Chapter Summaries

At the Qinghe Arena, Zhao Song stepped in to face Chen Bo Zhao and endured his brutal attacks without yielding. Badly injured but still standing, Zhao Song challenged Chen Bo Zhao as the fight continued.

• Chen Bo Zhao intimidated the remaining Group B fighters, while Liu Ruyan stayed beneath the stage and refused to fight.
• As Fang Yuan prepared to take the stage, the White-robed Martial Artist stopped him and volunteered to fight, revealing his name as Zhao Song.
• Zhao Song exchanged repeated head-on blows with Chen Bo Zhao, whose Golden Rod could not knock the Old Iron Sword from his hands.
• Chen Bo Zhao struck Zhao Song in the ribs and shattered his shoulder, but Zhao Song stood again and refused to concede.
• Zhao Song taunted Chen Bo Zhao by claiming he would be stronger if he had been born in the Earl's Mansion, changing Chen Bo Zhao's expression.

After Chen Bo Zhao killed Zhao Song, Fang Yuan challenged him and stepped onto the Arena Stage, drawing the attention of the fighters and examiners. The two faced each other in silence as the venue sensed that Fang Yuan had changed.

• Chen Bo Zhao struck Zhao Song down with his third blow, and Zhao Song died without surrendering while looking toward Fang Yuan.
• Fang Yuan threatened Chen Bo Zhao, who laughed and vowed to kill Fang Yuan and his entire family.
• The audience reacted to Fang Yuan's threat with disbelief, while Green Vine grew pale and Wang Fugui trusted that Fang Yuan was not boasting.
• Fang Yuan stepped onto Group B's Arena Stage beside Zhao Song's blood, and Chen Bo Zhao's expression turned serious.
• Lin Pingzhi and Liu Ruyan sensed a change in Fang Yuan, while Eunuch Cao's trembling hand drew Zhao Fengxian's attention.
• Fang Yuan and Chen Bo Zhao stood three zhang apart as the venue fell quiet, and the old daoist briefly opened his eyes.

Fang Yuan faced Chen Bo Zhao on Group B’s Arena Stage and revealed that his strength and saber technique could overpower the arrogant Young Master. The crowd recognized Fang Yuan’s Entangling Silk Saber Technique, while Chen Bo Zhao grew increasingly alarmed as their clashes numbed his arm.

• Huangfu Ying worried that Fang Yuan had challenged Chen Bo Zhao, while Huangfu Song warned him that intervening could put them both in danger.
• Fang Yuan met Chen Bo Zhao’s Golden Rod with a slash, knocking it aside and leaving deep marks in the hereditary weapon.
• Fang Yuan asked Chen Bo Zhao, “Is that all you’ve got?” and Chen Bo Zhao responded with fury at being humiliated.
• Zhao Lingyun, Zhou Yanzhi, and the crowd watched Fang Yuan’s unusually fast strike, while Li Hanshan recognized it as the Entangling Silk Saber Technique.
• Chen Bo Zhao felt the force of Fang Yuan’s blows reverberate through his rod, numbing his hand and shaking his arm.

Fang Yuan defeated Chen Bo Zhao in the arena and killed him just as he began to admit defeat. When Zhao Fengxian demanded an explanation, Fang Yuan pointed out that Chen Bo Zhao had earlier attacked another fighter who had admitted defeat.

• Chen Bo Zhao unleashed his Crazy Stick Technique, but Fang Yuan evaded every strike until Chen Bo Zhao's rhythm faltered.
• Fang Yuan's saber split the Golden Rod and came to rest at Chen Bo Zhao's throat.
• As Chen Bo Zhao began to admit defeat, Fang Yuan stabbed him through the throat and left him dead on the Arena Stage.
• The crowd panicked, and officials condemned Fang Yuan for killing An Yuan Duke's Mansion's young master.
• Zhao Fengxian asked why Fang Yuan had killed Chen Bo Zhao after he admitted defeat, and Fang Yuan challenged him over Chen Bo Zhao's earlier attack on a defeated opponent.

After Fang Yuan killed Chen Bo Zhao on the Arena Stage, the Iron Sword Sect’s goatee elder attacked him, but Eunuch Cao intervened and let Fang Yuan continue competing. The chapter ended with tensions rising among the examiners and Li Hanshan watching Fang Yuan in surprise.

• Fang Yuan defended his killing of Chen Bo Zhao by citing the Arena Stage’s rules and recalling that Chen Bo Zhao had killed Zhao Song and threatened his family.
• The goatee old man attacked Fang Yuan with his sword, but Fang Yuan deflected the strike with his Ghost Head Saber.
• Eunuch Cao shot the goatee old man with a Golden Needle, then warned him that another attack would bring the destruction of the Iron Sword Sect.
• Eunuch Cao declared that Chen Bo Zhao had violated the Arena Stage’s rules and ordered Fang Yuan’s opponents not to interfere with the competition.
• The Blue-robed Scholar mocked the goatee old man over Fang Yuan’s apparent connection to Eunuch Cao, while Li Hanshan watched Fang Yuan in surprise.

After Fang Yuan killed Chen Bo Zhao, Eunuch Cao’s intervention left him untouchable for the day, and the crowd watched him depart in awe. Liu Ruyan and the other Group B fighters conceded, advancing Fang Yuan to the Top 4 as the other groups continued their matches.

• Fang Yuan left the Arena Stage while Li Hanshan, Xu Feng, Lin Pingzhi, Huangfu Ying, Zhao Lingyun, and Zhou Yanzhi reacted to his victory and growing reputation.
• Qin Wan reassured Green Vine, while Manager Li realized Fang Yuan’s win had upended his betting calculations and still hoped Fang Yuan would lose later.
• Liu Ruyan admitted defeat, and the remaining Group B contestants followed, sending Fang Yuan straight to the Top 4 after one match.
• Fang Yuan held Zhao Song’s two-tael championship betting slip, folded it, and tucked it into his chest as the other groups continued fighting.

The Top 4 contestants were decided, and Fang Yuan reflected on the protection and opportunities his advancing status could bring as he prepared for the danger from An Yuan Duke's Mansion. During the intermission, he watched the mysterious Xie Yun refuse the refreshments and eat his own hardtack.

• Xie Yun emerged from Group D as the final Top 4 contestant after defeating several well-known martial artists, including Huangfu Ying and Huangfu Song.
• Zhao Lingyun told Fang Yuan he hoped to fight him later, while Zhou Yanzhi kept his distance and considered the danger surrounding Fang Yuan after the death of An Yuan Duke's Mansion's Young Master.
• Fang Yuan calculated that reaching the Top 4 would let him choose a Mid-grade Cultivation Technique at the County Martial Academy Iron District.
• Minor officials served the four contestants refreshments and treated Fang Yuan with new respect, prompting him to consider how his status could offer protection.
• Zhao Lingyun and Zhou Yanzhi ate the refreshments, but Xie Yun refused them and cautiously ate hardtack from his own bundle.

Fang Yuan watched the Top 4 during the intermission, became more wary of the unknown Xie Yun, and saw Manager Li worry about his chances. After the next round was announced, Zhao Fengxian recorded the competitors’ rankings on their tokens, including Fang Yuan’s Copper Token.

• Fang Yuan noticed Xie Yun’s unsettling gaze and chose not to eat the snacks, which Zhao Lingyun promptly took for himself.
• Zhao Lingyun told Fang Yuan he knew nothing about Xie Yun, who had fought his way out of Group D.
• Manager Li worried that Fang Yuan might reach the finals, but claimed he had backup plans.
• Zhao Fengxian announced that the Top 4 would draw lots and compete in pairs to decide who advanced.
• Zhao Fengxian engraved the competitors’ rankings on their tokens and recorded Fang Yuan as a Top 4 member of Qinghe Arena and Zhengyang Martial Arts School.

Fang Yuan received a Copper Token and learned the Top 4 could choose a Mid-grade Cultivation Technique at the County Martial Academy. The lots matched him against Zhao Lingyun, and Fang Yuan rushed to begin their fight before Myriad Treasures Pavilion could open betting.

• Zhao Fengxian told Fang Yuan, Zhao Lingyun, Zhou Yanzhi, and Xie Yun that their tokens qualified them to choose a Mid-grade Cultivation Technique.
• Fang Yuan and Zhao Lingyun drew matching C lots, while Zhou Yanzhi and Xie Yun drew matching D lots.
• Fang Yuan noticed his betting odds had plunged to 1.3 and suspected Manager Li of manipulating the gambling operation against him.
• Fang Yuan vaulted onto the stage to start his match with Zhao Lingyun before more bets could be placed.
• Fang Yuan faced Zhao Lingyun with his Ghost Head Saber hanging loosely at his side.

Fang Yuan defeated Zhao Lingyun in a brief arena match, overwhelming him with his speed and saber technique. After Zhao Lingyun conceded, Fang Yuan spared him and left the stage as the crowd reacted to the upset.

• Zhao Lingyun attacked Fang Yuan with his Iron Spear, but Fang Yuan dodged both strikes with ease.
• Xu Feng watched Fang Yuan's movements and suspected he had comprehended an artistic conception, deciding to report him to the Carefree Sect.
• Fang Yuan unleashed a fast, powerful saber assault that forced Zhao Lingyun's defense to falter.
• Zhao Lingyun admitted defeat when Fang Yuan's saber reached his chest, and Fang Yuan sheathed his weapon without harming him.
• The crowd regretted betting against Fang Yuan, while Green Vine celebrated his victory and Qin Wan smiled.

Fang Yuan watched Xie Yun defeat Zhou Yanzhi with a poisoned dagger, revealing a likely connection to Myriad Treasures Pavilion. After Xie Yun tried to strike Zhou Yanzhi even after he conceded, Zhao Fengxian intervened, leaving Fang Yuan warned to be careful of Xie Yun.

• Manager Li fretted that one match remained before Fang Yuan's final, while Fang Yuan showed no fear of Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
• Fang Yuan and Zhao Lingyun watched Xie Yun fight Zhou Yanzhi, and Zhao suspected Xie Yun worked for Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
• Xie Yun poisoned Zhou Yanzhi with his dagger, prompting arguments among spectators about whether poison broke the rules.
• Zhou Yanzhi conceded, but Xie Yun continued attacking until Zhao Fengxian blocked the dagger and treated Zhou's poisoning.
• Zhou Yanzhi warned Fang Yuan that something was strange about Xie Yun.

Fang Yuan realized Manager Li had manipulated the tournament by weakening competitors and planned to win the final decisively despite Myriad Treasures Pavilion’s likely refusal to honor his winnings. Before the match, Wang Fugui delivered an anonymous threat against Fang Yuan’s martial arts school, the Wang Family, and Liu Wanwan if he dared to win.

• Fang Yuan suspected that the pastries had dulled Zhao Lingyun’s and Zhou Yanzhi’s reactions, helping Xie Yun defeat Zhou Yanzhi.
• Manager Li made a throat-slitting gesture toward Fang Yuan, and Fang Yuan resolved to win the final cleanly and decisively.
• The crowd protested after all the Seed Players were eliminated, while Fang Yuan dismissed their complaints about losing their bets.
• Wang Fugui arrived and told Fang Yuan that someone had slipped an anonymous note into his pocket.
• Fang Yuan read the threat that his school, the Wang Family, and Liu Wanwan would die if he won.

After receiving a threat against the Martial Arts School, the Wang Family, and Liu Wanwan, Fang Yuan decided to keep competing and win the Qinghe Arena championship to protect them. He left Zhao Lingyun and Wang Fugui with plans to carry out while he headed for the stage.

• Wang Fugui told Fang Yuan that the Martial Arts School had vanished, and Zhao Lingyun asked how he would respond to the threat demanding he withdraw.
• Fang Yuan folded the letter and said he would take the stage, reasoning that the crowd’s attention would keep his loved ones safe.
• Fang Yuan asked Zhao Lingyun if he would remain involved, then whispered a plan to him; Zhao Lingyun agreed and left.
• Qin Wan noticed that Fang Yuan’s condition seemed wrong, while Bai Susu watched with interest and assured Wang Yushuang she would cover for them.
• Fang Yuan concluded that winning the championship would make him more valuable and protect those around him, then whispered instructions to Wang Fugui.
• Wang Fugui accepted Fang Yuan’s instructions and disappeared into the crowd as Fang Yuan strode toward the Arena Stage.

Fang Yuan rejected Xie Yun’s offer to surrender and stepped onto the Arena Stage despite the apparent efforts to keep him off it. He faced the officials and Manager Li’s threats, while the match had yet to begin.

• Xie Yun warned Fang Yuan that his family and Martial Arts School were in danger unless he admitted defeat, but Fang Yuan ignored him and climbed onto the Arena Stage.
• The nervous minor official told Fang Yuan that the match had not started, while Fang Yuan suspected that powerful figures had taken silver from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
• Eunuch Cao watched Fang Yuan approvingly and considered bringing him back to the palace.
• Fang Yuan and Manager Li exchanged smiles across the crowd, and Manager Li resolved to eliminate anyone who obstructed his plans.
• Fang Yuan moved to the center of the stage as the minor official hesitated over whether to strike the Bronze Gong.

Fang Yuan delayed his arena match with Xie Yun until his people could be confirmed safe, exposing a rift between Xie Yun and Manager Li. The chapter ended with Fang Yuan turning his back on Xie Yun while the agreed one-incense-stick deadline began.

• As the crowd grew impatient, Xie Yun finally stepped onto the stage, and Zhao Fengxian sensed that something was wrong.
• Xie Yun offered to spare Fang Yuan’s people if Fang Yuan conceded, but Fang Yuan demanded proof that they were safe before fighting.
• Fang Yuan gave Xie Yun one incense stick’s time for his Senior Brother to check on their people, threatening to kill Xie Yun if he stepped onto the stage before then.
• Xie Yun signaled several figures in the crowd to leave, and Fang Yuan realized that Xie Yun was working with Manager Li rather than serving him outright.
• Manager Li grew uneasy as he watched Xie Yun speak with Fang Yuan, while Fang Yuan turned his back on Xie Yun and calmly waited.

Fang Yuan defeated Xie Yun with a sudden, lightning-fast saber strike, then exposed a threat against his family to Eunuch Cao. The chapter left Manager Li under suspicion as Eunuch Cao demanded to know who had written the letter.

• Fang Yuan used his movement technique to disarm Xie Yun and hold his saber at Xie Yun's throat.
• Manager Li considered silencing Fang Yuan's family, but Zhao Lingyun appeared with his bloodstained Iron Spear and stopped him from acting.
• Fang Yuan spared Xie Yun because of what had happened earlier and challenged Manager Li for expecting everyone to indulge him.
• Fang Yuan presented Eunuch Cao with the threatening letter and asked him to uphold justice.
• Eunuch Cao read the letter and demanded to know who had written it while Manager Li trembled in his seat.

Fang Yuan exposed Manager Li’s scheme, rescued the threatened captives with Zhao Lingyun’s help, and refused Eunuch Cao’s offer to take him to the Capital City. As Eunuch Cao pressed him for an answer, a lazy voice challenged him for trying to force Fang Yuan to go.

• Fang Yuan presented a letter exposing the plot, and Zhao Fengxian ordered the grounds sealed while the Imperial City Security Department investigated.
• Zhao Lingyun revealed that the captives had been held in a rice warehouse on South Street in Qinghe County and said he had rescued them.
• Zhao Fengxian reported that the captors had been silenced and identified them as Jiangyang Bandits, while Manager Li concealed his relief.
• Eunuch Cao asked Fang Yuan what punishment he wanted, and Zhao Fengxian offered him a mid-grade cultivation technique.
• Eunuch Cao invited Fang Yuan to return with him to the Capital City, but Fang Yuan refused because he wanted to establish his own foundation first.
• A lazy voice challenged Eunuch Cao for pressuring Fang Yuan after he had declined.

Fang Yuan weighed offers from Eunuch Cao of the Imperial City Security Department and Qingxuan of Shouyi Temple, choosing to delay joining either while he claimed his opportunity at the Imperial City Guard Armory. Eunuch Cao then promised him a Superior Essence Condensing Method if he returned to the Capital City.

• Qingxuan identified himself as a priest of Shouyi Temple and recognized Fang Yuan's Lesser Nourishing Origin Method, while Eunuch Cao also sought to recruit Fang Yuan.
• Manager Li decided Fang Yuan had to be eliminated and considered using Myriad Treasures Pavilion's greater powers to do it.
• Fang Yuan told Eunuch Cao he would go to the Capital City later, thanked Qingxuan, and said he first needed to claim his opportunity at the Imperial City Guard Armory.
• Eunuch Cao and Qingxuan agreed to wait while each considered how to secure Fang Yuan's allegiance.
• Eunuch Cao offered Fang Yuan a Superior Essence Condensing Method to persuade him to return to the Capital City.

Eunuch Cao and the Old Daoist competed to recruit Fang Yuan, who rejected Eunuch Cao’s offer to become a eunuch. Fang Yuan then asked Eunuch Cao to uphold justice for his threatened family and pointed toward Manager Li as the person he suspected.

• The Old Daoist offered to choose a force method suited to Fang Yuan, while Eunuch Cao promoted the resources of his household.
• Fang Yuan asked whether serving Eunuch Cao meant becoming a eunuch, and Eunuch Cao joked that he could arrange resources if Fang Yuan insisted.
• Fang Yuan resolved to take the Imperial City Security Department’s opportunity while keeping his distance from Eunuch Cao.
• Manager Li watched Fang Yuan with murderous intent, and Fang Yuan noticed him.
• Fang Yuan asked Eunuch Cao to pursue the person behind the threat against his family and fixed his gaze on Manager Li.

Eunuch Cao ordered the Imperial City Security Department to investigate Myriad Treasures Pavilion after Zhao Fengxian cited the law, and Manager Li was arrested at the Arena. Fang Yuan accepted that he feared the Pavilion’s retaliation but said fear would not change what had happened.

• Eunuch Cao challenged the Old Daoist to act against Myriad Treasures Pavilion, but the Old Daoist remained silent.
• Eunuch Cao had Zhao Fengxian declare that Myriad Treasures Pavilion should be sealed and investigated for manipulating the competition and threatening contestants.
• The Han Family Five Brothers moved to arrest Manager Li, while two Pavilion guards briefly blocked them before yielding to Zhao Fengxian’s threat.
• Han Hu forced Manager Li to his knees and led him away as Manager Li threatened Fang Yuan with the Pavilion’s retaliation.
• Zhao Lingyun asked whether Fang Yuan feared retaliation, and Fang Yuan admitted he did but said fear would not help.