Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng encounters the Fire Worship Sect preaching on the streets.
• Liao San and his constables confront the Fire Worship Sect, leading to a brief altercation.
• Chen Cheng meets Liao San and Li Ze, and they have a meal together.
• Chen Cheng learns about the recent gang clash between the Flying Eagle Gang and the Redwater Gang.
• Chen Cheng witnesses City Guard Office constables transporting corpses, including Ma Liu's, to Mass Grave Mound.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows his resourcefulness and connections by treating Liao San and Li Ze to a meal, demonstrating his understanding of the importance of networking.
• Liao San: Reveals his concern for Chen Cheng's well-being and shows off his influence among the City Guard Office constables.
• Li Ze: Displays his honesty and family responsibilities, hinting at a strong-willed wife at home.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival in a harsh, disaster-prone world, with commoners turning to the Fire Worship Sect for hope.
• The corruption and ineffectiveness of the City Guard Office, shown by their lack of action against the Fire Worship Sect and their indifference to gang violence.
• The importance of connections and networking in society, as seen through Chen Cheng's meal with Liao San and Li Ze.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Liao San: Their friendly banter and mutual respect show their strong bond as brothers in the City Guard Office.
• Liao San and Li Ze: Their camaraderie and shared experiences as constables are evident in their conversation and mutual support.
• The Fire Worship Sect and City Guard Office constables: The tense interaction between them highlights the conflict between religious beliefs and government authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng returns to Locust Tree Alley and encounters Zhou Biao, the leader of the Flying Eagle Gang, leaving Widow Tian's house.
• Zhou Biao and Widow Tian engage in a public display of affection, angering Chen Cheng.
• Widow Tian provokes Zhou Biao against Chen Cheng, leading to a tense confrontation.
• Chen Cheng uses his connection with Constable Liu Yunfeng to intimidate Zhou Biao, who retreats.
• Chen Cheng decides to join the City Guard Office to protect himself from gang retaliation.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng shows restraint and resourcefulness in dealing with Zhou Biao, using his connections to defuse the situation.
• Widow Tian is portrayed as cunning and vengeful, using her relationship with Zhou Biao to cause trouble for Chen Cheng.
• Zhou Biao is depicted as arrogant, ruthless, and quick to anger, but also cautious when faced with a potential threat (Constable Liu Yunfeng).

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and corruption within the martial world and the City Guard Office.
• The struggle for survival and self-preservation in a dangerous environment.
• The consequences of provoking powerful enemies and the need for caution.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Zhou Biao: A tense standoff ensues, with Chen Cheng using his connections to intimidate Zhou Biao into retreating.
• Chen Cheng and Widow Tian: Their animosity deepens as Widow Tian uses her relationship with Zhou Biao to cause trouble for Chen Cheng.
• Zhou Biao and Widow Tian: Zhou Biao is initially enamored with Widow Tian but quickly grows wary when he learns of her connection to Constable Liu Yunfeng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng intensifies his training routine, practicing the Chasing Wind Saber Technique for two hours daily and cultivating the Iron Garment Art during his prison shifts.
• He discovers that practicing without weights after wearing them during the day, or removing weights mid-practice, increases his focus and speed of learning the Chasing Wind Saber Technique.
• Chen Cheng's cultivation progress improves steadily, and he reaches Beginner 26/100 in the Chasing Wind Saber Technique.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng becomes more dedicated to his cultivation, finding ways to optimize his training and make progress.
• Mu Xiaowan grows physically, maturing from a child to a young woman, and expresses her desire to get married and have children.

Significant Themes

• The importance of dedication and hard work in cultivation.
• The impact of proper nutrition on physical growth and development.
• The tension between Chen Cheng's cultivation goals and Mu Xiaowan's personal desires.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan's relationship deepens as they live together and share their thoughts and feelings.
• Chen Cheng gently rejects Mu Xiaowan's marriage proposal, setting a goal of five years for their wedding, prioritizing his cultivation over personal matters.
• Mu Xiaowan expresses her concerns about Chen Cheng's heavy training regimen, showing care for his well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An incident occurs at South City Prison, causing distress among the guards.
• Cheng Rui, the chief jailer, resumes frequent inspections, wearing trousers with an iron ball in the inner pocket.
• The trend of wearing trousers with inner pockets and iron balls spreads among wealthy young men.
• Chen Cheng overhears two young men discussing the popularity of the 'Crimson Sun Great Root Art' manual.
• Chen Cheng resigns from his prison guard post to join the City Guard Office.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows determination and initiative in pursuing a better life by resigning from his prison guard post to become a probationary runner at the City Guard Office.
• Cheng Rui: Reveals regret at Chen Cheng's resignation, showing a rare emotional side.
• Zhou Biao: Becomes intimate with Widow Tian and shows curiosity and probing behavior towards Chen Cheng's new job.

Significant Themes

• Social Mobility: Chen Cheng's pursuit of a better life through joining the City Guard Office.
• Materialism vs Spiritual Pursuits: The trend of wealthy young men buying the 'Crimson Sun Great Root Art' manual, prioritizing material wealth over spiritual cultivation.
• Loyalty and Regret: Cheng Rui's regret at Chen Cheng's resignation, highlighting his loyalty to his subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Cheng Rui: A respectful and professional relationship, with Cheng Rui showing rare regret at Chen Cheng's resignation.
• Chen Cheng and Zhou Biao: A tense and probing interaction, with Zhou Biao showing curiosity and insinuation towards Chen Cheng's new job.
• Chen Cheng and Liao San: A supportive and brotherly relationship, with Liao San helping Chen Cheng secure a position at the City Guard Office.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Night patrol guards complain about the cold weather.
• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan are at home; she massages him after his bath, noticing bruises from his Iron Garment Art cultivation.
• Two thieves attempt to break into Chen Cheng's home; he defends himself and kills one, while the other escapes.
• Neighbors, led by Wang Laoshi, arrive with torches and weapons after hearing the commotion.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows increased strength and skill in combat, indicating progress in his cultivation. He also demonstrates concern for Mu Xiaowan's modesty.
• Mu Xiaowan: Gains confidence in her physical touch with Chen Cheng, showing affection and care for him.

Significant Themes

• Poverty and hardship: The poor residents of Locust Tree Alley are willing to help each other against threats like thieves, highlighting their shared struggle and community spirit.
• Cultivation progress: Chen Cheng's injuries from the Iron Garment Art signify his advancing cultivation, but also the challenges and expenses that come with it.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan: Their relationship deepens as they share intimate moments, like Mu Xiaowan massaging Chen Cheng's bruises. They also show concern for each other's safety and well-being.
• Chen Cheng and Wang Laoshi: Wang Laoshi and his son, along with other neighbors, rush to Chen Cheng's aid when they hear the commotion, demonstrating their camaraderie and support for one another.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng's home is burglarized by two thieves who attempt murder. Chen Cheng wounds one and kills the other.
• The City Guard Office arrives, led by An Shichang, who recognizes the thief as a member of the Flying Eagle Gang.
• An Shichang leads a search to Zhou Biao's location, where the second thief is believed to be hiding. Zhou Biao, a high-ranking member of the Flying Eagle Gang, is questioned but not arrested due to lack of evidence.
• Chen Cheng is informed about potential changes in the reserve constable quota.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates exceptional courage and strength, earning respect from An Shichang and the community.
• Zhou Biao shows arrogance and disregard for the law, attempting to evade responsibility for his subordinate's actions.
• Mu Xiaowan shows concern for Chen Cheng's safety and offers to help him.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the common folk and the powerful martial world gangs.
• The importance of evidence in maintaining justice.
• The consequences of crossing the line of acceptable behavior in the martial world.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and An Shichang: They show mutual respect, with An Shichang valuing Chen Cheng's abilities and Chen Cheng following An Shichang's lead in the investigation.
• Zhou Biao and Chen Cheng: Zhou Biao underestimates Chen Cheng, leading to a potential conflict between them.
• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan: They display a caring and protective relationship, with Mu Xiaowan worrying about Chen Cheng's safety and offering to help him.

Summary

Key plot points

• Chen Cheng is brought by Liao San to the Ruyi Ward branch office of the City Guard Office.
• Liao San explains the procedure to become a probationary runner: vacancies occur only when official runners retire, and candidates are assessed; priority is given to relatives of retired runners, then to outsiders with connections.
• Corruption means even registering requires pulling strings; Chen Cheng’s registration was done via Chief Liu Yunfeng through Liao San.
• Chen Cheng originally received a priority probationary runner slot (his name was already in government registers as a jailer), but other constable chiefs objected, saying jailers shouldn’t take runners’ slots.
• The head constable stripped Chen Cheng’s priority status and made him compete openly with other recommended candidates.
• Among six candidates (Chen Cheng plus five martial arts school disciples), one will be eliminated by a martial arts contest.
• Chief Liu promises to try again next time if Chen Cheng fails, but Chen Cheng firmly says there won’t be a next time.

Character developments

• Chen Cheng: Determined, proud, and not intimidated by the martial arts school disciples; committed to winning the contest.
• Liao San: Supportive and apologetic, acting as a loyal friend/ally and explaining the political realities of the City Guard Office.
• Chief Liu Yunfeng: Uses his influence for Chen Cheng but is ultimately constrained by the head constable’s decision.

Significant themes

• Corruption and nepotism in government institutions.
• Class struggle and limited opportunities for commoners versus privileged families.
• The concept of “fair competition” as a facade when the system is already rigged.
• Personal resolve in the face of systemic barriers.

Character interactions

• Liao San personally escorts Chen Cheng, explaining the complicated political situation and warning him about the strong opponents.
• Chen Cheng reacts with frustration and skepticism toward the wealthy disciples who treat the runner job as a game.
• Liao San attempts to console Chen Cheng, but Chen Cheng rejects the idea of failure, showing his steadfast determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng arrives at the Ruyi Ward branch office for a probationary constable assessment, but finds the situation unusual, with the Chief Constable and other high-ranking officials present.
• Li Lin, a martial hall disciple, challenges Chen Cheng, showing off his mastery in Fierce Tiger Fist.
• The Chief Constable, Shen Qingshuang, arrives with Liu Yunfeng and Zhao Yongfeng, indicating a power struggle within the office.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows determination and confidence in his abilities, deciding to participate in the assessment despite the odds.
• Li Lin: Demonstrates arrogance and overconfidence in his martial skills.
• Liu Yunfeng: Shows favoritism towards Chen Cheng, offering him an alternative path to join the City Guard Office if he fails the assessment.
• Shen Qingshuang: Reveals her interest in the power struggle within the office by personally attending the assessment.
• Zhao Yongfeng: Shows hostility towards Liu Yunfeng and Chen Cheng, indicating his involvement in the power struggle.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and corruption within the City Guard Office.
• Chen Cheng's determination and confidence in his abilities despite the odds.
• The importance of martial arts skills and training in the society.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Li Lin: Li Lin challenges Chen Cheng, showing off his mastery in Fierce Tiger Fist, while Chen Cheng remains calm and collected.
• Chen Cheng and Liu Yunfeng: Liu Yunfeng offers Chen Cheng an alternative path to join the City Guard Office if he fails the assessment, showing his favoritism towards Chen Cheng.
• Liu Yunfeng and Zhao Yongfeng: Their open hostility indicates a power struggle within the Ruyi Ward branch office.
• Shen Qingshuang and the other officials: Their presence at the assessment suggests their interest in the power struggle and the outcome of the assessment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng decides to join the City Guard Office after realizing the need to fight for survival.
• Shen Qingshuang, the chief constable, notices Chen Cheng.
• Liu Yunfeng recommends Chen Cheng for a probationary runner position, causing tension with Zhao Yongfeng.
• A contest is proposed to eliminate one candidate for the runner position.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Realizes the necessity to fight for survival and decides to join the City Guard Office.
• Liu Yunfeng: Recommends Chen Cheng, showing support and belief in his potential.
• Shen Qingshuang: Recognizes Chen Cheng's potential, displays authority and intelligence.
• Zhao Yongfeng: Opposes Liu Yunfeng, seeks to undermine him and Chen Cheng.
• Zou Bingliang and Yang Tai: Avoid taking sides, try to leave the City Guard Office as soon as possible.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest: Characters must fight and seize opportunities to survive.
• Power dynamics: The inner city families and noble personages hold power over others.
• Rivalry: Liu Yunfeng and Zhao Yongfeng's competition for supremacy causes tension.

Character Interactions

• Liu Yunfeng and Zhao Yongfeng: Their rivalry escalates, leading to a contest to eliminate one candidate.
• Shen Qingshuang and Liu Yunfeng: She questions Liu Yunfeng about Chen Cheng's martial strength.
• Shen Qingshuang and Zhao Yongfeng: She challenges Zhao Yongfeng's proposal for the contest.
• Zou Bingliang and Yang Tai: They try to avoid involvement in the conflict between Liu Yunfeng and Zhao Yongfeng.

Summary

Key Plot Points

• Chen Cheng, with Minor Accomplishment in the Skin-Tempering Realm, faces Li Lin, whose fist technique is close to Major Accomplishment.
• Chen Cheng decides to strike first to gain the upper hand.
• Li Lin's punch is powerful, but Chen Cheng's punch is stronger, sending Li Lin flying and injuring him.
• Another martial hall disciple challenges Chen Cheng, but he declines, showing maturity beyond his years.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates remarkable strength, revealing he was born with divine strength.
• Li Lin's overconfidence leads to his defeat and injury.
• Liao San shows concern for Chen Cheng's safety, revealing his brotherly affection.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding one's strengths and limitations in combat.
• The danger of underestimating opponents and the consequences of overconfidence.
• The value of humility and maturity in victory, as shown by Chen Cheng's refusal to engage in further disputes.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Li Lin's intense exchange highlights their contrasting attitudes and skills.
• Liao San's concern for Chen Cheng showcases their brotherly bond.
• Shen Qingshuang's recognition of Chen Cheng's divine strength hints at her respect for his potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sheng, Li Lin's elder brother, challenges Chen Cheng again, but is rebuked by his master, Zou Bingliang.
• Shen Qingshuang, the Chief Constable, orders Li Lin's elimination and a saber technique competition among the remaining candidates.
• He Zhiling from Six Harmonies Martial Hall volunteers to compete in saber techniques against Chen Cheng.

Character Developments

• Li Sheng shows defiance but ultimately submits to his master's authority.
• Chen Cheng displays reluctance but adheres to his promise to obey Shen Qingshuang's orders.
• He Zhiling seeks to impress Shen Qingshuang and secure his future by volunteering for the saber technique competition.

Significant Themes

• Obedience vs. Defiance: Li Sheng's defiance contrasts with Chen Cheng's reluctant obedience, highlighting the consequences of each approach.
• Ambition vs. Caution: He Zhiling's eagerness to impress Shen Qingshuang contrasts with Zou Bingliang's caution, showing the different priorities of the ambitious and the experienced.

Character Interactions

• Zou Bingliang and Li Sheng: Zou rebukes Li Sheng for his reckless behavior, showing his role as a responsible master who prioritizes the martial hall's stability.
• Shen Qingshuang and the Candidates: Shen Qingshuang orders the candidates around, demonstrating her authority and testing their willingness to obey.
• Chen Cheng and Li Sheng: Li Sheng's dissatisfaction with Chen Cheng grows, setting up potential future conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhiling, master of the Six Harmonies Saber Technique, challenges Chen Cheng.
• Chen Cheng, with his Chasing Wind Saber Technique at Beginner Level, accepts the challenge.
• He Zhiling, confident in his mastery and Skin-Tempering Realm strength, fights solidly and steadily.
• Chen Cheng, using his superior movement speed, dodges and evades He Zhiling's attacks.
• After several dozen exchanges, He Zhiling's strength wanes, while Chen Cheng remains largely unaffected.
• He Zhiling attempts a final, fierce strike, but Chen Cheng anticipates and counterattacks.

Character Developments

• He Zhiling: Confident in his skills and strength, he fights seriously to impress Shen Qingshuang and earn rank.
• Chen Cheng: Realizes the importance of one's own strength in combat, gains understanding of mastery-level saber techniques.

Significant Themes

• The importance of one's own strength in combat.
• The difference between movement speed and saber speed.
• The strategic use of defense and evasion.

Character Interactions

• He Zhiling vs. Chen Cheng: He Zhiling's mastery-level saber technique vs. Chen Cheng's superior movement speed and strategic evasion.
• Liu Yunfeng vs. Shen Qingshuang: Liu Yunfeng's concern for Chen Cheng vs. Shen Qingshuang's confidence in Chen Cheng's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng defeats He Zhiling in a saber match, using his entry-level Chasing Wind Saber Technique against He Zhiling's master-level Six Harmonies Saber Technique.
• Chen Cheng passes the probationary constable assessment and becomes a probationary constable in the Ruyi Ward branch of the City Guard Office.
• Chen Cheng starts his duty, following Liao San, and cultivates the Iron Garment Art and Chasing Wind Saber Technique during his leisure time.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates exceptional talent in martial arts, defeating more experienced opponents with his self-taught techniques.
• He Zhiling, despite losing, shows respect and acknowledges Chen Cheng's mercy, indicating growth in character.
• Liu Yunfeng takes a liking to Chen Cheng and takes care of him, assigning him to Liao San's shift.

Significant Themes

• The importance of movement and speed in martial arts, as demonstrated by Chen Cheng's victory over He Zhiling.
• The influence of one's role and uniform, with Chen Cheng's new probationary constable uniform earning him respect and wariness from others.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and He Zhiling's saber match showcases their skills and determination, with He Zhiling ultimately acknowledging Chen Cheng's prowess.
• Liu Yunfeng takes Chen Cheng under his wing, showing favoritism and support.
• Chen Cheng and Liao San begin their partnership, with Chen Cheng following Liao San on his rounds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng starts his new job as a probationary runner at the Ruyi Ward branch office of the City Guard.
• He learns that the City Lord's Manor has temporarily waived firewood protection fees due to the cold disaster.
• He encounters his neighbors, who try to curry favor with him, and sees Second Fool, who is now working for the Flying Eagle Gang.
• Over three days, he patrols the streets with Liao San, dealing with two corpses, and learns about the office dynamics.
• Liu Yunfeng, a constable, summons Chen Cheng and offers him a top-tier body-tempering method, the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng continues to be humble and hardworking, showing no signs of arrogance despite his new position.
• Liu Yunfeng shows kindness and mentorship towards Chen Cheng, recognizing his potential.

Significant Themes

• Social Inequality: The common folk struggle with the cold disaster, while the authorities only act out of necessity.
• Power Dynamics: The great families of the inner city influence the City Guard Office, causing tension among the constables.
• Mentorship: Liu Yunfeng takes an interest in Chen Cheng's martial arts development.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng interacts with his neighbors, who try to ingratiate themselves with him.
• He has no interaction with Zhou Biao, who now treats him coldly.
• Chen Cheng meets with Liu Yunfeng, who offers him the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng receives the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art manual from Liu Yunfeng, who hints that it's a gift from an important figure seeking a connection.
• Chen Cheng accepts the manual after considering the potential benefits and drawbacks.
• Shen Qingshuang, the chief constable of Ruyi Ward, investigates Chen Cheng's background and decides to keep her distance due to his possible connection to Pan Dagen.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows caution and wisdom in accepting the valuable manual, demonstrating his strategic thinking.
• Shen Qingshuang: Displays her cold and arrogant nature, as well as her determination to investigate Chen Cheng's background.

Significant Themes

• The importance of connections and patronage in the martial world.
• The dangers of cultivating incomplete or unknown martial arts.

Character Interactions

• Liu Yunfeng and Chen Cheng: Liu Yunfeng praises Chen Cheng's wisdom and strategy, while Chen Cheng accepts the manual after careful consideration.
• Shen Qingshuang and Xiao Qing: Shen Qingshuang instructs Xiao Qing to deliver a message to Liu Yunfeng, revealing her disinterest in seeing him and her desire to avoid discussing Chen Cheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng continues to cultivate, making significant progress in both Iron Garment Art and Chasing Wind Saber Technique.
• He considers finding a master and joining a martial hall but decides against it due to potential dangers.
• Chen Cheng receives a cultivation manual from Liu Yunfeng, which he believes might be from Chief Constable Shen Qingshuang, but he dismisses the idea.
• Chen Cheng visits Luo's Shop to inquire about medicinal ingredients for the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art and to ask Qian Bin about martial cultivation.
• Qian Bin reveals that the main ingredient, brown bear blood, costs at least fifty taels of silver per portion.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng's martial skills and physical strength improve noticeably.
• Chen Cheng becomes more cautious and thoughtful about his future in martial cultivation.
• Qian Bin is revealed to cultivate the Crimson Sun Great Root Art, showing his interest in martial arts.

Significant Themes

• The importance of finding a master or joining a martial hall for faster cultivation progress.
• The high cost of cultivation resources, making martial arts cultivation accessible only to the wealthy.
• Chen Cheng's determination to improve himself despite facing financial constraints.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan maintain their close relationship, with Mu Xiaowan caring for Chen Cheng.
• Chen Cheng interacts with Qian Bin, learning about the cost of medicinal ingredients and Qian Bin's personal cultivation.
• Chen Cheng avoids Shen Qingshuang, confirming that she is not the important figure who gave him the manual.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng visits Luo's Shop to inquire about the medicinal ingredients for the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art.
• Qian Bin, the shop assistant, reveals that the main ingredient, Brown Bear blood, is extremely rare and expensive, costing 50 taels of silver per portion. The auxiliary ingredients also add up to around 10 taels of silver per portion.
• Chen Cheng learns that cultivating the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art to perfection requires at least 72 portions of medicinal ingredients, costing over 4000 taels of silver in total.
• Chen Cheng wonders if Liu Yunfeng or an important figure might have been toying with him by recommending the expensive art.
• After leaving Luo's Shop, Chen Cheng reflects on his life and the need to cultivate martial arts to change his fate.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Struggles with the high cost of cultivating the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art and reflects on his life, becoming more determined to cultivate martial arts.
• Qian Bin: Sees potential profit in Chen Cheng's cultivation and is eager to help him, offering a discount on the Brown Bear blood.

Significant Themes

• The high cost and rarity of top-tier martial arts cultivation resources.
• The struggle of ordinary people to change their fate through martial cultivation.
• The contrast between the bustling marketplace and the individual's limited control over their own life.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng interacts with Qian Bin at Luo's Shop, learning about the cost of the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art's ingredients.
• Chen Cheng reflects on his life while walking through the bustling marketplace, leading to a determination to cultivate martial arts.
• A mysterious man in gray follows Chen Cheng, hinting at potential future interactions or conflicts.

Plot Points and Events

• A constable, Chen Cheng, tries to get free buns from a shopkeeper by claiming the buns chipped his teeth. The shopkeeper refuses, and Chen Cheng leaves a hidden message in a bun for the shopkeeper.
• Chen Cheng realizes he's being followed by a member of the Flying Eagle Gang, Zhou Biao's men.
• Chen Cheng seeks advice from his superior, Liu Yunfeng, about his martial arts training and mentions being followed.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng shows cunning and resourcefulness in leaving a message for the shopkeeper.
• Chen Cheng demonstrates caution and wisdom in deciding not to confront Zhou Biao directly.
• Liu Yunfeng shows concern for Chen Cheng's well-being and willingness to help, despite his hands being tied regarding the expensive martial arts resources.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of common people against powerful forces (Chen Cheng vs. Zhou Biao and the Flying Eagle Gang).
• The importance of wisdom and caution in dealing with adversaries.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and the shopkeeper engage in a tense exchange, with Chen Cheng ultimately leaving a hidden message.
• Chen Cheng seeks guidance from Liu Yunfeng, who expresses his willingness to help but is limited by resources.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Yunfeng, a Catcher from the Ruyi Ward branch office, learns that Chen Cheng, now under his protection, was targeted by the Flying Eagle Gang.
• Liu Yunfeng leads nearly forty constables to the Flying Eagle Gang's headquarters, where they brutally beat the gang members and capture the leader.
• Liu Yunfeng confronts Gang Leader Cao Fei, accusing the Flying Eagle Gang of targeting a City Guard Office man (Chen Cheng).

Character Developments

• Liu Yunfeng: Shows his forceful and authoritative side as a Skin-Tempering Realm martial artist, demonstrating his commitment to protecting his subordinates.
• Chen Cheng: Proves his worth by providing crucial information about the Flying Eagle Gang's involvement, earning Liu Yunfeng's respect and protection.
• Cao Fei: Initially confused and angry about Liu Yunfeng's sudden appearance, he later shows understanding and willingness to address the issue when presented with evidence.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Protection: Liu Yunfeng's actions highlight his loyalty to his subordinates and his duty to protect them, even against powerful criminal organizations like the Flying Eagle Gang.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between the City Guard Office and the Flying Eagle Gang illustrates the power struggle between official and criminal forces in the city.

Character Interactions

• Liu Yunfeng and Chen Cheng: Their relationship deepens as Liu Yunfeng takes Chen Cheng under his wing, showing concern for his safety and well-being.
• Liu Yunfeng and Cao Fei: Their interaction showcases the tension and respect between the City Guard Office and the Flying Eagle Gang, with Liu Yunfeng demanding justice while Cao Fei tries to maintain a balance between his gang's interests and the City Guard Office's authority.

Plot Points & Events

• Zhou Biao's men broke into Chen Cheng's residence, leading to a confrontation at the Flying Eagle Gang's stronghold.
• Chen Cheng exposes Hou Gui as the second thief, leading to his execution by Cao Fei.
• Liu Yunfeng demands Zhou Biao's arm as punishment, leading to a tense standoff between the City Guard Office and the Flying Eagle Gang.
• Zhao Yongfeng arrives with reinforcements, defusing the situation.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates maturity and wisdom in handling the situation, earning Liu Yunfeng's respect.
• Zhou Biao shows remorse for his actions but still tries to deny involvement in the surveillance.
• Cao Fei displays loyalty to his subordinates but ultimately prioritizes the gang's survival.
• Liu Yunfeng reveals his fierce and unyielding nature, willing to confront the Flying Eagle Gang to protect Chen Cheng.
• Zhao Yongfeng shows his influence and arrives to maintain the balance of power.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal among gang members.
• The power dynamics between the City Guard Office and the martial world's gangs.
• The consequences of breaking the taboo against harming City Guard Office officers.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Liu Yunfeng: Chen Cheng seeks Liu Yunfeng's protection, and Liu Yunfeng stands up for him against the Flying Eagle Gang.
• Cao Fei and Zhou Biao: Cao Fei disciplines Zhou Biao but ultimately tries to protect him from punishment.
• Liu Yunfeng and Cao Fei: They clash over the punishment for Zhou Biao, leading to a tense standoff.
• Zhao Yongfeng and Liu Yunfeng: Zhao Yongfeng arrives to maintain control over the situation, challenging Liu Yunfeng's authority.