Recaps

Chen Yi went to investigate Song Jin Jian’s confrontation with Daoist Kongkong, while Xiao Jinghong defeated Song Jin Jian and captured him alive. After crippling his qi sea, Xiao Jinghong learned that Song Jin Jian believed Liu Zhaoxue was dead and prepared to leave with him.

• Chen Yi disguised himself, left the Xiao Family estate, and headed toward West City to investigate Song Jin Jian.
• Song Jin Jian attacked Daoist Kongkong beside the Chishui River, admitted that Pei Yonglin had killed Hua Huiyang, and severed Kongkong’s arm.
• Xiao Jinghong arrived and used her Sword Dao Extreme Realm to stop Song Jin Jian as he fled.
• Song Jin Jian surrendered after Xiao Jinghong overpowered him, and she ruptured his qi sea before taking him into custody.
• Song Jin Jian asked about Liu Zhaoxue, and Xiao Jinghong told him she was dead.
• Xiao Jinghong thanked Daoist Kongkong and prepared to return to the Prefectural City, but a voice called for her to wait.

Chen Yi captured Song Jin Jian, revealed his identity to Daoist Kongkong, and explained that Pei Yonglin belonged to the White Tiger Guard, easing suspicions against the Mountain Tribe. After taking the Uncontested Sword, Chen Yi explained to Xiao Jinghong that Cui Mao had prepared for the emperor’s campaign against the aristocratic families, which would target more than just the Cui Family.

• Chen Yi arrived as Xiao Jinghong handed the crippled Song Jin Jian over to him, then treated Daoist Kongkong’s severed arm.
• Chen Yi revealed that he was Chen Yu, explained Pei Yonglin’s White Tiger Guard identity, and persuaded Daoist Kongkong not to blame the Mountain Tribe.
• Daoist Kongkong said he would refer Pei Yonglin’s fate to Senior Uncle Zhongwu, while still holding him accountable for his crimes.
• Chen Yi took the Uncontested Sword from Xiao Jinghong and let her question Song Jin Jian about her parents’ capture and Cui Mao’s plans.
• Chen Yi outlined the different factions among the aristocratic families and said the emperor intended to bring all of them, including frontier families like the Xiao Family, under his control.

Chen Yi explained to Xiao Jinghong how His Majesty intended to weaken the aristocratic clans by exploiting their rival plans for a Northern or Southern Expedition. After taking Song Jin Jian to a safe house, Chen Yi prepared for his journey into Barbarian Tribe territory by deciding to have One Finger disguise him as the Uncontested Sword.

• Chen Yi explained how powerful clans such as the Cui Family had amassed farmland and wealth through disasters, and why His Majesty viewed the clans and Xiao Family’s military authority as threats.
• Chen Yi told Xiao Jinghong that His Majesty had divided the aristocratic families through the dispute over the Northern and Southern Expeditions, and Xiao Jinghong resolved to inform her grandfather.
• Xiao Jinghong agreed to take command at Mengshui Pass, while Chen Yi took the captive Song Jin Jian to a residence south of the Prefectural City.
• Chen Yi left Song Jin Jian with Shui Hetong and learned that Zhang Dabao would not return for another half month.
• Chen Yi decided to ask One Finger to disguise him as the Uncontested Sword.

Chen Yi learned from Song Jin Jian that the Cui Family had dealings with the Barbarian Tribe and planned to use Song’s identity to enter its territory and rescue Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing. He also uncovered the Poshushuo Kingdom’s plans involving the Jizhou Trading Company, while Xiao Jinghong prepared to leave for Mengshui Pass.

• Chen Yi told Song Jin Jian he would disguise himself as him and travel to the Barbarian Tribe to rescue Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing, then demonstrated that he had learned Song’s Killing Sword.
• Chen Yi questioned Wuer Tai and learned that King Landu was preparing to rebel against the Poshushuo Kingdom with weapons and armor sold by the Jizhou Trading Company.
• Chen Yi explained that the Poshushuo Kingdom had offered the Jizhou Trading Company passage into the Western Buddhist Kingdom and a fief in exchange for its support.
• Chen Yi arranged for Shui Hetong to impersonate him in Tonglin while he pursued his dangerous journey.
• At Qingjing Residence, Elder Master Xiao discussed the political danger with Xiao Jinghong, who decided to leave for Mengshui Pass the next morning.

Xiao Jinghong told Elder Master Xiao that Chen Yu planned to rescue Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing, while the Old Master weighed the political threats facing the Xiao Family. After Xiao Jinghong returned to Chunhe Garden, she reunited with Chen Yi and prepared to leave again after breakfast, asking him to write her a letter.

• Xiao Jinghong told Elder Master Xiao that Chen Yu would set out to rescue her parents within days or, at the latest, half a month, and Elder Master Xiao trusted Chen Yu despite his mysterious origins.
• Xiao Jinghong warned Elder Master Xiao that the new Surveillance Commissioner had accused the Mountain Tribe and criticized the Wushan Mutual Market, prompting the Old Master to order a watch on Fan Yuanzhou and prepare a memorial to Capital Prefecture.
• Xiao Jinghong returned to Chunhe Garden while Chen Yi hurried back to his room to avoid being discovered, then checked his fortune reward for Xiao Jinghong stopping Song Jin Jian's assassination attempt against Daoist Kongkong.
• Merchants flocked to the Wushan Mutual Market for profitable trade, while some people criticized the Xiao Family for dealing with the Mountain Tribe.
• Chen Yi joined Xiao Jinghong, Xiao Wuge, and Pei Guanli for breakfast at Jiaxing Garden, where Xiao Jinghong said she would leave after the meal and asked Chen Yi to write her a letter.

Chen Yi wrote a poem for Xiao Jinghong and reached the Extreme Realm in the Way of Calligraphy, causing a vision that shook the city. The chapter ended with scholars recognizing a new Sage of Calligraphy as Mr. Yue Ming rushed to find Qingzhou.

• Xiao Jinghong told Xiao Wuge to learn the Xiao Family's Seven Kill Spear from Xiao Xuanshuo and planned to return to Mengshui Pass after breakfast.
• Xiao Wan'er discussed rumors about the Xiao Family and the Mountain Tribe, the Wushan Mutual Market, and plans to travel to Tonglin Town after Commander Chen's farewell dinner.
• Chen Yi went to his study and composed “Jiangchengzi: To Lady Jinghong,” depicting Xiao Jinghong in graceful and martial forms.
• While writing, Chen Yi broke through to the Extreme Realm in the Way of Calligraphy and attained “Technique Approaching Dao” in Running Script.
• The poem's golden light filled the sky, where an apparition of Xiao Jinghong danced with her sword and stood armored above a frontier pass.
• Mr. Yue Ming recognized the phenomenon as the work of a new Sage of Calligraphy and hurried to find Qingzhou.

Chen Yi broke through to the Extreme Realm of the Way of Calligraphy, earning acclaim as a Sage of Calligraphy across Shuzhou and beyond. As his family celebrated his achievement, Chen Yunfan prepared to leave for his post in Guangyuan, and Chen Yi emerged to tell Xiao Jinghong he had fulfilled his charge.

• People outside Hundred Herbs Hall celebrated Chen Yi as a Sage of Calligraphy, while Wang Ji and One Finger welcomed the prestige his achievement could bring their hall.
• General Star recalled the Pavilion Master's instructions about Chen Yi, sent a white-headed hawk north, and marveled at the accomplishments of Chen Yi and Chen Yunfan.
• Cui Qingwu urged Chen Yunfan to congratulate Chen Yi, and Chen Yunfan agreed to send him a fishing tackle gift before leaving for Guangyuan early the day after tomorrow.
• Elder Master Xiao and the family gathered outside Chunhe Garden, praised Chen Yi's calligraphy, and agreed to protect him from too many visitors.
• Xiao Wan'er admired the lyric Chen Yi had written for Xiao Jinghong, while Xiao Jinghong blushed at its romantic verses.
• Chen Yi came out to greet the family, accepted their congratulations, and told Xiao Jinghong that he had fulfilled his charge.

Chen Yi’s breakthrough made him the Great Wei Dynasty’s third Sage of Calligraphy, drawing visitors and celebrations across Shuzhou while disrupting his plans to travel north. He prepared a farewell poem for Chen Yunfan and went with Xiao Wan'er to Tingyu Pavilion for a gathering before Chen Yunfan’s departure.

• Xiao Jinghong blushed at Chen Yi’s lyric, took his Calligraphy Copybook, and left, while Elder Master Xiao offered to hold a celebration that Chen Yi declined.
• News of Chen Yi’s breakthrough spread, bringing visitors and gifts to the Xiao Family; the Provincial Administration and Prefectural Yamen declared three days of celebration in Shuzhou.
• Ma Liangcai told Yuan Liu'er that they would soon travel with Chen Yi to Tonglin Town, and she said her family had agreed to the plan.
• Chen Yi wrote a farewell poem for Chen Yunfan and had Xiao Die prepare it as a gift, while considering how the public attention would delay his plans to travel to the Barbarian Tribe.
• Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er left the Xiao Family estate for Tingyu Pavilion, where Chen Yunfan had arranged a gathering before setting out for Guangyuan.

As the Xiao Family traveled to Tingyu Pavilion to see Chen Yunfan off to Guangyuan, Chen Yi told Xiao Wan'er he would soon leave Shuzhou and asked her to cover for him. After sharing his plans with her in the Chess Dao Illusion Realm, he arrived at the farewell banquet, where Li Huaigu offered to recite a poem he had prepared for Chen Yunfan.

• Xie Tingyun teased Shen Huatang about Chen Yi and the Xiao sisters as their carriages traveled through the busy street.
• Shen Huatang sped up the carriage, causing Xiao Wan'er to stumble into Chen Yi, who drew her into the Chess Dao Illusion Realm.
• Chen Yi told Xiao Wan'er he would leave Shuzhou and asked her to conceal his absence; she agreed and memorized his arrangements.
• Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er reached Tingyu Pavilion, where Lin Zhong reported that the banquet was ready and that Lord Yang and Li Huaigu had arrived.
• Chen Yunfan appeared in his official robe, and Chen Yi praised how it suited him.
• Li Huaigu greeted Chen Yi and Chen Yunfan, then offered to recite a poem he had prepared for Chen Yunfan's new post.

At Chen Yunfan’s farewell banquet, Li Huaigu covertly warned him that the Vermilion Bird Guard wanted him to fill Chen Yunfan’s vacancy and was watching Shuzhou’s troops. The gathering ended with Chen Yunfan accepting Chen Yi’s calligraphy and the guests laughing over Chen Yi’s old role in bringing Li Huaigu and his wife together.

• Li Huaigu recited a poem whose imagery secretly warned Chen Yunfan to beware of the Vermilion Bird Guard, and Chen Yi recognized the message.
• Chen Yunfan and Li Huaigu exchanged hidden messages revealing that the Vermilion Bird Guard wanted Li Huaigu to replace Chen Yunfan and was monitoring him for information about the Dingyuan Army.
• Chen Yi gave Chen Yunfan an extreme-realm calligraphy copybook, and Chen Yunfan snatched it back after pretending to dislike the poem.
• Xiao Wan'er and Cui Qingwu discussed the Medical Dao Academy and rumors about Chen Yi, prompting Chen Yi to recount how he had once arranged for Li Huaigu and his wife to meet.
• The guests laughed and drank until the hour of the Pig, when Chen Yunfan said he would set off north the next morning.

Chen Yunfan left Shuzhou for Guangyuan after warning Cui Qingwu to remain behind, while Chen Yi considered the dangers surrounding the Dingyuan Army and prepared for his journey to the Barbarian Tribe. Two days later, Feng Erbao arrived with an Imperial Edict ennobling Chen Yi as Earl Wenhan and requesting one of his calligraphic works for the capital.

• Chen Yunfan decided to travel to Guangyuan at once and asked Cui Qingwu to stay in the Prefectural City until he returned for her.
• Chen Yunfan departed Tingyu Pavilion, leaving Cui Qingwu watching his carriage disappear.
• Chen Yi considered the Vermilion Bird Guard's influence over the Dingyuan Army and worried that Li Changqing might be connected to Li Fu.
• Chen Yi reassured Xiao Wan'er that Ma Liangcai and Yuan Liu'er could help with the Medical Dao Academy in Tonglin Town.
• Feng Erbao delivered an Imperial Edict ennobling Chen Yi as Earl Wenhan and said the emperor wanted him to bring a calligraphic masterpiece back to the capital.

Chen Yi received the title Earl Wenhan and considered the emperor’s warning to Elder Master Xiao while plotting to send Pei Yonglin to Capital Prefecture. After writing a calligraphy copybook for the emperor, Chen Yi met Granny Shan when she arrived at the Xiao Family estate.

• Feng Erbao conveyed the emperor’s oral decree warning Elder Master Xiao to handle Shuzhou’s affairs cautiously and telling him to ease the emperor’s burdens.
• Chen Yi’s mental chessboard shifted as he considered the growing conflict among the court, aristocratic families, and other powers, then placed Pei Yonglin as a black piece in Capital Prefecture.
• Elder Master Xiao congratulated Chen Yi on becoming Earl Wenhan and asked him not to blame Xiao Jinghong for her absence; Chen Yi reassured him.
• Chen Yi wrote a calligraphy copybook for the emperor, shut Chunhe Garden to visitors, and Feng Erbao left for Capital Prefecture the next morning.
• Granny Shan arrived at the Xiao Family estate, and Chen Yi went to meet her after Pei Guanli announced her arrival.
• Granny Shan recognized Chen Yi as Xiao Jinghong’s husband and Dragon Tiger, then told him she had heard about Yonglin’s situation.

Chen Yi met Granny Shan to discuss Pei Yonglin’s crimes and learned that Pei Yonglin had once worked for Bright Moon Tower, including in an attempt to kill Hou Zhengchu over a Shuzhou deputy commissioner appointment. Granny Shan thanked Chen Yi for intervening and said Yonglin would still be punished, then revealed that Daoist Kongkong of Wudang Mountain had visited the tribe.

• Pei Guanli asked Chen Yi to paint her portrait as a gift for Granny Shan, and Granny Shan let her remain in the Prefectural City for a while longer.
• Granny Shan arranged to meet Chen Yi at the Mountain Tribe’s residence that night, where she and Pei Qian thanked him for helping Pei Yonglin.
• Granny Shan explained that Pei Yonglin had fought the Five Poisons Sect and later turned to Bright Moon Tower to earn silver for the tribe.
• Granny Shan recounted that Pei Yonglin had accepted a job to kill Hou Zhengchu, who was being considered for deputy commissioner, and she had sent Yonglin and his family away from Shuzhou.
• Granny Shan acknowledged that Pei Yonglin deserved punishment despite Chen Yi’s help, then told him Daoist Kongkong of Wudang Mountain had visited the tribe.

Chen Yi persuaded Granny Shan to let Pei Yonglin return to the Jizhou Trading Company as his eyes, despite the danger, and went with her to meet him. At Chunyu Tower, Chen Yi discussed support for the plan with General Star, whose secret letter revealed unrest on the Tea Horse Road as a new intelligence prompt appeared.

• Granny Shan agreed to Chen Yi's plan for Pei Yonglin to return to the Jizhou Trading Company and investigate its secrets.
• Chen Yi and Granny Shan left Pei Qian behind and traveled to Chunyu Tower, where Granny Shan hinted that she hoped Chen Yi would consider Pei Guanli as a wife.
• Granny Shan confirmed Pei Yonglin was inside Chunyu Tower, and Chen Yi went to speak with General Star while she went to see her son.
• General Star said the White Tiger Guard could not readily support Pei Yonglin because its only agent close to the Jizhou Trading Company, Female Tiger, was in Jiangnan Prefecture.
• A masked messenger delivered a Secret Letter, and General Star learned that unrest had broken out on the Tea Horse Road as Chen Yi received a Daily Intelligence prompt about the Peacock King.

Chen Yi learned that King Landu’s Peacock King Banner had rebelled in the Poshushuo Kingdom and suspected a wider conspiracy involving the Imperial Dragon Master, Song Jin Jian, and Li Changqing. As the rebellion advanced toward the royal capital, Chen Yi prepared to travel to the Barbarian Tribe to rescue Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing.

• Chen Yi and General Star discussed the Peacock King Banner’s planned raid on Jiangyuan Fort, the Elephant King’s alliance with King Landu, and the possibility that the Imperial Dragon Master supported the rebellion.
• Chen Yi questioned whether Li Changqing’s withdrawal to Hanxu Pass had been coordinated with King Landu, then told General Star to inform Elder Master Xiao of the danger.
• Granny Shan gave Pei Yonglin Two-Faced Gu and left with Chen Yi; Pei Yonglin recalled Chen Yi’s instruction to claim Song Jin Jian had rebelled for Liu Zhaoxue.
• Granny Shan warned Chen Yi that the Jizhou Trading Company had moved much of its wealth east and expected major turmoil across the Nine Provinces and Three Prefectures.
• Elder Master Xiao ordered Hanxu Pass to remain on alert and recalled troops as news spread that King Landu had captured Jiangyuan Fort and advanced to Jade Dragon Fort.
• After three days of rising tension and military preparations in Shuzhou, someone asked Chen Yi whether they were going to Tonglin Town the next day.

Chen Yi arranged for Xiao Die to remain in Chunhe Garden while he and Xiao Wan'er traveled to Tonglin Town, where he planned to prepare for a swift journey to the Barbarian Tribe. As the Poshushuo Kingdom’s upheaval threatened to affect Shuzhou, the Xiao Family made cautious defensive plans, and Chen Yi left with his next steps still unsettled.

• Chen Yi asked Xiao Die to stay behind and guard the valuable calligraphy and paintings in Chunhe Garden and Jiaxing Garden while he and Xiao Wan'er were away.
• Chen Yi assessed how King Landu’s rapid campaign in the Poshushuo Kingdom could affect the Jizhou Trading Company, the Xiao Family’s frontier defenses, the Barbarian Tribe’s succession struggle, and Shuzhou’s political situation.
• Elder Master Xiao ordered the Dingyuan Army to hold its position, sent scouts toward the Poshushuo Kingdom, and instructed Xiao Xuanshuo to investigate unfamiliar people in Shuzhou City.
• Chen Yi decided he needed to hurry his journey to the Barbarian Tribe and make preparations to reduce its impact on Shuzhou.
• The household prepared to leave for Tonglin Town, while Tang Wansha stayed behind to protect Xiao Manor and Qin Xiuce accompanied Xiao Wan'er.
• Chen Yi asked when Cui Qingwu would arrive and learned she was delaying her trip to Guangyuan; he told Xiao Wan'er they would discuss when he would leave after reaching Tonglin Town.

Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er traveled from Jiaxing Garden to Tonglin Town with their companions, where they went to inspect the nearly completed Medical Dao Academy. As the physicians prepared to move in, Chen Yi suggested that they decide who would lead the Medical Canon compilation by letting their skills speak for themselves.

• Chen Yi persuaded Pei Guanli to stay at the estate and cultivate until she broke through to the seventh rank realm, then set out with Xiao Wan'er and their companions.
• On the road, Chen Yi reassured Xiao Wan'er about her improving health and said he would have Ma Liangcai check her pulse and adjust her prescription.
• Cui Qingwu joined Xiao Wan'er outside the eastern gate, and she told her that King Landu's rebellion could profoundly affect Great Wei if he took control of the Poshushuo royal court.
• The group reached Tonglin Town, where Kang Ming reported that the Medical Dao Academy's side chambers were ready, though they lacked furnishings.
• Cui Qingwu asked which Medical Saint Hand would lead the Medical Canon compilation, and Chen Yi suggested that their skills should decide.

Chen Yi and his companions inspected the new Medical Dao Academy, which was named Dragon Field Academy, while Cui Qingwu considered securing its leadership for her physicians. After Chen Yi’s calligraphy transformed the academy, Shui Hetong and Ye Guxian arrived at his quarters that night, with Ye Guxian saying he had come to see Yuan Liu'er.

• Cui Qingwu agreed to let the physicians compete by medical skill rather than seniority, and Chen Yi brought the group to inspect the academy on Monkey Mountain.
• Chen Yi explained that Yuan Liu'er was technically his disciple and praised her and Ma Liangcai’s medical abilities, while Cui Qingwu considered her physicians for the academy’s leadership.
• Chen Yi named the school Dragon Field Academy and wrote its plaque and couplets, whose calligraphy released azure dragons that filled the grounds with glowing clouds.
• The contest between Ma Liangcai, Yuan Liu'er, and Cui Qingwu’s physicians was postponed until the next day as the academy was put in order.
• Shui Hetong and Ye Guxian visited Chen Yi late that night, and Ye Guxian said he had come because he missed his disciple, Yuan Liu'er.

Chen Yi discussed Snow Sword Lord’s plans for the Hidden Immortal Competition and agreed that Ye Guxian could teach Yuan Liu'er, while proposing that she become Dragon Field Academy’s deputy head. As Chen Yi prepared to leave for the Barbarian Tribe, he arranged for Shui Hetong to impersonate him and grew wary of the Imperial Court’s appointments involving Li Changqing and the Vermilion Bird Envoy.

• Snow Sword Lord said he planned to travel to the Wa Kingdom to spar with opponents and prepare for the Hidden Immortal Competition, and he invited Chen Yi to attend if he became an Earthly Immortal.
• Ye Guxian revealed that Gongye Bai had asked him to teach Yuan Liu'er, and Chen Yi proposed making her Dragon Field Academy’s deputy head after the coming contest.
• Chen Yi arranged for Shui Hetong to impersonate him while he went to the Barbarian Tribe, giving him paintings to help reproduce his voice and aura.
• Shui Hetong reported that King Landu’s Peacock King Banner had advanced through the passes and that King Landu had killed two Grandmaster Realm Sorcerers.
• Shui Hetong told Chen Yi that the Imperial Edict assigned Old Marquis Xiao to defend the Prefectural City and Li Changqing to guard Hanxu Pass, while a Vermilion Bird Envoy carried half the Dingyuan Army’s tiger tally.
• Chen Yi decided to watch Li Changqing and the Vermilion Bird Envoy, then returned to the Side Chamber to cultivate the Four Symbols Technique.

Chen Yi cultivated while Ye Guxian taught Yuan Liu'er sword dao, and Yuan Liu'er weighed her ambitions in Medical Dao against the role of deputy dean. At Dragon Field Academy, Xiao Wan'er decided to remain acting head and began a competition to choose a deputy head, introducing the physicians as the trials started.

• Chen Yi cultivated in seclusion as Ye Guxian noticed the powerful surge of Heaven and Earth Spirit Qi around him.
• Ye Guxian taught Yuan Liu'er sword dao and advised her to pursue Medical Dao if that was where her heart lay; Yuan Liu'er decided to focus on her medical studies while continuing her other paths.
• Monkeys gathered at Dragon Field Academy as Xiao Wan'er and Cui Qingwu discussed the academy's leadership and its future.
• Xiao Wan'er declared that she would remain acting head until a suitable candidate emerged and said the Medical Saint Hands would compete for the deputy-head position.
• The academy began its three-part competition, bringing thirty-three seriously ill residents of Tonglin Town for treatment as Cui Qingwu introduced the participating physicians.

At Dragon Field Academy, Wang Dongbo, Deng Yi, He Zonglin, Ma Liangcai, and Yuan Liu'er competed by diagnosing thirty-three gravely ill people from Tonglin Town. Yuan Liu'er and Ma Liangcai outperformed the three senior physicians in the first event, and Cui Qingwu proposed continuing with the contests of teaching and nurturing students.

• Wang Dongbo, Deng Yi, He Zonglin, Ma Liangcai, and Yuan Liu'er introduced themselves before Xiao Wan'er and Chen Yi, and Chen Yi told them to treat the patients first and preserve harmony during the contest.
• Chen Yi set the first event: the physicians would examine the patients and write their diagnoses and prescriptions for comparison.
• Yuan Liu'er examined a severely weakened man and diagnosed martial injuries to his acupoints, prescribing acupuncture and Root-Nourishing Powder; the man's son wept with relief at hearing that treatment was possible.
• Yuan Liu'er finished examining all thirty-three patients before Ma Liangcai, while Wang Dongbo, Deng Yi, and He Zonglin struggled with difficult cases and took much longer.
• Chen Yi compared the physicians' written findings, and Wang Dongbo, Deng Yi, and He Zonglin conceded the first event after discovering their diagnoses were less accurate than Ma Liangcai's and Yuan Liu'er's.
• Cui Qingwu proposed that the contest continue with the remaining two events, which would assess the physicians' ability to teach and train students.

Yuan Liu'er won the debate over medical principles by explaining how physicians could diagnose and heal imbalances in heaven and earth. Xiao Wan'er appointed her deputy head of Dragon Field Academy, which would admit students of all levels of talent and teach them to practice medicine.

• Wang Dongbo rejected a draw and proposed a debate to decide the second contest.
• Ma Liangcai claimed that physicians could not heal heaven and earth, but Yuan Liu'er argued that yin-yang imbalances made such treatment possible.
• Yuan Liu'er explained how rivers, mountains, and other features could be treated as parts of a body, impressing Wang Dongbo, Deng Yi, and He Zonglin.
• Yuan Liu'er said the academy should teach students of ordinary as well as exceptional talent so it could train more physicians and spread basic medical knowledge.
• Xiao Wan'er appointed Yuan Liu'er deputy head and announced that the academy would admit anyone aspiring to practice medicine.

After Yuan Liu'er became Dragon Field Academy’s deputy head, Chen Yi gave her guidance and a second Medical Canon to support her teaching. With affairs in Shuzhou temporarily settled and Chen Yunfan ordered to Hanxu Pass, Chen Yi prepared to leave for the Barbarian Tribe, telling Xiao Wan'er he planned to depart after midnight.

• Cui Qingwu comforted Wang Dongbo and the other teachers after Yuan Liu'er won the contest, and they accepted her and Xiao Wan'er as the academy’s leaders.
• Chen Yi privately reassured Yuan Liu'er about his plans and entrusted her with a Medical Canon for students with less talent, advising her to teach according to each student’s abilities.
• Yuan Liu'er began studying and gradually compiling the two Medical Canon volumes with the academy’s teachers while continuing her cultivation.
• News spread through the Prefectural City that Chen Yunfan had been ordered to Hanxu Pass, prompting scholars to criticize his rise and compare him unfavorably with Chen Yi.
• Chen Yi prepared for his journey to the Barbarian Tribe and, during a nighttime walk with Xiao Wan'er, told her he would leave after midnight.

Chen Yi comforted Xiao Wan'er before leaving Tonglin Town, then disguised himself as Song Jin Jian and went to Shu Prefecture City to gather intelligence. He learned that the Minister of War, Chen Xuanji, had been seriously wounded in Guangyue Prefecture, leaving the circumstances of the attack unresolved.

• Chen Yi promised Xiao Wan'er he would return within a month, recited a parting lyric for her, and gave her instructions for managing affairs while he was away.
• Chen Yi disguised himself as Song Jin Jian, asked Ye Guxian to train him in sword techniques, and told Shui Hetong he would soon leave for the Barbarian Tribe.
• Chen Yi saw intelligence that the Hidden Guard would meet at the West Market Tailor Shop and went there wearing his Black Iron Mask.
• Chen Yi overheard General Star and Ge Laosan discuss unrest in Guangyue Prefecture, Daoyan's death, and Elder Eagle taking charge there.
• General Star told Chen Yi that Minister of War Chen Xuanji had been attacked and seriously wounded in Guangyue Prefecture.

Chen Yi learned that Chen Xuanji had survived an assassination attempt by Japanese pirates and suspected the attack was connected to schemes involving Shuzhou. As Chen Yi headed south toward the Barbarian Tribe, Chen Xuanji quietly discussed the attack with Mo Qingxiang and chose to remain in Guangyue Prefecture.

• Chen Yi heard from General Star that Japanese pirates had gravely wounded Chen Xuanji in Guangyue Prefecture and reasoned that the attack might be intended to delay his journey to Shuzhou.
• Chen Yi warned General Star to consult Old Marquis Xiao about troubling news, then left for the south while General Star sent Secret Letters and Ge Laosan arranged additional support.
• Chen Yi secretly listened to General Star and Ge Laosan discuss the attack, gained Fortune and the Thirty-Six Hidden Weapon Techniques, and flew away toward the south.
• Officials in Guangyue Prefecture discussed Chen Xuanji's injuries and worried about the consequences if they failed to capture the Japanese pirates.
• Chen Xuanji, who had survived and was secretly meeting Mo Qingxiang in an illusory realm, agreed to stay in Guangyue Prefecture for a while.