Chapter Summaries

Ji Boying explained that he wanted to combine the Yang Family Spear Technique with the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan’s martial arts to create battlefield techniques, and offered to trade his own skills. After Yang Kang secretly slipped away from the ruined temple, Ji Boying intercepted him at a crossroads, leaving Yang Kang begging for mercy.

• The group avoided Jin soldiers and rested at a ruined temple, where Ji Boying asked Guo Jing for the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan’s martial arts and Yang Tiexin offered to teach him the Yang Family Spear Technique.
• Ji Boying said he planned to combine the techniques into battlefield spear-and-staff arts and offered to teach his Pure Capital Purple Minor Divine Skill in return.
• Wang Chuyi examined Yang Tiexin and Bao Xiruo, found them healthy, and teased them about their future together.
• After everyone fell asleep, Yang Kang crept out of the temple and fled toward the Jin soldiers.
• Ji Boying waited for Yang Kang at a crossroads, and Yang Kang fell to his knees and begged Ji Boying to spare him.

Ji Boying killed Yang Kang after Yang Kang tried to attack him and argued that his loyalty to Wanyan Honglie was rational. He left with Yang Kang’s corpse, convinced that Yang Kang was too unreliable to leave alive.

• Yang Kang begged Ji Boying to spare him, then attacked him with the Nine Yin White Bone Claw when Ji Boying ignored his pleas.
• Ji Boying shattered Yang Kang’s wrist with a punch and kicked him down.
• Yang Kang cursed Ji Boying and defended his choice to favor Wanyan Honglie over Yang Tiexin, blaming others for his troubles.
• Ji Boying rejected Yang Kang’s offer to recommend him for a position in the Great Jin Dynasty and killed him with a palm strike.
• Ji Boying carried Yang Kang’s corpse into the forest, fearing Yang Kang would betray his plans and obstruct Guo Jing.

After Yang Kang disappeared, Yang Tiexin and Bao Xiruo continued south with Ji Boying’s group, while Huang Rong shared songs and stories about patriotic Song figures with Guo Jing. Han Baoju caught up with them and reunited with Guo Jing, explaining how the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan had tracked him down.

• Yang Kang was missing when Bao Xiruo and Yang Tiexin awoke, and Yang Tiexin decided to leave him to his choice and continue south.
• Huang Rong wondered about Ji Boying’s motives as the group traveled, then sang songs that reminded her of her father and told Guo Jing about Zhu Dunru and Senior Master Xin.
• Ji Boying warned the group that someone was approaching, and Han Baoju rode up and embraced Guo Jing.
• Han Baoju explained that the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan had feared Guo Jing was in danger in Yanjing, followed the Jin soldiers’ route, and searched for him.

Ji Boying gained the Quanzhen Sect’s martial arts and was accepted as a junior disciple of Patriarch Chongyang. After hearing Wang Chuyi teach the Quanzhen Inner Cultivation Method, he merged it into his own skill and began progressing toward opening the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

• After Guo Jing recounted the events in Yanjing, the brothers welcomed Ji Boying and offered to teach him their martial arts to aid the fight against the Jin Dynasty.
• Wang Chuyi invited Ji Boying to learn Quanzhen martial arts, and Ji Boying agreed to join the sect.
• Wang Chuyi made Ji Boying a junior disciple of Patriarch Chongyang through a brief ceremony and promised to settle on a Daoist name later.
• Wang Chuyi taught Ji Boying the Quanzhen Inner Cultivation Method, which Ji Boying memorized and merged into his Pure Capital Purple Minor Divine Skill.
• Ji Boying’s system simplified the Quanzhen chapter into breathing, and his skill reached Proficient status.

Ji Boying used the Azure Capital Purple Star Divine Skill to open the Yinwei and Yangwei Meridians, greatly increasing his cultivation. A Quanzhen Sect distress signal then led him and the others into a battle against Mei Chaofeng and Wanyan Honglie’s allies.

• Ji Boying opened the Yinwei and Yangwei Meridians and received congratulations from Wang Chuyi, Zhu Cong, and the others.
• Wang Chuyi explained that Wang Chongyang had opened seven of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, while Ji Boying estimated he could open two more within a month.
• Wang Chuyi spotted a Quanzhen Sect signal and led Ji Boying and the others north to help.
• The group found Qiu Chuji and Ma Yu fighting Mei Chaofeng, Peng Lianhu, Liang Ziwen, Sha Tongtian, Hou Tonghai, and Wanyan Honglie’s soldiers.
• Ji Boying threatened to defeat the attackers, while Mei Chaofeng demanded to know what was happening.

Ji Boying killed Sha Tongtian, Liang Ziwen, Peng Lianhu, Mei Chaofeng, and Hou Tonghai during the battle, while Ouyang Ke and Wanyan Honglie escaped. When asked whether to pursue Wanyan Honglie, Ji Boying said not yet.

• Ji Boying charged into the battle and killed Sha Tongtian with a single sword strike.
• Guo Jing and Yang Tiexin pursued Wanyan Honglie, but his guards helped him flee while he called out to Bao Xiruo.
• Ji Boying killed Liang Ziwen, took the bamboo basket, and then killed Peng Lianhu as Ouyang Ke fled.
• Ji Boying killed Mei Chaofeng with a Bone-Penetrating Nail, and Hou Tonghai collapsed and died.
• A companion asked Ji Boying whether to chase Wanyan Honglie, and Ji Boying replied, “Not yet.”

Ji Boying secured Wanyan Honglie’s life for his own plans, joined the Quanzhen Sect, and collected martial arts and medicinal treasures after the battle. He obtained Mei Chaofeng’s fragment of the Nine Yin Manual, which his system simplified into Chanting the Yellow Court.

• Ji Boying told Guo Jing that Wanyan Honglie still had uses to him, and Guo Jing agreed to follow his orders until he could avenge his father.
• Ji Boying teased Guo Jing and Huang Rong about their romantic prospects, then accepted Qiu Chuji and the other Quanzhen Daoists’ welcome into the sect.
• Ji Boying gave Huang Rong the great snake Liang Ziwen had raised so she could prepare it to strengthen Guo Jing before Huang Yaoshi’s test.
• Ji Boying searched the fallen enemies and took Liang Ziwen’s medicinal prescriptions, Peng Lianhu’s Lightness Skill and concealed weapon techniques, and Mei Chaofeng’s Nine Yin Manual fragment.
• Ji Boying used his simplification system on the Nine Yin Manual fragment, turning it into Chanting the Yellow Court.

After the group ate the medicinal snake stew, Ji Boying tested its famed poison resistance and confirmed that it greatly weakened poisons in his body. While Guo Jing and the others continued meditating, Yang Tiexin and Quan Jinfa demonstrated spear techniques for Ji Boying to study.

• Huang Rong prepared medicinal snake stew, and Mu Nianci, Guo Jing, Ji Boying, and others ate it before meditating to absorb its power.
• Ji Boying refined the medicinal energy into Purple Mist Internal Energy, filling his Yang Heel Vessel, while the others cultivated.
• Ji Boying pricked himself with Ke Zhen'e's Poisonous Caltrop and Peng Lianhu's ring, confirming that the snake had greatly increased his resistance to poison.
• Yang Tiexin and Quan Jinfa exchanged spear techniques, giving Ji Boying a chance to memorize and assess their moves.

Ji Boying organized the group’s martial arts training around creating battlefield techniques and teaching skills that could help resist foreign armies. As they traveled south, Guo Jing grew increasingly troubled by the suffering he witnessed, while Ji Boying completed a new Yang Family Spear Technique.

• Ji Boying studied the spear techniques, discussed their flaws with the others, and explained his plan to create advanced and basic battlefield versions; Ke Zhen'e demonstrated his staff technique, and Qiu Chuji admitted defeat.
• Ji Boying asked Han Xiaoying to teach him the Maiden of Yue Sword Technique so he could restore its original battlefield purpose, then demonstrated his own swordplay.
• Ke Zhen'e had Guo Jing, Huang Rong, and Mu Nianci test their resistance to poison, and the group confirmed that the poison was neutralized.
• The fifteen travelers headed south, practicing martial arts as Ji Boying taught them new skills; the devastation they saw stirred Guo Jing’s feelings for his country and home.
• After the group crossed the Yangtze, Ji Boying completed the new Yang Family Spear Technique and taught it to the others, while Han Xiaoying advanced rapidly in her swordplay.

Ji Boying warned Guo Jing that Temüjin’s growing Mongol power threatened both Jin and Song, and challenged Guo Jing’s belief that Mongol rule might benefit the Central Plains. Guo Jing was left confronting the likelihood that Temüjin’s soldiers would plunder the land if they invaded.

• The group discussed the corrupt Jin officials they had encountered and the suffering they could not prevent.
• At Ji Boying’s prompting, Guo Jing praised Temüjin’s achievements in uniting the Mongols and winning battles.
• Yang Tiexin warned that Temüjin was a hero to the Mongols, while Ji Boying explained that his ambitions could make him an enemy of Song and Jin.
• Ji Boying asked whether Temüjin might rule the Central Plains fairly, drawing out Guo Jing’s unspoken hope that he could improve life for its people.
• Ji Boying cautioned Guo Jing that Temüjin depended on rewarding his soldiers and that an invasion could bring widespread plunder.

Ji Boying warned Guo Jing that Temüjin’s followers might corruptly exploit the Central Plains and urged him to remain honest and protect its people. Guo Jing swore he would, then learned that the others had been laughing because someone wanted him to become emperor.

• Ji Boying recounted the histories of Fuchai, Goujian, Li Cunxu, and the Jin Kingdom to warn Guo Jing that powerful rulers could decline and history could repeat itself.
• Ji Boying described how Mongol rule might devastate farmland or corrupt the conquerors, then challenged Guo Jing to resist temptation and protect the people.
• Guo Jing shouted that he would never become a corrupt official or tyrant and would remain loyal and honest.
• Huang Rong laughed at Guo Jing, and the others joined in as he remained confused about their amusement.
• Zhu Cong and the others teased Guo Jing until he finally realized they had been laughing because someone wanted him to be emperor.

Ji Boying seriously argued that Guo Jing should become emperor and named Huang Rong and Huang Yaoshi as the people who could help him govern. The others remained doubtful, but Ji Boying drew them into considering the idea.

• Guo Jing rejected Ji Boying's suggestion that he become emperor, but Ji Boying insisted he was serious.
• Ji Boying argued to Ke Zhen'e that Guo Jing could serve the people better as emperor than even the greatest martial heroes could.
• When Zhu Cong questioned Guo Jing's ability to handle court politics, Ji Boying proposed that Huang Rong advise him.
• Ji Boying named Huang Yaoshi as a potential chancellor, and Ma Yu praised Huang Yaoshi's broad abilities.
• Huang Rong said her father would consider Ji Boying a kindred spirit, while Ji Boying privately acknowledged Huang Yaoshi's difficult nature.

Ji Boying persuaded the Quanzhen Sect and Guo Jing’s companions to support a campaign to raise an army and restore the realm. He left with Guo Jing and Huang Rong to make further arrangements, while the others returned to train the Quanzhen disciples and open the ancient tomb’s stores.

• Ji Boying reassured Huang Rong that Huang Yaoshi would accept Guo Jing, and Huang Rong embraced Guo Jing.
• Ji Boying rejected assassinating Temüjin and argued that the Quanzhen Sect should contribute to a broader military campaign.
• Ji Boying revealed that the Maiden of Yue Sword Technique and Mount Song Sword had been adapted into a battlefield art for masters and ordinary soldiers.
• Ma Yu, Qiu Chuji, and Wang Chuyi agreed to risk the Quanzhen Sect’s support, train its disciples, and use the weapons and provisions stored in the ancient tomb.
• Ji Boying said he planned to raise at least one hundred thousand soldiers, then took Guo Jing and Huang Rong across the river as the others returned to the Quanzhen Sect.

Ji Boying traveled south with Guo Jing and Huang Rong, training them while using fragrant meals as bait to draw out Hong Qigong. Hong Qigong appeared and ate their chicken, but Guo Jing refused his payment, leaving him unable to escape the meal without accepting their hospitality.

• Ji Boying carried Guo Jing and Huang Rong across the Yangtze River with his Lightness Skill.
• As they traveled, Ji Boying trained Guo Jing and Huang Rong in several martial arts, and Guo Jing began practicing the Azure Capital Purple Star Divine Skill.
• Ji Boying insisted that Huang Rong cook fragrant meals and leave the leftovers behind to attract someone.
• After more than a month, Hong Qigong emerged from the woods and devoured the chicken Huang Rong offered him.
• Hong Qigong tried to pay Guo Jing with Coin Darts, but Guo Jing refused, saying they treated him as a friend.

Ji Boying and Huang Rong lured Hong Qigong with fine food and traces of martial arts, then Ji provoked him into taking Guo Jing as a disciple. Hong Qigong saw through the scheme but agreed to test Guo Jing’s Quanzhen Sect skills.

• Hong Qigong explained that he recognized the group’s bait and offered to repay them, while Guo Jing insisted the meal had been simple courtesy.
• Ji Boying admitted that he and the others had spent a month searching for Hong Qigong, and Hong praised their food and martial arts as deliberate temptations.
• Huang Rong and Ji Boying flattered Hong Qigong, and Ji pointed out that the other Greats had produced accomplished disciples while Hong had not.
• Ji Boying claimed he had brought Guo Jing so Hong Qigong could teach him to defeat the Seven Immortals of Quanzhen and reclaim his honor.
• Hong Qigong accused Ji Boying of spouting nonsense, then agreed to take a disciple if Guo Jing first demonstrated the Quanzhen Sect’s skills.

Ji Boying and Hong Qigong tested their martial arts in an escalating duel, moving from palm techniques to Ji Boying’s swordsmanship. Hong Qigong faced Ji Boying’s sword at close quarters as Huang Rong and Guo Jing watched from a distance.

• Ji Boying and Hong Qigong exchanged palm strikes, then fought through twenty moves as Hong Qigong used Treading on Frost Leads to Ice against Ji Boying’s Quanzhen palm technique.
• Ji Boying mixed the Jade Breaking Fist and Great Demon Subduing Fist into his attacks, catching Hong Qigong by surprise and gaining an advantage.
• Ji Boying demonstrated Lightness Skill that Hong Qigong praised as superior to his own, then drew his sword and announced the Heavenly Merit Five Directions Sword.
• Hong Qigong unleashed his palm force, but Ji Boying’s swordsmanship split through it and forced Hong Qigong to fight the iron sword at close quarters.
• The duel tore through the forest as Huang Rong and Guo Jing watched from afar, while Ji Boying wielded the Five Great Mountains Swordplay with ease.

Ji Boying and Hong Qigong fought to a standstill until Hong Qigong defeated him by striking his sword. With Huang Rong’s encouragement, Hong Qigong agreed to teach Guo Jing a few moves, but refused to formally take him as a disciple.

• Ji Boying attacked Hong Qigong with his swordsmanship, while Hong Qigong repeatedly neutralized his moves and countered with the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.
• Hong Qigong unleashed his full power, struck Ji Boying’s sword, and forced him to retreat with the blade nearly broken.
• Ji Boying asked Hong Qigong to take Guo Jing as his disciple and praised his skill at teaching.
• Huang Rong coaxed Hong Qigong with promises of delicious food, and he agreed to teach Guo Jing a few moves.
• Guo Jing tried to kneel in gratitude, but Hong Qigong stopped him and clarified that he was not accepting him as a disciple.

Hong Qigong taught Guo Jing the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms while he and Ji Boying exchanged insights into their martial arts. Guo Jing mastered the key principle of Arrogant Dragon Has Regrets, and Hong Qigong’s suspicions about the group faded.

• Hong Qigong demonstrated the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms and taught Guo Jing its moves.
• Ji Boying showed Hong Qigong the Primordial Chaos Palm and explained his technique, prompting them to discuss martial arts for three shichen.
• Guo Jing practiced diligently and grasped the principle behind Arrogant Dragon Has Regrets, splitting a pine tree with a palm strike.
• Huang Rong praised Hong Qigong’s teaching and offered him food, while Hong Qigong recognized her as Huang Yaoshi’s daughter and put aside his suspicions.
• Guo Jing credited both Hong Qigong and Ji Boying for helping him learn the move.

Ji Boying helped Guo Jing improve his martial arts and persuaded Hong Qigong to accept Huang Rong as a disciple. After sharing and discussing techniques, Hong Qigong asked Ji Boying whether he wanted to learn the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

• Ji Boying praised Huang Rong’s cooking and persuaded Hong Qigong to take her as his disciple.
• Huang Rong kowtowed to Hong Qigong, who happily accepted her.
• Ji Boying and Guo Jing practiced early the next morning while Huang Rong prepared soup and Hong Qigong slept in.
• Hong Qigong gave Guo Jing pointers, then exchanged martial arts with Ji Boying and learned from his techniques.
• Hong Qigong created Heavenly Flowers Showering Golden Needles with Huang Rong and Ji Boying, and Ji Boying shared several other techniques.
• After seeing Ji Boying’s martial arts, Hong Qigong asked him if he wanted to learn the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

Hong Qigong taught Ji Boying the principles and movements of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms. After simplifying the technique into Waving Palm, Ji Boying immediately mastered several moves, leaving Hong Qigong stunned.

• Hong Qigong agreed to teach Ji Boying the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms and explained its origins and principles.
• Hong Qigong demonstrated the full set, giving Ji Boying an overview of its movements.
• Ji Boying simplified the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms into Waving Palm and grasped the essence of Arrogant Dragon Has Regrets.
• Ji Boying performed Arrogant Dragon Has Regrets, then demonstrated Flying Dragon in the Sky, Seeing Dragon in the Field, and Hidden Dragon, Do Not Use.
• Hong Qigong watched Ji Boying master the moves and froze in surprise.