Chapter Summaries

After Fang Yuan won the championship, Eunuch Cao publicly protected him and offered to take him to the Capital City. Fang Yuan accepted Eunuch Cao’s patronage but insisted on visiting the county city first to claim his rewards, secure his credentials, and investigate Luoshui Village.

• Eunuch Cao declared Fang Yuan the champion and warned that anyone who threatened his family, Martial Arts School, or friends would face the Imperial Court’s protection.
• Green Vine celebrated Fang Yuan’s victory as the crowd rejoiced over their winning bets, while Bai Susu watched and Wang Yushuang remained silent.
• Fang Yuan pledged to serve Eunuch Cao, and the Old Daoist offered to help him with the Health Cultivation Method in the future.
• Eunuch Cao said he would take Fang Yuan straight to the Capital City, but Fang Yuan insisted on visiting the county city to collect his rewards, register with the Imperial Court, and learn more about Luoshui Village.

After Fang Yuan won the Qinghe Arena, Eunuch Cao hurried to leave with him, while Wang Yushuang and Xie Yun each gave him parting warnings. Fang Yuan realized the powerful bookmakers behind the arena would blame him for their losses, and he remained determined to go to the Capital City.

• Eunuch Cao told Fang Yuan to pack because they would leave for the Capital City the next day, then hurried away after spotting Bai Susu.
• Wang Yushuang told Fang Yuan she was going to the Capital City to cultivate and said they might meet again.
• Before leaving with Bai Susu, Wang Yushuang told Fang Yuan he did not need to obey everything, hinting that he could have handled the situation without Eunuch Cao.
• Xie Yun warned Fang Yuan that powerful forces behind the Myriad Treasures Pavilion's betting pool would blame him for their losses.
• Fang Yuan reasoned that the bookmakers would target him now that Eunuch Cao was taking him away, and he touched his saber as he considered the debt he had acquired.

After winning the Qinghe Arena championship, Fang Yuan prepared to leave for the commandery city and handed the merchants seeking his favor to Wang Fugui. Meanwhile, Liu Wenhe plotted to use his official connections against Fang Yuan, leaving the conflict unresolved as the night continued.

• Fang Yuan told Wang Fugui they would leave for the commandery city the next day, then left him to handle the merchants gathered with gifts.
• Qin Wan watched Fang Yuan disappear into the crowd, while the Iron Sword Sect’s elders departed bitterly and Liu Ruyan left with the Female Elder of Qingxia Valley.
• Liu Wenhe learned that Fang Yuan had won the championship, earned Eunuch Cao’s protection, and gained an invitation from Shouyi Temple.
• Liu Wenhe ordered his strategist to warn officials in the commandery city about Fang Yuan and ask them to keep watch on him.
• Liu Wenhe began drafting an official document against Fang Yuan, convinced that he could defeat him through rules beyond the arena.

Fang Yuan led his household and the Han Family Five Brothers out of Qinghe County for the prefectural city, reflecting on his responsibilities and need to grow stronger. As the convoy traveled, Han Bao warned his brothers that Fang Yuan might one day be powerful enough for them to address him as Lord.

• Fang Yuan’s convoy left Qinghe County before dawn, and he recalled how far he had come since arriving with only a basket and a few belongings.
• Little Bean Sprout asked about the prefectural city, while Liu Wanwan followed Fang Yuan’s reassurance that they would settle there and Chen Yin watched the passing scenery.
• Fang Yuan resolved to become stronger so he could protect his family in a city filled with powerful martial artists.
• Han Hu complained that the Han Family Five Brothers had spent the night hauling Fang Yuan’s belongings, and Fang Yuan promised to drink with him once they reached the prefectural city.
• Han Bao summoned Han Hu and warned his brothers not to act recklessly, saying Fang Yuan might one day become someone they would have to call Lord.

Fang Yuan traveled with his family and new followers toward the Wushui Commandery city, weighing his plans against Eunuch Cao’s offer to take him straight to the Capital City. He intended to claim his local rewards first, while Eunuch Cao urged him to seek greater resources in the capital.

• Han Bao warned Han Hu to treat Fang Yuan with restraint, and Han Hu said he understood.
• Foolish Egg and Third Brother were released from prison and joined Fang Yuan’s convoy, pledging to follow him.
• Fang Yuan assessed the route and learned that trade grew busier southward while war made travel north dangerous.
• Eunuch Cao asked Fang Yuan what he planned to do in the commandery city, and Fang Yuan named the Imperial City Security Department, the Martial Academy, and the rewards Zhao Fengxian had promised.
• Eunuch Cao offered to arrange an identity for Fang Yuan and take him directly to the Capital City, but Fang Yuan remained wary of the offer.

Fang Yuan earned Eunuch Cao’s support and an identity in the Imperial City Security Department, then continued south with the convoy toward the commandery city. Meanwhile, Su Lingyue’s heavily guarded caravan traveled nearby as she worried about the Black Cloud Bandits.

• Fang Yuan persuaded Eunuch Cao that he should build his standing in Wushui Commandery before going to the Capital City, and Eunuch Cao promised him an identity in the Imperial City Security Department.
• Eunuch Cao warned Fang Yuan that Chen Bo Zhao’s allies and Myriad Treasures Pavilion were in the commandery city, but assured him he would provide protection.
• The Han Family Five Brothers remarked that Fang Yuan might soon become their lord as the convoy continued south along a calm, well-maintained road.
• Fang Yuan observed several merchant caravans traveling alongside his convoy and noted that security improved farther south.
• Su Lingyue watched the road from her caravan and worried that the Black Cloud Bandits might target her family’s crucial shipment.

Su Lingyue learned that the caravan ahead was no bandit group but remained wary of its unusual scale and strength. Fang Yuan confirmed the same caravan posed no immediate threat, while continuing to worry about possible pursuers before they reached the prefectural city.

• Uncle Li reported to Su Lingyue that the convoy ahead was moving from Qinghe County and did not appear to be Black Cloud Bandits, though it contained several experts.
• Su Lingyue told Uncle Li to keep the guards alert and avoid conflict with the convoy, then comforted Su Lingyao with food and promised her treats in the prefectural city.
• Fang Yuan learned from Foolish Egg that he had answered Uncle Li's inquiries as instructed and concluded the caravan was not targeting them.
• Fang Yuan told Foolish Egg to call him Young Master, but Foolish Egg still called him Master Fang after he left.

Fang Yuan rested by a stream with his caravan and learned from Li Zhong that war had thrown Cangwu County into chaos. Li Zhong warned him that a Shunchang Trading Firm caravan had been following them, and Fang Yuan said he knew what he was doing.

• Fang Yuan stopped his caravan at a stream, and Su Lingyue reluctantly let her people rest there too.
• Li Zhong introduced himself to Fang Yuan and explained that his Su Family caravan had come south from war-torn Cangwu County.
• Su Lingyao approached Fang Yuan and complimented his face, while Su Lingyue watched from across the clearing.
• Li Zhong warned Fang Yuan that the Shunchang Trading Firm caravan had been following them since the previous day and seemed suspicious.
• Fang Yuan reassured Li Zhong that he knew what he was doing.

Fang Yuan watched Little Bean Sprout and Su Lingyao become friends before the two caravans parted. Su Lingyue questioned Li Zhong’s attempt to befriend Fang Yuan and argued that genuine prodigies, such as the Qinghe Arena’s champion, were more worthy of attention.

• Little Bean Sprout shared Little Purple Sable with Su Lingyao, and the two girls began playing together.
• Su Lingyue called Li Zhong back, and he carried Su Lingyao to the Su Family’s carriage as she waved goodbye to Little Bean Sprout.
• Fang Yuan called Little Bean Sprout back and chose not to prolong the encounter, while Li Zhong returned to the caravan with Su Lingyao.
• Su Lingyue warned Li Zhong that Fang Yuan might be hiding his identity and questioned why he had approached a stranger.
• Li Zhong defended his habit of making connections on the road, but agreed to heed Su Lingyue’s caution.
• Su Lingyue said that the true prodigies were those competing at the Qinghe Arena, not young men with merely impressive bearing.

Su Lingyue dismissed Fang Yuan as an unremarkable young man, while Fang Yuan rejected Zhao Xin’s invitation to travel together and realized the Shunchang Trading Firm was watching the Su Family caravan. The chapter ended with Fang Yuan on guard and Foolish Egg revealing that he had sensed something wrong too.

• Su Lingyue reassured herself that Fang Yuan could not be a Qinghe Arena prodigy, while Su Lingyao said she wanted to play with Little Bean Sprout and admired Fang Yuan.
• Fang Yuan decided Little Bean Sprout needed friends and planned to send her to school after they reached the county city.
• Zhao Xin of the Shunchang Trading Firm invited Fang Yuan’s group to travel together, but Fang Yuan refused because Zhao Xin made him uneasy.
• Zhao Xin asked about Fang Yuan’s connection to the Su Family caravan, and Fang Yuan warned him not to touch Little Bean Sprout.
• Fang Yuan watched Zhao Xin confer with his companions, then questioned Foolish Egg, who said he had sensed something wrong.

Fang Yuan’s convoy prepared to leave after Han Bao warned him that Zhao Xin seemed suspicious. Su Lingyue refused Zhao Xin’s repeated offer to travel together, and Zhao’s warning left the situation tense.

• Han Bao told Fang Yuan that Zhao Xin had been counting their horses and guards, and Fang Yuan agreed that something seemed wrong.
• Fang Yuan declined Han Bao’s suggestion to kill Zhao Xin, choosing instead to avoid risking the women and servants in the convoy.
• Fang Yuan ordered his convoy to set out, leaving the Su Family convoy behind as Zhao Xin approached Su Lingyue again.
• Zhao Xin urged Su Lingyue to travel with the Shunchang Trading Firm, but she refused his offer.
• Zhao Xin’s smile faded as he warned Su Lingyue that she might regret rejecting him.

Su Lingyue chose to travel behind Fang Yuan's convoy, while the Shunchang Trading Firm watched from behind and held back after learning Fang Yuan's party had at least five fourth-rank martial artists. Meanwhile, Liu Wenhe was found dead in the county yamen, leaving his strategist and constables in shock.

• Su Lingyue ordered the Su Family convoy to follow Fang Yuan's party instead of traveling with the Shunchang Trading Firm.
• Zhao Xin told Shopkeeper Wu that Fang Yuan's convoy included at least five fourth-rank martial artists, so Shopkeeper Wu ordered his people to follow them without making a move.
• Su Lingyue pulled Su Lingyao back into the carriage and promised she could play with Little Bean Sprout after they reached the prefectural city.
• The strategist discovered Liu Wenhe dead in his room, and the constables confirmed that the county magistrate had been killed.

County Lieutenant Zhou concealed Liu Wenhe’s murder and declared it an illness, while Fang Yuan’s caravan reached the commandery city after two days on the road. As the convoy approached a dangerous forest, Shopkeeper Wu hesitated over an attack and Su Lingyue chose not to join forces with Fang Yuan.

• County Lieutenant Zhou recognized Fang Yuan’s saber work on Liu Wenhe’s body and declared that Liu had died of illness.
• The Strategist echoed Zhou’s false account, and Zhou ordered Liu’s body sent to his hometown for burial.
• Fang Yuan’s caravan reached the commandery city after traveling for two days, with the Su Family and Shunchang Trading Firm caravans following behind.
• Han Bao warned Fang Yuan that the dense forest ahead was an ideal place for an ambush.
• Shopkeeper Wu considered attacking before the convoy reached the commandery city but told Zhao Xin to wait.
• Uncle Li suggested that Su Lingyue coordinate with Fang Yuan’s caravan through the forest, but she refused because she trusted only herself.

Su Lingyue learned that Fang Yuan, not her cousin, had deterred the Shunchang Trading Firm convoy, while Fang Yuan continued on toward Wushui Commandery City. He arrived at the city gates with his party, reflecting on how much larger the commandery was than the places he had known.

• Su Lingyue's cousin arrived with riders and asked whether anything had happened on the road.
• The White-robed Young Master told Su Lingyue that he had not frightened off the Shunchang Trading Firm convoy and warned that the firm was tied to suspicious incidents.
• Su Lingyue realized that Fang Yuan's convoy had intimidated the merchants and wondered whether he had entered the Martial Artist Arena.
• Fang Yuan continued toward the city with Han Bao and Eunuch Cao as the Shunchang Trading Firm convoy stayed behind.
• Fang Yuan reached the gates of Wushui Commandery City and reflected on the vast gap between it and Qinghe County.

Fang Yuan and Han Bao arrived at Wushui Commandery, where a local tale about the Mist Water Goddess raised Fang Yuan’s suspicions of a Black Calamity. At the city gate, Imperial City Security Department Captains mistook Fang Yuan for an attendant until Han Bao revealed that Eunuch Cao had brought him from Qinghe County as an outstanding talent.

• Han Bao told Fang Yuan the origins of Wushui Commandery’s name and the folk tale of the fisherwoman whose tears became a great fog.
• Fang Yuan wondered whether the fisherwoman tale described a Black Calamity, and Han Bao said an Imperial Court official had dismissed it as a countryside rumor.
• Four Imperial City Security Department Captains waited at the city gate, hoping to meet Eunuch Cao as his convoy approached.
• The Captains greeted Han Bao and asked whether Eunuch Cao was traveling with the convoy; Han Bao said he was resting in a carriage.
• Han Bao introduced Fang Yuan as an outstanding talent brought from Qinghe County by Eunuch Cao, prompting the Captains to flatter him.
• Su Lingyue watched from a carriage as the Captains crowded around Fang Yuan and bowed to him.

Fang Yuan entered Wushui Commandery with an escort from the Imperial City Security Department and received Eunuch Cao’s invitation to stay at Cao Mansion. The convoy reached the residence, leaving Fang Yuan to begin his new life in the commandery city.

• At the city gate, the Captains learned Fang Yuan came from Qinghe County and offered to arrange housing and servants for his family.
• Eunuch Cao told everyone that Fang Yuan would stay at Cao Mansion, then ordered the convoy to enter the city.
• Fang Yuan rode into the commandery city as the convoy passed the inspection lines without stopping, drawing awe from the waiting travelers.
• Han Bao led the convoy through the city streets to Cao Mansion, near the Inner City.

Fang Yuan and his family arrived at Eunuch Cao’s grand residence, where they would stay while Fang Yuan prepared to join the Imperial City Security Department. Liu Wanwan worried that living under Eunuch Cao’s roof was risky and suggested moving elsewhere, leaving Fang Yuan to consider her concern.

• Han Bao told Fang Yuan that Eunuch Cao would take him to the Imperial City Security Department the next day.
• Eunuch Cao welcomed Fang Yuan and his family to his residence, then frightened Little Bean Sprout by threatening to sell her to human traffickers.
• Wang Fugui decided to return to the Wang Family’s residence, while Chen Yin worried about what work she would do in the prefectural city.
• Liu Wanwan privately urged Fang Yuan to move out because she feared Eunuch Cao’s favor might not last and that living under his roof was dangerous.
• Fang Yuan recognized that Liu Wanwan and Chen Yin shared the same concern and appreciated Liu Wanwan’s clear judgment.

Fang Yuan settled into the grand residence with his companions and reassured Liu Wanwan that he would grow strong enough to overcome any danger. The next morning, he watched Eunuch Cao perform a strange cultivation routine and asked whether it was a Health Cultivation Method.

• Fang Yuan comforted Liu Wanwan and Chen Yin, resolving to become strong enough to dispel their worries.
• Han Bao offered to send Foolish Egg and Third Brother to train at the Imperial City Security Department, and Fang Yuan agreed.
• Han Bao showed Fang Yuan the residence, explained its history and the Han brothers’ quarters, and reminded him of important business the next morning.
• Fang Yuan woke to a notification that his Basic Health Preservation Method proficiency had increased by eight.
• Fang Yuan saw Eunuch Cao practicing strange, flowing movements in the courtyard and asked whether they were his Health Cultivation Method.

Eunuch Cao explained the Soft Bone Pulse-Nourishing Method and warned Fang Yuan that it was inferior to the Lesser Nourishing Origin Method. He described the County Martial Academy’s limited techniques and cautioned Fang Yuan not to rely on its reward.

• Eunuch Cao identified the Soft Bone Pulse-Nourishing Method as a low-grade Health Cultivation Method and advised Fang Yuan not to practice it.
• Eunuch Cao said Shouyi Temple and Buddhism had the strongest Health Cultivation Methods, and Fang Yuan decided to master the Lesser Nourishing Origin Method.
• Fang Yuan asked Eunuch Cao about the County Martial Academy and the Mid-grade Cultivation Techniques it offered.
• Eunuch Cao explained that the Imperial Court forced sects and Martial Arts Schools to send instructors to the academy after killing those who resisted.
• Eunuch Cao warned Fang Yuan that the academy’s Middle-grade techniques were scraps or required sect-specific resources, so Fang Yuan should not count on its reward.

Eunuch Cao explained which advanced saber techniques could follow Fang Yuan’s two contrasting styles and offered him choices at the County Martial Academy. Fang Yuan traveled with Eunuch Cao to claim his opportunity and saw how much more prominent martial artists were in the county city than in Qinghe County.

• Eunuch Cao recommended the Breaking Wave Saber Art as a suitable advanced technique for Fang Yuan’s Entangling Silk Saber Technique.
• Fang Yuan revealed that he had also cultivated the Five Tiger Severing Gate Saber Technique, and Eunuch Cao suggested the Sanhe Breaking Blade Technique or the Chain Rapid Saber Art as possible follow-ups.
• Han Bao announced that the carriage was ready, and Eunuch Cao invited Fang Yuan to go to the Martial Academy and claim his opportunity.
• Fang Yuan rode with Eunuch Cao in a four-horse carriage through the county city and noticed its wide streets and abundance of martial artists.