Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Hong dies at the hands of Xiao Family's Old Master, causing an uproar in Shu Prefecture.
• Xiao Family members leave the Marquis's Estate to rally support from other aristocratic families.
• Tang Zixin, the Surveillance Commissioner, writes a memorial to the Capital Prefecture.
• White Tiger Guard learns of Liu Hong's death and sends a secret letter to the Pavilion Master.
• Lou Yuxue and Cui Qingwu are instructed to interrogate Liu Hong's accomplices.
• Feng Erbao and his entourage leave the city, and Feng Erbao meets with Song Jin Jian in the woods.

Character Developments

• Xiao Family Old Master: Shows decisiveness and acts quickly to rally support for the Xiao Family.
• Tang Zixin: Writes a memorial to the Capital Prefecture, indicating his loyalty to his duties.
• General Star: Shows concern for the outcome of Liu Hong's death on Shu Prefecture and the Xiao Family.
• Lou Yuxue: Agrees to interrogate Liu Hong's accomplices, showing loyalty to the White Tiger Guard.
• Cui Qingwu: Expresses concern about the impact of Liu Hong's death on Chen Yunfan.
• Feng Erbao: Meets with Song Jin Jian, indicating a connection to Lord Cui and potential involvement in the power struggle.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and political intrigue: The death of Liu Hong sets off a chain reaction of political maneuvering among the various factions in Shu Prefecture and the Capital Prefecture.
• Loyalty and duty: Characters like Tang Zixin and Lou Yuxue demonstrate their loyalty to their respective roles and duties.
• Decisiveness and adaptability: The Xiao Family Old Master shows decisive action in response to the changing situation, indicating the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Family members interact to rally support from other aristocratic families.
• Tang Zixin interacts with the White Tiger Guard to inform them of Liu Hong's death.
• General Star interacts with Lou Yuxue and Cui Qingwu to discuss the impact of Liu Hong's death on Shu Prefecture.
• Feng Erbao interacts with Song Jin Jian, indicating a connection between Lord Cui and Feng Erbao's party.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Jin Jian, a retainer of the Cui Family, presents Liu Taoyao, Liu Hong's eldest son, to Feng Erbao, a eunuch serving the Wei Emperor.
• Liu Taoyao is to be spared and serve by Feng Erbao's side, despite the Emperor's decree to exterminate the Jingzhou Liu Family.
• The Wei Emperor is informed about the events in Shu Prefecture, including Liu Hong's death and the missing Liu Taoyao and Liu Zhaoxue.
• Chen Xuanji meets with the Wei Emperor, discussing the northern campaign and the court's reaction to it.

Character Developments

• Song Jin Jian shows his loyalty to the Cui Family and his strategic thinking in sparing Liu Taoyao.
• Feng Erbao demonstrates his political acumen in accepting Liu Taoyao, potentially currying favor with the Cui Family.
• The Wei Emperor shows his military ambitions and willingness to launch a northern campaign.
• Chen Xuanji reveals his long-term plan to manipulate the Wei Emperor into launching a northern campaign.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The interactions between the Cui Family, the Wei Emperor, and Chen Xuanji highlight the complex power dynamics within the Great Wei Dynasty.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Characters like Song Jin Jian and Feng Erbao grapple with loyalty to their masters and personal ambitions.
• Political Manipulation: Chen Xuanji's actions illustrate the use of political maneuvering and deception to achieve one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Song Jin Jian and Feng Erbao: Their interaction shows Song Jin Jian's respect for Feng Erbao's position and Feng Erbao's acceptance of Liu Taoyao, potentially forging an alliance between them.
• Chen Xuanji and the Wei Emperor: Their conversation reveals their shared ambition for a northern campaign and Chen Xuanji's ability to influence the Emperor's decisions.
• Chen Xuanji and the Cui Family: Implicitly, Chen Xuanji's actions suggest a rivalry or tension between him and the Cui Family, with both vying for influence over the Wei Emperor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A monthly lottery event is announced for January 2026, following the success of similar events in 2025.
• Prizes include a VGN Magnet King Keyboard (1st), VGN Dragonfly F2 Mouse (2nd, 2 winners), KFC meal sets (3rd, 10 winners), and consolation prizes (3 winners).
• The event runs from January 1st to 15th, with the draw on the 16th. Prizes can be claimed from January 16th to 31st.
• Participation is open to anyone who votes for the book's monthly tickets, with more votes increasing chances of winning.
• An extra chapter is released at 0:00 on January 1st, and unlocking it also enters readers into the lucky draw.

Character Developments

• No character developments are mentioned in this chapter, as it focuses on the event rather than the story's narrative.

Significant Themes

• Engagement and Reward: The chapter emphasizes reader engagement through voting and rewards them with prizes, fostering a sense of appreciation and community.
• Exclusivity: The event is limited to the Qidian platform, creating a sense of exclusivity for participants.

Character Interactions

• No character interactions are mentioned in this chapter, as it focuses on the event rather than the story's narrative.

Key Plot Points and Events

• His Majesty's decree arrives in Shu Prefecture, postponing the annual examination by two days due to Liu Hong's death.
• Liu Hong's crimes are exposed, and he is executed. Other officials involved are punished accordingly.
• The common people and scholars express their gratitude to the Xiao Family for protecting Shu Prefecture and curse Liu Hong and his associates.
• The annual examination is approaching, and scholars are distracted by the recent events. Mr. Yue Ming and Mr. Zhuo Ying try to keep them focused.
• His Majesty's imperial edict arrives, rewarding Yang Ye and Chen Yunfan. It is also announced that Chen Yunfan killed Lü Jiunan, leading to speculation that he is "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu.
• The Xiao Family receives visits from various aristocratic families, offering gifts to make amends.

Character Developments

• The common people and scholars in Shu Prefecture express their appreciation for the Xiao Family's protection and curse Liu Hong and his associates.
• Mr. Yue Ming and Mr. Zhuo Ying try to keep the scholars focused on the upcoming examination despite the recent events.
• Chen Yunfan is rewarded by His Majesty but is confused about the extent of his reward. He is also the subject of speculation that he is "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu.
• The Xiao Family receives gifts from various aristocratic families, indicating a shift in their attitude towards the Xiao Family.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and betrayal: The common people and scholars express their gratitude to the Xiao Family for protecting Shu Prefecture, contrasting with Liu Hong's betrayal.
• Power dynamics: The shift in the Xiao Family's status and the change in attitude towards them by other aristocratic families reflect the changing power dynamics in Shu Prefecture.
• Speculation and rumors: The speculation that Chen Yunfan is "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu highlights the power of rumors and speculation in shaping public opinion.

Character Interactions

• Mr. Yue Ming and Mr. Zhuo Ying discuss the annual examination and the recent events in Shu Prefecture.
• Chen Yunfan interacts with Li Huaigu, who speculates that Chen Yunfan is "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu.
• The Xiao Family receives visits from various aristocratic families, indicating a shift in their attitude towards the Xiao Family.
• Chen Yi reflects on the game in Shu Prefecture and decides that he will have to make a move within the Xiao Family to conclude the game.

• Key Plot Points and Events: The chapter is an announcement for the January 2026 Monthly Ticket Lottery, with prizes ranging from a high-end keyboard to meal sets. The lottery runs from January 1st to 15th, with winners to be notified on the 16th. Prizes can be claimed from January 16th to 31st.
• Character Developments: No character developments are mentioned in this chapter as it's an announcement and not part of the main story.
• Significant Themes: The theme of this chapter is reader engagement and rewards, encouraging readers to vote for monthly tickets to participate in the lottery and win prizes.
• Character Interactions: There are no character interactions in this chapter as it's a standalone announcement.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yi learns about the upcoming duel between White Immortal and Snow Sword Lord Ye Guxian.
• He discusses Ye Guxian's background and cultivation with Pei Guanli.
• Chen Yi decides to visit Jishi Pharmacy and Hundred Herbs Hall to prepare for the annual examination.
• The Elder Master Xiao receives the Emperor's decree, docking his salary for three years.
• Chen Yi bumps into the Elder Master Xiao and his family, who offer him encouragement for the annual examination.

Character Developments

• Chen Yi shows interest in the Jianghu event and decides to participate in the annual examination.
• Pei Guanli demonstrates her knowledge of the Jianghu and her loyalty to Chen Yi.
• The Elder Master Xiao shows concern for Chen Yi's well-being and encourages him for the annual examination.
• Xiao Jing is tasked with secretly protecting Chen Yi during the annual examination.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and politics of the Jianghu are highlighted through the upcoming duel and Chen Yi's interest in it.
• The theme of loyalty and trust is shown through Pei Guanli's devotion to Chen Yi and the Elder Master Xiao's concern for his family.
• The theme of hidden identities and secrets is explored as Chen Yi continues to keep his true identity a secret from the Xiao Family.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yi interacts with Pei Guanli, discussing the Jianghu and their plans for the day.
• Chen Yi meets the Elder Master Xiao and his family, exchanging pleasantries and receiving encouragement for the annual examination.
• The Elder Master Xiao interacts with Xiao Jing, giving him instructions and reminding him to maintain a distance from Chen Yi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duke of Gan Zhang Xuan arrives at the Xiao Family's Marquis Estate, bringing grain and silver to help with the grain crisis.
• Elder Master Xiao reveals that Liu Hong was colluding with both the Barbarians and Poshushuo Kingdom, and was responsible for Fengchun's whereabouts being discovered.
• Zhang Xuan reveals that Xiao Wang is struggling in Guangyue Prefecture, seeking help from Xiao Qiuyun and even trying to do business with a pharmacy.
• Chen Yi, with Pei Guanli, visits the Provincial Administration, the prefecture yamen, and the East Market, learning about the recent events in Shu Prefecture.
• Chen Yi learns that Xinglin Zhai has been sealed off, and the Liu Family members have been arrested.
• Chen Yi visits Jishi Pharmacy and learns that the pharmacy is busy due to the increased demand for medicine, but the supply of medicinal herbs is lacking.

Character Developments

• Elder Master Xiao: Shows gratitude and relief at Zhang Xuan's arrival, reveals Liu Hong's treachery, and expresses his desire to repay the money owed to Zhang Ying.
• Zhang Xuan: Arrives with grain and silver to help the Xiao Family, reveals Xiao Wang's struggles in Guangyue Prefecture, and expresses his displeasure with Xiao Wang's actions.
• Pei Guanli: Accompanies Chen Yi around Shu Prefecture, expresses her desire to go into seclusion to break through to the Seventh Rank, and offers to help Chen Yi with the medicinal herbs supply.
• Yuan Liu'er: Shows progress in her medical skills, able to help Ma Liangcai diagnose and treat patients, and write accurate prescriptions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and loyalty, as shown by Elder Master Xiao's concern for the Xiao Family and Zhang Xuan's help.
• The consequences of betrayal, as seen in Liu Hong's actions and the subsequent fall of the Liu Family.
• The power of talent, as demonstrated by Yuan Liu'er's rapid progress in her medical skills.

Character Interactions

• Elder Master Xiao and Zhang Xuan: Show a close friendship, with Zhang Xuan teasing Elder Master Xiao and Elder Master Xiao revealing Liu Hong's treachery.
• Chen Yi and Pei Guanli: Interact as brother-in-law and sister-in-law, with Pei Guanli expressing her desire to help Chen Yi and Chen Yi asking her to write a letter to her brother about the medicinal herbs supply.
• Ma Liangcai and Yuan Liu'er: Work together at Jishi Pharmacy, with Yuan Liu'er showing progress in her medical skills and helping Ma Liangcai treat patients.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Liu'er's exceptional talent in medicine is revealed, and Chen Yi decides on her martial arts cultivation path.
• Chen Yi asks Pei Guanli to teach Yuan Liu'er the Great Spear Stance Cultivation.
• Chen Yi visits Hundred Herbs Hall and encounters Ye Guxian, the "Snow Sword Lord," who invites him for a drink.

Character Developments

• Yuan Liu'er: Her medical talent is acknowledged, and she starts learning medicine. Chen Yi plans her martial arts cultivation path.
• Chen Yi: He continues to guide Yuan Liu'er's cultivation and interacts with Ye Guxian, showing no fear despite the power difference.
• Ye Guxian: He acknowledges Chen Yi's progress in Sword Dao and invites him for a drink, hinting at potential interest or warning.

Significant Themes

• Talent and cultivation: Yuan Liu'er's exceptional talent in medicine is emphasized, and Chen Yi plans her martial arts cultivation to match.
• Power dynamics: The encounter with Ye Guxian highlights the power imbalance and Chen Yi's cautious yet confident demeanor.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yi and Yuan Liu'er: Chen Yi guides Yuan Liu'er's cultivation path, showing care and consideration for her future.
• Chen Yi and Ye Guxian: Despite the power difference, Chen Yi interacts with Ye Guxian confidently, hinting at potential future interactions or challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yi is summoned by Ye Guxian to drink wine in a private room.
• Ye Guxian reveals that he has chosen Chen Yi to compete against White Immortal's disciple, Shui Hetong.
• Ye Guxian promises to do one thing for Chen Yi if he wins.
• Chen Yi and Ye Guxian drink ten jars of wine each, resulting in a draw.
• Chen Yi writes down his arrangements for Hundred Herbs Hall and learns about Liu Lang's guidance of the Tianshan Sect disciples.

Character Developments

• Chen Yi shows resilience and adaptability in facing unexpected situations, such as Ye Guxian's summons and the competition with Shui Hetong.
• Ye Guxian reveals his respect for Chen Yi's talent in Martial Dao and invites him to the Dao Discussion and Competition in the South Sea.
• Pei Guanli feels discouraged about her Martial Dao talent, leading to her unhappiness.

Significant Themes

• Talent and cultivation: The chapter explores the theme of talent and cultivation through Chen Yi's rapid progress in Martial Dao and Ye Guxian's recognition of his abilities.
• Competition and rivalry: The upcoming competition between Chen Yi and Shui Hetong highlights the theme of competition and rivalry, with both parties seeking to prove their strength.
• Respect and deference: The interactions between Chen Yi and Ye Guxian showcase the theme of respect and deference, with Chen Yi showing respect to Ye Guxian despite his misgivings, and Ye Guxian showing deference to Chen Yi's talent.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yi and Ye Guxian: Their interaction is tense and cautious at first, with Chen Yi trying to read Ye Guxian's intentions and Ye Guxian testing Chen Yi's resolve. However, they eventually reach a mutual understanding and respect.
• Chen Yi and Pei Guanli: Chen Yi shows concern for Pei Guanli's feelings and offers words of encouragement, while Pei Guanli expresses her frustration with her Martial Dao talent.
• Chen Yi and Wang Ji: Chen Yi and Wang Ji have a casual and friendly interaction, with Chen Yi giving Wang Ji instructions for Hundred Herbs Hall and Wang Ji updating Chen Yi on recent events.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Guanli feels discouraged seeing Yuan Liu'er's rapid progress in Stance Training.
• Chen Yi and Pei Guanli return to the Xiao Family residence and learn about Zhang Xuan's visit.
• Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Wan'er prepare for Chen Yi's annual examination.
• Xiao Wan'er mentions the Cui Family physicians arriving in Shu Prefecture.
• Chen Yi writes a letter to Xiao Jinghong expressing his feelings.

Character Developments

• Pei Guanli feels jealous and discouraged but eventually accepts Yuan Liu'er's talent.
• Chen Yi remains calm and composed, supporting Xiao Wan'er in her endeavors.
• Xiao Wan'er shows concern for Chen Yi's annual examination and the Medical College.
• Xiao Jinghong is focused on military affairs and the inspection of the Dingyuan Army.

Significant Themes

• Talent and jealousy (Pei Guanli's initial reaction to Yuan Liu'er's progress).
• Support and encouragement (Chen Yi's support for Xiao Wan'er and Xiao Jinghong's concern for Chen Yi).
• Focus and determination (Chen Yi's focus on his annual examination and Xiao Jinghong's focus on military affairs).

Character Interactions

• Pei Guanli feels jealous of Yuan Liu'er but eventually accepts her talent.
• Chen Yi supports Xiao Wan'er in her endeavors and encourages her.
• Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Wan'er prepare for Chen Yi's annual examination together.
• Chen Yi writes a letter to Xiao Jinghong expressing his feelings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jinghong meets Gongye Bai and Shui Hetong, who summon her to Wanghe Mountain.
• Gongye Bai reveals the existence of the 'Dao Debate Competition' held every hundred years among the Land Immortals of different tribes to decide the 'Hidden Immortal' who oversees the world.
• He explains that the 'Hidden Immortal' enforces rules preventing Grandmasters from interfering in worldly disputes, and that the Barbarians' 'Hidden Immortal' allowed them to have Grandmasters on the battlefield five years ago.
• Gongye Bai asks Xiao Jinghong to persuade her master, Li Wudang, to participate in the upcoming 'Dao Debate Competition' on the South Sea in two years.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jinghong learns about the true reason behind her parents' deaths and the existence of the 'Hidden Immortal' and the 'Dao Debate Competition.'
• Gongye Bai shows concern for the safety of Xiao Jinghong and her master, Li Wudang, hinting at the dangers of the 'Dao Debate Competition.'

Significant Themes

• The consequences of breaking the rules established by the Land Immortals.
• The cycle of power and influence among the different tribes.
• The importance of the 'Dao Debate Competition' in deciding the 'Hidden Immortal' and the fate of the world.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jinghong interacts with Gongye Bai and Shui Hetong, learning about the 'Dao Debate Competition' and the 'Hidden Immortal' from Gongye Bai.
• Gongye Bai and Shui Hetong bicker playfully before Gongye Bai shares the secret information with Xiao Jinghong.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gongye Bai, the White Immortal, seeks to engage Land Immortals in the upcoming "Dao Discussion Competition," inviting Xiao Jinghong to watch his sparring match with Ye Guxian.
• Shui Hetong, Xiao Jinghong's senior brother, arrives in Shu Prefecture and offers to help guard the Xiao Family.
• Xiao Jinghong receives a letter from the Capital Prefecture, revealing that her husband, Chen Yi, has been demoted but will serve as the Left Provincial Administrator of Shu Prefecture.
• Chen Yi continues his diligent cultivation, reaching the Fourth Rank Mid Stage in the Four Symbols Technique.

Character Developments

• Gongye Bai feels constrained by the rules and seeks a satisfying battle.
• Xiao Jinghong is concerned about her family's safety and seeks help from the Wind and Rain Tower.
• Chen Yi demonstrates dedication to his cultivation, advancing to the Fourth Rank Mid Stage.

Significant Themes

• The restriction of rules on powerful martial artists.
• The importance of opportunities for growth and improvement in martial arts.
• The tension between the Xiao Family and the imperial court.

Character Interactions

• Gongye Bai questions Xiao Jinghong about her sparring experiences and invites her to watch his match.
• Shui Hetong offers to help guard the Xiao Family and expresses interest in meeting Chen Yi.
• Xiao Jinghong seeks help from the Wind and Rain Tower and discusses the situation in Shu Prefecture with Shui Hetong.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yi completes his morning practice and prepares for the annual examination.
• He encounters Duke of Gan Zhang Xuan and Elder Master Xiao, exchanging pleasantries.
• Chen Yi and Pei Guanli head to the examination venue, where they part ways.

Character Developments

• Chen Yi: He has made significant progress in his cultivation, advancing to the mid-fourth rank in just twelve days. He also reflects on his growth and the realms of Martial Dao.
• Pei Guanli: She accompanies Chen Yi to the examination venue, showing concern for his well-being.
• Elder Master Xiao: He expresses his confidence in Chen Yi's abilities and plans to test him personally later.
• Duke of Gan Zhang Xuan: He praises Chen Yi's reputation and expresses his eagerness to acquire more of Chen Yi's calligraphy.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Chen Yi's progress in his Martial Dao cultivation is a significant part of the chapter, highlighting his dedication and hard work.
• Family Dynamics: The interactions between Chen Yi, Elder Master Xiao, and Duke of Gan Zhang Xuan showcase the complex relationships within the Xiao Family and the importance of reputation and status.
• Ambition and Caution: The conversation between Elder Master Xiao and Duke of Gan Zhang Xuan about Chen Xuanji's return to Great Wei and the potential moves of other powerful figures underscores the political intrigue and ambition in the Great Wei Dynasty.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yi and Elder Master Xiao: They exchange pleasantries, with Elder Master Xiao expressing his confidence in Chen Yi's abilities and planning to test him later.
• Chen Yi and Duke of Gan Zhang Xuan: They greet each other warmly, with Duke of Gan Zhang Xuan praising Chen Yi's reputation and expressing his eagerness to acquire more of Chen Yi's calligraphy.
• Chen Yi and Pei Guanli: They travel together to the examination venue, with Chen Yi giving Pei Guanli instructions on how to teach Tiger Girl and warning her not to cause trouble.
• Elder Master Xiao and Duke of Gan Zhang Xuan: They discuss Chen Xuanji's return to Great Wei and the potential moves of other powerful figures, highlighting the political intrigue and ambition in the Great Wei Dynasty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yi arrives at the annual examination, greeted by scholars who recognize his calligraphy skills.
• The examination begins with Ma Shuhan as the chief examiner, distributing papers that include unusual questions about military strategy.
• Chen Yi realizes the implications of the strategy question, understanding the Capital Prefecture's intent to target the Xiao Family.

Character Developments

• Chen Yi demonstrates his humility and respect for his students, Ma Guan and Tang Ye.
• Ma Shuhan shows his ambition and cunning by including a strategy question in the examination.
• Chen Yunfan displays his carefree and laid-back nature, despite his official position.

Significant Themes

• The importance of education and examinations in the Great Wei Dynasty.
• The political intrigue and power struggles within the government.
• The consequences of ambition and the dangers of underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yi interacts with Ma Guan and Tang Ye, showing his respect and care for his students.
• Chen Yunfan and Li Huaigu interact, showing their familiarity and the dynamics of their relationship.
• Ma Shuhan and Chen Yi have a brief interaction, hinting at Ma Shuhan's ambitions and Chen Yi's awareness of them.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yi realizes that Chen Yunfan was the mastermind behind the recent events in Shu Prefecture.
• He understands that the strategist behind the White Tiger Guard has been manipulating the Xiao Family, the Liu Family, and the Jizhou Trading Company.
• Chen Yi anticipates that the factions favoring the southern expedition will make a move in Shu Prefecture.
• He plans to use his imperial examination answers to stir up public opinion against the southern and northern campaigns.

Character Developments

• Chen Yi demonstrates his political acumen and strategic thinking by understanding the complex power dynamics at play.
• Chen Yunfan is revealed to be a cunning and ambitious figure, manipulating events from behind the scenes.
• The strategist behind the White Tiger Guard is shown to be a formidable opponent, always one step ahead of the game.

Significant Themes

• Power struggles and political intrigue within the Great Wei Dynasty.
• The consequences of ambition and manipulation on the common people.
• The tension between personal gain and the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yi's internal dialogue reveals his thoughts and plans, showing his intelligence and foresight.
• The strategist behind the White Tiger Guard and Chen Yunfan are shown to be in a tense standoff, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
• The factions favoring the southern and northern campaigns are shown to be at odds, each with their own agenda.

Additional Details

• The imperial examination question about the southern and northern campaigns is seen as a ploy by the factions to gain support for their cause.
• Chen Yi plans to use his answer to the policy question to sway public opinion against the campaigns.
• The confrontation at Jishi Pharmacy between Wen Xiuyin and Pei Guanli is a separate subplot that highlights the tension and conflict within the martial arts world.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The Mountain Tribe of Shu Prefecture, known for their divine poisoning and Gu skills, arrives at Jishi Pharmacy.
• Wen Xiuyin, a disciple of the Nine Bends Divine Physician, bullies the pharmacy's physicians, leading to a medical competition.
• The competition begins with identifying medicinal herbs by touch and scent, with Yuan Liu'er facing Zhou Wenying.

Character Developments

• Pei Guanli stands up for Jishi Pharmacy, showing confidence in Yuan Liu'er.
• Wen Xiuyin shows arrogance and underestimates Jishi Pharmacy's physicians.
• Yuan Liu'er remains calm and confident despite the challenge.

Significant Themes

• The Mountain Tribe's reputation and power in Shu Prefecture.
• The importance of medical knowledge and skill in the Jianghu.
• The dynamics between different lineages and sects in the Jianghu.

Character Interactions

• Pei Guanli supports Yuan Liu'er, showing faith in her abilities.
• Wen Xiuyin underestimates Yuan Liu'er and grows frustrated as the competition progresses.
• The onlookers display varying degrees of confidence in Jishi Pharmacy's physicians.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Liu'er correctly identifies the Deer Dragon Inverse Scale, defeating Zhou Wenying in a medical competition.
• The Nine Bends Lineage leaves Shu Prefecture after their defeat.
• Pei Guanli takes Yuan Liu'er to the Xiao Manor to practice martial arts.
• Shui Hetong observes their departure from a tavern.
• Song Jin Jian meets with Shui Hetong and mentions Daoist Hua's presence in Shu Prefecture.

Character Developments

• Yuan Liu'er demonstrates her exceptional medical talent and photographic memory.
• Pei Guanli shows her support for Yuan Liu'er and takes her to the Xiao Manor.
• Shui Hetong reveals his curiosity about Chen Yi's prowess.
• Song Jin Jian shows restraint in not engaging in a duel with Shui Hetong due to his duties.

Significant Themes

• Talent and skill: Yuan Liu'er's medical talent is showcased, while Shui Hetong's curiosity about Chen Yi's abilities is highlighted.
• Humility and restraint: Song Jin Jian refrains from a duel with Shui Hetong due to his duties, demonstrating humility.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Liu'er and Pei Guanli: Pei Guanli takes a liking to Yuan Liu'er and takes her to the Xiao Manor.
• Shui Hetong and Song Jin Jian: They meet in a tavern, and Shui Hetong learns about Daoist Hua's presence in Shu Prefecture from Song Jin Jian.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Shui Hetong, a disciple of the White Immortal, is in Shu Prefecture, surprising Song Jin Jian who had planned to act covertly.
• Song Jin Jian invites Judicial Department officials to demand the handover of Li Sanyuan from the Xiao Family, using Zhu Hao's arms trafficking case as a pretext.
• Xiao Wan'er and Cui Qingwu discuss the Medical Academy's future, with Xiao Wan'er aiming to help the common people.
• Chen Yunfan reveals that the imperial examination had a policy question about marching south or north, hinting at potential military expansion plans.

Character Developments

• Shui Hetong is portrayed as a righteous and handsome individual, loyal to the White Immortal and the principles of the Wind and Rain Tower.
• Song Jin Jian is shown to be strategic and cunning, using the Judicial Department to pressure the Xiao Family without directly involving the Cui Family.
• Xiao Wan'er demonstrates her ambition and concern for the common people, aiming to use the Medical Academy to help them.
• Chen Yunfan shows his political acumen and awareness of potential military plans, hinting at his own concerns about the White Tiger Guard's interest in him.

Significant Themes

• Righteousness and loyalty, as seen in Shui Hetong's actions and the Wind and Rain Tower's principles.
• Ambition and power dynamics, as seen in the political maneuverings of Song Jin Jian, Xiao Wan'er, and Chen Yunfan.
• The common people's welfare, as seen in Xiao Wan'er's desire to use the Medical Academy to help them.

Character Interactions

• Shui Hetong and Song Jin Jian's interaction is brief but tense, with Shui Hetong's presence forcing Song Jin Jian to adjust his plans.
• Xiao Wan'er and Cui Qingwu's interaction shows their shared ambition and concern for the Medical Academy's future.
• Chen Yunfan's interaction with Cui Qingwu and Xiao Wan'er reveals his political awareness and concern for his own safety.

Annual Examination Results and Subsequent Events

Chen Yi's Results

• Classics: 3rd place (out of 100+ participants)
• Strategy: 1st place (out of 100+ participants)
• Poetry and Prose: 2nd place (out of 100+ participants)
• Judgment: 2nd place (out of 100+ participants)
• Overall: 2nd place (out of 100+ participants)

Other Notable Results

• Ma Guan: 5th place in Strategy, 15th place overall.
• Tang Ye: 10th place in Strategy, 25th place overall.
• Ma Shuhan: 1st place in Poetry and Prose, 5th place overall.

Subsequent Events

• Li Sanyuan's Arrest: The Judicial Department, having waited for Xiao Jinghong's return, finally apprehended Li Sanyuan from the Xiao Family's Disciplinary Hall. They discovered his connection to Zhu Hao, the Peacock King Banner, and the illegal sale of ironware and armor.
• Xiao Family's Reaction: Elder Master Xiao was furious about the arrest but couldn't intervene directly. He instructed Xiao Jinghong to handle the matter discreetly and ensure the Xiao Family's interests were not harmed.
• Chen Yi's Visit: Upon reuniting with Xiao Wan'er, Chen Yi learned about the arrest and was secretly relieved it wasn't him. He decided to investigate the matter further after the annual examination.
• Yuan Liu'er's Progress: Pei Guanli was impressed by Yuan Liu'er's talent in Martial Dao, comparing it to Chen Yi's. She began to teach Yuan Liu'er more advanced techniques and invited Xiao Die to join their training sessions.
• Xiao Wan'er's Visit: Xiao Wan'er visited Jishi Pharmacy to purchase herbal teas for Elder Master Xiao. She also inquired about the annual examination results and learned about the apprehension of Li Sanyuan.
• Wan Rourou's Visit: Wan Rourou, along with her maidservants, visited the Xiao Family to congratulate Chen Yi on his success in the annual examination. She also mentioned that her fourth brother, Wan Rou, had also placed highly in the examination.

Plot Points and Events

• Ma Shuhan, the Education Minister, is assassinated by Xu Jitong, a Censor from the Surveillance Commissioner's Office, during the provincial examination.
• Xu Jitong commits suicide using a poison that resembles Mountain Tribe's work after revealing that he was forced to act.
• The Provincial Administration and Surveillance Commissioner's Office officials investigate the scene, while Chen Yunfan and the Judicial Department inspect Ma Shuhan's residence, discovering his family's bodies, killed by poison.
• Tang Zixin and Yang Ye discuss the incoming Vice Commissioners and the need to visit the Xiao Family.

Character Developments

• Xu Jitong is revealed to be a pawn, forced to act against Ma Shuhan, highlighting the political intrigue and power struggles in Shu Prefecture.
• Chen Yunfan demonstrates his dedication to justice and thoroughness in investigating the case.
• Tang Zixin and Yang Ye show concern for the people and the stability of Shu Prefecture, hinting at their potential alliance with the Xiao Family.

Significant Themes

• Power and Corruption: The political climate in Shu Prefecture is marked by corruption and power struggles, with officials like Liu Hong, Zhu Hao, and Ye Jingxiao abusing their authority.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Xu Jitong's actions highlight the theme of loyalty and betrayal, as he is forced to act against his will and ultimately commits suicide to avoid revealing his master's identity.
• The Role of the Scholar: Ma Shuhan's death and Chen Yi's essay emphasize the role of scholars in society, with Ma Shuhan advocating for war and Chen Yi prioritizing the well-being of the common people.

Character Interactions

• Tang Zixin and Yang Ye discuss the incoming Vice Commissioners and the need to visit the Xiao Family, hinting at a potential alliance to stabilize Shu Prefecture.
• Chen Yunfan and Fang Hongxiu investigate Ma Shuhan's residence, with Chen Yunfan showing a keen interest in the case and its connection to the Mountain Tribe.
• Chen Yi and Chen Yunfan have a brief exchange, with Chen Yi hinting at the complexity of the case and the involvement of a mastermind behind the scenes.