Chapter Summaries

Chen Qing ambushed Wang Ying and Duan Ye, then infiltrated the Blackwater Gang’s hall and killed several gang members before fighting Jiang Hui. Jiang Hui escaped the courtyard badly wounded, and Chen Qing pursued him into a dark alley.

• Chen Qing killed Wang Ying and Duan Ye in an alley and searched their bodies before slipping away.
• Jiang Hui discussed the Blackwater Gang’s plans to seize the Yang Family girl and dismissed the Chen Family as no threat.
• Chen Qing disguised himself as an injured messenger, entered the gang’s hall, and killed Skinny Monkey and three other gang members.
• Jiang Hui recognized Chen Qing as an impostor, and the two fought with sabers and hidden weapons.
• Chen Qing struck Jiang Hui with a powerful palm attack, sending him through a wall, and pursued him as he fled into a dark alley.

Chen Qing killed Jiang Hui and wiped out the Blackwater Gang, then concealed his role while Captain He Kai questioned Chen Heng about the massacre. He Kai decided Chen Heng was too weak to be the killer and released him, leaving the real culprit unidentified.

• Chen Qing killed Jiang Hui, took his belongings, and returned home to destroy his bloodstained clothes and wash away the evidence.
• He Kai found the Blackwater Gang dead and ordered the County Yamen to search for the killer, furious that his source of income had been destroyed.
• Chen Heng's family learned the gang had been slaughtered and assumed Chen Heng had arranged it through his senior brother Lin Chong.
• Yamen runners took Chen Heng to the County Yamen, where He Kai questioned and kicked him after hearing about his attempts to seek help for his aunt's family.
• He Kai concluded Chen Heng was too weak to have killed Jiang Hui and released him, warning him not to meddle in matters beyond his reach.

At Zhou Academy, He Yan prepared to attempt another breakthrough while Chen Qing continued training and congratulated Sun Shun on his newborn son. Sun Shun warned Chen Qing that Commander Pang was returning to Gaolin County, potentially stirring conflict with the Five Great Families, while the other disciples misread Chen Qing’s gift and dismissed him.

• He Yan told Chen Qing his Qi and Blood had fully accumulated and that he would soon attempt to break through to Hidden Strength again.
• Chen Qing gave Sun Shun handmade tiger-head shoes to celebrate the birth of his son, and Sun Shun invited him to the full-month feast.
• Sun Shun warned Chen Qing that Commander Pang was returning after mourning, raising the prospect of conflict with the Five Great Families.
• Sun Shun said Guo's business had cut its support and that he might need another path if he failed the Martial Arts Examination.
• Luo Qian, Zheng Ziqiao, and Qin Lie assumed Chen Qing regretted refusing to join their small gathering, but Zhou Yu ended the discussion and pointed out the gift was only tiger-head shoes.

Chen Qing joined the River Bureau’s preparations for Commander Pang Qinghai’s return and witnessed the powerful gangs, clans, and martial schools gather to greet him. After Pang’s arrival, Chen Qing learned about the Wutai Sect and its extraordinary influence, while the immediate challenge ahead remained unresolved.

• Chen Qing went to Clear River Wharf for an emergency assembly and received orders to guard South River for Commander Pang Qinghai’s return.
• Chen Qing watched the Blood River Gang, Iron Hand Gang, martial schools, and other powerful groups gather, and memorized the experts present.
• Zhu Qing arrived on behalf of the Five Great Clans, and Pang Qinghai’s boat soon appeared on the river.
• Pang Qinghai and Zhu Qing greeted each other warmly before Pang Qinghai headed toward the Inner City.
• Cheng Ming explained the Wutai Sect’s power and Pang Qinghai’s connection to it, leaving Chen Qing to wonder about realms beyond Transforming Strength.

Chen Qing returned home amid rising danger and heard of a fisherman attacked by thugs, then warned his mother to be careful. At Zhou Academy, He Yan revealed that a failed breakthrough had damaged his foundation, and he left the academy after urging Chen Qing to keep pursuing martial arts.

• Chen Qing learned that Old Liu's boy had been robbed and badly injured, then warned Madam Han that she also needed to stay cautious.
• Chen Qing entered Zhou Academy and found He Yan pale and despondent after his breakthrough failed and damaged his foundation.
• He Yan continued attending the academy but grew withdrawn, while Qin Lie mocked the idea that hard work could overcome a lack of talent.
• He Yan arrived with a bundle and told Chen Qing he had decided to leave because his dream of changing his fate through martial arts was shattered.
• He Yan praised Chen Qing's diligence, urged him not to give up, and departed through the rear gate of Zhou Academy.

Chen Qing continued training at Zhou Academy while Qin Lie and other disciples signed up for the Commandant’s bandit suppression at Bailang Bay. At the Chen family home, Chen Heng pushed his grandfather to seek money from relatives for Blood Vitality Pills, and the old master reluctantly agreed.

• Chen Qing trained until his Tongbei Stance reached Minor Accomplishment (951/1000) and thought he would soon break through the barrier again.
• Sun Shun announced the bandit suppression at Bailang Bay and described the rewards and the forces backing the operation.
• Qin Lie volunteered to join the suppression for combat experience, while Chen Qing declined because he considered it too dangerous.
• Chen Heng told Old Master Chen that he needed Blood Vitality Pills to break through to Hidden Strength and that two pills would cost six taels of silver.
• Second Aunt urged Old Master Chen to ask relatives for money, and Chen Heng pressured him by promising the family would benefit from his future success.
• Old Master Chen agreed to let Second Aunt and Chen Heng visit Eldest Aunt for money and said he would approach Eldest Brother’s household himself.

Madam Han refused Old Master Chen’s request to borrow money for Chen Xiao Heng’s Blood Vitality Pills, laying bare the hardship she and Chen Qing had endured. Cheng Ming then sought more support for Chen Qing’s breakthrough, and Cheng Huan reluctantly agreed to provide a few liang of silver.

• Old Master Chen visited Madam Han to ask for money for Chen Xiao Heng’s Blood Vitality Pills, but Madam Han confronted him with the family’s poverty and sent him away without lending anything.
• Chen Qing returned to find Madam Han with red eyes, and she explained that she had cried poverty to stop Old Master Chen from borrowing money.
• At the River Bureau, Cheng Ming asked Chen Qing about his progress toward Hidden Strength and offered to seek more Blood Vitality Powder for him.
• Cheng Huan objected to spending more of the Cheng Family’s limited funds on Chen Qing, doubting his potential and the value of the investment.
• Cheng Huan changed her mind and authorized Cheng Ming to give Chen Qing a few liang of silver, warning that there would be no next time.

Chen Qing received two additional Blood Vitality Pills each month and secretly broke through to Hidden Strength after relentless training. He returned home and learned that the Yang Family hoped to raise capital to open a small shop in Baihua Lane.

• Cheng Ming told Chen Qing that his eldest sister had agreed to provide him with two extra Blood Vitality Pills every month.
• Chen Qing trained alone at Zhou Academy and endured the painful process of catalyzing Hidden Strength.
• Chen Qing reached Hidden Strength and saw his Tongbei Stance Practice advance to Mastery (1/2000).
• Chen Qing decided to tell Zhou Liang about his breakthrough and ask about further cultivation and resources.
• Chen Qing returned home late and heard from Madam Han that the Yang Family wanted to open a shop in Baihua Lane, though she worried about the cost and risk.

Chen Qing continued training and guiding Song Yufeng before Zhou Liang discovered that Chen Qing had reached Hidden Strength. Zhou Liang gave him advice and Blood Condensing Pills, leaving Chen Qing with a new source of support as he began consolidating his breakthrough.

• Chen Qing corrected Song Yufeng's Tongbei Fist and continued practicing toward Major Mastery.
• Qin Lie returned from the campaign against the bandits, and Zhou Liang welcomed him into the backyard while the disciples discussed the expedition.
• Zhou Liang found Chen Qing training late at night and recognized that he had reached Hidden Strength the previous day.
• Chen Qing told Zhou Liang he had entered the academy the previous November, and Zhou Liang advised him to consolidate his Qi and Blood and temper his Hidden Strength.
• Zhou Liang gave Chen Qing three Blood Condensing Pills and promised to provide him with three more on the fifth day of each month.

Chen Qing was ambushed by three coordinated attackers and used Tongbei Fist techniques to counter their assault. He broke the lanky man's leg and, as the short, burly man attacked his lower back, Chen Qing spun to strike at his wrist.

• Chen Qing dodged the short, burly man's grappling attack and struck him with a collision.
• The short, burly man called in two accomplices, who attacked Chen Qing from both sides with a blade and a heavy punch.
• Chen Qing evaded the coordinated attack, nearly struck the sturdy man in the groin, and escaped the short, burly man's attempt to seize his ankle.
• Chen Qing struck the lanky man’s wrist, swept his supporting leg, and broke his shin.
• The short, burly man attacked Chen Qing’s knee and lower back, but Chen Qing spun and drove his elbow toward the attacker’s wrist.

Chen Qing killed three men who ambushed him on his way home, disposed of their bodies, and returned safely to Madam Han. The next day, news spread that Qin Lie had attended Lord Commandant Pang Qinghai’s banquet, and the chapter ended with Zhou Liang summoning Qin Lie to the backyard.

• Chen Qing defeated and killed the three attackers, then searched them for money and Blood Vitality Pills.
• Chen Qing sank the bodies in a tributary of the South River and told Madam Han that his master had kept him late.
• Chen Qing examined his spoils and decided he would not travel at night again.
• At Zhou Academy, disciples discussed Qin Lie attending Lord Commandant Pang Qinghai’s banquet with prominent young fighters from Gaolin County.
• Chen Qing warned Song Yufeng not to neglect training, and Zhou Liang summoned the returning Qin Lie to the backyard.

The Cheng Family faced losing control of Niangniang Temple Wharf to the Wu Family, whose champion Tian Yaozong seemed too formidable to challenge. At Zhou Academy, Chen Qing learned how the approaching Martial Arts Examination worked and resolved to strengthen himself, before a commotion interrupted the afternoon.

• Cheng Huan learned that merchants had shifted to the Ning Family's ships and that the Wu Family was using its Canal Transport Office connections to contest Niangniang Temple Wharf.
• Cheng Huan and Cheng Ming judged that the injured Jiang Yang could not face the Wu Family's likely champion, Tian Yaozong, and decided to yield half the wharf rather than risk a ruinous fight.
• Cheng Ming told Chen Qing that the Cheng Family sponsorship would be delayed, and Chen Qing went to Zhou Academy to train for the Martial Arts Examination.
• Sun Shun explained that the examination tested strength and vitality as well as skill and courage, with only the top fifty candidates earning the title of Martial Scholar.
• Chen Qing considered the competition and the need to improve his strength, then Sun Shun hurried toward a commotion elsewhere in the academy.

Qin Lie publicly broke with Zheng Ziqiao, while Chen Qing advanced his Tongbei Fist and continued training at Zhou Academy. Returning to Yazi Bay, Chen Qing learned of Xiao Chun’s ruinous debt and saw how hardship had changed Er Ya.

• Qin Lie rejected Zheng Ziqiao’s attempt to smooth things over, and Luo Qian left the courtyard in anger as rumors spread among the disciples.
• Chen Qing reached Mastery in Tongbei Fist and focused on learning how to temper Hidden Strength.
• Zheng Ziqiao tried to repair his relationship with Qin Lie, while Luo Qian stayed away and Qin Lie grew busy with visitors and extra lessons from Zhou Liang.
• Chen Qing found that loan sharks had ransacked Da Chun’s home over Xiao Chun’s unpaid debt after Xiao Chun borrowed money for a Chuan Shu.
• Er Ya told Chen Qing that Liang Badou was thriving at the County Yamen and that Li Hu had disappeared, then hurried back to her employer’s household.
• Chen Qing noticed that Er Ya had become timid and submissive after serving in a wealthy household.

On the River God Festival, Chen Qing heard that Gaolin County’s major forces were recruiting martial artists and then learned that Commandant Pang Qinghai had been assassinated during the sacrificial ceremony. As panic spread, Old Li summoned Chen Qing to come with him.

• Chen Qing met Sun Shun, Zhou Yu, and Li Rongrong at a teahouse while patrolling South River Wharf.
• Sun Shun and Li Rongrong described the rising salaries and benefits offered by Gaolin County’s forces to recruit martial artists, and Zhou Yu encouraged Chen Qing to consider a part-time appointment.
• Gao Sheng of Songfeng Martial Arts School entered the teahouse with several men, prompting Sun Shun to warn Chen Qing about the long-running feud between the school and Zhou Academy.
• A panicked man announced that Commandant Pang Qinghai had been assassinated at the River God Festival sacrificial ceremony, shocking the teahouse patrons.
• Old Li from the River Bureau called out to Chen Qing and urged him to come with him immediately.

After river bandits attacked the river ceremony and gravely wounded Commandant Pang Qinghai, Chen Qing helped keep order and learned that three assassins had escaped. At Zhou Academy, Zhou Liang summoned Chen Qing with six elite disciples, and Chen Qing revealed that he had broken through the barrier twice, surprising his fellow students.

• Chen Qing and Old Man Li evacuated panicked civilians after masked assassins attacked the ceremony, killing and wounding officials.
• Cheng Ming told Chen Qing and Old Man Li that Pang Qinghai was unconscious, five of the eight assassins had died, and three had escaped; several dead attackers were identified as river bandits.
• Chen Qing returned home through a city under martial lockdown and hoped the turmoil would not interfere with his boxing practice.
• At Zhou Academy, Zhou Liang called Chen Qing and six elite disciples to stay behind that evening.
• Sun Shun asked whether Chen Qing had broken through, and Chen Qing admitted that he had; Zhou Yu and the other disciples congratulated him while Luo Qian remained distant.

Zhou Liang warned the disciples not to take sides over Commander Pang’s ambush and explained the upcoming Martial Arts Examination. Afterward, Qin Lie tried to recruit Chen Qing as a follower, then attacked him when Chen refused, leaving their conflict concealed from Zhou Yu.

• Zhou Liang cautioned the disciples against rashly choosing sides while Commander Pang’s fate remained unknown, then outlined the Martial Arts Examination and its rewards.
• Zhou Liang judged Qin Lie a strong candidate to pass with distinction and thought Chen Qing was too newly advanced in Hidden Strength to succeed this time.
• Qin Lie praised Chen Qing’s perseverance and urged him to follow, but Chen Qing refused and started to leave.
• Qin Lie attacked Chen Qing’s shoulder, and Chen Qing countered with a Tongbei Fist strike, forcing both men back a step.
• Zhou Yu interrupted them, and Qin Lie claimed they had only been exchanging pointers before leaving with a cold look.
• Chen Qing reassured Zhou Yu that he was unharmed and then left the courtyard.

After Chen Qing reached Hidden Strength, Cheng Ming increased his support and gave him a Golden Horn Treasure Fish to aid his training for the approaching Martial Arts Examination. At home, Chen Qing prepared the fish, cared for Madam Han, and added Qin Lie’s name to a blackened booklet.

• Chen Qing told Cheng Ming he had reached Hidden Strength, and Cheng Ming raised his monthly allowance and promised him a one-year Golden Horn Treasure Fish each month.
• Cheng Ming gave Chen Qing a one-and-a-half-year Golden Horn Treasure Fish and excused him from patrol duty so he could focus on martial training.
• Chen Qing returned home, comforted Madam Han, and promised they would eventually move off the boat.
• Chen Qing stewed the Treasure Fish and found that a sip of its broth made his Qi and Blood surge more strongly than Blood Vitality Pills.
• Chen Qing opened a blackened booklet beneath his bed and wrote Qin Lie’s name above the crossed-out names of Qian Biao and Song Tie.

Two days before the Martial Arts Examination, Chen Heng's family sacrificed what little they had to support his hopes, while Chen Qing refused an offer to join the Li Family and stayed with the River Bureau. At Zhou Academy, Zhou Liang judged Qin Lie the disciple most likely to pass the examination.

• Chen Jinhua brought eggs for Chen Heng, and Old Master Chen urged him to win honor for the family; Chen Heng promised to give the examination his all while suggesting its outcome rested with Heaven.
• Liu Xiaolou offered Chen Qing a place with the Li Family alongside Wu Lin and Zhang Cang, but Chen Qing declined and chose to remain at the River Bureau.
• Chen Qing returned his attention to training, determined not to waste the remaining effects of the Treasure Fish soup.
• Zhou Yu asked Zhou Liang to assess the academy's candidates, and he judged Sun Shun's chances low and dismissed Zheng Ziqiao and Qi Wenhan for lacking resolve.
• Zhou Liang concluded that Qin Lie's talent and perseverance made him Zhou Academy's best hope of passing the Martial Arts Examination.

The Martial Arts Examination began in Gaolin County, and Chen Qing assessed the candidates’ strength as he prepared for the first round. The results left him waiting to compete while Sun Shun and Luo Qian earned lower Yi grades.

• Xu Fang spotted Chen Qing among the candidates, while Xu Xiuhua dismissed his chances because he came from Yazi Bay.
• The chief examiner declared the examination open and warned that cheating would be punished under military law.
• Chen Qing watched the candidates draw bows and resolved to secure a strong result in the strength-and-vitality round.
• Sun Shun drew a seven-stone bow five times for a middle Yi grade, while Luo Qian drew one three times for a lower Yi grade.
• Most of Zhou Academy’s ordinary disciples failed to draw more than three- or four-stone bows and were eliminated.

Zhou Yu earned a middle Grade B, and Qin Lie impressed the crowd by drawing the Nine Stone Bow five times for a lower Grade A. Chen Qing then shocked everyone by attempting the Ten Stone Bow, which began to tremble under his strength.

• Zhou Yu drew the Eight Stone Bow once and received a middle Grade B.
• Qin Lie drew the Nine Stone Bow five times and received a lower Grade A, delighting Zhou Academy.
• Chen Heng drew a Four Stone Bow and received a middle Grade C.
• Chen Qing ignored the lighter bows and walked straight to the Ten Stone Bow.
• Chen Qing’s Internal Force surged as he drew the Ten Stone Bow, and its string began to tremble as the crowd reacted in shock.