Chapter Summaries

Meng Zhao turned Hu Yingming’s attempted sneak attack around and captured him, using him as a hostage to secure his group’s escape from the Hu manor. Shi Jie held Liu Song off, and Liu Song ordered everyone to stand down as Meng Zhao and the others left with Hu Yingming.

• Meng Zhao deflected Hu Yingming’s punch, countered with a shoulder strike, and then seized him by the throat and sealed his acupoints.
• Shi Jie recognized Meng Zhao’s unorthodox counterattack as a sign of martial insight while Meng Zhao kept Hu Yingming subdued.
• Liu Song tried to reach Hu Yingming, but Shi Jie intercepted him and forced him to abandon the rescue attempt.
• Meng Zhao demanded to keep Hu Yingming as a hostage until his group was safe, and Liu Song agreed to let them leave.
• Shi Jie, Lü Zhong, Lü Yue, and the others surrounded Meng Zhao and escorted him toward the manor’s main gate with Hu Yingming.

After Meng Zhao’s group escaped with Hu Yingming, Meng Zhao let Lü Yue punish him before offering to release him in exchange for a ransom. Hu Yingming remained a prisoner, and Lü Yue was tasked with arranging the Hu Family’s payment.

• Meng Zhao’s group returned to the Zhang Family residence with Hu Yingming after evading the Hu Family experts pursuing them.
• Meng Zhao ordered Lü Yue to clear Hu Yingming’s head, and Lü Yue repeatedly slapped him until Lü Zhong stopped him.
• Hu Yingming admitted defeat and promised not to trouble Meng Zhao if he was released.
• Meng Zhao warned Hu Yingming against seeking revenge and demanded that the Hu Family bring valuables as ransom.
• Meng Zhao assigned Lü Yue to handle the ransom, intending to claim items from the Hu Family’s collection.

After Meng Zhao and Lü Zhong debated whether to kill Bai Yang’s family, they learned Zhang Xiao Cui had poisoned them all. Meng Zhao inferred her final wish was for Bai Yang to be buried with his family and ordered graves prepared for both families.

• Meng Zhao asked Lü Zhong how to deal with Bai Yang’s family, and Lü Zhong urged him to eliminate them all, including the children.
• Lü Yue reported that everyone in the rear residence had died, and Meng Zhao demanded to know who had killed them.
• Lü Yue said Zhang Xiao Cui had poisoned her parents, brother, and son, leaving a note that read “the whole family reunited.”
• Meng Zhao interpreted the note as Zhang Xiao Cui’s request to include Bai Yang in the family’s burial.
• Meng Zhao ordered Lü Yue to have Bai Yang’s body restored and to arrange two graves in Zhang Xiao Cui’s hometown.

Meng Zhao weighed how to strengthen himself without becoming dependent on rapid, risky advances, and considered using the Earth Spirit Pearl to remove the Rouge Red poison. The Sky-Illuminating Mirror changed to reflect his wishes, and Meng Zhao decided to spend more than ten thousand energy points to uncover his Special Physique.

• Meng Zhao resolved to grow stronger and build his own forces, while avoiding reckless improvements that would hinder his independent martial progress.
• Meng Zhao considered using the Earth Spirit Pearl to improve his inner force and detoxify the Rouge Red poison still afflicting him.
• Meng Zhao prepared to fuse the Plum Blossom Stance Steps and Flying Cloud Steps, but noticed a new option for discovering his Special Physique on the Sky-Illuminating Mirror.
• The Sky-Illuminating Mirror explained that its panel reflected Meng Zhao’s wishes, allowing him to use energy points for gradual martial comprehension instead of rapid advances.
• Meng Zhao narrowed the mirror’s display to his physique and energy, then decided to spend more than ten thousand energy points to reveal his Special Physique.

Meng Zhao used the Sky-Illuminating Mirror to transform his physique and discovered he had gained the unprecedented Purple Origin Dragon Body, formed from the fusion of a Ziwei Treasure Body and an ordinary dragon body. He resolved to explore its abilities as he continued along the path of martial arts.

• Meng Zhao spent Energy Points to transform his physique, and the mirror identified it as the Purple Origin Dragon Body.
• Meng Zhao reviewed the famous dragon bodies and Star Bodies recorded in history but found no mention of his new physique.
• The Sky-Illuminating Mirror explained that the Purple Origin Dragon Body fused a Ziwei Treasure Body with an ordinary dragon body.
• Meng Zhao learned that the rare Ziwei Treasure Body could become the Ziwei Divine Body under extraordinary circumstances, as it had for Liu Xiu.
• Meng Zhao grew excited about his physique’s potential and decided to investigate how to develop its abilities.

Meng Zhao considered how to awaken his Purple Origin Dragon Body and concluded that the Blood Changing Method could transform his body and might expel the Rouge Red poison. He lacked only the cultivation foundation to attempt it, but believed the chance of success was high and awaited an opportunity.

• Meng Zhao determined that his Ziwei Treasure Body could not be developed before reaching the innate realm, while his dragon body could be awakened naturally or through external means.
• Meng Zhao learned that awakening his dragon body with the Blood Changing Method required the method itself, a perfect foundation with a sea-like dantian, and certainty that he possessed a dragon body.
• Meng Zhao realized that the Meng Family's records and the Sky-Illuminating Mirror satisfied two requirements, while the Red Flag Order and Earth Spirit Pearl could help him build the cultivation foundation he still lacked.
• Meng Zhao recalled Divine Doctor Tong's account of Rouge Red, a poison made from forty-nine poisonous herbs and living gu that could be cured only by its creator or the prescribed antidote.
• Meng Zhao reasoned that the Blood Changing Method and his dragon body's transformation could purge Rouge Red, estimated his chances at eighty percent, and waited for the right opportunity.

Meng Zhao used the wood-aspect Earth Spirit Pearl with the Outer Elixir Method to cultivate and rapidly increased his strength. After more than eight hours, he formed his sixth Crimson Flag, though his meridians showed signs of strain.

• Meng Zhao examined the Earth Spirit Pearl and considered its healing benefits and the different methods of using it to cultivate.
• Meng Zhao washed the pearl, held it against his navel, and matched his breathing to its flow of vital essence.
• Meng Zhao absorbed the pearl’s energy and used the Red Flag Order to transform it into Crimson Flag Inner Breath.
• Meng Zhao cultivated through the night as Lü Zhong, Lü Yue, and the others kept watch outside his room.
• Meng Zhao formed his sixth Crimson Flag and realized that his meridians were struggling to withstand the rapid increase in inner strength.

After completing his goals in Xinping County, Meng Zhao returned to Meng Mansion with his allies and prepared to answer Meng Jizu’s urgent summons. Lü Zhong and Lü Yue discussed Lü Zhong’s impending retirement and Lü Yue’s duty to serve Meng Zhao.

• Meng Zhao used 2,400 energy points to combine the Plum Blossom Stance Steps and Flying Cloud Steps into the Ten Directions Step.
• Meng Zhao and his group returned to the prefectural city, while Shi Jie went to his secret residence to avoid the Meng Family’s experts.
• Meng Zhao reassured Lü Zhong that Hu Yingming’s complaint was unlikely to cause serious trouble and urged Lü Zhong to rest and recover.
• Meng Zhao sent Lü Yue to visit Uncle Liu with local specialties and an account of their trip, then went to meet Meng Jizu.
• Lü Zhong advised Lü Yue to serve Meng Zhao carefully, avoid overstepping with the main branch, and continue cultivating his martial arts.

Meng Zhao was summoned before the Meng elders over his clash with Hu Yingming, but Meng Jizu assured him the Hu Family would not retaliate. Meng Hongdao then revealed that Hu Baiwan might be backed by the Hell Path, leaving Meng Zhao and the other brothers to consider the threat behind the merchant’s influence.

• Meng Jizu questioned Meng Zhao about rumors that he had beaten Hu Yingming, while Meng Xi accused him of tying Hu Yingming up and demanding ransom.
• Meng Chuan joked that the Meng Family’s ancestor had been a bandit, easing the tense atmosphere and drawing Meng Hongdao’s ire.
• Meng Jizu said he had settled the matter with Hu Baiwan and warned Meng Zhao to act carefully because the Hu Family was dangerous.
• Meng Jizu and Meng Hongdao explained that Hu Baiwan had risen through ruthless dealings and might have ties to the Demonic Path and the Hell Path.
• Meng Zhao reflected that Hu Baiwan’s wealth, connections, and public reputation might conceal the Hell Path’s power.

Meng Zhao learned that Meng Wen had been badly injured by Shi Siming, a disciple of Fire Dragon Cave staying with the Sun Family, and considered what the sect’s support meant for the conflict. The family elders debated the threat while Meng Xi urged Meng Zhao to seek justice, but Meng Jizu rebuked him.

• Meng Chuan suggested reporting Hu Baiwan to the Imperial Court, but Meng Hongdao warned him that the Meng Family had to weigh the risks and its own interests.
• Meng Zhao asked why Meng Wen was absent, and Meng Xi explained that Shi Siming of Fire Dragon Cave had injured him so severely that he was confined to bed.
• Meng Zhao connected Shi Siming’s presence at the Sun Family to Fire Dragon Cave’s backing of the family and wondered why the sect had openly challenged the Meng Family.
• Meng Jizu scolded Meng Xi for provoking Meng Zhao to seek revenge, and Meng Xi protested that he was not confident he could defeat Shi Siming.

Meng Jizu and Meng Hongdao warned Meng Zhao and the other Meng descendants that the family faced an uncertain confrontation with the Sun Family, Fire Dragon Cave, and possibly the Shen Family. After weighing the Meng Family’s strength against its rivals, Meng Zhao grew less worried and went with Meng Chuan to prepare a gift for a visit to their injured second brother.

• Meng Jizu and Meng Hongdao told the younger Meng descendants to stay cautious, remain at the estate, and strengthen their martial arts as tensions with the Sun Family and Fire Dragon Cave rose.
• Meng Jizu hinted that the Meng Family planned to make its enemies pay, while Meng Zhao realized he knew less about the family’s backing and power than he had assumed.
• After leaving the meeting, Meng Zhao reasoned that the Sun Family and its potential allies still seemed weaker than the Meng Family and its supporters.
• Meng Chuan approached Meng Zhao and suggested sparring, then proposed asking their second brother about Shi Siming’s martial arts.
• Meng Zhao agreed to visit their second brother and told Meng Chuan to prepare a gift first.

Meng Zhao and Meng Chuan visited the defeated Meng Wen, whose shattered confidence and uncertainty about his martial future had left him despondent. Meng Zhao realized Meng Wen’s despair threatened his own plans in the Meng Family’s struggle for power, while Meng Wen remained convinced that Shi Siming had exposed how far he fell short.

• Meng Zhao and Meng Chuan found Meng Wen pale and dispirited, and Meng Zhao urged him to recover and keep training.
• Meng Zhao privately viewed Meng Wen’s declining spirit as a threat to his position in the Meng Family succession struggle and hoped to keep him competing with Meng Xi.
• Meng Wen sent others away and told Meng Zhao and Meng Chuan that he felt exhausted, feared facing criticism, and doubted he could contend with Meng Xi.
• Meng Wen explained that Shi Siming had overwhelmed him in their match and shattered his Martial Dao Will, leaving him afraid to fight again.
• Meng Zhao concluded that Shi Siming’s talent and experience had exposed Meng Wen’s weaknesses, while Meng Wen’s lack of resilience had deepened his despair.

After Meng Zhao comforted Meng Wen, Shi Siming attended a gathering at Sun Chuanxing’s pavilion, where local young masters celebrated Meng Wen’s defeat and speculated that the Sun Family would rise as the Meng Family fell. Shi Siming warned them not to underestimate the Meng Family, while privately recognizing that Fire Dragon Cave’s pressure on the family served a different purpose.

• Meng Zhao comforted Meng Wen and left with Meng Chuan, deciding that Meng Jizu was best placed to help his son recover.
• Young Master Wu toasted Shi Siming for defeating Meng Wen and mocked the Meng Family at Sun Chuanxing’s gathering.
• Sun Chuanxing warned Young Master Wu that the Meng Family still ruled Nan'an and that careless talk could endanger their families.
• Shi Siming clarified that he had challenged Meng Wen to test the Red Flag Order and cautioned the guests against underestimating it.
• Young Master Wu apologized and drank three cups, while Sun Chuanxing smoothed things over between him and Shi Siming.

At a banquet, young nobles argued over Meng Zhao’s growing power and whether he deserved their resentment. Young Master Hong warned them that Meng Zhao had seized Hu Yingming and demanded antiques for his release, leaving the gathering united in criticizing the Meng Family while Shi Siming listened and learned its history.

• A fair-faced young man praised Meng Zhao’s recent prominence, and the guests debated the Emperor’s decree that had selected him and thirty-five others for ten years of temple service.
• Young Master Wu accused Young Master Hong of wanting to join the Meng Family, and their dispute divided the guests until Sun Chuanxing silenced them.
• Young Master Hong said Meng Zhao had brought Innate Masters to seize Hu Yingming and demanded antique treasures as ransom.
• A guest confirmed that Meng Zhao had bought an antique vase from his family, and the nobles shifted from arguing with one another to mocking the Meng Family.
• Shi Siming listened to the discussion and learned that the Meng Family claimed descent from the Second Sage.

At Sun Chuanxing’s gathering, guests discussed Meng Zhao and urged Shi Siming to deal with him, but Sun Chuanxing rebuked them. Hu Yingming arrived in a wretched state and asked to speak with Sun Chuanxing alone, prompting the guests to speculate that he wanted help taking revenge on Meng Zhao.

• Sun Chuanxing warned the guests not to underestimate Meng Zhao, and several suggested that Shi Siming should suppress him.
• Sun Chuanxing stopped the guests from treating Shi Siming like hired muscle, while Shi Siming ignored their talk.
• Sun Chuanxing’s favored concubine announced Hu Yingming’s arrival, and Sun Chuanxing told the guests to avoid mentioning their earlier discussion.
• Hu Yingming entered looking disheveled and asked Sun Chuanxing to speak with him alone.
• Sun Chuanxing took Hu Yingming into a side room, while the guests speculated that he wanted to borrow help against Meng Zhao.

Hu Yingming asked Sun Chuanxing to help him get revenge on Meng Zhao, whom he blamed for humiliating him and ruining his reputation. Sun Chuanxing refused to command Shi Siming but offered to introduce them, leaving Hu Yingming ready to pay whatever it took to secure Shi Siming’s help.

• Hu Yingming told Sun Chuanxing how Meng Zhao had humiliated him and how the Meng Family had dismissed the matter, then crushed a teacup in his anger.
• Hu Yingming condemned his father for not confronting the Meng Family and appealed to Sun Chuanxing for help.
• Hu Yingming asked Sun Chuanxing to have Shi Siming cripple Meng Zhao, but Sun Chuanxing explained that Shi Siming acted independently and could not be ordered around.
• Sun Chuanxing offered to introduce Hu Yingming to Shi Siming and explain what Shi Siming liked.
• Hu Yingming listened to Sun Chuanxing’s advice and resolved to pay whatever price was necessary to take revenge.

Hu Yingming asked Shi Siming to help him take revenge on Meng Zhao and offered a three-hundred-year Fire Python Gall, possibly from a One-Horned Fire Python. Shi Siming agreed to cripple one of Meng Zhao’s arms, but refused Hu Yingming’s demand to break all his limbs and destroy his martial arts.

• Hu Yingming asked Shi Siming to target Meng Zhao, offering a Fire Python Gall as payment.
• Shi Siming was tempted by the gall’s power and the possibility that it contained a trace of dragon nature.
• Shi Siming refused to kill Meng Zhao, warning that doing so could bring the Meng Family’s retaliation.
• Hu Yingming asked Shi Siming to break Meng Zhao’s limbs and cripple his martial arts.
• Shi Siming refused that demand but agreed to cripple one of Meng Zhao’s arms, and Hu Yingming accepted.

During the Flower God's Birthday fair, Meng Zhao enjoyed the celebration with Meng Chuan, Lü Yue, and Meng Rong while reflecting on his disciplined routine. His heightened instincts then detected a hostile, formidable stranger watching him from the crowd.

• Meng Zhao strolled through the temple fair as women offered him flowers, and he teased Lü Yue about finding a woman to court.
• Meng Chuan drove off a foppish young man who tried to offer Meng Rong a flower.
• Meng Zhao recalled balancing residence affairs, reading, and martial training, and chose the fair as a day of rest.
• Meng Zhao sensed imminent danger, gathered his energy, and spotted a burly man in black staring at him with hostility.

Meng Zhao met Xi Xiangping after she invited him and his siblings to a banquet where Shen Tianci would discuss the Innate Martial Dao. Though Meng Rong and Xi Xiangping praised Shen Tianci’s talent, Meng Zhao accepted the invitation and remained confident in his own potential.

• Lü Yue sensed Meng Zhao’s unease, but Meng Zhao saw that the hostile burly man had disappeared and said nothing about him.
• Meng Chuan and Meng Rong returned with Xi Xiangping, whom Meng Rong introduced to Meng Zhao as Xi Siyuan’s daughter.
• Xi Xiangping invited Meng Zhao and his siblings to an open-air banquet where Shen Tianci would explain the Innate Martial Dao.
• Meng Rong and Xi Xiangping praised Shen Tianci’s exceptional martial talent, leaving Meng Chuan and Lü Yue feeling bitter.
• Meng Zhao stayed confident in his Purple Origin Dragon Body, grew curious about Shen Tianci, and accepted Xi Xiangping’s invitation.

Meng Zhao and his family attended Xi Xiangping’s banquet, where guests mingled and young martial artists sparred. As another group entered the garden, Meng Zhao recognized them and his expression turned cold.

• Meng Zhao, Meng Chuan, and Meng Rong followed Xi Xiangping into the garden banquet and observed its well-connected guests.
• Meng Rong sampled jujubes while Meng Zhao surveyed the gathering and noted that Shen Tianci had not yet arrived.
• Two young men sparred, and Xi Xiangping explained that martial arts matches were a common feature of such gatherings.
• Lü Yue identified the fighters’ techniques as the Seven Step Palm and Bear Demon Fist, while Meng Zhao judged their skill and cultivation.
• The Bear Demon Fist user defeated his opponent, who left in humiliation, and Meng Zhao noticed a new group entering the garden.