Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan, a transmigrated man from modern Earth, finds himself in a world with demons, devils, and Evil Spirits.
• He is targeted by a Corpse Ghost, a common Evil Spirit that craves human blood and can disguise itself as human.
• Lin Nan uses a Jade Talisman to repel the Corpse Ghost but runs out of money to buy more, putting him in danger.
• He decides to gamble on his [Creation Furnace] ability to hunt Evil Spirits and strengthen himself.
• Lin Nan borrows money from Scar Lord, a gang leader from the Blood Blade Sect, using the pretext of "welfare money."

Character Developments

• Lin Nan: Initially a lowly Martial Apprentice with no exceptional talent, he becomes determined to improve his situation and survive in this new world.
• Original Lin Nan: Revealed to be fond of women and squandering money at the Drunken Spring Pavilion, leaving Lin Nan with debt and no savings.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation in a new, dangerous world.
• The struggle between the weak and the strong, and the consequences of being powerless.
• The corrupting influence of power and wealth, as seen through Scar Lord's actions.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Scar Lord: Despite Scar Lord's apparent friendliness, he is manipulative and takes advantage of the original Lin Nan's weaknesses. Lin Nan, aware of this, plays along to secure the money he needs.
• Lin Nan and the Corpse Ghost: The Corpse Ghost's relentless pursuit of Lin Nan highlights the constant danger he faces in this world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan borrows money from the Blood Blade Sect to buy talismans for protection.
• He encounters a Corpse Ghost, an evil spirit, at his lodging.
• Lin Nan uses Blood Talismans to defeat the Corpse Ghost.
• After defeating the Corpse Ghost, Lin Nan absorbs Yin-evil energy.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan demonstrates courage and resourcefulness in facing the Corpse Ghost.
• The Corpse Ghost is revealed to be a cunning and powerful enemy.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival in a harsh, dangerous world.
• The power of determination and resourcefulness against overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan interacts with a constable at the Talisman Hall, who underestimates him due to his low martial status.
• Lin Nan faces the Corpse Ghost, which initially takes the form of his mistress, Chun Tao, to lure him.
• Lin Nan's past experiences with Chun Tao help him recognize the Corpse Ghost's deception.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan, after killing a Corpse Ghost, absorbs evil, sinister energy into his body.
• He uses the Creation Furnace to smelt the Yin Energy Point, converting it into proficiency for the White Snake Stance technique.
• Lin Nan successfully breaks through to the first stage of the Blood-Qi Realm, enhancing his physical abilities and mental clarity.
• He goes to the White Snake Martial School to register as an inner-sect disciple, demonstrating his breakthrough to Instructor Wang and Elder Yu using the Strength-Testing Stone.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan: Shows determination and quick thinking in handling the Corpse Ghost and the evil energy. He demonstrates significant growth in his martial arts skills, breaking through to the Blood-Qi Realm, and gains recognition from the martial school's instructors.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Age: Lin Nan's late breakthrough highlights the theme of age being crucial for martial arts advancement. Despite his talent, his late start might hinder his future progress.
• Redemption and Second Chances: Lin Nan's transformation from a lazy, unmotivated apprentice to a serious, dedicated martial artist suggests a theme of redemption and second chances.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Instructor Wang: Instructor Wang initially shows displeasure at Lin Nan's presence but later leads him to Elder Yu, indicating a shift in his attitude after learning about Lin Nan's breakthrough.
• Lin Nan and Elder Yu: Elder Yu is initially skeptical of Lin Nan's claim but eventually acknowledges his breakthrough, showing a mix of surprise, regret, and acceptance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan becomes an inner disciple, gaining better living conditions and security.
• He learns about the three realms of martial arts: qi and blood, skin and flesh, and sinews and bones, each requiring breaking through three gates.
• Jie Ling, a senior sister, demonstrates the White Snake Stance and Fist, showcasing their power.
• Lin Nan and other inner disciples are introduced to qi and blood broth, a secret medicine that aids in cultivation, but costs 150 coppers per bowl.
• Master Jie reveals that the martial school offers assignments to earn monthly pay, which can only be spent on the broth, creating a closed loop of dependency.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan: Becomes an inner disciple, starts understanding the realms of martial arts, and experiences the power of the secret medicine. He also learns about the martial school's business model.
• Jie Ling: Demonstrates her powerful martial arts skills and serves as a role model for the inner disciples.
• Master Jie: Reveals his shrewdness in managing the martial school's finances and ensuring the inner disciples' dependency on the school.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation resources and their cost in martial arts progression.
• The disparity between wealthy and poor inner disciples, with the latter being more dependent on the martial school's assignments for survival.
• The closed-loop business model of the White Snake Martial School, ensuring its continued profit.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan interacts with Jie Ling, witnessing her powerful demonstration of the White Snake Stance and Fist.
• Lin Nan spars with Liu Feng, a fellow inner disciple, and they become more familiar with each other.
• Lin Nan learns about the martial school's business model from Master Jie, realizing the school's profit-driven approach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan's temporary lodging at the martial school expires, and he must leave.
• Lin Nan is approached by Scar Lord, a loan shark, demanding repayment with interest.
• Lin Nan uses his new status as an inner disciple of the White Snake Martial School to intimidate Scar Lord and his men.
• Scar Lord leaves, vowing to seek revenge.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan demonstrates calmness and resourcefulness under pressure, using his new status to protect himself.
• Scar Lord shows his true colors as a bully and a cheat, but also reveals his cowardice when faced with someone more powerful.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the martial school, its disciples, and the common people.
• The consequences of bullying the weak and the importance of respecting power.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Scar Lord: Lin Nan uses his new status to intimidate Scar Lord, turning the tables on the loan shark.
• Lin Nan and the neighbors: The neighbors cheer for Lin Nan's victory over Scar Lord, showing their support for the underdog.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan, a new inner disciple at the White Snake Martial School, secretly kills Scar Lord, a local thug, in revenge for his sister's death.
• A month later, Scar Lord's cousin, Tu Kui, vows to find the killer and avenge his brother.
• At the martial school, Lin Nan struggles to improve his skills, feeling the pressure of his peers' faster progress.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan: Becomes more determined and ruthless, crossing the threshold of killing for the first time. He also shows dedication to improving his martial arts skills.
• Scar Lord: Dies at Lin Nan's hands, revealing his cowardice and lack of true power.
• Tu Kui: Shows grief and anger over his brother's death, vowing revenge. His actions hint at his influence and ruthlessness.
• Zhong Jing: Shows potential as a martial artist, catching the attention of Master Jie and her disciples for nurturing.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its consequences: Lin Nan's actions set off a chain of events that may lead to further trouble.
• The struggle of the weak: Lin Nan feels the pressure of his peers' faster progress, highlighting the challenges faced by those with less talent or resources.
• The power dynamics of the Black Dragon Outer City: The presence of evil entities at night and the influence of powerful individuals like Tu Kui emphasize the city's complex power structures.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Scar Lord: Their confrontation ends in Lin Nan's victory and Scar Lord's death, highlighting Lin Nan's growth and Scar Lord's lack of true power.
• Lin Nan and Zhong Jing: Though not directly interacting, their progress in martial arts is compared, showing the pressure Lin Nan feels and the potential Zhong Jing possesses.
• Master Jie and her disciples (Luo Meng, Zhao Xun) discuss the new inner disciples, revealing their expectations and plans for nurturing talent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng shares three major happenings in the city: Tu Kui's brother's murder, women disappearing in the eastern outer city, and his own romantic interest in Xiao Ruo.
• Lin Nan learns about the black market, North City Market, where he buys demon flesh to enhance his martial arts training.
• Lin Nan discovers children being sold at the market and decides to investigate further.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan shows concern for the disappearing women and the enslaved children, hinting at his growing moral compass.
• Liu Feng displays his intelligence network and his carefree, hedonistic personality.
• Tu Kui is introduced as a ruthless and powerful figure in the Blood Blade Sect.

Significant Themes

• The dark underbelly of the city, including human trafficking and the exploitation of the weak.
• The double-edged nature of power and resources in the martial arts world.
• The contrast between Lin Nan's growing moral awareness and the amoral environment he inhabits.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Liu Feng's conversation reveals their differing views on life and martial arts.
• Lin Nan's encounter with the stall owner at the black market highlights the deceptive nature of the city's underworld.
• Lin Nan's brief interaction with the enslaved children foreshadows potential future conflicts or alliances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan continues to consume demon meat to increase his yin energy points, which he converts into proficiency for his White Snake Stance and Serpent Flow Force techniques.
• He successfully pushes his White Snake Stance to the peak of the second level.
• Tu Kui, a powerful figure, becomes interested in Lin Nan after learning about his recent achievements and conflict with Scar Lord.
• The martial school courtyard is crowded with people watching Zhong Jing, who has broken through to the third realm of blood-qi.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan demonstrates determination and patience in his training, understanding the importance of steady progress.
• Tu Kui shows interest in Lin Nan, indicating potential future involvement or conflict.
• Zhong Jing's breakthrough to the third realm of blood-qi highlights the progress and competition among the disciples.

Significant Themes

• Patience and steady progress in cultivation.
• Competition and advancement among martial artists.
• The allure and danger of the black market, represented by the demon meat and the men in black.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Liu Feng interact, with Liu Feng expressing complex emotions (envy, bitterness) upon seeing Zhong Jing's progress.
• Lin Nan's actions and achievements draw the attention of powerful figures like Tu Kui, hinting at potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan witnesses Zhong Jing's impressive strength at the martial hall, sparking envy and jealousy among other inner disciples.
• Lin Nan decides to take on tasks at the martial hall to earn silver instead of returning home.
• Lin Nan joins a group of martial hall disciples on a task to gather Soul-Congealing Flower Dew in Withered Locust Village. They are warned by the village chief not to venture out at night.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan demonstrates his diligence and maturity by choosing to train instead of joining the crowd fawning over Zhong Jing.
• Lin Nan shows caution and perceptiveness when he senses something amiss about the task and the village chief's warning.

Significant Themes

• Comparison and Envy: Disciples compare their strengths, leading to envy and jealousy, as seen with Zhong Jing's display.
• Diligence and Hard Work: Lin Nan's dedication to training, even in the face of others' achievements, highlights the importance of hard work.
• Perception and Caution: Lin Nan's keen observation of Peng Huo's unease and the village chief's warning emphasize the theme of being perceptive and cautious in potentially dangerous situations.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan interacts with Elder Yu, who shows satisfaction in Lin Nan's diligence and offers him tasks.
• Lin Nan joins a group of martial hall disciples on a task, with Peng Huo as the leader. They include Zhou Yi and Xiong Hui from Gale Martial Hall, Xu Long and Xu Qingqing from Azure Rock Martial Hall, and Yu Qianqian from White Snake Martial School. Lin Nan senses unease from Peng Huo and decides to be cautious.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group of martial artists lit a fire and had a simple meal together, then retired to their rooms in the dilapidated residence.
• Lin Nan refined demon flesh using his [Creation Furnace] technique, advancing to the third level of blood energy.
• Late at night, Lin Nan received a mysterious visitor who warned him about Peng Huo and the village chief, and advised him to leave the village quickly after collecting the Soul-Congealing Flowers.
• The next morning, the group successfully collected the flower dew and started their journey back to the village.
• On the way back, Lin Nan realized that the person who had visited him the previous night might not have been Yu Qianqian, as she claimed she had not left her room.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan: Advances in his martial arts skill, becomes more cautious and wary of his surroundings.
• Yu Qianqian: Initially seems to be warning Lin Nan about potential danger, but later denies having visited him, raising suspicion about her true intentions.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: The mysterious visitor's warning and Yu Qianqian's denial highlight the theme of trust and deception among the group.
• Advancement in martial arts: Lin Nan's progress in his blood energy level emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in martial skills.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Yu Qianqian: Their interaction reveals a possible rift in their alliance, with Lin Nan questioning Yu Qianqian's true intentions.
• The group: Despite their initial lack of bond, the group works together to complete their mission, but Lin Nan's discovery casts doubt on their unity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group returns to Withered Locust Village to find it dilapidated and deserted, with the village chief's residence in ruins and a cryptic note from the village chief.
• They decide to leave, but upon exiting the village chief's home, a Corpse Wraith attacks Xu Long, fatally wounding him.
• The group argues over who will dispose of the Corpse Wraith, with Lin Nan ultimately doing so, absorbing its yin energy.
• As they prepare to leave, the village becomes shrouded in fog, and another Corpse Wraith attacks.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan demonstrates his willingness to take risks and absorb yin energy, setting him apart from the others.
• Xu Qingqing shows her devotion to her brother but struggles to accept the group's decision to leave him behind.
• Zhou Yi asserts his authority, making decisions without consulting the team leader, Peng Huo.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and consequences of disturbing ancient tombs and artifacts.
• The group's differing reactions to the threat of yin energy and evil spirits.
• The tension between personal relationships and the group's survival.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Peng Huo have a tense exchange over the yellow paper.
• Xu Qingqing argues with Zhou Yi over leaving her brother's body behind.
• The group dynamics shift as they face increasing danger, with Zhou Yi taking a more assertive role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Yi quickly kills a Corpse Wraith, but is affected by its sinister energy.
• The group encounters more Corpse Wraiths at the village entrance, and Xu Qingqing is taken.
• They fight and kill the Corpse Wraiths, with Lin Nan killing six, gaining yin energy points, and perfecting his White Snake Fist.
• Peng Huo reveals he orchestrated the events, killing Zhou Yi, and admits to refining the Corpse Wraiths.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan demonstrates bravery and skill, killing multiple Corpse Wraiths and advancing his martial art.
• Peng Huo reveals his true colors, showing deceit and ruthlessness.
• Zhou Yi's overconfidence in his martial skills leads to his downfall.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and greed, as seen in Peng Huo's actions.
• The importance of trust and loyalty, highlighted by Peng Huo's betrayal.
• The dangers of underestimating one's enemies, as demonstrated by Zhou Yi's death.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Zhou Yi work together to fight the Corpse Wraiths, but Zhou Yi's death leaves Lin Nan as the main combatant.
• Peng Huo's betrayal shocks and angers his former companions, leading to a confrontation.
• The group's dynamics change as they realize Peng Huo's true intentions, leading to a tense standoff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Peng Huo, a yamen constable, reveals he has a bronze cup with abilities to control Corpse Wraiths and condense Mysterious Yin Blood, which can aid in martial breakthroughs.
• He attacks the group, intending to kill them for their qi-and-blood essence to create Mysterious Yin Blood.
• Lin Nan reveals his true strength, using hidden force and force energy to defeat Peng Huo.
• Peng Huo reveals that the village chief was killed by him, but they saw a different person in the village chief's guise.
• The forest becomes eerily silent, and Xiong Hui goes missing. Lin Nan and Yu Qianqian flee.
• An unknown entity laughs in the forest after they leave.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan: Reveals his true strength and skill level, demonstrating his prowess in the White Snake Fist art.
• Peng Huo: Shows his ruthlessness and desperation to advance in the martial path, leading to his downfall.
• Yu Qianqian: Realizes the danger and flees with Lin Nan.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and its consequences (Peng Huo's desire for martial advancement leading to his demise).
• The importance of truth and honesty (Peng Huo's lies and deception ultimately leading to his downfall).
• The unknown and its dangers (the mysterious entity in the forest).

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Peng Huo: Engage in a fierce battle, with Lin Nan ultimately defeating Peng Huo.
• Lin Nan and Yu Qianqian: Work together to escape the dangerous situation in the forest.
• Peng Huo and the unknown entity: The entity's laughter suggests a connection to Peng Huo's fate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan and Yu Qianqian narrowly escape Withered Locust Village, pursued by a terrifying, malevolent force.
• They return to the Outer City, unscathed but shaken.
• Lin Nan and Yu Qianqian share a meal at the Yu family apothecary, reflecting on their mission.
• Lin Nan decides to focus on improving his martial cultivation and stance training.
• Lin Nan meets Yu Qianqian's parents, who are initially impressed by his martial prowess but later cool towards him upon learning he's an orphan.
• Lin Nan returns to the White Snake Martial School, where he finds Liu Feng and Zhong Jing engaged in a fight.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan: Reflects on his fight with Peng Huo, decides to improve his martial cultivation and stance training, remains calm and composed despite Father Yu's change in attitude.
• Yu Qianqian: Shows concern for Lin Nan's well-being, feels a growing affection for him, but keeps her feelings to herself.
• Father Yu: Initially impressed by Lin Nan's martial prowess, but his enthusiasm wanes upon learning Lin Nan is an orphan.

Significant Themes

• The importance of martial prowess and strength in this chaotic world.
• The social hierarchy and prejudice against orphans in the Outer City.
• The growing affection between Lin Nan and Yu Qianqian.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Yu Qianqian: Share a meal, reflect on their mission, and maintain a professional relationship despite Yu Qianqian's growing feelings for Lin Nan.
• Lin Nan and Father Yu: Initially cordial, but Father Yu's enthusiasm cools upon learning Lin Nan is an orphan.
• Lin Nan and the White Snake Martial School disciples: Greeted warmly upon his return, witnesses Liu Feng and Zhong Jing fighting.

Summary of "Taking Action" Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng and Zhong Jing are fighting in the martial arts field.
• Liu Feng is struggling against Zhong Jing's superior Serpent Flow Force and Tongue-Thrust Baleful Intent.
• Lin Nan intervenes and fights Zhong Jing to a draw, revealing he's at the third level of blood and qi.
• The three core disciples, including Zhao Xun, intervene to stop the fight.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng: Struggles against Zhong Jing, feels inferior due to his lack of progress.
• Zhong Jing: Arrogant and calculating, willing to cripple Liu Feng.
• Lin Nan: Reveals hidden strength, fights Zhong Jing to a draw, and gains the attention of the core disciples.
• Zhao Xun: Shows favoritism towards talented disciples, values their potential to the martial school.

Significant Themes

• The importance of talent and potential in the martial arts world.
• The ruthless nature of competition among martial artists.
• The value of clear debts of gratitude and vengeance.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng and Zhong Jing: Rivals, with Zhong Jing showing no mercy.
• Lin Nan and Zhong Jing: Briefly fight, with Lin Nan revealing his hidden strength.
• Lin Nan and the core disciples: Lin Nan gains their attention and respect after his display of skill.
• Zhao Xun and Jie Ling: Disagree on whether to intervene in the fight, showing their differing views on the martial school's values.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan, now at the third level of qi and blood, attracts Hall Master Jie's attention.
• Liu Feng and Zhong Jing's dispute over Xiao Ruo escalates, leading to a public confrontation.
• Hall Master Jie intervenes and forces Xiao Ruo to choose between Liu Feng and Zhong Jing, resulting in Liu Feng's heartbreak.
• Hall Master Jie and Tu Kui, a martial artist at the third level of the Skin-and-Flesh Realm, suspect Lin Nan has opened his apertures due to his rapid progress.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan: Shows off his strength, attracting attention from Hall Master Jie and Tu Kui. He maintains humility despite his achievements.
• Liu Feng: Heartbroken after Xiao Ruo chooses Zhong Jing over him.
• Xiao Ruo: Struggles with her feelings and ultimately chooses Zhong Jing.
• Zhong Jing: Remains unapologetic and confident in his actions.
• Hall Master Jie: Recognizes Lin Nan's potential and invites Tu Kui to meet him.
• Tu Kui: A martial artist at the third level of the Skin-and-Flesh Realm, cousin of Tu Scar. He is interested in Lin Nan's rapid progress.

Significant Themes

• Rapid progress in martial arts can attract unwanted attention.
• Love triangles can lead to heartbreak and conflict.
• Opening apertures is a mysterious phenomenon that can enhance a martial artist's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Hall Master Jie and Lin Nan: Hall Master Jie recognizes Lin Nan's potential and invites Tu Kui to meet him.
• Liu Feng and Xiao Ruo: Their love triangle leads to conflict and heartbreak for Liu Feng.
• Xiao Ruo and Zhong Jing: Xiao Ruo chooses Zhong Jing, upsetting Liu Feng.
• Tu Kui and Lin Nan: Tu Kui is interested in Lin Nan's rapid progress and suspects he has opened his apertures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan learns that Tu Kui, the Hall Master of the Blood Blade Sect's Execution Hall, is Scar Lord's cousin.
• Tu Kui accuses Lin Nan of killing Scar Lord, but Lin Nan denies it.
• Tu Kui leaves, hinting that he will keep an eye on Lin Nan.
• Lin Nan decides to stay at White Snake Martial School permanently for protection.
• Liu Feng returns drunk and disheartened after being humiliated in the martial school.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan maintains his composure despite the accusations, showing maturity and resilience.
• Liu Feng struggles with his self-esteem after being humiliated, but Lin Nan's words inspire him to focus on martial arts training.

Significant Themes

• The importance of maintaining composure and resilience in the face of adversity.
• The value of hard work and dedication in martial arts training.
• The dangers of being swayed by emotions and setbacks.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Tu Kui engage in a tense standoff, with Tu Kui trying to provoke Lin Nan into confessing.
• Lin Nan encourages Liu Feng to focus on training instead of dwelling on his humiliation.
• Headmaster Xie offers Lin Nan protection, acknowledging his talent and potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan has been training diligently at White Snake Martial School for three months, reaching the third level of the Blood-Qi Realm.
• He decides to start tempering his skin, a process that involves transforming the fascia and muscles beneath the skin using abundant qi and blood.
• Master Jie teaches Lin Nan and Zhong Jing the Spirit Serpent Stance, a stance method that can lead directly to the Sinews-and-Bones Realm.
• Lin Nan begins skin tempering using the Blood-Qi Pill and Spirit Serpent Stance, finding it more challenging than accumulating qi and blood.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan has calmed his temperament and become more focused on his training, with less restlessness and frivolity.
• Zhong Jing, though resentful of Lin Nan's progress, maintains a calm demeanor.
• Master Jie reveals his concern for Lin Nan's late start in martial arts and emphasizes the importance of martial will and accumulation.
• Liu Feng has recovered from his injuries and is now practicing martial arts with Lin Nan daily.
• Yu Qianqian has been bringing Lin Nan meals, fueling rumors about their relationship.

Significant Themes

• The importance of patience, accumulation, and martial will in martial arts cultivation.
• The challenges and complexities of skin tempering compared to accumulating qi and blood.
• The pursuit of strength and safety as a driving force for Lin Nan's martial arts journey.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan and Zhong Jing interact with Master Jie, who teaches them about skin tempering and the Spirit Serpent Stance.
• Lin Nan, Liu Feng, and Yu Qianqian share a meal together, discussing their future plans.
• Liu Feng and Yu Qianqian express confusion and surprise at Lin Nan's decision to practice martial arts forever.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan learns that the mission to Withered Locust Village has been erased from everyone's memory except his, due to an unknown influence.
• He decides not to investigate further to avoid potential danger.
• Lin Nan perfects his White Snake Stance and Fist Art, reaching the third level of qi and blood.
• Instructor Wang offers Lin Nan a mission to deliver a confidential letter to the Inner City, but Lin Nan declines.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan becomes more cautious and secretive about his experiences at Withered Locust Village.
• He focuses on improving his martial skills, perfecting his stance and fist art.
• Instructor Wang is revealed to have connections with the Blood Blade Sect, acting as a spy.

Significant Themes

• The power of memory and its manipulation.
• The importance of focus and dedication in martial cultivation.
• The dangers of investigating mysterious phenomena.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan interacts with Instructor Wang, who offers him a mission but is later revealed to be working against him.
• Lin Nan's interactions with Yu Qianqian and Liu Feng are limited, as he keeps his experiences at Withered Locust Village a secret.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Nan stops visiting the black market after A Qing's murder by Blood Blade Sect.
• Lin Nan decides to find a patron in the Inner City for protection.
• Master Jie arranges a meeting with important guests from the Inner City (Mo Ming, Fu Wangqing, and Li Nianru) to potentially sponsor Lin Nan.

Character Developments

• Lin Nan becomes more cautious and determined to find a patron for protection.
• Master Jie reveals his past as a renowned martial artist in the Inner City.
• Tu Kui's obsession with Lin Nan grows, leading him to order A Qing's murder.

Significant Themes

• The importance of backing and connections in the martial world.
• The power dynamics between the Outer and Inner City factions.
• The consequences of standing up to powerful organizations like Blood Blade Sect.

Character Interactions

• Lin Nan seeks Master Jie's help to find a patron in the Inner City.
• Master Jie arranges a meeting with influential guests from the Inner City to potentially sponsor Lin Nan.
• Tu Kui orders the murder of A Qing, showing his growing obsession with Lin Nan.