Chapter Summaries

Fang Yue learned that Black Crow linked the Fire Pattern Token to a legendary Anomaly said to be the Black Green Mountain Range itself, while the Azure Bureau mobilized to manage the Qingluan Tower survivors. The chapter ended with Jade White Robe confirming that the Rain Clan Serial Village Massacres case matched Fang Yue’s report and that more investigators were needed.

• Captain Wu agreed to help Qingsi County if needed and asked Captain Ye to take him to Lord Han of Ancient Moon Village.
• Fang Yue questioned Black Crow, who said the Anomaly that led him to the Fire Pattern Token had felt like an immense mountain range and reminded him of the legendary Black Green Anomaly.
• You Sisi explained that the legend described the entire Black Green Mountain Range as a transcendence-grade Anomaly that swallowed everyone who entered, though she insisted Black Crow was lying.
• Tian Er Jun sent Captain Wu to the inn and ordered the Azure Bureau to begin its plan for handling the Qingluan Tower survivors.
• Fang Yue considered seeking Lord Han’s knowledge about the Black Green Anomaly if the legend proved true.
• Jade White Robe returned and reported that investigators had confirmed Fang Yue’s account of the Rain Clan Serial Village Massacres, though more people were needed to reconstruct the case.

Fang Yue accepted a White-robed Qing Guard position and received his new equipment, pills, and Silver Lifespan Token. As he left the Qing Bureau, he encountered Jing Yan and Tian Dan Zhi Yuan Wu being escorted to prison.

• You Sisi offered Fang Yue the White-robed Qing Guard position and promised to calculate his rewards for repelling the Rain Clan.
• Fang Yue accepted the position and received a White Robe Token, uniform, pills, and a Silver Lifespan Token.
• You Sisi explained that lifespan storage had limits and that Merit Points could be spent through the Qing Bureau in county towns.
• Fang Yue left for the inn and saw Jing Yan and Tian Dan Zhi Yuan Wu being escorted to the Qing Bureau.
• Little Blood Hound broke through the boundary wall as it ran excitedly to Fang Yue, while Jing Yan and Tian Dan Zhi Yuan Wu pleaded with him for help.

Fang Yue returned to the inn, learned Lord Han was still missing, and began cultivating with the pills he had received after becoming a White Robe. Black Crow watched in terror as Fang Yue swallowed enormous quantities of One-Qi Pills without harm, leaving him doubtful that the Phoenix Organization could rescue him.

• Fang Yue took Jing Yan, Tian Dan Zhi Yuan Wu, and Little Blood Fighter out of the Azure Office after speaking with You Sisi.
• Fang Yue brought Captain Wu and Black Crow to a room at the inn and learned Lord Han had gone to find Lin Ling and had not returned.
• Captain Wu said he would wait until the next day for the Azure Office to prepare Black Silk Horses before heading to Yingzhong Village without Lord Han.
• Fang Yue swallowed one One-Qi Pill, then ate the remaining ninety-nine pills in the bottle and cultivated without suffering any harm.
• Black Crow saw Fang Yue consume more One-Qi Pills by the handful and returned to Captain Wu's room shaken, losing confidence in the Phoenix Organization's rescue.

Fang Yue used qi pills to advance the Blazing Fire Heart Method to its eighth level, despite burning lifespan and damaging his meridians. He planned to seek a Xiantian Realm heart method from the Azure Office, then negotiated with Lord Parchment for answers.

• Fang Yue swallowed One-Qi Pills and Two-Qi Pills, burning lifespan to accelerate his cultivation while Night's Breath suppressed pill toxin.
• Fang Yue broke through to the eighth level of the Blazing Fire Heart Method, briefly damaged his meridians, and relied on Night's Breath to heal them.
• Fang Yue reviewed his improved attributes and planned to use tomorrow's merit points to find a Xiantian Realm heart method at the Azure Office.
• Fang Yue considered trading his Gold Stone for more pills, but Lord Parchment protested that the stone powered its strength.
• Fang Yue put away the Gold Stone and offered Lord Parchment one gram of black embers to answer questions, but Lord Parchment claimed it had become prettier.

Fang Yue used the parchment to investigate the Black Green Mountain Range and his approaching death, learning that the Anomaly curse [Black Rain] would flare up in seven days. The parchment could not see what would happen after the curse activated, and Fang Yue suspected it would weaken him rather than kill him instantly.

• Fang Yue fed the parchment 1g of black embers and asked whether the Black Green Mountain Range was a Transcendence-grade Anomaly behind the possessions in Qingsi County.
• The parchment predicted that Fang Yue would travel to the Black Green Mountain Range, suffer a burning back of the hand after seven days, and die.
• The parchment predicted that Little Bloodfight would eat Fang Yue after the curse flared, and that killing Little Bloodfight beforehand would not prevent his death.
• Fang Yue learned that the parchment could not see beyond the curse activating, though it foresaw that he would die that day.
• Fang Yue considered giving the parchment Gold Stone, but its prediction showed that its Rain-grade power would kill him.
• Fang Yue inferred that [Black Rain] might leave him weakened for a time, since the parchment's prediction showed Little Bloodfight killing him only after the curse flared.

Fang Yue sought help after the parchment predicted his death in seven days, then rushed to meet Lord Han when he learned he had returned. He attacked Captain Wu for apparently killing Lord Han, but discovered the dead man was a stranger wearing Lord Han’s Mist Black Robe, leaving the inn’s residents alarmed and uncertain.

• The parchment told Fang Yue it was too sleepy to make another prediction, then predicted he would die in seven days.
• Black Crow told Fang Yue that Lord Han had returned and was outside speaking with Captain Wu.
• Fang Yue rushed outside and saw Captain Wu smash the head of a black-mist figure, whom Fang Yue believed to be Lord Han.
• Fang Yue attacked Captain Wu with flames and a flaming blade, demanding to know why he had killed Lord Han.
• Captain Wu dodged and told Fang Yue the figure was not Lord Han; Fang Yue recognized that the corpse had a body and an unfamiliar face beneath the fading Mist Black Robe.
• Fang Yue apologized and gave Captain Wu wound medicine, while the inn’s residents arrived and grew alarmed at the stranger’s corpse in Lord Han’s clothes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An imposter claiming to be Lord Han is found dead, having given Captain Wu a glowing bracelet that attempted to drain his life force and strength.
• The bracelet is discovered to be an artificial product with embedded sealing formations, created by an expert.
• Fang Yue theorizes that the imposter was actually Lord Han's distress signal, as Lord Han was likely captured while searching for Lin Ling's whereabouts.
• Fang Yue decides to split the investigation into two groups: one to follow the lead of the fluorescent bracelet, and another to retrace Lin Ling's disappearance.

Character Developments

• Captain Wu: Shows bravery and determination in facing the imposter and decides to help Fang Yue investigate despite his personal quest.
• Fang Yue: Demonstrates analytical skills and leadership by proposing a plan to find Lord Han and Lin Ling.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: The imposter's actions highlight the theme of trust and deception, as he pretended to be Lord Han to capture Captain Wu.
• Loyalty and duty: Captain Wu's decision to help Fang Yue despite his personal quest shows his loyalty to Lord Han and his duty as a captain.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yue and Captain Wu: They work together to understand the imposter's motives and plan the investigation, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Fang Yue and the others: Fang Yue leads the group, making decisions and assigning tasks based on the situation at hand.

Fang Yue visited the Qing Office to ask You Sisi about Merit Points and show her fragments of a glowing bracelet. You Sisi began investigating the bracelet after realizing Fang Yue’s questions might point to a serious incident.

• Fang Yue went to the Qing Office while Captain Wu and the others gathered information, and Jade White Robe directed him to You Sisi.
• Fang Yue found You Sisi eating foul green mold meat and learned that she used poison to numb her taste buds before taking the tonic.
• You Sisi explained why eating the meat was more practical than refining it into pills, and Fang Yue privately compared her pill-toxin concerns with his [Night's Breath] ability.
• Fang Yue showed You Sisi the glowing bracelet fragments and asked her to identify their material, origin, maker, and any inscribed formation.
• You Sisi studied a fragment, grew grave, and asked Fang Yue whether something had happened.

Fang Yue and You Sisi had Jue Lao examine the fluorescent bracelet left as a clue to Lin Ling’s disappearance, and he traced its craftsmanship to Old Man Ning of Mount Ning Guang. You Sisi told Fang Yue that finding Old Man Ning could reveal who bought the bracelet and help identify Lin Ling’s kidnapper.

• Fang Yue told You Sisi that Lin Ling had disappeared and showed her the bracelet fragments, then sent Qing Guards to search for Lin Ling and Bai Xiaoya.
• You Sisi brought Fang Yue to Jue Lao, who crushed and studied the bracelet fragments in the Anomaly Research Division.
• Jue Lao identified the bracelet’s materials and determined that Old Man Ning of Mount Ning Guang had made it.
• You Sisi explained that Old Man Ning had once been Jue Lao’s friend and said that Fang Yue could question him about the bracelet’s sale.
• You Sisi offered to approve Fang Yue’s requisition of a Black Silk Horse so he could travel to Mount Ning Guang.

Fang Yue borrowed a Black Silk Horse and prepared to investigate the maker of the Condensing Light Bracelet at Mount Ning Guang, hoping to learn who had abducted Lord Han and Lin Ling. Captain Wu continued searching in Qingsi County while Fang Yue rode out alone.

• You Sisi arranged a Black Silk Horse for Fang Yue and said she would investigate the bracelet’s materials and buyers.
• Fang Yue returned to the inn on the horse, where Tian Dan Zhi Yuan Wu admired it and Captain Wu asked how he had obtained it.
• Captain Wu reported that a woman had approached Lin Ling before leaving with him, but he could not find her.
• Fang Yue told Captain Wu to investigate the suppliers identified by You Sisi while he questioned Old Man Ning at Mount Ning Guang.
• Fang Yue said he would travel alone because there were not enough horses, then left Qingsi County for Mount Ning Guang.

Captain Wu realized Fang Yue might be walking into a trap at Mount Ning Guang, but before he could act, Little Bloodfight underwent a second anomaly revival in Qingsi County. Captain Wu killed the hound, and a dark figure burst from its corpse and fled in the direction Fang Yue had gone.

• Captain Wu suspected Old Man Ning might have masterminded Lord Han and Lin Ling's abduction, putting Fang Yue in danger at Mount Ning Guang.
• Jade White Robe delivered Ye Baiyi's requested case records to Captain Wu, then Little Bloodfight's eyes turned black and black blood streamed from them.
• Captain Wu struck Little Bloodfight after it revived as an anomaly, while the villagers of Ancient Moon Village called for it to be killed.
• Captain Wu crushed Little Bloodfight's head, and its body went still as Tian Dan Zhi Yuan Wu and Jing Yan grieved.
• Jing Yan saw Little Bloodfight's corpse pulsing and warned Captain Wu, but a dark figure burst from the body and fled in the direction Fang Yue had taken.

After a second revival sparked fears of a mass breakout, Captain Wu and the others rushed to the Qing Office, where Anomalies had already set it ablaze. As the battle spread across Qingsi County’s eastern district, Jing Yan realized the Anomalies were drawing the Qing Guards apart, but he was left facing one alone.

• Jade White Robe warned Captain Wu that other imprisoned Anomalies might revive, so Captain Wu led the group toward the Qing Office.
• They found the Qing Office burning and its guards fighting Anomalies; Captain Wu charged inside while Jade White Robe led his troops into battle.
• Jing Yan stayed behind the front lines, rescuing wounded Qing Guards as the fighting broke into scattered skirmishes.
• Jing Yan noticed the battlefield shifting eastward and tried to alert Captain Wu, Lady You, or Lord Jun, but he could not find them amid the chaos.
• An Anomaly with a human head and a bat’s body leaped at Jing Yan, who froze in terror.

Fang Yue sought help after the parchment predicted his death in seven days, but it fell asleep before advising him. When he rushed to meet the returning Lord Han, he saw Captain Wu smash the head of a figure in Lord Han’s Mist Black Robe and attacked him in fury; he stopped when Captain Wu revealed the victim was not Lord Han, though the stranger’s identity remained unknown.

• The parchment predicted that Fang Yue would die in seven days, then refused to make any more predictions because it was too sleepy.
• Black Crow told Fang Yue that Lord Han had returned and was speaking with Captain Wu outside the inn.
• Fang Yue saw Captain Wu strike down a figure wearing Lord Han’s Mist Black Robe and charged at him with a flaming blade.
• Captain Wu dodged Fang Yue’s attack and insisted that the dead figure was not Lord Han; Fang Yue recognized that the corpse had a body and apologized after calming down.
• The inn’s occupants rushed outside and grew alarmed when they saw the stranger’s corpse wearing Lord Han’s robe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tian Er Jun blames himself for the Qing Guards' sacrifices during the Anomaly attack.
• You Sisi takes charge, urging everyone to focus on defense and recovery.
• Tian Er Jun decides to step down as Chief Green Robe, offering the position to You Sisi.
• You Sisi, instead of accepting, orders Tian Er Jun to assist her in protecting Qingsi County.
• Jing Yan suspects a connection between Fang Yue's departure and the Anomaly resurgence, and seeks information about luminous bracelets' producers.

Character Developments

• Tian Er Jun: Struggles with guilt over his mistake, initially wants to resign but ultimately decides to take responsibility and assist You Sisi.
• You Sisi: Demonstrates leadership and maturity, refusing to take the Chief Green Robe position and instead working with Tian Er Jun.
• Jing Yan: Shows concern for Fang Yue's safety, investigating the luminous bracelets' producers to understand the threat they pose.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and Guilt: Tian Er Jun grapples with his role in the Qing Guards' deaths, ultimately deciding to take responsibility and help Qingsi County.
• Leadership and Maturity: You Sisi shows growth and maturity in her leadership, working with Tian Er Jun instead of taking his position.
• Threat and Investigation: Jing Yan's investigation into the luminous bracelets' producers highlights the potential threat they pose to Fang Yue and Qingsi County.

Character Interactions

• Tian Er Jun and You Sisi: Their roles reverse as Tian Er Jun wants to step down and You Sisi refuses to take his position, instead ordering him to assist her.
• Jing Yan and You Sisi: Jing Yan seeks information from You Sisi about the luminous bracelets' producers, showing his concern for Fang Yue's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jing Yan requests transport records for specific materials from Qing Si, focusing on those used for Fluorescent Bracelets.
• You Sisi initially hesitates due to Qing Si's current manpower shortage but agrees to help after Jing Yan specifies rare materials.
• Jing Yan presents his analysis and deductions about an organization secretly producing Condensing Light Bracelets in Qingsi County.
• You Sisi, initially skeptical, becomes convinced after examining the records and consulting with Old Jue.
• You Sisi agrees to help but can only dispatch lower-level Qing Si members, as the Lord Qing Yi cannot leave Qingsi County.
• Captain Wu, who was presumed dead, suddenly appears and volunteers to go to Mount Ning Guang.

Character Developments

• Jing Yan: Shows meticulous observation and analytical skills, demonstrating his intelligence and dedication to helping Fang Yue.
• You Sisi: Initially reluctant, she becomes convinced by Jing Yan's deductions and agrees to help, showing a willingness to act once she's certain of the facts.
• Captain Wu: Revealed to be alive, he shows up unexpectedly, displaying a strong sense of duty and loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Brotherhood: Jing Yan's determination to help Fang Yue and Captain Wu's unexpected return highlight the theme of loyalty and brotherhood.
• Powerlessness vs. Action: Jing Yan feels powerless due to his low strength, contrasting with You Sisi's initial reluctance to act. However, both characters eventually take action based on new information.
• The Greater Good: You Sisi's decision to prioritize Qingsi County's safety over helping Fang Yue reflects the theme of choosing the greater good over personal connections.

Character Interactions

• Jing Yan and You Sisi: Jing Yan impresses You Sisi with his analytical skills, leading her to agree to help him.
• You Sisi and Old Jue: They consult about the material records, with Old Jue confirming Jing Yan's deductions.
• Jing Yan and Captain Wu: Though not interacting directly in this chapter, their reappearance shows a potential reunion and collaboration to help Fang Yue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Captain Wu returns, willing to help Ye Xinglan at Ningguang Mountain.
• You Sisi and Jing Yan investigate the source of the luminous bracelet materials, finding no records of them leaving Qingsi County.
• Old Man Ju reveals he and Old Man Ning developed the luminous bracelet together, but Old Man Ning never returned to Qingsi County.
• Jing Yan suggests a secret passage might exist beneath Qingsi County.
• A secret passage is found during the search.

Character Developments

• You Sisi: Shows determination and authority in managing Qing Si's resources and investigations.
• Jing Yan: Demonstrates analytical thinking and deductive reasoning in piecing together the mystery.
• Captain Wu: Reveals loyalty and gratitude towards Ye Xinglan, willing to help despite the danger.
• Old Man Ju: Shares past history with Old Man Ning, providing crucial information about the luminous bracelet's origin.

Significant Themes

• The power of investigation and deduction in uncovering truth.
• The consequences of hidden secrets and their potential threats to society.
• Loyalty and gratitude as driving forces for action.

Character Interactions

• You Sisi and Jing Yan work together to investigate the mystery, with You Sisi using her authority to mobilize Qing Si's resources.
• Captain Wu's return offers hope and support to Jing Yan and You Sisi.
• Old Man Ju shares his past with Jing Yan, providing crucial information that helps solve the mystery.
• The discovery of the secret passage causes shock and urgency among the characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yue rides his Black Silk Horse, which is extremely fast but has an unsightly appearance.
• He encounters a Giant Egg anomaly on Mount Ningguang's road, which pursues him after he passes.
• Fang Yue avoids engaging with anomalies along the way to protect his horse and ensure safe travel.

Character Developments

• Fang Yue is revealed to be concerned about his horse's appearance despite its exceptional speed, indicating his vanity and desire for aesthetic appeal.
• He shows caution and strategic thinking by avoiding unnecessary fights with anomalies to preserve his horse and ensure his safety.

Significant Themes

• The theme of appearance vs. performance is highlighted through Fang Yue's Black Silk Horse, which is fast but unsightly.
• Fang Yue's vanity and practicality are juxtaposed, showing his complex nature.

Character Interactions

• There are no significant interactions with other characters in this chapter, as Fang Yue is alone on his journey.
• His interaction with the Giant Egg anomaly is brief and one-sided, with Fang Yue avoiding a confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yue encounters and defeats a Mid Black-level Anomaly, the [Giant Egg Anomaly], with a single strike, gaining rewards including a month of Lifespan.
• He then meets Ning Wudian, the son of Old Man Ning, the Sect Master of the Ningguang Sect, on his way to Mount Ningguang.
• Ning Wudian guides Fang Yue to his father's residence on the mountain.

Character Developments

• Fang Yue demonstrates his formidable combat abilities, defeating a powerful Anomaly with a single strike.
• Ning Wudian is revealed to be a Postnatal Third-rate realm Martial Artist, indicating his potential and his father's investment in his cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The power of Anomalies and the dangers they pose.
• The importance of Lifespan in the cultivation world.
• The relationship between a father and son, and the investment in a child's cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yue and Ning Wudian meet and interact for the first time. Ning Wudian is initially curious and playful, while Fang Yue is indifferent but cooperative.
• Fang Yue learns about Ning Wudian's martial arts skills and his father's status as the Sect Master of the Ningguang Sect.
• Ning Wudian guides Fang Yue to his father's residence, indicating a potential alliance or cooperation between Fang Yue and the Ningguang Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yue learns that Old Man Ning is the Sect Master of the Ningguang Sect, not just a small sect he set up for fun.
• Fang Yue meets Xia Xiyu, the Sect Master's daughter and senior sister of Ning Wudian, who is practicing sword dancing on Mount Ning Guang.
• Xia Xiyu mistakes Fang Yue for a Qing Guard from Qingsi County and expresses admiration for his appearance.
• Fang Yue learns that the Ningguang Sect has only three members (the Ning family) and a group of hired servants for protection.
• Xia Xiyu offers to show Fang Yue around the Ningguang Sect, but he declines, stating he's there for official business and must return soon.

Character Developments

• Fang Yue: He remains composed and professional despite Xia Xiyu's advances, focusing on his mission.
• Xia Xiyu: She is shown to be outgoing, friendly, and somewhat flirtatious, with a strong interest in martial arts and protecting her family's sect.
• Ning Wudian: He is portrayed as lazy and mischievous, often squabbling with his senior sister, Xia Xiyu.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and Power: The Ningguang Sect's wealth is emphasized through their lavish mountaintop residence, numerous servants, and the Sect Master's [Anomaly Item Forger] profession.
• Family and Protection: The Nings prioritize their family's safety and maintain a strong defense against anomalies.
• Appearance and Perception: Xia Xiyu's initial interest in Fang Yue is based on his appearance, highlighting the importance of first impressions.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yue and Xia Xiyu: Xia Xiyu is drawn to Fang Yue's appearance and tries to spend time with him, but he maintains a professional distance.
• Ning Wudian and Xia Xiyu: The siblings have a playful, sibling-like relationship, often bickering and teasing each other.
• Fang Yue and the Black Silk Horse: Xia Xiyu and Ning Wudian both express interest in touching the Black Silk Horse, highlighting its uniqueness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yue arrives at the Ning residence to investigate about the Fluorescent Bracelet.
• He meets Old Man Ning, who reveals he recently made Fluorescent Bracelets for the Blazing Fire Sect.
• Fang Yue decides to return to Qingsi County immediately to investigate the Blazing Fire Sect.
• Before he can leave, he's informed that his Black Silk Horse has gone missing.

Character Developments

• Fang Yue shows determination and urgency in finding Lin Ling and investigating the Blazing Fire Sect.
• Old Man Ning is revealed to be a peculiar, eccentric character, unlike the image of a skilled craftsman Fang Yue had in mind.

Significant Themes

• The theme of urgency and importance of time, as Fang Yue is eager to return to Qingsi County.
• The theme of trust and deception, as Fang Yue is unsure whether to believe Old Man Ning's words.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yue interacts with Steward Liao, who reveals that the Ning residence pays its servants generously.
• Fang Yue meets Old Man Ning, who tries to persuade him to stay the night but ultimately can't deter him from leaving.
• Ning Wudian, a servant, informs Fang Yue about his missing horse, adding urgency to his need to return to Qingsi County.