Chapter Summaries

Fang Cheng emerged through the Golden Light Barrier and found Ma Donghe and Hou Peng wounded and at the mercy of the white-haired Masked Man. After treating their injuries, Fang Cheng faced the dangerous stranger, who had mistaken his ability to cross the barrier for the work of a powerful hidden relic.

• The Masked Man interrogated Ma Donghe and Hou Peng about Fang Cheng and how he had crossed the Golden Light Barrier, while Grey Hawk threatened them.
• Ma Donghe refused to answer, and Hou Peng explained that Fang Cheng had walked through the barrier without using any visible ritual tool.
• The Masked Man pinned Ma Donghe and Hou Peng to the ground with crushing pressure and prepared to kill them with Dark Blue Lightning.
• Fang Cheng burst through the Golden Light Barrier, and Ma Donghe warned him that the Masked Man was ready to attack.
• Fang Cheng gave Ma Donghe and Hou Peng bandages and hemostatic powder, then turned to face the Masked Man.

Fang Cheng fought the Masked Man, a Black Tide vice president, and discovered that his opponent could transform into a Bio-Booster armored combatant. After the Masked Man’s lightning attack failed to harm him, Fang Cheng declared that the real battle was beginning.

• Grey Hawk threatened Fang Cheng on the Masked Man’s behalf, but Fang Cheng refused to hand over his belongings or spatial ritual tool.
• Fang Cheng struck the Masked Man with a powerful punch that shattered his arms and hurled him through trees into a boulder.
• The Masked Man’s chest crystal released bio-metal conduits that transformed him into a towering, armored fighter with bone blades and electrical powers.
• The Masked Man fired a bolt of high-voltage lightning at Fang Cheng, but Fang Cheng emerged unharmed and said the battle was only beginning.

Fang Cheng overwhelmed the Masked Man by igniting his regenerative armor with golden flames, then pursued him into the air and battered him until the armor’s energy began to run out. The Masked Man faced imminent defeat as his Core Energy neared depletion.

• Fang Cheng and the Masked Man traded a barrage of blows while Ma Donghe, Hou Peng, and Grey Hawk sheltered nearby.
• Fang Cheng recognized the Masked Man’s Combat Mode as resembling that of the Special Search Team, but the Masked Man denied any connection.
• Fang Cheng’s golden flames burned through the Masked Man’s armor and suppressed its regeneration, forcing him to retreat into the sky.
• Fang Cheng leapt more than fifty meters to reach the Masked Man, then hovered in the air and struck him with over a hundred flaming punches.
• The Masked Man’s armor began breaking apart as its chest crystal warned that its Core Energy was nearly depleted.

Fang Cheng pursued the Masked Man through the air after the latter blasted him away with a force field, using leaps, air-stepping, and True Qi to keep up. The Masked Man’s armor ran out of energy and he crashed into the forest, where Fang Cheng caught up as the Masked Man raised a hand and begged him to wait.

• The Masked Man unleashed an overloaded Force Field Repulsion, blasting Fang Cheng away and flattening the forest around Ma Donghe and the other two.
• The Masked Man fled into the night sky, but Fang Cheng broke the sound barrier on the ground and launched himself after him.
• Fang Cheng used compressed air as a foothold to rise again midair, then extended his pursuit with Wake Thrust.
• A signal flare and approaching armed force appeared in the distance, prompting the Masked Man to turn away and flee into the fog.
• The Masked Man’s Rhombus Crystal ran out of energy, retracting his armor and wings and sending him crashing into the forest.
• Fang Cheng landed in front of the battered Masked Man, who raised his hand and shouted for him to wait.

Fang Cheng spared the masked intruder after learning that he could help him navigate the Other Shore World and conceal his activities, but the man fled when reinforcements arrived. As Fang Cheng rushed to hide the battle’s traces, he unlocked the Flying Skill.

• Fang Cheng stopped his attack after the Masked Man offered to teach him how to safely traverse the Space Passage and help him conceal and profit from resources.
• Fang Cheng demanded that the Masked Man remove his mask, and the man revealed himself as Lu Tianming, Chief of the Internal Investigation Department of the Special Search Team.
• Lu Tianming began explaining why he had come to the exam site, but the Xishan Defense First Echelon’s Investigation and Enforcement Unit approached.
• Lu Tianming fled into the fog, while Fang Cheng headed for the ruin entrance to hide evidence of the battle and his passage through the Golden Light Barrier.
• Fang Cheng discovered that he could glide through the air and received a prompt announcing that he had unlocked Flying lv0.

Fang Cheng and his injured companions reached the Special Search Team camp after surviving the night, while Fang Cheng concealed his role in the battle and the Ruin Entrance’s collapse. After the exam ended, he learned that Yan Rui had kept quiet about seeing him in the woods, and he resolved to keep training with his newly improved combat skills.

• Fang Cheng, Ma Donghe, and Hou Peng registered at the finish line, where Ma Donghe and Hou Peng passed off their injuries as the result of a fight with a mutated wild boar.
• Fang Cheng recalled disposing of the mercenaries and Grey Hawk, rescuing Ma Donghe and Hou Peng, and hiding in a cave until dawn while the Ruin Entrance’s barrier closed.
• The three candidates reached camp without special questioning, and Ma Donghe and Hou Peng discussed their hopes for future Special Search Team assignments.
• The physical fitness test ended, and Fang Cheng joined the others for breakfast while concealing his unusually large appetite.
• Yan Rui thanked Fang Cheng and promised that he and his two companions had not told examiners about seeing Fang Cheng in the woods.
• Fang Cheng checked his increased combat-skill experience and decided to train Jujutsu and Muay Thai further while in the Special Search Team.

After returning from the Western Mountains, Fang Cheng resumed rigorous combat training and tested the Flying Skill he had unlocked. He mastered low flight over the sea and rose above a wave, then turned his ambition toward the sky.

• Fang Cheng returned to Dongdu City with rare beast meat, then went home to Wanghu Town after his family urged him to visit.
• Fang Cheng resumed training at the beach, practicing Muay Thai and Jujutsu until both skills gained experience.
• Fang Cheng noticed his combat skills were close to leveling up and decided to test the Flying Skill he had unlocked in the Western Mountains.
• Fang Cheng launched himself across the sea, learning to sustain flight by stepping on the water and air.
• Fang Cheng adopted a streamlined flying posture, glided over a large wave, and looked up toward the sky.

Fang Cheng tested his ability to fly by stepping on the air and adapting his use of True Qi to thinning air and violent winds. He broke through the clouds and reached the stratosphere, where an immense new vista opened before him.

• Fang Cheng used powerful kicks to create air walls and climbed above the sea, startling an old fisherman who briefly saw him flying.
• As thin air weakened his steps and a crosswind sent him tumbling, Fang Cheng used jets of True Qi from his skin to stabilize himself and ride a rising air current.
• Fang Cheng adjusted his technique by combining True Qi with the air beneath his feet, then climbed through increasingly cold and turbulent layers of the troposphere.
• Fang Cheng entered the dense, freezing sea of clouds and activated Solar True Fire to burn away the frost as he forced his way upward.
• Fang Cheng broke through the cloud belt and reached the stratosphere at an altitude of ten thousand meters.

Fang Cheng practiced flying above the clouds and tried to hitch a ride on a passenger plane, astonishing its crew and passengers before falling behind. He hovered to watch the sunrise and shouted that he was the king of the world.

• Fang Cheng broke through the clouds and glided through the stratosphere, enjoying the freedom of flight.
• Fang Cheng tried to grab the antenna of an Airbus A380 but was thrown back by its wake and could not keep up with it.
• The captain, copilot, flight attendant, and several passengers saw Fang Cheng flying in red underwear and reacted with disbelief.
• Fang Cheng stopped chasing the plane and continued practicing his Flying Skill while hovering above the clouds.
• Fang Cheng watched the sun rise over the Sea of Clouds, then shouted that he was the king of the world.

Fang Cheng tested his newly unlocked Flight skill by soaring above Eastern Capital and gliding back to Guanlan District, where he gained experience and planned to improve his speed and technique. After returning home, he showered and cooked Crawling Beast meat from the Other Shore World.

• Fang Cheng used the wind to descend through the clouds and surveyed Eastern Capital from above, realizing he had flown as far as the Lingang Industrial Zone.
• Fang Cheng glided back toward Guanlan District and landed quietly on a secluded part of the beach.
• Fang Cheng received 20 experience points and advanced Flight to Lv0 (20/100), then decided to train his speed and flight technique further.
• Fang Cheng returned to his apartment, changed into his clothes, and showered away the residue from his flight.
• Fang Cheng pressure-cooked Crawling Beast meat and eagerly tasted the tender, flavorful result.

Fang Cheng discovered that Crawling Beast meat greatly replenished his True Qi and increased his Constitution, then cooked and devoured the remaining meat. He decided to keep his distance from Lu Tianming while planning to join the Special Search Team, investigate his father's death, and train for the dangers ahead.

• Fang Cheng ate Crawling Beast meat and found that its intense energy restored his True Qi and increased his Constitution.
• Fang Cheng butchered and cooked more Crawling Beast meat, gained Cooking experience, and feasted until the dishes were empty.
• Fang Cheng considered the fallout from the Western Mountains incident and chose to wait for Lu Tianming's situation to settle rather than contact him.
• Fang Cheng decided that Lu Tianming's knowledge of safely opening Ruin Entrances was valuable enough to keep him alive for now.
• Fang Cheng planned to join the Special Search Team to investigate his father's death and gain resources, then headed to train.

After the Noah Organization’s Eastern Capital Branch survived the Noah Tower disaster, Feng Jincai and Zhuo Feng met with Night Owl, who ordered the branch to lie low while secretly investigating Fang Cheng. Night Owl feared the masked White Owl’s terrifying power and left the branch to infiltrate the Special Search Team and observe Fang Cheng without alerting him.

• Feng Jincai and Zhuo Feng agreed to blame Jia Sangyi and Luo Lie for the disaster so Feng Jincai could protect himself from punishment.
• Night Owl arrived at the Eastern Capital Branch and questioned Zhuo Feng about suspects linked to White Owl, including Lin Chuqiao and Pan Wendi.
• Zhuo Feng reported that Fang Cheng had performed well in the Special Search Team’s recruitment exam, and Night Owl concluded that White Owl was Fang Shijie.
• Night Owl recalled the destruction caused by White Owl and ordered the branch to halt operations and keep a low profile rather than attack.
• Night Owl instructed Zhuo Feng to place clean-background informants inside the Special Search Team to observe Fang Cheng without alerting him.

Fang Cheng practiced and refined his flying skill over YuLong Lake, raising it to Lv0 with 43 Experience Points. After reviewing his training progress and plans to grow strong enough to face Utopia, he headed home to deal with a problem involving Lin Chuqiao.

• Fang Cheng flew through the bamboo forest, glided across YuLong Lake, and landed on the Stone Orb atop the lake’s ancient tower.
• Fang Cheng reflected on how his control of flight had improved and received 10 Experience Points, bringing Flying to Lv0 (43/100).
• Fang Cheng reviewed his training progress and planned to use future Free Attribute Points to raise his Agility and Strength past 80.
• Fang Cheng finished his morning training and flew toward the forest on the opposite shore, intending to go home and resolve a matter concerning Lin Chuqiao.

Fang Cheng learned that Wang Li’s daughter had been taken by the Poisonous Snake Gang and agreed to rescue her. He personally led Wang Li toward the Blue Ice Bar, intending to save the girl and secure Wang Li’s loyalty.

• Lin Chuqiao told Fang Cheng that Wang Li’s wife needed a costly kidney transplant and his daughter, Wang Yao, had been taken captive by the Poisonous Snake Gang.
• Fang Cheng and Lin Chuqiao discussed Wang Li’s financial expertise and his reluctance to join an underground organization despite needing money.
• Xiao Sa brought Wang Li to meet Fang Cheng, and Wang Li begged him to rescue Wang Yao from the Blue Ice Bar.
• Wang Li explained that the gang claimed Wang Yao owed three hundred thousand after breaking liquor bottles and was forcing her to entertain customers.
• Fang Cheng told Wang Li to lead him to the bar and left with him, while Lin Chuqiao stayed to oversee construction.
• Fang Cheng planned to rescue Wang Yao personally and use the moment to win Wang Li’s loyalty.

Fang Cheng and Wang Li reached Blue Ice Bar to rescue Wang Li’s daughter, but Sang Gou and the Poisonous Snake Gang mocked and threatened them. Fang Cheng defeated the gang members and forced a surviving thug to lead him toward their boss.

• Sang Gou and his men joked about Wang Li’s detained daughter and threatened to exploit her.
• Fang Cheng crushed Sang Gou’s wrist, then locked the bar’s doors as the other thugs attacked.
• Fang Cheng swiftly incapacitated the five thugs and defeated the armed men who rushed in from the rear.
• Fang Cheng routed dozens of Poisonous Snake Gang members and told Wang Li they were going to find someone.
• Fang Cheng seized a surviving thug by the ear and made him lead the way toward the gang’s boss, beating aside anyone who tried to stop them.

Fang Cheng and Wang Li confronted Wei Qiang to rescue Wang Yao, and Fang Cheng slaughtered the Poisonous Snake Gang boss and his armed men. Boss Chen and his bodyguards were left kneeling before Fang Cheng, begging for mercy.

• Fang Cheng fought through the Poisonous Snake Gang’s corridor and brought Wang Li to Wei Qiang’s lounge.
• Wang Li chose to enter with Fang Cheng and demanded that Wei Qiang reveal where Wang Yao was being held.
• Wei Qiang drew guns and threatened Fang Cheng, but Fang Cheng caught a bullet between his fingers.
• Fang Cheng killed Wei Qiang’s four Gold Medal Fighters and then smashed Wei Qiang’s head against the desk, killing him.
• Boss Chen and his two bodyguards knelt before Fang Cheng and begged him to spare them.

Fang Cheng killed Wei Qiang and his men, rescued Wang Li’s daughter, and arranged for Chen Fuquan’s Green Wolf Gang to take the blame. He sent Wang Li and the girls to safety, gave Wang Li money for his sick wife, and left the bar with the stolen cash and valuables.

• Fang Cheng forced Chen Fuquan to explain his ties to Wei Qiang, then ordered him to make the massacre look like a fight between the Green Wolf Gang and the Poisonous Snake Gang.
• Fang Cheng and Wang Li found Wang Yao and another girl imprisoned in a hidden room, and Wang Yao reunited with her father.
• Fang Cheng ordered Chen Fuquan to drive the girls home and told Wang Li to visit Miss Lin at Jinshui Fish Market the next day for work.
• Fang Cheng punched open Wei Qiang’s safe, took its gold, jewels, and cash, and gave money to Wang Li, the curly-haired girl, and Chen Fuquan.
• Fang Cheng forced open the bar’s locked entrance and led everyone out into the sunlight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Cheng's family hosts a banquet to celebrate his acceptance into the Special Search Team.
• Guests include Shi Chengyi, Ma Jianguo, Dong Yunchuan, and Ma Donghe.
• The banquet is filled with lively conversations, toasts, and laughter.
• Li Zhenhua invites the guests to play mahjong after the meal.

Character Developments

• Fang Cheng: Shows maturity and responsibility by taking charge of the kitchen and interacting respectfully with the guests. He remains calm and composed despite the attention.
• Li Zhenhua: Proud and excited about Fang Cheng's achievement, he goes out of his way to host a grand banquet and personally invites important guests.
• Ma Donghe: Despite his injury, he attends the banquet and expresses his determination to protect Fang Cheng in the Special Search Team.
• Shi Chengyi: Praises Fang Cheng's skills and assures everyone that he will protect him from factional struggles within the Special Search Team.

Significant Themes

• Family and Belonging: The banquet highlights the importance of family and belonging, with Li Zhenhua going to great lengths to celebrate Fang Cheng's success and connect with important guests.
• Respect and Gratitude: The guests express their respect and gratitude towards Fang Cheng and his family, acknowledging his skills and Li Zhenhua's efforts in hosting the banquet.
• Protective Instincts: Several characters, including Ma Donghe and Shi Chengyi, express their desire to protect Fang Cheng, highlighting the theme of protective instincts and camaraderie.

Character Interactions

• Fang Cheng and Li Zhenhua: The interaction between Fang Cheng and his maternal grandfather is filled with mutual respect and affection. Li Zhenhua is proud of Fang Cheng's achievements, while Fang Cheng is considerate of his grandfather's feelings and takes charge of the kitchen to make him happy.
• Fang Cheng and Ma Donghe: Despite their competitive nature, Fang Cheng and Ma Donghe share a friendly rapport. Ma Donghe expresses his desire to protect Fang Cheng in the Special Search Team, and Fang Cheng responds with calm reassurance.
• Li Zhenhua and Shi Chengyi: The two share a friendly and respectful relationship. Li Zhenhua is grateful for Shi Chengyi's help in getting Fang Cheng into the Special Search Team, while Shi Chengyi praises Li Zhenhua's mahjong skills and expresses his admiration for Fang Cheng.

Fang Cheng and Ma Donghe concealed their role in the Western Mountains incident while Wei Zheng explained the investigation and warned them about the Special Search Team’s internal politics. After the visitors left, Fang Cheng reflected that he had joined the force to protect his family’s peaceful life and resolved to crush anyone who threatened it.

• Ma Donghe and Fang Cheng told Wei Zheng a fabricated story about surviving a mutated wild boar in the Western Mountains.
• Wei Zheng described the destruction at the exam grounds, the missing examinees linked to mercenaries, and the ongoing Internal Investigation Department screening.
• Fang Cheng claimed he had heard the name Black Tide, and Wei Zheng explained the secretive group’s doomsday beliefs before advising the two men to conceal what they knew.
• Wei Zheng cautioned Fang Cheng and Ma Donghe about their upcoming questioning and the Special Search Team’s rival departments, while promising to support them.
• After Shi Chengyi, Ma Jianguo, and Dong Yunchuan left, Fang Cheng watched his family at home and vowed to destroy anyone who threatened their peaceful lives.

Fang Cheng trained alone before starting work with the Special Search Team, determined to grow stronger against the threat of Utopia and other hidden enemies. After an intense morning session, he sensed that his Jiu-Jitsu was nearing perfection as a blue panel appeared before him.

• Fang Cheng recalled Lin Chuqiao’s report that she had felt watched and warned her to contact him through Mind Resonance if anything unusual happened.
• Fang Cheng learned that Ma Donghe had passed questioning by the Internal Affairs Department, while he suspected Section Chief Lu Tianming had kept him off the screening list.
• Fang Cheng ran thirty kilometers along the beach and gained running experience.
• Fang Cheng practiced striking combinations and unleashed a punch that blasted a column of seawater into the air.
• Fang Cheng spent two hours practicing Jiu-Jitsu movements until his technique neared perfection, and a light blue panel appeared before him.