Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan sprints towards Black Mountain to confront Lord Willow.
• He faces numerous obstacles and demons created by Lord Willow, testing his strength and endurance.
• Meanwhile, in Ping'an County, people fight to hold back the advancing black willow branches.
• Lu Xuenning achieves Sword Heart Illuminates, entering the Spirit Aperture Realm, and clears the branches around the county.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan demonstrates his determination and resilience in facing overwhelming odds.
• Lu Xuenning shows growth and understanding of her martial arts path, achieving a significant milestone.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against insurmountable odds and the power of perseverance.
• The journey of self-discovery and growth in martial arts and personal strength.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Lord Willow: A tense standoff where Chen Fan's strength is tested, and Lord Willow's true form is revealed.
• Lu Xuenning and Huang Chengyue: A mentor-mentee relationship where Huang Chengyue's guidance helps Lu Xuenning reach her potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Head Constable Lu saves Chen Fan's group from the black willow branches by destroying them, but she knows the branches will regrow as long as the main tree lives.
• Chen Fan reaches the summit of Black Mountain and confronts the Lord Willow, which transforms into a monstrous, mecha-like creature.
• Chen Fan fights the Lord Willow, using his Heaven and Earth One-Blade Cut and Blood Sha true qi, but the Lord Willow's regenerative abilities make it difficult to defeat.
• Chen Fan discovers that the Lord Willow's trunk is its weak point and manages to embed his Meteorite Iron Blade into it, causing significant damage.
• Chen Fan punches out a teardrop-shaped crystal from the Lord Willow's trunk, causing the tree to disintegrate and die.

Character Developments

• Head Constable Lu shows her power and concern for Chen Fan's safety, buying him time to face the Lord Willow.
• Chen Fan demonstrates his resilience, strategic thinking, and combat prowess, ultimately defeating the Lord Willow despite its many abilities.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Persistence: Both Chen Fan and Head Constable Lu show unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
• Adaptation and Strategy: Chen Fan adapts his tactics to counter the Lord Willow's many abilities, ultimately finding its weakness.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Head Constable Lu: Lu Xuenning silently cheers for Chen Fan, showing her trust in his abilities and concern for his safety.
• Chen Fan and the Lord Willow: Their battle showcases Chen Fan's combat skills and strategic thinking against the Lord Willow's many abilities and regenerative powers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan discovers Lord Willow's origin through a memory fragment in a black crystal.
• Lord Willow was created from a drop of Black Blood that fell from a powerful Demon Vine in the Nine Heavens.
• The Black Blood also carried heavenly thunder, which allowed the ordinary willow tree to gain sentience and command Black Mountain.
• Chen Fan returns to Ping'an County, and Lu Xuenning wakes up after three days of unconsciousness.
• Lu Xuenning reveals her true identity as a Jinyiwei Dark Guard member and her mission in Ping'an County.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan learns about Lord Willow's origin and the power of the Black Blood.
• Lu Xuenning recovers from her exhaustion, steps into the Spirit Aperture Realm, and opens her Thirty-Six Acupoints.
• Lu Xuenning reveals her dual identity as a Zongqi Officer and a Dark Guard member, with a mission to investigate Ping'an County's corruption.

Significant Themes

• The origin and power of demonic creatures.
• The struggle against corruption and demonic influence in Ping'an County.
• The importance of Lu Xuenning's mission and her dual identity.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Lu Xuenning share a drink and snacks on the roof of the Government Office, where Lu Xuenning reveals her true identity and mission to Chen Fan.
• Their conversation highlights their growing trust and partnership in facing the challenges in Ping'an County.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan cultivates the Blood Sha Skill, worrying about its demonic classification but hoping it won't affect his Jinyiwei position.
• Lu Xuenning assures Chen Fan of her support and promises to find him a safer cultivation method.
• Half a month later, special envoys from Longyuan Prefecture arrive to reward and punish officials in Ping'an County.
• Chen Fan is promoted to Deputy Commander of the Longyuan Prefecture Jinyiwei, in charge of logistics and commanding the Tenth Brigade.
• Lu Xuenning is promoted to Baihu of the Longyuan Prefecture Jinyiwei Commander's Office and temporarily leads the Tenth Brigade under Chen Fan.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Shows concern about his cultivation method's classification but remains nonchalant about potential consequences. He accepts his promotions humbly.
• Lu Xuenning: Demonstrates loyalty and responsibility towards Chen Fan, promising to support him and find him a safer cultivation method. She is also promoted for her merits.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and responsibility: Lu Xuenning feels responsible for Chen Fan's actions and promises to support him.
• Cultivation and its consequences: Chen Fan worries about the demonic classification of his cultivation method but remains determined to improve it.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Lu Xuenning: They show mutual respect and support, with Lu Xuenning promising to help Chen Fan find a safer cultivation method.
• Wang Teng (Deputy Commander) and Chen Fan/Lu Xuenning: Wang Teng awards Chen Fan and Lu Xuenning their promotions, showing a friendly and approachable demeanor despite his high rank.
• Huang Chengyue (former Zongqi Officer) and Chen Fan/Lu Xuenning: Huang expresses happiness about his retirement and acknowledges Chen Fan and Lu Xuenning as his juniors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan is promoted to Jinyiwei Baihu and reassigned to Longyuan Prefecture.
• He is given a comfortable logistics position and a squadron to lead, considering his young age and desire for frontline action.
• Chen Fan, Wang Teng, and Lu Xuenning travel to Longyuan Prefecture City, where the Longyuan Prefecture Jinyiwei Commander's Office is located.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan is recognized for his contributions and given a high-ranking position, but his martial arts cultivation is stagnated due to the Blood Sha Skill.
• Wang Teng feels pity for Chen Fan, understanding the implications of his cultivation choice.
• Zuo Qianqiu, the Longyuan Prefecture Jinyiwei Commander, is described as upright, incorruptible, and irreconcilably opposed to demonic creatures.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against demonic creatures in Longyuan Prefecture and the high casualty rate among Jinyiwei.
• The consequences of cultivating the Blood Sha Skill and the risk of falling into demonic possession.
• The tension between Chen Fan's potential and his stagnated cultivation, and the pity Wang Teng feels for him.

Character Interactions

• Wang Teng and Lu Xuenning report to Zuo Qianqiu about Chen Fan, expressing their concerns about his cultivation and potential demonic possession.
• Wang Teng feels regret that Chen Fan is stuck in a small place like Ping'an County, not realizing his full potential.
• Zuo Qianqiu shows concern for Chen Fan's well-being and sends Wang Teng to bring him back, prepared to deal with him if he shows signs of demonic possession.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo Qianqiu reveals he sent Wang Teng to Ping'an County to check if Chen Fan had become a demon due to the Blood Sha Skill.
• Chen Fan is brought to Longyuan Prefecture to be kept under watch.
• Zuo Qianqiu offers to help Chen Fan if he's willing to disband his cultivation to prevent demonic transformation.
• Zuo Qianqiu decides to meet Chen Fan personally before discussing further.

Character Developments

• Lu Xuenning shows concern and kindness towards Chen Fan, questioning Zuo Qianqiu's intentions.
• Zuo Qianqiu demonstrates his uprightness and honesty but also his pragmatic approach to governance.
• Wang Teng shows understanding and support for Zuo Qianqiu's decisions.

Significant Themes

• The greater good vs. individual sacrifice.
• The dangers and consequences of cultivating the Blood Sha Skill.
• The responsibilities and challenges of leadership.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xuenning and Zuo Qianqiu have a tense discussion about Chen Fan's situation.
• Wang Teng supports Zuo Qianqiu's decisions and understands his perspective.
• Zuo Qianqiu decides to meet Chen Fan, showing a willingness to discuss the matter further.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan is promoted to Deputy Centurion in Longyuan Prefecture, a position promised to someone from the Ping'an County Jinyiwei Baihu Office to avoid suspicion.
• Chen Fan is given a standalone house for his residence, which he finds suitable.
• Centurion Zuo Qianqiu visits Chen Fan, expressing concern about the side effects of Chen Fan's cultivation of the Blood Sha Skill.
• Zuo Qianqiu examines Chen Fan's physical condition and finds that, despite cultivating the Blood Sha Skill, Chen Fan's body shows no signs of Blood Sha Qi invasion.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Shows professionalism and understanding in his new role. His exceptional physical condition and potential for physical body sanctification are noted by Zuo Qianqiu.
• Zuo Qianqiu: Demonstrates concern for Chen Fan's well-being and the potential impact on the region if Chen Fan's Blood Sha Qi causes qi deviation. He also shows strategic thinking about the potential benefits of Chen Fan's cultivation method for the Jinyiwei.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of cultivating the Blood Sha Skill and the importance of controlling its side effects.
• The potential benefits of Chen Fan's cultivation method for the Jinyiwei and the Great Zhou Dynasty.
• The responsibility of Jinyiwei members to protect the people and the region from threats.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Zuo Qianqiu: Zuo Qianqiu shows concern for Chen Fan's health and the potential impact of his cultivation on the region. Chen Fan shows respect and understanding towards Zuo Qianqiu's concerns.
• Wang Teng and Zuo Qianqiu: Wang Teng accompanies Zuo Qianqiu to Chen Fan's residence, showing deference to Zuo Qianqiu's position as the Longyuan Prefecture Jinyiwei Centurion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan learns that his Blood Sha Qi erosion is mild due to his powerful physique and Innate Body.
• Zuo Qianqiu suggests Chen Fan take the Body Refining Path to mitigate Blood Sha Qi erosion.
• Chen Fan decides to cultivate the Body Refining Path alongside improving his Blood Sha Skill and hiding his aura.
• Zuo Qianqiu informs Chen Fan about the benefits and resources available for body refinement cultivators in the Yun Prefecture Myriad Household Office.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan shows understanding and acceptance of his situation, demonstrating adaptability and patience.
• Zuo Qianqiu's opinion of Chen Fan improves significantly after learning about his Innate Body and comprehension level.

Significant Themes

• The path of body refinement requires patience and time but has lower talent and comprehension requirements compared to orthodox martial arts cultivation.
• Chen Fan's adaptability and resourcefulness in finding a solution to his Blood Sha Qi issue.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Zuo Qianqiu discuss the Body Refining Path and its benefits.
• Wang Teng, Zuo Qianqiu's disciple, is impressed by Chen Fan's cultivation progress and resilience.
• Zuo Qianqiu shares his experiences and insights about the Northern Border Jinyiwei Headquarters with Chen Fan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan is appointed as the garrison commander of Longyuan Prefecture, but he can't leave the post without dying, retiring, or becoming disabled.
• Zuo Qianqiu, the commander, delays taking a higher post due to the purple mountain demon threat and not having a suitable successor.
• Chen Fan is tasked to escort a distinguished imperial guest to Yun Prefecture, with the real intention of having him act as a bodyguard.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan is determined to cultivate and reach the pinnacle of martial arts, showing ambition and resolve.
• Zuo Qianqiu is revealed to be strategic and manipulative, using Chen Fan for the escort mission.
• Lu Xuenning shows concern for Chen Fan's well-being and is excited to spend time with him in Longyuan Prefecture.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination in cultivation (Chen Fan)
• Manipulation and strategy in leadership (Zuo Qianqiu)
• Friendship and camaraderie (Chen Fan and Lu Xuenning)

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan interacts with Zuo Qianqiu and Wang Teng, discussing his new post and the escort mission.
• Lu Xuenning visits Chen Fan, dressed in civilian clothes, and offers to show him around Longyuan Prefecture.
• Chen Fan and Lu Xuenning plan to go shopping together, with Lu Xuenning warning him about the Jinyiwei's reputation in the city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan familiarizes himself with the Longyuan Prefecture Jinyiwei Commander's Office and meets his subordinates.
• He learns about his predecessor's corrupt practices and decides to maintain the status quo to gain his subordinates' support.
• Chen Fan and Yang Xiao, a Baihu officer, are tasked with escorting a distinguished guest, later revealed to be a County Princess.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan demonstrates his understanding of politics and leadership by accepting bribes from his subordinates and warning them against excessive corruption.
• Yang Xiao, initially cautious and formal with Chen Fan, warms up to him after seeing his responsible attitude.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding and navigating political dynamics in maintaining power and influence.
• The complex relationships between superiors and subordinates, and the need for mutual respect and understanding.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan interacts with his new subordinates, accepting bribes and setting expectations for their behavior.
• Chen Fan and Yang Xiao meet for the first time, with Yang Xiao initially being formal but later showing respect and favor towards Chen Fan.
• Chen Fan and Yang Xiao escort the County Princess, with Chen Fan noticing signs of a struggle and wondering about the mission's difficulty.