Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Baichuan gives Leopard Fetus Pills to Han Nuo, Han Cheng, and Han Ming for the selection.
• Wu Changgui visits Hong Ming, offering a Leopard Fetus Pill and a monthly salary of a thousand taels to hire the fabricated Transformation Force martial artist.
• Hong Ming discovers Wu Changgui's force affecting his cultivation and decides to max out the Frost Sky Fist's experience to counter it.
• Hong Ming selects ten Water Soldiers with inferior aptitude but good character to receive documents.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming becomes more determined to improve his strength and find a solution to Wu Changgui's force.
• Han Baichuan shows favoritism to his sons, giving them Leopard Fetus Pills while ignoring Hong Ming.
• Wu Changgui demonstrates cunning and patience, using Hong Ming's desperation to find a solution to locate the fabricated Transformation Force martial artist.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and connections in the martial world.
• The struggle between ambition and loyalty, as seen in Han Baichuan's favoritism and Wu Changgui's manipulation.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent, as Wu Changgui underestimates Hong Ming's capabilities.

Character Interactions

• Han Baichuan interacts with his sons, showing favoritism and concern for their progress.
• Wu Changgui interacts with Hong Ming, attempting to manipulate him into finding the fabricated Transformation Force martial artist.
• Hong Ming interacts with Li Mo, entrusting him with the task of selecting Water Soldiers to receive documents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Zhang receives a Leopard Fetus Pill from Huang Tianfang, who hopes he'll secure a selection slot and win the Transformation Force Pill.
• Hong Ming discovers that Frost Sky Fist can still be cultivated and breaks through the force left behind by Wu Changgui.
• No one from the Preparatory Camp Water Soldiers reports to Hong Ming for recruitment.
• Hong Ming participates in the selection, drawing Niu Cang as his first opponent and Zhou Cang as his second.

Character Developments

• Huang Zhang: Shows ambition and confidence in his strength, but also acknowledges the challenges ahead.
• Hong Ming: Continues to cultivate and improve his skills, demonstrating adaptability and strategic thinking in the selection.
• Niu Cang: Eager to test his improved strength against Hong Ming, but underestimates his opponent.
• Zhou Cang: Despite being wounded, remains confident in his strength and underestimates Hong Ming.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and the pursuit of power (Huang Zhang, Hong Ming)
• Underestimation of opponents leading to defeat (Niu Cang, Zhou Cang)
• Strategic thinking and adaptability (Hong Ming)

Character Interactions

• Huang Zhang and the steward: Discuss Huang Zhang's chances of winning the Transformation Force Pill and dealing with Hong Ming.
• Hong Ming and Li Mo: Discuss the lack of Water Soldier recruits and the upcoming selection.
• Hong Ming and Han Ming: Han Ming introduces the First Battalion Squad Leaders to Hong Ming and warns him about Huang Zhang.
• Hong Ming and Niu Cang: Their match highlights Niu Cang's overconfidence and Hong Ming's strategic thinking.
• Hong Ming and Zhou Cang: Their match demonstrates Zhou Cang's underestimation of Hong Ming's strength.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming wins against Zhou Cang, surprising everyone.
• Huang Zhang uses a saber against Han Nuo, winning but drawing criticism.
• Hong Ming faces Huang Zhang, initially evenly matched, but eventually defeats him using major mastery Frost Sky Fist.
• Jiang Yingfeng attacks Hong Ming after the match, revealing his hidden strength.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Proves his strength and skill, advancing to major mastery in Frost Sky Fist.
• Huang Zhang: Loses to Hong Ming, suffering a blow to his pride.
• Han Nuo: Loses to Huang Zhang but gains respect for Hong Ming's abilities.
• Han Baichuan: Initially disappointed with the bye going to Hong Ming, but later hopes for Hong Ming's victory against Huang Zhang.
• Huang Shaoyong: Shocked by Hong Ming's skill and upset by Huang Zhang's loss.

Significant Themes

• The importance of skill and technique over brute force (Hong Ming vs. Huang Zhang).
• The impact of weapons in combat (Huang Zhang's use of a saber).
• The role of luck and opportunity in competition (Hong Ming's bye).

Character Interactions

• Han Baichuan and Han Ming: Both support Hong Ming and feel sorry for Han Nuo.
• Huang Zhang and Huang Shaoyong: The latter is disappointed in the former's loss.
• Hong Ming and Huang Zhang: Their battle highlights the difference in skill and technique.
• Jiang Yingfeng and Hong Ming: The former attacks the latter, revealing his hidden strength.

Plot points and events

• After winning the selection, Hong Ming is secretly examined by Jiang Yingfeng. Hong’s Conceal Breath and Hide Form Trait masks his Transformation Force, convincing Jiang that he remains at Dark Force. Hong suspects Jiang’s probe may have been prompted by his combat performance, though he stays wary of possible suspicion over Jiang Yuru’s death.
• Hong asks Qi Yu’er to borrow the Ice Soul Cold Pearl. She lends it to him and reveals that the Frost Sky Fist and Coiling Dragon Stake both have advanced continuations, but they are Water Army methods for surpassing Transformation Force and must be obtained through the River Office with military merit.
• With the pearl accelerating his training, Hong breaks through the Eight Extremes Golden Body’s third layer, reaching the Armor Flesh realm. His skin and muscles fuse into a powerful defensive whole, greatly increasing his strength and resistance to weapons and Inner Force. He hopes this will let him endure the blade auras at One-Line Cliff and claim the saber art promised by his Fate Grid.
• Qin Hao visits Hong to ask to join his squad, along with five or six companions. Hong agrees, but learns they are being persecuted because of their past ties to Zhong Shaoying, whose conflict with Clear River City’s powers has intensified. Their superiors have cut their pay and resources and blocked their advancement; other Squad Leaders have refused to help.
• Hong recognizes that the harassment connects to influential figures tied to the Third and Fifth Battalions and the Administrative Office, suggesting a broader counterattack by Clear River City’s great families against the Ten Thousand Gold Chamber of Commerce. As Hong prepares to answer Qin Hao, Wu Zhuo arrives with an urgent matter and asks to speak privately.

Character developments and interactions

• Hong Ming grows more cautious about Jiang Yingfeng while focusing on strengthening his defenses. He also shows loyalty and compassion by welcoming Qin Hao and his companions despite the political risks.
• Jiang Yingfeng tests Hong but accepts the misleading result, revealing his strength and Hong’s continuing need to hide his breakthrough.
• Qi Yu’er is direct and generous in lending the pearl, while carefully limiting what Hong learns about advanced martial arts. She privately realizes that Hong has reached Transformation Force.
• Qin Hao is embarrassed to ask for help but proves loyal to his companions, choosing to seek support for them as a group rather than abandon them.
• Hong’s earlier opponents react to his victory in contrasting ways: Han Nuo and others congratulate him, while Huang Zhang leaves bitterly. The chapter closes with Wu Zhuo’s interruption, leaving his report unresolved.

Significant themes

• Concealment and suspicion: Hong must hide his true strength while powerful figures scrutinize him.
• Growth through hardship: The painful Armor Flesh breakthrough turns endurance into a major leap in combat ability.
• Loyalty and solidarity: Qin Hao and his companions remain connected despite pressure, and Hong offers them a refuge.
• Political conflict and collateral damage: The struggle between local powers and the merchant chamber harms people who are only indirectly involved.
• The limits of advancement: Hong’s progress opens new possibilities, but stronger techniques and greater power remain controlled by institutions and military merit.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Zhuo visits Hong Ming to warn him against helping Qin Hao, but Hong Ming agrees to help him.
• Hong Ming encounters river bandits near One-Line Cliff but manages to avoid them.
• Hong Ming finds the Heaven-Slaying Sword-Drawing Technique in the cave and learns its first layer.
• Jiang Yingfeng summons Hong Ming and hints that he should give up his election quota for the martial exhibition.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming demonstrates confidence and courage by agreeing to help Qin Hao despite Wu Zhuo's warning.
• Hong Ming successfully learns the first layer of the Heaven-Slaying Sword-Drawing Technique, further enhancing his skills.
• Jiang Yingfeng shows his political prowess and influence by attempting to manipulate Hong Ming into giving up his election quota.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Friendship: Hong Ming's decision to help Qin Hao shows his loyalty to a friend in need.
• Power and Influence: Jiang Yingfeng's attempts to control Hong Ming highlight the power dynamics within the River Bureau.
• Ambition and Determination: Hong Ming's pursuit of the ultimate saber technique demonstrates his ambition and determination to improve himself.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Wu Zhuo: Their interaction shows Wu Zhuo's attempt to control Hong Ming and Hong Ming's defiance of Wu Zhuo's authority.
• Hong Ming and Jiang Yingfeng: Their interaction reveals Jiang Yingfeng's manipulation and Hong Ming's cautious response to Jiang Yingfeng's hints.
• Hong Ming and Qin Hao: Though not present in this chapter, their friendship is a driving force behind Hong Ming's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Hong Ming meets with Jiang Yingfeng, who offers him a deal: give up his candidacy slot for a Transformation Force Pill, a Transformation Force martial artist to guide him through his breakthrough, and a Vice Commander position in the General Affairs Department.
+ Hong Ming suspects Jiang Yingfeng's true intentions and asks for time to consider.
+ Water bandits attack the River Bureau, killing and wounding many Water Soldiers. The Thousand-Commanders offer a bounty for their capture or elimination.
+ The martial contest after the inspection is changed to a Commander candidacy, with only those who obtained a slot allowed to participate.

Character Developments

+ Hong Ming becomes more vigilant and strategic, suspecting Jiang Yingfeng's motives and considering the risks and benefits of his offer.
+ Han Nuo, Han Cheng, and Han Ming are disappointed and envious that only Hong Ming can participate in the Commander candidacy.
+ Han Baichuan feels regretful that Hong Ming, an outsider, will benefit from the Commander position instead of Han Nuo.

Significant Themes

+ Power and authority: The Commander position holds significant power and influence, leading to intense competition and manipulation.
+ Ambition and opportunity: Characters strive for power and advancement, seizing opportunities when they arise.
+ Risk and benefit: Characters weigh the risks and potential gains of their actions, making strategic decisions.

Character Interactions

+ Hong Ming and Jiang Yingfeng: Hong Ming is wary of Jiang Yingfeng's offer, while Jiang Yingfeng tries to persuade Hong Ming to give up his candidacy slot.
+ Hong Ming and Han Baichuan: Han Baichuan briefs Hong Ming on the Commander candidacy, warning him about potential opponents and advising him to avoid Transformation Force martial artists.
+ Han Nuo, Han Cheng, and Han Ming: The three brothers express their disappointment and envy that only Hong Ming can participate in the Commander candidacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming receives letters from home, revealing the Jiang Family's attempt to bribe him with a residence.
• Hong Ming decides not to offend Jiang Yingfeng over the Commander candidate slot.
• Qi Yu'er visits Hong Ming, revealing that only Commanders can obtain Grade C military merit for exchanging cultivation methods at the River Office.
• Wu Changgui orders the withdrawal of surveillance on Hong Ming and instructs Wu Zhuo to provoke him less.
• Zhong Shaoying brings Hong Ming to Madam Wu, who offers a Transformation Force Pill in exchange for a future favor.
• Madam Wu's son, Wu Wenzhou, expresses doubts about Hong Ming's potential.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming shows maturity and restraint in handling the Jiang Family's bribe.
• Qi Yu'er demonstrates her strength and goodwill by revealing the military merit restriction to Hong Ming.
• Madam Wu shows strategic thinking in supporting Hong Ming, hoping to gain an advantage if he succeeds.
• Wu Wenzhou expresses concern and caution about Hong Ming's potential.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and compromise: Hong Ming weighs the gains and losses of participating in the Commander candidate selection.
• Trust and reciprocity: Madam Wu offers help to Hong Ming, expecting a future favor in return.
• Potential and expectations: Wu Wenzhou and Madam Wu have differing views on Hong Ming's potential.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Qi Yu'er: Qi Yu'er shares crucial information with Hong Ming, showing her goodwill and trust in him.
• Hong Ming and Madam Wu: Madam Wu offers a Transformation Force Pill to Hong Ming in exchange for a future favor.
• Wu Wenzhou and Madam Wu: Wu Wenzhou expresses his concerns about Hong Ming's potential to Madam Wu.

Summary of "Commander Candidate" Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming takes the Transformation Force Pill, which greatly enhances his cultivation but cannot help him break through.
• Hong Ming is approached by Jiang Xuan, Huang Zhang, and the Wang Family, each trying to recruit him for their alliance in the upcoming Commander candidate selection.
• A squad leader, Zhu An, is assassinated, hinting at the intense competition and power struggles among the factions.
• Hong Ming is attacked in his quarters but successfully defends himself and disposes of the body.
• The day of the Commander candidate selection arrives, with much anticipation and betting among the Water Soldiers.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming shows his strength and vigilance by detecting and defending against the assassin's attack.
• Hong Ming remains calm and strategic, disposing of the body and returning to the Naval Battalion undetected.
• Hong Ming is aware of the danger he's in and the lack of protection from the Jiang Family, putting him on high alert.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and struggles among the factions (Jiang, Wang, Wu, and Huang Families) are highlighted, with each trying to gain an advantage in the selection.
• The importance of alliances and strategic thinking in navigating the complex political landscape.
• The dangers of power and the consequences of refusing to align with the dominant factions.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming interacts with Jiang Xuan, Huang Zhang, and the Wang Family representative, declining their offers to join their alliances.
• Hong Ming exchanges information with Han Ming, Han Nuo, and Han Cheng about the selection and his chances of winning.
• Hong Ming is assessed by other squad leaders, with most underestimating his chances due to his lack of weapon proficiency and the inherent disadvantages he faces.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming draws Jiang Yingfeng's group for the initial screening, which involves receiving one move from Jiang Yingfeng or Huang Yucheng without being forced back beyond a white line.
• Hong Ming faces Jiang Yingfeng, who secretly uses near-Transformation Force power to attack but is surprised and repelled by Hong Ming's external martial art defense.
• Jiang Yingfeng allows Hong Ming to pass, much to Jiang Xuan's confusion.
• In the subsequent martial contest, Hong Ming faces Hu Pengyuan. He defeats Hu Pengyuan in a single, powerful strike, knocking him out of the arena.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming demonstrates his external martial art prowess, surprising Jiang Yingfeng and the audience.
• Jiang Xuan becomes suspicious of Jiang Yingfeng's intentions in allowing Hong Ming to pass.
• Hu Pengyuan underestimates Hong Ming and pays the price, suffering a severe defeat.

Significant Themes

• The power of external martial arts and their potential to counter Dark Force martial arts.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in battle.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yingfeng and Hong Ming clash, revealing Hong Ming's hidden strength.
• Jiang Xuan watches Hong Ming's battle with Hu Pengyuan, growing suspicious of Jiang Yingfeng's motives.
• Hu Pengyuan underestimates Hong Ming, leading to his defeat and realization that Hong Ming had not forgotten their past encounter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Xuan breaks through to Transformation Force during his battle with Wu Lianzhou, causing a commotion.
• Jiang Yingfeng intervenes, stopping the battle and allowing Jiang Xuan to complete his breakthrough.
• Jiang Xuan and Wu Lianzhou resume their battle, with Jiang Xuan forbidden from using weapons.
• Huang Tianfang offers Hong Ming a deal: take a pill to temporarily boost strength, cripple Jiang Xuan, and join the Huang Family for protection.

Character Developments

• Jiang Xuan: Breaks through to Transformation Force, demonstrating his potential and audacity.
• Jiang Yingfeng: Shows favoritism towards his son, using his influence to ensure Jiang Xuan's breakthrough.
• Wu Lianzhou: Initially eager to defeat Jiang Xuan, he later accepts Jiang Yingfeng's compromise to keep his chances alive.
• Huang Tianfang: Sees an opportunity to eliminate a rival and recruits Hong Ming for his plan.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggle among the families.
• The importance of Transformation Force martial artists and the benefits they bring.
• The consequences of breaking through in battle, both positive and negative.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yingfeng and Wu Lianzhou: Confront each other, with Jiang Yingfeng using his influence to stop the battle and protect Jiang Xuan.
• Jiang Xuan and Wu Lianzhou: Resume their battle, with Jiang Xuan at a disadvantage due to his weapon restriction.
• Huang Tianfang and Hong Ming: Huang Tianfang offers Hong Ming a deal to cripple Jiang Xuan, presenting him with a choice and potential protection.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Huang Tianfang reveals Huang Yucheng's plan to use Hong Ming as a scapegoat.
• Hong Ming refuses to take the Blood Baleful Pill and agrees to fight Wang Zhendong.
• Hong Ming defeats Wang Zhendong, advancing to the top three.
• Huang Tianfang and Jiang Xuan fight; Jiang Xuan reveals he has stabilized his realm and comprehended Frost Sky Fist Force.
• Jiang Xuan defeats Huang Tianfang using his newfound power.
• Huang Yucheng offers Hong Ming a chance to forfeit, but he declines.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Refuses to be a pawn, maintains his integrity, and shows growth in his strength and confidence.
• Huang Tianfang: Shows his father's plan, fights Jiang Xuan, and loses, revealing his disappointment.
• Jiang Xuan: Stabilizes his realm, comprehends Frost Sky Fist Force, and defeats Huang Tianfang, solidifying his position as the favorite to win.
• Huang Yucheng: Displays his cunning and manipulation, grows displeased with Hong Ming's refusal to forfeit.

Significant Themes

• Integrity vs. Manipulation: Hong Ming's refusal to be used as a pawn contrasts with Huang Yucheng's manipulative plans.
• Strength and Power: The characters' martial abilities and comprehension of techniques determine their success in battles and social standing.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Huang Tianfang: Huang Tianfang reveals his father's plan to Hong Ming, who refuses to cooperate.
• Huang Yucheng and Jiang Yingfeng: The two vice thousand-commanders exchange barbed remarks, revealing their hidden plans and disdain for each other.
• Jiang Xuan and Huang Tianfang: They fight, with Jiang Xuan revealing his newfound power and defeating Huang Tianfang.
• Huang Yucheng and Hong Ming: Huang Yucheng offers Hong Ming a chance to forfeit, but Hong Ming declines, displeasing Huang Yucheng.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming reveals he's a Transformation Force martial artist, shocking everyone.
• Jiang Xuan attempts to use a concealed weapon accusation to stop the fight and help Jiang Xuan recover, but Hong Ming isn't affected.
• Hong Ming and Jiang Xuan engage in a fierce battle, with Hong Ming mostly evading and dodging Jiang Xuan's attacks.
• Jiang Xuan attempts to use Frost Sky Fist Force, but Hong Ming interrupts him and disarms him.
• Hong Ming lands a powerful punch, defeating Jiang Xuan and knocking him unconscious.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Shows exceptional skill and resilience, revealing his Transformation Force realm and cultivating a new saber technique.
• Jiang Xuan: Initially confident, becomes increasingly frustrated and desperate as Hong Ming evades his attacks and eventually defeats him.
• Jiang Yingfeng: Becomes increasingly desperate and shameless in his attempts to secure victory for Jiang Xuan, even using a concealed weapon accusation and helping Jiang Xuan recover mid-battle.

Significant Themes

• The power of hidden strength and surprise.
• The importance of adaptability and resilience in battle.
• The lengths some will go to secure victory and power.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming vs. Jiang Xuan: A tense and evenly matched battle, with Hong Ming ultimately emerging victorious.
• Jiang Yingfeng vs. Huang Yucheng: A power struggle between the two, with Huang Yucheng growing increasingly annoyed by Jiang Yingfeng's underhanded tactics.
• Han Baichuan vs. Jiang Yingfeng: Han Baichuan becomes increasingly frustrated with Jiang Yingfeng's actions, but is hesitant to intervene due to his position as a Commander under Jiang Yingfeng.

Summary of Chapter: “Military Order”

Key Plot Points/Events

• Hong Ming unexpectedly wins the Commander candidate selection by defeating Jiang Xuan. Huang Yucheng recognizes that Hong Ming’s external cultivation and inner force let him break Jiang Xuan’s “fist momentum” and win in one decisive move.
• Huang Yucheng officially announces Hong Ming as the winner, ending the selection. Jiang Yingfeng leaves with the injured Jiang Xuan.
• Hong Ming receives congratulations but also notices that most Main Combat Battalion Commanders avoid him, fearing Jiang Yingfeng’s retaliation.
• Huang Yucheng summons Hong Ming, gives him the promised Transformation Force Pill, apologizes for the Huang Family’s past interference, and recruits Hong Ming under his command, promising to protect him from Jiang Yingfeng.
• After returning to his quarters, Han Ming brings a military order from Jiang Yingfeng: Hong Ming must find and exterminate the water bandits who killed Zhu An and others within ten days. There is no reward for success, but severe punishment for failure—clearly

Chapter Summary: “Heaven-Slaying Complete”

Key Plot Points and Events

• News spreads that Hong Ming has joined Huang Yucheng’s faction, likely due to the Huang Family’s influence. Han Ming assures him that Han Baichuan will not interfere and advises him to rely on the Huang Family against Jiang Yingfeng.
• Hong Ming visits the Huang Family to test whether they genuinely intend to support him. Huang Tianfang receives him warmly and promises mediation regarding Jiang Yingfeng’s military order.
• The Huang Family reveals that they do not plan to cancel the military order. Instead, they intend to delay it while helping Hong Ming locate and eliminate the river bandits, thereby preserving the River Bureau’s reputation.
• Hong Ming devotes himself to cultivating the peerless-grade Heaven-Slaying Sword-Drawing Technique. After several days, he completes its first layer and advances to the second.
• The technique dramatically improves his swordsmanship. Hong Ming realizes that, in blade arts alone, he can now contend with—and likely kill—Transformation Force martial artists, including those at Grandmastery.
• Testing the technique’s Rain-Cutting Strike, he effortlessly splits a torrent of rain. The move is so fast that even his enhanced eyesight cannot follow its trajectory.
• Confident in his increased combat strength, Hong Ming attempts to investigate the Jiang Family and seek revenge, but discovers that Jiang Yingfeng and Jiang Xuan have left on official business. Qi Yu’er is also unavailable.
• Huang Tianfang later announces that scouts have found traces of the river bandits near One-Line Cliff, a location that matches Hong Ming’s earlier suspicions. Huang Tianfang insists on attacking within a day, despite the enemy’s numbers and circumstances remaining unclear.
• Hong Ming discovers that Han Baichuan has transferred away most of the Fourth Team and forbidden the remaining soldiers from acting without orders. Because Hong Ming’s promotion and transfer have not been formally implemented, he lacks the authority to mobilize them.
• Han Baichuan refuses to meet Hong Ming, claiming that the troop transfers were ordered by Jiang Yingfeng. Hong Ming recognizes this as part of Jiang Yingfeng’s strategy: force him to accept the military pledge while stripping him of the troops needed to fulfill it.
• Han Ming secretly offers Hong Ming fifty elite soldiers to support the upcoming operation. Hong Ming also gives Han Ming a Transformation Force Pill, which Han Ming accepts for himself or another member of the Han Family.
• In private, Han Baichuan reveals that he deliberately refused to meet Hong Ming publicly but secretly arranged for Han Ming to assist him. This allows him to preserve plausible deniability with Jiang Yingfeng while maintaining a connection with Hong Ming.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming becomes far more confident and dangerous after mastering the first layer of the Heaven-Slaying Sword-Drawing Technique. Combined with his defensive Eight Extremes Golden Body, archery, and Frost Sky Fist, he believes he can now fight Transformation Force Grandmastery opponents without fear.
• He also becomes more politically cautious, testing the Huang Family’s loyalty before relying on them and recognizing Jiang Yingfeng’s attempt to restrict his power.
• Huang Tianfang shifts from a previously less approachable attitude to enthusiastic cooperation, though his eagerness to launch the bandit operation suggests the Huang Family has motives beyond simply helping Hong Ming.
• Han Ming proves himself a loyal ally by offering elite troops and accepting Hong Ming’s gift of a Transformation Force Pill.
• Han Baichuan reveals himself to be highly calculating. He publicly distances himself from Hong Ming while secretly providing aid through Han Ming, attempting to avoid angering either Jiang Yingfeng or Hong Ming.
• Han Nuo acts as the voice of caution within the Han Family, questioning whether helping Hong Ming is worth the political risk.

Significant Themes

• Power and political maneuvering: Hong Ming is caught between the Jiang, Huang, and Han factions. Military authority and troop control are used as political weapons.
• Hidden alliances and plausible deniability: The Han Family’s secret assistance demonstrates how characters preserve influence while avoiding responsibility.
• Preparation versus haste: Hong Ming carefully strengthens himself and assesses the situation, while Huang Tianfang pushes for an immediate attack despite incomplete intelligence.
• Transformation through martial mastery: Completing the first layer of the Heaven-Slaying Sword-Drawing Technique marks a major leap in Hong Ming’s abilities and signals his emergence as a true high-level combatant.
• Trust and uncertainty: Hong Ming must determine which factions genuinely support him and which are exploiting him for their own goals.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Han Ming: They discuss the military order and the Huang Family’s support. Han Ming later offers fifty elite soldiers and receives a Transformation Force Pill from Hong Ming.
• Hong Ming and Huang Tianfang: Huang Tianfang promises assistance but clarifies that the military order will only be delayed, not canceled. He later pressures Hong Ming to prepare for a rapid assault on the bandits.
• Hong Ming and Han Baichuan: Hong Ming is denied a meeting and learns that his troops have been removed from his control, deepening the political conflict with Jiang Yingfeng.
• Han Baichuan and Han Nuo: Han Nuo challenges his father’s decision to reject Hong Ming publicly while helping him secretly. Han Baichuan explains that this strategy protects the Han Family from Jiang Yingfeng while preserving future ties with Hong Ming.

Chapter Summary: “Water Spirit Affinity”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming investigates the waters near One-Line Cliff, expecting an ambush from Huang Tianfang but finding none. He suspects the Huang Family may genuinely have located the water bandits, though he remains wary that they are hiding information.
• To improve his ability to infiltrate the bandits’ underwater base, Hong Ming returns to the Naval Battalion and solidifies the Water Spirit Affinity Trait using the Ice Soul Cold Pearl, spending 150 Luck points.
• The trait greatly increases his resistance to cold. He can now handle the Ice Soul Cold Pearl without relying on Inner Force or the Eight Extremes Golden Body.
• Water Spirit Affinity also unexpectedly assists his cultivation of the Frost Sky Fist, producing a notification that increases the technique by one level. Hong Ming realizes the trait allows him to harmonize with water-based martial arts.
• Underwater, the trait proves far superior to Water Breathing. Hong Ming can blend into the water, move effortlessly, avoid detection, and sense currents and movements within roughly one hundred meters.
• He follows several people drawing water and discovers the water bandits’ hidden settlement, which contains approximately forty to fifty people.
• Hong Ming identifies two Transformation Force experts among them: Ma Yu, the chief, and Yang Feng, a highly cautious martial artist. He returns to report that they may be dangerous opponents, especially if either has reached Transformation Force Grandmastery.
• Huang Tianfang confirms that he will personally participate in the suppression operation and brings Huang Shaoyong, a Transformation Force Grandmastery martial artist. This gives Hong Ming’s side three Transformation Force combatants in total.
• Jiang Yingfeng returns to the Jiang Family and learns that Huang Yucheng has personally recruited and protected Hong Ming. Frustrated that the Huang Family is now involved, he orders his people to monitor Hong Ming and the Huang Family.
• The water bandits receive intelligence that River Bureau forces are approaching One-Line Cliff. Ma Yu prepares an ambush, assigning Yang Feng to deal with Hong Ming and planning to fight Huang Tianfang himself.
• The expected forces never arrive. The bandits later learn that Hong Ming’s group went to another stretch of water instead, causing Ma Yu to believe the Jiang Family provided faulty intelligence.
• Yang Feng notices that the situation is suspicious, since the Jiang Family should have known about any route change. Ma Yu realizes that the operation may actually be a trap.
• During dinner, the bandits suddenly collapse after drinking poisoned wine. Before Ma Yu can react, an “Enemy attack!” cry erupts outside, ending the chapter on a cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Becomes significantly stronger and more capable in aquatic environments. His Water Spirit Affinity transforms him into an extremely stealthy underwater infiltrator and improves his compatibility with water-based cultivation. He also demonstrates careful planning by investigating the bandits before the operation rather than rushing in.
• Huang Tianfang: Shows greater commitment to the campaign by personally leading the Huang Family’s forces. His involvement confirms that the Huang Family is seriously supporting Hong Ming.
• Yang Feng: Is established as perceptive, cautious, and unusually sensitive to danger. Although others view him as overly suspicious, his instincts repeatedly prove valuable, and he is the first to recognize that the intelligence surrounding the operation is inconsistent.
• Ma Yu: Acts as the water bandits’ practical leader and strategist. He initially trusts the Jiang Family’s information, but gradually realizes that they may have manipulated him. His confidence gives way to alarm once the poisoning begins.
• Jiang Yingfeng: Remains hostile toward Hong Ming and seeks to eliminate him indirectly. His plan relies on manipulating the water bandits and exploiting the conflict between them and the River Bureau, but the situation appears to be turning against his allies.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and mastery of one’s environment: Water Spirit Affinity allows Hong Ming not merely to survive underwater but to merge with and control his movement through it.
• Preparation versus recklessness: Hong Ming’s decision to investigate and strengthen himself contrasts with the bandits’ dependence on incomplete intelligence.
• Hidden agendas and betrayal: The Huang Family, Jiang Family, River Bureau, and water bandits all pursue overlapping but concealed objectives. Faulty intelligence suggests that someone is manipulating the conflict.
• Instinct and perception: Yang Feng’s suspicions, initially dismissed as excessive caution, prove justified. The chapter emphasizes the value of noticing inconsistencies before danger becomes obvious.
• Power and political alliances: Hong Ming’s rise has drawn the protection of the Huang Family and the hostility of Jiang Yingfeng, turning a bandit suppression mission into part of a larger power struggle.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming internally questions Huang Tianfang’s motives and remains cautious about the Huang Family’s assistance.
• Yang Feng warns Ma Yu about a possible infiltrator and later urges him to maintain hidden defenses even after the supposed operation is canceled.
• Ma Yu assigns Yang Feng to fight Hong Ming, while reserving Huang Tianfang as his own opponent to avoid provoking the Huang Family unnecessarily.
• Jiang Yingfeng and his steward discuss Hong Ming’s growing protection and the difficulty of acting against him directly.
• Yang Feng’s questioning of Ma Yu exposes the inconsistency in the Jiang Family’s intelligence, leading Ma Yu to realize that the bandits may have been deliberately lured into a trap.
• The chapter concludes with Ma Yu and Yang Feng facing an unexpected attack after the bandits are poisoned.

Chapter Summary: “Blade Slays Old Jiang”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ma Yu realizes the Huang Family deliberately deceived the water bandits and ambushed them after secretly infiltrating their location.
• Huang forces rain arrows upon Ma Yu’s group, killing or wounding more than half of the bandits. Ma Yu is struck by a powerful, poisoned arrow and orders a retreat.
• Yang Feng abandons Ma Yu and flees alone. Huang Tianfang orders Hong Ming to pursue Yang Feng while he personally hunts Ma Yu.
• Hong Ming catches up with Yang Feng. Yang Feng’s poisoned hidden weapon cannot penetrate Hong Ming’s powerful external defenses, while Hong Ming’s poisoned arrow disables Yang Feng. After Yang Feng loses consciousness, Hong Ming kills him and searches his body.
• Huang Tianfang ambushes Hong Ming with a poisoned arrow, pretending the attack was accidental. Hong Ming easily resists the poison and realizes Huang intends to eliminate him and steal credit for Yang Feng’s capture.
• When Huang attempts to kill him from behind, Hong Ming dodges and brutally beats him to death.
• Jiang Yingfeng emerges from hiding, revealing that he followed Hong Ming with the intention of killing him. He underestimates Hong Ming, believing his superior experience and Transformation Force mastery will guarantee victory.
• Jiang and Hong Ming exchange attacks. Jiang’s greater experience allows him to counter Hong Ming’s Frost Sky Fist, but Hong Ming’s exceptional external cultivation and Inner Force surprise him.
• Hong Ming’s earlier use of Soft Strength Powder eventually takes effect on Jiang Yingfeng. Jiang realizes the poison came from his daughter Jiang Yuru, whom Hong Ming presumably killed.
• Before Jiang can react, Hong Ming draws his supposedly decorative saber and pierces Jiang Yingfeng’s throat, decisively killing him.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Demonstrates remarkable strength, composure, strategic planning, and ruthlessness. His external arts have reached a level capable of deflecting hidden weapons and resisting blades. He also reveals mastery of archery, poison tactics, Frost Sky Fist, and saber techniques.
• Ma Yu: Shifts from confidence to desperation after being wounded. He recognizes that survival is more important than revenge and orders his followers to retreat.
• Yang Feng: Reveals his selfish and opportunistic nature by abandoning Ma Yu. Despite his own poisoned weapon, he is outmatched by Hong Ming’s defenses and dies after being poisoned.
• Huang Tianfang: Shows greed and treachery by pursuing Ma Yu for personal credit and later attempting to kill Hong Ming and claim Yang Feng’s corpse. His arrogance and underestimation of Hong Ming lead to his death.
• Jiang Yingfeng: Begins as a confident, experienced Transformation Force grandmaster who believes Hong Ming is inferior in every category. His confidence collapses when the poison takes effect and he realizes Hong Ming killed Jiang Yuru and possesses unexpected saber skills.
• Jiang Yuru: Though absent, her importance is revealed through the Soft Strength Powder and Jiang Yingfeng’s reaction to her presumed death.

Significant Themes

• Deception and betrayal: The Huang Family’s ambush, Yang Feng’s abandonment of Ma Yu, and Huang Tianfang’s false apology all emphasize the treacherous nature of the conflict.
• Underestimation and hidden strength: Multiple enemies misjudge Hong Ming because they do not know the full extent of his cultivation, defenses, or weapons.
• Survival versus loyalty: Ma Yu’s retreat and Yang Feng’s selfish escape contrast genuine allegiance with opportunistic self-preservation.
• Preparation and strategy: Hong Ming succeeds not through brute strength alone, but through poison, concealed abilities, patience, and exploiting his opponents’ arrogance.
• Justice and revenge: Hong Ming’s killings blur the line between self-defense, retaliation, and ruthless execution, particularly in his treatment of Huang Tianfang and Jiang Yingfeng.

Character Interactions

• Ma Yu and Yang Feng: Their partnership collapses when Yang Feng abandons the wounded Ma Yu.
• Hong Ming and Yang Feng: Their pursuit becomes a contest between Yang Feng’s poisoned weapons and Hong Ming’s superior defenses and archery.
• Hong Ming and Huang Tianfang: Huang’s attempt to deceive and assassinate Hong Ming provokes a direct confrontation ending in Huang’s brutal death.
• Hong Ming and Jiang Yingfeng: Their battle is both physical and psychological. Jiang relies on experience and intimidation, while Hong Ming counters with concealed poison, superior physical resilience, and an unexpected saber strike.

Chapter Summary: Steel-Reinforced Iron Bones

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming kills Jiang Yingfeng, a Transformation Force Grandmastery martial artist, using the Heaven-Slaying Sword-Drawing Technique, aided by earlier trickery involving Soft Strength Powder. This confirms that Hong Ming has reached the strength to defeat experts at that level.
• After looting the battlefield, Hong Ming returns to the water bandit hideout with Yang Feng’s corpse. Han Ming reports that the surprise attack has almost completely destroyed the bandits, with few casualties among the River Bureau soldiers.
• Huang Tianfang fails to return from his pursuit of Ma Yu. Only Ma Yu’s corpse is found, while Huang Tianfang disappears after claiming he had another matter to handle. Hong Ming chooses to return to the River Bureau rather than wait.
• The Mount Mang Five Tigers, a group of powerful water bandits fleeing from the River Office, arrive at their meeting place expecting Yang Feng. When he fails to appear, they track him using a Shadow-Chasing Insect and discover evidence that he was likely killed.
• The Five Tigers suspect the River Bureau or River Office, but their leader refuses to abandon Yang Feng. They plan to infiltrate Clear River City and investigate before deciding whether to take revenge.
• At the Huang Family, Huang Yucheng grows increasingly worried about Huang Tianfang’s disappearance. After hearing the details, he suspects Tianfang may have attempted to kill Hong Ming and claim all the credit, only to be defeated himself.
• Commander Feng Lei of the River Office arrives to investigate the Mount Mang Five Tigers. Huang Yucheng recommends Hong Ming, emphasizing his recent victory and Grade D military merit. Feng Lei becomes especially interested in Hong Ming because of the value of that merit.
• Feng Lei and Huang Yucheng inspect the water bandit corpses after learning that Hong Ming is away.
• Meanwhile, Hong Ming recuperates at the Cold Pool using the Eight Extremes Golden Body and the Ice Soul Cold Pearl. He realizes the pool’s cold energy has an unknown origin and may not be connected to the pearl.
• Hong Ming spends 300 fortune to solidify the Steel-Reinforced Iron Bones Trait. This immediately reveals a new potential Trait, Dragon Viscera and Tiger Bowels, which requires 1,000 fortune and cannot yet be solidified.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Demonstrates a major increase in combat power by killing Jiang Yingfeng and successfully overcoming multiple Transformation Force experts. He becomes more confident in his strength and continues prioritizing the Eight Extremes Golden Body as a central path of advancement.
• Han Ming: Gains greater respect for Hong Ming after witnessing that he killed Yang Feng and led the operation to a near-perfect victory.
• Huang Tianfang: Is revealed to have acted independently, likely intending to exploit the battle between Hong Ming and Yang Feng, eliminate Hong Ming, and monopolize the credit. His disappearance strongly implies that the plan failed.
• Huang Yucheng: Shifts from suspicion of Hong Ming to considering the Mount Mang Five Tigers as possible culprits in Tianfang’s disappearance. He also attempts to use Hong Ming’s reputation and military merit to benefit the Huang Family.
• The Mount Mang Five Tigers’ leader: Shows loyalty and decisiveness by insisting that Yang Feng’s death be investigated and possibly avenged, despite recognizing that the situation may be a trap.
• Feng Lei: Initially dismissive of Clear River’s River Bureau, but becomes interested in Hong Ming after learning about his rare Grade D military merit. His interest appears motivated partly by the substantial rewards associated with that merit.

Significant Themes

• Rising strength and hidden capability: Hong Ming’s victory establishes that he is no longer merely a promising junior but a genuine threat to Grandmastery-level opponents.
• Strategy versus direct power: The successful surprise attack and Hong Ming’s use of tactics against Jiang Yingfeng show that victory depends on planning as much as martial strength.
• Ambition and betrayal: Huang Tianfang’s presumed attempt to eliminate Hong Ming for personal glory contrasts with Han Ming’s cooperation and the Five Tigers’ loyalty to Yang Feng.
• Political maneuvering: Huang Yucheng uses Hong Ming’s achievements to improve the River Bureau’s standing and attract Feng Lei’s attention, while also quietly considering how to respond if Hong Ming is responsible for Tianfang’s disappearance.
• Cultivation and limitless potential: The solidification of Steel-Reinforced Iron Bones advances Hong Ming’s physical cultivation, while the newly revealed Dragon Viscera and Tiger Bowels Trait hints at an even greater future path.

Important Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Han Ming discuss the success of the bandit-suppression operation, with Han Ming openly admiring Hong Ming’s achievement.
• The Mount Mang Five Tigers investigate Yang Feng’s disappearance and debate whether to retaliate against the River Bureau or River Office.
• Huang Yucheng questions his guards about Huang Tianfang and reconstructs the likely circumstances of his disappearance.
• Huang Yucheng meets Feng Lei and recommends Hong Ming as a capable investigator, indirectly increasing Feng Lei’s interest in him.
• Hong Ming, isolated at the Cold Pool, advances his cultivation and discovers the next stage of Trait development.

Chapter Summary: “Seizing Battle Merit by Force”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Ming discovers a powerful Trait hidden within an ancient skeleton at the bottom of Cold Pool: Steel Tendons Iron Bones. It requires 1,000 Fortune to acquire, suggesting the skeleton’s former owner was an extraordinarily powerful martial artist.
• From the skeleton’s condition and the mention of Organ Refinement and Viscera Refinement, Hong Ming deduces that these may be cultivation realms beyond the current four layers of the Eight Extremes Golden Body. He suspects the skeleton may have contained the later portions of the technique, but the red light that once unlocked it has already extinguished.
• After solidifying the Trait, Hong Ming’s cultivation efficiency improves significantly. He estimates that he can reach the Steel Tendons realm, comparable to Transformation Force, in roughly two months.
• In the River Bureau morgue, Feng Lei recognizes the unusual condition of Yang Feng’s corpse and infers that a powerful martial artist killed him. Huang Yucheng reveals that Hong Ming was responsible.
• Feng Lei privately offers Hong Ming a low-grade True Condensation Pill, worth at least 1,000 taels, in exchange for Hong Ming’s Class-D battle merit. He argues that battle merit is useless within the River Bureau and claims that Clear River City’s Water Soldiers are unwelcome in the River Office.
• Hong Ming refuses the trade because he still intends to use his battle merit. He remains uncertain whether Feng Lei is telling the truth and plans to investigate the River Office situation before making any decision.
• The Mount Mang Five Tigers learn that Yang Feng likely died during the River Bureau’s operation near One-Line Cliff. After seeing Yang Feng’s corpse publicly paraded as part of the Bureau’s achievements, they conclude that Hong Ming killed him and decide to seek revenge.
• Hong Ming is lured toward Huang Yucheng’s residence by a disguised “Water Soldier.” He is ambushed by the Mount Mang Five Tigers, who claim they were sent by the Huang Family to eliminate him.
• Hong Ming exposes the weakness in their coordinated blade formation and kills the Fifth, Fourth, Third, and Second Brothers one after another. Their grief and rage destroy their teamwork, making them increasingly easy to defeat.
• The leader eventually loses his courage and attempts to flee. Just as Hong Ming is about to pursue him, a hidden blade suddenly strikes from the side and kills the leader.
• Hong Ming recognizes the attacker as Feng Lei, suggesting that Feng Lei had been involved in the ambush or was manipulating events from the beginning.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Grows substantially stronger through the Steel Tendons Iron Bones Trait and demonstrates superior combat awareness, blade mastery, and composure. He becomes more suspicious of institutional politics and refuses to surrender his battle merit without verifying Feng Lei’s claims.
• Feng Lei: Initially presents himself as sincere and helpful, offering Hong Ming a valuable pill. His conduct becomes increasingly suspicious when Hong Ming refuses, and his final assassination of the Mount Mang leader reveals a hidden, ruthless agenda.
• Huang Yucheng: Acts as the intermediary who introduces Hong Ming to Feng Lei and ostensibly assigns him to assist with bandit suppression. His connection to the ambush remains unclear, though the attackers use the Huang Family’s name.
• Mount Mang Five Tigers: Begin as experienced, coordinated killers, but their confidence collapses once Hong Ming kills one of them. Their emotional reactions cause them to abandon discipline and become vulnerable.
• Mount Mang leader: Initially confident in overwhelming Hong Ming through numbers, he gradually recognizes that Hong Ming has concealed his true strength. After his brothers die, fear replaces his desire for revenge, but he is ultimately killed by Feng Lei.

Significant Themes

• Power hidden beneath appearances: Hong Ming’s strength is underestimated, while Feng Lei’s friendly exterior conceals dangerous motives.
• Battle merit and institutional politics: The chapter highlights the uncertain value of official achievements when advancement is controlled by rival factions and hidden rules.
• Strength versus numbers: The Five Tigers’ numerical advantage and teamwork are defeated by Hong Ming’s superior perception, technique, and calmness.
• The dangers of ambition and factional intrigue: Hong Ming’s future within the River Office may be obstructed by political hostility, while the Huang Family and Feng Lei appear to be maneuvering through deception and assassination.
• Emotional disorder in combat: Once the Five Tigers lose one brother, grief and rage destroy their formation, showing how discipline is more valuable than brute force.

Important Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and the ancient skeleton: The skeleton provides Hong Ming with the Steel Tendons Iron Bones Trait and clues about higher cultivation realms.
• Hong Ming and Feng Lei: Feng Lei attempts to purchase Hong Ming’s battle merit with a True Condensation Pill. Hong Ming’s refusal creates mutual distrust, culminating in Feng Lei’s apparent betrayal.
• Hong Ming and Huang Yucheng: Huang Yucheng summons Hong Ming under the pretense of official business and introduces him to Feng Lei, while his possible connection to the later ambush remains unresolved.
• Hong Ming and the Five Tigers: The Tigers seek revenge for Yang Feng, but Hong Ming dismantles their formation and kills all five—four directly and the leader indirectly after Feng Lei’s intervention.
• Feng Lei and the Mount Mang leader: Feng Lei unexpectedly kills the fleeing leader, confirming that he is not merely an observer and may have had a separate interest in eliminating the Five Tigers.

Chapter Summary: “Uprooting the Weeds”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Lei intervenes after Hong Ming is attacked by five water bandits, killing or subduing them before Hong Ming can act. Although Hong Ming suspects Feng Lei’s motives, he leaves without openly confronting him.
• Huang Yucheng identifies the attackers as the Mount Mang Five Tigers and deliberately assigns Feng Lei credit for suppressing them. Feng Lei uses this opportunity to request Hong Ming’s Grade D military merit in exchange for a mid-grade True Qi Condensation Pill.
• Huang Yucheng agrees to pressure Hong Ming into surrendering the merit, revealing that his hostility toward Hong Ming is deep and deliberate. Feng Lei and Huang Yucheng then celebrate with a banquet.
• After Feng Lei leaves, Huang Yucheng confirms that Hong Ming is being watched. Believing Hong Ming responsible for his son Huang Tianfang’s disappearance—and now convinced that Hong Ming can kill Transformation Force experts—he decides to assassinate Hong Ming personally.
• Before Huang Yucheng can leave, Hong Ming launches a surprise attack and kills him instantly with the Heaven-Slaying Sword-Drawing Technique.
• Hong Ming searches Huang Yucheng’s study and discovers a detailed map of the Huang Family Water Field. After solidifying the map’s Trait with luck, he learns that the mysterious creature in the water field is a powerful Black Tortoise guarding a rare thirty-year Treasure Lotus.
• Hong Ming is interrupted by the arrival of Deacon Qiu, later identified as Qiu Yang. While escaping, Hong Ming is struck by Qiu Yang’s powerful True Qi palm. Though protected by the Eight Extremes Golden Body and Water-Fire Immortal Garment, he suffers internal injuries but successfully escapes.
• Qiu Yang discovers Huang Yucheng’s corpse and realizes the seriousness of the situation. Since Huang Yucheng is related to the influential outer sect elder Huang Yujing of the Vast Sea Sect, Qiu Yang fears being held responsible and goes to the City Guard Department and River Bureau.
• Hong Ming returns to his residence, expels some of the True Qi from his body, and recognizes the overwhelming difference between Transformation Force and True Qi Realm martial artists.
• Qi Ruhai summons the River Bureau Commanders. Qiu Yang appears with him, revealing his Vast Sea Sect affiliation and setting up the next confrontation.

Character Developments

• Hong Ming: Becomes increasingly decisive and ruthless in eliminating threats before they can act. His assassination of Huang Yucheng demonstrates his strategic use of stealth rather than direct confrontation. He also gains a clearer understanding of the power gap between his current realm and the True Qi Realm.
• Feng Lei: Shows himself to be opportunistic and politically calculating. He manipulates the bandit incident to claim credit and seeks Hong Ming’s military merit for his own advancement.
• Huang Yucheng: Fully abandons restraint, resorting to assassination and planning to personally kill Hong Ming in revenge for Huang Tianfang. His scheming ultimately leads to his death.
• Qiu Yang: Introduced as a powerful True Qi Realm martial artist connected to the Vast Sea Sect. His attack exposes Hong Ming’s vulnerability against higher-realm opponents, while Huang Yucheng’s death places him under pressure from the sect.
• Huang Yujing: Though absent, his influence is established through Qiu Yang’s fear of the consequences of Huang Yucheng’s death.

Significant Themes

• Political manipulation and stolen credit: Feng Lei and Huang Yucheng exploit official authority and military merit for personal gain.
• Preemptive violence and survival: Hong Ming adopts the principle of striking first rather than waiting for enemies to attack him.
• The dangers of ambition: Feng Lei’s hunger for military merit and Huang Yucheng’s desire for revenge drive their schemes, while Hong Ming’s growing strength allows him to survive them.
• Power hierarchies: The chapter emphasizes the qualitative difference between Transformation Force and True Qi Realm martial artists.
• Hidden opportunities and treasures: The map’s revelation about the Black Tortoise and thirty-year Treasure Lotus expands the chapter’s broader cultivation and resource-gathering conflict.

Character Interactions

• Hong Ming and Feng Lei exchange guarded words after the bandit attack, each concealing his suspicions.
• Feng Lei and Huang Yucheng cooperate smoothly, with Huang Yucheng helping Feng Lei acquire Hong Ming’s military merit in exchange for a valuable pill.
• Huang Yucheng’s steward confirms that Hong Ming is under surveillance, enabling Huang’s assassination attempt.
• Hong Ming and Huang Yucheng never openly confront one another: Hong Ming kills him through a surprise attack before Huang can strike.
• Hong Ming and Qiu Yang clash briefly during Hong Ming’s escape. Qiu Yang’s True Qi injures him, but Hong Ming survives and escapes.
• The chapter ends with Hong Ming and Qiu Yang reunited in the River Bureau council hall, though Qiu Yang does not yet appear to realize that Hong Ming is the murderer he is pursuing.

Chapter Summary: “Vast Sea Fish-Dragon”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The River Bureau learns that Qiu Yang, a deacon from the influential Vast Sea Sect, has arrived in Clear River City ahead of the annual Fish-Dragon Assembly, a recruitment event for promising martial artists.
• Qiu Yang reveals that Vice Thousand-Commander Huang Yucheng was ambushed and killed by an unknown Transformation Force Grandmastery martial artist. The killer escaped with little disturbance and was injured by Qiu Yang’s Vast Sea True Qi.
• At Qiu Yang’s request, the River Bureau Commanders begin investigating every Transformation Force martial artist in the city. Qiu Yang also places a strand of his true qi inside each Commander so they can identify the murderer if they encounter him.
• Qiu Yang privately questions whether Jiang Yingfeng or Qi Ruhai could be responsible, but dismisses both possibilities due to lack of motive or insufficient strength.
• Hong Ming asks Han Baichuan about the Vast Sea Sect, the Fish-Dragon Assembly, and the difficulty of reaching the True Qi Realm.
• Han Baichuan explains that the Vast Sea Sect possesses a rare internal qi inheritance, making it one of the few paths available to Transformation Force martial artists seeking to advance. Reaching the True Qi Realm is extraordinarily difficult without powerful backing, suitable methods, exceptional aptitude, and luck.
• The Fish-Dragon Assembly recruits roughly twenty candidates, with strict age, aptitude, cultivation, and combat requirements. The top three Martial Examination winners may bypass the assessment.
• Han Baichuan warns Hong Ming that sects such as the Vast Sea Sect discriminate against imperial officials. Even if court officials join, they may be denied access to the sect’s core inheritance.
• Qiu Yang’s investigation into Huang Yucheng’s murder produces no results, so he turns his attention to the Fish-Dragon Assembly.
• Reviewing the Vast Sea Sect’s candidate roster, Qiu Yang is impressed by Jiang Xuan, who has Above-Average Aptitude and has comprehended Frost Sky Fist Force while still at Transformation Force.
• Qiu Yang learns that Jiang Xuan and Jiang Yingfeng have left Clear River City for Jing River City, likely seeking River Office connections through Jiang Yuling.
• Qiu Yang decides that River Bureau Commanders and City Guard Department officers should be barred from participating. He also excludes Hong Ming from the candidate list, believing his Low-Grade Bone Structure makes him unworthy of an exceptional invitation, despite his unusually rapid cultivation.

Character Developments

• Qiu Yang is established as a powerful, cautious, and politically aware Vast Sea Sect representative. He is determined to avenge Huang Yucheng but prioritizes the Fish-Dragon Assembly once the investigation stalls. His strong reaction to Hong Ming’s cultivation speed shows that he recognizes how extraordinary it is, though prejudice and sect rules lead him to dismiss Hong Ming.
• Hong Ming becomes increasingly aware of the limits imposed by his low aptitude and the importance of access to higher martial inheritances. He considers the Vast Sea Sect as an alternative route to advancement if he cannot enter the River Office.
• Han Baichuan reveals his regret at being unable to reach the True Qi Realm because he lacked sufficient merit and access to advanced methods. His explanation gives Hong Ming a clearer understanding of the harsh social and institutional barriers facing ordinary martial artists.
• Jiang Xuan gains greater importance despite being absent. His talent, Above-Average Aptitude, and comprehension of Fist Force make him the Vast Sea Sect’s most desirable candidate.
• Jiang Yingfeng is shown to be strategically maneuvering to secure Jiang Xuan’s future by using connections in another River Bureau.
• Qi Ruhai remains enigmatic. His former glory, current crippled state, and possible connection to Huang Yucheng’s death make him an object of Qiu Yang’s brief suspicion, though Qiu Yang ultimately rejects the possibility.

Significant Themes

• Monopoly over advancement: Internal qi inheritances are controlled by major sects and institutions, leaving ordinary martial artists with almost no reliable path to the True Qi Realm.
• Talent versus aptitude: Hong Ming’s rapid progress challenges the belief that formal bone structure determines potential, yet the Vast Sea Sect still privileges measured aptitude over actual achievement.
• Institutional prejudice: Jianghu sects distrust and exclude imperial officials, demonstrating the conflict between court-aligned organizations and independent martial lineages.
• Political maneuvering and opportunity: Families and factions must exploit connections, rivalries, and institutional loopholes to secure access to better resources and inheritances.
• Hidden strength and suspicion: Huang Yucheng’s effortless killing creates uncertainty about the true power structure of Clear River City and raises questions about who may be concealing their abilities.
• The cost of ambition: Advancement requires not only talent, but also methods, resources, luck, connections, and the willingness to navigate factional politics.

Character Interactions

• Qiu Yang and Qi Ruhai: Their formal cooperation over Huang Yucheng’s murder masks mutual scrutiny. Qiu Yang tests the River Bureau’s Commanders and briefly considers whether Qi Ruhai may be involved.
• Qiu Yang and the Commanders: Qiu Yang recruits them into the investigation, implants his true qi in them, and asserts the Vast Sea Sect’s authority while maintaining a courteous tone.
• Hong Ming and Han Baichuan: Their conversation gives Hong Ming crucial information about the True Qi Realm, the Vast Sea Sect, and the Fish-Dragon Assembly. Han Baichuan offers encouragement but also warns him of institutional discrimination.
• Qiu Yang and the Vast Sea Sect station manager: Qiu Yang questions the candidate roster, compares Hong Ming with Jiang Xuan, and ultimately orders Hong Ming removed from consideration.
• Qiu Yang and Jiang Xuan: Although they do not meet, Qiu Yang’s strong interest in Jiang Xuan establishes the latter as the Vast Sea Sect’s preferred recruit and a major figure in the upcoming selection.