Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping, after a hard day's work, returns home to find his family celebrating with a lavish meal.
• He learns that his younger brother, Jiang An, has been accepted into the Jidao Martial Academy, with the tuition paid using Jiang Ping's hard-earned savings.
• Jiang Ping, furious and disappointed, decides to leave home after cutting off a lock of his hair to symbolize his resolve.
• His younger sister, Jiang Xiaoxi, tries to stop him, but he leaves, ignoring his parents' pleas.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: He becomes disillusioned with his family after they use his savings for his brother's tuition without his consent. His determination to pursue martial arts remains unchanged.
• Jiang An: He shows no remorse for using Jiang Ping's money and is more concerned with his own success and the silver he might earn.
• Jiang Fu (Father): He prioritizes Jiang An's potential martial arts career over Jiang Ping's feelings and past efforts, showing favoritism.
• Zhang Yun (Mother): She regrets her actions but is unable to stop Jiang Ping from leaving. She also prioritizes Jiang An's potential success over Jiang Ping's immediate needs.

Significant Themes

• Family and Loyalty: The chapter explores the complex dynamics of family loyalty and the expectations placed on each family member.
• Determination and Resolve: Jiang Ping's determination to pursue martial arts is a central theme, as is his resolve to leave home after feeling betrayed by his family.
• Potential and Talent: The idea of potential and talent is explored through Jiang An's acceptance into the martial arts academy and Jiang Ping's disillusionment with his family's lack of support.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Jiang An: Their relationship deteriorates as Jiang An's actions lead to Jiang Ping's decision to leave home.
• Jiang Ping and his parents: The once harmonious relationship between Jiang Ping and his parents becomes strained due to their favoritism towards Jiang An and their lack of consideration for Jiang Ping's feelings.
• Jiang Ping and Jiang Xiaoxi: Jiang Ping's younger sister tries to stop him from leaving, highlighting their close bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping decides to leave his manual labor job to pursue martial arts training.
• He considers various ways to make money quickly but dismisses them due to risks or incompatibility with his physique.
• He remembers the Four Seas Escort Agency recruiting new drafters, which offers both income and martial arts training through the Nourishing Life Technique.
• Jiang Ping visits the agency, meets the Head Escort Liang, and signs a ten-year employment contract.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping shows determination and willingness to take risks to pursue his martial arts dream.
• Head Escort Liang is portrayed as a seasoned and respected figure within the agency.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of martial arts and the desire for self-improvement.
• The struggle of the lower class and the need for wealth and power to advance.
• The risks and rewards of different professions in a martial arts-driven society.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping interacts with the Noodle Shop Owner, who expresses concern for Jiang Ping's determined appearance.
• Jiang Ping meets the Head Escort Liang at the Four Seas Escort Agency, where they discuss Jiang Ping's registration and employment contract.
• Jiang Ping meets three other rough men, likely also seeking employment as drafters, but there's no interaction between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping and three other men are led to their dormitory in the Bodyguard Agency.
• They learn about the assessment required to become a drafter and the difficulty of the Nourishing Life Technique.
• Jiang Ping discovers that a bunk he wanted was reserved for an acquaintance of another roommate.
• They receive an announcement to gather at the canteen for an important meeting.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Shows adaptability to his new living conditions, maintains a low profile, and displays caution.
• Luo Tiegen: Demonstrates a willingness to build relationships, borrows salt from Jiang Ping.
• Qian Dele: Reveals his manipulative side by reserving a bunk for his friend.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty and importance of mastering the Nourishing Life Technique.
• The importance of building relationships and networking within the Bodyguard Agency.
• The harsh living conditions and challenges faced by new recruits.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping interacts with his roommates, showing understanding and tolerance.
• Luo Tiegen and Jiang Ping have a brief interaction regarding salt for oral hygiene.
• Qian Dele interacts with his friend, showing favoritism and deception towards Jiang Ping.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping and other recruits undergo a Fist Force test, with the top five receiving extra meat rations for three days.
• Head Escort Liang explains the importance of proper nutrition for martial training, emphasizing beef as a suitable food.
• Liang Sheng announces that Fist Force tests will be held every three days, with the top performers receiving special treatment.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Realizes the importance of proper nutrition for martial training and feels motivated to improve his ranking.
• Qian Dele: Shows off his ranking and extra meat ration, causing envy among his peers.
• Head Escort Liang: Demonstrates his authority and knowledge of martial training, instilling a sense of competition among the recruits.

Significant Themes

• The importance of proper nutrition for martial training and personal growth.
• Competition and the desire to excel among peers.
• The struggle between envy and motivation in response to others' success.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping interacts with his dormitory mates and fellow townsmen, sharing meals and discussing their prospects.
• Qian Dele interacts with his old friend, showing off his ranking and extra meat ration.
• Head Escort Liang interacts with the recruits, explaining the importance of proper nutrition and instilling a sense of competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Escort Agency's Nourishing Life Technique is taught to the Pre-Escorts by Head Escort Liang.
• Qian Dele, a Top Five finisher in the Fist Force test, volunteers to demonstrate the technique and receives personal instruction.
• Jiang Ping discovers he has a "Late Bloomer" Destiny after the demonstration, which allows him to commit the technique to memory and foretells his future success as a Martial Artist.
• Jiang Ping practices the technique and finds that his proficiency increases rapidly, much faster than the Destiny's stated effect.
• Head Escort Liang explains the levels of the Nourishing Life Technique and how to determine one's cultivation progress.

Character Developments

• Qian Dele demonstrates initiative and intelligence by volunteering to demonstrate the technique and asking insightful questions.
• Jiang Ping discovers his extraordinary memory and giftedness, as well as his "Late Bloomer" Destiny, which boosts his confidence and determination.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and diligent practice in achieving success, as foretold by Jiang Ping's "Late Bloomer" Destiny.
• The gap between individuals' abilities and progress, as emphasized by Head Escort Liang's curses and guidance.

Character Interactions

• Qian Dele and Jiang Ping both show interest in the Nourishing Life Technique and its effects, with Qian Dele asking questions and Jiang Ping observing his own progress.
• Head Escort Liang interacts with the Pre-Escorts by demonstrating the technique, correcting their mistakes, and explaining the cultivation process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping rapidly progresses in the Nourishing Life Technique, reaching 56/100 proficiency by the end of the day.
• He experiences intense hunger and exhaustion due to the technique's demands.
• Some students struggle to learn the technique and face consequences like no beef for lunch.
• Jiang Ping masters the First level of the Nourishing Life Technique after dinner, increasing his Fist Force by 20 jin.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Shows exceptional talent in the Nourishing Life Technique, mastering the First level in a single day. He also demonstrates caution and a desire to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
• Luo Tiegen: Shows reluctance to help his fellow townsmen, preferring to focus on his own progress.
• Sun Zheng: Shows concern for his roommates' progress and is eager to know Jiang Ping's achievements.
• Qian Dele: Shows confidence in his progress and receives praise from his roommates.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and hard work in martial arts training.
• The role of food and nourishment in supporting intense training.
• The dangers of jealousy and envy in the martial world.
• The importance of caution and humility in avoiding unwanted attention.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping interacts with his roommates, showing caution in revealing his progress.
• Luo Tiegen asks Jiang Ping to help his fellow townsmen but is reluctant to do so himself.
• Sun Zheng shows concern for his roommates' progress and is eager to know Jiang Ping's achievements.
• Qian Dele shares his confidence in his progress with his roommates, who respond with praise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping discovers he has slept well due to his training and notices others using willow twigs for mouth rinsing while he uses salt.
• Luo Tiegen asks Jiang Ping for salt, but Jiang Ping refuses, understanding that Luo Tiegen tries to take advantage of others.
• Jiang Ping progresses rapidly in the Nourishing Life Technique, reaching the brink of the Second Level.
• Sun Qi reaches Entry Level, causing a stir at the Training Ground and increasing everyone's training intensity.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Becomes more aware of his surroundings and the advantages of his talent, feels pressure when Sun Qi reaches Entry Level.
• Luo Tiegen: Reveals his tendency to take advantage of others, is embarrassed when Jiang Ping refuses to lend him salt.
• Sun Qi: Becomes the center of attention after reaching Entry Level, boosting the morale and training intensity of others.

Significant Themes

• The importance of talent and hard work in achieving success.
• The pressure and motivation that comes from comparing oneself to others.
• The struggle to maintain one's advantages and not become complacent.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Luo Tiegen: Jiang Ping refuses to lend Luo Tiegen salt, highlighting their differing attitudes towards sharing resources.
• Jiang Ping and Liu Wensheng: Liu Wensheng notices Jiang Ping's increased training intensity and teases him about feeling pressure from Sun Qi's achievement.
• Sun Qi and others: Sun Qi's achievement sparks jealousy, astonishment, and ingratiation from others at the Training Ground.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Several trainees reach Entry Level in the Nourishing Life Technique, including Liu Wensheng and Qian Dele.
• Jiang Ping decides to eat two portions of beef daily to aid his training.
• Qian Dele shares insights about the Nourishing Life Technique's difficulty and the importance of nutritious food for martial arts progress.
• Sun Zheng wakes Jiang Ping to ask about his training progress, leading to a physical altercation.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping shows determination in his training and a calm, calculated demeanor.
• Qian Dele displays pride and a desire to show off his progress.
• Sun Zheng demonstrates impulsiveness and a lack of consideration for others.

Significant Themes

• The importance of nutritious food and adequate rest for martial arts training.
• The role of talent and perseverance in martial arts progress.
• The consequences of impulsive and disrespectful behavior.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Liu Wensheng have a brief, polite exchange after Liu Wensheng reaches Entry Level.
• Qian Dele shares his breakthrough with the dormitory, sparking envy and admiration from his peers.
• Sun Zheng's impulsive decision to wake Jiang Ping leads to a physical altercation, highlighting the tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping slaps Sun Zheng after being repeatedly disturbed while sleeping.
• Qian Dele, Sun Zheng's friend, intervenes and tries to mediate, but Jiang Ping refuses to apologize without Sun Zheng doing the same.
• Sun Zheng suggests Qian Dele use his newfound strength to settle the dispute, but Qian Dele declines to avoid causing trouble.
• The dormitory remains tense, but the incident is temporarily resolved without further escalation.
• The next day, everyone is nervous about the second Fist Force test.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping shows assertiveness and unwillingness to back down, even when outnumbered.
• Sun Zheng displays arrogance and resentment after his friend enters the Nourishing Life Technique.
• Qian Dele shows magnanimity and tries to maintain harmony, but also displays favoritism towards Sun Zheng.
• Luo Da Niu and Luo Tiegen try to mediate and smooth things over, but both have ulterior motives (Luo Da Niu wants to maintain harmony, while Luo Tiegen wants to ingratiate himself with Sun Zheng).

Significant Themes

• Harmony vs. confrontation: Qian Dele and others try to maintain harmony, while Jiang Ping is willing to confront the situation.
• Favoritism: Qian Dele shows favoritism towards Sun Zheng, while Jiang Ping feels he is being treated unfairly.
• Respect and face: Jiang Ping feels he has lost face and demands an apology from Sun Zheng to maintain his dignity.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Sun Zheng: Their conflict escalates due to Sun Zheng's repeated disturbances and Jiang Ping's refusal to apologize without Sun Zheng doing the same.
• Qian Dele and Jiang Ping: Qian Dele tries to mediate but fails due to Jiang Ping's unwillingness to back down and his own favoritism towards Sun Zheng.
• Luo Da Niu and Luo Tiegen: Both try to smooth things over, but their motives are not entirely pure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with the Fist Force test, where the top five performers will receive Nutritious food rewards.
• Jiang Ping, who has reached Entry Level in the Nourishing Life Technique, aims to secure a spot in the top five without drawing too much attention.
• Sun Qi, with the highest initial Fist Force and the first to reach Entry Level, demonstrates 213 jin of Fist Force.
• Fang Yong reaches Entry Level with 173 jin of Fist Force, impressing Escort Huang who advises him to eat two portions of Nutritious food from now on.
• Zhao Lusi, the previous fifth placer, fails to reach Entry Level with 168 jin of Fist Force, losing his spot.
• Jiang Ping tests with 183 jin of Fist Force, reaching Entry Level and securing a top five spot.
• Sun Zheng feels threatened by Jiang Ping's progress and becomes wary.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Reaches Entry Level in the Nourishing Life Technique and secures a top five spot in the Fist Force test, demonstrating his potential without being too flashy.
• Sun Qi: Proves himself as the strongest candidate, reaching Entry Level and displaying 213 jin of Fist Force.
• Fang Yong: Reaches Entry Level with 173 jin of Fist Force, impressing Escort Huang who advises him to eat two portions of Nutritious food from now on.
• Zhao Lusi: Fails to reach Entry Level, losing his spot in the top five and becoming a target for others to surpass.
• Sun Zheng: Feels threatened by Jiang Ping's progress and becomes wary of him.

Significant Themes

• Competition and ambition: The characters strive to improve their Fist Force and secure rewards, demonstrating their competitive nature and ambition.
• Steadiness and caution: Jiang Ping understands the importance of steadiness in cultivation, avoiding reckless displays of power.
• Rewards and consequences: The Nutritious food rewards motivate the characters to improve, but those who fail to meet expectations face disappointment and loss of status.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Sun Qi: Jiang Ping subtly surpasses Sun Qi's initial Fist Force, showing that he is a worthy competitor.
• Jiang Ping and Zhao Lusi: Jiang Ping surpasses Zhao Lusi, taking his spot in the top five and making him a target for others.
• Sun Zheng and Jiang Ping: Sun Zheng feels threatened by Jiang Ping's progress and becomes wary of him, setting up potential conflict between them.
• Fang Yong and Escort Huang: Escort Huang recognizes Fang Yong's potential and advises him to eat more Nutritious food, demonstrating his mentorship role.
• Luo Tiegen and Jiang Ping: Luo Tiegen warmly congratulates Jiang Ping on his success, showing his friendly and supportive nature.
• Qian Dele and Sun Zheng: Qian Dele comforts Sun Zheng, showing his loyalty and support as an old friend.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The second Fist Force test concludes, with Jiang Ping ranking fifth.
• Eight Pre-Escorts achieve Entry Level in the Nourishing Life Technique, debunking its rumored difficulty.
• Jiang Ping, now eligible for extra nutritious food, trains longer and breaks through to the Third Layer of the Nourishing Life Technique.
• Jiang Ping achieves the Fourth Level of the Nourishing Life Technique, experiencing a significant increase in strength and feeling different from ordinary people.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping's cultivation progress accelerates due to double portions of nutritious food and his natural talent, reaching the Fourth Level of the Nourishing Life Technique.
• Sun Zheng, Jiang Ping's roommate, breaks through to the Fourth Level, but his excitement is dampened by others' similar achievements.

Significant Themes

• The importance of nutritious food in cultivating martial arts, as emphasized by Head Escort Liang.
• The Late Bloomer Destiny's influence on Jiang Ping's cultivation pace, with later barriers taking longer to master.
• The power of talent, as demonstrated by Jiang Ping's rapid progress in the Nourishing Life Technique.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping interacts minimally with his peers, focusing on his cultivation.
• Sun Zheng shares his breakthrough with others but receives a muted response due to others' similar achievements.
• Luo Tiegen, Jiang Ping's former admirer, now fawns over Qian Dele, showing his fickle nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping is penniless and needs money for a Stance Technique.
• Luo Tiegen, Jiang Ping's roommate, breaks through to the Entry Level of the Nourishing Life Technique, causing a commotion in the Training Ground.
• Sun Qi, another student, breaks through to the Second Level of the Nourishing Life Technique, astonishing everyone.
• A Friendship Gathering is held in the dormitory, attended by Sun Qi, Qian Dele, Sun Zheng, Luo Tiegen, and others who have entered the Entry Level. They discuss their cultivation progress and the benefits of nutritious food.
• Luo Da Niu and other roommates return to the dormitory and overhear Sun Zheng's disparaging remarks about their lack of progress.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping realizes the importance of money for cultivation resources and reflects on his slow progress despite his talent.
• Luo Tiegen becomes smug after his breakthrough and changes his form of address toward Jiang Ping.
• Sun Qi demonstrates remarkable talent by breaking through to the Second Level quickly.
• Sun Zheng becomes boastful and disrespectful toward his fellow students who haven't made significant progress.
• Luo Da Niu and other roommates feel insulted but maintain composure.

Significant Themes

• The importance of money and resources in cultivation.
• The role of talent in martial arts progress.
• The impact of peer pressure and comparison on individuals' self-worth and behavior.
• The formation of cliques based on cultivation levels.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Luo Tiegen: Luo Tiegen addresses Jiang Ping as "Brother" after his breakthrough but changes his tone once he enters the Entry Level.
• Sun Zheng and Sun Qi: Sun Zheng praises Sun Qi excessively and uses him as a benchmark to compare with other students.
• Luo Da Niu and the other roommates: They feel insulted by Sun Zheng's remarks but maintain their dignity and leave the dormitory silently.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Qi, Luo Tiegen, and others propose becoming sworn brothers and establishing an order.
• Sun Qi brings up Jiang Ping slapping Sun Zheng, escalating tensions.
• Sun Zheng, Sun Qi, and others get into a fight with Luo Da Niu and his group, resulting in injuries.
• Sun Zheng, emboldened by his newfound backing, causes disturbances in the dormitory.

Character Developments

• Sun Zheng: Becomes more arrogant and smug after gaining support from Sun Qi and Qian Dele.
• Jiang Ping: Sleeps soundly through the disturbances, indicating his Nourishing Life Technique has improved.
• Luo Da Niu: Stands up to Sun Zheng but is later forced to apologize and pay silver.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the influence of backing.
• Consequences of arrogance and lack of self-control.
• The importance of self-restraint and consideration for others.

Character Interactions

• Sun Zheng vs. Luo Da Niu: Sun Zheng's arrogance provokes Luo Da Niu, leading to a fight.
• Sun Zheng vs. Jiang Ping: Sun Zheng attempts to provoke Jiang Ping but fails, further emboldening him.
• Liu Wensheng vs. Jiang Ping: Liu Wensheng offers his support to Jiang Ping against Sun Zheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping is surprised by the rapid progress of two disciples who have mastered the Second Level of the Nourishing Life Technique in just six days.
• The Escort Agency announces that after the next test, those who haven't reached the Entry Level in the Nourishing Life Technique will no longer receive free nutritious food.
• Sun Qi, the strongest disciple so far, breaks through the Second Level with a Fist Force of 253 jin.
• Fang Yong, another disciple, also breaks through the Second Level with a Fist Force of 222 jin, surprising everyone.
• Jiang Ping maintains his position in the Top Five with a Fist Force of 227 jin, surprising Liu Wensheng and causing Sun Zheng to lose face.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping remains calm and confident, silently mastering two levels of strength again and maintaining his position in the Top Five.
• Liu Wensheng shows concern for Jiang Ping's performance and feels embarrassed for underestimating him.
• Sun Zheng becomes increasingly arrogant and is humiliated when Jiang Ping outperforms him again.
• Qian Dele advises Sun Zheng to avoid provoking Jiang Ping in the future, indicating that even Sun Qi won't intervene if a conflict arises.

Significant Themes

• The Nourishing Life Technique's difficulty and the rapid progress of some disciples.
• The Escort Agency's expectations and the consequences of not meeting them.
• Competition and rivalry among the disciples, with some becoming arrogant and others humble.
• The importance of not underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Liu Wensheng: Liu Wensheng underestimates Jiang Ping and later feels embarrassed.
• Sun Zheng and Jiang Ping: Sun Zheng becomes increasingly arrogant and is repeatedly humiliated by Jiang Ping.
• Qian Dele and Sun Zheng: Qian Dele advises Sun Zheng to avoid provoking Jiang Ping, indicating that even Sun Qi won't intervene if a conflict arises.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping breaks through to the Second Level of the Nourishing Life Technique, solidifying his top five position and earning extra nutritious food.
• Jiang Ping's plan is to display his talent subtly to acquire the Stance Technique without drawing excessive attention.
• Qian Dele performs the Ceremony of Apprenticeship to Head Escort Liang, which is met with disapproval and reprimand.
• After the fist force test, Head Escort Huang announces that those who haven't entered the Entry Level by the next test will no longer receive nutritious food.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Shows strategic thinking in displaying his talent to gain the Stance Technique without attracting undue attention. He breaks through to the fifth layer of the Nourishing Life Technique.
• Qian Dele: Attempts to curry favor with Head Escort Liang but is reprimanded, causing him to lose face and potentially his fifth position.
• Sun Zheng: Realizes the importance of his friendship with Qian Dele and offers support.

Significant Themes

• Talent and its display: Jiang Ping understands the importance of displaying his talent to gain the Stance Technique but also the risks of drawing too much attention.
• Consequences of reckless actions: Qian Dele's attempt to curry favor with Head Escort Liang backfires, causing him embarrassment and potentially affecting his position.
• Importance of diligence and hard work: The announcement that those who haven't entered the Entry Level will no longer receive nutritious food emphasizes the need for diligence in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Luo Tiegen: Jiang Ping refuses Luo Tiegen's suggestion to celebrate, showing his dislike for Luo Tiegen's shrewd and opportunistic nature.
• Qian Dele and Head Escort Liang: Qian Dele's attempt to perform the Ceremony of Apprenticeship to Head Escort Liang is met with disapproval, highlighting the power dynamic between them.
• Sun Zheng and Qian Dele: Sun Zheng offers support to Qian Dele, showing the importance of their friendship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Head Escort Liang teaches the escorts a new martial skill, the Snowfall Saber Technique.
• He demonstrates the technique, revealing Blade Light that can shatter a Giant Stone.
• Liang Sheng shares that mastering the technique takes at least ten years and varies from person to person.
• The Snowfall Saber Technique has three levels: Entry, Minor Accomplishment, and Great Accomplishment, with increasing Blade Light streaks at each level.
• Liang Sheng mentions the Blade Qi Domain, a higher realm of the technique, which only a few in the Four Seas Escort Agency have achieved.

Character Developments

• Head Escort Liang shows his expertise in martial skills and shares insights about the Snowfall Saber Technique.
• Jiang Ping is surprised when called upon by the head escort, realizing he has been more noticeable than he thought.
• Sun Qi feels a strange mix of emotions upon seeing Jiang Ping and Fang Yong called upon by the head escort.

Significant Themes

• The importance of dedication and time in mastering martial skills.
• The differences between sword and saber techniques, and their respective strengths.
• The pursuit of perfection and higher realms in martial arts.

Character Interactions

• Head Escort Liang interacts with the escorts, teaching them the Snowfall Saber Technique and answering their questions.
• Jiang Ping and Fang Yong are called upon by the head escort, causing Sun Qi to feel a mix of emotions.
• Escort Huang interjects to share his admiration for the head escort's achievements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The recruits receive wooden blades and attempt to mimic the Head Escort's blade techniques.
• Escort Huang praises a few recruits, including Jiang Ping, for their initial efforts, while criticizing others.
• Jiang Ping discovers his innate talent for Martial Dao skills; he can learn and improve blade techniques by recalling and simulating them in his mind.
• The recruits practice the Flying Snow Saber under the Head Escort's guidance, with Escort Huang assisting and correcting their movements.
• Jiang Ping makes progress in the Flying Snow Saber technique, reaching over two-thirds completion, while appearing to struggle in reality to avoid suspicion.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Discovers his extreme talent for Martial Dao skills and begins to comprehend and improve the Flying Snow Saber technique in his mind.
• Escort Huang: Shows favoritism towards Jiang Ping, treating him more leniently than other recruits.
• Fang Yong and Sun Qi: Compete with each other as they strive to improve their blade techniques.
• Qian Dele and Sun Zheng: Feel jealous and unfairly treated when compared to Jiang Ping.

Significant Themes

• Talent and ability: Jiang Ping's extreme talent for Martial Dao skills sets him apart from his peers.
• Perseverance and dedication: The recruits are advised to practice diligently and persevere in learning the blade arts.
• Competition and rivalry: Fang Yong and Sun Qi secretly compete with each other, while Qian Dele and Sun Zheng feel envy towards Jiang Ping.

Character Interactions

• Escort Huang interacts with Jiang Ping more favorably than with other recruits, singling him out for praise and criticism.
• Fang Yong and Sun Qi exchange a glance, secretly competing with each other in their desire to improve their blade techniques.
• Qian Dele and Sun Zheng discuss their feelings of unfair treatment and envy towards Jiang Ping.
• Jiang Ping interacts with Liu Wensheng, who questions him about his distracted behavior during practice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping continues practicing the Flying Snow Saber Technique at night, while his roommates notice and discuss his dedication.
• The next day, Head Escort Liang Sheng teaches the class the forms and tricks of the Flying Snow Saber. Jiang Ping follows along without mistakes.
• Fang Yong demonstrates impressive skill in the Blade Art, earning praise from Escort Huang.
• Jiang Ping reaches Entry Level in the Flying Snow Saber and practices it in secret, producing Blade Light.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Shows dedication to his practice, reaches Entry Level in the Flying Snow Saber, and begins to consider taking on Escort Missions.
• Fang Yong: Displays exceptional talent in the Blade Art, impressing Escort Huang.
• Sun Zheng: Becomes quiet and fearful after being intimidated by Jiang Ping's strength.

Significant Themes

• Dedication and hard work lead to improvement in martial arts skills.
• Talent in martial arts can be demonstrated through Blade Art.
• The pursuit of martial arts skills can lead to confidence in taking on challenges.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Luo Tiegen: Luo Tiegen tries to engage Jiang Ping in conversation, but Jiang Ping is dismissive.
• Jiang Ping and Fang Yong: Jiang Ping praises Fang Yong's talent and is encouraged by his progress.
• Escort Huang and Jiang Ping: Escort Huang advises Jiang Ping to discuss the Blade Art with Fang Yong.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Another fist-force test arrives, with some escorts still struggling to reach Entry Level in the Nourishing Life Technique.
• Sun Qi's fist force increases to 273 jin, but he hasn't broken through to the Third Layer yet.
• Fang Yong surprises everyone by breaking through to the Third Layer of the Nourishing Life Technique, with a fist force of 284 jin.
• Head Escort Liang rewards Fang Yong with an extra portion of nutritious food and acknowledges his talent.
• Jiang Ping's fist force reaches 245 jin, placing him fourth.
• Qian Dele's progress stagnates, and he falls out of the Top Five.
• Liu Wensheng surpasses Jiang Ping, taking third place with a fist force of 250 jin.

Character Developments

• Fang Yong: Proves himself a genius by breaking through to the Third Layer of the Nourishing Life Technique in just nine days, earning the head escort's recognition and an extra portion of nutritious food.
• Sun Qi: Struggles to keep up with Fang Yong's progress and loses his position as the top fist-force holder.
• Jiang Ping: Maintains a low profile despite his significant progress in the Flying Snow Saber and Nourishing Life Technique, aiming to avoid unnecessary attention.
• Qian Dele: Experiences stagnation in his Martial Dao progress and receives a public reprimand from the head escort, causing him to feel humiliated and resistant.
• Liu Wensheng: Surpasses Jiang Ping in fist force, taking third place, but remains humble and acknowledges Fang Yong's superior talent.

Significant Themes

• Talent and genius: Fang Yong's exceptional progress highlights the importance of natural talent in Martial Dao cultivation.
• Recognition and reward: The head escort's acknowledgment of Fang Yong's talent and the extra portion of nutritious food he receives emphasize the value of recognition and rewards in motivating cultivators.
• Humility and pride: Jiang Ping's low-profile approach contrasts with Qian Dele's resistance and Liu Wensheng's humility, illustrating the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset in the face of success or failure.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yong and Sun Qi: Their interaction reflects the shift in power dynamics as Fang Yong surpasses Sun Qi in fist force and talent.
• Jiang Ping and Liu Wensheng: Their friendly competition highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding among cultivators.
• Qian Dele and the head escort: Their interaction demonstrates the consequences of stagnation and resistance in Martial Dao cultivation, as well as the head escort's disapproval of Qian Dele's attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ping, alone in the training ground, is on the verge of breaking through to become a Martial Artist.
• He successfully breaks through, becoming a Blood-Qi Martial Artist with over a thousand jin of Fist Force.
• Jiang Ping realizes he can now unleash his full strength instantly and decides to keep his cultivation speed a secret.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ping: Becomes a Martial Artist, gains confidence, and decides to hide his exceptional talent.
• Luo Tiegen: Still aspires to close the distance with the Top Five in Fist Force but is ignored by Jiang Ping.
• Luo Da Niu: Remains friendly and informative towards Jiang Ping.
• Qian Dele: Breaks through to the Second Level of the Nourishing Life Technique.

Significant Themes

• Talent and its responsible use.
• The importance of hiding one's capabilities to avoid unwanted attention or danger.
• The balance between exertion and rest in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ping and Luo Tiegen: Jiang Ping ignores Luo Tiegen's attempts to engage in conversation.
• Jiang Ping and Luo Da Niu: Jiang Ping is friendly and open with Luo Da Niu.
• Jiang Ping and Sun Zheng: Sun Zheng's sudden entrance interrupts their conversation.