Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Wenzheng, the County Magistrate, arrives late and drunk, causing some discomfort among the attendees.
• Shen Chengshan asks Qian Songyuan to examine Shen Conghai for potential entry into the Cangshan Sword Sect, but Qian Songyuan deems him unsuitable.
• Guo Kai asks Qian Songyuan to examine Guo Mingyuan, but he is also deemed unsuitable for martial arts practice.
• Li Jingzhong introduces Han Zheng to Qian Songyuan, who examines him and finds his talent average, not suitable for the Cangshan Sword Sect's outer sect.

Character Developments

• Lin Wenzheng shows disregard for the event's importance by arriving late and drunk.
• Shen Conghai is disappointed and frustrated after being deemed unsuitable for the Cangshan Sword Sect.
• Guo Mingyuan is embarrassed and upset after being told he shouldn't practice martial arts.
• Han Zheng remains indifferent to Qian Songyuan's assessment of his talent.

Significant Themes

• The importance of talent and bone structure in martial arts progression.
• The influence of family background and connections in the martial world.
• The disparity between the expectations of others and one's self-perception.

Character Interactions

• Lin Wenzheng's disregard for the event contrasts with the seriousness of the other attendees.
• Shen Conghai's disappointment is evident after Qian Songyuan's assessment.
• Guo Mingyuan's embarrassment highlights the social implications of his unsuitability for martial arts.
• Han Zheng's indifference to Qian Songyuan's assessment shows his confidence in his own abilities.
• Qian Songyuan navigates social interactions skillfully, praising each family's disciples while subtly highlighting the differences in their potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Stone County is isolated due to the Incense Cult's activities, causing grain prices to surge and triggering unrest among commoners.
• Zhang Tianyang decides to turn the entire county upside down to find Incense Cult infiltrators, planning to use temporary constables from the Zhenwei Martial Arts School.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng remains calm and collected amidst the chaos, demonstrating his maturity and adaptability.
• Zhang Tianyang shows his strategic and manipulative side, planning to use the martial arts school disciples as temporary constables to strengthen his investigation.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Incense Cult's activities on the lives of common people, leading to economic instability and social unrest.
• The struggle between the Demon Extermination Division and the Incense Cult, with Zhang Tianyang employing unconventional methods to gain an advantage.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Zhang Tianyang collaborate once again, with Zhang seeking Han's help in convincing Li Jingzhong to allow his disciples to act as temporary constables.
• Han Zheng and Li Feng encounter each other at the city gate, learning about the road closure and the reason behind the commoners' panic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tianyang, Li Jingzhong's former disciple, seeks help from his teacher to recruit temporary constables from the martial arts school to aid in finding Incense Cult spies in Black Stone County.
• Li Jingzhong, initially hesitant, decides to let his disciples choose whether to participate, with ninety percent agreeing to serve as temporary constables.
• Zhang Tianyang leads the disciples to the county yamen, equips them with red scarves and signal flares, and outlines their duties and the current threat from the Incense Cult.
• The disciples form groups to patrol the county town day and night, with Han Zheng's group including Li Sancheng, Zhao Jinming, Wang Bao, and Chen Zhao.

Character Developments

• Li Jingzhong: Struggles with whether to involve himself in the conflict but ultimately allows his disciples to make their own decisions.
• Zhang Tianyang: Demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking in organizing the temporary constables and outlining their duties.
• Han Zheng: Shows responsibility and reliability by forming a group with other disciples and accepting Chen Zhao into his group.
• Chen Zhao: Exhibits honesty and a desire to learn from Han Zheng, joining his group despite not having a close relationship with him.

Significant Themes

• The threat of the Incense Cult looming over Black Stone County.
• The struggle between Li Jingzhong's desire for stability and his responsibility towards his disciples and the county.
• The disparity between the wealthy and common disciples of the martial arts school, with the latter facing financial hardships.

Character Interactions

• Li Jingzhong and Zhang Tianyang: Li Jingzhong is cautious about involving himself in Zhang Tianyang's plans but ultimately agrees to let his disciples participate.
• Han Zheng and Chen Zhao: Han Zheng accepts Chen Zhao into his group, showing responsibility and understanding of Chen Zhao's desire to learn from him.
• Han Zheng and other disciples: Han Zheng's group includes Li Sancheng, Zhao Jinming, and Wang Bao, who have witnessed his prowess and seek his protection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng and his group, acting as temporary constables, have been patrolling Black Stone County for ten days without finding any trace of the Incense Cult.
• Li Sancheng accidentally encounters an Incense Cult member while buying biscuits and alerts the group. They chase the cult member into Autumn Moon Pavilion, a Shen family establishment.
• Han Zheng confronts Shen Conghai and Pang Feiyan, accusing them of harboring an Incense Cult member. They deny it, leading to a standoff.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows leadership and determination in pursuing the Incense Cult. He chooses a side in the conflict and is willing to face the consequences.
• Li Sancheng: Proves himself capable by recognizing the cult member and alerting the group. He also shows courage in confronting the cult member.
• Shen Conghai: Reveals his connection to the Incense Cult by lying about not noticing the cult member entering the tavern.
• Pang Feiyan: Shows arrogance and disdain towards Han Zheng and his group, revealing her loyalty to Shen Conghai.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Han Zheng's loyalty to the imperial court and his willingness to face the consequences of his actions contrast with Shen Conghai's betrayal and collusion with the Incense Cult.
• Courage and determination: Li Sancheng shows courage in confronting the cult member, while Han Zheng demonstrates determination in pursuing the cult and confronting the Shen family.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Li Sancheng: They work well together, with Li Sancheng recognizing the cult member and alerting the group, and Han Zheng leading the pursuit and confrontation.
• Han Zheng and Shen Conghai/Pang Feiyan: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Han Zheng accusing them of harboring the cult member, and Shen Conghai and Pang Feiyan denying it and threatening Han Zheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng confronts Shen Conghai at Autumn Moon Pavilion, leading to a fight.
• Han Zheng defeats Shen Conghai and Pang Feiyan, then captures two Incense Cult members.
• Shen Chengshan, the Shen Family's Old Ancestor, intervenes, attempting to settle the matter peacefully.
• Zhang Tianyang arrives, insisting that Shen Conghai be taken away for the report to be complete.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates significant growth in strength, defeating Shen Conghai and capturing Incense Cult members. He shows courage and determination, willing to face consequences for his actions.
• Shen Conghai: Shows arrogance and poor sportsmanship, underestimating Han Zheng and suffering defeat. His actions lead to the involvement of the Shen Family's Old Ancestor.
• Shen Chengshan: Maintains a calm and collected demeanor, attempting to resolve the situation peacefully. He reveals a past connection between the Shen Family and Li Jingzhong.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Respect: Han Zheng's actions earn him respect, while Shen Conghai's weakness leads to disrespect and humiliation.
• Power Dynamics: The involvement of the Shen Family's Old Ancestor highlights the power dynamics in Black Stone County, with the Shen Family holding significant influence.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Shen Conghai & Pang Feiyan: The fight highlights Han Zheng's growth and Shen Conghai's arrogance and underestimation of Han Zheng.
• Han Zheng vs. Shen Chengshan: The interaction between Han Zheng and Shen Chengshan shows the power dynamics and the Old Ancestor's attempt to resolve the situation peacefully.
• Zhang Tianyang vs. Shen Chengshan: Zhang Tianyang's arrival and insistence on taking Shen Conghai away show his support for Han Zheng and his determination to uphold justice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tianyang, the county constable, captures Shen Conghai, a member of the Shen Family and the Incense Cult, after a confrontation with Shen Chengshan, the Shen Family's patriarch.
• Zhang Tianyang's strength is revealed to be at the Half-step Profound Gang Realm, far surpassing Shen Chengshan's Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm Perfected cultivation.
• Pang Heihu, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang, is unwilling to intervene due to the involvement of the Incense Cult and Zhang Tianyang's formidable strength.
• Pang Feiyan, Pang Heihu's daughter and Shen Conghai's love interest, is desperate to rescue Shen Conghai but is restrained by her father and He Sheng, her childhood friend and the Black Tiger Hall's hall master.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tianyang: Reveals his true strength and captures Shen Conghai, demonstrating his unyielding stance against the Incense Cult.
• Shen Chengshan: Suffers a heavy injury from Zhang Tianyang, showing the vast gap in their cultivations.
• Pang Heihu: Prioritizes the Black Tiger Gang's safety and refuses to intervene in the Shen Family's affairs, revealing his pragmatic nature.
• Pang Feiyan: Shows her determination to rescue Shen Conghai, demonstrating her love and loyalty towards him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of colluding with dangerous forces, as seen in the Shen Family's involvement with the Incense Cult.
• The struggle between personal desires and family or group loyalty, exemplified by Pang Heihu's decision to prioritize the Black Tiger Gang's safety over his daughter's wishes.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tianyang and Shen Chengshan: Their confrontation highlights the power imbalance between them and the consequences of Shen Chengshan's poor judgment.
• Pang Heihu and Pang Feiyan: Their interaction showcases the tension between a parent's protective instincts and their duty to their group, as well as the daughter's desperation to save her lover.
• Pang Feiyan and He Sheng: Their dynamic reveals the unrequited love He Sheng harbors for Pang Feiyan and his struggle to protect her despite their differing views on Shen Conghai.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pang Feiyan, despite her father's warning, plans to rescue Shen Conghai by forcing Han Zheng to change his testimony.
• Han Sheng, despite his misgivings, agrees to help Pang Feiyan.
• Han Zheng is ambushed by Han Sheng, Pang Feiyan, and three Black Tiger Hall members. He engages them in combat.

Character Developments

• Pang Feiyan: Shows desperation and naivety in her plan to rescue Shen Conghai, demonstrating her lack of intelligence and understanding of the situation.
• Han Sheng: Despite his reservations, he agrees to help Pang Feiyan, showing his loyalty and affection towards her.
• Han Zheng: Displays his combat prowess and strategic thinking, easily handling the ambush and defeating his opponents.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Intelligence: Han Sheng's loyalty to Pang Feiyan leads him to act despite knowing her plan is flawed, while Han Zheng's intelligence allows him to see the flaws and act accordingly.
• Desperation: Pang Feiyan's desperation to save Shen Conghai leads her to act rashly and without thought for the consequences.

Character Interactions

• Pang Feiyan and Han Sheng: Their dynamic shows Han Sheng's protective and affectionate feelings towards Pang Feiyan, leading him to agree to her plan despite his reservations.
• Han Zheng and the Black Tiger Hall members: Han Zheng's combat prowess and strategic thinking allow him to easily defeat his opponents, showing his superiority in combat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng faces the Black Tiger Gang, led by He Sheng (Xiantian) and three late-stage Houtian members.
• Han Zheng kills three late-stage Houtian members and He Sheng (Xiantian) with his superior strength and skills.
• Pang Feiyan, He Sheng's lover, tries to assassinate Han Zheng but fails and is killed.
• Han Zheng decides to strike first against Pang Heihu, the Black Tiger Gang leader, to gain the advantage.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his formidable strength and ruthlessness, killing without hesitation when threatened.
• He Sheng shows loyalty to Pang Feiyan, agreeing to a risky plan to rescue Shen Conghai.
• Pang Feiyan reveals her love for Shen Conghai and her willingness to use others for her goals.
• Pang Heihu's doting father demeanor is hinted at, suggesting he'll seek revenge for his daughter's death.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating opponents.
• Loyalty and love, with He Sheng and Pang Feiyan's actions driven by their respective affections.
• Ruthlessness and the necessity of preemptive strikes in a dangerous world.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and He Sheng: A brutal fight between equals, with Han Zheng ultimately overpowering He Sheng.
• Han Zheng and Pang Feiyan: A tense standoff, with Pang Feiyan's attempt to assassinate Han Zheng failing, leading to her death.
• Han Zheng and Pang Heihu (implied): Their conflict is set up, with Han Zheng planning to strike first.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng decides to kill Pang Heihu and destroy the Black Tiger Gang, without involving Zhang Tianyang.
• Han Zheng visits Jiang Tai, revealing his role in the Three Harmonies Gang's internal strife and Gao Kaiyuan's death.
• Han Zheng proposes an alliance with Jiang Tai to kill Pang Heihu and take over the Black Tiger Gang.
• Pang Heihu feels uneasy and learns that Pang Feiyan and He Sheng went to capture Han Zheng, but they haven't returned.
• The Three Harmonies Gang attacks the Black Tiger Gang, with Han Zheng and Jiang Tai leading the charge.
• Pang Heihu confronts Han Zheng, revealing his Profound Weapon, the 'Ink Saber Killing Tiger.'

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his strategic mind and manipulative skills, using Jiang Tai's situation to his advantage.
• Jiang Tai realizes Han Zheng's true nature and agrees to the alliance, acknowledging Han Zheng's potential.
• Pang Heihu shows concern for his daughter and reveals his powerful weapon, indicating his determination to protect her.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and strategic thinking, as shown by Han Zheng's actions.
• Power dynamics and alliances, with Jiang Tai and Han Zheng joining forces against the Black Tiger Gang.
• Family and protection, with Pang Heihu's actions driven by his desire to safeguard his daughter.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Jiang Tai: Han Zheng manipulates Jiang Tai into an alliance, using the Black Tiger Gang's threat to both their interests.
• Pang Heihu and Han Zheng: Pang Heihu confronts Han Zheng, revealing his powerful weapon and expressing his intent to kill him.
• Pang Heihu and Jiang Tai: Jiang Tai warns Han Zheng about Pang Heihu's weapon and his past struggles against him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter details a fierce battle between Han Zheng, Jiang Tai, and Pang Heihu, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang.
• Han Zheng and Jiang Tai join forces to take down Pang Heihu, who possesses a powerful mysterious weapon, the Ink Saber Killing Tiger.
• Han Zheng uses his White Ape Through-Arm Fist, Blood Fiend Asura Saber, and Vajra Demon Subduing Seal techniques to counter Pang Heihu's Tiger Roar Saber and Black Fiend Palm.
• Despite Pang Heihu's initial advantage, Han Zheng and Jiang Tai manage to defeat him, with Han Zheng delivering the final blow, killing Pang Heihu.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates significant growth in strength and skill, managing to defeat a late Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm martial artist (Pang Heihu) who was two minor realms above him.
• Jiang Tai: Shows his prowess as a martial artist, contributing to Pang Heihu's defeat with his Positive Sun Palm and Tempered Copper Short Staff techniques.
• Pang Heihu: Despite his strength and mysterious weapon, his hatred and reckless behavior lead to his downfall.

Significant Themes

• Power of Unity: Han Zheng and Jiang Tai's alliance proves crucial in defeating Pang Heihu, who was significantly stronger than either of them individually.
• Overconfidence and Recklessness: Pang Heihu's focus on killing Han Zheng first, without considering Jiang Tai, ultimately leads to his defeat.
• Strength and Skill vs. Weapon Quality: Han Zheng's skills and internal energy allow him to wield and temporarily enhance weapons, while Pang Heihu relies heavily on his mysterious weapon.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Jiang Tai: They form a temporary alliance, combining their strengths to take down Pang Heihu. Their teamwork is crucial to their victory.
• Han Zheng and Pang Heihu: Their conflict is personal, with Pang Heihu seeking revenge for his daughter's death and Han Zheng wanting to avenge his brother. Their battle is intense and brutal.
• Pang Heihu and Jiang Tai: Their interaction is minimal, with Jiang Tai mainly focusing on supporting Han Zheng and countering Pang Heihu's attacks.

Key Plot Points

• Han Zheng and Jiang Tai defeat Pang Heihu, leading to the collapse of the Black Tiger Gang.
• Han Zheng obtains the Ink Saber Killing Tiger, a Profound-grade mid-tier weapon.
• Various gang leaders, including Zhang Tianyang, Li Jingzhong, Song Kangyuan, and Qiu Tianying, arrive at the scene.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates extraordinary combat power, killing Pang Heihu despite the latter's late Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm cultivation and Mysterious Weapon.
• Jiang Tai shows generosity by giving Han Zheng the Ink Saber Killing Tiger.
• Li Jingzhong acknowledges Han Zheng's growth and expresses that Han Zheng will surpass him in the Jianghu.
• Song Kangyuan's subordinate remembers that Gao Kaiyuan was investigating Han Zheng before his death, leading Song Kangyuan to realize they might have overlooked something significant.

Significant Themes

• The importance of making one's own decisions and facing the consequences, as shown by Han Zheng's refusal to let others clean up his messes.
• The unpredictability of foolish enemies, as emphasized by Zhang Tianyang.
• The potential danger of underestimating opponents, as seen in Pang Heihu's death.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Jiang Tai form a temporary alliance to defeat the Black Tiger Gang.
• Han Zheng and Li Jingzhong have a teacher-student moment, with Li Jingzhong acknowledging Han Zheng's growth.
• Song Kangyuan and his subordinate discuss the potential connection between Han Zheng and Gao Kaiyuan's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Song Family discusses Gao Kaiyuan's death, realizing it might not be an accident.
• Song Xingfeng orders Han Zheng's elimination due to the potential risk he poses.
• Han Zheng, within the Gluttonous Crucible, successfully advances to the middle stage of the Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm, achieving Golden Muscles and Jade Meridians.
• Zhang Tianyang interrogates Shen Conghai, discovering his collusion with the Incense Cult.

Character Developments

• Song Xingfeng: Shows his ruthless and cunning side, prioritizing the Song Family's interests above all else.
• Han Zheng: Demonstrates his determination and resilience, pushing through his cultivation despite the pain.
• Shen Conghai: Reveals his jealousy, ambition, and foolishness, leading him to collude with the Incense Cult.

Significant Themes

• The ruthless nature of the jianghu, where one must be decisive and strong to survive.
• The consequences of ambition and jealousy, as seen in Shen Conghai's actions.
• The importance of caution and foresight, as shown by Song Xingfeng's decision to eliminate potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Song Xingfeng and Song Kangyuan: The ancestor scolds Kangyuan for his negligence and orders him to eliminate Han Zheng.
• Han Zheng and Li Jingzhong: Han Zheng shares his thoughts on the jianghu with his teacher.
• Zhang Tianyang and Han Zheng: Zhang Tianyang discusses the interrogation results with Han Zheng, showing his trust in him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tianyang interrogates Shen Conghai and confirms his collusion with the Incense Cult.
• Han Zheng and Zhang Tianyang discuss the mole and the Incense Cult's movements.
• County Magistrate Lin Wenzheng visits and persuades Zhang Tianyang to allow the county gates to open for a day to allow merchants to retrieve their grain.
• Han Zheng attends a meal with Li Sancheng and Chen Zhao, where they discuss his future plans.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tianyang: Shows his analytical skills and concern for Black Stone County's safety.
• Han Zheng: Gains respect and gratitude from the Martial Arts Academy disciples for his actions.
• Lin Wenzheng: Reveals his incompetence but lack of malice, trying to balance the needs of the commoners and the officials.

Significant Themes

• The threat of the Incense Cult and the need for vigilance.
• The tension between the commoners' needs and the officials' duties.
• The disparity between Han Zheng's future prospects and those of the other disciples.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Zhang Tianyang: Discuss the Incense Cult and the mole, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Han Zheng and the Martial Arts Academy disciples: Han Zheng gains their respect and gratitude for his actions, leading to a meal invitation.
• Lin Wenzheng and Zhang Tianyang: Lin Wenzheng tries to persuade Zhang Tianyang, showing his awareness of the commoners' needs but also his lack of backbone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng, Chen Zhao, and Li Sancheng discuss their future plans.
• They encounter Guo Mingyuan leading a grain convoy, which seems unusual.
• Han Zheng suspects the Guo Family convoy is not who they seem and might be connected to the Incense Cult.
• Han Zheng informs Zhang Tianyang, who realizes Lin Wenzheng, the County Magistrate, is the mole.
• The Incense Cult enters Black Stone County through the East Gate, led by Lin Wenzheng.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows keen observational skills and strategic thinking. He's cautious about joining the Demon Extermination Division and is determined to protect Black Stone County.
• Lin Wenzheng: Reveals his true colors as a traitor. His resentment towards the court for not recognizing his talents drives him to collude with the Incense Cult.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Lin Wenzheng's betrayal highlights the theme of trust and its fragility. He was in a position of power and trust, yet chose to betray the county and the court.
• Ambition: Both Lin Wenzheng and Han Zheng are driven by ambition, but their goals differ greatly. Lin Wenzheng's ambition is fueled by resentment, while Han Zheng's is driven by a desire to protect and improve his home.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Zhang Tianyang: Their relationship deepens as they work together to protect Black Stone County. Zhang Tianyang values Han Zheng's insights and trusts his judgment.
• Han Zheng and Guo Mingyuan: Their interaction highlights Guo Mingyuan's change in attitude, which raises Han Zheng's suspicions about the Guo Family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Wenzheng's true colors are revealed as he aids the Incense Cult in invading Black Stone County.
• The Incense Master, Feng Jinyuan, arrives with a large force, aiming to take over the county.
• Yuan Longshan returns to Black Stone County, leading a small group of Demon Extermination Division members to resist the Incense Cult.
• The martial forces of Black Stone County, including the Three Harmonies Gang, Sky Eagle Gang, Shen Family, and local martial arts schools, join the resistance.
• The Song Family also participates in the battle, with Song Xingfeng confronting Yuan Longshan.
• Han Zheng fights against the Incense Cult followers, utilizing his Blood Fiend Asura Saber technique and the Gluttonous Crucible's power.

Character Developments

• Lin Wenzheng's hidden resentment and alliance with the Incense Cult are exposed.
• Feng Jinyuan, the Incense Master, is introduced as a powerful Profound Gang Realm expert.
• Yuan Longshan's return reveals his growth to the Profound Gang Realm and his status as a Demon Extermination Captain.
• Song Xingfeng's damaged foundation and resentment towards Yuan Longshan are highlighted.
• Han Zheng demonstrates his formidable combat abilities and the power of the Blood Fiend Asura Saber technique.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against the Incense Cult's infiltration and expansion.
• The consequences of hidden resentment and betrayal, as seen through Lin Wenzheng's actions.
• The power dynamics between different martial arts factions and their role in protecting their territory.

Character Interactions

• Lin Wenzheng interacts with the Incense Cult, revealing his true intentions and allying with them.
• Zhang Tianyang and Yuan Longshan work together to resist the Incense Cult, showcasing their camaraderie.
• Song Xingfeng and Yuan Longshan have a tense reunion, with underlying resentment and unspoken history between them.
• Han Zheng fights against the Incense Cult followers, showcasing his combat prowess and the power of his techniques.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng, after killing a Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm martial artist, is targeted by Song Xingfeng, a peak Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm expert, who seeks to kill him.
• Han Zheng flees, pursued by Song Xingfeng and other Song family members, while Zhang Tianyang and Yuan Longshan are held back by the Incense Cult.
• Han Zheng attempts to escape but is unable to outrun Song Xingfeng, who uses the Heavenly Saber technique to overwhelm him.
• Han Zheng decides to sacrifice to the Gluttonous Crucible to gain a chance to fight back.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng shows his determination to fight and die rather than surrender, demonstrating his resilience and courage.
• Song Xingfeng reveals his ruthless and cunning side, prioritizing his family's interests over the safety of Black Stone County.
• Zhang Tianyang and Yuan Longshan show their concern for Han Zheng's safety but are unable to intervene due to their engagement with the Incense Cult.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and status, as seen in Song Xingfeng's desire to eliminate Han Zheng as a potential threat to his family's dominance.
• The consequences of one's actions, with Han Zheng's past deeds catching up to him in the form of Song Xingfeng's pursuit.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness, as Han Zheng considers sacrificing to the Gluttonous Crucible to gain an advantage in his desperate situation.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Song Xingfeng: Enemies locked in a deadly pursuit, with Song Xingfeng determined to kill Han Zheng and Han Zheng fighting to stay alive.
• Zhang Tianyang and Yuan Longshan: Allies who are unable to help Han Zheng due to their engagement with the Incense Cult, leading to frustration and concern.
• Han Zheng and the Gluttonous Crucible: Han Zheng considers sacrificing to the Gluttonous Crucible to gain an advantage in his fight against Song Xingfeng, demonstrating his willingness to make desperate moves to survive.

Han Zheng decides to sacrifice his fear to the Taotie, gaining 6,000 points of satiety. He uses this to break through to the Profound Gang Realm with the 'Nine Transformations of the Ape Demon' martial skill, starting with the 'Mountain Moving' form. Upon exiting the Gluttonous Crucible, Han Zheng faces Song Xingfeng, using 'Mountain Moving' to incapacitate him. Despite Song Xingfeng's counterattack, Han Zheng uses the Vajra Demon Subduing Seal to kill him. The Song Family arrives, and Han Zheng, despite being exhausted, kills another Song Family martial artist with ease, leaving the remaining family members shocked and frightened.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng kills several Song Family martial artists, gaining Blood Essence from each kill.
• Song Kangyuan, the Song Family head, flees after seeing Han Zheng's power.
• Han Zheng pursues and captures Song Kangyuan, who reveals the Song Family's trade with the demon Tearwind Great King for the Heavenly Demon Vermillion Fruit.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his formidable strength, easily defeating Xiantian Realm martial artists and showcasing his powerful martial skills.
• Song Kangyuan is revealed to be weak and indecisive, relying on hidden weapons in desperation. He becomes a cripple after Han Zheng spares his life.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between realm and combat power, with the Song Family martial artists lacking practical combat experience despite their realms.
• The consequences of living comfortably without pressure, leading to weakness and ineptitude in the Song Family.
• The potential danger of trading with demons and the possible repercussions from the Demon Extermination Division.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and the Song Family martial artists engage in a one-sided battle, with Han Zheng effortlessly defeating them.
• Han Zheng pursues and captures Song Kangyuan, who reveals the Song Family's secret trade with a demon.
• Han Zheng shows mercy to Song Kangyuan, sparing his life but crippling him and leaving him with shattered meridians.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Kangyuan reveals the Song Family's scheme to obtain the Heavenly Demon Core Technique from the Tearwind Great King.
• The Heavenly Demon Core Technique allows one to condense a Martial Dao True Core without special aptitude and reshape oneself.
• The Song Family's Old Ancestor wants to use this technique to reclaim his position in the Heavenly Saber Song Family.
• Han Zheng kills Song Kangyuan after extracting the information he needs.

Character Developments

• Song Kangyuan: Initially defiant, he becomes cooperative and fearful under Han Zheng's threat, revealing the Song Family's secrets.
• Han Zheng: Shows ruthlessness and strategic thinking, killing Song Kangyuan despite promising not to, to prevent future leaks.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences: The Song Family's Old Ancestor and Song Kangyuan's actions are driven by ambition, leading to their downfall.
• Trust and deception: Han Zheng's lie to Song Kangyuan highlights the lack of trust between enemies and the use of deception as a strategic tool.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Song Kangyuan: Their interaction is one of power dynamics, with Han Zheng using his strength to extract information and ultimately ending Song Kangyuan's life.
• The Song Family's Old Ancestor and Yuan Longshan: Their past enmity is revealed, showing how their relationship has shaped their actions and decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng kills Song Xingfeng and searches his body, finding a Cosmic Bag containing Origin Crystals, pills, and a Heavenly Demon Blood Pill.
• He also discovers the Heavenly Saber Secret Transmission True Explanation First Volume, detailing the core principles of the Heavenly Saber technique.
• Han Zheng loots the bodies of Song Kangyuan and his men, taking over five thousand silver taels, gold, and jewels.
• Upon returning to the county town, he finds the battle between the Incense Cult and the local martial arts schools still ongoing, with the Incense Cult struggling.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his cunning and opportunism, quickly seizing valuable items from Song Xingfeng's corpse and looting the bodies of his men.
• He shows his understanding and appreciation of the Heavenly Saber technique's potential and principles.

Significant Themes

• The value of opportunity and seizing the moment (illustrated by Han Zheng's actions).
• The power of understanding and personal comprehension in martial arts (highlighted by the Heavenly Saber technique).

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng interacts with the corpses of Song Xingfeng and his men, demonstrating his ruthlessness and opportunism.
• He briefly interacts with the ongoing battle in the county town, showing his awareness of the situation and his strategic planning.