Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia discovers that Hu Biao, the wanted criminal he killed, was a traitor suspected of colluding with foreign races.
• The Chief Office invites Chen Xia to receive an award for his actions.
• Chen Xia visits the Chief Office, where he is greeted warmly by staff and led to the Chief Director's office.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia's reputation and status grow within the Patrol Inspection Office after killing Hu Biao.
• Chen Xia is noticed by higher-ups and seen as having a Promising Future.
• Zhang Feng benefits indirectly from Chen Xia's success.

Significant Themes

• Respect through Strength and Merit: Chen Xia's actions have earned him respect from his colleagues.
• Recognition by Higher-ups: Chen Xia's potential is recognized by the Chief Office, opening doors for his future.
• Impact of Actions: Chen Xia's actions not only affect his own life but also those around him, like Zhang Feng.

Character Interactions

• Captain Liu: He appreciates Chen Xia's actions and encourages him to perform well when meeting the Chief Director.
• Patrol Squad Leader: He treats Chen Xia warmly and personally leads him to the Chief Director's office.
• Other Staff at the Chief Office: They show curiosity and warmth towards Chen Xia, indicating his newfound status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia meets Jiang Xinglan, the Chief Director of the Patrol Inspection Office.
• Jiang Xinglan investigates Chen Xia's rapid advancement in martial arts.
• Chen Xia is given a bonus and a book, the 'Vajra Bone Tempering Technique', as a gift from Jiang Xinglan.
• Jiang Xinglan assigns Chen Xia as captain of the South City Branch Office and tasks him with monitoring the Gathering Justice Mercenary Group.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia: Shows admiration for Jiang Xinglan's strength and is surprised by her gift. He also expresses understanding and determination to carry out his new task.
• Jiang Xinglan: Demonstrates her strength and intelligence by quickly assessing Chen Xia's situation and offering him a valuable technique. She shows strategic thinking by using this gesture to gain Chen Xia's loyalty and gather information.

Significant Themes

• Rapid Advancement in Martial Arts: Chen Xia's sudden progress raises questions about his talent and potential.
• Gifting and Favor Exchange: Jiang Xinglan's gift to Chen Xia is a strategic move to gain his loyalty and commitment.
• Power and Influence: Jiang Xinglan's strength and position are emphasized, highlighting her ability to make a significant impact on Chen Xia's life and career.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia and Jiang Xinglan: Their interaction is professional yet cordial. Jiang Xinglan shows respect for Chen Xia's abilities and offers guidance, while Chen Xia is awestruck by Jiang Xinglan's strength and appreciative of her help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia meets Jiang Xinglan, the Chief Director, who acknowledges his potential and offers guidance.
• Jiang Xinglan promotes Chen Xia to Captain and assigns him to investigate the Night God Sect, a cult.
• Chen Xia receives a bonus of 100,000 yuan and a Mid-grade bone tempering technique, Vajra Bone Tempering Technique, from Jiang Xinglan.
• Upon returning to the South City Branch Office, Chen Xia is promoted to Captain and given a new network group to manage.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia gains recognition from the Chief Director, Jiang Xinglan, and receives special attention, boosting his confidence and status.
• Captain Liu, Chen Xia's superior, shows support and offers assistance, indicating a change in his attitude towards Chen Xia.

Significant Themes

• Potential and Recognition: Chen Xia's potential is recognized by Jiang Xinglan, leading to opportunities and promotions.
• Strength and Power: The Patrol Inspection Office values strength, as seen in Chen Xia's rapid rise due to his martial prowess.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Jiang Xinglan offers to guide Chen Xia once he forges Silver Bones, highlighting the importance of mentorship in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia and Jiang Xinglan: Jiang Xinglan recognizes Chen Xia's potential and offers him opportunities, showing a mentoring dynamic.
• Chen Xia and Captain Liu: Captain Liu's attitude towards Chen Xia improves, showing support and offering assistance, indicating a change in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia completes his promotion form and leaves.
• Liu Jun delays Yang Hua's promotion due to Chen Xia's rapid progress.
• Chen Xia receives his new captain's uniform and equipment.
• Chen Xia is officially announced as the captain of the Xingou Street Fifth Squad.
• Chen Xia meets his team members and goes on his first patrol as captain.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia: Becomes more confident and assertive in his new role as captain.
• Liu Jun: Shows favoritism towards Chen Xia and helps him with his promotion.
• Yang Hua: Feels depressed and contemplative about Chen Xia's promotion.
• Xiao Qiang: Becomes Chen Xia's deputy captain and shows loyalty by paying for the team's lunch.

Significant Themes

• Rapid advancement in strength and rank can lead to changes in one's social status and opportunities.
• Loyalty and camaraderie among colleagues are essential for maintaining a harmonious work environment.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia and Liu Jun: They have a friendly relationship, with Liu Jun supporting Chen Xia's promotion.
• Chen Xia and Yang Hua: There's tension between them due to their rivalry for the captain position.
• Chen Xia and Xiao Qiang: They establish a good working relationship, with Xiao Qiang showing respect and loyalty to Chen Xia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia is invited by his colleagues for a drink to celebrate his promotion to captain, but Yang Hua declines due to feelings of embarrassment and rivalry.
• Chen Xia takes his team to a nearby restaurant, where they eat, drink, and chat. The restaurant owner offers to pay, but Chen Xia insists on paying himself.
• On his way home, Chen Xia is ambushed in a dark alley by a group of masked men led by Zhao Banshou from the Gathering of Righteousness Mercenary Group. They suspect Chen Xia of taking the Yuangu Pill from Liehuo's corpse.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia: Shows no fear in the face of danger, maintains composure, and stands his ground against the ambush. He is also portrayed as honest and upright, refusing to let the restaurant owner pay for his team's meal.
• Yang Hua: Feels embarrassed and uncomfortable about Chen Xia's promotion, leading him to decline the dinner invitation. He also harbors feelings of rivalry and believes Chen Xia's rapid progress is due to risky methods with potential side effects.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and Ambition: Yang Hua's feelings of rivalry towards Chen Xia and his desire to prove himself better fuel his ambition.
• Honesty and Integrity: Chen Xia's refusal to let the restaurant owner pay for his team's meal highlights his honesty and integrity.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia and Yang Hua: Yang Hua feels embarrassed and uncomfortable around Chen Xia due to his promotion, leading to awkwardness between them.
• Chen Xia and the Gathering of Righteousness: Chen Xia is ambushed by the Gathering of Righteousness, who suspect him of taking the Yuangu Pill. This interaction sets the stage for potential conflict and resolution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia, now a captain, encounters the Gathering of Righteousness mercenary group at the Patrol Inspection Office at night.
• Zhao Banshou and his group demand Chen Xia to return a valuable pill they claim is theirs, threatening him with their group's influence.
• Captain Zhou Tong and his squadron arrive, surrounding the Gathering of Righteousness members.
• Zhao Banshou and his group back down, realizing Chen Xia's importance and their mistake.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia demonstrates his courage and assertiveness in the face of threat, showing he's not intimidated by the mercenary group.
• Zhao Banshou shows his cunning and willingness to back down when faced with superior force.
• Captain Zhou Tong displays his authority and respect for Chen Xia, indicating Chen Xia's growing influence.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The mercenary group's initial confidence and later deference highlight the power imbalance between them and the Patrol Inspection Office.
• Consequences of actions: Zhao Banshou's group faces dire consequences due to their hasty and ill-informed actions.
• Respect and deference: Zhou Tong's behavior towards Chen Xia shows the importance of respect and deference in gaining influence and support.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia stands his ground against Zhao Banshou, showing no fear despite being outnumbered.
• Zhou Tong's arrival and support for Chen Xia intimidate the Gathering of Righteousness members, leading to their retreat.
• Zhao Banshou's change in attitude towards Chen Xia, from threatening to apologetic, illustrates the shift in power dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia is confronted by Zhao Banshou and his men from Gathering Justice Mercenary Group.
• Zhou Tong, a captain from the Patrol Inspection Office, arrives and offers his support to Chen Xia.
• Zhao Banshou and his men are arrested for attempted murder and sentenced to hard labor in Dragon Mountain Zone.
• Chen Xia declines Zhou Tong's offer for a ride home, expressing confidence in his safety.
• An underling of Cao Yi, the leader of Gathering Justice, overhears the events and reports back to Cao Yi.
• Cao Yi is furious about the incident and decides to intervene.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia demonstrates his growing influence and status, able to decide the fate of his opponents with a nod.
• Zhao Banshou and his men show their cowardice and desperation when faced with consequences.
• Zhou Tong displays his power and authority, instilling fear in the Gathering Justice men.
• Cao Yi reveals his ruthless and impulsive nature, prioritizing his men's actions over the group's stability.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the importance of connections in the new world.
• The consequences of reckless actions and the importance of caution.
• The struggle for resources and survival in the post-apocalyptic world.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia and Zhou Tong: A friendly and respectful relationship, with Zhou Tong showing deference to Chen Xia's wishes.
• Zhao Banshou and Chen Xia: A tense confrontation that ends with Zhao Banshou begging for mercy.
• Cao Yi and his underling: A harsh and demanding superior-subordinate relationship, with Cao Yi expecting loyalty and obedience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia returns home, helps his mom, and learns about his grandfather's free advanced treatment.
• Chen Xia suspects Jiang Xinglan might be behind his grandfather's treatment.
• Chen Xia starts his new role as Captain, patrols Xingou Street, and reflects on his responsibilities.
• Chen Xia decides to investigate the Evil Cult and the Gathering Justice Mercenary Group.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia's family is relieved of financial pressure, boosting their morale.
• Chen Xia feels pressure and gratitude for Jiang Xinglan's possible help, motivating him to improve.
• Chen Xia takes his new role seriously, showing responsibility and dedication.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength in the High Martial Era.
• The pressure and responsibility that comes with power and recognition.
• The value of hard work and dedication.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia interacts positively with his family, showing care and support.
• Chen Xia maintains a good relationship with Xiao Qiang, his Deputy Captain, demonstrating respect and understanding.
• Chen Xia reflects on Jiang Xinglan's kindness, feeling gratitude and a sense of duty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia investigates the Gathering Justice Mercenary Group, suspecting their ties to the Evil Cult, but finds nothing unusual.
• Chen Xia buys medicine for his cultivation, spending most of his money (190,600 yuan out of 192,800 yuan).
• Zhou Tong informs Chen Xia that Zhao Banshou and the others have been sent to Dragon Mountain Zone and are under strict control.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia demonstrates his diligence and responsibility in his investigation, as well as his financial discipline despite his cultivation needs.
• Zhou Tong shows his power and influence, revealing the leniency of the law in favor of the Patrol Inspection Office.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between law and power, with Zhou Tong's influence showcasing the leniency of the law.
• The financial burden of cultivation, with Chen Xia spending most of his money on medicine.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia interacts with the Gathering Justice Mercenary Group, showing his authority and making them wary of him.
• Chen Xia and Zhou Tong exchange pleasantries, displaying their friendly relationship and mutual respect.
• A woman, presumably a mother, pleads with Zhou Tong for news about her daughter, highlighting the power dynamics and the impact of the law on ordinary people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A woman, presumably a mother, repeatedly visits the Patrol Inspection Office to plead for help in finding her missing daughter, Lulu.
• Chen Xia learns about several recent disappearances in Yijiang City, potentially linked to a cult or a single individual.
• Chen Xia receives gifts and invitations from local businessmen after his promotion to captain.

Character Developments

• Zhou Tong, the captain, shows empathy towards the woman but feels helpless due to lack of leads in the case.
• Chen Xia understands the complexities of unsolved cases and the challenges faced by patrol officers.
• Chen Xia accepts gifts from local businessmen, understanding the benefits and expectations that come with his new position.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of patrol officers in solving cases without leads or evidence.
• The tangible benefits and expectations that come with increased strength and position in society.

Character Interactions

• The woman interacts with Zhou Tong, pleading for help and eventually leaving after Zhou Tong departs.
• Chen Xia interacts with local businessmen, accepting gifts and understanding their expectations.
• Chen Xia interacts with his Second Aunt's family, greeting them and acknowledging their presence in his family's shop.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia's cousin's family visits to thank him for helping their son, Zhu He, get released from detention.
• They learn about Chen Xia's new status as a Martial Warrior and captain in the Patrol Inspection Office.
• Chen Xia's family receives gifts and money from his cousin's family.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia: Shows indifference to his cousin's family's past behavior but helps them out of gratitude to his second aunt. He's now a Martial Warrior and captain, making his family proud.
• Zhu He: Appreciates Chen Xia's help and promises not to get involved with mercenary groups again.
• Chen Xia's mother: Overwhelmed with gratitude and relief, she accepts the gifts and money, and Chen Xia encourages her to take a break from work.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and redemption: Chen Xia helps his cousin's family despite their past disregard, showing the power of forgiveness and gratitude.
• Social status and change: Chen Xia's new status as a Martial Warrior and captain brings respect and recognition from his family and society.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia and his cousin's family: They interact with mutual respect and gratitude, with Chen Xia's cousin's family now treating him with deference due to his new status.
• Chen Xia and his mother: They share a heartwarming moment as Chen Xia encourages his mother to take a break, showing their close bond.
• Zhu He and Chen Xia: Zhu He expresses his gratitude to Chen Xia, showing a newfound respect for his older brother.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Chen Xia discovers that the person who killed Yu Banshou might have used an Evil Technique to channel internal energy into their blade, which could be related to the recent cult activities.
2. Chen Xia decides to investigate the Gathering Justice Mercenary Group to obtain an Evil Technique, which could boost his combat power without the usual side effects.
3. Chen Xia learns about a series of missing person cases in Yijiang City, all occurring at night with no witnesses or clues.
4. Zhang Feng tells Chen Xia about seeing a red, humanoid phantom in Xingou Street, which might be related to the recent disappearances.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia becomes more determined to improve his martial prowess as his ultimate trump card.
• Zhang Feng shows concern for Chen Xia's safety, indicating their friendship and trust.

Significant Themes

1. The importance of martial prowess and personal strength in the High Martial era.
2. The dangers and allure of Evil Techniques.
3. The mysterious and sinister events happening in Yijiang City.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia interacts with his former teammates from the Eighth Team, including Zhang Feng and Yang Hua.
• Chen Xia learns about the mysterious red phantom from Zhang Feng, which could be connected to the recent disappearances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia investigates the cult, hoping to gain benefits like completing Jiang Xinglan's mission, learning an evil technique, and earning merit for promotion.
• He buys a disguise mask and changes his appearance before heading to the Kelai Xianglou Restaurant.
• At night, he sees a small black cat and a woman feeding it. The woman then takes the cat and enters a dark alley.
• Chen Xia follows them and encounters two men with sabers who attack him. He defeats them and continues following the woman.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia demonstrates his combat skills and bravery, showing growth since his previous encounters.
• The woman's behavior suggests she's under the control of an unknown force, possibly related to the cult.

Significant Themes

• The investigation of the cult's activities and their methods of controlling people.
• Chen Xia's determination to protect public order and his growing combat skills.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia follows the woman, who seems to be under the influence of the cult, leading him to encounter two cult members.
• The cat, which initially attacks Chen Xia, might be a pawn of the cult, controlled by an unknown force.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia encounters a mysterious woman and a red phantom in an alley.
• The red phantom tries to control Chen Xia's mind, but he breaks free using his Seven Injuries Inner Strength.
• Chen Xia fights and defeats a group of men, then kills the red phantom with a punch.
• He discovers a basement containing an evil totem and a secret manual for an evil technique.
• Chen Xia finds a wooden box filled with cash and takes it.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia demonstrates his combat skills, strength, and resilience against the red phantom's illusion and the group of men.
• He shows determination and curiosity in exploring the basement and discovering the secret manual and cash.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against evil and supernatural forces (represented by the red phantom and the evil totem).
• The allure of wealth and power (symbolized by the cash and the secret manual).
• The importance of mental resilience and inner strength (shown by Chen Xia breaking free from the illusion).

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia faces off against the red phantom and a group of men, showcasing his combat prowess and strategic thinking.
• He interacts with the unconscious woman in the alley but doesn't engage with her further.
• Chen Xia's encounter with the red phantom and the discovery of the secret manual and cash drive the plot forward, hinting at his potential involvement with the evil cult.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia investigates a cult, leading to a confrontation with the Gathering Justice Mercenary Group.
• He rescues a woman and obtains information about the Night God Sect, their leader Lord Edel, and their evil practices.
• Chen Xia studies the "Eternal Night Blood Scripture," understanding its power and side effects.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia demonstrates his strength and determination in fighting against the cult.
• The rescued woman is not yet developed, but she is a key witness to the cult's activities.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against evil and cult activities.
• The power and danger of the "Eternal Night Blood Scripture" and its potential for enhancing spirit and internal energy.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia interacts with the captured mercenary, extracting information about the Night God Sect.
• Chen Xia rescues a woman from the cult, but their interaction is not detailed in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia obtains an enhanced version of the Eternal Night Blood Scripture, which eliminates its side effects and converts qi and blood into pure Blood Yang Sha, strengthening his spiritual power without pain.
• Chen Xia cultivates this new technique, feeling comfortable and noticing an increase in his spiritual power and a lack of the usual cultivation discomforts.
• Chen Xia counts the money he obtained, totaling 765,200, and plans to use it to improve his strength before seeking the Night God Sect's spirit techniques.
• Cao Yi, the leader of the Gathering Justice Mercenary Group, learns about the theft of the Eternal Night Blood Scripture and the money, ordering his subordinates to find the culprit and be more discreet due to an upcoming ritual with Lord Edel.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia: He gains a powerful, enhanced cultivation technique that strengthens his spiritual power without the usual side effects, further solidifying his foundation for future spirit techniques.
• Cao Yi: His position as a leader becomes more challenging due to the loss of the Eternal Night Blood Scripture and money, as well as pressure from those backing him. He orders his subordinates to find the culprit and maintain discretion due to an upcoming ritual with Lord Edel.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Strength: Chen Xia's cultivation of the enhanced Eternal Night Blood Scripture increases his spiritual power and strength, while Cao Yi's focus on finding the culprit and maintaining discretion highlights the importance of strength and power in their world.
• Discretion and Secrecy: Both Chen Xia and Cao Yi value discretion and secrecy in their actions, with Chen Xia hiding his cultivation of an evil technique and Cao Yi ordering his subordinates to be more discreet due to the upcoming ritual with Lord Edel.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia interacts with himself as he cultivates the enhanced Eternal Night Blood Scripture, feeling the changes within his body and planning his next steps.
• Cao Yi interacts with his subordinates, learning about the theft and ordering them to find the culprit and maintain discretion due to the upcoming ritual with Lord Edel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia cultivates the Eternal Night Blood Scripture overnight, enhancing his mental power and manifesting Blood Yang.
• He buys expensive tonics like Life Source Liquid and Moon Spirit Essence to support his cultivation.
• Chen Xia reports his findings about the Night God Sect and Edel to Jiang Xinglan, who promises promotion and assistance if he finds the cult's base.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia's cultivation progress: He has enhanced his mental power and manifested Blood Yang, bringing him closer to performing Spirit Techniques.
• Jiang Xinglan shows interest in Chen Xia's potential, offering him support and future opportunities.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and its benefits: Chen Xia's cultivation enhances his abilities and opens up new possibilities.
• The threat of evil cults: The Night God Sect's activities pose a danger to the city, highlighting the need for vigilance and action.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia interacts with Jiang Xinglan through Feixun, updating her on his findings and receiving guidance and promises of support.
• Chen Xia's interactions with the drugstore staff are implied, as he buys expensive tonics to aid his cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia receives a voice message from Jiang Xinglan, warning him about preachers and giving him 15 days to find Edel, the preacher, before mobilizing the entire Yijiang City Patrol Office.
• Chen Xia decides to advance to Grade 2 to better face Edel and obtain his Spirit Techniques.
• Chen Xia investigates villages with "Tong" in their names as potential hideouts for Edel.
• Chen Xia sends messages to Team Five and local business owners to monitor Gathering Justice Mercenary Group's movements.
• Chen Xia begins intensive cultivation using Moon Spirit Essence, Life Source Liquid, Lingpo Pills, and Qianyang Pills to advance his strength.

Character Developments

• Chen Xia shows determination and strategic thinking in his plan to face Edel and advance his cultivation.
• Jiang Xinglan demonstrates her concern for Chen Xia's safety and the importance of capturing Edel alive.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and cultivation in the High Martial Era.
• The consequences of evil cult activities and the need to stop them.
• The price of obtaining power, as seen in the cultivation of Evil Techniques.

Character Interactions

• Chen Xia and Jiang Xinglan communicate about the mission and the time limit.
• Chen Xia interacts with Team Five and local business owners to gather information on Gathering Justice Mercenary Group.
• Chen Xia's internal dialogue reveals his thoughts and plans regarding Edel and his cultivation.

Chapter Summary: Advancing to a Grade 2 Martial Warrior

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xia uses the final drop of Moon Spirit Essence while cultivating the Eternal Night Blood Scripture in a medicinal bath.
• He successfully activates the scripture’s body-tempering method, creating a blood mist that condenses into threads and merges into his flesh. This strengthens his muscles, bones, blood, and overall physical endurance.
• He discovers that he can circulate his Blood Yang energy through his Patrol Inspection Office alloy Hengdao, covering the entire blade in a visible red glow. This greatly increases the saber’s penetrating and internal-damage potential.
• Chen Xia practices with the saber in the dark, demonstrating that he can maintain the scripture’s explosive state for roughly half an hour.
• The following morning, he tests his physical abilities:
  • Punching power: 2,223 kg, up from 1,625 kg
  • Speed: 36 meters per second, up from the Grade 1 standard of about 25 meters per second
• Based on these results, he officially reaches Grade 2 Martial Warrior, Stage 1, advancing from Grade 1 Sixth Stage.
• He considers the implications of his strength and realizes he is now powerful enough to become a branch division’s chief captain, commanding over six hundred inspectors.
• Rather than immediately reporting his advancement to the Martial Warrior Alliance, Chen Xia decides to spend the remaining three days searching for the Night God Sect’s stronghold and obtaining a new Spirit Technique.

Character Development

• Chen Xia’s confidence grows as he witnesses the dramatic effects of the Eternal Night Blood Scripture.
• His ambition expands considerably. While he once aimed only to become a captain, his rapid advancement makes him recognize that he must pursue a much higher position in the powerful and competitive High Martial Era.
• He becomes more calculating and strategic, choosing not to rush his official promotion so that he can first pursue the Night God Sect and improve his abilities further.
• His combat style develops beyond ordinary physical strength: he can now combine enhanced body-tempering, Blood Yang energy, saber techniques, and the Seven Injuries Fist.

Significant Themes

• Power through cultivation: The chapter emphasizes how specialized cultivation methods can produce astonishing improvements beyond conventional training.
• Ambition and rising goals: As Chen Xia becomes stronger, his original aspirations seem inadequate, reflecting how power changes one’s perspective and objectives.
• The importance of balanced abilities: Both strength and speed are presented as essential to combat effectiveness; increasing either one significantly can alter a warrior’s overall fighting power.
• Hidden potential and progression: Although the Eternal Night Blood Scripture is only at Beginner level and the Seven Injuries Fist remains at Minor Completion, Chen Xia’s abilities have already advanced dramatically, suggesting much greater future growth.
• Preparation before recognition: Chen Xia prioritizes gaining practical strength and a new Spirit Technique over immediately claiming public recognition for reaching Grade 2.

Character Interactions

• This chapter contains few direct interpersonal interactions. Chen Xia primarily interacts with:
  • His cultivation methods, especially the Eternal Night Blood Scripture and Seven Injuries Fist, which shape his development.
  • His Hengdao, using it as a medium to test and apply his Blood Yang energy.
  • The Martial Arts Hall’s testing equipment, which confirms his breakthrough.
  • The broader institutions and factions—the Martial Warrior Alliance, Patrol Inspection Office, and Night God Sect—that influence his ambitions and next actions.

Summary: Chapter – Tongxin Village

1. Key Plot Points / Events

• After leaving the Martial Arts Hall, Chen Xia heads toward the southern outskirts instead of returning to the Patrol Inspection Office.
• A street protest erupts: parents of missing children demand justice and severe punishment for human traffickers. The crowd grows violent, and Mid-level Captain Zhou Tong is forced to promise the culprit will be found within a month.
• The narration explains the setting: the chaotic Old Town vs. prosperous New City districts, with loose governance and the need for mercenary groups contributing to crime.
• Chen Xia reassures Zhou Tong that the missing persons case will be solved once evidence emerges, hinting he already has leads.
• Xiao Qiang has been tracking the Gathering Justice Mercenary Group. He reports that their leader, Cao Yi, and core members are gathering and driving toward the southern outskirts.
• Xiao Qiang tails the mercenaries to a small inn, waiting all day. At 11 PM, they leave and drive into rural roads.
• To avoid detection, Chen Xia orders Xiao Qiang to break off pursuit; Chen Xia himself follows the van on foot as a shadowy figure.
• The van arrives at Tongxin Village, stopping at a large three-story house. The mercenaries cautiously enter, apparently to meet a person called "Lord Edel" and receive Essence Blood.

2. Character Developments

• Chen Xia: Shows methodical investigation and confidence. He has already arranged surveillance and is prepared to take direct action or report the group if needed. His physical abilities imply high-level pursuit capabilities.
• Xiao Qiang: Ambitious and loyal, he voluntarily risks himself to track the mercenaries, hoping to make a good impression on Chen Xia and secure career advancement.
• Zhou Tong: Stressed by public pressure but humble and cooperative with Chen Xia, acknowledging the case is troubling.

3. Significant Themes

• Corruption and lawlessness in the Old Town vs. the strict control of the New City.
• The tension between public safety and the Federation's need for martial strength and mercenary groups.
• The importance of patience, surveillance, and gathering evidence in dealing with entrenched criminal organizations.
• The vulnerability of victims and public outrage against human trafficking.

4. Character Interactions

• Chen Xia and Zhou Tong briefly discuss the missing persons case; Chen Xia subtly implies the criminals are being watched and will slip up.
• Chen Xia communicates with Xiao Qiang via electronic watch, coordinating the surveillance and then ordering him to disengage to avoid suspicion.
• Inside the van, Gathering Justice members express impatience and crude intentions, while Cao Yi scolds them to remain disciplined and respectful before Lord Edel in order to earn Essence Blood.