Chapter Summaries

Chen Chuan climbed to the Mountain God Temple to investigate a strange tale, but discovered that the threat was a headless Mountain Ghost statue rather than a spirit seeking offerings. After finding its missing head hidden in its belly, he restored it and watched the statue crumble, leaving the strange tale apparently resolved.

• Chen Chuan climbed to the Mountain God Temple and prepared offerings while waiting for the strange tale to appear.
• A headless Mountain Ghost statue appeared, and Chen Chuan realized that it sought its missing head rather than offerings.
• Chen Chuan tried to retreat, but the statue attacked and the invasion began rapidly weakening his Second Self.
• Chen Chuan noticed the account that the Mountain Ghost ate with its belly and used black insects to slow the statue.
• Chen Chuan reached into the statue's abdomen, pulled out its dried head, and placed it on the broken neck.
• The Mountain Ghost stopped moving, then crumbled into ash and soil.

After destroying the Mountain God Temple’s strange tale, Chen Chuan uncovered evidence that Esoteric Sect followers had once tried to use it and returned to the city to report his success. As his overlap time increased, Cheng Zitong told him that Old He had agreed to train him during the academy break, giving Chen Chuan a final chance to strengthen himself before the Mutual Aid Society reacted.

• Chen Chuan found a strange jawbone, ritual paper, and eight buried skeletons around the temple, then photographed the evidence before descending the mountain.
• Chen Chuan told the villagers the strange tale was gone, submitted the commission record to Ren Shu, and went to Cheng Zitong’s Training Hall to extend his overlap time.
• Chen Chuan trained for two days, then distributed the Macca People’s reward among his wilderness team at a farewell meal for Wei Changan.
• Lin Xiaodi told Chen Chuan she had passed the entrance exam and hoped to join Wuyi Academy after the second round.
• Cheng Zitong told Chen Chuan that Old He had agreed to intensive training during the academy break, and Chen Chuan resolved to make the most of it.

Chen Chuan left for Luo Ya Ancient City to undergo intensive combat training with He Xiaoxing, after Gao Ming helped him assess the threat posed by Liu Zhan and the Mutual Aid Society. He arrived at the hotel and discovered an unexpected visitor sitting on his bed.

• Chen Chuan discussed his internship options with Nian Fuli and told him that his teacher might have plans for him.
• Gao Ming analyzed Liu Zhan's transfer and the threat from the Mutual Aid Society, then gave Chen Chuan a contingency plan and agreed to handle Zhuo Bao's lawsuit.
• Chen Chuan told Gao Ming that Cheng Zitong had arranged for him to train with He Xiaoxing, and Gao Ming said the training could help make up for his combat-strength gap.
• Chen Chuan traveled by train to Luo Ya Ancient City, where He Xiaoxing had arranged for him to wait at an old hotel.
• When someone knocked near evening, Chen Chuan sensed no one outside and turned to find an unknown person sitting on his bed.

Chen Chuan arrived at He Xiaoxing’s lakeside training grounds and prepared to begin intensive combat training. He Xiaoxing explained that Chen Chuan’s training would focus on awakening his mutated internal organs, and their wilderness training was set to begin that morning.

• Chang Ba picked Chen Chuan up and drove him to his family’s lakeside inn, telling him about the Serpent Sparrow Stance He Xiaoxing had taught him.
• Chen Chuan met He Xiaoxing, who warned that combat power alone would not be enough to deal with the Mutual Aid Society and scheduled their training to begin early the next day.
• Chang Ba found Chen Chuan a vacant house, where Chen Chuan settled in, trained, and watched a bonfire party beside the lake.
• Chen Chuan arrived at the Training Hall at five in the morning carrying his daily necessities and Snow Monarch Blade.
• He Xiaoxing told Chen Chuan to forget any special techniques he had learned and explained that Second Limit training now focused on awakening the six bowels and generating the five viscera.

He Xiaoxing began Chen Chuan’s training in internal breathing guidance by having him use the Stone Algae in Dan Lake to awaken his mutated tissue. Chen Chuan struggled at first, then found a way to coordinate all his mutated tissue and mastered the technique overnight, leaving He Xiaoxing to inspect his progress the next morning.

• He Xiaoxing explained that mutated organs needed to be awakened and brought Chen Chuan to Dan Lake for training.
• Chen Chuan immersed his arm in the lake, absorbed Stone Algae, and expelled it easily using external breathing guidance.
• He Xiaoxing taught Chen Chuan internal breathing guidance and gave him one day to master it; Chen Chuan chose to stay by the lake and practice.
• After struggling through the day, Chen Chuan realized he could use all his mutated tissue together and cleared the algae from his arm.
• The next morning, He Xiaoxing and Chang Ba arrived to find Chen Chuan soaking his feet in the lake, with no redness on his legs or feet.

Chen Chuan began underwater endurance training in a pit of viscous red water, using internal breathing and his Mutated Tissue to withstand the pressure and Stone Algae. After he endured four hours and recovered, He Xiaoxing explained how willpower and gradual stimulation could awaken and develop a Fighter’s potential, then said Chen Chuan qualified for the next phase.

• He Xiaoxing took Chen Chuan to a field of red-water pits and assigned him underwater endurance training.
• Chang Ba helped Chen Chuan put on a diving suit, and Chen Chuan entered a pit to practice internal breathing under pressure.
• While He Xiaoxing waited nearby, Chang Ba read and grilled lamb as Chen Chuan remained underwater for four hours.
• He Xiaoxing signaled Chang Ba to lower a rope, and Chen Chuan used it to leave the pit before replenishing himself with Nutrient Paste.
• He Xiaoxing explained how a Fighter’s willpower and gradual training could awaken Mutated Tissue, then told Chen Chuan he had roughly qualified for the next phase.

Chen Chuan trained to swim through underwater passages and collect metal tags, but he had to improve before he could advance to the final stage. After recovering overnight, he returned with Chang Ba and He Xiaoxing to a fenced area near the training pits.

• He Xiaoxing set Chen Chuan a timed underwater swimming task, requiring him to find hidden metal tags in the connected shafts.
• Chen Chuan made three attempts, finding four tags on his first and third dives and six on his second, while He Xiaoxing monitored him and placed tags.
• He Xiaoxing told Chen Chuan to find twelve tags within one hour within three days before they could proceed to the final training stage.
• Chen Chuan rested at the inn, listened to radio programs about Luo Ya Ancient City, and slept until four in the morning, fully recovering from his injuries.
• Chen Chuan joined Chang Ba and He Xiaoxing in the car and traveled to a fenced area near the pits.

Chen Chuan struggled to meet He Xiaoxing’s underwater training standard until he learned to release and control his emotions without losing his reason. He touched fifteen signs in a new pit, and He Xiaoxing declared that he had passed this stage of training.

• He Xiaoxing moved Chen Chuan through unfamiliar underwater routes over two days, but Chen Chuan’s best result remained eleven signs, below the required standard.
• As Chang Ba grilled mutton beside the bonfire, He Xiaoxing explained how conviction could awaken and guide dormant Mutated Tissue without surrendering to uncontrolled emotions.
• Chen Chuan reflected on the lesson and resolved to rely on his original body’s strength while finding a way to loosen his restraints without losing control.
• The next morning, Chen Chuan entered an unfamiliar pit and spent five minutes releasing his emotional restraints while maintaining his reason through unwavering conviction.
• Chen Chuan swam faster than before and touched fifteen signs, then stopped within the allotted hour.
• He Xiaoxing praised Chen Chuan for releasing and restraining himself and confirmed that he had met the training requirements.

Chen Chuan began the dangerous underwater training at an abandoned aquatic research facility, learning about its vicious fish before diving in to retrieve markers. After escaping a powerful current and a more aggressive Stone Algae attack, he sensed something rushing toward him underwater.

• Chang Ba explained that the next training involved diving through the fenced-off research site to retrieve markers, and Chen Chuan agreed to try it.
• Chang Ba showed Chen Chuan several dangerous fish and described their abilities, while He Xiaoxing warned him about the toxins and underwater hazards.
• Chen Chuan studied Chang Ba’s drawings of local fish, put on a diving suit, and entered the underwater passages.
• A sudden torrent swept Chen Chuan through a tunnel, but he used his Mutated Tissue and grip on the wall to climb back toward safety.
• Stronger Stone Algae attacked Chen Chuan and reduced his available oxygen, but he forced them out and swam clear of the affected water.
• Chen Chuan sensed something moving toward him at incredible speed before he could relax.

Chen Chuan navigated a dangerous underwater training area, escaped several fish and aquatic hazards, and surfaced after nearly an hour. After recognizing how much he still needed to improve, he chose to continue his earlier training before attempting the underwater route again.

• Chen Chuan avoided a charging school of Hardhead Bluefish and used his expelled toxins to deter the Man-eating Fish pursuing him.
• Chen Chuan escaped serrated aquatic grass by contracting his muscles and slipped past a hidden snapping creature in a narrow pit.
• Chen Chuan found two markers, then followed the current through a passage and surfaced as Chang Ba called out to him.
• Chang Ba collected the Man-eating Fish Chen Chuan had knocked onto the surface and praised him for lasting nearly an hour underwater.
• He Xiaoxing left Chen Chuan to set his own goals, and Chen Chuan chose to strengthen his foundation through his previous training before returning to the underwater area.

Chen Chuan intensified his underwater training and passed the testing-ground challenge by reaching twelve signs within an hour. He Xiaoxing taught him the Furnace Breathing Method and ended his training arrangements, but Chen Chuan chose to try the waters once more before leaving.

• Chen Chuan trained repeatedly in unfamiliar underwater areas, shortened his rest periods, and gradually adapted to the demanding routine.
• After ten days of training, Chen Chuan returned to the testing ground and reached exactly twelve signs within an hour.
• Chang Ba celebrated Chen Chuan's success and promised that the Chang Family Inn would be free for him.
• He Xiaoxing taught Chen Chuan the Purity Faction's Furnace Breathing Method, which stored energy in Mutated Tissue for later release.
• He Xiaoxing ended his training arrangements, but Chen Chuan asked to attempt the waters once more before leaving, and He Xiaoxing agreed.

Chen Chuan trained in the Furnace Breathing Method and completed the submerged crossing by relying on speed, strength, and his Second Self. He left town the next morning with Chang Ba’s illustrated booklet, while He Xiaoxing watched him go and later placed their photograph beside an older one.

• Chen Chuan read He Xiaoxing’s booklet, learned the Furnace Breathing Method’s warnings about restraint and stored energy, and began practicing it.
• Chen Chuan spent more than ten days training, used up nearly all his medicine, and returned to the testing ground on July 30.
• Chen Chuan surpassed twelve markers, merged with his Second Self, and swam through the submerged course without avoiding its currents or fish before emerging safely.
• Chen Chuan told He Xiaoxing he would return home, then said farewell to him and the people he had met in town.
• Chang Ba gave Chen Chuan a booklet of drawings and drove him to the station after they took a photograph with He Xiaoxing.
• He Xiaoxing received the framed photograph and placed it beside an older photograph of himself with a young man at Wuyi Academy.

Chen Chuan returned to Yangzhi City with a fresh supply of medicine and learned that gang violence and Resistance Organization attacks had put the city on alert. Meanwhile, Wei Jun tried to secure another student’s place on the Central City recommendation list, then received news that made him ask where someone was waiting.

• Chen Chuan collected medicine from Old Ou at Feng Ji Pharmacy in Shangbu City before traveling back to Yangzhi City.
• At the passenger station, Patrol Bureau officer Xu Gui told Chen Chuan that the Blood Scar Gang and Iron Chain Gang conflict had intensified and the Resistance Organization had bombed the railway and attacked the station.
• Chen Chuan returned to his aunt’s home, gave his relatives local specialties and gifts, and heard that his teacher was calling.
• Wei Jun met Qiao Rong, Jiang Wei, and Shao Xiaobie, then pressed Qiao Rong or Jiang Wei to give up a Central City recommendation spot.
• After the Butler whispered news to him, Wei Jun asked where the person was waiting.

Gan Dayao revealed that Chen Chuan had received a concealed recommendation from the Foreign Affairs Bureau, prompting Wei Jun and the Mutual Aid Society to see him as a threat. Chen Chuan prepared to meet Gao Ming at the Training Hall as Shao Xiaobie arranged to have him eliminated.

• Gan Dayao traded news of Liu Zhan's recommendation for Chen Chuan for a transfer to the Water Affairs Bureau, then told Wei Jun the student’s name.
• Cheng Zitong warned Chen Chuan that Liu Zhan's transfer was nearly settled and a storm might be coming; Chen Chuan called Gao Ming to meet him at the Training Hall.
• Wei Jun read the recommendation file and told Qiao Rong, Shao Xiaobie, and Jiang Wei that Chen Chuan's achievements and recommendation could threaten their plans.
• Jiang Wei warned that Chen Chuan could earn an Infinite Defense Certificate and seek a Central City spot, and Wei Jun ordered the group to prevent any complications.
• Shao Xiaobie learned that Chen Chuan trained at Cheng Zitong's hall, dismissed the risk posed by his teacher, and promised Wei Jun he would use outsiders to handle Chen Chuan cleanly.

Chen Chuan prepared for an attempt on his life and drew his enemies to an isolated lakeside park. When a group of armed attackers ambushed him, he revealed his Third Limit strength and killed them all before calmly leaving.

• Gao Ming warned Chen Chuan that the Yangzhi City Mutual Aid Society would likely try to eliminate him, and Chen Chuan decided to wait for an attack.
• Chen Chuan trained daily at a remote lakeside park, while Director Lei warned him to be careful and offered him a safe place.
• More than a dozen armed men, including the Second Limit expert Lao Ma, set an ambush as Chen Chuan practiced with his blade.
• When Pi Zi aimed at him, Chen Chuan vanished from view and charged through the attackers, cutting down several before killing the gunmen who fired at him.
• The crew-cut leader realized the intelligence was wrong and Chen Chuan was Third Limit, but Chen Chuan killed him and the remaining attackers before sheathing his blade and leaving.

After Chen Chuan survived an attack by Suo Pingtou’s mercenaries, he and Gao Ming prepared for the Mutual Aid Society’s next move while Nian Fuli sent a team to Quan Zhou District. Shao Xiaobie arranged to provoke the Blood Scar Gang into attacking Chen Chuan, and Zhuo Bao set out for Chen Chuan’s training hall with armed men.

• Team Leader Qian’s patrol confirmed that Suo Pingtou and all his mercenaries had been killed, then cleared the lakeside park.
• Chen Chuan told Nian Fuli about the attack, and Nian Fuli ordered Xiao Wu to transfer a bureau team to Quan Zhou District.
• Chen Chuan and Gao Ming discussed how to use the failed attack to draw out the people behind it and resolve the threat.
• Shao Xiaobie rejected hiring more outsiders or targeting Chen Chuan’s family, then agreed with his Butler to incite Zhuo Bao against Chen Chuan.
• After taking Anti-Alienation Drug, Zhuo Bao ordered his men to bring guns and drive to Number 17 Xiuyi Street.

The Patrol Bureau ambushed the Blood Scar Gang after it arrived to attack Chen Chuan, killing Zhuo Bao and the gang members. Wei Jun then hired Tan Wang to deal with Chen Chuan, and the chapter ended as Jing Lin charged at Chen Chuan in Lakeside Park.

• Zhuo Bao led the Blood Scar Gang to the Training Hall, but a Patrol Bureau sniper killed him and officers wiped out the gang.
• Xiao Wu checked for survivors, ordered the gang to collect the bodies, and led the Patrol Bureau officers away.
• Shao Xiaobie told Wei Jun his attempt to deal with Chen Chuan had failed, so Wei Jun contacted Tan Wang for help.
• Wei Jun offered Tan Wang support and cultivation resources in exchange for targeting Chen Chuan, and Tan Wang accepted after receiving Chen Chuan's file.
• Tan Wang's car headed toward Lu Lake, while Chen Chuan went to Lakeside Park to practice.
• Jing Lin confronted Chen Chuan at the park and charged at him with his scaled hands.

Chen Chuan defeated Jing Lin and began fighting Tan Wang, using the Second Self to match the Third Limit Fighter’s speed. The battle continued in the torrential rain as Chen Chuan tried to drain Tan Wang’s stamina.

• Chen Chuan knocked Jing Lin unconscious with a single blow and turned his attention to Tan Wang.
• Tan Wang left his car and approached Chen Chuan, who said Tan Wang was an indispensable piece of the puzzle.
• Tan Wang attacked at Third Limit speed, but Chen Chuan merged with the Second Self and countered with a rapid series of blade strikes.
• Tan Wang blocked Chen Chuan’s blows with his Implant Scale Armor and escaped the blade’s momentum as the rain began to pour.
• Tan Wang suspected Chen Chuan was using a drug and waited for its effects to fade, while Chen Chuan pressed the attack to wear him down.
• Chen Chuan and Tan Wang blurred into motion, and rapid clashes rang out between them.

Chen Chuan fought Tan Wang through a prolonged battle in the rain, then used the Furnace Breathing Method and Heavy Slash Knife Force to defeat him. Tan Wang fled after losing an arm and suffering a deep wound, but Chen Chuan caught him and beat him unconscious as the storm began to fade.

• Tan Wang’s mismatched Implant Body and declining stamina began to disrupt his fighting rhythm, which Chen Chuan noticed and exploited.
• Tan Wang used serpent-like limbs to bind Chen Chuan’s blade and tried to grapple him, but Chen Chuan broke free and forced them back into a sword fight.
• Tan Wang activated a breathing method to stimulate his Mutated Tissue, and Chen Chuan answered with the Furnace Breathing Method, greatly increasing his speed and power.
• Chen Chuan used the Heavy Slash Knife Force with the Snow Monarch Blade to sever Tan Wang’s arm, then cut a deep gash across his chest and abdomen.
• Tan Wang tried to escape, but Chen Chuan caught him and repeatedly punched him until he lost consciousness.
• Chen Chuan released Tan Wang and steadied his breathing as the rain weakened.

Chen Chuan defeated Tan Wang and took him captive, giving him leverage against the Mutual Aid Society. Wei Jun learned that Chen Chuan had beaten Tan Wang and, with Jiang Wei and Shao Xiaobie, considered using the same method they had used against Shen Zheng; Chen Chuan then received an urgent warning from Cheng Zitong.

• Chen Chuan called Gao Ming to the park, put the badly injured Tan Wang in Gao Ming’s trunk, and took Tan Wang’s belongings back to the training hall.
• Wei Jun learned from the drivers and investigators that Chen Chuan had defeated Tan Wang, while Jing Lin had been found unconscious and severely injured.
• Wei Jun summoned Jiang Wei and Shao Xiaobie, and they concluded that violence or a lawsuit would not work and proposed dealing with Chen Chuan as they had dealt with Shen Zheng.
• Wei Jun called Brother Zhao for help after acknowledging that he could not decide alone whether to use the old method.
• Gao Ming warned Chen Chuan that the Mutual Aid Society might target him as it had Shen Zheng, and Cheng Zitong called to warn him about Tan Wang, only for Chen Chuan to say Tan Wang was already safely in custody.