Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Paying Back”

• Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er shop for clothes. At Glamour Garment Shop, Shui Bing’er insists on buying Wu Changkong clothing despite his reluctance. She selects a simple but elegant white coat with silver-gray trim, helps adjust it on him, and immediately pays for it. The shopkeeper’s teasing about them being a couple reinforces their affectionate relationship.
• Wu Changkong attempts to repay Shui Bing’er. After leaving the shop, Wu Changkong gives Shui Bing’er the sixty Gold Soul Coins he owed her for previously purchasing iron. Although she tells him he does not need to repay her—especially since she is happy to spend money on him—he maintains that repayment and their romantic relationship are separate matters. Shui Bing’er ultimately refuses the money, joking that she will use it to “buy his company for the rest of his life.” She then links arms with him and leads him to buy wine, showing both affection and a desire to care for him in her own way.
• The academy girls speculate about the couple. Back at the dormitory, Shui Yue’er, Xue Wu, and Gu Qingbo wonder why Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong have not returned. They tease each other about dating, with Xue Wu playfully proposing that Gu Qingbo date her. Gu Qingbo becomes embarrassed and insists she likes men, while Shui Yue’er laughs at their exchange. The girls decide to leave the academy and explore the city, hoping they might encounter Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong.
• Wu Changkong brings Shui Bing’er to Water Source Town. The couple travels to Wu Changkong’s hometown, where Shui Bing’er recalls visiting before with her father and praises the town’s distinctive smoked meat. Their conversation and easy companionship show that their relationship is becoming more open and domestic.
• The village chief recognizes Shui Bing’er. The village chief approaches Wu Changkong and begins to ask about Dugu Bo, but he immediately recognizes Shui Bing’er as a member of the prominent Shui Family. Shui Bing’er responds with polite composure, while Wu Changkong openly introduces her as his girlfriend and explains that he has brought her home to visit.

Character Development and Interactions

• Shui Bing’er becomes increasingly affectionate, generous, and assertive in her relationship with Wu Changkong. She enjoys buying things for him and jokes confidently about spending her life with him.
• Wu Changkong remains principled and independent, insisting on repaying his debt even though Shui Bing’er is his girlfriend. At the same time, he openly acknowledges their relationship and brings her to his hometown.
• Their relationship develops from romance into mutual familiarity and shared daily experiences, combining teasing, financial independence, public acknowledgment, and companionship.
• Shui Yue’er, Xue Wu, and Gu Qingbo provide a humorous contrast to the main couple. Their playful discussion about romance highlights their curiosity about relationships and their close friendship.

Significant Themes

• Affection expressed through actions: Clothing, money, food, and visiting home all become ways for the couple to demonstrate care.
• Independence and mutual respect: Wu Changkong’s insistence on repaying Shui Bing’er reflects his desire to maintain equality rather than rely on her generosity.
• Public acknowledgment of love: By introducing Shui Bing’er as his girlfriend to the village chief, Wu Changkong shows that he is comfortable making their relationship known.
• Playfulness and companionship: Both the couple and the academy girls use teasing and humor to express affection and explore romantic relationships.

Chapter Summary: The Old Father Was Scared Senseless

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong returns to his village with Shui Bing'er, openly introducing her as his girlfriend.
• The village chief enthusiastically praises Wu for bringing home such an impressive young woman and teases that his father will be shocked.
• At Wu Changkong’s home, his father, Wu Dachui, is indeed stunned and becomes nervous upon realizing that Shui Bing’er may belong to the prestigious Shui Family of Skywater City.
• Shui Bing’er politely enters the modest but tidy home and presents Wu Dachui with clothes, wine, and other gifts.
• While waiting for tea, Shui Bing’er notices the family memorial altar and learns that Wu Changkong’s mother died from complications during his birth, followed by an unusual snowfall.
• Wu Changkong explains that he always pays respects to his mother when he returns home. Shui Bing’er joins him, sincerely treating Wu’s deceased family members as her own.
• Wu Changkong tells his mother that he has grown stronger, become a Soul King, earned the trust of his teachers and classmates, and found the woman he intends to marry.
• Wu Dachui witnesses the couple worshiping at the altar and becomes deeply emotional, believing Wu Changkong’s mother would have been overjoyed.
• He welcomes Shui Bing’er warmly, serves tea and snacks, and admits that her unexpected arrival caught him completely off guard.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong: Shows confidence in his relationship and openly declares Shui Bing’er as his future wife. His respectful worship of his mother reveals his filial devotion, while his conversation with her reflects his pride in his growth and achievements.
• Shui Bing’er: Demonstrates kindness, humility, and emotional sensitivity. She thoughtfully prepares gifts, treats Wu Dachui respectfully, and willingly honors Wu Changkong’s mother, promising to remain with him and consider his family her own.
• Wu Dachui: Initially overwhelmed and intimidated by Shui Bing’er’s presence, he gradually becomes affectionate and welcoming. His loneliness and years of hardship are revealed, along with his happiness that his son has grown up safely and found a loving partner.
• Village Chief: Provides comic enthusiasm and reinforces the community’s admiration for Wu Changkong’s accomplishments and romantic success.

Significant Themes

• Family and filial devotion: Wu Changkong’s continued respect for his deceased mother and Shui Bing’er’s willingness to honor her emphasize the importance of family bonds across generations.
• Love and commitment: The visit marks a serious step in Wu and Shui’s relationship, with Wu presenting her as his future wife and Shui promising lifelong loyalty.
• Acceptance and belonging: Shui Bing’er’s sincere treatment of Wu’s deceased relatives helps establish her as part of the family.
• Pride amid humble circumstances: Although Wu’s home is poor and simple, it is clean and filled with emotional significance. The chapter values love, character, and family over status or wealth.
• Loneliness and emotional healing: Wu Dachui’s solitary life is softened by his son’s return and the prospect of gaining a daughter-in-law.

Important Character Interactions

• The village chief warmly praises Wu Changkong and jokes about his father’s reaction.
• Wu Changkong confidently introduces Shui Bing’er to Wu Dachui, while Shui responds with humility and courtesy.
• Shui Bing’er reassures Wu Dachui through gifts and respectful behavior, gradually easing his nervousness.
• Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er share a tender moment while offering incense to his mother, symbolizing their commitment.
• Wu Dachui’s emotional reaction confirms his acceptance of Shui Bing’er and his happiness for his son.

Chapter Summary: The Painting in the Room

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong brings Shui Bing’er to visit his father, Wu Dachui, after their recent assessment.
• He gives his father a valuable Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma to restore his health, strengthen his foundation, and increase his cultivation. Wu Dachui initially refuses, believing it should go to the younger generation, but accepts after Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er reassure him.
• During a long conversation, Wu Dachui learns that Wu Changkong has reached Soul Power Level 52 and is astonished by his rapid progress.
• Wu Dachui asks about Dugu Bo, but Wu Changkong gives only a vague explanation, saying they had once misunderstood each other but are now on good terms.
• As evening approaches, Wu Dachui goes to prepare dinner, leaving Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er alone.
• Wu Changkong shows Shui Bing’er the forge and then takes her upstairs to see the room where he grew up.
• Shui Bing’er discovers an old painting of a woman who looks exactly like her, labeled with the character “Bing.” Wu Changkong secretly painted it when he was six, after mistaking her appearance for that of Long Bing.
• Shui Bing’er interprets the painting as evidence that Wu Changkong had been thinking about her since childhood. Rather than explain the truth, he offers to paint a new portrait of her.
• The chapter ends with Shui Bing’er posing on the bed while Wu Changkong prepares the ink and begins painting.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong demonstrates filial affection and responsibility by bringing his father a rare medicinal treasure and insisting that he accept it.
• His achievements are emphasized through the revelation that he has reached Level 52 Soul Power, impressing Wu Dachui.
• Wu Changkong remains emotionally reserved, especially regarding the painting’s true origin and his childhood connection between Shui Bing’er and Long Bing.
• Wu Dachui is shown as humble, warm, and self-sacrificing. He worries that valuable resources should be given to the younger generation, but is deeply touched by his son’s care.
• Shui Bing’er becomes increasingly comfortable and affectionate with Wu Changkong. Her curiosity about his childhood and playful insistence on seeing his room reveal her growing emotional closeness.

Significant Themes

• Filial devotion: Wu Changkong’s gift and insistence that his father accept it highlight gratitude and concern for an aging parent.
• Family and belonging: The visit gives Shui Bing’er a glimpse into Wu Changkong’s humble upbringing and strengthens her connection to his family.
• Memory and identity: The old painting links Shui Bing’er to Wu Changkong’s childhood memories of Long Bing, suggesting unresolved emotional and symbolic connections.
• Unspoken feelings: Wu Changkong avoids revealing the painting’s true meaning, while Shui Bing’er playfully interprets it as a sign of childhood affection.
• Intimacy through shared history: By showing Shui Bing’er his childhood home and personal belongings, Wu Changkong allows her into a private part of his life.

Character Interactions

• Wu Changkong and Wu Dachui share a warm father-son exchange centered on health, cultivation, and family pride.
• Shui Bing’er supports Wu Changkong’s decision to give the Ganoderma to his father, helping overcome Wu Dachui’s reluctance.
• Wu Dachui treats Shui Bing’er kindly and encourages the young couple to spend time together.
• In the upstairs room, Shui Bing’er teases Wu Changkong about the painting, while he responds with unusual embarrassment and tenderness.
• Their interaction ends in a quiet, romantic scene as Wu Changkong begins creating a new portrait of Shui Bing’er.

Summary: “Declining Family Status”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong carefully sketches Shui Bing’er while she watches him. Pleased with the portrait, she asks to keep it.
• After he gives her the drawing, Shui Bing’er kisses it, then unexpectedly kisses Wu Changkong. They become absorbed in the moment until noises downstairs force them to separate.
• Wu Dachui arrives to announce dinner but notices that something seems unusual, especially Shui Bing’er’s flushed face.
• At dinner, Wu Dachui warmly welcomes Shui Bing’er, serving her generously and insisting that she drink chicken soup and eat plenty of food. His kindness quickly makes her feel comfortable.
• Wu Changkong jokes that his position in the family is declining because his father is paying more attention to Shui Bing’er. Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong exchange playful knee bumps beneath the table.
• After dinner, Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er prepare to return to the academy because of dormitory checks.
• Wu Dachui packs leftover chicken soup and flatbreads for them, insisting they take food despite Wu Changkong’s protests about having no way to heat it.
• As they leave, Wu Dachui stands at the gate waving goodbye. Shui Bing’er is touched by his warmth and encourages Wu Changkong to visit his father more often.
• The chapter ends with them returning to the academy, where Shui Yue’er anxiously waits outside the dormitory, wondering why they are late.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong shows a softer, more domestic side through his careful drawing and his affectionate behavior toward Shui Bing’er. His joking complaint about his “declining status” reveals his growing comfort with her presence in his family.
• Shui Bing’er becomes increasingly open and affectionate. She initiates a kiss, treasures Wu Changkong’s portrait, relaxes during dinner, and develops genuine fondness for Wu Dachui.
• Wu Dachui is portrayed as warm, generous, and fatherly. He eagerly serves Shui Bing’er, treats her almost like family, and prepares food for both her and Wu Changkong to take back.
• Shui Yue’er appears briefly at the end as concerned and impatient, suggesting she has been waiting anxiously for their return.

Significant Themes

• Growing intimacy: Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er’s relationship advances from restrained affection to open romantic closeness.
• Acceptance into family: Shui Bing’er’s comfortable interaction with Wu Dachui suggests she is beginning to feel accepted as part of Wu Changkong’s family.
• Domestic warmth: The home-cooked meal, teasing, and packed leftovers contrast with the characters’ more formal academy lives.
• Affection expressed through actions: Drawing a portrait, serving food, preparing soup, and standing at the gate all demonstrate care without requiring grand declarations.
• Playful jealousy and changing family dynamics: Wu Changkong humorously acknowledges that his father’s attention has shifted toward Shui Bing’er.

Character Interactions

• Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er share a tender artistic moment that develops into a passionate kiss.
• Shui Bing’er and Wu Dachui bond during dinner, with his hospitality easing her initial restraint.
• Wu Changkong and his father exchange affectionate, humorous banter over the meal and the food packed for the journey.
• Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong communicate playfully through secret knee bumps beneath the table.
• Shui Bing’er expresses admiration for Wu Dachui and encourages Wu Changkong to maintain a closer relationship with him.

Chapter Summary: “Getting to the Bottom of Things”

Key Plot Points and Events

• While waiting in the dormitory, Xue Wu and the other girls tease Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong about their unexplained absence, speculating that the pair may have stayed at a hotel together.
• Bing’er and Changkong eventually return late at night. They claim they spent the day shopping, ice fishing, and drilling through ice at a lake outside the city.
• Changkong brings back hot chicken soup, which the girls enjoy while continuing to question the couple about their activities.
• The students discuss their plans for the long holiday. Bing’er intends to visit her ancestral home, while Changkong plans to continue working at the blacksmith shop with Iron Uncle.
• Yu Hairou invites everyone to visit her family in Vast Sea City. The group agrees to travel there on February 25, with Shen Liuyu tasked with informing Qiu Ruoshui.
• After returning to his room, Changkong places the mysterious egg from Tianshui Frost on his bed and wonders what will hatch from it before beginning his nightly cultivation.
• During a late-night dormitory inspection, Dean Shui Qinghan confirms that Bing’er accompanied Changkong home. She questions him about his father’s reaction to Bing’er, ending the chapter with a teasing inquiry about whether his father had been intimidated by her.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er: Their relationship continues to grow more intimate and publicly noticeable. Their day together—including shopping and ice fishing—suggests increasing comfort and companionship, even though they downplay it to their classmates.
• Shui Bing’er: She remains calm and composed under her friends’ teasing, but her willingness to spend the day with Changkong and visit his family shows deepening trust.
• Wu Changkong: He demonstrates thoughtfulness by buying warmer clothing for Bing’er and bringing chicken soup for the dormitory. He also continues balancing his personal life, blacksmith work, cultivation, and responsibility for the mysterious egg.
• The female students: Their teasing reveals their curiosity about Bing’er and Changkong’s relationship, while their holiday planning shows the group’s growing closeness and friendship.
• Shui Qinghan: As dean and Bing’er’s parent, she is protective but approving of the relationship, expressing relief that the two get along well.

Significant Themes

• Romantic development and teasing: The students’ jokes highlight the increasingly obvious bond between Bing’er and Changkong.
• Friendship and companionship: The group’s shared meal and plans to travel together emphasize their strong camaraderie.
• Family approval: Shui Qinghan’s questions about Changkong’s father’s opinion of Bing’er point to the importance of family acceptance.
• Balancing duty and leisure: The characters divide their holiday plans between family visits, work, cultivation, and recreation.
• Mystery and anticipation: The unexplained egg introduces an ongoing element of suspense, as Changkong wonders what creature or entity will emerge from it.

Character Interactions

• Xue Wu, Yu Hairou, Shen Liuyu, Gu Qingbo, and Shui Yue’er tease Bing’er about her late return and possible romance with Changkong.
• Bing’er and Changkong cooperate in presenting a restrained explanation for their day together, though their classmates remain skeptical.
• Changkong shares chicken soup with the group, creating a warm, informal moment of fellowship.
• Yu Hairou invites the group to her home, and Shui Yue’er supports the idea by recalling a previous enjoyable visit.
• Shui Qinghan privately questions Changkong about Bing’er’s visit to his home, revealing both her concern and her growing acceptance of their relationship.

Chapter Summary: “Scorpion Tail”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shui Qinghan tells Wu Changkong that his father warmly welcomed Shui Bing’er during their meal and invites Wu to visit the Shui family as a friend.
• After Shui Qinghan leaves, Wu Changkong absorbs the Ice Wing Sky Eagle’s External Soul Bone. The process lasts through the night, but he successfully gains a pair of controllable eagle wings and advances from Soul Power level 52 to 53.
• Wu goes to invite Shui Bing’er and the others to eat, but learns that Bing’er is also undergoing Soul Bone absorption. He brings food for everyone and remains nearby throughout the day to ensure she is safe.
• By nightfall, Shui Bing’er completes her absorption and manifests an emerald-green Scorpion Tail with a sharp tail hook. The new Soul Bone appears successful, though she has only limited sensation in it.
• Shui Yue’er, Xue Wu, and Gu Qingbo examine the Scorpion Tail, teasing Bing’er about whether Wu Changkong will like it. Bing’er becomes embarrassed and retracts it.
• While Bing’er is absorbing the Soul Bone, Wu spends the afternoon at the blacksmith shop, finishing a batch of swords. His strength and precision at the forge impress Bing’er when she later arrives to find him.
• Iron Uncle notices Bing’er’s visit and jokingly calls her Wu’s girlfriend, then sends Wu away so the pair can spend time together.
• The chapter ends with Bing’er telling Wu that her absorption succeeded and Wu asking what Soul Bone ability she obtained.

Character Development

• Wu Changkong: Becomes stronger through the Ice Wing Sky Eagle Soul Bone, gaining wings and another level of Soul Power. He also demonstrates his considerate nature by bringing food, staying nearby during Bing’er’s absorption, and quietly monitoring her condition. His dedication to blacksmithing further highlights his discipline and physical ability.
• Shui Bing’er: Successfully gains the Scorpion Tail Soul Bone and appears increasingly comfortable expressing her feelings toward Wu. She is touched that he stayed close while she absorbed the bone, and her embarrassment during the teasing reveals growing romantic affection.
• Shui Yue’er, Xue Wu, and Gu Qingbo: Show their close friendship with Bing’er through playful curiosity and teasing, especially regarding her relationship with Wu.
• Iron Uncle: Acts as a good-natured observer and mentor figure, humorously encouraging Wu and Bing’er to spend time together.

Significant Themes

• Strength through perseverance: Both Wu and Bing’er endure lengthy, difficult Soul Bone absorption processes and emerge stronger.
• Care and emotional support: Wu’s decision to remain nearby during Bing’er’s absorption shows that companionship and concern are as important as cultivation.
• Romantic development: The characters’ teasing, Bing’er’s emotional response, and Iron Uncle’s “girlfriend” remark suggest a developing relationship between Wu and Bing’er.
• Hard work and mastery: Wu’s blacksmithing demonstrates that his abilities come from sustained effort and discipline, not merely natural talent.
• Family acceptance: Shui Qinghan’s account of Wu’s father welcoming Bing’er suggests that the relationship between the two families is becoming warmer and more accepting.

Important Character Interactions

• Wu Changkong and Shui Qinghan: Qinghan reassures Wu that he is welcome in the Shui family, strengthening his connection with Bing’er’s relatives.
• Wu and Shui Bing’er: Their mutual concern becomes clearer as Wu waits for her absorption to finish and Bing’er seeks him out afterward.
• Bing’er and the girls: Shui Yue’er, Xue Wu, and Gu Qingbo inspect and tease Bing’er about her new Scorpion Tail, bringing out her shy, playful side.
• Wu and Iron Uncle: Iron Uncle recognizes Wu’s dedication at the forge but sends him away when Bing’er arrives, jokingly prioritizing his romantic life.
• Wu and Bing’er at the end: Their conversation begins with mutual concern over each other’s Soul Bone absorption, setting up a discussion of Bing’er’s new ability.

Chapter Summary: “Results Announced”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong explains his new Soul Bone skill, Ice Scorpion Poison Sting, which can be used as either a direct attack or a long-range projectile. Its venom combines freezing and burning effects.
• He reveals that he successfully absorbed an Ice Wing Sky Eagle Soul Bone, raising his Soul Power to level 53 and granting him the ability to fly.
• Wu Changkong demonstrates his exceptional control by carrying Shui Bing’er through the night sky. Impressed, Shui Bing’er challenges him to an aerial sparring match, and the two clash above the snowy landscape.
• The next day, Ling Shuang announces the Elite Class assessment results. Wu Changkong ranks first with a perfect score of 60, followed by Shui Bing’er with 58.
• Xue Wu, Shui Yue’er, Shen Liuyu, Yu Hairou, Qiu Ruoshui, Gu Qingbo, and Lin Miaomiao also pass, while Liu Ying, Sun Xiaoyue, and Zhao Yao fail to meet the required score and must transfer to the Ordinary Class.
• Ling Shuang encourages the three students, explaining that they may return if they defeat the bottom three Elite Class students the following year.
• The academy announces the roster for the Skywater Team, which will participate in the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. Wu Changkong is named captain, Shui Bing’er vice-captain, and the other selected students become team members or substitutes.
• The chosen students will receive special training after the vacation, led personally by Ling Shuang and the vice principal. They must also increase their Soul Power by at least one level during the break or face a humiliating punishment.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong displays his growing strength, technical mastery, and confidence. His past-life experience gives him extraordinary flying ability, which he conceals by pretending to be naturally talented.
• Shui Bing’er becomes more comfortable and playful around Wu Changkong. She trusts him enough to fly with him, enjoys the experience, and challenges him to a friendly battle.
• Liu Ying, Sun Xiaoyue, and Zhao Yao experience disappointment and humiliation after failing the assessment, but Ling Shuang gives them a realistic path toward returning to the Elite Class.
• Shui Yue’er reacts with open excitement upon learning that she has made the tournament team, contrasting with the more composed reactions of Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er.
• The selected students are given greater responsibility and recognition, but they also face increased pressure through demanding special training.

Significant Themes

• Competition and merit: Advancement in the Elite Class depends on measurable performance, while failure has immediate consequences.
• Resilience and second chances: Although the three lowest-ranked students are demoted, they are reminded that the setback is not permanent and that effort can restore their place.
• Growth through hardship: The tournament selection and stricter training emphasize that achievement brings heavier responsibilities.
• Trust and companionship: Shui Bing’er’s willingness to fly and spar with Wu Changkong reflects their developing closeness and mutual confidence.
• Hidden strength and identity: Wu Changkong’s extraordinary abilities stem from knowledge and experience from his previous life, which he must keep secret.

Character Interactions

• Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er share a lighthearted exchange about his flying ability, followed by an intimate flight and friendly aerial duel.
• Ling Shuang acts as both a strict evaluator and a supportive teacher, balancing harsh rules with encouragement for the demoted students.
• Shui Yue’er’s excitement is restrained by Xue Wu, adding a moment of comic relief during the team announcement.
• The classroom collectively reacts to both the sorrow of the students being demoted and the excitement of those selected for the Skywater Team.

Chapter Summary: “A Banquet Settles Gengxin”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After the team’s recent evaluations, Ling Shuang announces that the academy will close for a three-day break. Before leaving, all students must submit detailed cultivation plans for the holiday.
• The Skywater Team members remain behind and hand in their individual plans. Wu Changkong’s is especially thorough, covering team positioning, his sword-based Martial Soul development, and his holiday training schedule. Ling Shuang warns them that their progress will be checked when they return.
• The students discuss their travel plans. Yu Hairou leaves that afternoon with her father, a seafood merchant from Vast Sea City, while Qiu Ruoshui accompanies her. Shui Yue’er, Shen Liuyu, and others plan to remain at the academy a little longer.
• The group arranges a farewell barbecue before the break. Although Wu Changkong reminds them not to neglect their cultivation, the girls insist on enjoying the evening without discussing training.
• During the barbecue, Wu Changkong announces that the group will travel to Gengxin City in a few days. The trip will allow him to buy smithing materials and will also take them to Xue Wu’s home.
• Shen Liuyu asks to join the journey, and Wu Changkong and Xue Wu readily welcome her. Xue Wu assures everyone that her large home can accommodate the additional guests.
• Conversation turns to the mysterious “special training” planned for the next semester. Shui Yue’er worries about what it might involve, but Shui Bing’er points out that asking Ling Shuang for information would be pointless if the dean has deliberately kept the details secret.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong continues to show discipline and foresight. He takes Ling Shuang’s assignments seriously, prepares an extensive cultivation plan, and organizes the upcoming trip to Gengxin City around his smithing ambitions.
• Shui Yue’er remains playful and outspoken. She complains about the demands of cultivation and tries to keep the barbecue focused on fun, but her concern about the upcoming special training reveals some anxiety.
• Xue Wu acts as a teasing but supportive friend, joking with Shui Yue’er while warmly accepting Shen Liuyu into the travel group.
• Shui Bing’er demonstrates maturity and realism. She has a clear plan for developing her Icefire True Phoenix Martial Soul and understands that some information cannot be forced from Ling Shuang.
• Shen Liuyu becomes more integrated with the group. Her request to accompany them to Gengxin City is accepted without hesitation, strengthening her connection with the team.
• Yu Hairou and Qiu Ruoshui show their close friendship by traveling home together. Yu Hairou’s family background is also revealed through her father’s arrival and business connections.
• Ling Shuang establishes herself as a strict mentor who expects genuine effort and intends to hold the team accountable after the break.

Significant Themes

• Discipline versus leisure: The students want to celebrate the end of the semester, but their teachers’ assignments remind them that cultivation remains their responsibility.
• Preparation and accountability: The written cultivation plans symbolize the team’s growing maturity. Their progress will be judged not only by talent but by whether they follow through.
• Friendship and belonging: The farewell meal and invitation to Gengxin City emphasize the team’s closeness and willingness to include Shen Liuyu.
• Uncertainty about the future: The unknown special training creates anticipation and mild anxiety, hinting at greater challenges next semester.
• Growth through shared experiences: The planned journey combines personal goals, family connections, and team bonding.

Character Interactions

• Xue Wu comforts and teases Shui Yue’er about her cultivation worries, maintaining their playful friendship.
• Ling Shuang gives the team firm instructions and warns them against neglecting their training.
• Yu Hairou and Qiu Ruoshui decide to travel together, while Shui Yue’er invites the remaining friends to a farewell barbecue.
• Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er share a quiet, considerate interaction when he refills her drink.
• Shen Liuyu seeks permission to join the Gengxin City trip, and both Wu Changkong and Xue Wu make her feel welcome.
• The group jokingly discusses Shui Yue’er’s low standing with her aunt, creating a lighthearted atmosphere.
• Shui Bing’er and Shen Liuyu offer contrasting reactions to the unknown special training: Bing’er is pragmatic, while Liuyu remains curious about Wu Changkong’s opinion.

Chapter Summary: A Date Strolling by the Lake

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong grills meat for Shui Bing’er and their friends after they discuss the uncertain dangers awaiting them. He remains calm and practical, insisting that future problems should be handled when they arrive rather than feared in advance.
• After dinner, the group returns to the nearly empty academy during vacation. Shui Yue’er comments on how deserted it feels, while Shui Bing’er notes that home will be lively the next day.
• Wu Changkong takes Shui Bing’er’s hand and asks her to walk beside Heavenwater Lake. Their friends teasingly withdraw, joking about leaving the couple alone and suggesting that Shui Bing’er might spend the night in Wu Changkong’s room.
• Wu Changkong playfully tries to persuade Shui Bing’er to stay with him by pretending to feel lonely. He recites a romantic comparison between his Heavenly Frost Sword and Shui Bing’er’s eyes, making her blush and laugh.
• While walking by the lake, the couple discusses the Battle Armor project. Wu Changkong explains that they will introduce it gradually, beginning with Shui Bing’er, Xue Wu, and Gu Qingbo once the remaining components are complete, before teaching the others.
• Shui Bing’er praises Wu Changkong’s teaching ability, which causes him to remember people and losses from his previous life, including Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, Xie Xie, and Yuanen Yehui.
• They sit together on a lakeside bench, holding hands. Shui Bing’er then sits on his lap and directly questions him about why their physical relationship has remained limited to kissing and embracing.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong appears confident and composed about future conflicts, but his emotional vulnerability emerges during the romantic walk. He uses humor and exaggerated sentiment to coax Shui Bing’er closer, revealing a playful side beneath his normally stern demeanor.
• His reaction to being called a teacher exposes unresolved memories and grief from his former life. The mention of his past students causes him to become contemplative, though Shui Bing’er gently brings him back to the present.
• Shui Bing’er becomes increasingly comfortable expressing affection and teasing Wu Changkong. She openly holds his hand, sits on his lap, and raises a sensitive question about their intimacy, showing both trust and curiosity.
• Xue Wu, Shui Yue’er, Shen Liuyu, and Gu Qingbo reinforce the group’s friendly, teasing atmosphere. Their jokes reveal that they recognize and accept Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er’s romantic relationship.

Significant Themes

• Living in the present: Wu Changkong emphasizes facing problems when they arise instead of allowing uncertainty to dominate the present.
• Romantic intimacy and trust: The lake walk creates a private space where Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er can express affection, tease one another, and discuss the boundaries of their relationship.
• Past and present: Wu Changkong’s memories of his former life contrast with his current relationship and responsibilities, suggesting that old losses continue to influence him.
• Mentorship and responsibility: The Battle Armor discussion highlights Wu Changkong’s careful, methodical approach to teaching and preparing his students for future battles.
• Companionship and belonging: The deserted academy underscores the warmth of the group’s friendship and the emotional comfort Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er provide one another.

Character Interactions

• The friends bond over Wu Changkong’s cooking and tease him and Shui Bing’er about their growing closeness.
• Xue Wu and Shui Yue’er deliberately leave the couple alone, while Shen Liuyu jokes about sleeping in Shui Bing’er’s dormitory.
• Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er exchange flirtatious banter, with him using romantic lines and her responding with mock irritation and playful punches.
• Shui Bing’er offers emotional support when Wu Changkong becomes lost in memories, guiding him to sit with her by the lake.
• The chapter ends with Shui Bing’er challenging Wu Changkong to answer honestly about his restraint and lack of sexual advances, setting up a more serious and intimate conversation.

Chapter Summary: “Just a Kiss”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong share a kiss in the dormitory hallway, witnessed unexpectedly by Shen Liuyu. The other girls tease Shui Bing’er about the public display of affection.
• Shui Bing’er prepares to return home, while Xue Wu and Shen Liuyu decide to accompany her. Shui Yue’er also goes with them, making the group’s visit to the Shui family a small gathering.
• Wu Changkong returns home alone after buying vegetables and a fish. His father, Wu Dachui, reveals that he consumed the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma and gained four levels of Soul Power. The medicine has also visibly improved his physical condition.
• Wu Changkong places the mysterious egg in a nest made from an old quilt. He then removes and hides a painting of Long Bing, symbolically distancing himself from the past and accepting that the person he must protect now is someone else.
• Shortly afterward, the egg begins to hatch. Small white hands emerge through the shell.
• As Wu Changkong eats, the weather suddenly changes. Dark clouds, green light, heavy snow, and a powerful soul-beast aura surround the house.
• Wu Changkong orders his father to leave the area, but Wu Dachui refuses to abandon him. The upstairs window explodes, and Wu Changkong rushes toward the room with his Heavenly Frost Sword.
• The chapter ends with Wu Changkong entering the freezing room and discovering that the egg has completely shattered.

Character Development

• Shui Bing’er becomes more comfortable expressing her relationship with Wu Changkong. Rather than feeling embarrassed when the others see her kissing him, she calmly tells them not to interrupt.
• Shen Liuyu is inexperienced and startled by the casual affection she witnesses, highlighting her innocence compared with the other girls.
• Wu Changkong demonstrates a growing emotional shift. By putting away Long Bing’s portrait, he acknowledges that he cannot continue living solely in the shadow of the past and must focus on protecting someone in the present.
• Wu Dachui gains renewed strength and vitality from the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma. His improved health brings him happiness, but his determination to stay beside his son also reveals his courage and loyalty.
• The mysterious creature inside the egg begins to emerge, suggesting that it may be connected to the supernatural energy now surrounding the house.

Significant Themes

• Love and intimacy: The girls’ teasing and Shui Bing’er’s relaxed attitude show how affection between her and Wu Changkong is becoming an accepted part of their lives.
• Moving on from the past: Wu Changkong hiding Long Bing’s portrait represents grief, acceptance, and his decision to redirect his love and responsibility toward the present.
• Family and protection: Wu Changkong instinctively tries to shield his father from danger, while Wu Dachui refuses to leave him behind.
• Transformation and rebirth: The hatching egg and Wu Dachui’s physical recovery both represent dramatic changes, though the egg’s transformation appears far more dangerous.
• Hidden power: The sudden storm and soul-beast aura introduce a major threat and create suspense about what the egg contains.

Character Interactions

• The dormitory girls tease Shui Bing’er about her kiss with Wu Changkong, while Shen Liuyu awkwardly explains how she accidentally witnessed it.
• Shui Bing’er invites Xue Wu and Shen Liuyu to stay at her family home, strengthening their friendship.
• Wu Changkong and Wu Dachui share a warm domestic exchange about breakfast, cooking, work, and the effects of the Ganoderma.
• Wu Changkong’s protective relationship with his father becomes central when the supernatural disturbance begins. Their disagreement over whether Wu Dachui should leave emphasizes both Wu Changkong’s concern and his father’s loyalty.
• The final scene shifts from lighthearted romance and family comfort to ominous danger as Wu Changkong confronts the aftermath of the egg’s hatching.

Chapter Summary: “The Egg Cracked!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Liuyu accidentally witnesses Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong kissing in the hallway, leaving her shocked and unsure how to interpret their intimacy. Her dormmates tease her and explain that they have become accustomed to the couple’s relationship.
• Wu Changkong and Shui Bing’er say goodbye after spending the night together. Shui Bing’er returns to her dormitory, where Shui Yue’er and Xue Wu continue teasing her about the relationship.
• Shui Bing’er, Shui Yue’er, Xue Wu, and Shen Liuyu prepare to leave the academy for the break. Shui Bing’er invites Xue Wu and the others to stay at her family home.
• Wu Changkong returns home after buying vegetables and a fish. His father, Wu Dachui, reveals that consuming the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma greatly improved his body and increased his Soul Power by four levels.
• Wu Changkong places the mysterious egg in a nest made from an old quilt. He then removes and stores away a painting of Long Bing, symbolically accepting that she is no longer part of his present life.
• After Wu Changkong leaves the room, the egg begins to crack. A small, pale hand emerges, indicating that something is hatching.
• A sudden supernatural storm forms over the house, bringing heavy snow, dark clouds, green light, and an overwhelming primordial soul-beast aura. Wu Changkong realizes the danger and rushes inside while telling his father to remain in the courtyard.
• The upstairs window explodes from the cold. Wu Changkong enters the frozen room and discovers that the egg has completely shattered, ending the chapter on a cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Shen Liuyu is portrayed as innocent and inexperienced regarding romantic relationships. Witnessing Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong forces her to confront unfamiliar ideas about love and intimacy.
• Shui Bing’er is increasingly open and confident about her relationship with Wu Changkong. She no longer feels embarrassed when her friends tease her and calmly acknowledges their affection.
• Wu Changkong demonstrates both domestic responsibility and emotional resolve. He cares for his father, prepares meals, and quietly puts away Long Bing’s portrait, suggesting that he is choosing to move forward while still carrying the weight of the past.
• Wu Dachui experiences a major physical transformation after consuming the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma. His increased strength and Soul Power suggest that the medicine has significantly improved his health.
• The mysterious egg begins its transformation from an unknown object into a living being, raising the stakes and creating uncertainty about what has emerged.

Significant Themes

• Growing acceptance of love: The girls’ teasing and Shen Liuyu’s discomfort contrast with Shui Bing’er’s increasing comfort in openly expressing her relationship.
• Moving on from the past: Wu Changkong’s decision to remove Long Bing’s painting represents an emotional shift away from mourning his former life and toward protecting the people connected to his present.
• Family and care: Wu Changkong’s interactions with his father emphasize their quiet familial bond, while Wu Dachui’s concern for his son reflects mutual affection.
• Transformation and rebirth: Wu Dachui’s bodily improvement and the egg’s hatching both suggest powerful forms of renewal, though the egg’s consequences remain unknown.
• Hidden power and danger: The sudden storm and ancient soul-beast aura reveal that the egg contains extraordinary power capable of affecting the surrounding environment.

Important Character Interactions

• Shen Liuyu’s accidental encounter with Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong leads to teasing from Shui Yue’er and Xue Wu.
• Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong share an affectionate farewell, reinforcing their growing romantic bond.
• Shui Bing’er invites her friends to her family home, strengthening the girls’ friendship.
• Wu Changkong and Wu Dachui discuss the effects of the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma, showing their close father-son relationship.
• Wu Changkong’s protective response to the storm contrasts with Wu Dachui’s confusion and determination to remain involved.
• The chapter concludes with Wu Changkong confronting the frozen room after the egg hatches, but the identity and nature of the creature inside are not yet revealed.

Chapter Summary: “Little Ice Empress?”

A green-haired baby girl hatches from the soul beast egg Wu Changkong brought back from the Far North. Sitting among the broken eggshells, she consumes the fragments, rapidly growing from a wrinkled infant into a delicate one-year-old child. Her hatching releases immense icy energy, freezing the house, summoning dark clouds, and causing heavy snowfall, but the disturbance subsides once she finishes eating.
When the baby opens her emerald-green eyes, she immediately smiles and reaches toward Wu Changkong. Although he initially considers killing her before she can become a threat, her innocent behavior weakens his resolve. Wu Dachui then arrives and is shocked to discover that the egg has produced a child. Despite Wu Changkong’s warning that she may be a dangerous soul beast, Wu Dachui quickly accepts her, comforting her when she cries and insisting that she is now a living child who should be raised rather than abandoned.
The baby appears to recognize Wu Changkong and reaches for him. He reluctantly takes her into his arms, where she clings to his collar and happily buries her face against him. Wu Dachui jokes that she may grow into a beautiful girl and that her green hair matches Wu Changkong’s white hair. Wu Changkong remains uneasy, realizing that the mysterious creature may bring even greater trouble than expected, but he accepts that he will have to care for her.
With Wu Dachui leaving to buy beast milk, Wu Changkong awkwardly attempts to look after the child. He cleans her, wraps her in a blanket, and gives her a writing brush to play with. She immediately tries to chew it, prompting him to take it away. As she continues to smile and babble innocently, Wu Changkong finally asks whether she is truly the legendary Ice Empress.

• Character development: Wu Changkong shifts from suspicion and murderous caution to reluctant affection and responsibility. Wu Dachui displays warmth, practicality, and compassion, treating the baby as a child rather than a potential monster. The baby demonstrates an immediate attachment to both men, especially Wu Changkong.
• Themes: The chapter explores the conflict between fear and innocence, the moral responsibility of protecting a newly born life, and the beginnings of an unexpected family bond. It also emphasizes that identity and danger cannot yet be judged solely by the baby’s soul beast origins.
• Key interactions: Wu Changkong debates whether to kill or protect the baby; Wu Dachui persuades him to accept her; the baby forms an affectionate connection with both men; and Wu Changkong begins assuming the role of her caretaker despite having no experience raising children.

Chapter Summary: “Glad to Be a Dad?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong cares for the newly hatched baby girl, still uncertain whether she is connected to the Ice Empress’s rebirth.
• The baby cries until she urinates, soaking Wu Changkong’s arm and quilt. This mundane incident convinces him that she is truly an ordinary infant rather than the powerful Ice Empress.
• He awkwardly but gently cleans her, changes her wrapping, and calms her.
• The village chief and two officials arrive after noticing the terrifying dark clouds, snowfall, and energy fluctuations caused by the baby’s birth.
• To conceal her identity, Wu Changkong claims that she is his maternal cousin whose family has suffered misfortune. The village officials accept the explanation, and the chief offers charcoal to help keep the baby warm.
• Wu Changkong attempts to eat frozen noodles while holding the baby. She reaches for his food, but he refuses, promising to give her milk later.
• Wu Dachui returns with beast milk and several baby outfits. Together, they prepare to care for the child.
• Wu Changkong struggles to dress the baby but eventually succeeds. Reflecting on the rapid changes in his life, he realizes he has effectively become a father.
• Wu Dachui offers to feed the baby while Wu Changkong rests.

Character Development

• Wu Changkong: His initial suspicion and awe gradually give way to practical parental responsibility. Although inexperienced and easily flustered, he proves gentle, patient, protective, and willing to learn. By the end, he accepts that he has unexpectedly taken on the role of a father.
• The baby girl: She is portrayed as innocent, cheerful, and physically helpless, despite the immense power revealed during her birth. Her crying, curiosity, smiles, and playful reactions make her seem like an ordinary infant.
• Wu Dachui: He acts as a supportive companion and surrogate family member, buying milk and clothes, helping with the baby, and teasing Wu Changkong about his sudden fatherhood.
• Village chief and officials: Their concern shows that the baby’s arrival has affected the entire village, but they are trusting enough to accept Wu Changkong’s explanation.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between immense power and ordinary infancy: The baby’s birth produces frightening supernatural phenomena, yet she immediately behaves like a normal child who cries, wets her quilt, and wants food.
• Unexpected parenthood and responsibility: Wu Changkong is forced into fatherhood without preparation, learning childcare through trial and error.
• Secrecy and protection: He invents a false identity for the baby to hide her extraordinary origins and protect her from suspicion.
• Domestic warmth and companionship: Mundane tasks such as washing, dressing, feeding, and reheating food humanize the characters and create a sense of family.
• Adaptation and emotional change: Wu Changkong moves from confusion and disbelief toward affection and acceptance.

Character Interactions

• Wu Changkong patiently cleans and dresses the baby, while she responds with smiles, babbling, and playful contentment.
• He reassures the village chief that the dangerous disturbance was merely an accident during cultivation, successfully concealing the truth.
• The baby’s innocent behavior softens the village chief and helps prevent further questioning.
• Wu Changkong refuses to share his noodles with the baby, promising her milk instead; her confused protests provide comic relief.
• Wu Dachui supports Wu Changkong by obtaining supplies and offering to feed the child, reinforcing their cooperative, familial relationship.

Chapter Summary: “Naming”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong discovers that the newly hatched baby girl immediately calms whenever he holds her, while she cries when Wu Dachui carries her. They conclude that she has mistaken Wu Changkong for her mother, likely because he was the first living being she saw and still carries the scent of her eggshell.
• Wu Changkong feeds the baby warm milk, carefully giving it to her by spoon. The baby eagerly pulls his hand toward her mouth, showing an early attachment and dependence on him.
• Wu Dachui suggests naming her Wu Changbing, inspired by the snowy, freezing weather on the day she was born. Wu Changkong accepts the name and decides that she will be treated as his younger sister.
• After Changbing falls asleep, Wu Changkong hides her true identity from the village by claiming she is his cousin from his mother’s side. He warns Wu Dachui to keep the secret.
• Wu Changkong then places Changbing’s wooden doll beside her bed and begins painting, suggesting he is thoughtfully documenting or processing recent events.
• Meanwhile, Shui Bing’er and Shui Yue’er return home with classmates Xue Wu, Shen Liuyu, and Gu Qingbo. They are warmly welcomed by Shui Yu and the household steward.
• The girls explain that they plan to travel to Gengxin City in a few days and that Wu Changkong will accompany them. Shui Yu is reassured by Wu Changkong’s involvement and invites him to visit the Shui family in the future.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong becomes responsible for Changbing’s care, feeding and comforting her despite his initial uncertainty. His reluctant amusement and gentle actions reveal a growing affection and protective instinct.
• Wu Changbing quickly forms a strong bond with Wu Changkong, responding to him as though he were her parent. Her reactions establish her dependence on him and give her an emotionally significant place in the household.
• Wu Dachui acts as a supportive father figure. He jokes about Changkong being the baby’s “mother,” proposes her name, and agrees to protect the secret of her origins.
• Shui Yue’er remains affectionate and playful, openly clinging to her father even in front of guests.
• Shui Yu is shown as a caring but cautious father. He worries about his daughters’ long journey but relaxes after learning that Wu Changkong will accompany them.

Significant Themes

• Family and chosen relationships: Although Changbing is not introduced as Wu Changkong’s biological sibling, the family quickly accepts her and gives her a place within the household.
• Parental attachment and instinct: Changbing’s immediate bond with Changkong reflects the imprinting behavior of soul beasts and creates an unconventional parent-child dynamic.
• Protection and secrecy: Changkong conceals Changbing’s identity to shield her from outside scrutiny, emphasizing the dangers surrounding her existence.
• Growing responsibility: Caring for Changbing forces Changkong to become more patient, nurturing, and emotionally involved.
• Warmth amid coldness: The winter setting inspires Changbing’s name, while the scenes of feeding, family teasing, and hospitality provide emotional warmth.

Character Interactions

• Wu Changkong and Wu Dachui share lighthearted teasing over Changkong’s unexpected role as Changbing’s “mother.”
• Changkong and Changbing develop a tender bond through feeding, physical closeness, and her response to her new name.
• Changkong and Wu Dachui cooperate in keeping Changbing’s identity secret.
• Shui Yue’er affectionately interacts with Shui Yu, while Shui Bing’er introduces her classmates and explains their travel plans.
• Shui Yu’s attitude toward the journey changes when he learns Wu Changkong will accompany the girls, demonstrating his trust in Changkong’s reliability.

Chapter Summary: Bathing Little Ice Empress

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Shen Liuyu leaves, Shui Bing’er, Shui Yue’er, and Xue Wu explore the enormous Shui Family estate, including its gardens, pavilions, lawns, artificial hills, and lakeside scenery.
• Meanwhile, Wu Changkong finishes a painting depicting himself beside Shui Bing’er, revealing his private affection and emotional attachment to her.
• His adopted baby, Wu Changbing—nicknamed “Little Ice”—wakes up. Wu Changkong carries her downstairs for dinner.
• During the meal, Little Ice eagerly reaches for braised meat, though Wu Dachui reminds Wu Changkong that she is too young to eat it. Wu Changkong feeds her fish instead.
• Wu Changkong tells his father that he plans to travel to Gengxin City to purchase iron ore and visit a classmate. Wu Dachui asks him to bring back two hundred jin of pig iron for making farm tools.
• After dinner, Wu Changkong attempts to bathe Little Ice. She treats the bath as a game, repeatedly splashing water, wriggling away, and nearly slipping beneath the surface, leaving Wu Changkong soaked and flustered.
• Once clean, Little Ice is fed warm beast milk. Wu Changkong rocks her to sleep, but she clings to his finger and refuses to let go until he lies beside her and pats her back.
• After she falls asleep, Wu Changkong reflects on the coming reunion with Shui Bing’er and the others, amused by the thought of their reactions to the baby.

Character Development

• Wu Changkong shows a softer, more domestic side. Though usually reserved and stern, he patiently feeds, bathes, comforts, and watches over Little Ice. His willingness to sacrifice sleep and endure her chaotic bath demonstrates growing paternal responsibility.
• His painting of himself and Shui Bing’er reveals that his feelings for her are deep and personal, even if he does not openly express them.
• Wu Changbing/Little Ice is portrayed as energetic, mischievous, affectionate, and increasingly attached to Wu Changkong. She enjoys water, food, and physical closeness, recognizing him as her source of comfort.
• Wu Dachui acts as a supportive father and practical elder, providing food, bathing supplies, childcare advice, and assistance with Wu Changkong’s upcoming trip.
• Shui Bing’er, Shui Yue’er, Xue Wu, and Shen Liuyu appear mainly in the opening scene, establishing the social group awaiting Little Ice’s introduction.

Significant Themes

• Family and parental care: The chapter emphasizes that caregiving involves patience, sacrifice, and everyday work rather than grand gestures.
• Emotional vulnerability: Wu Changkong’s painting and his tenderness toward Little Ice expose feelings he normally keeps hidden.
• Domestic comedy: Little Ice’s bath turns a routine task into a humorous struggle, lightening the chapter’s tone.
• Attachment and trust: Little Ice’s insistence on holding Wu Changkong’s finger reflects her dependence on and trust in him.
• Anticipation and relationships: Wu Changkong looks forward to seeing Shui Bing’er’s reaction, suggesting that Little Ice may deepen his connection with her and their shared circle.

Character Interactions

• Shui Yue’er enthusiastically leads the women on a tour, while Shui Bing’er guides them through the estate.
• Wu Dachui and Wu Changkong discuss childcare, food, sleep, and the practical details of Wu Changkong’s journey to Gengxin City.
• Wu Changkong’s interactions with Little Ice shift between exasperation and tenderness: he scolds her during the bath but patiently feeds, dries, rocks, and comforts her afterward.
• The chapter closes with Wu Changkong imagining Shui Bing’er and the others reacting to Little Ice, linking his private family life to his romantic and social relationships.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two days after the previous events, Wu Changkong cares for the rapidly growing Wu Changbing. He changes her clothes, feeds her beast milk, and notices that she has already developed stronger limbs and two tiny teeth.
• Changbing appears to respond to him with a soft hum, amusing and surprising Wu Changkong.
• After breakfast with Wu Dachui, Wu Changkong packs the child and her supplies into his storage device and leaves for Skywater Academy, intending to reunite with the girls.
• Meanwhile, Shui Bing'er, Xue Wu, Shen Liuyu, Gu Qingbo, and Shui Yue'er depart from the Shui Family in a carriage. Shui Bing'er has prepared food for Wu Changkong.
• The girls tease Shui Bing'er about her obvious concern for Wu Changkong and jokingly speculate about their future marriage and children.
• Shui Yue'er suddenly claims that she saw Wu Changkong outside carrying a child. The others dismiss her observation, since they believe Wu Changkong is an only child and has no younger siblings.
• The carriage arrives at Skywater Academy, leaving the girls unaware that Shui Yue'er was actually correct.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong becomes increasingly comfortable and attentive in his role as Changbing’s caretaker. He carefully handles her feeding, clothing, and travel preparations, showing a gentler and more domestic side of his personality.
• Wu Changbing is growing at an extraordinary rate. She can drink independently, has begun making responsive sounds, and is already developing teeth.
• Shui Bing'er shows strong concern for Wu Changkong by preparing food for him, though she becomes embarrassed when her friends interpret this as evidence of romantic feelings.
• Shui Yue'er remains playful and outspoken. Although she is initially confident that she saw Wu Changkong carrying a child, the others’ skepticism causes her to doubt herself.
• Xue Wu and the other girls continue to tease Shui Bing'er, suggesting that her relationship with Wu Changkong may eventually lead to marriage and children.

Significant Themes

• Caregiving and family: Wu Changkong’s treatment of Changbing highlights his growing sense of responsibility and affection.
• Rapid growth and change: Changbing’s unusual development emphasizes that her presence will quickly affect Wu Changkong’s life.
• Romantic teasing and social bonds: The girls’ jokes about Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong reveal their closeness and suggest that the relationship is becoming noticeable to others.
• Appearance versus reality: Shui Yue’er’s apparently unbelievable claim is true, while everyone else assumes it must be a misunderstanding.

Character Interactions

• Wu Changkong and Changbing share a warm caretaker-and-child interaction, especially when she appears to answer him and bids farewell to Wu Dachui.
• Wu Dachui acts as a supportive elder, checking that Wu Changkong has packed everything necessary and warning him to travel safely.
• In the carriage, Shui Yue’er, Xue Wu, and Shen Liuyu tease Shui Bing'er about preparing food and potentially becoming Wu Changkong’s wife and the mother of his children.
• Shui Bing’er reacts with embarrassment and irritation, denying that anything improper or romantic has happened.
• The group dismisses Shui Yue’er’s sighting of Wu Changkong with the child, creating comic irony because her observation is accurate.

Chapter Summary: “Motherly Love Overflowing”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xue Wu, Shen Liuyu, Gu Qingbo, and the Shui sisters prepare to leave the academy for several months of special training.
• Wu Changkong arrives carrying a remarkably cute baby girl, shocking everyone. He reveals that she is Wu Changbing, the Ice Jade Scorpion egg they recovered from the Far North.
• Although the egg should logically have produced a scorpion, it hatched into a human child. Wu Changkong admits he does not understand the transformation, only that Changbing is growing unusually quickly.
• The girls eagerly take turns holding and entertaining Changbing during the carriage journey. They fuss over her, touch her cheeks, offer her candy, and provide toys, though Wu Changkong repeatedly reminds them that she is still too young for sweets and should not be treated like a plaything.
• After half a month of travel, Changbing remains mostly well-behaved, occasionally needing to be taken outside when she becomes restless.
• Her rapid development astonishes the group: she grows from a tiny newborn into a much larger baby, gains weight, fills out, and develops additional teeth within just two weeks.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong takes on a protective, caretaker-like role toward Changbing. He is attentive to her needs, cautious about what she eats, and patiently manages the girls’ enthusiasm.
• Shui Bing’er is visibly relieved to learn that Changbing is not Wu Changkong’s biological daughter with another woman, revealing her romantic concern for him. She becomes especially tender toward the baby and instinctively cares for her.
• Gu Qingbo, Xue Wu, Shui Yue’er, and Shen Liuyu all display strong maternal affection. Their excitement transforms the journey into a collective effort to care for Changbing.
• Shui Yue’er continues teasing Shui Bing’er and Wu Changkong, joking that Changbing makes them look like a family of three. Bing’er becomes embarrassed but does not deny the implication.
• Wu Changbing is shown to be unusually sociable and affectionate. She is unafraid of strangers, responds readily to attention, and seems particularly comfortable in Shui Bing’er’s arms.

Significant Themes

• Found family and parental affection: Changbing’s unexpected arrival brings the group together, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere.
• Protective love and responsibility: Wu Changkong’s careful supervision contrasts with the girls’ playful enthusiasm, emphasizing the responsibilities of caring for a child.
• Romantic implication: Shui Bing’er’s jealousy and her bond with Changbing subtly suggest her feelings for Wu Changkong. The “family of three” joke highlights the possibility of a future relationship.
• Mystery and transformation: Changbing’s birth from a soul beast egg and her abnormal growth introduce an unresolved supernatural mystery.
• Travel and companionship: The long journey allows the characters to interact closely, deepening their relationships through shared caregiving.

Character Interactions

• The group initially questions Wu Changkong about Changbing’s identity, then quickly becomes captivated by her.
• Gu Qingbo proudly celebrates when Changbing smiles at her, while Xue Wu and Shui Yue’er compete playfully for the baby’s attention.
• Shui Yue’er teases Wu Changkong about becoming a father and Shui Bing’er about becoming Changbing’s mother.
• Wu Changkong corrects the girls’ reckless attempts to give Changbing candy, demonstrating his authority and concern.
• Shui Bing’er’s gentle interaction with Changbing produces the chapter’s strongest emotional moment: the baby happily nestles against her, while the others observe that Bing’er and Wu Changkong resemble a family.

Chapter Summary: “Strangling It in the Cradle? Metal Capital”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong and the others travel to Gengxin City, known as the continent’s Metal Capital and the center of blacksmithing.
• During the journey, Wu Changkong reflects on Wu Changbing’s extraordinary growth. He suspects she may be the reincarnation or humanoid form of the Ice Empress, a powerful former ruler of the Far North.
• He worries that her memories might eventually return and cause her to view them as enemies. Although he has considered killing her while she is helpless, her innocence and affection make the idea impossible. He ultimately decides to treat her as his younger sister rather than fear her past.
• The group arrives at Xue Wu’s modest but elegant family home. Xue Wu enthusiastically reunites with her mother and introduces her classmates.
• Xue Wu’s mother warmly welcomes everyone, serves them tea and preserved fruit, and praises the friends for supporting her daughter at the academy.
• The group learns that Xue Wu’s father works for the Blacksmith Association and forges refined iron components. Her mother explains that the association’s influence has declined over the past two years.
• The chapter ends with Xue Wu’s father returning home, revealing himself as a large, muscular blacksmith with a stern appearance similar to his daughter.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong: Displays deep moral conflict and growing affection toward Wu Changbing. Though he fears her possible identity as the Ice Empress, he chooses trust, sincerity, and familial acceptance over suspicion.
• Wu Changbing: Continues to grow at an unnatural rate and behaves like an innocent, curious child. Her mysterious connection to the Ice Empress remains unresolved.
• Xue Wu: Shows warmth and excitement upon returning home. Her blunt, straightforward personality is emphasized, as is her strong attachment to her mother.
• Xue Wu’s mother: Appears kind, nurturing, hospitable, and perceptive. She affectionately treats Xue Wu as a child while openly appreciating her friends.
• Xue Wu’s father: Is introduced as a powerful-looking, hardworking blacksmith associated with the influential—but declining—Blacksmith Association.
• Shui Bing’er and Shui Yue’er: Demonstrate their contrasting personalities: Bing’er is diplomatic and supportive, while Yue’er teasingly points out Xue Wu’s irritating side.

Significant Themes

• Nature versus identity: Wu Changbing’s rapid growth and possible reincarnation raise questions about whether a person’s past identity determines who they are now.
• Trust over fear: Wu Changkong chooses to judge Wu Changbing by her present behavior instead of acting on fear of what she might become.
• Family and belonging: Xue Wu’s homecoming highlights the warmth of family bonds and the comfort of returning to a familiar place.
• Changing power structures: The Blacksmith Association’s declining authority hints at broader political, economic, or technological changes within Gengxin City.
• Innocence and hidden danger: Wu Changbing appears harmless and affectionate, yet her possible connection to a powerful soul beast creates an undercurrent of tension.

Important Character Interactions

• Wu Changkong discusses Wu Changbing’s unusual development with Xue Wu and Shui Yue’er, revealing his suspicions about her true nature.
• Xue Wu reunites joyfully with her mother, while her mother affectionately scolds and praises her.
• Shui Bing’er reassures Xue Wu’s mother that Xue Wu is loyal and hardworking, while Shui Yue’er jokingly adds that she can also be irritating.
• The group learns about Xue Wu’s father and the Blacksmith Association through conversation with her mother.
• The chapter closes with the family’s reunion beginning as Xue Wu’s father arrives home.

Chapter Summary: Night Banquet Chat, Securing Gengxin Ore Supplies

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xue Wu’s father, Xue Li, warmly welcomes her and her classmates into the family home.
• Instead of letting Xue Wu’s mother cook, Xue Li takes everyone to a nearby restaurant, Blacksmith’s Old Pot, where he is a familiar and respected customer.
• During dinner, Wu Changkong asks Xue Li for help obtaining high-quality iron ore for his blacksmithing projects.
• Xue Li explains that Gengxin City has many ore merchants, but the quality varies. He recommends buying through the Blacksmith Association, which offers reliable materials at a higher price.
• Shui Yue’er confidently agrees to purchase the ore, noting that she and Shui Bing’er have brought sufficient money.
• Xue Li offers to take the group to the association after dinner.
• The meal is lively and affectionate. Shui Bing’er feeds Wu Changbing candied sweet potato, while Xue Li and Xue Wu’s mother share embarrassing but humorous stories about Xue Wu’s childhood.
• After dinner, Xue Li leads the group through Gengxin City’s bustling nighttime streets, filled with stalls selling ores and ironware.
• The group notices a crowd gathered ahead and decides to investigate, setting up the next event.

Character Developments

• Xue Li is established as warm, hospitable, and well-connected within Gengxin City. Though initially skeptical of Wu Changkong’s delicate appearance, he gains respect for him after learning of his blacksmithing ability.
• Wu Changkong demonstrates initiative and practical skill by arranging a reliable source of ore for his planned creations. He remains polite and respectful toward Xue Li.
• Xue Wu is shown as affectionate toward her father but easily embarrassed by childhood stories. Her classmates’ teasing reveals her energetic, competitive, and adventurous nature as a child.
• Shui Bing’er displays gentleness and care by cooling and breaking up the hot, sticky sweet potato before feeding it to Wu Changbing.
• Shui Yue’er remains outgoing and curious, enthusiastically exploring the city and taking part in the group’s discussions.
• Wu Changbing acts as a source of warmth and humor during the meal, especially through her eager and messy eating.

Significant Themes

• Family affection and familiarity: Xue Li’s reunion with Xue Wu and the affectionate teasing at dinner emphasize the warmth of family life.
• Friendship and hospitality: Xue Li readily welcomes Xue Wu’s classmates and treats them generously, strengthening the group’s bonds.
• Skill versus appearance: Wu Changkong’s refined appearance initially causes Xue Li to underestimate him, but his blacksmithing ability earns recognition.
• Childhood nostalgia and embarrassment: Stories about Xue Wu’s younger years create a playful contrast between her current identity and her mischievous childhood.
• Trust and reliable craftsmanship: The decision to purchase ore through the Blacksmith Association highlights the importance of quality and dependable professional connections.

Character Interactions

• Xue Li and Xue Wu share a warm father-daughter reunion, while her mother joins him in teasing her.
• Xue Li and Wu Changkong develop a respectful relationship after discussing ore and blacksmithing.
• Shui Bing’er shows kindness toward Wu Changbing, and the others respond affectionately to the child’s behavior.
• Shui Yue’er and the group tease Xue Wu about her childhood, creating a lively and intimate atmosphere.
• The chapter ends with the entire group united under Xue Li’s guidance as they explore Gengxin City and approach the mysterious crowd.

Chapter Summary: “Exposing a Fake on the Spot”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Changkong and his companions encounter two men publicly selling supposedly silver-plated armor for thirty Gold Soul Coins.
• Wu immediately identifies the armor as counterfeit. By flicking it and wiping its surface, he proves that it is merely wrought iron covered with silver powder and oil.
• Xue Li confirms the fraud by revealing his Blacksmith Master badge and confronting the scammers for misusing the Blacksmith Association’s name. The con artists flee as the crowd turns against them.
• Xue Li leads the group to the Blacksmith Association, a massive complex containing an auction house, assessment area, forging facilities, and a large iron ore warehouse.
• He explains the Association’s six blacksmith ranks: Junior, Intermediate, Advanced, Master, Grandmaster, and Divine Blacksmith.
• At the warehouse, Wu examines the available materials and purchases large quantities of Pig Iron and Black Mystic Iron at a discounted price through Xue Li’s connections.
• Wu’s use of a storage device to carry away the heavy metal draws astonished looks from nearby buyers.

Character Developments

• Wu Changkong: Demonstrates sharp observational and technical knowledge by exposing the fake armor. Though modest about his own forging abilities, he clearly understands metal quality and plans ahead by purchasing materials in bulk.
• Xue Li: Establishes his authority as a Blacksmith Master and protects the Association’s reputation. He acts as a guide and trusted intermediary for Wu and the others.
• Shui Yue’er: Becomes impressed by Wu’s composure and skill, praising him for handling the scam like a patrol officer. She also reacts with wonder to the scale of the Association.
• The con artists: Their confidence collapses once Wu exposes the fake armor and Xue Li reveals his status. They abandon their stall and flee.
• The group: Gains a closer look at Gengxin City’s blacksmith industry and begins relying on Xue Li’s expertise to navigate it.

Significant Themes

• Truth versus deception: Technical knowledge and careful inspection defeat flashy appearances and persuasive salesmanship.
• Expertise and authority: Genuine skill is shown through evidence, while legitimate authority—represented by Xue Li’s badge—can expose impostors.
• Trust and reputation: The scammers’ misuse of the Blacksmith Association’s name is treated as a serious offense because it threatens the institution’s credibility.
• Resourcefulness and preparation: Wu’s bulk purchase of affordable, quality metals suggests he is preparing for future forging or construction work.
• Social status and wealth: The crowd’s astonishment at Wu’s storage device highlights the rarity of advanced equipment and the economic differences among buyers.

Important Character Interactions

• Wu directly challenges the burly seller and proves the armor is fake in front of the crowd.
• Xue Li backs Wu up, confronts the scammers, and uses his Blacksmith Master status to turn public opinion against them.
• Shui Yue’er privately compliments Wu, reinforcing her admiration for him.
• Xue Li explains the Blacksmith Association’s structure and ranks while encouraging Wu to consider taking an assessment.
• At the warehouse, Xue Li uses his standing to secure Wu a twenty percent discount, while Wu carefully checks the goods before paying.