Chapter Summaries

Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan searched the stone hall, found only diminished treasures, and quietly settled into a new intimacy after their night together. Before they could leave the cave dwelling, Chen Ping'an sensed a hidden restriction in the stone door.

• Gu Qingchan showed Chen Ping'an the few usable items she had found, and he judged them to be worth only several thousand Origin Crystals.
• Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan spoke and searched the chambers together, growing more comfortable with their changed relationship while avoiding the chamber that recalled their night together.
• Chen Ping'an asked Gu Qingchan to keep his cultivation and combat strength confidential, and she agreed.
• Chen Ping'an reflected on his need to grow stronger and planned to leave the cave dwelling with Gu Qingchan after they finished searching.
• Chen Ping'an sensed Spiritual Energy in the bluish-gray stone door, and Gu Qingchan identified a Secret Restriction.

After Feng Shixian's mourning ceremony, the major forces in White Stone City openly disregarded the Town Pacification Office while Chen Ping'an focused on cultivating the Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill. When the Blood Oath Alliance and Iron Fist Gang escalated their encroachment and attacks, Chen Ping'an ordered a warning and the seizure of two properties, but the forces intensified their pressure on the Office and its constables.

• The major forces sent only a few representatives to Feng Shixian's mourning ceremony, leaving many constables hoping Chen Ping'an would respond forcefully.
• Chen Ping'an kept to himself and cultivated the Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill, accumulating 90 points of Cultivation Experience before reaching 150.
• Cheng Renjing reported that constables had been beaten while handling properties left by the Crocodile Gang and Quicksand Gang, and Chen Ping'an ordered a warning against the Blood Oath Alliance and Iron Fist Gang.
• The Town Pacification Office seized one property belonging to each gang, prompting constables to expect further action from Chen Ping'an.
• The Blood Oath Alliance and Iron Fist Gang accelerated their encroachment, while the Chamber of Commerce Alliance and the Three Great Families joined in squeezing the Office's businesses.
• Brawls and vicious competition spread through White Stone City, with some incidents occurring near constables' relatives and families.

Chen Ping'an learned that Wang Lingzhi had made progress investigating Xue Kunsheng’s death and heard how rumors about his romance with Cloud Dream Fairy were damaging his standing in the Province Town Pacification Office. After Zhong Zeyu warned him to avoid acting rashly, Chen Ping'an resolved to deal with Wei Yiqi, who had helped spread the hostility toward him.

• Wei Yiqi received Wang Lingzhi’s report that he had uncovered two demonic sect strongholds and a Ten Thousand Demons Sect Stronghold while investigating Xue Kunsheng’s death.
• Chen Ping'an met Lu Yuanzai, learned about Wang Lingzhi’s findings, and discussed his expected marriage alliance with the Gu Family.
• Lu Yuanzai recalled rumors that Gu Qingchan had shown unusual favor to Black Robe Old Monster and wondered at the old monster’s influence over her.
• Chen Ping'an asked Zhong Zeyu about reforms at Azure Dragon School, and Zhong described the inspections and scheduled follow-up checks.
• Zhong Zeyu warned Chen Ping'an that rumors about Cloud Dream Fairy and the Gu Family marriage alliance had weakened the protection he received from the Gu Family faction, leaving him vulnerable to attacks over Wei Yiqi’s accusations.
• Chen Ping'an accepted Zhong Zeyu’s advice not to act impulsively, then resolved to confront the consequences tied to Wei Yiqi.

Chen Ping'an learned that the updated Hidden Dragon Rankings placed him twenty-ninth, drawing attention from powerful factions across the region. After arranging a meeting with the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce and discussing his upcoming marriage to Gu Qingcheng, he entered the Azure Dragon Auction as it opened.

• Chen Ping'an met the Gu Family elders, who told him the Hidden Dragon Rankings had updated and invited him to discuss the results.
• The rankings placed Chen Ping'an twenty-ninth, while the Heavenly Luo Saintess Qu Feiyan remained ninth and Yin Shangjin remained seventh; Yin Shangjin pressed the Heavenly Luo Sect to agree to a marriage alliance.
• Chen Ping'an reviewed the other ranked talents, including the eighth-ranked Cloud Dweller Swordsman Li Wangchen, and learned the Gu Family had arranged an introduction to the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce about Snow Spirit Leaf supplies.
• Lan Lao asked Chen Ping'an about wedding arrangements with Gu Qingcheng, and he left the details to the Gu Family.
• Xiyue and Gu Qingcheng saw Chen Ping'an's new ranking, while the Heavenly Luo Saintess and Li Xiangjun also received the updated list during their return to the sect.
• Three days later, Chen Ping'an entered the venue as the Azure Dragon Auction officially opened.

Chen Ping'an attended the Azure Dragon auction, sold his Golden Light Hoop, and bought several items, including breakthrough resources intended for Wan Jun. As the auction reached its climax, he decided to pursue the Golden Illusion Treasure Robe for its defense and imposing appearance, and bidding began.

• The Red Silk Silver Leaf opened the auction, and Chen Ping'an watched as the lots drew fierce competition.
• Chen Ping'an's Golden Light Hoop sold for 9,800 Origin Crystals, while he acquired the Nine-Leaf Silver Essence Ganoderma, Golden Wind Grass, and Exploding Essence Pill.
• Chen Ping'an considered the Flowing Water Saber Legacy but passed on bidding because its cultivation style did not suit him.
• Black Rock Old Freak bought the Mountain Pushing Puppet for 28,000 Origin Crystals without facing further competition.
• Chen Ping'an became interested in the Golden Illusion Treasure Robe as a defensive weapon that could also conceal his powerful physique and enhance his presence.
• The Blue-robed Man decided he needed the Golden Illusion Treasure Robe for his dangerous expedition, and bidding opened at 25,000 Origin Crystals.

Chen Ping'an prepared to leave Azure Dragon Province City after public gossip about him and Gu Qingcheng displaced attention from the recent assassination and the Province Town Pacification Office concealed Li Wusheng’s death. Before departing for Leiming, he learned of a massacre there and began making his farewells, while Zhang Tianyuan finally returned to the provincial city.

• The Gu Family and the Province Town Pacification Office fueled rumors about Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingcheng, turning public attention away from the conflict between blades and swords and the nighttime battle.
• Chen Ping'an refined Li Wusheng’s Black Jade Rings, considered his other spoils, and decided to return to Leiming.
• Ning Zhengyue urged Chen Ping'an to deal with trouble in Leiming, and Chen Ping'an read reports describing remnants of the evil rank committing a massacre during a robbery.
• Chen Ping'an concluded that the Province Town Pacification Office had sealed off Li Wusheng’s death and sensed Qing Fan watching him as he left.
• Chen Ping'an bid Zhong Zeyu farewell, returned to his courtyard, and prepared to leave while planning visits to his sister and the Gu Family.
• Zhang Tianyuan returned to Azure Dragon Province City after receiving an urgent message from the Province Town Pacification Office.

Chen Ping'an perfected Eight Steps Catching Cicadas and assessed his strength against Wei River County City's top young martial artist, Liu Ziming. Mu Wanjun summoned him, explained why the Mu Family had not countered the Fang Family's retaliation, and promised to address the trouble at South City Prison.

• Chen Ping'an used accumulated Cultivation Experience to perfect Eight Steps Catching Cicadas and considered how his combat strength compared with Liu Ziming and other young martial artists.
• A constable told Chen Ping'an that Mu Wanjun wanted to see him, and he went to the South City Pacification Office.
• Mu Wanjun apologized for not helping sooner and revealed that she had recovered from severe injuries and advanced to the Inner Energy Second Level.
• Mu Wanjun explained that the Mu Family had suffered losses in its contest with the Fang Family and was avoiding another direct conflict, while the Fang Family continued retaliating against Chen Ping'an.
• Mu Wanjun promised Chen Ping'an that she would give him an explanation for the incidents at South City Prison.

Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan discovered and copied a valuable Fourth Rank restriction inheritance in the cave abode before leaving the Mystic Spirit Mountain Range. During their journey back, Chen Ping'an repeatedly treated Gu Qingchan’s leg, and their growing intimacy continued as they crossed into Azure Dragon Province.

• Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan triggered the stone door’s secret restriction, revealing a Forbidden Inheritance that Gu Qingchan identified as a high-rank restriction art.
• Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan each took a stone pearl and recorded different aspects of the inheritance, agreeing to exchange insights as they studied it.
• Chen Ping'an searched Gu Qingchan’s leg injury, treated it, and concealed the cave entrance before they departed.
• As they traveled, Chen Ping'an treated Gu Qingchan every other day, and their interactions grew increasingly intimate.
• Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan left the Mystic Spirit Province Border, crossed the Thunderclap Mountain Range, and entered Thunderous Roar Great City in Azure Dragon Province.

At the Azure Dragon Grand Banquet, Ling Xiao insulted Chen Ping'an and the Town Pacification Office, prompting Chen to challenge his arrogance. Chen declared that he could enter the Great Grandmaster Realm that day and unleashed an aura that stunned the gathered powers.

• Madam Biluo joined the banquet, while Chen Ping'an continued listening for covert discussions.
• The banquet ended, and Ling Xiao prepared to leave after criticizing its arrangements and belittling Chen Ping'an's invitation.
• Ling Xiao mocked Chen Ping'an and the Town Pacification Office, but Chen challenged Ling Xiao's right to judge others and questioned his ambitions.
• Ling Xiao claimed his Great Grandmaster strength entitled him to teach Chen a lesson, and Chen reminded him of his own age, rank, and time in cultivation.
• Chen Ping'an declared that he could enter the Great Grandmaster Realm whenever he wished, then unleashed a powerful Martial Will that shocked the banquet guests.

Chen Ping'an welcomed Gu Qingchan to Wei River County City and met with her, while Feng Chengxiu and Fan Zhengheng misjudged how much she valued him. Afterward, Gu Qingchan secretly followed Chen Ping'an out of the Treasure Pavilion, leaving him surprised as they arrived at a residence.

• Chen Ping'an ordered the guards to arrest two groups of young noblemen who had blocked the street and caused trouble.
• Chen Ping'an joined Wei River County City's officials and prominent families to welcome Gu Qingchan when she arrived.
• Feng Chengxiu greeted Chen Ping'an despite their hostility, while privately considering whether to target him later.
• Gu Qingchan refused to meet the city's other leaders but received Chen Ping'an at the Treasure Pavilion before he left shortly afterward.
• Fan Zhengheng concluded that Gu Haoqing, rather than Gu Qingchan, was the one pushing to recruit Chen Ping'an and arrange a marriage alliance.
• Gu Qingchan secretly followed Chen Ping'an after his visit, and he discovered her in his carriage when they reached a residence.

Chen Ping'an repaid Little Tiger Lord’s fourteen-tael debt and received the promissory note, though Little Tiger Lord announced that the Tiger Head Gang would begin charging him a monthly fee next month. After the gang left, Chen Ping'an noticed the deep palm print Little Tiger Lord had left in the table.

• Chen Ping'an asked Aunt Zhang to arrange sand and gravel, and she agreed without accepting payment.
• Chen Ping'an and Chen Er'ya bought food and shared lunch while she asked how he had raised the repayment money.
• Little Tiger Lord arrived with Liu Er and Fei Zi to collect the debt, and Chen Ping'an counted out fourteen taels of silver.
• Liu Er checked the silver for counterfeits, and Little Tiger Lord accepted the full repayment and returned Chen Ping'an's promissory note.
• Little Tiger Lord said the Tiger Head Gang would waive this month's fee but collect a monthly fee from Chen Ping'an starting next month.
• After Little Tiger Lord and his men left, Chen Ping'an saw the palm print Little Tiger Lord had pressed into the wooden table.

News of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an’s promotion to Deputy Division Head spread across Azure Dragon Province, startling rival factions and reaching people connected to his past. As the Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony approached, Chen Ping'an settled into his new office and looked forward to a rumored Saber Path inheritance at the auction.

• The Province Town Pacification Office announced Chen Ping'an’s promotion and sent the news throughout the state territory, where the Wang Family, Xue Family, Universe Control Division, and others reacted with alarm.
• Mu Chenjie and Mu Qingyao heard that Chen Ping'an had become Deputy Division Head and were stunned by the news.
• Zhi Lan told You'er and Yunmeng that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had been promoted, and Yunmeng asked to hear about him.
• Chen Ping'an cultivated in his newly assigned office, where his authority, guards, carriage, and official regalia had been upgraded.
• Zhang Tianyuan hosted a welcoming meeting for Chen Ping'an, who anticipated the Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony and its rumored Saber Path inheritance auction item.

As the Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony began, Chen Ping'an considered the auction and sought resources while selling supplies and gathering information. A rain-soaked walk along the Azure Fall River brought him a new insight into what it meant to be a Celestial, and he ended the night by noticing a girl at Mist Rain lake.

• Fang Zhengyu, Tong Guan, and the Shadowless Saber Sect reacted with fear and regret to Chen Ping'an becoming Deputy Division Head after killing a top Great Grandmaster.
• News of Chen Ping'an's advancement spread throughout the province as the Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony began in Azure Dragon Province City.
• Chen Ping'an disguised himself, sold supplies for nearly twenty thousand Origin Crystals, and considered contacting the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce to obtain Snow Spirit Leaf.
• Chen Ping'an learned about the auction's offerings and weighed what resources, techniques, and information he wanted to acquire.
• Chen Ping'an walked through the rain to the Azure Fall River, gained insight into the nature of Celestials, and saw a girl gazing into the distance by Mist Rain lake.

Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan returned to the Gu Family Residence, where their closeness and unspoken jealousy complicated their carefully agreed relationship. Gu Qingchan invited Chen Ping'an to share her carriage, and Feng Wuhen arrived to greet her.

• Chen Ping'an recalled his recent adventures as he and Gu Qingchan walked through Thunderous Roar Great City, while Gu Qingchan reconsidered rumors about his romantic past and grew jealous.
• Gu Qingchan tried to pinch Chen Ping'an, but he caught her hand before she broke free and pinched his waist instead.
• A group of Gu Family members welcomed Gu Qingchan and Chen Ping'an near the residence, and Chen Ping'an noted the authority she had established in Leiming.
• Gu Qingchan invited Chen Ping'an into her carriage to speak with him, and the two sat facing one another in silence as it traveled toward the Gu Family Residence.
• Feng Wuhen saw the carriage arrive and hurried forward, calling out to Qingchan.

The Heavenly Luo Saintess emerged from seclusion as a Celestial and ordered Li Xiangjun to watch Chen Ping'an, while deciding to pursue the Gu Family Marriage Contract. Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan returned to Thunderous Roar Great City together, alarming local factions and prompting Feng Wuhen to go to the Gu Family Residence to wait for her.

• The Heavenly Luo Saintess attained the Celestial Realm, named Chen Ping'an as the source of a flaw in her Dao heart, and told Li Xiangjun to report his movements.
• The Heavenly Luo Saintess decided to return to the Sacred Land Abyss Sea and resolved to force the Gu Family Marriage Contract.
• Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan changed course and entered Thunderous Roar Great City together after he had initially planned to part ways with her.
• News of their arrival unsettled local factions, and Wu Benqing and Gu Loping considered why Chen Ping'an had returned.
• Feng Wuhen learned that Gu Qingchan had returned with Chen Ping'an, felt reassured, and went to the Gu Family Residence to wait for her.

The Xue Family learned that Xue Zirou had lost her chastity to Chen Ping'an and debated how to use the revelation without damaging their own standing. Meanwhile, Gu Qingchan prepared to confront Chen Ping'an about his rumored affair with Yunmeng and summoned him to the Secluded Pavilion.

• Xue Family elders praised Xue Zirou for helping their scheme against Chen Ping'an and planned to use Yunmeng to stir public opinion and pressure the Gu Family.
• Xue Zirou told the elders that she had slept with Chen Ping'an, prompting their fury and a call for a Clan Elder Meeting to decide how to respond.
• The Xue Family elders considered whether to expose the affair, attack the Gu Family marriage alliance, or use the scandal to win Chen Ping'an over, while concealing their use of aphrodisiac medicine.
• Gu Qingchan condensed Senior Night Owl's intercepted aura into netherglow to outline a Heavenly Mandate Form and admitted to Gu Family elders that she loved him and had tried to embrace him.
• Gu Qingchan summoned Chen Ping'an to explain his rumored spring night with Yunmeng, and he arrived at the Secluded Pavilion.

Chen Ping'an protected Chen Er'ya and Old Man Hao from Rogue Jiang and the Crocodile Gang, then learned the gang had been holding back because a new Deputy Commander was due to arrive. He left Chen Er'ya and Peony at the inn and reported for duty at the White Stone Town Pacification Office, where the staff welcomed him.

• Chen Er'ya challenged Rogue Jiang over refusing to pay, and Chen Ping'an stopped him from approaching her.
• Rogue Jiang mistook Chen Ping'an for a powerful young master and withdrew, while privately regretting that orders before the new Deputy Commander's arrival kept him from retaliating.
• Chen Er'ya and Chen Ping'an apologized to Old Man Hao and gave him silver to seek medical attention.
• Old Man Hao explained that the gangs were avoiding trouble because the new Deputy Commander was expected to take office soon.
• Chen Ping'an left Chen Er'ya and Peony at the inn, showed his Deputy Commander waist tag at the White Stone Town Pacification Office, and entered as the staff welcomed him.

Chen Ping'an arrived at the Five Peaks Mountain Garrison but remained unable to take charge because Guan Yuping stayed away and delayed the handover. As the three-month deadline to investigate Feng Shixian's death weighed on him, Chen Ping'an began to suspect Liu Yuanhua's role in the obstruction.

• Guan Yuping refused to return to the garrison and ordered Wan Yuanze to delay the handover until he came back.
• Major factions discussed Chen Ping'an's appointment and watched for conflict between him and Guan Yuping.
• Chen Ping'an learned from You Yongming that Guan Yuping had not returned, leaving his duties and authority undefined.
• Chen Ping'an wrote to Chen Er'ya, Shan Qiwang and the others, and Mu Wanjun while waiting at the garrison.
• Chen Ping'an decided he could not use his enforced free time to relax because his investigation had a three-month limit, and Liu Yuanhua came to mind.

Chen Ping'an’s appointment as Northern Cang Deputy Garrison Commander reshaped the balance between the Gu, Wang, and Xue Families, while his feats alarmed the Soul Severing Sect. Seven Absolute Old Man recognized Chen Ping'an’s exceptional talent but postponed killing him, leaving their conflict unresolved.

• Feng Chengxiu learned that Chen Ping'an had become Northern Cang Deputy Garrison Commander and decided to visit him with gifts to repair their relationship.
• Yan Wu recalled his earlier conversations with Chen Ping'an as news of the appointment spread across Canglong.
• Chen Ping'an’s promotion transferred authority over Northern Cang from Xue Kunsheng to him and marked a major victory for the Gu Family over the Xue and Wang Families.
• Bi Shengdong realized Chen Ping'an had mastered the Soul Severing Saber Technique from a copied text and had grown stronger than himself, while a younger disciple recalled doubting Chen Ping'an could learn it.
• Seven Absolute Old Man considered Chen Ping'an a potential successor but ruled out reconciliation because of their enmity, choosing to delay his attack and turning his attention to the Heavenly Luo Saintess.

Chen Ping'an won the Golden Illusion Treasure Robe at the Azure Dragon Auction, where Black Rock Old Freak also bought the Crimson Fire Seal. After the auction, the Blue-robed Man recognized Chen Ping'an as the Hidden Dragon Heavenly Talent Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an and set out for the Black Nether Mountain Range, resolved to pursue his Dao regardless of the danger.

• The Blue-robed Man bid against other buyers for the Golden Illusion Treasure Robe, but Chen Ping'an won it for fifty-five thousand Origin Crystals.
• Black Rock Old Freak probed Chen Ping'an's private room with Soul Power, recognized him from the Yun Zhu Trade Fair, and considered how he might use a connection to Shen Linyuan to spite him.
• Chen Ping'an exchanged fifty-five thousand Origin Crystals for the Golden Illusion Treasure Robe and stored it away to refine later.
• Black Rock Old Freak won the Crimson Fire Seal for more than eighty thousand Origin Crystals, and Chen Ping'an resolved to teach him a lesson if an opportunity arose.
• After the auction, the Blue-robed Man saw Chen Ping'an leave with the Gu Family, learned his identity, and departed resolved to make one final attempt in the Black Nether Mountain Range.