Chapter Summaries

After returning home, Li Xiao discovered that the Panel had recorded the Iron Wire Fist Divine Intent Diagram, allowing him to comprehend it without relying on Qian Li’s original painting. He made his first progress in understanding its true intent and planned to combine daily cultivation with nightly study, while considering whether Exotic Beast Meat could improve his comprehension.

• Li Xiao reviewed his cultivation progress and realized the Panel had recorded the Iron Wire Fist Divine Intent Diagram after his brief look at it.
• Li Xiao studied the diagram through the Panel and gained a deeper understanding of Iron Wire Fist’s adaptable balance of hardness and softness.
• After nearly two hours, Li Xiao stopped when mental exhaustion set in and saw that his diagram comprehension had reached 1%.
• Li Xiao planned to cultivate Iron Wire Fist, Iron Sand Palm, and Spirit Snake Steps by day and comprehend the diagram at night.
• Li Xiao wondered whether Exotic Beast Meat could restore his mental energy and improve his comprehension.

Li Xiao tested whether Mountain Imp jerky could help him comprehend the Divine Intent Diagram and found that it did little besides replenish his Qi and Blood. After recovering overnight, he returned to the martial arts school, where Qian Li praised his resilience and began to discuss the rarity of people who had mastered Martial Way True Intent in Willow City.

• Li Xiao ate Mountain Imp jerky and found that its vigorous Qi and Blood did not ease the mental strain of visualizing the Iron Wire Fist Divine Intent Diagram, though his progress reached 2%.
• After a night of rest, Li Xiao concluded that his unusually strong mental power let him comprehend the diagram more safely than ordinary Martial Practitioners.
• Li Xiao returned to the martial arts school, where Wang Hai and other disciples congratulated him on reaching the Second Turn.
• Qian Li summoned Li Xiao, praised his resilience after viewing the diagram, and gave him guidance on controlling Internal Force and moving Qi and Blood.
• Qian Li asked Li Xiao how many people in Willow City had clearly mastered Martial Way True Intent, and Li Xiao admitted he did not know.

Li Xiao learned that Qian Li had mastered the Iron Wire Fist’s Martial Way True Intent and was trusted with the secret. After leaving the study, Li Xiao wondered why Qian Li hid his strength, reacted strangely to the Feng Family, and provided Exotic Beast Meat to the Martial Arts Hall.

• Qian Li told Li Xiao that Zhu He and Feng Yuxiang were the only publicly known Great Martial Masters who had grasped Martial Way True Intent, and Li Xiao noticed Qian Li’s subtle reaction to the Feng Family’s name.
• Qian Li revealed his Iron Wire Fist True Intent to Li Xiao, overwhelming him with its pressure and confirming his suspicions.
• Qian Li warned Li Xiao to keep the secret and said he could attempt to comprehend True Intent after bringing Iron Wire Fist to Perfection.
• Li Xiao promised not to reveal what he had seen, then left the study and wondered whether Qian Li was plotting something involving the Feng Family.
• Li Xiao questioned why Qian Li valued the Martial Arts Hall’s Exotic Beast Meat and whether long-term consumption had a special effect on Iron Wire Fist cultivation.

Li Xiao remained wary of the Martial Arts Hall’s Exotic Beast Meat and continued studying the Iron Wire Fist Divine Intent Diagram, while Lin Yue grew convinced that he was behind the Lin Family’s deaths and posed a threat to the Zhu Family. Zhu Wenjun dismissed her fears and left her alone, still convinced that danger was approaching.

• Li Xiao returned home, decided to eat Mountain Baboon Meat instead of the Martial Arts Hall’s Exotic Beast Meat, and resumed meditating on the Iron Wire Fist Divine Intent Diagram.
• Lin Yue connected the deaths of the Lin Family’s Patriarch, Second Elder, and Lin Zhi with the Zhu Family’s failed attack on Li Xiao and feared he would target her next.
• Zhu Wenjun returned drunk, and Lin Yue begged him to persuade the Zhu Family to kill Li Xiao before he grew stronger.
• Zhu Wenjun argued that Li Xiao could not have destroyed the Lin Family and refused to provoke Qian Li or disrupt Zhu family affairs.
• Zhu Wenjun berated Lin Yue for her suspicions and stormed out, leaving her alone and afraid for herself and her unborn child.

Li Xiao deepened his understanding of Iron Wire Fist True Intent and raised his Divine Intent Diagram progress to five percent. Meanwhile, Black Wind Stronghold strengthened its forces, and Lu Meng received five masked visitors in yellow robes who appeared to belong to the Yellow Robe Cult.

• Li Xiao combined his memory of Qian Li’s True Intent with the Divine Intent Diagram, advancing his Iron Wire Fist comprehension from two to five percent.
• Li Xiao planned to train his martial arts by day and study the Divine Intent Diagram at night, then ate Mountain Imp jerky and went to sleep.
• Black Wind Stronghold built up its defenses and training, gathering at least thirty Martial Masters under Lu Meng’s management.
• A Trusted Guard reported that five masked visitors in yellow robes had arrived, and Lu Meng suspected they were from the Yellow Robe Cult.
• Lu Meng ordered the visitors brought in and sent his Junior Brothers behind the Folding Screens.

The Yellow Robe Cult Leader visited Black Wind Stronghold and demanded to meet the hidden figure truly in charge, threatening to end their alliance if that person refused. Lu Meng reported the encounter to Qian Li, who realized how little he knew about the cult and its mysterious leader.

• The Yellow Robe Cult Leader arrived at Black Wind Stronghold with four followers, including the Third-Turn Deputy Cult Leader, and Lu Meng recognized him as a Fourth Turn Great Martial Master.
• The Cult Leader challenged Lu Meng’s claim to lead the stronghold and demanded a meeting with the person directing its disciplined forces and the Righteous Army.
• Lu Meng denied that anyone else was in charge, but the Cult Leader insisted the Yellow Robe Cult had offered its sincerity and left unless the hidden leader would meet him.
• Lu Meng dismissed his Junior Brothers and decided he had to inform his Master about the Cult Leader’s suspicions.
• A black-clad Martial Master delivered an urgent coded letter to Qian Li, who learned that the Cult Leader had personally visited Black Wind Stronghold and wondered what the cult knew.

Qian Li decided to negotiate with the Yellow Robe Cult over the Black Wind Stronghold, but insisted on setting the terms and choosing a safe meeting place. Meanwhile, Li Xiao perfected Iron Wire Fist, greatly strengthened his foundation, and made further progress comprehending the Divine Intent Diagram.

• Qian Li judged the Yellow Robe Cult's interest in the Black Wind Stronghold to be a serious threat and decided to meet them on his own terms.
• Qian Li sent a coded reply through Lu Meng, asking the cult to explain its proposed cooperation and offer while requiring a mutually safe meeting place.
• Li Xiao trained Iron Wire Fist until he reached Perfection and experienced a powerful improvement in his body and control of Internal Force.
• Li Xiao studied the Divine Intent Diagram after his breakthrough, raising his comprehension progress to 8%.

Li Xiao spent his 12 Limit-Breaking Points to transform the perfected Chasing Wind Arrow Technique into Swift Wind Thunderclap Arrow, gaining a new Divine Intent Diagram and a path to another Martial Way True Intent. Exhausted by the breakthrough, he stopped before studying the diagram and focused on recovering.

• Li Xiao realized the Iron Wire Fist had yielded more Limit-Breaking Points than the Chasing Wind Arrow Technique and weighed saving them against improving his immediate combat strength.
• Li Xiao chose to break the limits of the Chasing Wind Arrow Technique and spent all 12 Limit-Breaking Points.
• The Chasing Wind Arrow Technique evolved into Swift Wind Thunderclap Arrow, whose power drew on the embryonic form of Wind Thunder True Intent.
• A new Divine Intent Diagram for Swift Wind Thunderclap Arrow appeared, allowing Li Xiao to pursue a second Martial Way True Intent after comprehending it.
• Li Xiao recognized that his mental state had reached its limit, abandoned immediate study of the new diagram, and focused on recovery.

After recovering from the mental strain of Iron Wire Fist’s breakthrough, Li Xiao discovered that Wind Listening had expanded to fifty-five zhang and went to the martial arts school while monitoring Willow City’s growing unrest. Meanwhile, Qian Li met the Yellow Robe Cult Leader, who proposed joining forces to seize Willow City, and Qian Li questioned whether their strength was sufficient.

• Li Xiao tested Wind Listening after reaching Iron Wire Fist Perfection and found its range had expanded to fifty-five zhang.
• Li Xiao rested overnight, recovered from the worst of his mental exhaustion, and set out for the martial arts school while listening for news of Willow City.
• Qian Li met the Yellow Robe Cult Leader in disguise at Black Wind Stronghold.
• Qian Li described Great Zhou’s weakening rule and the growing disorder, and the Yellow Robe Cult Leader declared that the age of chaos had arrived.
• The Yellow Robe Cult Leader proposed that they join forces to take Willow City as the foundation of a larger undertaking.
• Qian Li warned that Willow City’s martial families, schools, and gangs made it too formidable for the two of them and Black Wind Stronghold alone.

Qian Li weighed the Yellow Robe Cult Leader’s proposal to seize Willow City and agreed to cooperate after learning the Yellow Robe Cult had the backing of a Military Governor supported by a Qi Cultivator. He asked the Cult Leader to help kill an unnamed enemy in Willow City as proof of their alliance, and the Cult Leader agreed.

• The Yellow Robe Cult Leader argued that Willow City’s factions were divided and claimed his cult had enough strength and allies to help seize the city.
• Qian Li asked who stood behind the cult, and the Yellow Robe Cult Leader revealed that a Military Governor backed it.
• When Qian Li balked at challenging the Prince’s Mansion, the Yellow Robe Cult Leader disclosed that the Military Governor had a Qi Cultivator’s support.
• Qian Li decided that seizing Willow City might be possible and agreed to cooperate with the Yellow Robe Cult Leader.
• Qian Li requested help eliminating an unnamed enemy in Willow City, and the Yellow Robe Cult Leader agreed.

Qian Li and the Yellow Robe Cult Master formed a wary alliance to strengthen their positions in Willow City and target the Feng Family. Meanwhile, Li Xiao advanced his martial arts and decided to find a stronger bow, but the Outer City shops had not offered one that could withstand his strength.

• Qian Li and the Yellow Robe Cult Master agreed to share intelligence, make plans against an unnamed powerful target, and arrange coded signals for future contact.
• After the Yellow Robe Cult Master left Black Wind Stronghold, Qian Li vowed to make the Feng Family repay its debts and returned to Willow City.
• Li Xiao advanced his Swift Wind Thunderclap Arrow Divine Intent Diagram to 2% and reviewed his growing martial arts strength.
• Li Xiao decided his Iron-Fetal Bow could no longer match his power and went to search the Outer City for a stronger weapon.
• After finding only unsuitable bows in several shops, Li Xiao asked a larger shopkeeper whether he had a powerful, well-made bow.

Li Xiao visited the Inner City’s Hundred Weapons Pavilion to find a bow strong enough for his explosive power, but the prices were far beyond his means. After seeing the unsellable Snow Dragon Ridge and setting his sights on the Black Iron Heavy Bow, he left determined to earn money quickly.

• Li Xiao learned that the Outer City had no bows suited to his strength and went to the Inner City to survey the market.
• At Hundred Weapons Pavilion, Li Xiao saw that the Black Iron Heavy Bow cost one thousand taels of silver.
• Li Xiao examined military-grade armor and heavy crossbows on the pavilion’s second floor and worried about the weakness of the Imperial Court of Great Zhou’s control.
• The clerk showed Li Xiao the Snow Dragon Ridge, a powerful treasure bow made from parts of Third-Turn Exotic Beasts, but explained that it was not for sale.
• Li Xiao chose the Black Iron Heavy Bow as a realistic goal and left the pavilion resolved to make money as quickly as possible.

Li Xiao perfected Iron Sand Palm and gained enough Limit-Breaking Points to break the limit of Spirit Snake Steps. The movement technique transformed into Dragon-Snake Illusory Body, and Li Xiao planned to cultivate it while preparing to make quick money for a bow.

• Li Xiao perfected Iron Sand Palm by shattering a bluestone block with a full-force strike, gaining four Limit-Breaking Points.
• Li Xiao assessed his combat skills and decided that improving his movement technique was more urgent than saving points to break Iron Sand Palm's limit.
• Li Xiao spent all seven Limit-Breaking Points to break the limit of Spirit Snake Steps.
• Spirit Snake Steps transformed into Dragon-Snake Illusory Body, a movement technique with stealth and concealment effects that began at Minor Accomplishment.
• Li Xiao resolved to cultivate Dragon-Snake Illusory Body, continue studying both Divine Intent Diagrams, and make quick money to buy a bow.

Li Xiao trained his Dragon-Snake Illusory Body and considered how his growing strength compared with the dangers in Willow City. He decided to go to Black Wind Mountain to test himself against the Righteous Army and seek enough plunder to buy a Black Iron Heavy Bow, then set out the next morning.

• Li Xiao practiced the Dragon-Snake Illusory Body until he gained 80 experience, while his Wind Listening range increased to sixty zhang.
• Li Xiao decided he was not yet ready to attack the Golden Sand Gang because Wang Jinshan and the gang members could make the fight too risky.
• Li Xiao resolved to seek money at Black Wind Stronghold by confronting the Righteous Army, hoping to test his strength and gather funds for a Black Iron Heavy Bow.
• Li Xiao studied the Iron Wire Fist and Swift Wind Thunderclap Arrow Divine Intent Diagrams, reaching 17% and 9% comprehension respectively.
• Li Xiao packed supplies and his Iron-Fetal Bow, briefly explained his departure to Li Youde, and left at dawn.

Li Xiao searched the outskirts of Black Wind Mountain for bandit strongholds but found only abandoned ruins, so he camped for the night and cultivated. A huge Yellow Weasel crept up to steal his jerky and startled him awake, narrowly dodging his palm strike.

• Li Xiao searched several rumored bandit hideouts and found them deserted, leading him to suspect the Righteous Army had absorbed or wiped out the bandits.
• As night fell, Li Xiao made camp beneath a cliff, ate Mountain Imp jerky, cultivated while Wind Listening kept watch, and slept in a tree.
• A huge Yellow Weasel followed the scent of Qi and Blood from the jerky in Li Xiao's pack and climbed up to his branch.
• Li Xiao woke when the Yellow Weasel tugged at his bundle and struck at it, but the animal arched backward and evaded his palm.

Li Xiao encountered an unusually intelligent Yellow Weasel that wanted his Mountain Imp jerky. After he gave it a small piece, the weasel led him through the forest to a secluded valley, and Li Xiao followed it inside.

• The Yellow Weasel dodged Li Xiao's palm strike, then bowed and pointed at his bundle to beg for the Mountain Imp jerky.
• Li Xiao tossed the Yellow Weasel a small piece of jerky, which it quickly ate before begging for more.
• Li Xiao refused to share more jerky, so the Yellow Weasel ran toward the forest and urgently gestured for him to follow.
• Li Xiao agreed and followed the Yellow Weasel through the mountain forest to a hidden valley.
• The Yellow Weasel entered the valley, and Li Xiao followed after a brief hesitation.

Li Xiao followed the Yellow Weasel to its cave and traded Mountain Imp jerky for a mysterious Jade Pillow from an ancient coffin. The pillow greatly restored his mind and improved his ability to comprehend the Iron Wire Fist Divine Intent Diagram, and he stayed in the cave to use it.

• The Yellow Weasel led Li Xiao through a hidden passage to its cave, where an ancient Stone Coffin held a Jade Pillow among decayed bones.
• The Yellow Weasel offered the Jade Pillow in exchange for Li Xiao's Mountain Imp jerky, and Li Xiao lifted the unusually heavy object from the coffin.
• Li Xiao rested his head on the Jade Pillow and found that it refreshed his mind and made the Divine Intent Diagram easier to comprehend.
• Li Xiao gave the Yellow Weasel five or six pieces of jerky in exchange for the Jade Pillow.
• Li Xiao decided to spend the night in the cave and continue contemplating the Divine Intent Diagram with the pillow.

Li Xiao left the Dark Cave with the Jade Pillow, whose power had greatly accelerated his progress in two Divine Intent Diagrams. While exploring Black Wind Mountain for bandits, he found a group of armed men, but halted his attack when he heard more people approaching in disciplined formation.

• Li Xiao discovered that meditating with the Jade Pillow had advanced both Divine Intent Diagrams by two percent overnight.
• The Yellow Weasel gave Li Xiao a handful of nuts, and he packed the Jade Pillow before leaving the cave.
• Li Xiao continued deeper into Black Wind Mountain instead of returning to Willow City.
• After hearing human voices, Li Xiao disguised himself, followed the sounds, and spotted seven or eight armed men resting in a forest clearing.
• Li Xiao aimed his bow at Scarface but paused when Wind Listening detected more people approaching with orderly footsteps.

Li Xiao discovered that the Flying Tiger Stronghold faced a five-day ultimatum from the Black Wind Stronghold Righteous Army and decided to rob the bandits for money to buy a bow. He stepped out of hiding and asked the bandits for their valuables, and the Great Chieftain threatened him as the confrontation began.

• The Flying Tiger Stronghold Great Chieftain arrived and learned from Scarface that the bandits had made little money and lost two men.
• The Great Chieftain told the bandits that the Black Wind Stronghold Righteous Army had given them five days to submit or be wiped out.
• Li Xiao, hidden nearby, decided to rob the Flying Tiger Stronghold bandits to fund his purchase of a bow.
• Li Xiao emerged from the bushes and calmly asked the bandits to lend him money, prompting them to laugh at him.
• The Great Chieftain threatened Li Xiao and ordered him to hand over his valuables, while Li Xiao reached toward his quiver.

Li Xiao killed the Short and Stout Great Chieftain with a predictive arrow, then forced the surviving bandits to lead him to the Flying Tiger Stronghold. He arrived at the hidden mountain camp as its frightened inhabitants hid from him.

• The Short and Stout Great Chieftain charged Li Xiao, but Li Xiao’s arrow struck the spot where the bandit chief’s momentum would carry him, piercing his chest.
• The Short and Stout Great Chieftain died, and the fleeing bandits scattered; Li Xiao shot two and ordered the five remaining men to stop.
• Li Xiao demanded to know who was in charge, and Scarface admitted he was only a headman and agreed to lead Li Xiao to the stronghold.
• Li Xiao searched the Short and Stout Great Chieftain’s corpse, found only a little money, and followed Scarface and the surviving bandits through the mountains.
• Scarface led Li Xiao to the Flying Tiger Stronghold, where frightened occupants hid in the crude huts after hearing that their Great Chieftain had been killed.