Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming returns to the Chen Family Water Farm with a Black Bass, which turns out to be a Treasure Fish.
• Chen Hong, the farm's owner, offers to buy the fish for 20 taels, and Hong Ming agrees.
• Hong Ming learns about the upcoming fish tide from Chen Hong.
• Chen Yao visits Hong Ming to thank him for his help at the water farm.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming demonstrates his archery skills and is revealed to be a Water Soldier of the River Bureau.
• Chen Hong shows his business acumen by befriending Hong Ming and offering a fair price for the fish.
• Chen Yao shows her gratitude and concern for Hong Ming's cultivation progress.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Mutual Aid: Hong Ming and Chen Hong form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect and benefit. Chen Yao thanks Hong Ming for his help, showing the importance of reciprocity.
• Cultivation and Ambition: Hong Ming's focus on cultivation is emphasized, as is Chen Yao's concern for his progress. The Martial Examination is hinted at as a future goal.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Chen Hong: They engage in a friendly business transaction, with each respecting the other's abilities and intentions.
• Hong Ming and Chen Yao: Chen Yao visits Hong Ming to express her gratitude, and they discuss his cultivation progress. Wen Xin, Chen Yao's sister, also interacts with Hong Ming, showing concern for his well-being.
• Chen Yao and Wen Xin: The sisters discuss Hong Ming's progress and potential, with Wen Xin showing concern for his well-being and Chen Yao encouraging his cultivation efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The fish tide's influence permeates the Water Army, benefiting both the fishing industry and the River Bureau.
• Each archer is permitted to collect an additional ten ironwood arrows for the fish tide.
• Li Mo and Yu Bin collect their arrows, but find two missing per person due to the Second Team's actions.
• Yu Bin wants to confront the Second Team, but Li Mo advises against it to avoid trouble for Team Leader Han.
• Huang Chun visits Han Ming, asking to borrow Hong Ming from the Archery Battalion for Huang Zhang's team.
• Han Ming agrees to consider the request but does not give an immediate answer.

Character Developments

• Yu Bin: Becomes more assertive and willing to stand up for his team but learns to consider the bigger picture and hold back when necessary.
• Li Mo: Demonstrates maturity and wisdom in advising Yu Bin not to cause trouble, showing he understands the political dynamics within the battalion.
• Han Ming: Shows caution and calculation in handling Huang Chun's request, prioritizing the interests of his team and himself.
• Huang Chun: Reveals his influence and connections by involving the Huang Family in his request, showing he is not to be underestimated.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for resources and power within the Water Army, as seen in the conflict between the Second and Third Teams over the arrows.
• The importance of political awareness and calculation in navigating complex social dynamics, as demonstrated by Li Mo, Han Ming, and Huang Chun.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Yu Bin: Li Mo advises Yu Bin not to cause trouble, showing a more mature and wise side of his character.
• Han Ming and Huang Chun: Han Ming shows caution in handling Huang Chun's request, while Huang Chun reveals his influence and connections.
• Han Ming and the Second Team: The Second Team's actions cause trouble for the Third Team, highlighting the power struggle within the Water Army.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming's archery skill improves dramatically, allowing him to hit a target 30 zhang (over 100 feet) away with 100% accuracy within a 100-meter radius, even in complete darkness.
• The annual fish tide approaches, and the Archery Battalion prepares, dividing into Harvesting Squads and Treasure Fish Squads.
• Hong Ming is assigned to the Harvesting Squad, but he's assured that he can hunt Treasure Fish if encountered during fishing.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming's archery skill significantly improves, boosting his confidence and expectations for the fish tide.
• Shen Lin, a newcomer, joins the Treasure Fish Squad, demonstrating his exceptional archery skills.

Significant Themes

• Improvement and Growth: Hong Ming's archery skill improves, reflecting his dedication and hard work.
• Opportunity and Ambition: The fish tide presents an opportunity for Hong Ming and others to catch Treasure Fish, driving their ambition.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming interacts with other archers, discussing their assignments and the fish tide.
• Yu Bin, the team leader, assigns roles and provides guidance to the archers.
• Hong Ming feels envy and jealousy when seeing neighboring squads catching more valuable fish but remains focused on his task and the potential for catching Treasure Fish.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chuan River's fish tide begins, and the Water Soldiers start fishing.
• A Red-Horned Pomfret Treasure Fish appears in the second tributary.
• The second team fails to catch it, and the Treasure Fish enters the main river.
• Both the second and third teams try to catch the Treasure Fish, but it's ultimately caught by a member of the third team.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming demonstrates his sharp eyesight and focus while searching for Treasure Fish.
• Li Mo and the Treasure Fish team members show their skills and coordination in attempting to catch the Treasure Fish.

Significant Themes

• Competition and cooperation among the teams.
• The value and rarity of Treasure Fish.
• The importance of quick reflexes and precision in capturing the Treasure Fish.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming interacts with his team members while fishing and searching for Treasure Fish.
• Li Mo and the Treasure Fish team members collaborate to try and catch the Red-Horned Pomfret.
• There's a sense of rivalry and envy between the second and third teams as they try to catch the same Treasure Fish.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming, a previously unnoticed member of the Third Team, captures a Treasure Fish.
• The Second Team, led by Wang Jiu, demands the Treasure Fish, claiming the Third Team cheated.
• A shooting contest is proposed to decide the Treasure Fish's ownership, with Hong Ming and Zhou Zheng (Second Team) as contestants.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming's archery skills are revealed, surprising his teammates.
• Li Mo shows concern for his team's reputation and the Treasure Fish's importance.
• Wang Jiu demonstrates his willingness to cause trouble and defy rules for his team's benefit.

Significant Themes

• Fairness and honesty in competition.
• The importance of teamwork and unity.
• The consequences of defying rules and causing trouble.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Yu Bin work together to protect their team's interests and the Treasure Fish.
• Wang Jiu and Li Mo clash over the Treasure Fish and the shooting contest rules.
• Hong Ming's name is mentioned, but his interaction with others is minimal in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Jiu proposes an archery contest to decide the ownership of the Treasure Fish.
• Li Mo agrees but sets unusual conditions, aiming to level the playing field for his team.
• Hong Ming, Li Mo's chosen archer, competes against Zhou Zheng, Wang Jiu's formidable archer.
• Despite initial setbacks, Hong Ming turns the tide and ultimately wins the contest with a perfect score, shooting down Zhou Zheng's final arrow.

Character Developments

• Li Mo: Demonstrates strategic thinking and foresight, manipulating the contest to favor his team.
• Hong Ming: Proves his archery skills and resilience, overcoming initial adversity to secure victory.
• Zhou Zheng: Shows confidence and skill but underestimates Hong Ming, leading to his defeat.

Significant Themes

• Strategy and Foresight: Li Mo's strategic planning and Hong Ming's adaptability are key to their victory.
• Resilience: Hong Ming's ability to bounce back from setbacks is crucial to his success.
• Underestimation: Zhou Zheng's underestimation of Hong Ming contributes to his downfall.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Yu Bin: Li Mo shares his strategic thinking with Yu Bin, who initially struggles to understand but eventually praises Li Mo's plan.
• Hong Ming and Zhou Zheng: The archery contest between these two is the core of the chapter, with Hong Ming ultimately emerging victorious.
• Li Mo and Hong Ming: Li Mo's confidence in Hong Ming and his minimal instructions allow Hong Ming to find his own rhythm and win.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming's arrow hits the target, winning the archery contest against the Second Team.
• The Third Team wins the right to hunt Treasure Fish, and Hong Ming joins the Treasure Fish Team.
• During the three-day fish tide, the Third Team catches ten semi-Treasure Fish and over two thousand large common fish.
• Instructor Huang visits Hong Ming, expressing interest in buying his Red-Horned Pomfret.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming demonstrates exceptional archery skills, reaching the entry level of Piercing Willow Archery.
• Instructor Huang shows his true colors, attempting to manipulate Hong Ming and buy the Treasure Fish at a low price.

Significant Themes

• Skill and luck in hunting Treasure Fish.
• Manipulation and self-interest, as shown by Instructor Huang.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and the Second Team: Competition and respect after Hong Ming's victory.
• Hong Ming and Li Mo: Li Mo offers guidance and advice to Hong Ming regarding the Treasure Fish.
• Hong Ming and Instructor Huang: Tension and manipulation, with Instructor Huang trying to buy the Treasure Fish at a low price.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming is offered an absurdly low price of 10 taels for his Treasure Fish by Huang Chun.
• Chen Yao and Wen Xin search for Treasure Fish but come up empty-handed.
• Chen Yao hears that Hong Ming caught a Treasure Fish but learns from Zhou Min that he has already sold it.
• Zhou Min offers to sell her Treasure Fish to Chen Yao on the condition that Chen Yao serves as her maid for half a month and submits to her commands.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Stands his ground against Huang Chun's low offer, showing integrity and determination.
• Chen Yao: Struggles to find Treasure Fish for her family's business, displaying resilience and hope despite setbacks.
• Zhou Min: Manipulates Chen Yao, using the Treasure Fish as bait to force her into servitude, revealing her cunning and cruel nature.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and Power Dynamics: Zhou Min uses her possession of the Treasure Fish to control Chen Yao, highlighting the power imbalance between them.
• Integrity vs. Pragmatism: Hong Ming values his integrity over immediate gain, while Zhou Min prioritizes her own interests.
• Perseverance: Chen Yao continues to search for a solution despite facing numerous obstacles, demonstrating her determination and resilience.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Huang Chun: Their interaction reveals the tension between them and Huang Chun's attempt to exploit Hong Ming's financial difficulties.
• Chen Yao and Zhou Min: Zhou Min's manipulation of Chen Yao exposes the latter's desperation and the former's willingness to exploit others' misfortunes.
• Chen Yao and Wen Xin: Their friendship is evident as they support each other through their search for Treasure Fish, with Wen Xin encouraging Chen Yao even when the prospects seem bleak.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yao is humiliated when Zhou Min calls her a maid and offers her a job.
• Hong Ming visits Han Ming to sell the Red-Horned Pomfret, hinting at the Chen Family's difficulties.
• Chen Yao returns home, finding her family in despair due to their inability to gather Treasure Fish.
• Chen Hong reveals that Chen Yao's friend, Hong Ming, has provided the necessary Treasure Fish to save the Chen Family.

Character Developments

• Chen Yao: Struggles with her pride and the need to save her family, ultimately deciding to accept help from Hong Ming.
• Zhou Min: Shows arrogance and disregard for Chen Yao's feelings, furthering her ambition.
• Hong Ming: Demonstrates his resourcefulness and willingness to help the Chen Family, hinting at his growing affection for Chen Yao.
• Chen Father and Chen Jue: Face the reality of their family's predicament, showing concern and desperation.

Significant Themes

• Pride vs. Necessity: Chen Yao grapples with her pride and the need to save her family.
• Ambition and Manipulation: Zhou Min's ambition is evident in her treatment of Chen Yao.
• Resourcefulness and Kindness: Hong Ming shows his resourcefulness in obtaining the Treasure Fish and his kindness in helping the Chen Family.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yao and Zhou Min: Their interaction highlights Zhou Min's arrogance and Chen Yao's humiliation.
• Han Ming and Hong Ming: Their interaction reveals Hong Ming's resourcefulness and Han Ming's interest in buying the Red-Horned Pomfret.
• Chen Yao and her family: Their interactions show the family's desperation and Chen Yao's determination to save them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yao learns that Hong Ming, not Zhou Yao, delivered the Treasure Fish to her family, resolving their crisis.
• Huang Chun visits Han Ming but finds him absent, implying a rejection of Huang Chun's previous request.
• Zhou Min learns that Chen Yao obtained the Treasure Fish from Hong Ming, ruining her plans.
• Hong Ming decides to focus on mastering the Frost Sky Fist and purchases Force-Nourishing Pills to aid his cultivation.
• Instructor Lin Zhen arranges for the team members to spar with each other to improve their combat abilities.
• Wang Heng approaches Hong Ming, suggesting a sparring match with ill intent.

Character Developments

• Chen Yao feels grateful and relieved after learning about Hong Ming's help.
• Zhou Min becomes angry and frustrated upon realizing that Hong Ming thwarted her plans.
• Hong Ming remains focused on his cultivation goals, undeterred by the changes around him.
• Wang Heng displays his hostile intentions toward Hong Ming.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and appreciation (Chen Yao towards Hong Ming)
• Frustration and anger (Zhou Min)
• Focus and determination (Hong Ming)
• Hostility and rivalry (Wang Heng towards Hong Ming)

Character Interactions

• Chen Yao and Chen Hong discuss the Treasure Fish's delivery.
• Huang Chun and Han Ming have an indirect confrontation.
• Zhou Min and her maid discuss the Chen Family's situation.
• Hong Ming and Wang Heng have a tense exchange, with Wang Heng suggesting a sparring match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Heng challenges Hong Ming to a sparring session, aiming to provoke him into accepting.
• Chen Yao intervenes, trying to protect Hong Ming, but Wang Heng dismisses her.
• Hong Ming declines the challenge, leaving Wang Heng disappointed and others gossiping.
• Hong Ming later explains to Chen Yao that he doesn't care about Wang Heng's provocation.
• Hong Ming practices Frost Sky Fist alone and finally achieves a breakthrough, reaching Minor Achievement 2.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Shows maturity and restraint by declining Wang Heng's challenge, demonstrating he's not easily provoked. He also achieves a significant breakthrough in his Frost Sky Fist technique.
• Chen Yao: Shows courage in trying to protect Hong Ming, but also reveals her family's business feud with the Zhou Family and Wang Family.

Significant Themes

• Self-control and maturity: Hong Ming displays these qualities by not reacting to Wang Heng's provocation.
• Family feuds and business rivalries: Chen Yao's explanation reveals the underlying tensions between her family and the Zhou, Wang Families.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Chen Yao: Chen Yao tries to protect Hong Ming from Wang Heng, but Hong Ming reassures her it's not her fault. Later, Chen Yao warns Hong Ming about the importance of sparring for mastering Frost Sky Fist.
• Wang Heng and Hong Ming: Wang Heng attempts to provoke Hong Ming into a sparring session, but Hong Ming declines, disappointing Wang Heng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Second Battalion's commander, Han Baichuan, discusses the fish tide earnings with his team leaders.
• The total earnings are 5,000 taels, with 4,000 set aside for reserves and monthly bonuses, leaving 500 taels for merit rewards.
• Han Baichuan proposes an archery contest to decide how to distribute the remaining 500 taels between the three teams.
• The contest between the First and Third Teams' archers (Wang Jiu and Li Mo) results in a draw at 200 and 300 meters.
• Han Cheng suggests a fistfight to decide the winner, with Han Ming agreeing to limit it to new recruits who joined within the last three months.

Character Developments

• Han Baichuan: Shows fairness and wisdom in managing the earnings and deciding the contest.
• Han Cheng: Stands up for his team's interests, uses his deputy's skills to his advantage, and is willing to fight for his team's share.
• Han Ming: Initially eager to secure the 500 taels for his team, he later shows strategic thinking by proposing to limit the fistfight to new recruits.
• Li Mo: Honest about his limited fist technique skills, prioritizing his team's interests.

Significant Themes

• Competition and cooperation among teams within the same battalion.
• Fairness and wisdom in leadership, as shown by Han Baichuan.
• Strategic thinking and prioritizing team interests, as demonstrated by Han Ming and Li Mo.

Character Interactions

• Han Baichuan interacts with his team leaders, showing fairness and wisdom in decision-making.
• Han Cheng and Han Ming interact, each trying to maximize their team's share, leading to a stalemate in the archery contest.
• Li Mo interacts with Han Ming, honestly revealing his limitations in fist techniques and prioritizing the team's interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Ming needs someone from his team to compete in a fist technique match against the Second Team's Wang Heng, with a reward of 400 taels for a win.
• Shen Lin is initially considered but declines due to lack of practice in fist techniques and fear of losing.
• Hong Ming volunteers to compete, motivated by the potential reward of 50 taels.

Character Developments

• Shen Lin: Shows reluctance and fear of responsibility, prioritizing self-preservation over team needs.
• Hong Ming: Demonstrates courage and determination, willing to take risks for personal gain and team success.
• Han Ming: Displays concern for his team's success but is ultimately disappointed in Shen Lin's unwillingness.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and courage: Shen Lin shirks responsibility, while Hong Ming shows courage in taking on the challenge.
• Rewards and motivation: The potential rewards drive Hong Ming's decision to compete.
• Team dynamics: Han Ming's disappointment in Shen Lin's unwillingness highlights the importance of teamwork and individual responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Han Ming and Shen Lin: Han Ming tries to persuade Shen Lin to compete, but Shen Lin declines due to fear of failure and its consequences.
• Han Ming and Hong Ming: Han Ming reluctantly chooses Hong Ming after Shen Lin's refusal, hoping for the best but expecting little.
• Wang Heng and Hong Ming: Wang Heng is surprised to see Hong Ming as his opponent and initially underestimates him, but later decides to use the match to vent his anger on behalf of Zhou Min.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming and Wang Heng face off in a duel.
• Wang Heng reveals he has reached Minor Accomplishment in his fist technique, surprising everyone.
• Hong Ming blocks Wang Heng's attack, revealing his own fist technique has also reached Minor Accomplishment.
• Wang Heng attacks relentlessly, but Hong Ming dodges and counters, ultimately defeating Wang Heng with a single strike.

Character Developments

• Wang Heng's arrogance and underestimation of Hong Ming lead to his defeat.
• Hong Ming demonstrates remarkable composure, skill, and strategic thinking during the duel.

Significant Themes

• The importance of not underestimating one's opponent.
• The value of patience, strategy, and adaptability in combat.

Character Interactions

• Han Ming and Shen Lin are surprised and impressed by Hong Ming's skill.
• Han Cheng is shocked and suspicious of Han Ming's involvement in Hong Ming's strength.
• Wang Heng underestimates Hong Ming, leading to his defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming wins the competition, earning the Third Team a reward of 400 taels of silver.
• The City Guard Department arrives at the Naval Battalion to arrest Hong Ming, suspecting him of murdering Liu Hu.
• Hong Ming refuses to comply without reporting to his squad leader, leading to a confrontation with Liu Xiong, the City Guard Department's officer.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor under pressure, showing no signs of fear or panic when confronted by the City Guard Department.
• Liu Xiong reveals his true colors, showing a ruthless and cunning side as he attempts to capture Hong Ming without proper authorization.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the government systems (River Bureau vs. City Guard Department).
• The importance of evidence and due process in justice.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Liu Xiong: Their interaction highlights the tension and mistrust between them, with Hong Ming refusing to comply without proper procedure, and Liu Xiong attempting to capture him by force.
• Hong Ming and the young bailiff: Their exchange showcases Hong Ming's sharp tongue and calm demeanor in the face of accusations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming's martial arts progress surprises Liu Xiong.
• Liu Xiong and his men from the City Guard Department come to arrest Hong Ming for a murder case.
• Lin Zhen, Hong Ming's instructor, intervenes and drives Liu Xiong away.
• Hong Ming decides to speed up his training and enters the Huai River to attract a Treasure Fish.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming's martial arts skills have improved significantly, allowing him to hold his own against Liu Xiong.
• Liu Xiong is shown to be a bully who fears the strong, retreating when faced with Lin Zhen's strength.
• Lin Zhen is portrayed as a powerful and overbearing figure, protecting Hong Ming and the River Bureau's interests.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in power between Bright Force and Dark Force martial artists is highlighted.
• The theme of facing challenges head-on is reinforced as Hong Ming decides to enter the Huai River despite its dangers.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Liu Xiong's interaction shows the latter's bullying nature and Hong Ming's growing strength.
• Lin Zhen's intervention demonstrates his protective stance towards Hong Ming and the River Bureau.
• Hong Ming's decision to enter the Huai River shows his determination and willingness to take risks to improve his skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming catches a Red-Horned Pomfret, an adult specimen, using his traits.
• He solidifies the 'Potent Utilization' trait, which maximizes the medicinal effects of Treasure Herbs.
• After consuming the Treasure Fish, Hong Ming practices the Coiling Dragon Stake for three hours, making significant progress.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming demonstrates his growing prowess and strategic thinking by solidifying the 'Potent Utilization' trait.
• He shows determination and discipline in his martial arts training.

Significant Themes

• The importance of utilizing resources to their full potential, both in terms of medicine and time.
• The value of hard work and dedication in martial arts practice.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming interacts with his team members, who show him respect and admiration for his recent achievements.
• Li Mo and Shen Lin are shown to be close with Hong Ming, and Li Mo arranges a banquet for the team at the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Water Army is expanding, and team leader quotas are being allocated to each battalion.
• The Archery Battalion has been allocated two team leader quotas, one for each battalion.
• The position will be decided by a strength-based competition in seven days, testing both archery and fist techniques.

Character Developments

• Li Mo: Still a Bright Force martial artist, hasn't broken through to Dark Force yet.
• Hong Ming: Trained Frost Sky Fist to minor mastery, shows great talent in fist techniques.
• Han Nuo: Confirmed as the favored candidate for the team leader position by his father, Han Baichuan.
• Han Cheng and Han Ming: Feel disadvantaged by Han Baichuan's decision, as the First Team is stronger in both archery and fist techniques.

Significant Themes

• Competition and ambition among the Han family members and within the Water Army.
• The importance of strength and skill in determining one's worth and position.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Hong Ming: Arrive at the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, where they encounter Zheng Song and his team from the First Team.
• Han Baichuan and his sons: Discuss the Water Army expansion and the team leader quotas. Han Baichuan decides the position will be determined by a strength competition.
• Han Cheng and Han Ming: Express dismay at Han Baichuan's decision, feeling that Han Nuo has an unfair advantage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• News of the team leader competition sparks discussion and anticipation in the Archery Battalion.
• Hong Ming focuses on his cultivation, aiming to breakthrough to Dark Force.
• He successfully reaches Dark Force, enhancing his strength and healing his internal injuries.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming demonstrates dedication and focus in his cultivation, achieving a significant breakthrough.
• Other Water Soldiers in the Archery Battalion show ambition and eagerness to compete for the team leader position.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and competition among martial artists.
• The importance of focus and dedication in cultivation.
• The power and uniqueness of Dark Force.

Character Interactions

• The Water Soldiers in the Archery Battalion discuss the team leader competition and their chances, showing ambition and rivalry.
• Hong Ming isolates himself from these discussions, focusing solely on his cultivation, which leads to a significant breakthrough.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming discovers an "ultimate secret manual" that requires a full moon to access.
• He decides to upgrade his Word Master level first, consuming 100 Luck points.
• Hong Ming learns about a Water Army tournament for selecting Squad Leaders and decides to participate.
• The selection process involves an archery test and a combat test; Hong Ming struggles with the moving target requirement for the archery test.
• He plans to find traits to enhance his archery skills and prepare for the tournament.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming shows determination and ambition in securing an official position.
• Li Mo and Yu Bin express their concerns about the combat aspect of the selection process.
• Han Ming reveals his plan to form an alliance with the Second Team against the First Team during the combat assessment.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and the pursuit of power and status.
• The importance of preparation and diligence in achieving one's goals.
• The struggle between relying on one's abilities and seeking external advantages (traits).

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming interacts with Water Soldiers, learning about the tournament.
• Han Ming meets with Li Mo and Yu Bin, discussing their preparation for the selection process and revealing his alliance plan.
• Hong Ming's internal dialogue reflects his thought processes and decisions.