Recaps

Chen Cheng defeated Xiao Yi by exploiting a momentary distraction, earning top marks and attracting offers from powerful figures. When Xiao Yi revealed Chen Cheng’s low-grade bones, Xu Linyuan and Cao Miao withdrew their support, leaving Chen Cheng to weigh other opportunities and plan his next steps.

• Chen Cheng used Xu Linyuan as a distraction, then struck Xiao Yi with a sudden elbow that left him severely injured.
• Xu Linyuan praised Chen Cheng’s combat tactics, awarded him first-class superior marks in every subject, and invited him to report to the Commandant’s Mansion after reaching Six-Wick Blood Qi.
• Xiao Yi revealed that Chen Cheng had low-grade bones, so Xu Linyuan withheld his protection and Cao Miao declined to promote him to the Upper Academy.
• Cao Miao announced the assessment results, while Cao Zhao invited Chen Cheng to meet him three days later.
• Wang Peng and Zheng Nankun offered Chen Cheng sponsorship, but he delayed his answer so he could investigate their backgrounds.

After defeating Xiao Yi, Chen Cheng received a reward from Ye Yang and attracted interest from powerful families, while Song Che questioned whether Chen Cheng was worthy of Song Yingzhi. The chapter left Chen Cheng emerging from the Inner Hall to a crowd of congratulations.

• Wu Ziyu took the gravely injured Xiao Yi away to recover, and Ye Yang agreed that the Wu Family would cover his treatment costs.
• Ye Yang praised Chen Cheng's performance and offered him a reward; Chen Cheng asked for Fang Wenhou's return to the Middle Academy, but Ye Yang said Cao Zhao would have to relent, so Chen Cheng requested cultivation medicines instead.
• Song Che questioned Chen Cheng about Fang Wenhou and learned that Chen Cheng wanted Fang Wenhou transferred back to the Inner Hall.
• Shen Chongnian and the Shen family discussed offering Chen Cheng a shared post with seventy taels of monthly pay and supplementary medicines, and Shen Mi agreed to negotiate with him.
• Song Yingzhi waited for Chen Cheng with Fatty Fang, but Song Che warned her that Chen Cheng's poor natural aptitude would keep him from the Martial Selection, leaving her uncertain.
• Chen Cheng came out of the Inner Hall as people around him offered fervent congratulations.

After achieving Top Grade in Three Disciplines, Chen Cheng secured a monthly arrangement with the Shen Family and received gifts from Outer City figures eager to cultivate ties with him. He rejected an appeal to help his uncle evade the Winter Tax and ended the chapter trying to resume his conversation with Qian Baolu about Senior Sister Zhuang.

• Shen Mi told Chen Cheng that the Shen Family's Third Branch could offer him one hundred taels a month, and he accepted without bargaining.
• Shen Chongnian promised that Chen Cheng's treatment would have no upper limit if the Third Branch's circumstances improved, then invited him to a celebratory family banquet, which Chen Cheng declined so he could train.
• Outer City officials and business figures congratulated Chen Cheng, gave him gifts totaling three silver notes of one hundred taels each plus more than three taels in loose silver, and invited him to banquets, which he declined.
• Tang Yunlong hinted that Chen Cheng could help secure the release of his uncle, but Chen Cheng refused to interfere with the Winter Tax rules, and Tang Yunlong rebuked Liang Guang for making the appeal.
• Chen Cheng met Qian Baolu in his room, reassured him about their friendship, and began to return to their earlier discussion of Senior Sister Zhuang.

Chen Cheng learned about Zhuang Zhuang’s damaged foundation and Lin Fengxiao’s tragic past before investigating Fuchang Trading Firm’s suspicious plans. He followed Li Zhong to a hidden courtyard and watched him deliver a black-wrapped box to Master Xing.

• Qian Baolu told Chen Cheng that Zhuang Zhuang’s injury and declining Blood Qi had driven her toward abandoning martial arts.
• Lin Fengxiao gave Qian Baolu a Blood-Boosting Pill and silver, then warned that Fuchang Firm was recruiting Dark Blades for a dangerous job.
• Qian Baolu told Chen Cheng that bandits had murdered Lin Fengxiao’s family and described the growing violence across Zhao City’s Outer City.
• Chen Cheng disguised himself in worn clothes and returned to watch Fuchang Trading Firm, where Zhang Gu gave Li Zhong a black-wrapped wooden box to deliver to Master Xing.
• Chen Cheng followed Li Zhong to Suanzao Lane, where Li Zhong handed the box through the door of a dimly lit courtyard.

Chen Cheng ambushed Xing Xiong after Xing Xiong killed Li Zhong and drove Liu the Crooked away, then attacked him with Old Zou's Water-Splitting Spike. Though wounded and poisoned, Xing Xiong fought back fiercely and unleashed a powerful strike at Chen Cheng, who remained confident as the chapter ended.

• Xing Xiong killed Li Zhong, took his money pouch, and argued with Liu the Crooked over their remaining spoils.
• Xing Xiong bluffed Liu the Crooked into leaving by revealing the peak of his Three-Incense Blood Qi, then collapsed from his internal injuries.
• Chen Cheng ambushed Xing Xiong with Old Zou's Water-Splitting Spike and poisoned him.
• Xing Xiong recognized the spike as Old Zou's and fought Chen Cheng despite his injuries and worsening vision.
• Xing Xiong unleashed Twin Dragons Piercing the Moon at Chen Cheng, who showed no fear.

Chen Cheng killed Xing Xiong by exploiting the wound and Blood Qi stagnation he had sensed, then returned to Longshan Middle Academy with the money and wooden box he had taken. After Ye Yang saw Chen Cheng demonstrate the Crouching Dragon Fist, he lent him the academy’s True Force Contemplation Map, and Chen Cheng quickly began sensing its Thunder Pattern.

• Chen Cheng struck Xing Xiong at the site of his hidden wound, shattered his fourth vertebra, and watched him die before crushing his neck to ensure he was dead.
• Chen Cheng took a wooden box and money from Xing Xiong, left the Poison Thorn behind, and slipped away without leaving traces.
• Back at Longshan Middle Academy, Chen Cheng counted his money and hid the wooden box before Ye Yang asked him to demonstrate the Crouching Dragon Fist.
• Ye Yang watched Chen Cheng perform the fist art and, impressed by his flawless technique, gave him the True Force Contemplation Map for three months.
• Ye Yang explained how the map could help Chen Cheng refine Clear Force and develop Dark Force, then Chen Cheng quickly sensed the entrance and fine extensions of the Thunder Pattern.

Chen Cheng rapidly mastered Force Penetrating Thunder Tip, then learned that Xiao Yi and three other disciples had been murdered and was falsely accused before Ye Yang left to investigate. As Ye Qiluo and Zhu Mingyuan rushed away the next morning, Chen Cheng collected his salary and pills from Shen Mi and asked her to examine a wooden box.

• Chen Cheng achieved Force Penetrating Thunder Tip in moments, astonishing Ye Yang with his progress on the True Force Contemplation Map.
• Su Ziyang reported that Xiao Yi, Sun An, Dong Li, and Luo Boqing had been killed, then accused Chen Cheng of the murders based on Xiao Yi’s warning.
• Ye Yang defended Chen Cheng, punished Su Ziyang for slander, and left Chen Cheng in charge of the Inner Hall while he went to investigate.
• Chen Cheng continued training, and Zhu Mingyuan escorted a drunken Ye Qiluo back to her room without taking advantage of her.
• Ye Qiluo and Zhu Mingyuan hurried away the next morning, leaving Chen Cheng to oversee the academy as concern grew over Ye Yang’s absence.
• Shen Mi paid Chen Cheng seven Gold Blade Coins and gave him ten Blood-Boosting Pills, and Chen Cheng asked her to inspect a wooden box.

Chen Cheng learned more about Fuchang Firm’s power and Ye Yang’s mysterious attacker while continuing his training. After news of Chen Cheng’s assessment spread, Fatty Fang visited the Inner Hall and revealed his formidable strength in a draw with Cao Zhao.

• Shen Mi warned Chen Cheng that Frost Bone White was a forbidden northern Treasure Medicine and explained its uses and value.
• Chen Cheng sparred with Elder Wen, who praised his progress after hearing about his Inner Hall assessment.
• Zhu Mingyuan delivered Ye Yang’s promised medicine to Chen Cheng and reported that Ye Yang had survived an ambush by a mysterious man in black.
• Madam Li received gifts and money from officials, gangs, neighbors, and the landlord to celebrate Chen Cheng’s achievement.
• Cao Zhao provoked Fatty Fang, and the two fought to a draw, revealing that Fatty Fang had perfected Dark Force and possessed Six-Wick Blood Qi.

Cao Zhao reconciled with Fatty Fang and brought Chen Cheng into the Inner City, where Chen Cheng bought cultivation medicine and learned about two potential sponsors. At a lavish Immortal Pavilion dinner, Cao Zhao introduced Chen Cheng to several influential young men, and the introduction was about to continue with a young girl.

• Cao Zhao offered Fatty Fang a path back to the Inner Hall, and Fatty Fang thanked Chen Cheng for helping him reconcile with Cao Zhao.
• Fatty Fang gave the silver Madam Li had collected to Chen Cheng and refused to accept repayment of the ten taels Chen Cheng owed him.
• Chen Cheng entered the Inner City with Cao Zhao and bought six doses of Five Dragon Decoction at the Shen Family Great Medicine Shop.
• Cao Zhao advised Chen Cheng about Jiuan Hunting Manor and Changfeng Escort Agency, then took him to a dinner at Immortal Pavilion.
• Cao Zhao introduced Chen Cheng to Wang Hengyu, Wang Chuang, and Ji Hongshan before turning to introduce a young girl.

Chen Cheng declined Gu Lan'an's offer to work for Wantong Trading Firm, then agreed to consider fighting in Longshan Middle Academy's year-end exchange against Yuntai Hall. On his ride home, he learned Moon Step of Impermanence by observing a Red Moon Nunnery remnant, and half a month later someone asked whether he could ride a horse.

• Gu Lan'an offered Chen Cheng a job at Wantong Trading Firm, but he refused, explaining that he wanted to focus on martial arts.
• Han Tianqi confronted Cao Zhao and invoked an old agreement for five bouts between Longshan Middle Academy and Yuntai Hall; Chen Cheng asked for one month before answering whether he would fight.
• Cao Zhao gave Chen Cheng a jar of Drunken Immortal Green and arranged a carriage to take him back to the hall.
• Chen Cheng spotted a black-clothed Red Moon Nunnery remnant using Moon Step of Impermanence, and the Vertical Eye Mark let him learn the evil art at beginner mastery.
• Half a month later, Chen Cheng waited outside the Inner Hall's side gate, where someone called out and asked if he knew how to ride a horse.

Chen Cheng rode with Wang Chuang to Jiuan Hunting Manor for the Tiger-Slaying Banquet, where he encountered prominent figures from several powerful families. After the feast began, Manor Lord Wang Peng called on the younger generation to exchange fists, leaving Chen Cheng at the start of the martial contest.

• Wang Chuang picked Chen Cheng up on horseback, while Hu Niu learned that her proprietor would double her pay and continue helping her injured brother.
• Chen Cheng reviewed his martial skills and cultivation progress as he and Wang Chuang rode beyond the city toward Jiuan Hunting Manor.
• Chen Cheng and Wang Chuang passed Han Tianqi, Sun Dingjiang, and Bai Fangshuo with their mounted party, and Wang Chuang warned Chen Cheng about Yuntai Hunting Manor.
• Chen Cheng and Wang Chuang reached Jiuan Hunting Manor, greeted Wang Peng, and joined Wang Hengyu's table at the Tiger-Slaying Banquet.
• The guests ate tiger dishes and drank medicinal wine until Wang Peng announced that the younger generation would exchange fists.

At a Jiuan Hunting Manor banquet, Chen Cheng entered the sparring match after Yan Huaiqing defeated an exhausted Wang Chuang, then surprised the guests by blocking Yan’s attacks. The chapter left Yan staggered as a new Crouching Dragon Fist trait appeared in Chen Cheng’s mind.

• Wang Chuang defeated several young fighters before Yan Huaiqing challenged him and won by exploiting his fatigue.
• Song Che praised Yan Huaiqing and urged Song Yingzhi to consider marrying him, but she remained silent and turned away.
• Chen Cheng stepped into the arena and challenged Yan Huaiqing, surprising the guests with his age and Blood Qi level.
• Yan Huaiqing attacked with a rapid series of kicks, but Chen Cheng blocked them with the Crouching Dragon Fist and Crouching Dragon Stake Technique.
• Cao Zhao revealed that Chen Cheng had mastered Force Penetrating Thunder Tip, and the guests recognized his extraordinary progress.
• Yan Huaiqing staggered back after Chen Cheng’s defense struck back, while Chen Cheng’s mind displayed a new Crushing Thunder trait for the Crouching Dragon Fist.

Chen Cheng broke through to Blood Condensation’s fourth incense during his fight with Yan Huaiqing, gaining Dark Force and overwhelming him. After Yan Huaiqing surrendered, Chen Cheng’s strike sent a fire dragon soaring from a nearby vat, leaving the crowd stunned as Wang Peng invited other families’ juniors to challenge him.

• Chen Cheng formed his fourth incense of Blood Qi and naturally produced Dark Force during the fight.
• Yan Huaiqing tried to evade Chen Cheng, but Chen Cheng pursued him until he was trapped at the edge of the training ground.
• Yan Huaiqing surrendered and fell away as Chen Cheng’s fist struck the vat behind him.
• Chen Cheng’s punch stirred the charcoal into a fireball that erupted into a fire dragon above the venue.
• The crowd praised Chen Cheng’s breakthrough, while Song Che, Song Yingzhi, Wang Hengyu, and others reacted with shock and excitement.
• Wang Peng asked whether any juniors from other families still wished to challenge Chen Cheng.

Chen Cheng won the Tiger-Slaying Banquet’s top prize, drew offers from Inner City families, and accepted additional support from Wang Peng while keeping his abilities and plans guarded. On the journey back to Zhao City, he recognized a wanted bandit among a group of Cangying Hunting Manor guards.

• Chen Cheng accepted the Golden Ring Treasure Snake Medicinal Wine and politely declined the banquet’s two maidservants.
• Cao Zhao introduced Chen Cheng to Inner City talents; Chen Cheng rejected Pang Wanhe’s restrictive offer and Shen Gan’s recruitment, citing his agreement with the Third Branch.
• Wang Peng gave Chen Cheng ten Gold Blade Coins and raised his monthly subsidy after learning he had condensed Four-Incense Blood Qi.
• Wu Ziyu noticed Chen Cheng’s improved constitution, offered help, and told him that Lin Fengxiao was a suspect in Xiao Yi’s death; Chen Cheng refused her offer and left.
• On the carriage ride back, Chen Cheng spotted Liu the Crooked among Cangying Hunting Manor guards, and Ji Hongshan recognized the wanted bandit.

Chen Cheng learned that a black-cloth-wrapped monster had appeared near Seven-Mile Slope, then used a limit break to unlock Foundation Establishment Taiji and began practicing it. As Liu the Crooked’s bandits approached the wine jar Chen Cheng had left in the woods, one of them shot an arrow at it.

• Cao Zhao and Ji Hongshan pursued the wanted bandits, while Chen Cheng stayed behind rather than risk joining them.
• Chen Cheng met his Third Uncle, Chen An, who told him that a black-cloth-wrapped ape-like monster had killed Third Master Gou on the mountain.
• Chen Cheng entered the woods, used a limit break on Health-Preserving Taiji, and unlocked Foundation Establishment Taiji.
• Liu the Crooked and his men hurried toward the city after two Six-Wick Blood Qi fighters had killed four of their men, discussing a kidnapping job tied to Fuchang Firm and the Bai Family.
• The bald archer spotted Chen Cheng’s sealed wine jar, ignored Liu the Crooked’s warning, and fired an arrow at it.

Chen Cheng killed Liu the Crooked and the three bandits who attacked him, then discovered a poison-resistance method in Liu’s booklet and returned to Longshan Middle Academy with the Golden Ring Treasure Snake Medicinal Wine. After resuming his training, he saw Fatty Fang off to the Upper Academy and was left facing Cao Zhao, whose grim expression suggested trouble.

• Chen Cheng used Moon Step of Impermanence to catch the bald man's arrow, then killed the gaunt bandit, the one-eyed man, Liu the Crooked, and the bald archer.
• Chen Cheng found money and a poison-resistance method in Liu the Crooked's belongings, memorized the method, destroyed the booklet, and left with the medicinal wine.
• Chen Cheng returned to Longshan Middle Academy, drank Frost Bone White and Drunken Immortal Brew, stored the medicinal wine, and trained in Foundation Establishment Taiji, Health-Preserving Taiji, Moon Breath of Avici, and Dark Force Contemplation.
• Fatty Fang told Chen Cheng that Cao Zhao had secured Cao Miao's approval for his move to the Upper Academy, gave him Treasure Snake Jerky, and left promising they would meet again.
• Cao Zhao arrived after Fatty Fang left, and Chen Cheng grew uneasy when he saw Cao Zhao's exceedingly ugly expression.

After surviving the bandit ambush, Chen Cheng received precious pills and continued strengthening himself while secretly investigating Fuchang Firm. The chapter ended with Lin Fengxiao leaving the firm carrying a wooden box, giving Chen Cheng a new lead to watch.

• Cao Zhao told Chen Cheng that Ji Hongshan remained unconscious after a poisoned arrow wound, reported that four powerful bandits had escaped, and gave Chen Cheng five Red Jade Blood-Boosting Pills from Ye Yang.
• Chen Cheng tested the pills’ effects, then Ye Yang urged Ye Qiluo and Zhu Mingyuan to improve their cultivation; Zhu Mingyuan returned to training, while Ye Qiluo rejected him and questioned his strength.
• Chen Cheng sparred with Elder Wen, learned how age and concern for his son Wen Qingzhi had worn him down, and then received medicinal ingredients and ten Gold Blade Coins from Shen Mi.
• Shen Mi told Mother Ding that Ye Qiluo’s elder sister might help before the coming Merchant Charter contest with Fuchang Firm, though her reply offered no firm promise.
• Chen Cheng resumed watching Fuchang Firm and confirmed that Lin Fengxiao had gained Fu Yunchen and Sun Dingjiang’s trust and that guarded special goods were stored in a locked warehouse.
• Lin Fengxiao left Fuchang Firm in a new martial outfit with a wooden box, while a warehouse guard approached him curiously.

Chen Cheng sparred with Zhu Mingyuan, learned that Zhu had concealed his Six-Wick Blood Qi for Ye Qiluo’s sake, and received rewards from Ye Yang and Zhuang Zhuang. The chapter ended as Chen Cheng opened Zhuang Zhuang’s envelope to see what she had sent.

• Lin Fengxiao delivered a wooden box to an unmarked mansion in Lenan Ward while Chen Cheng watched from a distance and later returned to the Inner Hall.
• Chen Cheng sparred with Zhu Mingyuan and recognized his exceptional defensive skill; Zhu revealed he had condensed Six-Wick Blood Qi and had stayed out of the Upper Academy to accompany Ye Qiluo.
• Cao Zhao delivered five Red Jade Blood-Boosting Pills from Ye Yang and an envelope from Zhuang Zhuang, whose Blood Qi was recovering after Chen Cheng helped her overcome her inner demon.
• Chen Cheng returned to his room, examined Zhuang Zhuang’s envelope, and opened it to reveal its contents.

Chen Cheng learned the God-Raising Chapter of the Four Gods Profound Body from Zhuang Zhuang’s heirloom and began cultivating it, but realized he would need better food and resources to sustain his training. Later, he found Fuchang Firm and a nearby manor under siege, then waited along a possible escape route as wounded bandits fled and a bloodied pursuer charged after them.

• Chen Cheng read Zhuang Zhuang’s letter and used the Vertical Eye Mark to perfectly learn the God-Raising Chapter of the Four Gods Profound Body.
• Chen Cheng cultivated the technique, shattered and rebuilt his body’s limits, and concluded he would need Treasure Fish, Treasure Snake, or other nourishing meat to keep training.
• Chen Cheng found Commandant’s Mansion troops surrounding Fuchang Firm and learned that a sponsored Martial Artist had exposed the bandits’ hideout.
• Chen Cheng inspected possible escape routes around the besieged manor and chose an unguarded alley leading toward the slums.
• Song Diao and his wounded father fled through the alley, cursing Liu the Crooked and the Martial Artist who had betrayed them.
• A bloodied young pursuer called out to Song Diao and charged after him, his wounds erupting into a cloud of scarlet mist.

Chen Cheng rescued a young survivor from the Lin Mansion by defeating Song Diao and Song Zhuo, then returned to his relentless training and considered how to obtain more treasure flesh. Cao Zhao later revealed that Lin Fengxiao’s service had earned him the Commandant’s favor and a place in the Inner City, while hinting at a remarkable reward.

• Chen Cheng used Moon Breath of Avici to approach Song Zhuo and Song Diao, then defeated Song Zhuo and left the injured Song Diao to the young Lin Mansion survivor.
• Chen Cheng took money from Song Diao and Song Zhuo, returned to the Inner Hall, and realized that his growing funds could not readily buy scarce treasure flesh.
• Chen Cheng continued his demanding martial training, recovery exercises, and poison-resistance cultivation through the night and into the next day.
• Cao Zhao retrieved Lin Fengxiao’s Death-Pledge Contract and registered its dissolution, explaining that the Commandant had personally named Lin Fengxiao and arranged his move to the Inner City.
• Cao Zhao told Zhu Mingyuan and Chen Cheng that the Commandant had given Lin Fengxiao a startling reward, but had not yet revealed what it was.

Chen Cheng helped Qiao Qiao cancel her Death-Pledge Contract and enter the Middle Academy, then learned how closely she had been copying his choices. As Qiao Qiao attracted attention from powerful factions, Chen Cheng left with Zhu Mingyuan to attend the Soul Mourning Festival.

• Cao Zhao told Chen Cheng and Zhu Mingyuan about the rare pills and Strange Tiger Essence Meat awarded to Lin Fengxiao, while Chen Cheng reflected on the difficult paths to gaining resources.
• An unknown man delivered Chen Cheng a heavy parcel, and Chen Cheng later met Shi Lei and Qiao Qiao at the Inner Hall gate.
• Qiao Qiao used fifteen taels of silver to cancel her Death-Pledge Contract and enroll in the Middle Academy, choosing Chen Cheng's former room.
• Qiao Qiao showed Chen Cheng four bottles of Blood Refining Powder and explained that she had copied his training choices, while Chen Cheng urged her to follow her own judgment.
• Over the next nine days, Qiao Qiao attracted recruitment offers and attention from Ye Yang and Ye Qiluo as Chen Cheng focused on cultivation and his daily duties.
• Chen Cheng and Zhu Mingyuan walked to the Inner City to meet Cao Zhao, Zhuang Zhuang, and the others for the annual Soul Mourning Festival.

During the Mourning Sacrifice Festival, Chen Cheng entered the Inner City with Zhu Mingyuan, where he reunited with Zhuang Zhuang and revealed that he had gained entry into the Four Gods Profound Body. After Chen Cheng agreed to teach her and returned the God-Rearing Chapter, a grand sacrificial battle formation advanced through the streets.

• Chen Cheng and Zhu Mingyuan discussed the deadly winter in the slums and Chen Cheng's use of rare restorative resources as they traveled toward the Inner City.
• Cao Zhao introduced Chen Cheng to Zhou Ping, Zhou An, and Gu Kaishen, while Zhuang Zhuang approached Chen Cheng with questions about the Four Gods Profound Body.
• Zhuang Zhuang asked whether Chen Cheng had gained any insight into the cultivation method, and Chen Cheng told her he had already gained entry.
• Chen Cheng agreed to teach Zhuang Zhuang and handed her the beast-hide scroll containing the God-Rearing Chapter.
• A gong and drums sounded as a crimson-robed battle formation of over a hundred people began advancing down the crowded street.

Chen Cheng learned about Transformation Force from Zhuang Zhuang and accepted her offer to live in her family residence while teaching her the Four Gods Profound Body. After arranging his move and separating his and Madam Li’s household registration from Old Chen’s, he heard that a major incident had occurred in the Outer City.

• Zhuang Zhuang explained how Transformation Force formed a barrier that could repel attacks, and Chen Cheng tested it by punching her hand.
• As the crowded Soul-Mourning Dance procession stalled, Chen Cheng and Zhuang Zhuang left the group and went to her vacant family residence in South Third Ward.
• Zhuang Zhuang offered Chen Cheng the residence, and he accepted after telling her he would bring his mother, Madam Li.
• At the South District Patrol Office, Chen Cheng obtained an Inner City travel permit and split his and Madam Li’s household registration from Old Chen’s.
• An Outer City Ti Cavalry rider arrived with news of a major incident, and Zhuang Zhuang’s uncle by marriage rushed back out of the Patrol Office with a grave expression.

Chen Cheng hurried through the Red Moon Nunnery’s attack zone toward Peaceful Lane, where his mother was sheltering, and ambushed a Blood-Robed Cultist on the way. He defeated the cultist with two Instant Shifts, but sensed danger just as he moved to finish him off.

• Yu Feng sent the Outer City Ti Cavalry rider to request reinforcements while he went to report to the Director of Records, and Chen Cheng hurried toward Peaceful Lane to check on his mother.
• Chen Cheng passed through the besieged district, found Tang Yunlong dead among the Patrol Office casualties, and overheard the Bamboo-Hat Stranger order the Blood-Robed Cultists to kill until they found the Moon Marrow.
• Chen An and Madam Bai reached Madam Li’s home, where residents had gathered near the Longshan Lower Academy for safety.
• Chen Cheng followed a Blood-Robed Cultist toward Peaceful Lane and hid at a narrow corner to ambush him.
• Chen Cheng struck the Blood-Robed Cultist with a powerful punch, used Instant Shift twice to evade the cultist’s knife, and followed with a knee that crushed the cultist’s chest.
• As Chen Cheng prepared to finish the wounded cultist, he sensed danger and his pupils contracted.

Chen Cheng killed a Blood-Robed Cultist and took the defensive Blood-Colored Cloak, then returned to Madam Li and told her they were moving. The chapter ended with the neighbors stunned when he revealed their new home was in the Inner City.

• Chen Cheng adapted his attacks to worsen the Blood-Robed Cultist's injuries, then struck through his hood and killed him.
• Chen Cheng discovered the Blood-Colored Cloak could disperse about twenty percent of incoming force and repel stains, then bundled it and the cultist's blade before leaving.
• Li Shun and Shen Chun arrived with soldiers; Shen Chun rushed into an alley to pursue the Red Moon Cultists despite Li Shun's warning.
• Chen Cheng cleaned his hands at a well and continued to Madam Li's home, where neighbors made way for him.
• Chen Cheng told Madam Li to pack and move, then revealed that their new home was in the Inner City.