Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng receives substantial proficiency rewards after killing two martial disciples, including a Primary Cultivation Enhancement Aura.
• Jiang Feng's realm advances to the seventh stage of the Blood-Moving Realm, and his Exquisite Breathing Method progresses to minor success.
• Jiang Feng ambushes Sun Bowei but fails to kill him. Sun Bowei activates his Golden Armor Technique and counterattacks fiercely.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows increased strength and courage, breaks through to the seventh stage of the Blood-Moving Realm, and improves his Exquisite Breathing Method. He also demonstrates strategic thinking by ambushing Sun Bowei.
• Sun Bowei: Reveals his Golden Armor Technique and becomes more aggressive after Jiang Feng's failed ambush.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and its impact on combat abilities.
• The importance of martial techniques and their mastery.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Sun Bowei: Jiang Feng attempts to assassinate Sun Bowei, but Sun Bowei turns the tables and attacks Jiang Feng relentlessly. Their interaction highlights the power dynamics between them and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng, acting as bait, encounters Sun Bowei and Fan Qingyang.
• Sun Bowei, at the eighth level of the Blood-Moving Realm, attacks Jiang Feng.
• Jiang Feng discovers Sun Bowei's ability to manifest blood and qi for defense.
• Jiang Feng breaks through to the seventh level of the Blood-Moving Realm, manifesting his blood and qi.
• Jiang Feng severely injures Sun Bowei, who begs for mercy and offers rewards.
• Jiang Feng asks about Sun Bowei's family and background, then kills him.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng demonstrates his strategic thinking and patience in battle.
• Jiang Feng breaks through to a higher level in the Blood-Moving Realm, showcasing his potential.
• Sun Bowei's arrogance and overconfidence lead to his downfall.

Significant Themes

• The power of patience and strategy in combat.
• The importance of understanding one's opponent and their abilities.
• The consequences of underestimating an opponent.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Sun Bowei engage in a fierce battle, with Sun Bowei initially having the upper hand.
• Fan Qingyang acts as a distraction, trying to provoke Jiang Feng.
• Jiang Feng shows no mercy to Sun Bowei, despite his pleas for mercy and offers of rewards.
• Jiang Feng displays a cold, calculating demeanor, unlike his usual humble self.

Key Plot Points

• Fan Qingyang, terrified and lost, returns to the cabins after fleeing Jiang Feng.
• Jiang Feng, waiting outside, calmly confronts Fan Qingyang and kills him with a single strike of his Ghost-Head Blade.
• The other Medicine Hall apprentices, unaware of the murder, continue their daily activities.

Character Developments

• Fan Qingyang: Panicked and desperate, he begs for mercy but is ultimately killed by Jiang Feng.
• Jiang Feng: Calm and composed, he executes his revenge against Fan Qingyang without hesitation.
• Medicine Hall apprentices: Unaware of the murder, they continue their daily routines, showing no signs of concern for Fan Qingyang's absence.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Jiang Feng's single-minded pursuit of revenge against those who wronged him.
• Power dynamics: The shift in power from Fan Qingyang to Jiang Feng, highlighting the brutal nature of their world.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Fan Qingyang: Their final confrontation ends with Jiang Feng killing Fan Qingyang.
• Medicine Hall apprentices: They interact with each other, unaware of the murder and showing no concern for Fan Qingyang's absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The warehouse is in disarray, with scattered herbs and eaten rations, all due to Jiang Feng.
• Fan Qingyang returns, and the apprentices eagerly await his judgment on Jiang Feng's actions.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: He brews a medicinal soup to replenish his blood and qi, showing foresight and self-preservation. He's calm and collected, even when faced with potential consequences.
• Ma Liu: He's cunning and manipulative, trying to sway the apprentices against Jiang Feng and stir up trouble.
• Fan Qingyang: His return signals potential trouble for Jiang Feng, as the apprentices expect him to deliver a harsh punishment.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The apprentices' trust in Jiang Feng is shattered, while Ma Liu's manipulation sows discord.
• Consequences of Actions: Jiang Feng's actions have severe consequences, both for himself and the group.
• Power Dynamics: Fan Qingyang's return shifts the power dynamics, with the apprentices looking to him for justice.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and the Apprentices: The apprentices are furious with Jiang Feng, blaming him for the mess and the eaten rations.
• Ma Liu and the Apprentices: Ma Liu manipulates the apprentices, fueling their anger and eagerness for Jiang Feng's punishment.
• Jiang Feng and Fan Qingyang: Tension builds between them, as Jiang Feng knows Fan Qingyang's return spells trouble, and the apprentices expect a harsh punishment from Fan Qingyang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng is accused by a group led by Ma Liu for killing Fan Qingyang.
• Fan Qingyang appears, but Jiang Feng suspects he's an evil spirit due to strange physical traits.
• Jiang Feng decapitates the 'Fan Qingyang' twice, revealing an evil spirit possessing the body.
• The evil spirit controls the corpses of the killed men, causing chaos.
• Jiang Feng decides to destroy the evil spirit by chopping it into pieces.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows vigilance, calm, and determination in facing the evil spirit. He's willing to take risks and act decisively.
• Fan Qingyang (Evil Spirit): Reveals its true form, showing malevolence, cunning, and a desire to possess a new body.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between good (Jiang Feng) and evil (the evil spirit).
• The consequences of one's actions (Fan Qingyang's death leading to the evil spirit's manifestation).
• The power of determination and decisiveness (Jiang Feng's resolve to destroy the evil spirit).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng vs. Evil Spirit: A tense standoff where Jiang Feng remains calm and collected, while the evil spirit grows increasingly agitated.
• Jiang Feng vs. Crowd: The crowd initially berates Jiang Feng but later turns to fear and chaos when the evil spirit is revealed.
• Evil Spirit vs. Crowd: The evil spirit controls the corpses of the killed men, causing fear and panic among the survivors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng, provoked by Fan Qingyang and his group, severely injures and likely kills Fan.
• Apprentices, seeing Jiang Feng's strength, seek his protection from the evil entity.
• Jiang Feng refuses to protect them, killing Ma Liu who tries to force his way to Jiang Feng.
• The evil entity reveals itself, controlling the dead and the possessed apprentices.
• Jiang Feng decides to fight the evil entity, manifesting his blood and qi.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows his true strength and ruthlessness, refusing to protect those who wronged him. He decides to fight the evil entity despite the danger.
• Apprentices: Realize Jiang Feng's power and seek his protection, but he refuses. They flee in fear when the evil entity reveals itself.
• Evil Entity: Reveals its presence and control over the dead and possessed. It's surprised by Jiang Feng's strength.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and Justice: Jiang Feng takes revenge on those who wronged him, showing that actions have consequences.
• Trust and Betrayal: The apprentices betray Jiang Feng, but he doesn't trust their sudden change of heart, leading to their deaths.
• Power and Fear: Jiang Feng's display of power instills fear in the apprentices and the evil entity.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng vs. Apprentices: Jiang Feng refuses to protect the apprentices despite their pleas, leading to their deaths.
• Jiang Feng vs. Evil Entity: Jiang Feng decides to fight the evil entity, showing his determination and courage.
• Apprentices vs. Evil Entity: The apprentices are controlled by the evil entity, highlighting its power and their vulnerability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng faces seven apprentices possessed by an evil spirit, demonstrating superior strength and skill.
• He discovers that using life-blood is effective against the evil spirit, killing it after a fierce battle.
• The evil spirit retaliates by possessing Jiang Feng, leaving him with decaying life-blood and black markings spreading towards his heart.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng exhibits exceptional combat skills, strategic thinking, and resilience.
• The evil spirit displays cunning, adaptability, and a capacity for vengeance.

Significant Themes

• The power of life-blood and its limitations.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemy.
• The struggle against an unseen, malevolent force.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng vs. the possessed apprentices: Jiang Feng demonstrates his superiority, killing all seven apprentices.
• Jiang Feng vs. the evil spirit: Jiang Feng gains the upper hand initially but is ultimately possessed, leading to a precarious situation.
• Jiang Feng vs. himself: Jiang Feng struggles against the decay of his life-blood and the spreading black markings, trying to find a solution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng loots the Medicine Hall warehouse, finding four taels of silver and herbs for nourishing blood and qi.
• He returns to Black Water Town and learns about the recent chaos and rumors of evil spirits.
• He inquires about Sun Bowei and heads to the Sun Family's residence.
• Jiang Feng finds nothing of value in the main house but encounters three large black dogs, which he kills.
• A fourth, thin dog begs for its life, showing signs of intelligence.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng demonstrates his proficiency in looting and his practicality in not wasting resources.
• He shows curiosity and interest in the thin dog's display of intelligence.

Significant Themes

• Survival and resourcefulness in a harsh world.
• The contrast between the luxurious lifestyle of the Sun Family and their apparent lack of wealth.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng interacts with a waiter at a restaurant, learning about the town's recent troubles.
• He encounters and kills three large black dogs, then spares the life of a fourth, thin dog after it begs for mercy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng encounters a thin, well-behaved dog and decides not to kill it, naming it 'Mute' on the condition that it doesn't bark.
• Mute leads Jiang Feng to a hidden cellar in a shack, where he finds a chest filled with silver and a booklet containing the 'Golden Armor Technique'.
• In the cellar, Jiang Feng discovers a hidden room containing a mysterious, beautiful woman.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng shows compassion towards the dog, Mute, and keeps his word despite his initial intention to kill it.
• Jiang Feng's greed for wealth and power is evident as he seeks out the Sun Brothers' treasures.
• The woman in the hidden room is revealed to be beautiful and seductive, with a timid and fawning demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Compassion vs. Greed: Jiang Feng's initial act of compassion towards Mute is later overshadowed by his greed for wealth and power.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The woman's stunning beauty contrasts with her timid and fawning behavior, suggesting a disconnect between her appearance and her true nature.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng interacts with Mute, showing a rare moment of compassion and understanding towards the dog.
• Jiang Feng's interaction with the woman in the hidden room is tense, as he threatens her to reveal herself, showing no mercy despite her beauty and timid demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng encounters a stunningly beautiful woman, Liu Ruyan, imprisoned in the Sun Family's cellar.
• Liu Ruyan tells Jiang Feng a tragic backstory of being widowed and abducted by the Sun Brothers.
• Jiang Feng rescues Liu Ruyan, but remains suspicious of her story.
• Liu Ruyan asks to stay with Jiang Feng as his attendant, offering to serve him in any way he desires.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Initially stunned by Liu Ruyan's beauty, he quickly regains his composure and remains vigilant. He considers disposing of Liu Ruyan to avoid potential trouble but ultimately decides to keep her as an attendant due to her beauty and her offer to serve him.
• Liu Ruyan: Initially appears vulnerable and pitiful, but her true intentions remain unclear. She offers to serve Jiang Feng, suggesting she has her own motives for staying with him.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: Liu Ruyan's beauty initially deceives Jiang Feng, but he soon becomes suspicious of her true intentions.
• Power Dynamics: Jiang Feng's rescue of Liu Ruyan gives him power over her, which he uses to set strict rules for her stay with him.
• Desire vs. Caution: Jiang Feng's desire for Liu Ruyan's beauty conflicts with his caution about her true motives, leading to a tense standoff.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Liu Ruyan: Their interaction is tense and guarded, with Jiang Feng initially considering killing Liu Ruyan to avoid trouble. Liu Ruyan's offer to serve him changes the dynamic, but Jiang Feng still sets strict rules to maintain control over her.
• Jiang Feng's internal dialogue: Throughout the chapter, Jiang Feng's thoughts reveal his suspicion of Liu Ruyan and his internal struggle between desire and caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng makes two demands to Liu Ruyan in exchange for helping her: she must stay in his cellar and follow his orders.
• Liu Ruyan agrees, but expresses concern about the Sun family's return. Jiang Feng assures her he will handle it.
• After leaving the cellar, Jiang Feng discovers strange, writhing, pitch-black markings on his chest, causing him pain. He cultivates to suppress it.
• Liu Ruyan, alone in the cellar, reveals her true, cold, and calculating nature, planning to manipulate Jiang Feng.
• Jiang Feng settles his daily rewards, gaining an attribute point and a 24-hour enhancement aura.
• The next morning, Jiang Feng wakes up to find a lavish breakfast prepared by Liu Ruyan.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows determination in handling the Sun family issue and dealing with the mysterious markings on his chest. He decides to take another risk to access information about the markings.
• Liu Ruyan: Reveals her true, manipulative nature after Jiang Feng leaves. She plans to use him for her own purposes.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Liu Ruyan's true nature and her plans to manipulate Jiang Feng highlight the theme of deception and using others for personal gain.
• Trust and caution: Jiang Feng's decision to leave the cellar unlocked to test Liu Ruyan's obedience, and his later decision to take another risk, emphasizes the theme of trust and caution in his interactions with her.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Liu Ruyan: Their interaction is marked by caution and calculation on both sides. Jiang Feng tests Liu Ruyan's obedience, while she plans to manipulate him. Despite this, they maintain a semblance of cooperation.
• Jiang Feng and Mute: The thin dog, Mute, is anxious to eat the breakfast prepared by Liu Ruyan, showing a simple, instinctual interaction with Jiang Feng, who has been caring for it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng and Liu Ruyan have their first meal together, with Jiang Feng discovering Liu Ruyan's exceptional cooking skills.
• Jiang Feng begins practicing the Golden Armor Technique, a second-grade martial skill, and trains intensively throughout the day.
• Jiang Feng's daily refresh arrives, rewarding him with significant progress in his techniques and a breakthrough to the eighth layer of the Blood-Moving Realm.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows determination and dedication in his cultivation, pushing himself to the limit. He also displays consideration towards Liu Ruyan by inviting her to eat with him and not forcing her back into the cellar.
• Liu Ruyan: Reveals her culinary prowess and maintains her mysterious and alluring demeanor. She seems to have ulterior motives but keeps them hidden.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and hard work: Jiang Feng's relentless cultivation despite his poor natural aptitude and the presence of the evil spirit mark.
• Hidden agendas: Liu Ruyan's true intentions remain unclear, adding an element of intrigue to the story.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Liu Ruyan: Their interactions are cordial but guarded. Jiang Feng is cautious about Liu Ruyan's motives, while she maintains a facade of helplessness and dependence.
• Jiang Feng and the Mute: The Mute remains loyal and protective of Jiang Feng, lying by the door as Jiang Feng trains.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng leaves the inn early in the morning, with Liu Ruyan watching him go.
• He climbs over the wall and heads towards the Medicine Hall.
• At the Medicine Hall, Xie Shu is worried about the delayed herb-collecting team and Alchemist Song's persistent demands for Jiang Feng.
• Jiang Feng returns to the Medicine Hall, injured, and requests an urgent meeting with Xie Shu.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows significant improvement in cultivation level and vital energy, puzzling Liu Ruyan. He maintains his guarded and mysterious demeanor.
• Liu Ruyan: Becomes more suspicious and interested in Jiang Feng after noticing his improvements. She considers stopping him but decides against it.
• Xie Shu: Struggles with the delayed herb-collecting team and Alchemist Song's demands, showing signs of stress and regret for not removing Jiang Feng from the list earlier.
• Wu Han: Struggles with his loss of desire and attraction to beautiful women, indicating his condition has not improved.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of past actions: Xie Shu regrets not removing Jiang Feng from the list, and Wu Han suffers from his loss of desire.
• The power of secrets: Liu Ruyan is intrigued by Jiang Feng's hidden abilities, and Xie Shu is pressured by Alchemist Song's demands.
• The struggle against temptation: Wu Han battles against his loss of desire, and Jiang Feng maintains his guard against Liu Ruyan.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Liu Ruyan: Their interaction is tense and guarded, with Liu Ruyan becoming more curious about Jiang Feng's abilities.
• Xie Shu and the servant: Xie Shu shows concern and urgency when hearing about Jiang Feng's return, indicating his trust in Jiang Feng.
• Wu Han and the women: Wu Han's struggle against his loss of desire creates a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere with the women.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Han, irritated by the women sent to serve him, vents his frustration by destroying a tea table.
• Xue Zhao, the steward, tries to appease Wu Han, promising to find the culprits behind Wu Han's condition.
• Jiang Feng returns from the herb-gathering trip, having survived an ambush. He reports to Xue Shu, the manager of the Benevolent Heart Medicine Hall.
• Xue Zhao interrupts their conversation, accusing Jiang Feng of lying about his survival.

Character Developments

• Wu Han: His anger and frustration grow due to his condition, leading him to lash out at those around him.
• Jiang Feng: He demonstrates resilience and adaptability by surviving the ambush and navigating the political landscape of the Medicine Hall.
• Xue Shu: He shows concern for Jiang Feng's well-being and a desire to protect him, indicating his integrity and loyalty to his subordinates.
• Xue Zhao: He displays ambition and eagerness to please Wu Han, hinting at his potential disloyalty to the Medicine Hall.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The interactions between Wu Han, Xue Zhao, and the women highlight the power imbalance and the consequences of defying those in authority.
• Trust and loyalty: Jiang Feng's survival and Xue Shu's reaction to his story emphasize the importance of trust and loyalty within the Medicine Hall.
• Deception and manipulation: The ambush on Jiang Feng's team and Xue Zhao's interruption of Jiang Feng's report underscore the prevalence of deception and manipulation in the story's political landscape.

Character Interactions

• Wu Han and Xue Zhao: Wu Han's outburst and Xue Zhao's fawning response illustrate their master-servant relationship, with Xue Zhao seeking to please Wu Han to further his own interests.
• Jiang Feng and Xue Shu: Their interaction demonstrates a mutual respect and trust, with Xue Shu showing genuine concern for Jiang Feng's well-being and Jiang Feng choosing to omit certain details from his report to protect Xue Shu.
• Xue Shu and Xue Zhao: Their interaction reveals a power struggle within the Medicine Hall, with Xue Shu representing the interests of the Medicine Hall and its disciples, while Xue Zhao appears more concerned with pleasing Wu Han.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng is accused by Xue Zhao of murdering the scouting party members who didn't return.
• Xie Shu, the Medicine Hall's resident manager, is present and questions Jiang Feng about the incident.
• Jiang Feng describes the evil spirit and how he escaped, hinting that he killed it.
• Xue Zhao, disbelieving Jiang Feng's account, tries to take him away for interrogation.
• Xie Shu intervenes, revealing his Skin-Refining Realm strength, and vouches for Jiang Feng's honesty.
• Xie Shu asks Jiang Feng how he escaped, leading to Jiang Feng's revelation that he killed the evil spirit.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng remains calm and composed under pressure, revealing his resourcefulness and resilience.
• Xie Shu demonstrates his power and authority, showing that he is fair and just, willing to listen to Jiang Feng's account.
• Xue Zhao shows his arrogance and disregard for others, trying to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

Significant Themes

• Truth vs. Perception: Jiang Feng's account is initially met with disbelief, highlighting the theme of truth being subjective based on one's perspective.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Xie Shu, Xue Zhao, and Jiang Feng illustrate the power dynamics within the Medicine Hall.
• Survival: Jiang Feng's ability to survive in the face of adversity is a key theme, showing his determination and will to live.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Xie Shu: Their interaction shows a shift in their relationship, with Xie Shu now believing in Jiang Feng's honesty and integrity.
• Jiang Feng and Xue Zhao: Their interaction highlights the conflict between them, with Xue Zhao trying to discredit Jiang Feng and take control of the situation.
• Xie Shu and Xue Zhao: Their interaction demonstrates Xie Shu's authority and power, as he puts Xue Zhao in his place and takes control of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng returns to the Medicine Hall and claims to have killed a Chang Ghost, causing disbelief and mockery.
• He demonstrates his martial arts advancement to the seventh stage of the Blood-Moving Realm and blood-qi manifestation, silencing the crowd.
• Jiang Feng applies for the Guard Assessment, which Xue Zhao initially opposes but later agrees to handle, aiming to sabotage Jiang Feng's attempt.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows remarkable martial arts progress, demonstrating confidence and calmness under pressure.
• Xue Zhao: Becomes increasingly desperate and malicious, driven by jealousy and fear of Jiang Feng's rise.
• Xie Shu: Shows admiration for Jiang Feng's solid foundation and offers help during the assessment.

Significant Themes

• Martial Arts Advancement: Jiang Feng's rapid progress highlights the importance of martial arts cultivation in the story's world.
• Jealousy and Malice: Xue Zhao's actions are driven by these emotions, leading him to make desperate and reckless decisions.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Xie Shu's support for Jiang Feng and Song Huai's previous actions demonstrate the positive influence mentors can have.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng vs. Xue Zhao: Their conflict deepens as Xue Zhao becomes more threatened by Jiang Feng's growth.
• Jiang Feng and Xie Shu: They develop a positive relationship, with Xie Shu offering help and expressing admiration for Jiang Feng.
• Jiang Feng and Song Huai: Jiang Feng learns that Song Huai has been supporting him, strengthening their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng applies for the guard assessment, causing a stir among the Medicine Hall apprentices and servants due to his sudden cultivation improvement.
• Tie Rong, the Guard Hall manager, arrives to oversee the assessment. Xue Zhao bribes him to ensure Jiang Feng fails.
• Jiang Feng and Xie Shu arrive at the assessment ring. Tie Rong dismisses Xie Shu and sends Liu Mo, a guard, to fight Jiang Feng.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows confidence and composure before the assessment, hinting at his hidden strength.
• Tie Rong: Reveals his corrupt nature by accepting a bribe to manipulate the assessment. He underestimates Jiang Feng's abilities.
• Xue Zhao: Demonstrates his malicious intent towards Jiang Feng, using his influence to bribe Tie Rong.
• Xie Shu: Shows concern for Jiang Feng's well-being, trying to reassure him before the fight.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and bribery, as seen in Tie Rong and Xue Zhao's actions.
• Underestimation of opponents, demonstrated by Tie Rong's dismissive attitude towards Jiang Feng.

Character Interactions

• Tie Rong and Xue Zhao: They collude to ensure Jiang Feng's failure, with Xue Zhao bribing Tie Rong.
• Xie Shu and Jiang Feng: Xie Shu tries to reassure Jiang Feng, showing a protective attitude.
• Jiang Feng and Tie Rong: Tie Rong underestimates Jiang Feng, leading to a potential miscalculation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Mo, an eighth-level Blood-Moving Realm cultivator, is sent to assess Jiang Feng's skills.
• Liu Mo attempts to cripple or kill Jiang Feng with his first punch, targeting his face.
• Jiang Feng dodges and counters with an elbow strike, injuring Liu Mo.
• Liu Mo uses the Mountain-Shaking Fist, Monument-Crushing Style, but Jiang Feng activates the Golden Armor Technique and counterattacks.
• Jiang Feng's punch sends Liu Mo flying, defeating him.

Character Developments

• Liu Mo: Reveals his true intentions to harm Jiang Feng, shows arrogance and underestimation of Jiang Feng's abilities.
• Jiang Feng: Demonstrates quick thinking, calmness under pressure, and hidden strength, activating the Golden Armor Technique.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation leading to downfall (Liu Mo underestimates Jiang Feng).
• Hidden strength and true abilities (Jiang Feng's Golden Armor Technique).
• Corruption and abuse of power (Xue Zhao's involvement in Liu Mo's actions).

Character Interactions

• Xue Zhao and Tie Rong: Discuss Jiang Feng's abilities, with Xue Zhao insisting he's only at the seventh level.
• Liu Mo and Jiang Feng: Their interaction reveals Liu Mo's true intentions and Jiang Feng's hidden strength.
• Tie Rong and Xue Zhao: Tie Rong grows suspicious of Jiang Feng's true abilities and Xue Zhao's claims.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng, an apprentice, defeats Liu Mo, a Guard Assessment examiner, during the assessment, a first in the Benevolent Heart Medicine Hall's history.
• Xue Zhao, the assessor, tries to invalidate the assessment, but Xie Shu, a Skin-Refining Realm martial artist, intervenes and supports Jiang Feng's victory.
• Tie Rong, the Guard Hall steward, approves Jiang Feng's promotion to guard, ignoring Xue Zhao's protests.
• Tie Rong reveals that Jiang Feng is at the eighth level of the Blood-Moving Realm, not the seventh as previously thought.
• Tie Rong promises Xue Zhao that he will handle Jiang Feng, suggesting he will arrange for Jiang Feng to be sent to deal with dangerous evil spirits, likely leading to his death.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Proves his martial arts prowess and advances to the guard level, revealing his hidden strength and potential.
• Xue Zhao: Shows his desperation and willingness to do anything to eliminate Jiang Feng, even after realizing Jiang Feng's true strength.
• Tie Rong: Demonstrates his cunning and ruthlessness, using his position to manipulate events and guarantee Xue Zhao's "sincerity" (payment).

Significant Themes

• The theme of "sincerity" is ironic, as it refers to Xue Zhao's bribes, which are insincere and corrupt.
• The power dynamics within the Benevolent Heart Medicine Hall are explored, with Tie Rong's influence and Xue Zhao's desperation highlighting the corruption and favoritism.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng vs. Liu Mo: Jiang Feng's victory over Liu Mo demonstrates his martial arts skill and serves as a turning point in his status within the Medicine Hall.
• Xue Zhao vs. Tie Rong: Their interactions highlight Xue Zhao's desperation and Tie Rong's manipulation, as Tie Rong uses Xue Zhao's bribes to guarantee Jiang Feng's demise.
• Xie Shu vs. Xue Zhao: Xie Shu's intervention on Jiang Feng's behalf shows his support for Jiang Feng and his disapproval of Xue Zhao's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Feng returns to the Medicine Hall after his assessment, accompanied by Xie Shu.
• Xie Shu reveals he knows Jiang Feng's true cultivation level (eighth level of Blood-Moving Realm) and advises him to be humble but confident.
• Xie Shu takes Jiang Feng to an exclusive tea room, treating him to Blood Ginseng Tea.
• Xie Shu appoints Jiang Feng as a guard of the Medicine Hall, effective the next day.
• Jiang Feng asks Xie Shu about a strange, pitch-black pattern he saw on someone, which Xie Shu identifies as the Curse of the Evil Spirit.
• Xie Shu explains that the curse can be removed by killing the evil spirit's main body or raising one's cultivation significantly.

Character Developments

• Jiang Feng: Shows humility and eagerness to learn, impressing Xie Shu. He also demonstrates curiosity and concern about the curse.
• Xie Shu: Reveals his sharp eye for talent and his wisdom in guiding Jiang Feng. He also shows concern for the safety of the Medicine Hall and its members.

Significant Themes

• The importance of humility and confidence in one's abilities.
• The dangers of the Curse of the Evil Spirit and the difficulty in removing it.
• The value of knowledge and experience in dealing with unusual situations.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Feng and Xie Shu: Their relationship grows closer as Xie Shu takes Jiang Feng under his wing, offering guidance and special treatment.
• Jiang Feng and Tie Rong (implied): Jiang Feng is wary of Tie Rong due to his potential connection with Xue Zhao, but Xie Shu reassures him that Tie Rong is primarily motivated by money.
• Jiang Feng and the person with the curse (implied): Jiang Feng is concerned about the person he saw with the curse, but he keeps this to himself, fearing Xie Shu's reaction.