had entered the Inner Qi Realm and killed the Inner Qi Realm expert Shadowless Kick.
• Chen Ping'an received an appointment naming him Deputy Commander of White Stone City and requiring him to assume office immediately.
• Chen Ping'an began preparing to move, and Chen Er'ya readily agreed to go with him.
• Chen Ping'an told Chen Er'ya to pack their belongings, while Peony listened and felt that their household was like a home.

The Azure Dragon Province New Talent Rankings placed Gu Qingcheng above Chen Ping'an, provoking widespread shock and debate. Chen Ping'an reasoned that she might have mastered the Bright Moon Sword Technique to perfection, then wondered whether his Golden Finger Panel could confirm that possibility.

• The updated rankings named Gu Qingcheng number one, and Xue Zirou and martial cultivators across Azure Dragon Province questioned how she could outrank Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an without reaching the Grandmaster Realm.
• Supporters cited Gu Qingcheng's Supreme Divine Skill and talent, while others challenged her placement; some guessed she possessed an Innate Sword Bone and the bearing of a Celestial.
• Chen Ping'an reviewed the rankings and noted Mu Wanjun's rise to thirty-ninth, Mu Feiyu's placement at ninety-sixth, and Liu Ziming's decline.
• Chen Ping'an found Gu Qingcheng still listed at the Profound Light High Realm and considered whether she had cultivated the Bright Moon Sword Technique to Greater Accomplishment.
• Chen Ping'an dismissed the possibility that Gu Qingcheng had perfected the technique, then looked at his Golden Finger Panel and reconsidered it.

Chen Ping'an gave Chen Er'ya a bracelet and considered whether his strength was enough to protect her from the dangers posed by powerful enemies. After discussing where she should live, she chose Wei River County City, while Chen Ping'an continued training and neared a breakthrough in Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger.

• Chen Ping'an gave Chen Er'ya a bracelet and reflected on his promise to keep her safe, concluding that he needed far greater strength to protect her from enemies.
• Chen Ping'an explained his possible move to Five Peaks Mountain City and asked Chen Er'ya where she wanted to live; she chose Wei River County City for its safety and schooling.
• The Town Pacification Office held a welcome reception for Chen Ping'an, and he returned late to find Chen Er'ya waiting for him.
• Chen Ping'an practiced his Cosmic Orbit through the night, gradually improving his Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger and nearing Minor Accomplishment.

Gu Wu joined Xing Rongzi against Chu Long and Sheng Yanshan, while Zhao Zhitin and Chu Long used burst secret arts to turn the fight against Xing Rongzi. Reinforcements arrived, and as Xing Rongzi tried to escape, Zhao Zhitin and Chen Ping'an struck at him with saber attacks.

• Gu Wu joined the battle after opening another escape passage, forcing Chu Long and Sheng Yanshan back alongside Xing Rongzi.
• Zhao Zhitin used a burst secret art and, with Chu Long's help, pushed Xing Rongzi into a difficult fight.
• Inner Qi Realm reinforcements poured into the Underground Great Hall and began overwhelming the Heavenly Luo Sect members.
• Chen Ping'an left You Yongming to handle the nearby fight and rushed toward Xing Rongzi.
• Xing Rongzi broke out of the encirclement and tried to flee, but Zhao Zhitin and Chen Ping'an sent saber strikes toward him at the same time.

Chen Ping'an killed Cao Yingxiong after transforming into a Vajra Giant, then escaped before approaching reinforcements arrived. He inspected his spoils and discovered Cao Yingxiong’s Hundred Treasures Pouch held a fortune in Origin Crystals, bringing his wealth close to seven hundred.

• Cao Yingxiong used a secret art to reach the Pseudo-Grandmaster Realm, but Chen Ping'an transformed into a Vajra Giant and killed him.
• Chen Ping'an found that Lin Wanying had fled and chose not to pursue her before searching the battlefield and leaving as others approached.
• Chen Ping'an returned to a concealed spot, removed his Transparent Mask, and restored his original appearance with Body Transformation and Bone Restructuring.
• Chen Ping'an examined his spoils, including Lu Shengyang’s Origin Crystals and Cao Yingxiong’s Serrated Dagger and Silver Gong token.
• Chen Ping'an opened Cao Yingxiong’s Hundred Treasures Pouch and found 512 Origin Crystals, bringing his total fortune to nearly 700.

After waking in the stone hall, Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan struggled to resume their former relationship after the previous night’s intimacy and the revelation of his concealed strength. Gu Qingchan left to search the hall, while Chen Ping'an considered his new cultivation progress and the treasures he had gained, then watched her return.

• Gu Qingchan examined Chen Ping'an and realized that his apparent unconsciousness could be another deception, recalling how she had once misjudged his strength at Three Forks Mountain.
• Chen Ping'an opened his eyes and called Gu Qingchan “Senior,” startling her; when she lost her balance, he caught her around the waist.
• Gu Qingchan and Chen Ping'an exchanged formal words of concern and gratitude, but she left to look around the stone hall, flustered by their changed relationship.
• Chen Ping'an confirmed that the second stage of the Turbulent Phoenix Dance Yin-Yang Pivot had activated and that his foundation and Cultivation Experience had improved.
• Chen Ping'an reviewed his remaining treasures and tasks, then looked toward Gu Qingchan as she emerged from a stone chamber and walked back to him.