Chapter Summaries

Jiang Li received his hundred-tael pension, while Constable Feng explained that he had treated the family deferentially because Shen Congyun valued Jiang Ning. That night, Jiang Ning and Wang Jin saw Shen Congyun off as he left for Guangning Prefecture, where he would face no serious punishment but would be away from Luoshui County for a while.

• Constable Feng delivered Jiang Li's hundred-tael pension and apologized for neglecting him, then later told Yang Zong he wanted to avoid offending Jiang Ning, whom Shen Congyun had singled out.
• Jiang Li planned to spend some of the pension on clothes for his wife and offer Jiang Ning fifty taels, but Jiang Ning declined the money.
• Jiang Ning went to the East Gate to see Shen Congyun off, where he met Wang Jin and Qingyi as Shen's carriage arrived.
• Shen Congyun warned Jiang Ning to beware the Cao Family and told Wang Jin that Cao Rong might reach Sixth Rank within a year or two.
• Shen Congyun told Jiang Ning to find Qingyi after reaching Qi and Blood Completion, urged him to join the Patrol Office, and departed for Guangning Prefecture.

After Shen Congyun left Luoshui County, Jiang Ning used 20 Source Energy to break through his Firewood Chopping Blade Technique again and gained the Blade Like the Wind trait. His blade speed and strength increased, and he planned how to keep developing his skills.

• Qingyi told Jiang Ning he could seek her help at Myriad Blossom Pavilion within reasonable limits, and Jiang Ning called her Sister Lin.
• Cao Bin learned that Shen Congyun had left and felt relieved, while the Cao Family spread the news through the city.
• Jiang Ning practiced the Five Animal Frolics Fist and calculated that he was nearing the point where his blood and qi could become perfected.
• Jiang Ning spent 20 Source Energy to reach the Firewood Chopping Blade Technique's Second Limit Break and gained the Blade Like the Wind trait.
• Jiang Ning tested his new speed with his saber, then lifted a five-hundred-jin stone dumbbell with each arm and found that both arms could manage the weight.
• Jiang Ning reviewed his skills and set goals to build Source Energy, improve his Literacy and fist technique, and continue practicing the blade technique.

Jiang Ning reached Great Accomplishment of Qi and Blood, impressing Wang Jin, who promised to provide for his martial training and encouraged him to pursue a place in the Patrol Office. Ten days later, Jiang Ning continued advancing his skills and judged that Qi and Blood Completion and the next realm of the Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill were close.

• Jiang Ning struck a wooden post with enough force to astonish Wang Jin, then confirmed that his Qi and Blood had reached Great Accomplishment, Penetrating Limbs.
• Wang Jin asked whether Jiang Ning wanted to join the Patrol Office, and Jiang Ning said he did; Wang Jin promised to supply everything he needed for martial training.
• Ten days later, Jiang Ning reviewed his skill panel and noted that he still lacked enough Source Energy for another Firewood Chopping Blade Technique breakthrough.
• Jiang Ning read until Literacy was five experience points from its next breakthrough, then practiced the Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill by breathing in the Essence of Sunlight.
• Jiang Ning estimated that the Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill could reach its next realm within a week and that Qi and Blood Completion was only days away, with about two months remaining before the Luoshui County Patrol Office was established.

Jiang Ning trained his Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill and used Source Energy to break through Literacy, gaining Internal Vision and the Extraordinary Five Senses trait. He left eager to test his new abilities and continue growing stronger amid drought and rising unrest.

• Jiang Ning reflected on Luoshui County’s martial ranks and resolved to gain strength and join the Patrol Office.
• He practiced breathing in Great Sun Essence Qi, gained 44 experience points, and estimated that his Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill would break through in five days.
• Jiang Ning read until Literacy reached 2000 experience points, then spent Source Energy to advance it to its Second Limit Break.
• The breakthrough gave Jiang Ning Internal Vision, letting him observe his organs, muscles, bones, and blood from within.
• Jiang Ning discovered that Extraordinary Five Senses sharply enhanced his sight, hearing, and smell, and his twitching arm flicked away a mosquito.

Cao Rong hired the eighth-rank bandit Tian Buyi to kill Jiang Ning, while Jiang Ning continued training and learned that Wang Jin had officially made him a Direct Disciple. The chapter left Jiang Ning preparing to meet the other disciples, unaware that Tian Buyi had been sent to target him.

• Cao Rong spared Tian Buyi in exchange for a favor, then ordered him to kill Jiang Ning in Luoshui County without exposing the Cao Family.
• Three days later, Jiang Ning trained in Five Animal Frolics Fist and believed he would soon reach Qi and Blood Completion.
• Cheng Ran told Jiang Ning that Wang Jin had officially accepted him as a Direct Disciple and praised his talent and hard work.
• Jiang Ning encouraged Cheng Ran to focus on surpassing himself as unrest spread, including a new rebellion in White Mountain County and the Black Wind Army's return to Dongling County.
• Cheng Ran revealed that he had prepared an investment offer for Jiang Ning but tore it up, and Jiang Ning agreed to meet the junior disciples in the front courtyard.

Jiang Ning demonstrated his Five Animal Frolics Fist to the Martial Arts Hall disciples, earning their admiration and gifts as they sought to learn from him. He refused a banquet to keep training and felt close to completing his qi and blood.

• Jiang Ning agreed to let the Martial Arts Hall disciples watch him practice and demonstrated his Five Animal Frolics Fist, impressing them with its Great Success in all five forms.
• Cheng Ran watched Jiang Ning's skill and regretted that his father had not invested in Jiang Ning earlier.
• Jiang Ning continued practicing, gaining experience and qi and blood while realizing his strength had surpassed the Martial Arts Hall's heaviest Stone Dumbbell.
• The next day, Zheng Yongtao and other disciples offered Jiang Ning nourishing medicines, Medicated Wine, and pills in gratitude for letting them observe his fist art.
• Jiang Ning accepted their gifts but declined an invitation to Hundred Blossom Pavilion, choosing to keep practicing because he was close to Qi and Blood Completion.

Jiang Ning reached Qi and Blood Completion, bringing his ordinary explosive power close to that of a Martial Dao Ninth Rank fighter and allowing him to use one layer of Ninefold Force with little injury. The next morning, he checked his progress and anticipated his Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill’s imminent breakthrough.

• Jiang Ning completed the Five Animal Frolics Fist and reached Qi and Blood Completion, gaining roughly thirty percent more explosive force.
• Jiang Ning smashed a wooden post with a normal punch and then destroyed it further with one layer of Ninefold Force.
• Wang Jin saw the damage and judged Jiang Ning’s strength comparable to that of a seasoned Martial Dao Ninth Rank fighter, then left without being noticed.
• Jiang Ning sensed Wang Jin approaching and realized his extraordinary five senses could help him detect ambushes.
• Jiang Ning found that his arm had only ached after using one layer of Ninefold Force, and he estimated he had a ninety-nine percent chance of defeating Xu Yunfeng.
• The next morning, Jiang Ning checked his Panel and saw that his Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill was still twenty-nine Experience Points short of a breakthrough.

Jiang Ning broke through the Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill after enduring intense pain as his organs were tempered by Great Sun Essence Qi. With his organs transformed, he tested whether Spiritual Power could stimulate his body's hidden potential and caused his heart and blood to surge.

• Jiang Ning practiced the Five Animal Frolics Fist, then took a Protect Organ Pill and breathed in Great Sun Essence Qi to train the Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill.
• Jiang Ning gained the final experience point needed for a breakthrough, and the skill advanced from Initiation toward proficiency as severe pain from his organs' tempering overwhelmed him.
• Jiang Ning endured the pain until it vanished, then recovered quickly and found his organs tougher and his body more energetic and light.
• Jiang Ning used Spiritual Power to sense his organs and stimulate his hidden potential, making his heart beat faster and sending blood surging through his body.

Jiang Ning tested his newly unlocked bodily potential and strength, then planned to visit Myriad Blossom Pavilion and help his family with money. Meanwhile, Cao Bin ordered Xu Yunfeng to join the Green Snake Gang, kill Jiang Ning and Jiang Li, and bring Liu Wanwan to him, leaving Xu Yunfeng determined to use Jiang Ning’s death to secure a place in the Patrol Office.

• Jiang Ning activated his body's potential, experienced a surge in strength and speed, then suffered weakness afterward and recovered with Medicated Wine.
• Jiang Ning counted about one hundred and thirty-eight taels of silver and planned to visit Pavilion Master Qingyi and give money to his eldest brother.
• Jiang Ning tested his strength with a five-hundred-jin Stone Dumbbell and estimated that one arm could exert eight or nine hundred jin of force.
• Cao Bin offered Xu Yunfeng a chance to join the Patrol Office if he became Fourth Hall Hall Master of the Green Snake Gang, dealt with Jiang Ning and Jiang Li, and brought Liu Wanwan to him.
• Xu Yunfeng accepted Cao Bin's order, privately scorned him, and resolved to kill Jiang Ning to advance his own prospects.

Jiang Ning demonstrated his overwhelming strength when Xiao Peng challenged him at the Martial Arts Hall, leaving Xiao Peng worried that he could not compete with him for a Patrol Office quota. After delivering silver to his family, Jiang Ning went to Myriad Blossom Pavilion to claim Shen Congyun’s promised gift and was escorted to a VIP room while awaiting Pavilion Master Lin Qingyi’s reply.

• Xiao Peng challenged Jiang Ning to a spar, but Jiang Ning turned it into a handshake and quietly overpowered him before letting go and leaving.
• Xiao Peng realized Jiang Ning had shown him mercy, estimated his strength at six to seven or eight hundred jin, and grew jealous and anxious about competing with him.
• The Martial Arts Hall disciples debated whether Jiang Ning or Xiao Peng was stronger, and Xiao Peng left the hall feeling dispirited.
• Jiang Ning went home, handed the silver to Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan, and then traveled to Myriad Blossom Pavilion to collect Shen Congyun’s promised gift.
• Jiang Ning showed Xiao Lu the White Jade Token and asked to see Lin Qingyi, after which Xiao He escorted him to a VIP room to wait.

Jiang Ning visited Qingyi to claim the gift Shen Congyun had left for him, and Qingyi confirmed that he had reached Qi and Blood Completion after only a little over a month of training. She gave him Shen Congyun’s wooden box and told him to return after reaching Skin Refinement Great Success for another gift.

• Xiao Lu led Jiang Ning to the rooftop, where he waited while Qingyi finished bathing.
• Qingyi emerged, teased Jiang Ning, and learned he had come to collect Shen Congyun’s gift.
• Qingyi tested Jiang Ning’s qi and blood and confirmed that he had reached Qi and Blood Completion, surprising her with his talent.
• Qingyi retrieved Shen Congyun’s wooden box from a hidden compartment and gave it to Jiang Ning.
• Qingyi told Jiang Ning to visit again after reaching Skin Refinement Great Success, when she would give him another item.

Xu Yunfeng gathered Azure Gang members outside Myriad Blossom Pavilion and summoned Deputy Chief Hong Chengtao to help kill Jiang Ning. Inside, Jiang Ning opened Shen Congyun’s gift and discovered a fragment of the powerful Indestructible Vajra Body, while Qingyi explained its origins and the strength of Vajra Temple.

• Xu Yunfeng ordered an Azure Gang member to invite Hong Chengtao, insisting that the plan against Jiang Ning had to succeed.
• Jiang Ning opened Shen Congyun’s chest in the pavilion and found the Indestructible Vajra Body manual among several jars.
• Jiang Ning read the manual and gained 438 Literacy Experience Points, learning that the fragment could temper his skin to Copper-Like Skin and help him reach Skin Refinement Great Success.
• Qingyi recognized the manual and explained that the complete Indestructible Vajra Body was Vajra Temple’s sect-guarding art, powerful enough to forge an Imperishable Golden Body.
• Qingyi told Jiang Ning that Vajra Temple had numerous Grandmasters and Great Grandmasters and was powerful enough to resist even a provincial frontier official.

Jiang Ning heard Xu Yunfeng and Hong Chengtao plotting to kill him, so he lured them out of the city and into the woods. When Xu Yunfeng realized Jiang Ning’s tracks had vanished, Jiang Ning stepped out from behind a tree to confront them.

• Jiang Ning left the Indestructible Vajra Body with Qingyi and took the remaining bottles and jars from Myriad Blossom Pavilion.
• Jiang Ning overheard Xu Yunfeng’s group planning to attack him with help from Hong Chengtao, the Green Snake Gang’s deputy chief.
• Jiang Ning chose to leave Luoshui County and led the group toward a secluded stretch of woodland.
• Hong Chengtao dismissed Xu Yunfeng’s suspicions as they followed Jiang Ning’s tracks into the woods.
• Xu Yunfeng noticed Jiang Ning’s tracks had suddenly ended, and Jiang Ning emerged from behind a tree.

Jiang Ning ambushed Hong Chengtao and his followers in the mountain forest, revealing overwhelming strength and killing Hong Chengtao and Xu Yunfeng. The other two pursuers fled as Jiang Ning turned his attention to them.

• Hong Chengtao attacked Jiang Ning, but Jiang Ning's powerful slash split his palm and sent him flying, while Xu Yunfeng and the others began to flee.
• Hong Chengtao claimed Jiang Ning had exhausted himself with a forbidden technique and urged the others to attack, but Xu Yunfeng and the two vice hall masters ran instead.
• Jiang Ning activated his newly mastered method, caught up to Hong Chengtao, and cleaved him in two with a second attack.
• Jiang Ning pursued Xu Yunfeng and knocked the saber from his hands with a regular strike.
• Jiang Ning followed with another slash and decapitated Xu Yunfeng.

Jiang Ning pursued and killed the remaining members of Hong Chengtao’s group, then looted their belongings and discovered he had gained roughly 2,420 taels of silver. He stayed in the mountains to begin Skin Refinement, confident his Panel would let him master the missing stages of the Indestructible Vajra Body and eventually form an Imperishable Golden Body.

• Jiang Ning caught the fleeing Leopard Skin Woman and the sinister-eyed man, killing them both after they split up.
• Jiang Ning used half a Wild Ginseng to recover from the severe aftereffects of his enhanced state, then searched the dead for valuables.
• Jiang Ning collected about 2,420 taels of silver and decided to hide the damaged weapons so they would not reveal that he was the killer.
• Jiang Ning traveled deeper into the mountains, intending to stay for several days and begin Skin Refinement after forming a fire and preparing a rabbit.
• Jiang Ning reviewed the Skin Refining Realm and learned that the Indestructible Vajra Body could ultimately condense an Imperishable Golden Body, which he believed he could achieve with his Panel.

Jiang Ning began tempering his skin in the mountain forest, using Skin Grinding Sand and the Indestructible Vajra Body while recovering with Shen Congyun’s wound medicine. After two days of practice, he planned to remain outside Luoshui County until he reached Martial Dao Ninth Rank and the rumors about Hong Chengtao and Xu Yunfeng’s deaths faded.

• Jiang Ning roasted and ate a rabbit, then rubbed Skin Grinding Sand over his body until his skin bled and practiced three movements of the Indestructible Vajra Body.
• Jiang Ning washed his wounds in a pool and applied the white salve Shen Congyun had left him before practicing his fist techniques for the night.
• The next morning, Jiang Ning found his wounds had mostly healed and used Skin Grinding Sand again, gaining more Indestructible Vajra Body experience with Jin Force.
• Jiang Ning practiced breathing exercises to absorb Great Sun Essence Qi, raising his Inner Alchemy Nourishing Life Skill to Mastery 28/2000.
• That evening, Jiang Ning tempered his skin again, bringing the Indestructible Vajra Body to 13/100, and decided to stay outside the city until he reached Martial Dao Ninth Rank and the rumors about Hong Chengtao and Xu Yunfeng’s deaths passed.

Jiang Ning used 50 Source Energy Points to break through his Firewood Chopping Blade Technique and gained the Divine Blade Control trait, then cultivated the Indestructible Vajra Body until he entered the Martial Dao Ninth Rank. With his strength improved and his confidence restored, he planned to return to Luoshui County after perfecting his Five Animal Frolics Fist.

• Jiang Ning spent 50 Source Energy Points to achieve the Third Breakthrough in Firewood Chopping Blade Technique, strengthening his saber skills and gaining the Divine Blade Control trait.
• Jiang Ning used Skin Grinding Sand and practiced the Indestructible Vajra Body, forming a complete skin membrane and reaching Initiation.
• Jiang Ning tested his new defense with a sharp branch and confirmed that his skin could withstand stabbing and scraping without breaking.
• Jiang Ning decided to keep training until his Five Animal Frolics Fist reached the Perfected Realm, then return to Luoshui County for supplies and prepare for the Patrol Office assessment.
• Jiang Ning felt confident he could face trouble from Cao Bin after becoming a Martial Dao Ninth Rank.

Cao Bin ended his pursuit of Jiang Ning after Xu Yunfeng and Hong Chengtao were found dead, while Shi Xiaoyuan privately vowed to avenge his gang. Jiang Ning returned to Luoshui County and saw a huge bounty posted for the Eighth Rank bandit River Dragon, Tian Buyi.

• Cao Bin learned that Xu Yunfeng, Hong Chengtao, and their men were dead, ordered the city gates watched for Jiang Ning, and told Shi Xiaoyuan to let the matter rest for now.
• Wang Jin reassured Jiang Li that he was searching for Jiang Ning and vowed to punish whoever was behind his disappearance if Jiang Ning had been harmed.
• Shi Xiaoyuan rejected Cao Bin's warning and said he would find his own chance to settle Hong Chengtao's grudge against Jiang Ning.
• Jiang Ning returned to Luoshui County after more than ten days away, unaware that his family and allies had been worried about him.
• At the East City Gate, Jiang Ning read a Wanted Notice offering a hundred taels for capturing River Dragon, Tian Buyi, or reporting reliable clues about him.
• Jiang Ning learned that Tian Buyi was an Eighth Rank bandit wanted for a major crime against Medicine King Valley and wondered what offense had provoked such a large bounty.

Jiang Ning returned to Luoshui County after a major increase in strength and reunited with Jiang Li, Liu Wanwan, and Xiao Doubao. He gave Jiang Li money and proposed that the family move to the Inner City, while Liu Wanwan suspected Jiang Ning had killed powerful martial artists rather than petty thieves.

• Jiang Ning memorized the Wanted Notice for River Dragon Tian Buyi and entered Luoshui County, aware that informants were watching him.
• Jiang Ning reflected on how his martial arts and strength had advanced during his time away and felt confident despite the attention.
• Jiang Ning reached the family courtyard and reunited with Jiang Li and Xiao Doubao, telling Jiang Li he had been practicing in the mountains.
• Jiang Ning gave Jiang Li silver, banknotes, and Gold Leaves, then proposed buying a courtyard in the Inner City for the family.
• Jiang Li accepted the silver and went to tell Liu Wanwan and buy food, while Liu Wanwan concluded Jiang Ning had killed capable martial artists.

Jiang Ning returned to Canglang Martial Hall and told Wang Jin that he had killed Hong Chengtao and spent more than ten days studying the Five Animals in the wild. Wang Jin offered to protect him from the Cao Family, then sent Zhou Xing away to privately test whether Jiang Ning had advanced the Five Animal Frolics Fist to the Perfected Realm.

• Jiang Ning visited Canglang Martial Hall to pay his respects to Wang Jin and retrieve the remaining training resources.
• The martial hall disciples welcomed Jiang Ning back, and Zhou Xing greeted him at the rear courtyard.
• Wang Jin praised Jiang Ning for counter-killing Hong Chengtao and said he would act if the Cao Family tried to retaliate.
• Jiang Ning explained that he had spent more than ten days observing the Five Animals in the mountains to understand the essence of the Five Animal Frolics Fist.
• Wang Jin suspected Jiang Ning had reached the Perfected Realm, dismissed Zhou Xing, and asked Jiang Ning directly whether he had done so.