Chapter Summaries

Hong Minghu stormed the county office and attacked County Magistrate Li Hong, while Jiang Ning watched and questioned the accusation until Li Hong revealed a golden box linked to the God-Worship Cult. Li Hong swallowed a piece of the God of Flesh and transformed into a monster, confirming his ties to the cult before the county yamen.

• Hong Minghu entered the county office and accused Li Hong of being the God-Worship Cult’s vice cult leader, then attacked him and buried him beneath a collapsed building.
• Jiang Ning observed that Hong Minghu’s inner breath exceeded his own and discovered that Li Hong had reached the sixth-rank Darksteel Bone Realm.
• Jiang Ning saw Li Hong take out a golden box containing a pulsing chunk of flesh and realized Hong Minghu’s investigation had been correct.
• Li Hong swallowed the flesh to avoid capture, and Hong Minghu waited for him to emerge from the rubble.
• Li Hong transformed into a four-legged, four-armed monster, and Hong Minghu declared him the leader of the rebel bandits.

Jiang Ning watched Hong Minghu fight Li Hong after Li Hong transformed into a three-headed, six-armed divine scion. Hong Minghu suppressed Li Hong’s healing with gold powder and pursued him, while Jiang Ning realized that Fifth Rank inner breath techniques held knowledge he still lacked.

• Jiang Ning recognized Li Hong’s transformation as resembling the God of Flesh, and Li Changkong and Ye Qiu were shaken by Li Hong’s overwhelming presence.
• Li Hong completed his transformation, thanked Hong Minghu for forcing his choice, and knocked Hong Minghu away with a single punch.
• Hong Minghu unleashed tiger-shaped inner breath to drive Li Hong back, then broke one of Li Hong’s heads and used gold powder to suppress the wound’s healing.
• Li Hong fled and struck Li Changkong aside, but Hong Minghu caught up and prepared a powerful tiger-shaped inner-breath attack.
• Jiang Ning studied the mysterious patterns in Hong Minghu’s technique and realized he needed to learn more about Fifth Rank inner breath.

Jiang Ning killed Li Hong with his bow after Li Hong's supernatural power overwhelmed Hong Minghu and the Inspection Office commanders. The survivors thanked Jiang Ning, and Hong Minghu declared that Jiang Ning deserved the foremost credit for the victory.

• Li Hong used the power of his opened head to cripple Hong Minghu, Ye Qiu, Li Changkong, and the other commanders, leaving them close to death.
• Jiang Ning fired an arrow from more than five hundred meters away, piercing Li Hong's heart, then followed with a second arrow that destroyed his head and killed him.
• Jiang Ning absorbed thirteen points of divinity and two authorities from Li Hong while pretending to examine the body.
• Hong Minghu and the other survivors thanked Jiang Ning for saving their lives, and Ye Qiu and the commanders promised to repay him.
• Hong Minghu awarded Jiang Ning the foremost credit for killing Li Hong, and the others agreed.

After surviving the battle with Li Hong, Jiang Ning learned from Hong Minghu about divine markings and the Martial Dao academies, then used his Photographic Memory and Tiger Form experience to master a powerful technique almost instantly. Hong Minghu gave him the costly tiger bone, and Jiang Ning left unaware of its value until he overheard Hong Minghu say it had cost 110,000 taels of silver.

• Hong Minghu revealed that his injuries from the battle with Li Hong were severe, and Jiang Ning used his inner breath to ease them.
• Hong Minghu explained how he used the tiger bone’s divine markings to strengthen his inner-breath tiger, and urged Jiang Ning to study at the Martial Academy.
• Hong Minghu gave Jiang Ning the tiger bone, and Jiang Ning memorized its markings and manifested them on his own inner-breath tiger, greatly increasing its power.
• Hong Minghu was astonished by Jiang Ning’s mastery, but insisted he keep the tiger bone even after Jiang Ning offered it back.
• After Jiang Ning left, Hong Minghu lamented the gift’s cost and said he hoped it would repair their relationship; Jiang Ning overheard that it had cost 110,000 taels of silver.

Jiang Ning spent Divinity points to advance his Divine Scion's Vassal Authority, then tested its strengthening effect on Lü Yi and Xie Xiaojiu, who willingly accepted his blood despite the control it entailed. He later examined the tiger bone Hong Minghu had given him and planned to use its value to fund his Five Animals Fist training and future trip to Dongling City.

• Jiang Ning escorted Xie Xiaoj iu from the Inspection Office and rode with her and Lü Yi through the snowy weather.
• Jiang Ning spent Divinity points to raise Divine Scion's Vassal to the half-deficient stage and discovered it could strengthen and control his vassals.
• Jiang Ning fed his blood to Lü Yi, and Xie Xiaojiu asked to receive the same strengthening despite learning it would place her under his control.
• After giving Xie Xiaojiu his blood, Jiang Ning left the carriage and reflected on his growing strength and the dangers of the chaotic age.
• Jiang Ning inspected Hong Minghu's tiger bone and planned to sell it to buy materials for his Five Animals Fist training before visiting Dongling City for the martial examinations.

Jiang Ning used his extraordinary healing ability to open and repeatedly widen his meridians by circulating the Lesser and Greater Celestial Circuits, greatly increasing his inner-breath output. After returning Xie Xiaoj iu to the Xie Residence, he continued cultivating in the carriage on the way home.

• Jiang Ning manifested the tiger-bone divine pattern and recognized that broadening his meridians could improve the efficiency of his inner breath.
• Jiang Ning circulated inner breath through his Ren and Du Vessels, endured a brief loss of control, and found that his healing had opened and broadened the meridians.
• Jiang Ning completed the Greater Celestial Circuit and began repeatedly tearing and healing his meridians, making his inner breath erupt faster and more fiercely.
• Jiang Ning brought Xie Xiaoj iu and Lü Yi to the Xie Residence, where Xie Zhengtian welcomed him and invited him inside, but Jiang Ning declined and departed.
• Jiang Ning continued circulating the Lesser and Greater Celestial Circuits in the carriage, rapidly strengthening and widening his meridians as they traveled home.

Jiang Ning tested the effects of his improved meridians and found that his explosive inner breath had become powerful but remained limited by its total reserves, while water rapidly restored it. The next morning, officials in Dongling City discussed Jiang Ning’s latest service as Xiao Emei prepared to persuade him to visit Water-Moon Sword Palace.

• Jiang Ning traveled to Chaotic Era Shoal, tested his movement technique, and used an aura eruption to shatter the ice and stand briefly above the water.
• Jiang Ning returned to his courtyard and learned that his blood had boosted Lü Yi’s strength and cultivation progress by more than ten times, so he told her to focus on training.
• Xie Xiaoj iu completed a round of meridian tempering and was astonished by the improvement from Jiang Ning’s blood.
• The next morning, Jiang Ning welcomed the clear weather, while Bai Luoyu met Xiao Emei and Deputy Prefect Su in Dongling City.
• Deputy Prefect Su told Bai Luoyu that Jiang Ning had rendered another great service, and Xiao Emei worried about how to persuade him to visit Water-Moon Sword Palace.

Jiang Ning cultivated under the sun until his inner breath advanced from a river to a sea, then continued training through several days of changing weather. Lü Yi announced that she had reached the eighth rank, while Bai Luoyu and Xiao Emei arrived in Qujiang County and delayed their journey to Luoshui County to rest.

• Jiang Ning absorbed sun essence until his dantian’s inner breath became like a sea, equivalent to thirty years of cultivation.
• Jiang Ning continued cultivating through several fine days, raising his Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique to 2773 experience before snow returned.
• Lü Yi told Jiang Ning that she had entered the eighth rank, and he praised her before she helped him wash and served him meat broth.
• Jiang Ning practiced his fists in the snow, continuing his training despite the courtyard’s cleared-out space.
• Bai Luoyu brought Xiao Emei into Qujiang County to shelter from the snow and insisted they rest for several days before continuing toward Luoshui County.

Jiang Ning continued strengthening his meridians and increasing his cultivation, then gave his nephew Jiang Yiming a drop of essence blood as a birthday gift to establish his Martial Dao foundation. The gift began transforming Jiang Yiming, and Jiang Ning instructed the family to cool him in water while the medicine took effect.

• Jiang Ning repeatedly damaged and healed his meridians beneath the ice at Luo Water Lake, toughening them until they approached the limits of his fleshly body.
• After seven days of heavy snow, Jiang Ning saw the Yellow Heaven Cult grow in Luoshui County and checked his rising Five Animals Fist progress and source energy.
• Jiang Ning drank wine steeped with the Lunar Yin Stone, practiced his fists, and increased his source energy and Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique.
• Bai Luoyu and Xiao Emei left Qujiang County for Luoshui County after Bai Luoyu delayed their departure over breakfast and the weather.
• At Jiang Yiming's fifteenth-birthday meal, Jiang Ning offered him a drop of essence blood to strengthen his body and Martial Dao foundation.
• When Jiang Yiming swallowed the essence blood and became feverishly hot, Jiang Ning wrapped him in water and told Liu Wanwan to place him in a water barrel to cool down.

Jiang Ning agreed to accompany Jiang Li’s family to Dongling, where Jiang Yiming could seek admission to the Martial Academy, and planned to pursue his own studies and examinations. In Luoshui County, Inspector Bai Luoyu arrived as Jiang Ning began gathering medicinal treasures to fuel his next breakthrough.

• Jiang Li told Jiang Ning that he planned to take Liu Wanwan, Yuan Yuan, and Jiang Yiming to visit the Liu Family, and Jiang Ning agreed, citing Jiang Yiming’s Martial Academy prospects.
• Jiang Ning said he would accompany them to Dongling, study at the Martial Academy, and take the imperial examinations.
• Bai Luoyu and Xiao Emei arrived outside Luoshui County after traveling from Dongling City.
• Jiang Ning’s Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique advanced, and he decided to gather more medicinal herbs to gain the source energy needed for his Five Animals Fist breakthrough.
• Jiang Ning visited the Zhou Clan Apothecary, where Zhou Xing brought out ten treasured medicinal ingredients more than fifty years old.

Jiang Ning used potent medicines to strengthen himself and gave Zhou Xing five drops of his blood, binding Zhou Xing to him and transforming his physique. He then spent his accumulated source energy to break the Five Animals Fist through its fifth limit, awakening a tangible fire-tiger fist intent.

• Jiang Ning accepted Zhou Xing's pledge of loyalty and used five drops of his blood to rapidly strengthen Zhou Xing, who agreed to gather more medicines and secure a quiet room.
• Jiang Ning refined treasured medicines from the county's apothecaries, increasing his blood and qi and gaining 1,681.73 source energy points.
• After training through the night, Jiang Ning saw his source energy rise to 2,877.45 and went onto the frozen lake to safely break through the Five Animals Fist's fifth limit.
• Jiang Ning spent 2,000 source energy points and comprehended a deeper level of fist intent, manifesting the five animals as real forms, including a blazing fire tiger.
• Jiang Ning's fire tiger roared and shattered the lake ice, and his punch sent powerful waves through the air.

Jiang Ning broke through the Five Animals Fist’s limits and gained a Five-Elements Physique, then spent the morning cultivating while Inspector Bai Luoyu arrived to deliver rewards for his merits. After Jiang Ning finished cultivating, he went to meet the inspector, eager to learn what resources and recognition he would receive.

• Jiang Ning tested the five fist intents, admired their power, and discovered that his Five Animals Fist breakthrough had bestowed the Five-Elements Physique.
• Jiang Ning rested at home and gave Lü Yi a drop of his blood to help her strength training.
• Bai Luoyu told Hong Minghu that Jiang Ning would receive the primary merit for killing Li Hong, worth four hundred thousand contribution points and an unconditional half-rank promotion; Hong Minghu received his own reward.
• Jiang Ning cultivated the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique as Bai Luoyu sensed the great sun essence and waited with Hong Minghu and Xiao Emei at Jiang Ning’s residence.
• After finishing his cultivation, Jiang Ning went to the main hall to meet Bai Luoyu and receive the rewards for his merits.

Jiang Ning hosted Inspector Bai Luoyu, who explained the significance of Jiang Ning’s Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique and its potential to establish the foundation of a Heaven-Man Grandmaster. After asking the other guests to leave, Bai Luoyu revealed that he had come chiefly to deliver Jiang Ning’s rewards for his meritorious deeds.

• Jiang Ning arrived at the hall and was introduced to Bai Luoyu and Xiao Emei, the Water-Moon Sword Palace chief disciple.
• Jiang Ning entertained Bai Luoyu, Hong Minghu, and Xiao Emei with wine, while Bai Luoyu recognized Jiang Ning’s immortal root and praised his achievements.
• Bai Luoyu identified Jiang Ning’s cultivation method as the Inner Elixir Life-Nourishing Technique and described the different paths to the grandmaster realm.
• Bai Luoyu explained that perfecting the technique could prepare Jiang Ning to become a powerful Heaven-Man Grandmaster, and advised him to seek further study at the Dao Palace or an academy.
• Bai Luoyu asked Hong Minghu and Xiao Emei to leave, then told Jiang Ning that he had come chiefly to deliver the rewards for his meritorious deeds.

Jiang Ning received contribution points for killing two God-Worship Cult martial artists and resolving the crisis in Luoshui County. He chose the chance to become Dongling Commandery’s third Circuit Inspector, pending martial and civil examination qualifications and a strength requirement.

• Bai Luoyu gave Jiang Ning one million contribution points for killing two fifth-rank martial artists from the God-Worship Cult.
• Jiang Ning chose four hundred thousand contribution points instead of an unconditional half-rank promotion for eliminating County Magistrate Li Hong.
• Bai Luoyu offered Jiang Ning either an appointment as Deputy Commander or an opportunity to become Dongling Commandery’s third Circuit Inspector.
• Bai Luoyu explained that the Circuit Inspector opportunity required Jiang Ning to reach fifth-rank strength within a year and earn both Martial Licentiate and Literary Licentiate titles.
• Jiang Ning chose the Circuit Inspector opportunity because it offered greater authority and freedom than the Deputy Commander post.

Bai Luoyu gave Jiang Ning a candidate inspection commissioner identity and explained the Heavenly Secrets Register, while Xiao Emei failed to persuade him to visit the Water-Moon Sword Palace. After deciding to test Jiang Ning that night, Xiao Emei slipped out of the inn, and Bai Luoyu chose not to intervene.

• Bai Luoyu gave Jiang Ning a candidate inspection commissioner identity and explained that the Heavenly Secrets Register could transmit messages across a thousand miles.
• Jiang Ning told Bai Luoyu he planned to take the imperial examination and enter the Martial Academy, then refused Xiao Emei's invitation to the Water-Moon Sword Palace.
• Jiang Li learned Jiang Ning had been promoted to Subordinate Sixth Rank, while Jiang Ning considered how to spend his 1.43 million contribution points and prepared to face the Palace's threat through greater strength.
• Xiao Emei concluded that Jiang Ning's strength and status were greater than she had assumed and decided to test him that night.
• Xiao Emei disguised herself and slipped out of the Cloud-Arriving Inn, while Bai Luoyu noticed her departure and decided not to interfere.

Jiang Ning caught Xiao Emei sneaking into his room and defeated her with overwhelming strength, third-level fist intent, and inner breath. He crippled her meridians and left her injured and exposed, with her life in his hands.

• Jiang Ning reviewed his skills and chose to focus on Literacy to improve his spiritual perception and help him search for treasures in Luo River.
• Jiang Ning used his Heavenly Eye to identify Xiao Emei hiding above his bed, though she believed her disguise concealed her identity.
• Xiao Emei attacked Jiang Ning with a dagger, but he seized her wrist and slammed her into the floor.
• Jiang Ning used tiger fist intent and a fiery strike to overwhelm Xiao Emei, then dislocated her arms and severely damaged her meridians with his inner breath.
• Jiang Ning warned Xiao Emei not to flee and told her that no one could rescue her, while she sat humiliated and unable to resist.

Jiang Ning subdued Xiao Emei and used his blood to transform and control her, making her agree to serve as his informant within the Water-Moon Sword Palace. After leaving Xiao Emei to get dressed, he went to fetch Lü Yi.

• Jiang Ning defeated Xiao Emei, spared her life, and ordered her to report information from the Water-Moon Sword Palace.
• Jiang Ning made Xiao Emei swallow his blood, which strengthened her body and carried a mark he could use to inflict severe pain.
• Jiang Ning tested his control over Xiao Emei, and she recognized him as a divine reincarnation and pledged obedience.
• Jiang Ning gave Xiao Emei a robe and stepped outside while she dressed.
• Jiang Ning went to Lü Yi's courtyard and told her to come with him.

Xiao Emei recovered from her injuries after her clash with Jiang Ning and joined Bai Luoyu in visiting him, while Bai Luoyu continued to wonder what had happened the previous night. Jiang Ning practiced until noon, then welcomed his visitors and learned that Bai Luoyu had brought his own wine.

• Jiang Ning sent Lü Yi to take Xiao Emei away and give her clothes, then examined the damage in his room and went to bed.
• Bai Luoyu saw Xiao Emei return to the inn and invited her to visit Jiang Ning with him; she asked him to wait while she treated her injuries and bathed.
• Xiao Emei changed into a white dress and coiled her hair before joining Bai Luoyu, who had waited several hours.
• Bai Luoyu and Xiao Emei visited Jiang Ning's residence and watched the Great Sun essence descend into the eastern courtyard as Jiang Ning practiced.
• Jiang Ning finished his cultivation at noon and greeted Bai Luoyu and Xiao Emei, then apologized that his special wine had run out.
• Bai Luoyu reassured Jiang Ning and produced a white-jade flask of wine for them to drink.

Jiang Ning received Xiao Emei’s report that Xiao Qiushui had sent Yu Manyun to invite him to the Water-Moon Sword Palace, while Xiao Qiuyue’s desire for revenge posed a serious threat. He focused on increasing his strength and Literacy, and the chapter ended as he used Heavenly Eye Unveiled to see who had arrived at his gate.

• Jiang Ning received a letter from Xiao Emei via a Skyborne Letterbird and learned that Yu Manyun would continue trying to bring him to the Water-Moon Sword Palace.
• Jiang Ning read that Xiao Qiuyue, grieving her only son He Jinyun, wanted to kill every possible suspect, and he worried that harming her would bring trouble from both the Qinghe Count and Xiao Qiushui.
• Jiang Ning resolved to strengthen himself, then read while Lü Yi served him meat broth and received a drop of his blood.
• Lin Qingyi read a second letter from a persistent girl and decided to visit Jiang Ning that afternoon.
• Jiang Ning read through the snowfall and saw that Literacy had reached 5613/6000, then opened Heavenly Eye Unveiled to inspect a visitor at his gate.

Lin Qingyi visited Jiang Ning, delivered a letter from Princess Seventeen, and explained the different paths to becoming a Grandmaster while hinting at troubles she could not discuss. The next morning, Jiang Ning used 500 source energy to trigger Literacy’s sixth limit break, and his spiritual force field began expanding beyond its previous range.

• Lin Qingyi arrived at Jiang Ning’s home, revealed that she had become a Human Path Grandmaster, and discussed the challenges of the three Grandmaster paths.
• Lin Qingyi gave Jiang Ning a letter from Princess Seventeen, which he read without sharing his thoughts on it.
• Lin Qingyi admitted that she had little time left, then left without explaining her worries, thinking that her affairs must not involve Jiang Ning.
• The next morning, Jiang Ning saw that Literacy had reached 6,000 experience and spent 500 source energy on its sixth limit break.
• Jiang Ning felt his soul drift free as his spiritual force field spread outward from its previous two-hundred-meter radius.