Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Yongfeng arrives with his men to support the Flying Eagle Gang, but Liu Yunfeng, the constable, stands his ground to investigate a murder committed by the gang.
• Assistant Administrator Zhou Xu arrives, revealing his backing of the Flying Eagle Gang. Liu Yunfeng, however, remains resolute and leaves after executing the thief.
• Xiao Qing, Shen Qingshuang's maid, scolds Liu Yunfeng for not reporting the case to the chief constable and orders him to report to Shen Qingshuang.
• Xiao Qing asks Chen Cheng about his cultivation experience with Master Xiuchen, and Chen Cheng deceives her about the Iron Garment Art being fake and harmful.

Character Developments

• Liu Yunfeng: Shows courage and determination in upholding justice, even against powerful figures like Zhou Xu. He also demonstrates care for his subordinates, protecting Chen Cheng.
• Chen Cheng: Shows resourcefulness in deceiving Xiao Qing about his cultivation experience. He also gains Xiao Qing's sympathy and changes her attitude towards him.
• Xiao Qing: Initially stern and domineering, she softens her attitude towards Chen Cheng after learning about his supposed misfortune with the Iron Garment Art.

Significant Themes

• Justice vs. Corruption: Liu Yunfeng's resolve to uphold justice despite the influence of powerful figures like Zhou Xu highlights the theme of justice vs. corruption.
• Loyalty and Protection: Liu Yunfeng's actions to protect Chen Cheng showcase the theme of loyalty and protection among colleagues and subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Liu Yunfeng vs. Zhao Yongfeng & Zhou Xu: Liu Yunfeng stands his ground against Zhao Yongfeng and Zhou Xu, refusing to back down from investigating the Flying Eagle Gang's crimes.
• Chen Cheng vs. Xiao Qing: Chen Cheng deceives Xiao Qing about his cultivation experience, gaining her sympathy and changing her attitude towards him.
• Liu Yunfeng vs. Xiao Qing: Xiao Qing scolds Liu Yunfeng for not reporting the case, but Liu Yunfeng remains respectful and compliant.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Yunfeng reports to Shen Qingshuang about his visit to the Flying Eagle Gang, where he found Zhao Yongfeng and Zhou Xu.
• Shen Qingshuang decides not to monitor the Flying Eagle Gang, expecting them to expose themselves.
• Shen Qingshuang gives Liu Yunfeng advice on cultivating subordinates, mentioning Chen Cheng's potential.

Character Developments

• Shen Qingshuang: She shows strategic thinking and a long-term view in handling the Black Lotus Sect case and cultivating her subordinates.
• Liu Yunfeng: He demonstrates loyalty and wisdom in his service to Shen Qingshuang and his support for Chen Cheng.
• Chen Cheng: He shows dedication to his martial cultivation and begins to understand the dynamics of power within the City Guard Office.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Chen Cheng's progress in martial arts and his growing awareness of political intrigue.
• Power Dynamics: The complex relationships and alliances between the City Guard Office, the Flying Eagle Gang, and the Zhou Family.

Character Interactions

• Shen Qingshuang and Liu Yunfeng: They discuss strategies and Liu Yunfeng's cultivation of his subordinates.
• Shen Qingshuang and Xiao Qing: They discuss Chen Cheng's potential and his possible entry into Zheng Martial Hall.
• Chen Cheng and himself: Chen Cheng reflects on his martial progress and the political dangers around him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng resumes his duties, with the Flying Eagle Gang's lookouts gone and Zhou Biao avoiding him.
• Zhou Xu, a City Guard Office officer, confronts Liu Yunfeng, leading to a fight with Chief Constable Shen Qingshuang.
• Widow Tian moves out of Locust Tree Alley after becoming Zhou Biao's concubine, and new residents move in.
• The Flying Eagle Gang grows stronger, clashing with other gangs, but the City Guard Office remains mostly inactive.
• Chen Cheng practices the Chasing Wind Saber Technique daily, improving his skills.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng gains respect from his colleagues due to his martial strength and becomes more at ease in his duties.
• Shen Qingshuang's attitude toward Chen Cheng softens, and her maid, Xiao Qing, shows friendliness toward him.
• Zhao Yongfeng's disapproval of Chen Cheng grows, leading to tension between them.
• Zhou Biao avoids Chen Cheng after the Flying Eagle Gang's defeat.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics within the City Guard Office, with Shen Qingshuang's influence and Zhou Xu's ambition clashing.
• The growth and expansion of the Flying Eagle Gang, reflecting the lack of intervention from the City Guard Office.
• The improvement of Chen Cheng's martial skills, demonstrating his dedication and progress.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng interacts more with his colleagues, gaining their respect and friendship.
• Tension grows between Chen Cheng and Zhao Yongfeng due to their differing loyalties.
• Shen Qingshuang and Zhou Xu's confrontation highlights their respective families' influence and their personal ambitions.
• Zhou Biao's avoidance of Chen Cheng shows the Flying Eagle Gang's fear of the City Guard Office after their defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng achieves Mastery in the Chasing Wind Saber Technique after half an hour of practice.
• He gains new insights into the technique and understands its true power.
• Chen Cheng realizes he needs money to buy refined iron and medicinal herbs for further cultivation.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng's martial skills improve significantly with the Chasing Wind Saber Technique's progress to Mastery.
• He becomes aware of his financial constraints and the need to make more money for cultivation resources.

Significant Themes

• The importance of money and resources in martial cultivation.
• The struggle between morality and necessity in making a living.
• The challenges and opportunities in rising through ranks in the City Guard Office.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiaowan, Chen Cheng's adoptive sister, notices his troubled expression and asks if something is bothering him, showing her concern for him.
• Chen Cheng reflects on his current situation and future prospects, considering various ways to make money and advance his career.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan discuss ways to earn more silver.
• Chen Cheng teaches Mu Xiaowan the Chasing Wind Saber Technique.
• Chen Cheng learns about Corpse Rot Poison Water from Liao San.
• Chen Cheng meets Liao San at Harmony Restaurant to discuss buying a poison-water concealed weapon.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiaowan shows intelligence and martial talent by quickly mastering the Chasing Wind Saber Technique.
• Chen Cheng demonstrates responsibility and care for Mu Xiaowan's safety by considering buying a poison-water concealed weapon.

Significant Themes

• Financial Struggles: Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan discuss ways to earn more money and save, highlighting their financial difficulties.
• Safety and Protection: Chen Cheng's concern for Mu Xiaowan's safety is emphasized, leading him to consider purchasing a dangerous weapon for her protection.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan: They share a warm, caring relationship. Chen Cheng teaches Mu Xiaowan martial arts, and they discuss their financial situation together.
• Chen Cheng and Liao San: They maintain a close, supportive friendship. Liao San helps Chen Cheng find a poison-water concealed weapon and offers to lend him money.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng learns about the Black Lotus Sect, a demonic cult that uses martial artists as medicinal fields to grow herbs, causing martial artists to cultivate at astonishing speed but often die before the age of forty.
• The Black Lotus Sect was once wiped out but has recently resurfaced, causing trouble throughout Great Yu.
• Chen Cheng decides to buy a poisoned-water hidden weapon for eight taels of silver to protect himself from potential threats.
• Chen Cheng encounters Jiang Yun, his former fiancée, at Harmony Restaurant and later sees her being attacked by bandits in an alley.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Becomes more cautious and aware of potential threats after learning about the Black Lotus Sect. He decides to invest in self-defense and plans to join Zheng Martial Hall for further growth.
• Jiang Yun: Shows signs of mental instability, speaking and behaving erratically. She is in danger of being overwhelmed by bandits but expects Chen Cheng to call for help.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and corruption within the martial world.
• The importance of self-defense and cultivation for survival.
• The class divide between wealthy households and the slums.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Liao San: Liao San warns Chen Cheng about the Black Lotus Sect and provides information about the poisoned-water hidden weapon.
• Chen Cheng and Jiang Yun: Jiang Yun suspects Chen Cheng of having improper thoughts towards her and warns him off. Later, she expects Chen Cheng to save her from bandits but is disappointed when he runs away.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng witnesses Jiang Yun, a martial artist, being attacked by several men but chooses not to intervene due to his role as a City Guard Office constable and the dangerous nature of jianghu conflicts.
• Chen Cheng goes to the Jiang Family residence to collect a debt of five taels of silver, plus interest, from Jiang Rongxuan, using a promissory note as proof.
• Jiang Rongxuan, initially unaware of Chen Cheng's visit, is informed by his gatekeeper.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his practical and cautious nature, prioritizing self-preservation and following the rules of his role as a City Guard Office constable, even when faced with injustice.
• Jiang Rongxuan shows his arrogance and disregard for others, initially dismissing Chen Cheng's visit as an attempt at extortion.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of life in a chaotic age, where people prioritize self-interest and avoid meddling in others' affairs.
• The power dynamics and attitudes of jianghu martial artists, who often consider themselves superior due to their cultivation and act aggressively.
• The importance of debts and repayments, with Chen Cheng seeking to collect what is rightfully his.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and the gatekeeper of the Jiang Family residence have a tense exchange, with the gatekeeper initially reluctant to let Chen Cheng in and Chen Cheng demanding to see Jiang Rongxuan.
• Jiang Rongxuan and his gatekeeper have a brief interaction, with Jiang Rongxuan dismissive of the gatekeeper's news about Chen Cheng's visit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng, now a City Guard Office constable, visits the Jiang Family to collect a decade-old debt.
• Jiang Rongxuan initially tries to avoid paying, but Chen Cheng insists on the debt plus interest.
• Chen Cheng fights and defeats four of Jiang Rongxuan's martial guards without killing them.
• Jiang Yun returns injured after an ambush. Bao Yansong, the Jiang Family's head guard, killed the attackers.
• Bao Yansong, who has reached Skin-Tempering Realm Completion, decides to pursue and confront Chen Cheng.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his martial prowess, easily defeating multiple opponents.
• Jiang Rongxuan shows his stinginess and reluctance to pay debts.
• Jiang Yun displays fear and shock after her ambush.
• Bao Yansong reveals his criminal past and his intention to confront Chen Cheng.

Significant Themes

• Debt and honor: Chen Cheng's persistence in collecting the debt contrasts with Jiang Rongxuan's dishonesty.
• Power dynamics: The interactions between characters highlight the power imbalance, with Chen Cheng's new status as a constable giving him leverage.
• Consequences of actions: Bao Yansong's pursuit of Chen Cheng shows the potential consequences of provoking a powerful martial artist.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng vs. Jiang Rongxuan: Chen Cheng's calm insistence contrasts with Jiang Rongxuan's anger and reluctance.
• Chen Cheng vs. Jiang Yun: Jiang Yun blames Chen Cheng for not helping her earlier, showing tension between them.
• Bao Yansong vs. Chen Cheng: Bao Yansong's pursuit of Chen Cheng sets up a potential conflict between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng, now a probationary City Guard Office runner, recovers a debt from the Jiang Family, including interest, using his authority and martial strength.
• A Jiang Family martial arts guard, Bao Yansong, tails Chen Cheng and confronts him, seeking revenge for his earlier defeat.
• Chen Cheng lures Bao Yansong to a secluded alley and engages in a fight, using unconventional tactics and hidden weapons.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates growth in martial strength and confidence, no longer fearing threats like before.
• Bao Yansong shows arrogance and underestimation of his opponent, leading to a miscalculation.

Significant Themes

• The power of authority and martial strength in chaotic times.
• The dangers of underestimating opponents and relying on brute force.
• The use of unconventional tactics and hidden weapons to overcome stronger foes.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Bao Yansong's confrontation highlights their contrasting approaches to combat and their personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Chen Cheng's actions show his determination to assert his newfound power and protect himself from further threats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng, a City Guard Office runner, faces Bao Yansong, a martial guard, in a courtyard.
• Bao Yansong attacks with his saber, but Chen Cheng evades using his superior speed and throws lime powder, blinding Bao Yansong.
• Bao Yansong, unable to see, is killed by Chen Cheng using a millstone and his Chasing Wind Saber Technique.
• Chen Cheng searches Bao Yansong's body, finding a poison device and discovering Bao Yansong is from the Black Lotus Sect.
• Chen Cheng knocks out a beggar who enters the alley and leaves the scene undetected.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his skill and cunning, proving to be a Skin-Tempering Realm warrior at major accomplishment, despite his humble position as a runner.
• Bao Yansong shows his formidable saber technique and strength but is ultimately defeated by Chen Cheng's strategy and speed.

Significant Themes

• The power of strategy and adaptability over brute force.
• The dangers of underestimating one's opponent.
• The consequences of provoking powerful, hidden forces like the Black Lotus Sect.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Bao Yansong: A deadly duel between two skilled warriors, with Chen Cheng using his speed and cunning to outmaneuver Bao Yansong.
• Chen Cheng and the beggar: Chen Cheng knocks out the beggar to ensure he doesn't witness the aftermath of the fight or alert others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng practices his saber technique at night and makes significant progress.
• Chen Cheng reflects on his battle with the guard martial artist, realizing the man was a Black Lotus Sect member.
• Mu Xiaowan gives Chen Cheng a poison-water hidden weapon, but he declines to carry it.
• Jiang Yun is attacked by unknown assailants, and Chief Guard Bao Yansong goes missing.
• A major case occurs in Xiaban Alley, involving the death of a Black Lotus Sect member, but it's kept secret by Chief Constable Shen Qingshuang.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng's saber technique advances to 82/10000 Major Mastery points, and he expects to perfect it soon. He also realizes his strength is still insufficient.
• Chen Cheng learns about the dangerous nature of Black Lotus Sect members and the world's hidden dangers.
• Mu Xiaowan shows concern for Chen Cheng's safety by offering him a weapon.
• Jiang Yun and her father, Jiang Rongxuan, worry about Chief Guard Bao Yansong's disappearance.

Significant Themes

• The danger and power of Black Lotus Sect members.
• The importance of strength and caution in martial arts.
• The hidden dangers and secrets in the world.
• The theme of concealment, both in terms of hiding one's true abilities (Chen Cheng) and concealing the truth (Shen Qingshuang).

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan: They interact briefly, with Mu Xiaowan showing concern for Chen Cheng's safety.
• Jiang Rongxuan and Jiang Yun: They worry together about Chief Guard Bao Yansong's disappearance and discuss the Wang Family's intentions.
• Chen Cheng and the Black Lotus Sect member: Though not a direct interaction, Chen Cheng reflects on his battle with the sect member, revealing the man's true identity and the danger he posed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng, after a routine day, buys food and heads home, witnessing the Flying Eagle Gang harassing a young girl (Xi'er), whom he had previously encountered.
• He intervenes, knocking out the gang members, and gives Xi'er some money. She follows him, and he learns she knows about the money he gave her previously, indicating she recognized him from the day before.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows kindness towards common people, especially children, but maintains a stern demeanor to deter further pestering.
• Xi'er: Reveals she's a girl and has a sense of gratitude, wanting to repay Chen Cheng's kindness.

Significant Themes

• Kindness vs. Indifference: Chen Cheng's actions contrast with the general indifference towards the suffering of common people.
• Gratitude: Xi'er's desire to repay Chen Cheng's kindness highlights the theme of gratitude.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Xi'er: Their interaction shows Chen Cheng's kindness and Xi'er's gratitude, but also his sternness to maintain boundaries.
• Chen Cheng and Flying Eagle Gang: Chen Cheng's intervention demonstrates his disapproval of the gang's bullying of common people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng, a constable, encounters Xi'er, a young beggar girl, for the third time. She follows him, wanting to repay his kindness and pray for him.
• Xi'er reveals she can track people by scent and footprints, identifying Chen Cheng as her benefactor who gave her copper coins previously.
• Chen Cheng decides to take Xi'er in as a maidservant in his household.
• Chen Cheng returns home with Xi'er, introducing her to Mu Xiaowan, the young woman he is betrothed to.
• Mu Xiaowan agrees to let Xi'er stay and work as a maidservant.

Character Developments

• Xi'er: Shows resourcefulness and determination, revealing her ability to track people. She is honest, grateful, and eager to work as a maidservant.
• Chen Cheng: Demonstrates kindness and compassion towards Xi'er, deciding to take her in despite initial reservations. He also shows understanding and respect for Mu Xiaowan's feelings.
• Mu Xiaowan: Shows kindness and empathy towards Xi'er, agreeing to let her stay despite her initial surprise. She is also considerate of Chen Cheng's feelings.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and compassion: Chen Cheng's actions towards Xi'er highlight his kind nature.
• Gratitude and determination: Xi'er's persistence in finding Chen Cheng and her eagerness to work for him show her gratitude and determination.
• Acceptance and understanding: Mu Xiaowan's acceptance of Xi'er into their household demonstrates her understanding and kindness.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Xi'er: Their interaction shows a developing bond of trust and gratitude. Chen Cheng shows kindness and concern, while Xi'er is honest and eager to please.
• Mu Xiaowan and Xi'er: Mu Xiaowan shows kindness and understanding towards Xi'er, accepting her into their household. Xi'er, in turn, is respectful and obedient towards Mu Xiaowan.
• Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan: They show mutual respect and understanding, with Chen Cheng considering Mu Xiaowan's feelings and Mu Xiaowan accepting Xi'er into their household without complaint.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xi'er, a young girl, joins the Chen family as a maid.
• Chen Cheng buys ingredients for the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art and prepares a sandpit for cultivation.
• Chen Cheng begins cultivating the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art, enduring pain and making significant progress.

Character Developments

• Xi'er is shown to be hardworking, obedient, and sensible. She proves herself capable in household chores.
• Chen Cheng demonstrates his determination and willpower in enduring the pain of cultivating the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art.

Significant Themes

• Endurance and Perseverance: Chen Cheng's cultivation process highlights the importance of enduring pain and persevering through difficulties.
• Cultivation and Growth: The chapter emphasizes the process of cultivating martial arts and the growth that comes with it.

Character Interactions

• Xi'er and Mu Xiaowan interact warmly, with Mu Xiaowan showing kindness and care towards Xi'er.
• Chen Cheng interacts minimally with Xi'er and Mu Xiaowan in this chapter, focusing more on his cultivation process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng cultivates the Brown Bear Skin-Tempering Art, experiencing intense pain and healing.
• He absorbs a significant amount of medicinal power, rapidly advancing his cultivation progress.
• Chen Cheng realizes that his innate talent and compatibility with the art's medicinal properties have accelerated his progress.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Shows determination and dedication to his martial arts cultivation. He understands the importance of innate talent and compatibility in body-tempering arts and is pleased with his rapid progress.

Significant Themes

• Innate talent and its impact on martial arts cultivation.
• The importance of compatibility with a cultivation art's medicinal properties.
• The complementarity of cultivating internal breathing arts and body-tempering arts simultaneously.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiaowan and Xi'er: They prepare a hearty breakfast for Chen Cheng after he finishes his cultivation session. Mu Xiaowan notices changes in Chen Cheng's skin and flesh due to his body-tempering art cultivation and accidentally causes him minor discomfort.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng decides to increase the weight of his Iron Garment Art from 50 to 70 jin.
• The Ruyi Ward Branch Office announces recruitment for official runners, with an assessment to be held soon.
• Chen Cheng learns that there's only one opening for an ordinary reserve runner to become an official runner.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng shows determination to improve his martial prowess by increasing the weight he carries daily.
• Liao San, a colleague of Chen Cheng, has rendered meritorious service and achieved the entry level of the Skin-Tempering Realm, demonstrating the benefits of being an official runner.

Significant Themes

• Advancement and Growth: Chen Cheng's decision to increase the weight of his Iron Garment Art shows his commitment to improving his martial skills. The City Guard Office's recruitment process also highlights the theme of advancement, with official runners having more opportunities for growth and rewards.
• Stability and Security: Becoming an official runner provides a stable government position and a path for further advancement, symbolizing security and stability.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng interacts with his colleagues Liao San, Li Ze, and Lai Yingchang, who express their support and anticipation for his potential advancement to official runner.
• Chen Cheng's discussion with Mu Xiaowan about increasing the weight of his Iron Garment Art shows their close working relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ruyi Ward Branch Office is abuzz with constables discussing the final official constable vacancy.
• Zhou Fang, a probationary constable with powerful backing from the Zhou Family, is favored to win the position.
• The assessment adds suspense due to the conflict between Zhou Xu (Zhou Fang's relative) and Shen Qingshuang (the branch office's chief head constable).

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng, the strongest probationary constable, is torn between competing for the position and avoiding Zhou Xu's wrath.
• He Zhiling, a skilled martial artist, is frustrated and determined to compete despite Zhou Fang's presence, as he can't afford to miss this opportunity for cultivation resources.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Caution: Chen Cheng and He Zhiling weigh the risks of competing against Zhou Fang.
• Power Dynamics: The influence of the Zhou Family and the conflict between Zhou Xu and Shen Qingshuang shape the assessment's outcome.
• Opportunity and Timing: Both Chen Cheng and He Zhiling recognize the importance of this assessment for their future careers.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng's squad members await his decision on whether to compete.
• He Zhiling decides to follow Chen Cheng's lead in challenging Zhou Fang.
• Zhou Fang's presence intimidates other probationary constables, but some, like He Zhiling, are determined to compete despite the risk.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu, an influential figure, pressures the City Guard Office to secure a formal constable position for his relative, Zhou Fang.
• Shen Qingshuang, the chief constable, delays announcing the assessment rules, causing constables to speculate about her intentions.
• Shen Qingshuang considers various solutions, including supporting a probationary constable to defeat Zhou Fang, but has reservations about each option.

Character Developments

• Shen Qingshuang: Struggles with her role as chief constable, feeling burdened by political maneuvering. She envies her sister, Shen Qingyao, who can focus solely on martial arts.
• Chen Cheng: Gains respect from his peers for his composure and nonchalance regarding Zhou Xu's interference.

Significant Themes

• Power Struggles: The competition for the formal constable position reflects the power struggle between the Zhou and Shen families, with the City Guard Office as the battleground.
• Ambition vs. Simplicity: Shen Qingshuang's frustration with her role highlights the tension between ambition (political maneuvering) and simplicity (focus on martial arts).

Character Interactions

• Shen Qingshuang & Xiao Qing: The maid Xiao Qing offers advice to Shen Qingshuang, showing concern for her well-being and offering insights into the political situation.
• Chen Cheng & Liao San: Liao San admires Chen Cheng's composure and acknowledges his steady temperament.
• Shen Qingshuang & Shen Qingyao: Shen Qingshuang envies her sister, Shen Qingyao, for her ability to focus solely on martial arts and avoid political entanglements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Qingshuang, the Chief Constable, is displeased with the delay in the assessment and criticizes her sister, Shen Qingyao.
• Shen Qingyao's strategy, "Drawing from the bottom of the cauldron," is revealed to be ruthless.
• The official bailiff assessment begins with the selection of the strongest reserve bailiffs from each squad.
• Chen Cheng, a diligent and talented constable, is chosen to represent his squad.
• Shen Qingshuang announces that the assessment will be held in three days and emphasizes the importance of fair competition.

Character Developments

• Shen Qingshuang: Shows displeasure and resentment towards her family, particularly her sister. She is stern and fair, ensuring the assessment is conducted justly.
• Shen Qingyao: Implied to be ruthless in her strategies, she is the elder sister of Shen Qingshuang and a martial artist on the verge of breaking through to the Bone Forging Realm.
• Chen Cheng: A conscientious and hardworking constable, he is chosen to represent his squad in the assessment. He is admired by his chief, Liu Yunfeng.

Significant Themes

• Fairness and Justice: Shen Qingshuang emphasizes the importance of fair competition in the assessment, hinting at her disapproval of favoritism or manipulation.
• Ambition and Ruthlessness: Shen Qingyao's strategy is described as ruthless, suggesting ambition and a lack of concern for others.
• Dilemma and Choice: The reserve bailiffs, except for Zhou Fang, face a dilemma—compete fairly and risk offending the Zhou Family, or intentionally lose and face expulsion from the City Guard Office.

Character Interactions

• Shen Qingshuang and Xiao Lan: The Chief Constable is displeased with the delay and criticizes her sister through Xiao Lan.
• Liu Yunfeng and Chen Cheng: Liu Yunfeng admires Chen Cheng's diligence and talent, supporting him in the assessment.
• Chen Cheng and Zhou Fang: Although not directly interacting, their competition in the assessment is implied, with Chen Cheng representing his squad against Zhou Fang, who is backed by the influential Zhou Family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nan Zihan and Yun Shaou withdraw from the full constable assessment due to Shen Qingshuang's decision to not withdraw, leaving four candidates.
• Zhou Fang, Chen Cheng, He Zhiling, and Li Sheng remain. Zhou Fang expects an easy win.
• Li Sheng wants to challenge Chen Cheng to avenge his brother, while He Zhiling awaits Chen Cheng's decision.
• Shen Qingshuang asks Chen Cheng if he wishes to withdraw, hinting at her interest in him.

Character Developments

• Nan Zihan and Yun Shaou show cowardice and lack of determination.
• Zhou Fang displays arrogance and overconfidence.
• Li Sheng is driven by revenge and a desire to protect his family.
• He Zhiling is strategic and patient.
• Chen Cheng demonstrates courage, determination, and strategic thinking.
• Shen Qingshuang shows interest in Chen Cheng's potential and talent.

Significant Themes

• Courage and determination in the face of adversity.
• The importance of making choices and facing consequences.
• The influence of family and power dynamics on career advancement.
• The struggle for resources and opportunities in martial cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Nan Zihan and Yun Shaou withdraw due to Shen Qingshuang's decision, showing their lack of resolve.
• Zhou Fang, Li Sheng, and He Zhiling's interactions reveal their intentions and strategies.
• Chen Cheng and Shen Qingshuang's interaction hints at Shen Qingshuang's interest in recruiting Chen Cheng.
• The other candidates' focus on Chen Cheng's decision shows their respect for his potential and the consequences of his choice.