Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu, now a Yamen Runner Captain, learns about Yu City's independence from the imperial court.
• He encounters and kills two large gray-skinned rats in two separate incidents.
• You Ying, Chen Mu's third aunt's daughter, goes missing, prompting Chen Hong to seek Chen Mu's help.
• Chen Mu discovers that disappearances have been increasing in the last two to three months, with the City Guard showing little interest in investigating.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu demonstrates his quick reflexes and martial prowess by killing the rats.
• Chen Mu shows concern for his family, agreeing to help find You Ying.
• Chen Hong displays worry and desperation over her daughter's disappearance.

Significant Themes

• The chaos and lawlessness in Yu City, with the City Guard's corruption and lack of interest in investigating missing persons.
• The harsh reality of life in Yu City, where people can go missing without a trace, and the poor have little recourse.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu interacts with the Old Servant, showing concern for his family's well-being.
• Chen Mu comforts Wang Ni after she's frightened by a rat.
• Chen Mu meets with Chen Hong, agreeing to help find You Ying.
• Chen Mu interacts with City Guard officials, learning about the increase in disappearances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu, accompanied by Liu Song and others, visits the Thieves Guild in Nine Stripes Ward to find Zhang Youying.
• Fifth Master of the Thieves Guild suggests that the Black Crow Sect might be involved in the recent disappearances.
• Chen Mu decides to seek information from the Red Gold Gang, their rival.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu demonstrates his growing influence and respect, as Fifth Master treats him with deference despite being a Yamen Runner Captain.
• Liu Song shows loyalty and concern for Chen Mu, asking about their next destination.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The relationship between the Thieves Guild, Red Gold Gang, and Black Crow Sect highlights the power struggles and alliances in the criminal underworld.
• Information Control: The value of information is emphasized, as Fifth Master reveals his suspicions about the Black Crow Sect, and Chen Mu seeks further intelligence from the Red Gold Gang.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Fifth Master: Fifth Master shows deference to Chen Mu, while Chen Mu remains calm and collected, extracting information without revealing his intentions.
• Chen Mu and Liu Song: Liu Song shows loyalty and support to Chen Mu, asking for guidance and following his lead.
• Fifth Master and his subordinate: Fifth Master slaps his subordinate for underestimating Chen Mu, demonstrating his awareness of power dynamics and future prospects.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Crow Sect, led by a Vice Leader, is involved in human trafficking, using a crow-faced, human-bodied sculpture as their 'Black Crow God'.
• The sect has been capturing people, including someone connected to a City Guard Yamen Runner Captain, and sending them to the 'Main Altar'.
• The Red Gold Gang, led by Yin Hong, is also investigating the Black Crow Sect due to missing gang members and relatives.
• Yin Hong informs Chen Mu about an increase in Gray-skinned Rat sightings and the Black Crow Sect's 'Guardian God' being a Gray-skinned Rat.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu becomes more serious about the investigation after learning about the potential connection between the Black Crow Sect and the Gray-skinned Rat plague.
• Yin Hong shows ambition in wanting to expand his gang's territory by collaborating with the City Guard against the Black Crow Sect.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle between different factions in the city (City Guard, Red Gold Gang, Black Crow Sect).
• The potential threat of the Gray-skinned Rat plague and the Black Crow Sect's involvement.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu meets with Yin Hong to discuss the Black Crow Sect's activities and the missing person case.
• Yin Hong shares information about the Black Crow Sect's 'Guardian God' and the increase in Gray-skinned Rat sightings with Chen Mu.
• Chen Mu decides to report the situation to Min Yamen Director and leaves Yin Hong's headquarters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu discovers the Black Crow Sect's involvement in the disappearance cases and the gray-skinned rats.
• He reports this to Min Baoyi, who then reports it to Xu Hongyu.
• Xu Hongyu decides to investigate the matter secretly and sends other people to do so.
• Chen Mu sneaks into the Black Crow Sect's base at night but finds no abnormalities.
• He captures a Black Crow Sect member for questioning but learns nothing significant.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu shows initiative and determination in investigating the case, demonstrating his growth as a character.
• Min Baoyi shows professionalism and responsibility in handling the matter, indicating his competence as a Yamen Director.
• The Black Crow Sect member reveals his ignorance about the Guardian God, highlighting the secrecy surrounding the issue within the sect.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Black Crow Sect and the authorities, with the sect operating secretly while the authorities try to maintain control.
• The theme of investigation and discovery, as Chen Mu delves deeper into the case and uncovers more information.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu interacts with Min Baoyi, showing trust and respect for the Yamen Director's judgment and actions.
• Chen Mu's interaction with the Black Crow Sect member reveals the sect's secrecy and the member's lack of knowledge about the Guardian God.
• Chen Mu's interaction with his distant cousin, Chen Hong, shows his concern and care for her well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Crow Sect's residence hides a secret underground area.
• Chen Mu discovers this and reports it to Min Baoyi, who then informs Xu Hongyu.
• The City Guard plans a joint operation with the other two districts to attack the Black Crow Sect's strongholds.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu demonstrates his investigative skills and loyalty to the City Guard.
• Min Baoyi shows decisive leadership in planning the operation.
• Xu Hongyu is depicted as a capable and decisive superior officer.

Significant Themes

• The theme of investigation and discovery is prominent, with Chen Mu unraveling the Black Crow Sect's secret.
• The operation highlights the theme of teamwork and coordination among the City Guard divisions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu reports his findings to Min Baoyi, showing trust and respect for his superior.
• Min Baoyi, Wang Gong, Qin Bei, and Zhong Chang strategize together, demonstrating unity and mutual respect among the Yamen Runner Captains.
• Xu Hongyu is informed of the plan, showing the chain of command and communication within the City Guard.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Hongyu leads a large City Guard force into the South District to raid the Black Crow Sect’s stronghold.
• Deputy General Director He Mingxuan deliberately refuses to interfere, hoping Xu Hongyu’s operation will fail and weaken her authority.
• Min Baoyi and the Nine Stripes Ward Guard Office surround the Black Crow Sect’s temple and quickly capture or kill roughly a hundred members. The resistance is surprisingly weak, suggesting that the sect’s important figures have withdrawn underground.
• A hidden passage is discovered beneath the stronghold. Interrogations prove useless because the captured members know nothing about the underground altar.
• The City Guard begins exploring the passage by forcing captured sect members to lead the way. Hidden arrows and mechanisms injure several guards and kill more than thirty sect members.
• The passage appears to extend toward the junction of Two Stripes Ward, Nine Stripes Ward, and Wutong Ward, confirming that the Black Crow Sect’s main altar lies beneath the center of the three wards.
• Xu Hongyu arrives and orders the other two routes abandoned so the guards can concentrate their forces on breaking through from Nine Stripes Ward.
• Before the operation proceeds, Xiao He delivers alarming intelligence: the Black Crow Sect is cultivating dangerous Gray-skinned Demon Rats.
• Xu Hongyu immediately orders everyone to stop cautiously exploring and follow her into the passage, recognizing that the threat is far more serious than a normal sect raid.

Character Developments

• Xu Hongyu demonstrates decisiveness and military authority by personally leading the raid and rapidly reorganizing the operation once the underground route is identified. Her initially cool composure changes sharply when she learns about the Demon Rats.
• He Mingxuan reveals himself as politically calculating and self-serving. He intentionally stays out of the raid, hoping Xu Hongyu will suffer losses and lose influence within the City Guard.
• Min Baoyi acts as a practical commander, organizing the assault, identifying the hidden passage, and directing the dangerous underground investigation.
• Chen Mu remains observant and analytical. He notices the lack of resistance and realizes that the sect’s real leaders must have retreated underground. His familiarity with the stronghold makes him useful during the search.
• Wang Gong is cautious about entering the unknown passage but follows orders and manages the repeated exploratory teams.
• Xiao He serves as a crucial intelligence source, revealing the true scale of the Black Crow Sect’s plan.

Significant Themes

• Political rivalry and opportunism: He Mingxuan treats the raid as a chance to undermine Xu Hongyu rather than as a public duty.
• The danger of appearances: The easy victory on the surface is misleading; the sect’s true strength and purpose lie beneath the stronghold.
• Sacrifice and expendability: Captured sect members are used as human shields and forced scouts while guards cautiously advance through the trapped passage.
• Hidden threats and escalation: What begins as an effort to suppress a criminal religious organization develops into a city-wide existential crisis.
• Power through terror: The Gray-skinned Demon Rats could allow the Black Crow Sect to control or threaten millions of Outer City residents, forcing even the Inner City’s great lineages to hesitate before attacking.

Character Interactions

• He Mingxuan discusses the raid with a subordinate and makes clear that he intends to let Xu Hongyu bear the risks alone.
• Min Baoyi coordinates closely with Chen Mu and Wang Gong, relying on their searches, scouting, and management of the underground investigation.
• Xu Hongyu receives Min Baoyi’s report and takes command of the broader operation, deciding where the main assault should occur.
• Xiao He privately warns Xu Hongyu about the Demon Rats, prompting an immediate change in strategy.
• Chen Mu and the other guards react with alarm upon learning that the Black Crow Sect’s “Guardian God” is actually part of a plague-like weapon capable of spreading madness throughout the city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Crow Sect kidnaps the entire Outer City population as leverage.
• Xu Hongyu leads a rescue team through an underground passage to the Black Crow Sect's Main Altar.
• The team encounters traps and mechanisms, which Xu Hongyu disables.
• They reach a stone chamber with five passages leading to different areas.
• Chen Mu's group enters the fourth passage and finds a prison with captured people.
• A large stone blocks their retreat, and they're attacked by a horde of large Gray-skinned Rats.

Character Developments

• Xu Hongyu demonstrates her strength and leadership, clearing paths through traps.
• Chen Mu shows calmness and composure under pressure, proving his potential as a capable subordinate.
• Xiao He, Xu Hongyu's maid, reveals knowledge about the Black Crow Sect's 'Guardian God.'

Significant Themes

• The Black Crow Sect's desperation and cruelty in their plans.
• The importance of calm and composed leadership under crisis (shown by Xu Hongyu, Chen Mu, and Qin Bei).

Character Interactions

• Xu Hongyu, Min Baoyi, and Xiao He work together to lead the rescue team.
• Chen Mu and Qin Bei calm the panicking Yamen Runners.
• Xiao He appreciates Chen Mu's composure and potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Bei, Xiao He, and Chen Mu fight against a tide of mutated rats in the prison.
• A group of Black Crow Sect members appear, armed with devices that spray Poisonous Water.
• Xiao He, Qin Bei, and Chen Mu retreat, trying to avoid the Poisonous Water.
• Xiao He and Chen Mu charge forward to scatter the Black Crow Sect members, with Xiao He taking some Poisonous Water on her waist.
• Chen Mu also charges forward and kills several Black Crow Sect members.
• After the battle, Xiao He approaches Chen Mu to treat his Poisonous Water wounds.

Character Developments

• Qin Bei: Shows his strength as a Lian Rou expert with complete Saber Intent, but struggles against the Poisonous Water.
• Xiao He: Demonstrates her Dripping Rain Sword Intent and Lian Rou perfection body tempering, but gets some Poisonous Water on her waist.
• Chen Mu: Reveals his ability to withstand Poisonous Water better than expected, with only minor contamination on his thigh and abdomen.

Significant Themes

• The threat of Poisonous Water and the need for strategic retreat and close combat to counter it.
• The importance of physical resilience and body tempering in withstanding Poisonous Water.
• The consequences of getting Poisonous Water on one's body and the need for immediate treatment.

Character Interactions

• Qin Bei, Xiao He, and Chen Mu work together to fight against the rats and Black Crow Sect members.
• Xiao He and Chen Mu charge forward to scatter the Black Crow Sect members, with Xiao He treating Chen Mu's wounds afterwards.
• Xiao He's concern for Chen Mu's well-being is shown as she immediately approaches him to treat his wounds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu's Mo Pi completion is extraordinary; he has developed Copper Steel Skin, a rare achievement even for those with high comprehension.
• The team discovers a prison area holding women, including Zhang Youying, Chen Mu's relative.
• The team learns about the Black Crow Sect's layout and plans to clear the path to the forbidden area.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Proves his exceptional talent and bravery by developing Copper Steel Skin and leading the team through challenges.
• Xiao He: Shows professionalism and knowledge of the Black Crow Sect's layout, and recognizes Chen Mu's remarkable talent.
• Zhang Youying: Initially disheveled and desperate, gains hope after seeing Chen Mu and realizing he recognized her.

Significant Themes

• Talent: Chen Mu's exceptional abilities and potential are highlighted, contrasting with the ordinary skills of the Black Crow Sect members.
• Determination: Chen Mu's resolve in rescuing his relative and dismantling the Black Crow Sect is evident in his actions.
• Resilience: Zhang Youying's mental state improves upon seeing Chen Mu, demonstrating her ability to cope with adversity.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Xiao He: They work together, with Xiao He acknowledging Chen Mu's talent and Chen Mu respecting her knowledge of the situation.
• Chen Mu and Zhang Youying: Chen Mu recognizes Zhang Youying but doesn't interact with her directly, leaving Zhang Youying feeling a mix of relief, disappointment, and grievance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable, is besieged by Black Crow Sect members in their forbidden area, but she holds her ground and has the upper hand.
• The Black Crow Sect Leader reveals his plan to use a 'Guardian God' (Demon Rat) to spread chaos and negotiate with the Inner City forces.
• Yamen Runners, led by Xiao He, Qin Bei, and Chen Mu, arrive and join the battle, reversing the situation against the Black Crow Sect.
• The Demon Rat begins to emerge from the Blood Pool, but Chen Mu kills it and the remaining ones in the pool with his Yamen Saber.

Character Developments

• Xu Hongyu: Proven to be stronger than expected, at the Yi Jin major achievement stage.
• Black Crow Sect Leader: Realizes he underestimated Xu Hongyu and is forced to defend against her.
• Chen Mu: Shows bravery and skill by charging through the Poisonous Water team and killing the emerging Demon Rats.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power dynamics: Xu Hongyu's strength allows her to hold her own against the Black Crow Sect, while the Sect Leader underestimates her.
• Unity and teamwork: The arrival of Yamen Runners turns the tide of the battle.
• Sacrifice and determination: Chen Mu risks his life to prevent the Demon Rats from escaping, highlighting his resolve.

Character Interactions

• Xu Hongyu vs. Black Crow Sect Leader: They clash verbally and physically, with Xu Hongyu having the upper hand.
• Yamen Runners vs. Black Crow Sect: The Yamen Runners join the battle, outnumbering and overpowering the Sect members.
• Chen Mu's actions inspire awe and pause among both Black Crow Sect members and Yamen Runners.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu destroys the Guardian God of the Black Crow Sect, a powerful artifact cultivated with the sect's power and human blood.
• The Black Crow Sect Leader uses a Corpse Poison Jade to escape, but Xu Hongyu pursues him.
• The remaining Black Crow Sect members surrender or are killed by the City Guard.
• Xu Feng, a City Guard Yamen Director, is injured and poisoned.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu demonstrates his fearlessness and skill, chopping the Bloodline Demon Rat into pieces and showing off his Mo Pi Limit cultivation and Copper Steel Skin.
• Xu Hongyu shows her strategic prowess, changing her target from the Blood Pool to the Black Crow Sect Leader.
• Xu Feng is injured and poisoned, highlighting his bravery but also his vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• The power of martial arts and artifacts, as seen in the Guardian God and the Corpse Poison Jade.
• The consequences of using forbidden methods, as seen in the Black Crow Sect's use of human blood and the poison affecting Xu Feng.
• The importance of vigilance and preparedness, as seen in Chen Mu's quick reaction to the Poisonous Water and Xu Hongyu's pursuit of the Black Crow Sect Leader.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu: Chen Mu's actions impress Xu Hongyu, leading her to invite him to the City Guard Main Division.
• Xu Hongyu and Xu Feng: Xu Hongyu shows concern for Xu Feng's condition and ensures he's taken care of.
• Chen Mu and the Black Crow Sect: Chen Mu's actions lead to the Black Crow Sect's downfall, with members surrendering or being killed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu reveals his 'Copper Steel Skin' and 'double Saber Intent' to gain Xu Hongyu's attention.
• Chen Mu's team clears the Black Crow Sect's Main Altar, finding silver, resources, and martial arts techniques, including the 'Heavenly Wolf Lian Rou Method'.
• Chen Mu visits the City Guard Main Division, where Xu Hongyu gives him a thousand taels of silver and discusses his future cultivation plans.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu shows his strategic thinking by revealing his abilities to gain Xu Hongyu's favor and secure resources.
• Xu Hongyu demonstrates her political acumen by offering Chen Mu a future in the Yu Family and discussing the family's situation with him.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and strategic thinking: Chen Mu's actions show his desire to improve his status and cultivate stronger martial arts.
• Power dynamics: The Inner City's aristocratic families, like the Yu Family, have complex power structures and competition for resources.
• Cultivation realms: The story explores the different stages of martial arts cultivation, from Lian Rou to Yi Jin and Zang Fu.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu: Their interaction shows a shift from initial caution to mutual respect and understanding, with Xu Hongyu offering guidance and resources to Chen Mu.
• Chen Mu and Xiao He: Xiao He continues to support Chen Mu, facilitating his meeting with Xu Hongyu and encouraging him to express his gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu learns about internal cultivation methods, their stages (Mo Pi, Lian Rou, Yi Jin, Duan Gu, Zang Fu), and the Power of Intent Realm.
• Xu Hongyu reveals that the City Lord likely possesses the Trigram Wind Power of Intent Realm Diagram.
• Xu Hongyu informs Chen Mu that he will be taking over Xu Yamen Director's position due to Xu Feng's declining health.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about higher levels of martial arts cultivation.
• Xu Hongyu demonstrates her strategic thinking by considering Chen Mu's promotion and potential integration into the Yu Family.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation stages and their impact on one's status and power.
• The Yu Family's decline in producing talented martial artists and their efforts to maintain their influence.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu discuss martial arts cultivation and Chen Mu's future role in the Yu Family.
• Xiao He shares her thoughts with Xu Hongyu about Chen Mu's potential and the Yu Family's need for talented individuals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu clarifies his future path after his trip to the Main Division: aiming for Zang Fu Realm (absolute strength) and obtaining the Qian Heaven Kun Earth diagram.
• Chen Mu is invited by Fu Linjiang, a Yamen Director from Deputy Main Division He Mingxuan, to meet He Mingxuan, but he declines.
• Chen Mu reports his trip to the Main Division to Min Baoyi, who praises his humility and talent.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Confirms his future goals and maintains his composure and principles when faced with He Mingxuan's invitation.
• Min Baoyi: Recognizes Chen Mu's potential and praises his humility and talent.

Significant Themes

• The importance of martial power and talent in the world of Martial Warriors.
• The decline of the imperial court's power and the rise of regional powers.
• The struggle for power and influence within the Yu Family and the He Family.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Fu Linjiang: Chen Mu politely declines Fu Linjiang's invitation, causing Fu Linjiang to view him as unappreciative.
• Chen Mu and Min Baoyi: Chen Mu reports his trip to the Main Division to Min Baoyi, who praises his humility and talent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu practices his martial arts in the snow, perfecting the 'Raging Bull Lian Rou Technique' and advancing the 'Heavenly Wolf Lian Rou Technique' to 'Great Accomplishment.'
• He learns that the key ingredient for entering the 'Yi Jin' level, 'Black Serpent Blood,' is scarce and distributed by the City Lord annually.
• Chen Mu reflects on his progress and realizes he's close to mastering 'Quadruple Power of Intent' and entering the 'Power of Intent Realm.'

Character Developments

• Chen Mu's strength and skills have significantly improved, with his martial arts and Power of Intent techniques reaching new heights.
• Wang Ni, Chen Mu's helper, is seen caring for him and is impressed by his body heat.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Chen Mu's continuous practice and improvement in his martial arts and Power of Intent techniques highlight his dedication and progress in his cultivation journey.
• Scarcity and Desire: The scarcity of 'Black Serpent Blood' and the desire to obtain it reflect the challenges and competition in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Wang Ni interact briefly, with Wang Ni expressing her admiration for Chen Mu's body heat and helping him change his clothes.
• Chen Mu's thoughts about Xu Hongyu, the City Lord, and other cultivators hint at potential future interactions and competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu rejects the idea of hunting Demons outside the city for merit points.
• Xiao He visits Chen Mu to inform him that he will take office as the Yamen Director of Wutong Ward City Guard, replacing Xu Feng.
• Chen Mu spars with Xiao He to test his strength and skills.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu has made significant progress in his martial arts, reaching the Lian Rou minor accomplishment stage and mastering the integration of multiple Saber Intents.
• Xiao He, though surprised by Chen Mu's progress, maintains her composure and professionalism.

Significant Themes

• The importance of martial arts strength and skill in maintaining power and influence in Yu City.
• The complex political and power dynamics within the city, particularly in the Wutong Ward.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Xiao He engage in a sparring session, with Chen Mu demonstrating his improved skills and Xiao He testing his strength.
• Xiao He provides Chen Mu with valuable information about the political landscape of Wutong Ward, acting as a mentor and guide.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu reveals he has comprehended the Triple Power of Intent, shocking Xiao He.
• Xiao He realizes Chen Mu's talent is extraordinary and will likely make a significant impact in Yu City.
• Chen Mu is promoted to Yamen Director of Wutong Ward, bypassing other Yamen Runner Captains due to his merits and Xu Hongyu's support.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Shows remarkable talent and growth in martial arts, earning a significant promotion. His relationship with Xiao He deepens.
• Xiao He: Recognizes Chen Mu's exceptional talent and begins to see him in a new light, her attitude towards him softening.
• Xu Hongyu (mentioned): Supports Chen Mu's promotion, acknowledging his contributions and potential.

Significant Themes

• Talent and hard work: Chen Mu's rapid progress in martial arts highlights the importance of both talent and diligent practice.
• Recognition and promotion: Chen Mu's achievements and Xu Hongyu's support lead to his quick advancement in the City Guard hierarchy.
• Relationship dynamics: Chen Mu's growing bond with Xiao He, influenced by his revealed talent and her changing perception of him.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Xiao He: Their relationship evolves as Xiao He comes to terms with Chen Mu's exceptional talent and potential. She begins to see him as an equal, dropping the 'sister' title.
• Chen Mu and the Yamen Runners: Qin Bei and the other Yamen Runner Captains express envy at Chen Mu's rapid promotion but also acknowledge his merits.
• Chen Mu and the Commander's Guard: The guard acknowledges Chen Mu's potential and congratulates him on his promotion, showing respect for his achievements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu is promoted to Yamen Director of Wutong Ward City Guard.
• The Commander's Guard delivers the warrant and uniform to Chen Mu.
• Chen Mu requests and is granted permission to take two familiar Yamen Runners, Liu Song and Li Tie, with him to Wutong Ward.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Despite his rapid rise, he remains humble and respectful to his peers, addressing Min Baoyi as 'brother'. He demonstrates strategic thinking by choosing to take familiar Yamen Runners with him to his new post.
• Min Baoyi: He acknowledges Chen Mu's talent and potential, addressing him as 'brother' and supporting his request to take two Yamen Runners with him.
• Liu Song and Li Tie: They are selected by Chen Mu to accompany him to Wutong Ward, indicating their loyalty and trust in him. Their promotion from Yamen Runners to 'Commander's Guard' elevates their status significantly.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Opportunity: Chen Mu's rapid rise is attributed to both his talent and luck, with some characters mentioning his 'ancestral grave smoking' or knowing a big shot in the Inner City.
• Power Dynamics: The position of Yamen Director carries significant power, with the ability to manage almost everything in the name of 'public security'. However, this power is not absolute and can be challenged by local gang forces or descendants of dignitaries.
• Loyalty and Trust: Chen Mu's decision to take Liu Song and Li Tie with him to Wutong Ward demonstrates his trust in them and their loyalty to him.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Min Baoyi: Their interaction shows mutual respect and camaraderie, with Min Baoyi acknowledging Chen Mu's talent and Chen Mu addressing Min Baoyi as 'brother'.
• Chen Mu and Liu Song/Li Tie: Chen Mu's decision to take them with him to Wutong Ward shows his trust in them, while their acceptance indicates their loyalty and eagerness to serve him.
• Zhang Youying and Zhang Hai: Their interaction shows Zhang Youying's confusion and surprise upon seeing Chen Mu in his new Yamen Director uniform, while Zhang Hai remains oblivious to the significance of the event.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mu arrives at Wutong Ward City Guard, which is larger and more prosperous than Nine Stripes Ward's.
• He is greeted by the three shifts of Yamen Runners, totaling over 300, led by seven Yamen Runner Captains.
• The former Yamen Director, Xu Feng, is absent due to illness, and Chen Mu takes over without a handover.
• A group of people from the Zheng Family, Quicksand Gang, and Thieves Guild cause a commotion outside the City Guard.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: He has risen from a low-level Yamen Runner to Yamen Director in just over a year, demonstrating his ambition and capability. He is calm and composed even when faced with unexpected situations.
• Shang Qinglai: He is the leader among the Yamen Runner Captains, respectful to Chen Mu, and measured in his work. He is a distant relative of Xu Feng.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption in the city guard system.
• The influence of family backgrounds and connections in society.
• The complex relationships between different gangs and powerful families in Wutong Ward.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu interacts with the Yamen Runners and Yamen Runner Captains, establishing his authority as the new Yamen Director.
• Shang Qinglai reports to Chen Mu about the situation in Wutong Ward, showing respect and deference.
• The interaction between Chen Mu and the group from the Zheng Family, Quicksand Gang, and Thieves Guild is tense and foreshadows potential conflict.

Plot Points and Events

• A murder case occurs at the City Guard's entrance, involving Chen Mu's second uncle, Chen Mao, and the powerful Zheng Family.
• Chen Mao is accused of murdering a woman after a dispute, with the Zheng Family orchestrating the scene to frame him and undermine Chen Mu's authority.
• Chen Mu, on his first day as Yamen Director, remains calm and composed, handling the situation fairly and impartially.

Character Developments

• Chen Mu: Demonstrates exceptional composure and wisdom beyond his age, handling a complex situation with maturity and fairness. He shows no favoritism towards his uncle, Chen Mao, and maintains a detached and impartial stance.
• Chen Mao: Reveals his true nature as a tyrannical, lewd, and unrestrained individual, capable of murder in a fit of anger.
• Zheng Hong: A powerful figure from the Zheng Family, he attempts to use Chen Mao's case to undermine Chen Mu's authority but fails due to Chen Mu's steady handling of the situation.

Significant Themes

• Power and Prestige: The struggle for power and influence is evident in the actions of the Zheng Family and the Quicksand Gang, who attempt to use Chen Mao's case to challenge Chen Mu's authority.
• Impartiality and Justice: Chen Mu's commitment to fairness and impartiality is highlighted as he handles the case without favoring his uncle, demonstrating the importance of justice in maintaining order and respect.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The true nature of characters is revealed as the case unfolds, with Chen Mao's evil nature and the Zheng Family's manipulative intentions coming to light.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mu and Chen Mao: Despite their familial relationship, Chen Mu shows no favoritism towards Chen Mao, treating him impartially and ensuring that justice is served.
• Chen Mu and Zheng Hong: Chen Mu's calm and composed demeanor unnerves Zheng Hong, who underestimates Chen Mu's capabilities and fails to undermine his authority.
• Chen Mu and Shang Qinglai: As Yamen Runner Captain, Shang Qinglai demonstrates loyalty and quick-wittedness, supporting Chen Mu's decisions and helping to maintain order in the situation.