Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng returns home after three days, transformed in demeanor and attire, wearing a Middle Academy training uniform.
• He encounters Zhao Chuan, a chief of the Patrol Guard Bureau, who suspects Chen Cheng but lacks evidence to arrest him.
• Chen Cheng learns that Xiao Long, his friend, is seriously injured and in hiding after his family's gang was crushed by the Black Wolf Gang.
• Chen Cheng visits the Middle Academy of Dragon Mountain Martial Hall and meets Fatty Fang, who guides him through the Outer Hall and warns him not to enter the Inner Hall without permission.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng's spirit and vitality have been significantly improved, reflecting his growth and transformation.
• Zhao Chuan is introduced as a stern, calculating law enforcement officer who is suspicious of Chen Cheng but lacks evidence to act against him.
• Fatty Fang is revealed to be a disciple of the Middle Academy, acting as a guide for new Outer Hall disciples.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Transformation: Chen Cheng's physical and mental transformation highlights his determination to improve and survive in the harsh world.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Chen Cheng, Zhao Chuan, and the Black Wolf Gang illustrate the power struggles and hierarchies in society.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: The fate of Xiao Long's family and gang raises questions about loyalty and the consequences of betrayal.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Zhao Chuan: Their encounter showcases the tension and suspicion between Chen Cheng and the law enforcement, foreshadowing potential conflicts.
• Chen Cheng and Fatty Fang: Their interaction at the Middle Academy establishes a connection between them, with Fatty Fang acting as a guide and mentor figure for Chen Cheng.
• Chen Cheng and Madam Li: Their conversation reveals Madam Li's fears and Chen Cheng's determination to protect his family, strengthening their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng is warned by Fatty Fang not to openly associate with him due to the competitive and dangerous environment of the Middle Academy.
• Chen Cheng decides to focus on cultivating the Crouching Dragon Fist and earning money to sustain himself and his mother.
• Chen Cheng observes the harsh living conditions of the White Badge disciples, who are essentially slaves to the Black Badge disciples.
• Qian Baolu approaches Chen Cheng, offering him various job opportunities in exchange for a cut of his first paycheck.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows determination in his cultivation and a desire to improve his financial situation. He also demonstrates a level of caution and discernment in considering job opportunities.
• Fatty Fang: Shows concern for Chen Cheng's well-being and offers guidance on cultivation and money management.
• Qian Baolu: Reveals his opportunistic nature and the harsh realities of making money in the martial world.

Significant Themes

• The harsh competition and danger within the Middle Academy.
• The exploitation and harsh living conditions of the White Badge disciples.
• The need for money to support cultivation and the risks involved in earning it.

Character Interactions

• Fatty Fang warns Chen Cheng about the dangers of openly associating with him and advises him on cultivation and money management.
• Qian Baolu approaches Chen Cheng with job opportunities, highlighting the risks and rewards of various paths to earning money in the martial world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng meets Qian Baolu, his senior brother, who offers him lodging and advice.
• Chen Cheng settles into his room and spends the night tempering his Health-Preserving Taiji.
• The next morning, Chen Cheng observes disciples training in the yard and tries the Venison Medicinal Meal.
• He then visits Hu Niu at her workplace, where she's being mistreated by her supervisor.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates determination and responsibility by accepting Qian Baolu's advice and immediately starting to temper his skills.
• Hu Niu shows resilience and patience despite her harsh working conditions and verbal abuse from her supervisor.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Disciples at the academy and Hu Niu at her job show determination to improve their situations despite difficulties.
• Social Class: The stark contrast between the academy's environment and Hu Niu's workplace highlights the vast differences in living conditions between the privileged and the common folk.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Qian Baolu: Qian Baolu offers guidance and support to Chen Cheng, showing a mentoring attitude towards his junior brother.
• Hu Niu and her supervisor: The supervisor bullies Hu Niu, showing a lack of empathy and respect for her workers, while Hu Niu remains patient and focused on her work despite the mistreatment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng visits Zhou Long (Hu Niu's brother) and learns about his severe injury.
• Zhou Long warns Chen Cheng about the Red Moon Nunnery and advises him to leave Bitter Locust Village.
• Chen Cheng gives all his money to Zhou Long for his medical expenses.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows kindness and concern for Zhou Long's well-being, prioritizing his friend's needs over his own.
• Zhou Long: Realizes the true value of friendship, appreciating Chen Cheng's help despite his own dire situation.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Loyalty: Chen Cheng's actions demonstrate his loyalty to his friend, even in difficult times.
• Material Struggles: The characters face financial hardships, highlighting the importance of money for survival and well-being.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Zhou Long: Their conversation reveals their deep bond, with Zhou Long expressing gratitude and Chen Cheng showing concern and support.
• Chen Cheng and Gou Fu: Their reunion highlights Gou Fu's surprise at Chen Cheng's transformation and their shared history at the trading firm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng, now a disciple of the Dragon Mountain Middle Academy, visits the Yongsheng Firm to apply for a guest martial artist position.
• He encounters Zhang Ping, the steward, who initially treats him poorly but changes his attitude upon learning of Chen Cheng's new status.
• Chen Cheng learns that the firm is hiring to fill the vacancy left by Elder Wen, who went out with the caravan.
• Chen Cheng meets with The Proprietor, Shen Mi, who is surprised by his rapid progress and offers him a retainer position with simpler duties and a lower salary than Elder Wen's.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows maturity and calmness in the face of Zhang Ping's initial disrespect and later when negotiating with The Proprietor. He demonstrates his understanding of his own capabilities and the current situation, accepting a less demanding position.
• Zhang Ping: Initially rude and dismissive, he quickly changes his attitude upon learning of Chen Cheng's new status, showing his willingness to curry favor with powerful individuals.
• Shen Mi (The Proprietor): Recognizes Chen Cheng's talent and offers him a position, showing her business acumen and willingness to invest in promising individuals.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The characters' attitudes and behaviors are influenced by their perception of each other's power and status.
• Ambition vs. Pragmatism: Chen Cheng demonstrates pragmatism by accepting a less demanding position that suits his current capabilities and avoids unnecessary risks.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Zhang Ping: Zhang Ping's initial disrespect and subsequent fawning behavior highlight the power imbalance between them, with Chen Cheng remaining composed throughout.
• Chen Cheng and Shen Mi: Their interaction shows mutual respect and understanding, with Shen Mi appreciating Chen Cheng's talent and offering him a suitable position, while Chen Cheng accepts the offer without haggling.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng meets with Shen Mi, who hints at Zhao Hai and Zhao Chuan as potential threats.
• Chen Cheng collects his first monthly salary of five taels of silver.
• Chen Cheng takes up his new post at the warehouse, starting his duties as a consultant from Dragon Mountain Hall.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows calm and collected demeanor, demonstrating his growing maturity and self-control. He also displays a keen understanding of the power dynamics within the merchant group.
• Shen Mi: Reveals her shrewdness and political acumen, showing that she is aware of the potential threats within her organization.
• Zhang Gu: Exhibits his arrogant and foul-tempered nature, treating Chen Cheng with disrespect despite his new status.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and politics within the merchant group.
• The importance of martial arts skills and status in society.
• The struggle of the lower classes and the disparity between the rich and the poor.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Shen Mi: Their interaction shows Shen Mi's trust in Chen Cheng's abilities and her willingness to support his growth.
• Chen Cheng and Zhang Gu: Their encounter highlights the arrogance and disrespect shown by some toward those they perceive as inferior, despite their new status.
• Chen Cheng and Qian Baolu (off-screen): Qian Baolu's shouting indicates that he is still causing trouble, likely due to his jealousy of Chen Cheng's progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yi, a Black Badge disciple, confronts Qian Baolu but leaves without a fight.
• Qian Baolu vents to Chen Cheng about Xiao Yi's ingratitude after he helped him secure a lucrative side-job.
• Chen Cheng reveals he got a job at Yongsheng Trading Firm, causing Qian Baolu to suspect he has connections.
• Chen Cheng asks Qian Baolu about the South Third Guard Patrol Guard Bureau, seeking information for a friend.
• Qian Baolu shares details about Chief Zhao Chuan, who is investigating his brother's murder, suggesting helping with the case could gain favor.

Character Developments

• Qian Baolu: Reveals his jealousy and bitterness towards Xiao Yi's success, despite helping him. Shows his knowledge of Annan Ward's underworld and willingness to share information for potential gain.
• Chen Cheng: Remains calm and collected throughout Qian Baolu's rant, showing diplomacy and discretion. Demonstrates his resourcefulness and connections by securing a job at Yongsheng Trading Firm.
• Xiao Yi: Briefly appears as a successful but ungrateful disciple, though his background and motivations remain unclear.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and ingratitude: Qian Baolu feels betrayed by Xiao Yi's lack of appreciation for his help, highlighting the importance of reciprocity in their society.
• Connections and networking: Chen Cheng's ability to secure a job at Yongsheng Trading Firm emphasizes the value of connections and personal relationships in achieving success.
• Danger and opportunity: The side-job at the South Third Guard Patrol Guard Bureau presents both risks and potential rewards, reflecting the dual nature of opportunities in their world.

Character Interactions

• Qian Baolu and Chen Cheng: Qian Baolu vents to Chen Cheng about Xiao Yi, seeking validation. Chen Cheng remains neutral and seeks information about a side-job for a friend, subtly manipulating Qian Baolu into providing useful details.
• Chen Cheng and Madam Li: Chen Cheng warns his mother about the Red Moon Nunnery, and she agrees to avoid taking on more work from them. Their interaction shows their mutual trust and understanding.
• Qian Baolu and Xiao Yi: Though they don't interact directly in this chapter, Qian Baolu's resentment towards Xiao Yi highlights their strained relationship, likely stemming from Xiao Yi's rapid progress and ingratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng observes the daily routines of Zhao Chuan and the two bailiffs, preparing for his revenge.
• He hides black cloths in Zhou Long's old shack for future use.
• Chen Cheng watches Lin Fengxiao, a White Badge disciple, practicing relentlessly despite his declining health and prospects.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates patience and strategic planning in his preparations for revenge.
• Lin Fengxiao shows dedication and perseverance in his martial arts training, despite his dire circumstances.
• Qian Baolu becomes more friendly with Chen Cheng, sharing information about the Outer Hall and its disciples.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of the martial world, where the weak are ignored and the strong flourish.
• The importance of a solid foundation in martial arts, as seen in Chen Cheng's progress.
• The struggle of the underdog, exemplified by Lin Fengxiao's plight.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Qian Baolu grow closer, with Qian Baolu providing valuable insights into the Outer Hall.
• Chen Cheng observes Lin Fengxiao's training but does not intervene, reflecting his focus on self-preservation and personal growth.
• The Outer Hall disciples show little interest in the White Badge disciples, highlighting the divide between the strong and the weak.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yi breaks through to the second wisp of blood energy, causing a stir among the disciples.
• Zhuang Zhuang, an Inner Hall Senior Sister, acknowledges Xiao Yi's progress and takes him to Master Ye for bone-reading.
• Xiao Yi glares at Qian Baolu and Chen Cheng before entering the Inner Hall, hinting at future trouble.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yi: Shows arrogance and malice after his breakthrough, hinting at his true nature and potential threat to others.
• Qian Baolu: Feels threatened by Xiao Yi's growth and expresses concern for Chen Cheng's safety.
• Chen Cheng: Shows no reaction to Qian Baolu's concerns, hinting at his growing confidence and determination.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The disciples' reactions to Xiao Yi's breakthrough highlight the importance of power and status within the sect.
• Ingratitude and Betrayal: Xiao Yi's change in attitude towards Qian Baolu and Chen Cheng foreshadows potential betrayal and ingratitude.
• Opportunity and Threat: The Inner Hall's benefits are presented as both an opportunity for growth and a threat to those left behind in the Outer Hall.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yi and Zhuang Zhuang: Zhuang Zhuang acknowledges Xiao Yi's progress, showing no favoritism despite his past behavior.
• Xiao Yi and Qian Baolu/Chen Cheng: Xiao Yi's glare at Qian Baolu and Chen Cheng hints at future conflict and tension.
• Qian Baolu and Chen Cheng: Qian Baolu expresses concern for Chen Cheng's safety, showing a level of camaraderie despite their initial differences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu San and Wu Dong stop at an eatery before heading to Bitter Locust Village.
• Chen Cheng follows them, planning to intercept their scheme.
• In Bitter Locust Village, Liu San and Wu Dong meet Scar Bear, who agrees to help frame Chen Cheng.
• They plan to plant stolen goods in Chen Cheng's house and have Scar Bear catch him red-handed.
• Liu San and Wu Dong feel uneasy as they walk through the village, sensing something following them.

Character Developments

• Liu San and Wu Dong display their cunning and ruthless nature in their plan to frame Chen Cheng.
• Scar Bear shows his cowardice and willingness to compromise his morals for self-preservation.
• Chen Cheng demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in following Liu San and Wu Dong.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and abuse of power by the South Third Guard patrol.
• The desperate and impoverished state of the residents in Bitter Locust Village.
• The eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the village at night, hinting at supernatural elements.

Character Interactions

• Liu San and Wu Dong work together to execute their plan, showing a level of trust and understanding.
• Scar Bear interacts with Liu San and Wu Dong, revealing his fear and willingness to comply with their demands.
• Chen Cheng's presence is felt through his surveillance of Liu San and Wu Dong, hinting at a potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious black-clad figure attacks and incapacitates Wu Dong and Liu San, two of Zhao Chuan's lackeys, in a single blow each.
• The figure retrieves a locked wooden box and kills Wu Dong and Liu San to ensure they won't survive.
• Scar Bear arrives and searches for the wooden box, but the black-clad figure reappears, incapacitating Scar Bear and his lackeys before disappearing.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng, the protagonist, is revealed to be the black-clad figure. He has been strategizing and using misdirection to outmaneuver his enemies.
• Zhao Chuan's lackeys are shown to be incompetent and easily overwhelmed by Chen Cheng's sudden and powerful attacks.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Chen Cheng's strength and cunning allow him to dominate weaker opponents, highlighting the power dynamics in the story's world.
• Misdirection and Deception: Chen Cheng uses the black cloth and his fighting style to create confusion and fear, emphasizing the importance of deception in achieving his goals.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng interacts with Zhao Chuan's lackeys only through violence, showcasing his indifference and ruthlessness towards them.
• The lackeys, in turn, are shown to be easily intimidated and unable to effectively counter Chen Cheng's attacks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng devises a new martial arts technique, distinct from Crouching Dragon Fist, to frame others and cover his tracks.
• Scar Bear is severely injured by a Cloth-Wrapped Puppet, leading Zhao Chuan to suspect the Red Moon Nunnery.
• Scar Bear is later killed by a group of women, possibly connected to the Red Moon Nunnery.
• Xiao Yi, now an Inner Hall disciple, flaunts his new status, leaving with wealthy Black Badge disciples to a tavern.
• Lin Fengxiao, having been expelled from the Inner Hall, returns to eat leftovers in the canteen, attracting pitying and disdainful glances.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows strategic thinking and cunning in creating a new technique to frame others.
• Scar Bear: Suffers severe injuries and eventually dies, highlighting the dangers of underestimating opponents.
• Xiao Yi: Displays arrogance and ingratitude after being recruited into the Inner Hall, turning his back on his former friends.
• Lin Fengxiao: Falls from grace, expelled from the Inner Hall, and reduced to eating leftovers, showing the harsh consequences of failure in the martial world.

Significant Themes

• Scheming and Deception: Chen Cheng's new technique and Scar Bear's death illustrate the importance of caution and the dangers of underestimating opponents.
• Social Hierarchy: Xiao Yi's change in behavior and Lin Fengxiao's fall from grace highlight the harsh social dynamics within the martial arts school.
• Consequences of Actions: Scar Bear's death and Lin Fengxiao's expulsion demonstrate the severe consequences of poor decisions and failure in the martial world.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Qian Baolu: Share a meal and discuss the changing dynamics of their classmates.
• Xiao Yi and his new companions: Display their newfound status and wealth, leaving without finishing their meal.
• Qian Baolu and Lin Fengxiao: Qian Baolu shows compassion by inviting Lin Fengxiao to join them for the remaining food.
• The women and Scar Bear: The women's brutal treatment of Scar Bear hints at a possible connection to the Red Moon Nunnery and their shared history of abuse.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng spends his windfall on Venison Medicinal Meal to accelerate his Blood Qi condensation.
• Qian Baolu is beaten and injured by Xiao Yi, with only Lin Fengxiao stepping in to help.
• Chen Hao pawns the Chen Family Old Residence to buy Blood Refining Powder, causing his family to be evicted.
• Chen Cheng learns about an impending crisis in Black Wolf Gang territory and decides to move his family.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng becomes more proactive and strategic, using his resources wisely to advance his martial arts training.
• Chen Hao becomes increasingly desperate and reckless in his pursuit of martial arts prowess, prioritizing his goals over his family's well-being.
• Madam Li shows concern for Chen Cheng's health and well-being, demonstrating her love and support for him.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and its consequences: Chen Hao's single-minded focus on becoming a martial artist leads him to disregard his family's needs and well-being.
• The struggle for survival: Both Chen Cheng and his family face challenges and must make difficult decisions to ensure their survival and success.
• The cost of ambition: Chen Hao's actions have severe repercussions for his family, highlighting the potential dangers of unchecked ambition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Fatty Fang catch up, with Fatty Fang sharing news about the Lower Academy and Chen Cheng silently noting the debt he owes him.
• Chen Hao's family confronts him about pawning the old residence, leading to a heated argument and Chen Hao's defiant departure.
• Chen Cheng shares his plans to move with Madam Li, demonstrating his protective instincts towards her and his desire to keep her safe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng and his mother move into a new, better home near the Lower Academy of Dragon Mountain Hall.
• Chen Cheng completes his training with the Crouching Dragon Fist, condensing a second column of blood and qi, marking a significant breakthrough.
• Shen Mi, the Proprietor of the firm, visits the warehouse with Zhang Ping and Mother Ding to audit the inventory and accounts. She notices a change in Chen Cheng and learns about his martial arts breakthrough.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates improved martial arts skills and gains confidence in his abilities.
• Shen Mi shows appreciation and understanding towards Chen Cheng's progress, indicating her interest in keeping him in her firm for the long term.

Significant Themes

• Progress and Growth: Chen Cheng's martial arts journey illustrates his dedication and hard work, leading to his breakthrough.
• Recognition and Appreciation: Shen Mi's acknowledgment of Chen Cheng's achievements highlights the importance of recognition in motivating and retaining talent.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Shen Mi's interaction shows mutual respect and understanding, with Shen Mi expressing her desire to keep Chen Cheng in her firm despite his potential to join the Inner Hall.
• Zhang Ping and Mother Ding offer their congratulations to Chen Cheng, indicating their approval of his progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng reassures Shen Mi of his loyalty and commitment to Yongsheng Trading Firm.
• Shen Mi rewards Chen Cheng with Blood-Boosting Herb and promises future support.
• Zhang Gu, the accountant, uses his importance to blackmail Shen Mi for a raise.
• Chen Cheng learns about an upcoming raid on the Red Moon Nunnery and plans to use this opportunity to deal with Zhao Chuan.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Demonstrates his loyalty and strategic thinking, accepting Shen Mi's gifts and promises to secure his position and resources.
• Shen Mi: Shows appreciation for Chen Cheng's loyalty and offers him better treatment, revealing her personal promise to help him in the future.
• Zhang Gu: Exploits his position to blackmail Shen Mi, highlighting his manipulative nature.
• Lin Fengxiao: Continues to train despite his injuries, displaying his determination and resilience.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Trust: Chen Cheng's loyalty to Shen Mi and Yongsheng Trading Firm is tested and rewarded, while Zhang Gu's manipulation highlights the lack of trust between him and Shen Mi.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Shen Mi, Zhang Gu, and Chen Cheng illustrate the power dynamics within the firm and the clan, with each character trying to secure their position and influence.
• Ambition and Opportunity: Chen Cheng's strategic planning and willingness to wait for the right opportunity showcase his ambition and patience, while Lin Fengxiao's relentless training demonstrates his determination to improve.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Shen Mi: Their interaction shows mutual respect and appreciation, with Shen Mi rewarding Chen Cheng's loyalty and Chen Cheng accepting her gifts and promises to secure his position.
• Shen Mi and Zhang Gu: Their interaction highlights the power struggle within the firm, with Zhang Gu manipulating Shen Mi and Shen Mi feeling helpless against his demands.
• Chen Cheng and Zhao Chuan (implied): Chen Cheng's planning to deal with Zhao Chuan during the upcoming raid indicates their hostile relationship and Chen Cheng's desire to eliminate a threat to his position.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng, a hardworking Outer Hall disciple, leaves due to failure in condensing the third strand of Blood Qi, which is required to enter the Inner Hall and participate in the Martial Selection.
• Chen Cheng, practicing nearby, hears whispers about Zhou Heng's departure and the harsh path of martial arts.
• Chen Cheng approaches Zhuang Zhuang, an Inner Hall disciple, to report that he has condensed the second strand of Blood Qi.
• Zhuang Zhuang tests Chen Cheng and confirms his achievement, granting him new privileges as a Silver-Letter Waist Badge holder.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows progress in his martial arts journey by condensing the second strand of Blood Qi, demonstrating his determination and potential.
• Zhou Heng: Leaves the Outer Hall due to his inability to condense the third strand of Blood Qi, highlighting the harsh reality of martial arts practice.
• Zhuang Zhuang: Shows surprise and slight complexity in her reaction to Chen Cheng's progress, indicating her awareness of his unique background and potential.

Significant Themes

• Harsh Reality of Martial Arts: The path of martial arts is brutal and unforgiving, with only a minority able to progress without setbacks.
• Privileges and Hierarchy: The differences in treatment and opportunities between Outer and Inner Hall disciples emphasize the hierarchical nature of the martial arts world.
• Potential and Background: Chen Cheng's progress challenges the notion that one's background and bone-structure determine their potential in martial arts.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Zhuang Zhuang: Their interaction shows a respectful and professional dynamic, with Zhuang Zhuang testing and confirming Chen Cheng's achievement, granting him new privileges.
• Luo Boqing and his companions: They discuss and observe Chen Cheng with scrutiny and malice, hinting at potential future interactions or conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng buys Blood-Boosting Powder from Shen Family Pharmacy and decides to buy exclusively from them.
• He estimates he can condense his third wisp of Blood Qi within a month, aiming to enter the Inner Hall.
• The Inner Hall announces a combat mission against Red Moon Nunnery, with each senior brother/sister leading a team.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng shows determination in his training and plans for the future.
• Xiao Yi, an Inner Hall disciple, displays arrogance and superiority towards Outer Hall disciples, including Lin Fengxiao.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between Outer and Inner Hall disciples, reflecting the characters' status and potential.
• The importance of resources and connections, as seen in Xiao Yi's choice to join Ye Qiluo's faction.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng remains focused on his training, indifferent to the mission announcement and Xiao Yi's provocation.
• Xiao Yi and Luo Boqing discuss targeting Chen Cheng during the mission, but Xiao Yi dismisses the idea.
• Ye Qiluo shows mild interest in Chen Cheng's actions.

Chapter Summary: Ti Cavalry

Key Plot Points

• Late at night, Lin Fengxiao approaches Chen Cheng to ask for guidance on his martial arts forms, admitting that Qian Baolu noted Chen Cheng's forms were perfect enough to evoke Master Ye's shadow.
• Chen Cheng deliberately continues training for a full hour while Lin Fengxiao holds a bowed posture, testing his sincerity — a demonstration of the principle that skills are not lightly passed on.
• Chen Cheng then teaches him two forms — Dragon Scale Vest and Crouching Dragon Seal — with detailed corrections on posture and breathing. Lin Fengxiao experiences a breakthrough in understanding.
• Chen Cheng warns Lin Fengxiao never to mention him if he gets into future trouble.
• At dawn, the South Outer City Patrol Headquarters' Ti Cavalry — over 100 riders — assemble for a large mission. They are imposing, well-equipped, and hold genuine Martial Guard titles and authority.
• The various Martial Hall disciple groups (Dragon Mountain, Clear Crane, White Ape) follow behind, noticeably inferior in status and presence, treated like hyenas beside a giant beast.
• Chen Cheng watches from a side alley, sensing the vast chasm between Martial Guards and common Martial Hall disciples. He silently resolves to contend for a Martial Guard title.
• He spots Chen Hao among the White Ape Hall disciples — Chen Hao has become a Martial Artist with One-Incense Blood Qi.
• Chen Cheng decides that once Chen Hao returns, he will settle the score over the ten taels of reward silver Chen Hao withheld after his father's death.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows wisdom in valuing his knowledge and testing sincerity before teaching; demonstrates caution (insisting on anonymity); reveals strong ambition by targeting a Martial Guard title; maintains filial piety by delaying confrontation with Chen Hao until his mother is emotionally stable. His Second-Incense Blood Qi has already formed, but he recognizes it is insufficient.
• Lin Fengxiao: Prostrates himself before a junior out of desperation for improvement, displaying extreme humility and sincerity; experiences a genuine martial arts breakthrough; accepts that he must repay Chen Cheng by keeping his distance rather than dragging him into his troubles.

Significant Themes

• Status and Hierarchy: The unbridgeable gap between official Martial Guards and common disciples — an invisible wall built of rank, power, and position that strength alone cannot overcome.
• The Value of Knowledge: Skills are not cheaply given; sincerity and patience are required to earn them, and teaching carries consequences that must be managed.
• Ambition: Chen Cheng's resolve that he must keep growing, climbing, and seizing opportunity to truly live like a human being.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng ↔ Lin Fengxiao: A tacit student-teacher relationship built on Lin Fengxiao's stubborn sincerity and Chen Cheng's measured generosity, ending with a clear boundary drawn between them.
• Chen Cheng ↔ Chen Hao (observed): Chen Cheng spots his father's former colleague who took the reward silver meant for his family; Chen Hao now has earning power as a Martial Artist, making him a viable target for debt collection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Hao, a member of the Chen family, has successfully condensed One-Incense Blood Qi, becoming a Martial Artist.
• Chen Hao is offered a position in the Patrol Office, bringing prestige to the family.
• The family learns that Chen Hao's new status can exempt them from the Peace Tax, which they eagerly await.

Character Developments

• Old Chen: His health deteriorates rapidly, reflecting the family's decline.
• Chen An and Madam Bai: They remain humble and grateful for Chen Cheng's help, unlike the rest of the family.
• Madam Wang: She becomes arrogant and dismissive of others, flaunting her son's new status.
• Chen Yan: She is overly eager to benefit from Chen Hao's success, flattering Madam Wang.

Significant Themes

• Social Status and Prestige: Chen Hao's new status brings respect and exemption from taxes, highlighting the importance of social standing in their society.
• Family Dynamics: The family's reactions to Chen Hao's success reveal their priorities and loyalties, with some members (like Madam Wang) prioritizing their own gain, while others (like Chen An and Madam Bai) remain loyal to those who have helped them.

Character Interactions

• Madam Wang vs. Chen An and Madam Bai: Madam Wang dismisses Chen An's attempt to congratulate her and is irritated by Madam Bai's refusal to switch their Peace Tax exemption to Chen Hao.
• Chen Yan vs. Madam Wang: Chen Yan flatters Madam Wang, hoping to gain favor and exemption from the Peace Tax for her family.
• Chen An and Madam Bai vs. Chen Yan: Chen An and Madam Bai remain loyal to Chen Cheng, unlike Chen Yan, who prioritizes Chen Hao's favor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen An refuses to transfer his household registration to A-Hao, maintaining it under Chen Cheng's name.
• Chen Cheng decides to help with the bookkeeping at Yongsheng Firm due to Zhang Gu's demands and Shen Mi's difficulties.

Character Developments

• Chen An shows resolve in his decision, pleasing Madam Bai.
• Shen Mi struggles with her personal and professional issues, feeling overwhelmed and isolated.
• Chen Cheng demonstrates his rapid learning and adaptability, mastering bookkeeping and arithmetic.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Perseverance: Shen Mi's struggle highlights her resilience in the face of adversity.
• Loyalty and Integrity: Chen An's decision to stand by Chen Cheng shows his loyalty and integrity.
• Potential and Growth: Chen Cheng's rapid learning and skill acquisition emphasize his vast potential.

Character Interactions

• Chen An and Madam Bai: Their interaction shows a moment of unity and mutual respect.
• Shen Mi and Mother Ding: Their conversation reveals Shen Mi's distress and Mother Ding's concern and support.
• Shen Mi and Chen Cheng: Their interaction demonstrates Shen Mi's initial disbelief and eventual trust in Chen Cheng's abilities.