Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo undergoes a significant transformation overnight, completing the Blood Exchange and achieving a 'Stainless Body.'
• He discovers that his Aperture Opening method is still gray, suggesting a hidden key to advancing from Body Tempering.
• Chen Zhuo finds Yan Ming drinking bitter medicine, and they discuss Chen Zhuo's unexpected progress.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Completes the Blood Exchange, achieves a 'Stainless Body,' and gains new physical abilities. He also discovers that his Aperture Opening method is still locked.
• Yan Ming: Shows concern for Chen Zhuo's well-being but hides his own health issues. He suspects Chen Zhuo's progress might be due to a martial path regression.

Significant Themes

• Martial Arts Advancement: Chen Zhuo's rapid progress raises questions about his martial path and the Aperture Opening method's lock.
• Mentorship: Yan Ming's concern for Chen Zhuo highlights their growing bond as senior and junior brothers.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Yan Ming: They discuss Chen Zhuo's transformation and Yan Ming's medicine. Yan Ming sends Chen Zhuo to work in the kitchen while he stays behind, hinting at his deteriorating health.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo cooks a meal for the yamen runners, who are unusually absent due to a sudden influx of people reporting missing daughters.
• Fatty Sun returns with a woman he claims to have rescued, revealing he's behind the commotion.
• Chen Zhuo discovers the 'Demon-Seeking Art' technique in the Inheritance Manual, which allows him to sense demon blood.
• He realizes he can preserve demon blood using Spirit Turtle shell powder, increasing his confidence for the Autumn Hunt.
• The final page of the manual mentions the 'Northern Suppressing Faction' and their Demon Prison, aligning with the Autumn Hunt's objective.
• An old man appears before Chen Zhuo, who seems to recognize his handwriting from the manual.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Becomes more proficient in the kitchen, discovers a new technique, and gains confidence for the Autumn Hunt. He also shows concern for the yamen runners' well-being.
• Fatty Sun: Returns with a woman, revealing he's orchestrated the recent events. He shows a more caring side, helping the woman.
• Yan Ming (mentioned): Absent, but Chen Zhuo reflects on his advice not to rush through the manual.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty and cost of cultivating certain techniques.
• The importance of preparation and knowledge for facing challenges (like the Autumn Hunt).
• The interconnectedness of events and information, leading Chen Zhuo closer to understanding his master's past.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo interacts with the yamen runners, showing concern for their well-being and serving them food.
• He meets Fatty Sun, who reveals his involvement in the recent events and his act of kindness towards the woman.
• Chen Zhuo reflects on Yan Ming's advice and his absence, showing respect for his senior brother's wisdom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo is confronted by Registrar Wang, Huang Yuan'er, and Huang Tiansheng (Huang Yuan'er's father) about his visit to the Ghost Market and the hidden residence.
• Huang Tiansheng tries to plant a demonic seed on Chen Zhuo, but Chen Zhuo's Immaculate Body prevents it.
• Chen Zhuo reveals that he went to the Ghost Market to buy demon blood from the Old Blind Man.
• Chen Zhuo slaps Huang Yuan'er twice in public, revealing that this was the "big task" he intended to accomplish.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo remains calm and composed, showing no fear despite facing his enemies together. He demonstrates his ability to keep secrets and his disdain for Huang Yuan'er.
• Huang Yuan'er's demonic aura becomes more apparent, and his behavior becomes more beastly.
• Huang Tiansheng shows his cunning and manipulative side, trying to extract information from Chen Zhuo using a demonic seed.
• Registrar Wang's greed for power and resources grows, as he becomes interested in Chen Zhuo's potential connections.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the government and criminal underworld.
• The use of demonic essence and blood for martial arts cultivation and manipulation.
• The consequences of defying authority and the risks involved in doing so.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Huang Yuan'er's enmity deepens, leading to a public display of humiliation for Huang Yuan'er.
• Chen Zhuo's calm and collected demeanor contrasts with Huang Yuan'er's impulsive and aggressive nature.
• Huang Tiansheng and Registrar Wang work together to interrogate Chen Zhuo, revealing their shared interests and goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo reveals he has a major task to attend to, halting Huang Yuan'er's deadly punch.
• Huang Tiansheng intervenes, revealing he's controlling Chen Zhuo with Corpse Puppet Gu.
• Chen Zhuo enters the Dianshi Office, seeking refuge with Chief Clerk Sun.
• Chen Zhuo offers to make a deal with Chief Clerk Sun, revealing he killed Zhou Sheng and exposed the Ghost Market residence.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Shows cunning and strategic thinking, using the situation to his advantage and revealing secrets to gain Chief Clerk Sun's attention.
• Huang Yuan'er: Demonstrates impulsiveness and a short temper, but shows restraint upon his uncle's orders.
• Huang Tiansheng: Displays confidence in his Gu control over Chen Zhuo and lectures Huang Yuan'er on patience.
• Chief Clerk Sun: Initially indifferent, becomes intrigued and shocked by Chen Zhuo's revelations.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation (Huang Tiansheng controlling Chen Zhuo, Chen Zhuo attempting to manipulate Chief Clerk Sun).
• Information as a weapon (Chen Zhuo using his knowledge of Zhou Sheng's death and the Ghost Market residence to bargain).
• The struggle for resources (the competition between Chief Clerk Sun and the Long River Gang for Demon Blood).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo & Huang Yuan'er: Enemies, with Huang Yuan'er wanting to kill Chen Zhuo, but held back by his uncle.
• Huang Tiansheng & Huang Yuan'er: Uncle and nephew, with Huang Tiansheng lecturing Huang Yuan'er on patience and restraint.
• Chen Zhuo & Chief Clerk Sun: Initially distant, their relationship shifts as Chen Zhuo reveals valuable information, potentially leading to an alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo reveals his knowledge of a Tier 3 demonic beast on Dangyun Mountain to Chief Clerk Sun.
• He demonstrates his skill by carving a gu-insect, impressing Chief Clerk Sun.
• Chen Zhuo declines Chief Clerk Sun's offer to join the Sun Family, instead asking about Aperture Opening.
• After spending the afternoon with Chief Clerk Sun, Chen Zhuo exits the Dianshi Office, appearing normal but with a mocking smile aimed at Huang Tiansheng.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Shows off his knowledge and skills to gain Chief Clerk Sun's trust. He declines the offer to join the Sun Family, prioritizing his goal of entering the Northern Suppressing Faction. He successfully removes the gu-insects from his body.
• Chief Clerk Sun: Initially skeptical, he becomes impressed by Chen Zhuo's skills and offers him a position in the Sun Family. He shares his knowledge about Aperture Opening with Chen Zhuo.
• Huang Tiansheng: Grows increasingly impatient and doubtful about his gu-insects' connection with Chen Zhuo. He loses his temper when Chen Zhuo mocks him.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Chen Zhuo uses his skills to gain Chief Clerk Sun's trust, while Huang Tiansheng's plan to control Chen Zhuo through gu-insects fails.
• Power dynamics: The struggle between the Sun Family and the Long River Gang is evident in their attempts to recruit Chen Zhuo.
• Skill and knowledge: Chen Zhuo's unique skills and knowledge about demonic beasts and Aperture Opening set him apart and give him an advantage.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Chief Clerk Sun: They interact as equals, with Chen Zhuo demonstrating his skills and Chief Clerk Sun offering him a position in the Sun Family.
• Chen Zhuo and Huang Tiansheng: Chen Zhuo mocks Huang Tiansheng, revealing that he has removed the gu-insects and is no longer under Huang Tiansheng's control. Huang Tiansheng becomes enraged.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Tiansheng challenges Chen Zhuo, leading to a confrontation with Chief Clerk Sun, who easily defeats Huang Tiansheng.
• Chen Zhuo crushes Huang Tiansheng's gu-insects, provoking him further.
• Yan Ming suddenly leaves on a long journey, entrusting Chen Zhuo with the kitchen duties.
• Chen Zhuo consumes large amounts of demon blood to advance his Iron Cloth Shirt to the consummation stage and begins practicing the Dragon-Roar Iron Cloth Shirt.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Shows bravery and determination in facing Huang Tiansheng. He also demonstrates responsibility and dedication by taking over Yan Ming's duties and pushing his cultivation to new heights.
• Huang Tiansheng: Reveals his true strength and is humiliated by Chief Clerk Sun, leading to a growing resentment towards Chen Zhuo.
• Yan Ming: Disappears suddenly on an urgent matter, showing trust in Chen Zhuo by leaving him in charge of the kitchen.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Chen Zhuo's relentless pursuit of power and his willingness to endure pain to advance his cultivation.
• Humiliation and revenge: Huang Tiansheng's humiliation at the hands of Chief Clerk Sun and Chen Zhuo fuels his desire for revenge.
• Trust and responsibility: Yan Ming's trust in Chen Zhuo and his entrusting him with the kitchen duties.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Huang Tiansheng: Their conflict escalates, with Chen Zhuo standing his ground and provoking Huang Tiansheng further.
• Chen Zhuo and Yan Ming: Though Yan Ming is not present, his letter to Chen Zhuo shows his trust and concern for his apprentice.
• Chen Zhuo and Chief Clerk Sun: Sun's intervention in the conflict between Chen Zhuo and Huang Tiansheng highlights the power dynamics within the Dianshi Office.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo successfully reaches Aperture Opening, breaking the first shackle and opening his Sea of Qi and Snow Mountain.
• He completes the Minor Heavenly Cycle Qi Circulation Method, communicating with the primordial qi of heaven and earth.
• Chen Zhuo practices the Zhengyang Blade Technique, reaching the initiation level without using True Essence.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo's martial arts prowess significantly improves, making him one of the top-tier martial arts experts in Baiyun County.
• He becomes more confident and determined in his pursuit of martial arts.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and challenges of breaking through martial arts realms.
• The importance of perseverance and patience in martial arts cultivation.
• The power of one's physical body and the potential for continuous improvement.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo interacts with Fatty Sun, who arrives with an urgent matter.
• Chen Zhuo pays respect to his master and senior brother, showing his filial piety and respect for his martial lineage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo and Fatty Sun leave the yamen secretly to investigate a gambling den.
• They learn that the Long River Gang is auctioning a spot in the Northern Suppressing Faction using a Spirit Jade stained with demon blood as the token.
• Chen Zhuo decides not to buy the quota but to take it by force.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo shows his strategic mind and daring, deciding to seize the quota instead of buying it.
• Fatty Sun proves to be resourceful and efficient in handling matters.

Significant Themes

• Corruption within the yamen and the government.
• The importance of connections and influence in society.
• The value of a spot in the Northern Suppressing Faction.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Fatty Sun work together to plan how to obtain the quota.
• Chen Zhuo shows appreciation for Fatty Sun's help, and they share a drink.
• Fatty Sun is impressed by Chen Zhuo's sharp mind and agrees to his plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo continues to practice the Minor Heavenly Cycle Qi Circulation Method, finding it convenient but slower than before.
• He decides to join the Northern Suppressing Faction to obtain second-tier demon beast blood for faster advancement.
• Chen Zhuo senses a demonic aura approaching their location, which turns out to be Uncle Qian, a servant of the Sun Family, who has replaced his blood with Demon Blood.
• Uncle Qian reveals that the gambling den has an auction, and Sun Fei's plan is to have someone scout the information first.
• A signal arrow is shot, indicating that the auction has started or something significant has happened.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: He continues to advance in his cultivation and decides to join the Northern Suppressing Faction. He also demonstrates his ability to sense demonic auras and remains calm and composed when faced with Uncle Qian's disregard.
• Sun Fei: He shows his strategic thinking by planning to have someone scout the information first. He also shows concern for Chen Zhuo's feelings regarding Uncle Qian's behavior.
• Uncle Qian: He reveals that he has replaced his blood with Demon Blood, indicating that he is not entirely human. He shows concern for Sun Fei's safety and plans but also has a stern and demanding demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and advancement: Chen Zhuo's cultivation progress is slower, and he decides to join the Northern Suppressing Faction to obtain resources for faster advancement.
• Trust and deception: Uncle Qian's true nature is revealed, showing that not everyone can be trusted, and deception is prevalent.
• Power dynamics: Uncle Qian's behavior towards Chen Zhuo and Sun Fei's acceptance of it highlight the power dynamics at play.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Sun Fei: They discuss the Northern Suppressing Faction and work together to plan their next move regarding the gambling den auction.
• Sun Fei and Uncle Qian: They discuss the plan for the gambling den, with Uncle Qian showing concern for Sun Fei's safety but also being stern and demanding.
• Chen Zhuo and Uncle Qian: There is minimal interaction between them, with Uncle Qian showing disregard towards Chen Zhuo, and Chen Zhuo remaining calm and composed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Fei and Chen Zhuo use movement techniques to traverse rooftops, reaching their destination swiftly.
• They find the area unusually empty, hinting at a trap set by the Long River Gang.
• Chen Zhuo senses over a hundred demonic humans hidden in nearby houses.
• Sun Fei's trusted coachman, Yangzi, is found dead, triggering Sun Fei's rage and grief.
• The Long River Gang, led by Uncle Qian, betrays the Sun Family and surrounds Sun Fei.
• Ruan Jing and Huang Yuan'er escape from a collapsed house; Huang Yuan'er has his right arm severed.
• Chen Zhuo appears, threatening to slaughter the Long River Gang if they move.

Character Developments

• Sun Fei: Realizes the betrayal of his trusted Uncle Qian and Yangzi, leading to intense grief and rage. He decides to fight back and purge the traitors.
• Chen Zhuo: Demonstrates his strength and agility by silently taking down Huang Yuan'er and causing a house to collapse. He reveals himself, threatening the Long River Gang.
• Huang Yuan'er: Suffers severe injuries, including the loss of his right arm, at the hands of Chen Zhuo.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal: The Long River Gang's betrayal of the Sun Family is a central theme, leading to Sun Fei's emotional turmoil and decision to fight back.
• Strength and Power: Chen Zhuo's display of strength serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play, while Sun Fei's Blood Exchange stage indicates his increased power.
• Trust and Loyalty: The betrayal highlights the importance of trust and loyalty, with Uncle Qian's actions contrasting starkly with Chen Zhuo's silent support.

Character Interactions

• Sun Fei and Chen Zhuo: They work together to reach their destination, with Sun Fei showing concern for Chen Zhuo's safety. Chen Zhuo's actions later reveal his support for Sun Fei.
• Sun Fei and Uncle Qian: Their interaction is marked by betrayal, grief, and anger, as Sun Fei confronts Uncle Qian about his actions.
• Chen Zhuo and Huang Yuan'er: Their interaction results in Huang Yuan'er suffering severe injuries, demonstrating Chen Zhuo's strength and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo infiltrates the Long River Gang's gathering, aiming to kill Huang Yuan'er.
• He encounters a Dog Demon, which he subdues but doesn't kill to preserve its True Blood.
• Huang Yuan'er, despite his injuries, rallies his gang members to attack Chen Zhuo.
• Uncle Qian, a traitor, attempts to assassinate Chen Zhuo but fails.
• Chen Zhuo fights off the gang members and Huang Yuan'er, ultimately killing them.
• He discovers that the Long River Gang has been colluding with demon beasts and suspects they might not be the only ones involved in this.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo demonstrates his superior martial arts skills, defeating multiple opponents and showcasing his control over his body and strength.
• Huang Yuan'er reveals his overconfidence and underestimates Chen Zhuo, leading to his downfall.
• Uncle Qian is exposed as a traitor and meets his end at Chen Zhuo's hands.

Significant Themes

• The power of martial arts and the dangers of underestimating one's opponent.
• The consequences of forced growth and the use of demonic essence for cultivation.
• The potential threat of collusion between human gangs and demon beasts.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Huang Yuan'er: Their conflict comes to a head, with Chen Zhuo emerging victorious.
• Chen Zhuo and Uncle Qian: Uncle Qian's betrayal is discovered, and he is defeated by Chen Zhuo.
• Chen Zhuo and the Long River Gang members: Chen Zhuo fights off multiple gang members, showcasing his superior skills.
• Chen Zhuo and the Dog Demon: Chen Zhuo subdues the Dog Demon but doesn't kill it to preserve its True Blood.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo defeats Huang Yuan'er and Uncle Qian, leaving the Long River Gang members terrified.
• Chen Zhuo fights against the remaining gang members, killing most and scattering the rest.
• Chen Zhuo and Sun Fei decide to go to Sun Fei's place, leaving the scene before Huang Tianhe arrives.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Demonstrates exceptional combat skills and stamina, earning the fear and respect of the Long River Gang members. He shows no mercy in eliminating those who have replaced their blood with Demon Blood.
• Sun Fei: Realizes the extent of Chen Zhuo's growth and decides to align himself more closely with Chen Zhuo for future benefits.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of replacing human blood with Demon Blood, leading to inhuman brutality and loss of humanity.
• The power dynamics within the Long River Gang and the impact of their defeat on Huang Tianhe's plans.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Sun Fei: Chen Zhuo shows concern for Sun Fei's well-being, and Sun Fei decides to support Chen Zhuo more closely due to his growing power.
• Huang Tiansheng and the bailiffs: Huang Tiansheng arrives to find the scene of the battle and is confronted by the bailiffs, who demand an explanation for the incident.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo and Sun Fei return to the Sun Mansion in a carriage, with Chen Zhuo having knocked out a Dog Demon and killed the coachman, Yangzi, who was a spy.
• Chen Zhuo discovers that three out of five bottles looted from Huang Yuan'er contain True Blood, a valuable resource for cultivation.
• Sun Fei's brother, Chief Clerk Sun, arrives and learns that Chen Zhuo killed Huang Yuan'er single-handedly, praising Chen Zhuo's martial arts cultivation.
• Chief Clerk Sun agrees to help Chen Zhuo dissect the Dog Demon he brought back.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Shows his growing martial prowess by defeating Huang Yuan'er and capturing a Dog Demon. He also demonstrates his strategic thinking by deciding to wait for the Autumn Hunt before acting against the Long River Gang.
• Sun Fei: Shows loyalty to Chen Zhuo, defending him against his brother's initial disbelief. He also shows his understanding of the political landscape, agreeing with Chen Zhuo's strategy.
• Chief Clerk Sun: Shows a softer side, inviting Chen Zhuo to call him 'Big Brother' or 'Brother Feng'. He also reveals his eagerness to learn demon dissection, hinting at his ambition and curiosity.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The strong prey on the weak, and only with hard fists can one stand tall.
• Loyalty: Sun Fei's loyalty to Chen Zhuo is evident in his defense of him.
• Ambition: Chief Clerk Sun's eagerness to learn demon dissection hints at his ambition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Sun Fei: They work together, with Sun Fei showing loyalty to Chen Zhuo, and Chen Zhuo trusting Sun Fei with his plans.
• Sun Fei and Chief Clerk Sun: They interact as brothers, with Chief Clerk Sun showing a softer side to Chen Zhuo but maintaining his stern demeanor with Sun Fei.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Yuan'er, son of Huang Tianhe, is found dead, missing an arm.
• Huang Tianhe prioritizes finding the arm before burial, while Huang Tiansheng focuses on revenge.
• Huang Tianhe discusses plans with Registrar Wang to eliminate Chen Zhuo, the White-Uniform Runner who killed Huang Yuan'er.
• Chen Zhuo, at the Sun Mansion, refuses to be swayed by Chief Clerk Sun's friendliness, insisting on a clear division of the Dog Demon's value.

Character Developments

• Huang Tianhe: Shows cold indifference to his son's death, focusing on finding the arm and eliminating Chen Zhuo.
• Huang Tiansheng: Displays grief for his nephew but is also driven by revenge.
• Chen Zhuo: Maintains composure and shrewdness, refusing to be swayed by Chief Clerk Sun's friendliness, understanding the value of the Dog Demon.
• Chief Clerk Sun: Attempts to befriend Chen Zhuo but is rebuffed, leading him to discuss the division of the Dog Demon's value openly.

Significant Themes

• Profit and material gain are the primary motivators for characters' actions.
• Grief and revenge intertwine in the Huang family's response to Huang Yuan'er's death.
• Chen Zhuo's shrewdness and self-awareness contrast with the other characters' single-minded pursuit of profit.

Character Interactions

• Huang Tianhe and Huang Tiansheng: The brothers have differing priorities regarding Huang Yuan'er's death, with Huang Tianhe focusing on finding the arm and Huang Tiansheng on revenge.
• Chen Zhuo and Chief Clerk Sun: Chen Zhuo rebuffs Chief Clerk Sun's attempts at friendship, leading to an open discussion about dividing the Dog Demon's value.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo demands 80% of the Dog Demon's True Blood from Chief Clerk Sun.
• Sun Mansion's bottom line is 30% for Chen Zhuo.
• They make a wager: Sun Mansion takes 10% of the Dog Demon's True Blood, and Chen Zhuo must help extract True Blood from a Tier 3 Demonic Beast. If he fails, he must return 80% of the Dog Demon's True Blood.
• Sun Qibing returns home with a beautiful woman, showing disdain for Chen Zhuo and hinting at interest in the Dog Demon.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Shows negotiation skills and confidence in his abilities, hinting at his true strength.
• Chief Clerk Sun: Proves to be a skilled negotiator and strategist, aiming to gain more from the wager.
• Sun Qibing: Reveals his lewd and disrespectful nature, showing disregard for his family and others, and hints at interest in the Dog Demon.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and negotiation: Chen Zhuo and Chief Clerk Sun engage in a power struggle, with each trying to gain more from the deal.
• Trust and deception: Both parties harbor suspicions and secrets, with neither fully trusting the other.
• Class and status: The beautiful woman's attitude towards Chen Zhuo changes upon learning he's from the Outer City, highlighting the social divide.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Chief Clerk Sun: Engage in a tense negotiation, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
• Sun Qibing and the beautiful woman: Display a lewd and disrespectful relationship, showing disregard for others.
• Sun Fei, Sun Qibing, and Chief Clerk Sun: Their interactions reveal underlying tension and lack of brotherly affection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Fei and his brother hint at their family's power and Chen Zhuo's brother's status as a Blade-Catcher.
• Chen Zhuo asserts his determination to capture the Dog Demon regardless of the Sun family's influence.
• Chen Zhuo meets Xiao Nan, a maid who recognizes him from his past in Baoyi Alley.
• Chen Zhuo dissects a barrel of fish, advancing his Dissection Technique.
• Chen Zhuo prepares to bathe in a soup made from True Blood and medicinal herbs to enhance his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Shows unwavering resolve in pursuing the Dog Demon, despite the Sun family's attempts to intimidate him. He also demonstrates his willingness to push his cultivation to new limits.
• Sun Fei: Reveals his family's power and his brother's status as a Blade-Catcher, attempting to impress Chen Zhuo.
• Xiao Nan: Shows loyalty and resourcefulness in helping Chen Zhuo obtain the medicinal herbs he needs.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence: The Sun family attempts to use their status and connections to intimidate Chen Zhuo, but he remains undeterred.
• Determination and resolve: Chen Zhuo's unyielding pursuit of the Dog Demon highlights his strong will and commitment to his goals.
• Cultivation and self-improvement: Chen Zhuo's decision to bathe in the True Blood soup demonstrates his dedication to advancing his martial skills.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Sun Fei: Their conversation reveals the Sun family's attempts to assert their influence and Chen Zhuo's refusal to be swayed.
• Chen Zhuo and Xiao Nan: Their interaction shows Xiao Nan's recognition of Chen Zhuo and her willingness to help him, forging a connection between them.

Key Plot Points

• Chen Zhuo's martial arts improve significantly after consuming True Blood.
• Xiao Nan, the woman guarding Chen Zhuo, is killed by Liansheng Sect disciples.
• Chen Zhuo confronts the Liansheng Sect members and kills two of them.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo's cultivation progresses rapidly, and he becomes more determined and ruthless.
• Xiao Nan's death affects Chen Zhuo, fueling his desire for revenge.
• Sun Qibing's disregard for the estate's rules and lives is revealed.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and retribution.
• The consequences of meddling in others' affairs (Sun Qibing inviting Liansheng Sect).
• The value of loyalty (Xiao Nan's dedication to her duty).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo interacts with the Liansheng Sect disciples, leading to a violent confrontation.
• Sun Qibing and Chief Clerk Sun argue over the Liansheng Sect's involvement in the estate.
• Sun Fei tries to reason with Sun Qibing but is dismissed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo, a skilled martial artist, faces off against three Liansheng Sect members and a woman, Ruan Linyan, who wields a massive broadsword.
• Chen Zhuo initially feigns weakness to provoke the Sun Family members, leading to Ruan Linyan's attempt to kill him.
• Chen Zhuo effortlessly defeats the Liansheng Sect members and Ruan Linyan, showcasing his superior strength and skill.
• Sun Qibing, enraged by Chen Zhuo's actions, attacks him, but Chen Zhuo spares his life on the condition that Chief Clerk Sun pleads for mercy.
• Sun Qibing, desperate and manic, taunts Chen Zhuo, leading to his eventual death at Chen Zhuo's hands.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Demonstrates exceptional martial skill, strategic thinking, and self-control, as he refrains from killing Sun Qibing until provoked.
• Sun Qibing: Reveals his cowardice and desperation, willing to sacrifice himself to force his brother's hand.
• Chief Clerk Sun: Shows concern for his brother's life, pleading for mercy, and later displays anger towards Sun Qibing's schemes.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Chen Zhuo's martial prowess allows him to dominate the situation, while the Sun Family members are shown to be weak and manipulative.
• Manipulation and provocation: Chen Zhuo uses these tactics to gain an advantage, while Sun Qibing attempts to manipulate his brother.
• Mercy and its limits: Chen Zhuo shows mercy when pleaded for, but not when provoked, demonstrating the conditional nature of mercy in this context.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo vs. Liansheng Sect members and Ruan Linyan: Chen Zhuo demonstrates his superior skill and strength, defeating his opponents with ease.
• Chen Zhuo vs. Sun Qibing: Chen Zhuo initially spares Sun Qibing's life but eventually kills him after provocation.
• Chief Clerk Sun vs. Sun Qibing: Chief Clerk Sun expresses anger and frustration towards his brother's schemes and willingness to sacrifice himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Qibing's arm is severed by Chen Zhuo as punishment for his actions.
• Chen Zhuo spares Sun Qibing's life upon Sun Fei's plea, but their friendship resets.
• Old Master Sun manifests as a phantom, offering Chen Zhuo thirty percent of a Tier 3 demon beast's True Blood in compensation and promising him the right to extract it.
• Chen Zhuo encounters Fifth Master, who informs him of his promotion.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Shows mercy to Sun Qibing but maintains his resolve to protect the Dog Demon. He becomes suspicious of Senior Brother Yan's true power.
• Sun Qibing: Loses an arm and is reprimanded by his father's phantom for his actions.
• Old Master Sun: Reveals his divine technique and offers Chen Zhuo a significant reward, hinting at a connection with Senior Brother Yan.
• Fifth Master: Informs Chen Zhuo of his promotion, showing deference to his new status.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and consequences: Chen Zhuo's actions have severe repercussions for Sun Qibing, while Old Master Sun's intervention demonstrates his authority.
• Friendship and betrayal: Chen Zhuo's decision to reset his friendship with Sun Fei highlights the importance of trust and loyalty in their relationship.
• Hidden power: Old Master Sun's divine technique and Senior Brother Yan's true strength hint at the existence of powerful forces operating behind the scenes.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Sun Qibing: Their confrontation results in Sun Qibing's severe injury and loss of an arm.
• Chen Zhuo and Sun Fei: Despite Sun Fei's plea, Chen Zhuo resets their friendship, showing his resolve and unwillingness to compromise on the Dog Demon's safety.
• Chen Zhuo and Old Master Sun: Their interaction, facilitated by the phantom, leads to a significant reward for Chen Zhuo and hints at a connection between Old Master Sun and Senior Brother Yan.
• Chen Zhuo and Fifth Master: Fifth Master's deference to Chen Zhuo reflects his new status and the power dynamics within their organization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhuo is promoted to a government runner and given a waist token with his name and a unique serial number.
• He realizes the promotion is a trap set by the Long River Gang and Registrar Wang's clique, aiming to make him a target.
• The Northern Suppressing Faction, which Chen Zhuo is to join, is a dangerous institution with high casualty rates but offers immense aid to martial arts through Demon Blood.
• Chen Zhuo's Horse-Chopping Saber is severely damaged, and he tries to have it repaired at the Weapon-Forging Shop, but the manager suddenly refuses, indicating the influence of Chen Zhuo's new status.
• Upon returning to the yamen, Chen Zhuo encounters Ruan Jing, a young master of the Firewood Gang, who is now acting arrogantly and ordering people around.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhuo: Realizes the political intrigue surrounding his promotion and understands the danger he's in. He remains calm and strategic, deciding to face the challenge head-on. He also shows concern for Fifth Master and his nephew's safety.
• Ruan Jing: Has become arrogant and authoritative, likely due to the influence of the Firewood Gang's power in the yamen.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The waist token Chen Zhuo receives represents power and influence, but it also brings danger and targets him for attacks.
• Chaos and Strife: The political climate is filled with chaos and strife, making it difficult for Chen Zhuo to find a safe place to settle.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Fifth Master's actions show loyalty to Chen Zhuo, while Ruan Jing's behavior suggests betrayal of his previous friendly demeanor towards Chen Zhuo.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhuo and Fifth Master: Fifth Master shows loyalty and willingness to help Chen Zhuo, while Chen Zhuo acknowledges his debt and warns Fifth Master to stay vigilant.
• Chen Zhuo and Ruan Jing: Their interaction highlights the change in Ruan Jing's attitude, showing his arrogance and disregard for Chen Zhuo.