Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que, to protect Jade Water City, digs up the corpses of Ou Tian Hao and Zhang Bengen, intending to use them to frame the White Lotus Sect and incite Ou Hao Quan's wrath.
• Ou Hao Quan's men search for the "Mysterious Martial Artist" but find no one matching the description, including Su Que, who they deem too young and innocent-looking.
• The White Lotus Sect, after suffering heavy losses, withdraws from Jade Water City. The city returns to a state of relative peace.
• After half a year, Su Que successfully expands the last of his three yang meridians of the hand, advancing to the Meridian Opening Realm—Three Meridians. He tests his enhanced powers, destroying a tree with his Myriad Poison True Qi.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his strategic thinking and willingness to protect the city by his actions with the corpses.
• Su Que's martial realm advances, showcasing his dedication to training and growth.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of actions (Su Que's plan to incite Ou Hao Quan's wrath, the White Lotus Sect's withdrawal due to losses).
• Growth and development (Su Que's martial advancement).

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with Ou Hao Quan's men, successfully concealing his identity.
• The White Lotus Sect and the various gangs in Jade Water City interact, with the White Lotus Sect's withdrawal leading to a shift in power dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que reviews and improves his martial arts and internal skills.
• He decides to participate in the Provincial Civil Service Examination in the Prefectural City.
• Su Que plans to visit the Ghost Market and a Tang Sect outpost during his trip.
• He also intends to find an alchemist to refine the Essence Augmentation Pill.
• Su Que arranges for his sister to stay with Constable Luo Tianli while he's away.

Character Developments

• Su Que's martial arts and internal skills have significantly improved.
• He shows concern for his sister's well-being and arranges for her care while he's gone.

Significant Themes

• The importance of martial strength in this world.
• The challenges of traveling long distances for the examination due to bandits and rebels.
• The potential benefits of earning a ranking in the examination.

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with his teachers, the school's wealthy owner, and Constable Luo Tianli.
• He shows consideration for his sister's safety and well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que exchanges a large bag of silver for Silver Notes at a major bank in Jiannan Prefecture City.
• He returns home, packs his belongings, and discusses safety measures with his sister, Su Jing.
• Su Que practices the Tang Sect's lightness skill and hidden-weapon techniques in preparation for his mission.
• He joins a large Huaiyang Escort Agency convoy to the prefectural city, paying five taels of silver for protection.
• The convoy includes two other xiucai scholars, Lu Qixiu and Bu Shang, and several merchants.
• On the journey, a whistling arrow is fired, signaling a potential bandit attack, but no immediate action follows.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his speed and agility, leaving a blur of motion behind him as he returns home.
• Su Jing shows concern for her brother's safety, advising him to hire a reputable escort agency.
• Lu Qixiu is portrayed as pretentious and nervous, while Bu Shang is dedicated to his studies despite his repeated failures in the examinations.

Significant Themes

• The importance of safety and protection during travel, as highlighted by Su Jing's advice and the potential bandit attack.
• The contrast between Su Que's calm and collected demeanor and the nervous reactions of the other passengers in the face of danger.

Character Interactions

• Su Que and Su Jing discuss his departure and safety measures, showing a caring sibling relationship.
• Lu Qixiu and Bu Shang are introduced as fellow xiucai scholars with different personalities and backgrounds.
• The passengers in the carriage react to the whistling arrow, revealing their individual coping mechanisms in the face of potential danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The escort convoy passes through Guyuan Mountain, where they pay a toll to a Four-Blood Warrior bandit chief to ensure safe passage.
• They reach Jiannan Prefecture City, where the convoy merges with other travelers, and they pass through the city gates after bribing the guards.
• Su Que arrives in the city and explores its prosperous streets at night.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his adaptability and calmness in the face of danger, showing growth from his initial naivety.
• Lu Qixiu reveals his excitement and eagerness to explore the city's pleasures.
• Bu Shang shows his loneliness and disconnection from the city's prosperity.

Significant Themes

• The balance between the underworld, law, officials, bandits, and merchants in the Southern Region of the Liang Kingdom.
• The contrast between the prosperity of Jiannan Prefecture City and the relative isolation of Jade Water City.

Character Interactions

• The escort leader interacts with the guards at the city gate, bribing them to allow the convoy entry.
• Su Que shares a meal with the Study Attendant and the two businessmen before parting ways.
• Su Que asks a passerby for directions, showing his willingness to engage with locals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author announces that the novel is going premium (paid subscription) starting today.
• This is the author's most successful work so far, and they express gratitude to the readers for their support.
• The author reveals that the novel has a chance to receive an Editor-in-Chief's Strong Recommendation, which could boost its popularity.
• Due to work commitments, the author will only release two chapters a day for the first few days after going premium.

Character Developments

• The author: Shows appreciation for readers, expresses determination to improve the novel's performance, and apologizes for the reduced release schedule due to work commitments.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and appreciation for readers' support.
• The importance of a novel's performance and recommendations for its success.
• Balancing work and creative pursuits.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with readers through the announcement, expressing their feelings and seeking readers' support with first-day subscriptions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que infiltrates Zhang Bengen's residence, finds a hidden compartment containing Silver Notes, clothes, hidden weapons, and poisons.
• He decides to use the money to buy an Essence Augmentation Pill from an alchemist in the Prefectural City.
• Su Que visits Purple Sun Temple to find Old Daoist Qingxuan, the most skilled unaffiliated alchemist in the city.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his physical strength and agility by easily lifting a heavy stone slab and vaulting over the residence wall.
• He shows determination and planning in his actions, deciding to return for the hidden weapons later and using the money wisely.

Significant Themes

• The theme of wealth and its acquisition is reinforced as Su Que gains a substantial amount of money.
• The theme of cultivation and growth is evident as Su Que continues to improve his Wedding Dress Divine Skill.

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with the inn's waiter and the young Daoist at Purple Sun Temple, but no significant relationships are formed.
• Su Que's actions are driven by his own goals and plans, with no major interactions with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que arrives at Purple Sun Temple to have pills refined by Old Daoist Qingxuan.
• He meets two gatekeeping Daoists who explain the temple's pill refinement rules.
• Su Que decides to have three batches of Essence Augmentation Pills refined and pays for the ingredients.
• He is told to return in two days to collect the pills.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his caution and shrewdness in dealing with the Daoists, considering various possibilities before handing over the Pill Recipe.
• Old Daoist Qingxuan is established as a skilled alchemist with a high success rate in refining pills.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Su Que initially suspects the Daoists of deceit but decides to trust them based on Old Daoist Qingxuan's high success rate.
• The value of pills and alchemy: The Daoists emphasize the rarity and value of successful pill refinement, while Su Que is more interested in the outcome than the process.

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with two Daoist gatekeepers, who explain the temple's rules and processes for pill refinement.
• Su Que's interactions with the Daoists highlight his wariness and calculation, as he considers the potential risks and benefits of having his pills refined at the temple.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que, disguised as Zhang Bengen, seeks contact with the Tang Sect.
• He visits Xiao Miao Lou tavern, shows the Tang Sect waist token to the proprietor, and receives a note with a meeting time and location.
• At the designated time and place, Su Que meets Xuan Hu, another Tang Sect member, who verifies Su Que's identity.
• Xuan Hu presents three assassination missions with corresponding merit points and silver rewards.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates adaptability and strategic thinking, adjusting his plans based on new information.
• Xuan Hu shows proficiency in the Tang Sect's lightness skill and maintains a low profile.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and Deception: Su Que uses disguise to infiltrate the Tang Sect's network, while Xuan Hu conceals his identity.
• Information Control: The Tang Sect employs multiple intermediaries to control information flow and protect their members.
• Assassination and Rewards: The Tang Sect offers merit points and silver for successful assassinations, incentivizing members to complete missions.

Character Interactions

• Su Que and the Tavern Proprietor: They exchange the waist token and a note without speaking, demonstrating the Tang Sect's coded communication method.
• Su Que and Xuan Hu: They verify each other's identities and discuss assassination missions, showcasing the Tang Sect's hierarchical structure and mission allocation process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que learns from Xuan Hu about three low-merit targets to advance to B Rank.
• Su Que offers to buy Xuan Hu's knowledge of the Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra cultivation methods for 3,000 taels.
• Xuan Hu agrees, but Su Que ambushes and knocks him out, taking the money and cultivation methods without paying.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his cunning and martial prowess, outsmarting Xuan Hu.
• Xuan Hu shows greed and underestimates Su Que's strength.

Significant Themes

• Greed and its consequences (Xuan Hu's desire for money leads to his downfall).
• Trust and betrayal (Su Que's deception and Xuan Hu's naivety).
• The value of knowledge and secrets (Su Que's desire for the cultivation methods and Xuan Hu's reluctance to share).

Character Interactions

• Su Que and Xuan Hu engage in a tense negotiation, with Su Que ultimately tricking Xuan Hu.
• Their interaction highlights the power dynamics between them, with Su Que's strength and cunning proving superior to Xuan Hu's caution and greed.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Su Que returns to Zhang Bengen's residence, examines the given papers, and decides to go to Qingfeng Town's black market (Ghost Market) to collect poisons for his cultivation.
+ He spends the next few days at the inn, cultivating the Wedding Dress Divine Skill, and successfully breaks through to Divine Skill 1%.
+ Su Que then leaves for Qingfeng Town, where he learns about the Sun-Plucking Cult and their leader, Gui Risheng. He enters Qingfeng Town after paying the entry fee.

Character Developments

+ Su Que's cultivation of the Wedding Dress Divine Skill reaches Divine Skill 1%, further enhancing his physical prowess and lifespan.

Significant Themes

+ The power dynamics in jianghu, with the Sun-Plucking Cult controlling Qingfeng Town and the Ghost Market.
+ The importance of poisons and rare ingredients for cultivation, as seen in Su Que's quest to gather them.

Character Interactions

+ Su Que interacts with the burly men at Qingfeng Town's entrance, paying the entry fee without incident.
+ No significant interactions with other characters occur in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que visits the Qingfeng Town Ghost Market, where various poisons and pills are sold anonymously.
• He purchases materials needed for advancing his Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra cultivation.
• On his way back, he's ambushed by three people skilled in driving insects and refining gu, who demand his purchases.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his formidable strength and speed, easily defeating one of the ambushers.
• The other two ambushers, seeing their companion's fate, decide to flee.

Significant Themes

• The anonymity and danger of the Ghost Market, where quality is uncertain, and trust is nonexistent.
• The power of Su Que's cultivation, showcased through his ability to defeat multiple opponents with ease.

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with vendors at the Ghost Market, though anonymously.
• He encounters the three ambushers, leading to a brief but intense confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que encounters and kills three men in Qingfeng Town.
• He pursues and captures Xuan Hu, a B Rank assassin of the Tang Sect Outer Sect.
• Su Que interrogates Xuan Hu about the Tang Sect's Martial Arts manuals' location and security.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his formidable speed, strength, and martial skills, defeating Xuan Hu easily.
• Xuan Hu, initially confident, becomes terrified upon realizing Su Que's power and captures.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between assassins and their organizations (Tang Sect).
• The importance of information and intelligence gathering for Su Que's plans.

Character Interactions

• Su Que and Xuan Hu: Su Que pursues, captures, and interrogates Xuan Hu, revealing his strength and intentions.
• Su Que's past encounter with Xuan Hu is hinted at, suggesting a history between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que learns about the Tang Sect's structure in Jiannan Prefecture City from Xuan Hu, a B-class assassin and contact person.
• Su Que discovers there are 13 B-class assassins, 3 A-class assassins (including the leader 'Mirage Tower'), and a library that attracts many assassins.
• Su Que kills Xuan Hu after obtaining his hidden weapons and other items, then cultivates the Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra using the acquired toxins.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his ruthlessness and cunning by killing Xuan Hu after obtaining the information he needed.
• Su Que shows his determination to improve his martial arts by immediately starting to cultivate after acquiring the necessary toxins.

Significant Themes

• Power and Information: Su Que seeks information about the Tang Sect to gain power and an advantage over his enemies.
• Trust and Betrayal: Xuan Hu's trust in Su Que is betrayed when Su Que kills him after obtaining the information he needed.
• Cunning and Ruthlessness: Su Que's actions highlight his cunning and ruthless nature, as he manipulates Xuan Hu and eliminates him once he's no longer useful.

Character Interactions

• Su Que and Xuan Hu: Su Que manipulates Xuan Hu into revealing the Tang Sect's structure, then kills him after obtaining the information.
• Su Que and Zhang Bengen: Su Que stores Xuan Hu's belongings in a hidden compartment in Zhang Bengen's guest room, indicating a level of trust and familiarity between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que consumes highly toxic substances (Heart-Piercing Flower, Rotting Crystal Grass, Vermilion Jade Toad) to cultivate the Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra.
• He successfully converts these toxins into purer and more potent Myriad Poison True Qi, which absorbs the existing Myriad Poison True Qi in his poison sac.
• Su Que breaks through to the 2nd Realm: Minor Accomplishment (1%) of the Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra.
• He continues cultivating while consuming poisons, converting them into Myriad Poison True Qi, which strengthens his body and increases his lifespan.
• Su Que retrieves the Essence Augmentation Pills from the Purple Sun Temple and tests them on a chicken, confirming their efficacy before consuming one himself.
• On the first day of the provincial examinations, Su Que cultivates the Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra once more, reaching 15% in the Minor Accomplishment stage.

Character Developments

• Su Que's physique becomes even more robust due to the side effects of the Wedding Dress Divine Skill True Qi reversing.
• His control over his cultivation improves, allowing him to convert potent toxins into Myriad Poison True Qi efficiently.
• Su Que's Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra cultivation progresses rapidly, reaching the 2nd Realm in just a few days.

Significant Themes

• The power of poison and its dual nature: while dangerous, it can also be harnessed for cultivation and strengthening the body.
• The importance of perseverance and dedication in cultivation, as seen in Su Que's continuous practice despite the harsh taste of the poisons.

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with the gatekeeping Daoist at the Purple Sun Temple to retrieve the Essence Augmentation Pills.
• He tests the pills on a chicken owned by a family in Jiannan Prefecture City, ensuring their efficacy before consuming one himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que participates in the provincial examinations in Jiannan Prefecture City.
• After the exams, he discovers his "Essence Augmentation Pills" are gone and decides to sell martial arts manuals and pill recipes to buy more.
• He visits the Mo Jin Merchant Guild, where he tries to sell his manuals and recipes.
• Mo Lin, the guild's supervisor, appraises the items and offers to buy some, but not the "Essence Augmentation Pill" recipe.
• Mo Lin mentions two other items: the "Ascending Dragon Pill" recipe and an incomplete manuscript of the "Withered Wood Divine Skill".

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates adaptability and resourcefulness in managing his finances and seeking opportunities to improve his cultivation.
• Mo Lin shows expertise in appraising martial arts manuals and pill recipes, as well as knowledge of their market value and potential risks.

Significant Themes

• The value and scarcity of martial arts knowledge and resources.
• The potential risks and side effects of certain cultivation methods.

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with Mo Lin, the supervisor of the Mo Jin Merchant Guild, who appraises and offers to buy his items.
• Su Que also interacts with a young shop assistant who initially greets him and leads him to Mo Lin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que purchases the incomplete Withered Wood Divine Skill from the Mo Jin Merchant Guild, using the silver he owed to Manager Mo.
• He declines to buy the Ascending Dragon Pill recipe due to its high cost.
• Su Que visits the Purple Sun Temple to arrange for Old Daoist Qingxuan to refine twelve bottles of Essence Augmentation Pills.
• He cultivates the "Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra" in a cave outside Jiannan Prefecture City, using various toxins to advance his cultivation.
• Su Que breaks through to the third realm, "Proficient," in the "Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra" by consuming refined toxins from Peacock Gall, Corpse-Born Scorpion, Jade Poison Silkworm, and Red-Eyed Striped Snake.

Character Developments

• Su Que demonstrates his expertise in martial arts and his willingness to spend money on cultivation resources.
• Manager Mo shows regret at not selling the Ascending Dragon Pill recipe to Su Que.
• Old Daoist Qingxuan is mentioned as the expert refining pills at the Purple Sun Temple.
• Su Que's determination and dedication to his cultivation are highlighted.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of martial arts proficiency and the resources required for advancement.
• The importance of finding suitable environments for cultivation.
• The willingness to consume potent toxins to progress in one's cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with Manager Mo at the Mo Jin Merchant Guild, negotiating the purchase of the incomplete Withered Wood Divine Skill.
• He communicates with the daoist guarding the entrance of the Purple Sun Temple to arrange for the refinement of Essence Augmentation Pills.
• There is no direct interaction with Old Daoist Qingxuan, but Su Que's cultivation progress is influenced by the pills refined by the old daoist.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que's lifespan increases by 5 years due to the reversal of side effects from his cultivation skills.
• His Talent Value increases to 50, allowing him to advance his Myriad Poisons Heart Sutra to Level 3.
• Su Que learns to create a protective poisonous mist using his Myriad Poison True Qi.
• The examination results are posted, with Su Que ranking 50th and Bu Shang ranking 5th.
• Bu Shang collapses after seeing the results, and no one helps him until Su Que, Lu Qixiu, and the attendant intervene.

Character Developments

• Su Que: Advances in his cultivation, learns a new skill, and shows compassion by helping Bu Shang.
• Bu Shang: Struggles with the pressure of years of failed examinations, collapses after seeing his result.
• Lu Qixiu: Shows concern for Bu Shang, helps carry him to the medical clinic.
• The Arrogant Young Master: Expects to top the exam but fails, shows disregard for Bu Shang's condition.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and stress of examinations and societal expectations.
• The contrast between the wealthy and powerful (like the Arrogant Young Master) and the common people (like Bu Shang).
• Compassion and helping others in times of need (shown by Su Que, Lu Qixiu, and the attendant).

Character Interactions

• Su Que interacts with fellow townsmen Lü Qixiu and Bu Shang, showing concern and helping Bu Shang when he collapses.
• The Arrogant Young Master interacts with the crowd, expecting deference but receiving none when his name is not on the list.
• The scholars show initial indifference to Bu Shang's collapse but are eventually moved to help by Su Que, Lu Qixiu, and the attendant.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bu Shang, a scholar who failed the imperial exams, goes mad and is taken back to Jade Water City by Lu Qixiu and Su Que.
• They join a caravan escorted by the Huaiyang Escort Agency for their return journey.
• Su Que secretly opens two extra meridians on his feet, improving his Lightness Skill and Leg Skill.

Character Developments

• Bu Shang's mental state deteriorates, muttering incoherently about his father-in-law, Zheng Tong.
• Su Que, the successful candidate from Jade Water City, plans to move to the prefectural city for convenience in obtaining elixirs and poisons.
• Lu Qixiu, seeking to build a connection with Su Que, insists on paying for his travel expenses and invites him to a banquet upon their return.

Significant Themes

• The importance of connections and networking, as seen in Lu Qixiu's attempts to befriend Su Que.
• The struggle and consequences of failure, exemplified by Bu Shang's descent into madness after years of failing the imperial exams.

Character Interactions

• Lu Qixiu repeatedly tries to engage Su Que in conversation, hoping to build a relationship with him.
• Su Que politely declines further conversation, focusing on expanding his meridians in secret.
• The escorts mention mountain bandits and undisciplined rebel armies, highlighting the dangers of the journey, but the caravan encounters none.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The caravan arrives at Jade Water City, now occupied by the "Sky Breaking Army."
• The army, led by "King Qin" Li Xuanji, is disciplined and well-received by locals.
• Su Que returns home to find his sister, Su Jing, with a new friend, Li Yujing, a martial artist of considerable skill.
• Su Que plans to seek an official post through connections but is hesitant to discuss this in front of Li Yujing.

Character Developments

• Su Que: He remains focused on cultivation and seeks an official post for stability and comfort. He's now a Meridian Opening Realm martial artist.
• Su Jing: She has improved her appearance and has a new friend, Li Yujing. She's more confident and radiant.
• Li Yujing: She's a powerful martial artist (Fifth Blood Organ Refining Realm) with connections in Jiannan Prefecture City, offering to help Su Que with an official post.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The Sky Breaking Army's occupation of Jade Water City demonstrates the power shift in the region. Li Yujing's offer to help Su Que highlights the influence of connections in the political arena.
• Trust and Caution: Su Que's hesitation to discuss his plans in front of Li Yujing shows his caution and understanding of the importance of trust in relationships.

Character Interactions

• Su Que and Su Jing: Their sibling bond is evident as they catch up and Su Jing introduces her new friend.
• Su Que and Li Yujing: They meet for the first time, with Su Que being cautious and Li Yujing offering her help, setting the tone for their future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Que learns of Li Yujing's family influence in the Prefecture City and her martial arts prowess.
• Li Yujing offers to help Su Que secure an official position.
• Su Que's new official post, a ninth-rank Record Keeper in the Jiannan Prefecture City government office, is secured through Li Yujing's help.
• Su Que, along with Su Jing and Li Yujing's entourage, travels to the Prefecture City.

Character Developments

• Su Que: Shows curiosity about Li Yujing's family influence and expresses his preference for a comfortable sinecure with a decent income.
• Li Yujing: Demonstrates her wealth and influence by securing Su Que's official position. She also shows affection towards Su Jing.
• Su Jing: Expresses concern for Su Que's safety and prefers he secures a good position rather than aiming for higher ranks.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and influence: Li Yujing's family background and resources play a significant role in securing Su Que's official position.
• Relationship dynamics: The nature of Li Yujing and Su Jing's relationship is hinted at, challenging societal norms.
• Ambition vs. contentment: Su Que expresses his indifference to political struggles and his preference for a peaceful life.

Character Interactions

• Su Que and Li Yujing: They discuss Su Que's official position, with Li Yujing offering her help and Su Que expressing his gratitude.
• Su Que and Su Jing: Su Jing expresses her hopes for Su Que's future, showing concern for his safety and well-being.
• Li Yujing and Su Jing: They display a close, affectionate relationship, with Li Yujing showing physical intimacy towards Su Jing.