Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, after years of saving, plans to join a martial arts hall.
• He returns home to find his family celebrating with a lavish meal.
• His cousin, Zhou Kang, announces he's opening a tavern with borrowed money, including Zhou Ming's savings.
• Zhou Ming demands his money back, but his family insists Zhou Kang will pay him back once the business succeeds.
• Zhou Ming decides to cut ties with his family, considering his raised and the borrowed money as settled.
• He leaves home without looking back, despite his young cousin's attempts to stop him.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: He is determined, responsible, and has a strong sense of purpose. He's willing to sacrifice for his dream of learning martial arts. His family's betrayal leads him to make a difficult decision to leave home.
• Zhou Kang: He is irresponsible, lazy, and relies on others. He's a heavy gambler and takes advantage of Zhou Ming's money for his business venture.
• Zhou Fangcai (Second Uncle): He is weak-willed and passive, allowing his wife and son to manipulate him. He feels guilty for not protecting Zhou Ming's interests.
• Li Xiujie (Second Aunt): She is selfish and manipulative. She sees Zhou Ming's money as rightfully theirs due to raising him.

Significant Themes

• Family Loyalty vs. Personal Ambition: Zhou Ming's loyalty to his family is tested, and he ultimately chooses to pursue his personal dream.
• Betrayal and Trust: Zhou Ming's trust in his family is betrayed, leading him to cut ties with them.
• Responsibility and Sacrifice: Zhou Ming feels responsible for his family, but ultimately sacrifices his savings to follow his dream.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Zhou Kang: Their interaction highlights Zhou Kang's irresponsibility and Zhou Ming's determination.
• Zhou Ming and Zhou Fangcai: Their interaction shows Zhou Fangcai's weakness and Zhou Ming's resolve.
• Zhou Ming and Li Xiujie: Their interaction reveals Li Xiujie's selfishness and manipulation.
• Zhou Ming and his young cousin: Their interaction shows Zhou Ming's resolve not to be swayed from his decision to leave.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming decides to join an escort agency to train in martial arts, as it's his only viable option given his circumstances.
• He visits the Dragon Soaring Escort Agency, where he meets Chief Escort Wang and signs a 15-year contract.
• After signing, Zhou Ming and other new recruits are led to their living quarters and informed about the upcoming assessment for becoming an escort.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: He displays determination and resolve in his decision to join the escort agency, showing that he's willing to make sacrifices for his goal of becoming a Martial Artist.
• Chief Escort Wang: He is portrayed as a fair and understanding figure, as he doesn't press Zhou Ming about his sudden change of heart and allows him to join despite their acquaintance.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Resolve: Zhou Ming's unwavering commitment to his goal of becoming a Martial Artist, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
• Sacrifice: Zhou Ming is willing to make personal sacrifices, such as working for 15 years at the escort agency, to achieve his dream.
• Opportunity and Challenge: The escort agency offers Zhou Ming an opportunity to train in martial arts, but it also presents challenges, such as the upcoming assessment.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Chief Escort Wang: They have a friendly interaction, with Chief Escort Wang treating Zhou Ming fairly despite their acquaintance.
• Zhou Ming and the other new recruits: They discuss their expectations and concerns about the upcoming assessment, fostering a sense of camaraderie among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming wakes up early, plans to buy steamed buns, but receives a message that everyone must gather at the training ground within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
• At the training ground, each new recruit must lift a stone disc to their chest height, testing their strength.
• After the test, Head Escort Wang announces that the strongest three recruits will receive an extra bowl of beef and ox marrow soup daily.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Shows determination and discipline by being one of the first to arrive at the training ground and by eating heartily to prepare for Stance Training.
• Head Escort Wang: Demonstrates his authority and the importance of physical strength and nourishment in martial arts training.

Significant Themes

• Discipline and punctuality: Zhou Ming's early arrival at the training ground shows his understanding of the importance of discipline and punctuality in martial arts training.
• The importance of nourishment: Head Escort Wang emphasizes the role of proper nourishment (specifically, eating meat) in developing one's physical strength and potential in martial arts.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts briefly with Chen Shu and Fan Daniu, eating together and discussing the upcoming Stance Training.
• Head Escort Wang interacts with the new recruits, testing their strength, announcing the daily meal arrangement, and explaining the importance of nourishment in martial arts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Escort Chief Wang teaches the Dragon Soaring Stakework, a martial arts training method with three stances: Walking, Standing, and Sleeping, each with seven movements and specific breathing techniques.
• Zhou Ming, the protagonist, receives a cheat ability called "Double Results with Half the Effort" after following along with Escort Chief Wang's demonstration. This ability allows him to gain progress in the Dragon Soaring Stance technique.
• Escort Master Li scolds the trainees for not remembering the movements correctly and emphasizes the importance of proper breathing techniques to avoid injury.
• The trainees form groups to practice and supervise each other. They learn that each level of Stance Training increases their strength by thirty jin, and reaching the ninth level would grant them the status of a Martial Artist.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Receives a cheat ability and begins to practice the Dragon Soaring Stance technique diligently.
• Fan Daniu: Struggles to remember the movements and breathing techniques, but is determined to learn due to the promise of food and drink.
• Yang Shu: Asks insightful questions about the changes in blood and vitality from practicing Stance Training.

Significant Themes

• Discipline and hard work: The trainees must practice diligently to master the Stance Training techniques and avoid injury.
• Teamwork and mutual support: The trainees form groups to practice and supervise each other, highlighting the importance of working together.
• Perseverance and long-term goals: Reaching the ninth level of Stance Training requires dedication and time, but the reward is significant—becoming a Martial Artist.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Fan Daniu: Zhou Ming encourages Fan Daniu to focus on his practice to avoid missing out on the extra bowl of beef.
• Escort Chief Wang and the trainees: Escort Chief Wang teaches the Stance Training techniques and demonstrates the movements for the trainees.
• Escort Master Li and the trainees: Escort Master Li scolds the trainees for not remembering the movements correctly and emphasizes the importance of proper breathing techniques.
• The trainees: The trainees form groups to practice and supervise each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Key Plot Points

• Escort Master Li demonstrates his martial prowess, displaying the power of Stance Training.
• Zhou Ming reaches the second level of Stance Training in a single day, causing a sensation.
• Zhou Ming asks Escort Chief Wang about rewards for such an achievement.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming shows his talent and determination, revealing his ambition to progress quickly in martial arts.
• Escort Chief Wang shows favoritism towards Zhou Ming, hinting at his potential influence.

Significant Themes

• Talent and hard work in martial arts.
• The importance of mentors and connections in one's advancement.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Escort Chief Wang: Zhou Ming seeks information, Wang shows favoritism.
• Zhou Ming and Chen Li: Zhou Ming shows mercy and warns Chen Li.
• Chen Li and his dormmates: Chen Li is pressured to apologize to Zhou Ming.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, a newly minted Martial Artist, impresses Escort Leader Wang with his prowess in stance training.
• Wang invites Zhou Ming to join a silver escort mission, to which Zhou Ming eagerly agrees.
• Zhou Ming successfully controls his Blood Qi, marking his breakthrough to the Martial Artist realm.
• He manifests a Blood Qi AK-47, which he tests by firing at a spy on his roof, causing significant destruction.
• Several escort leaders and escorts arrive, witnessing the aftermath of Zhou Ming's display.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Proves his exceptional talent in martial arts, achieves a significant breakthrough, and demonstrates his ability to manifest weapons using Blood Qi.
• Wang Quan (Escort Leader Wang): Recognizes Zhou Ming's potential, invites him on a mission, and shows concern for his well-being.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Prodigy: Zhou Ming's exceptional abilities are repeatedly acknowledged, setting him apart from his peers.
• Breakthrough and Growth: Zhou Ming's journey from a beginner to a Martial Artist highlights the importance of diligence and practice in martial arts.
• Weapons and Power: Zhou Ming's manifestation of an AK-47 showcases the potential of Martial Artists and the power they wield.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Wang Quan: Their interactions reveal Wang's recognition of Zhou Ming's talent and his eagerness to mentor the young prodigy.
• Zhou Ming and the Spy: Zhou Ming's confrontation with the spy demonstrates his impulsive nature and his willingness to defend himself against perceived threats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming manifests an AK-47 from his Blood Qi, causing a stir among the Dragon Soaring Escort Agency members.
• Escorts attempt to imitate the AK but fail to grasp its essence.
• Wu Escort Leader returns without capturing the intruder, revealing it was a woman.
• Wu Escort Leader asks about the AK's name and replicability, leading to a discussion about the Martial Path's cultivation.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming displays his confidence and skill with the AK, further impressing the agency members.
• Wu Escort Leader recognizes the AK's power and becomes determined to help Zhou Ming cultivate.
• Wang Quan shows his knowledge of the Martial Path's golden age and the importance of a Perfect Foundation.

Significant Themes

• The Martial Path's cultivation system, including the importance of a Perfect Foundation at each rank.
• The golden age for martial cultivation and its consequences for those who fail to polish their foundations.
• The power and uniqueness of the AK-47 as a weapon.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with Wu Escort Leader and Wang Quan, discussing the AK and the Martial Path.
• Zhou Ming and Wang Quan have a playful exchange about dueling and making the first move.
• Wu Escort Leader and Wang Quan explain the Martial Path's intricacies to Zhou Ming.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, now a Martial Artist, leads a convoy of two carriages along the official road.
• The escort is for a widow and her daughter, fleeing from a merchant's enemies with a Seventh Rank Perfect Foundation.
• The group faces an argument over the job's risks, leading to some escorts leaving.
• They travel overnight to avoid potential pursuers, stopping briefly at relay stations.
• Zhou Ming defends against a bandit ambush, killing them all with his Blood-Qi AK.
• The bandits' leader decides to change tactics and location after suffering heavy losses.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming demonstrates his calm and strategic thinking, impressing the other escorts.
• Wang Quan, the escort leader, shows concern for his team's safety and the job's risks.
• The widow and her daughter display resilience and endurance during their journey.

Significant Themes

• Risk and Reward: The escorts debate the risks versus rewards of the job, with some choosing to leave due to the high risk.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: The bandits' leader suspects betrayal among his men, highlighting the theme of trust and loyalty in dangerous situations.
• Endurance: The widow and her daughter endure the harsh journey, showing their determination to survive.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with the widow and her daughter, showing concern for their well-being.
• Wang Quan and the other escorts discuss the job's details and risks, leading to some leaving the team.
• The bandits' leader interacts with his men, showing his ruthlessness and strategic thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of bandits, led by a blue-robed man, pursue two carriages flying the Dragon Soaring Escort Agency's flag.
• The carriages are escorted by the Dragon Soaring Escort Agency, including Escort Master Li and Escort Master Zhou (Zhou Ming).
• The bandits are drugged and defeated by the escort agency.
• The group encounters nine bandit groups over eighteen days, with Zhou Ming handling most using his AK.
• The escort mission is completed safely, and the clients (Madam Lu and her daughter) are delivered to Yuexi County.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Shows curiosity and interest in learning martial skills from Escort Master Li.
• Escort Master Li: Reveals his martial skill (Minor Mastery) and agrees to teach Zhou Ming.
• Madam Lu: Grateful for the escort masters' protection and care, resolves to rely on herself and her daughter moving forward.

Significant Themes

• Protection and care: The escort masters protect Madam Lu and her daughter, showing kindness and professionalism.
• Curiosity and learning: Zhou Ming's interest in martial skills highlights his eagerness to learn and grow.
• Gratitude and self-reliance: Madam Lu feels grateful for the escort masters' help but also resolves to rely on herself and her daughter.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Escort Master Li: They interact and learn from each other, with Escort Master Li teaching Zhou Ming about martial skills.
• Madam Lu and the escort masters: Madam Lu interacts with the escort masters, expressing her gratitude for their protection and care.
• Zhou Ming and the bandits: Zhou Ming encounters and defeats multiple bandit groups using his AK, showcasing his prowess.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The escort team arrives at Yuexi County, Peaceful Inn, and enjoys a well-deserved meal after completing their commission.
• Zhou Ming notices the absence of Escort Leader Wang and presses the others for information.
• Yang Escort Leader reveals that the bandits Zhou Ming killed were not ordinary bandits, hinting at a deeper conspiracy.
• Wang Quan returns late at night and has a heart-to-heart conversation with Zhou Ming about the nature of the martial arts path.
• Wang Quan collapses and spits out blood, leaving Zhou Ming shocked and urgent.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Struggles with the morality of his actions, questioning his decisions to kill bandits without mercy. He learns from Wang Quan about the harsh realities of the martial arts path and accepts the necessity of contention and bloodshed.
• Wang Quan: Reveals his wisdom and experience, guiding Zhou Ming through his moral crisis. His sudden collapse hints at an underlying health issue or external threat.

Significant Themes

• The moral ambiguity of the martial arts path and the necessity of contention and bloodshed for growth.
• The harsh reality of the martial arts world, where resources are scarce, and competition is fierce.
• The importance of mentorship and guidance in shaping a martial artist's perspective and growth.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Yang Escort Leader: Zhou Ming presses Yang Escort Leader for information about the bandits, leading to a revealing conversation about the nature of the bandits and the martial arts path.
• Zhou Ming and Wang Quan: Wang Quan provides Zhou Ming with valuable guidance and wisdom, helping him come to terms with his actions and the nature of the martial arts path. Their conversation ends abruptly with Wang Quan's collapse, leaving Zhou Ming shocked and urgent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Quan, a senior martial artist, is severely injured and his cultivation foundation damaged, leaving him stuck at the Eighth Rank.
• Zhou Ming learns that Wang Quan's injury was caused by the County Guard, who targeted him due to Zhou Ming's exceptional talent and the resources he's been receiving.
• Zhou Ming practices the Eight Saber-Cutting Forms and makes significant progress, reaching the 'Masterful' stage.
• Zhou Ming returns to the inn and finds Wang Quan and Yang Escort Leader awake. He brings them ginseng soup.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Shows concern for Wang Quan, feels guilty, and becomes more determined to improve his martial skills.
• Wang Quan: Accepts his fate, expresses no regret for helping Zhou Ming, and advises Zhou Ming to keep fighting for what he wants.
• Yang Escort Leader: Reflects on his past choices, supports Wang Quan's decision, and shares his wisdom with Zhou Ming.

Significant Themes

• The importance of talent and resources in martial cultivation.
• The consequences of helping others, even at personal cost.
• The value of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Wang Quan: Their relationship deepens as Zhou Ming shows concern for Wang Quan, and Wang Quan advises Zhou Ming.
• Zhou Ming and Yang Escort Leader: They share a moment of understanding, with Yang Escort Leader acknowledging Zhou Ming's potential and offering guidance.
• Wang Quan and Yang Escort Leader: They reflect on their past choices and support each other, showing a strong bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming and Wang Quan return safely to Xishan County after their escort mission.
• Zhou Ming finds his six-year-old cousin waiting at the escort agency. She had been brought there by his second aunt, who was looking for him.
• Zhou Ming sends his cousin home with Yang Shu, Fan Daniu, and Chen Li, giving them a thousand taels for his second uncle.
• The Chief Escort summons Zhou Ming to the council hall, where Zhou Ming is surprised to find Wu Quan, the Wu Escort Leader, seated in the Chief Escort's seat.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming has grown more confident and mature after his escort mission. He handles the situation with his cousin responsibly.
• Wang Quan remains a mysterious figure, offering guidance to Zhou Ming but keeping his own background vague.
• Wu Quan, the Wu Escort Leader, is revealed to be the Chief Escort, suggesting he has been hiding his true identity.

Significant Themes

• Family Responsibility: Zhou Ming feels responsible for his cousin and tries to help her despite the complications caused by his family.
• Identity and Disguise: Wu Quan's true identity as the Chief Escort highlights the theme of hidden identities and the consequences of revealing them.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with his cousin, showing concern and responsibility toward her.
• Zhou Ming reunites with Yang Shu, Fan Daniu, and Chen Li, demonstrating camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Zhou Ming's encounter with Wu Quan in the Chief Escort's seat is filled with tension and disbelief, highlighting their power dynamic and Zhou Ming's newfound status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming meets Wen Ruoxi, the chief escort of Dragon Soaring Escort Agency, and they form a War God Oath, binding Zhou Ming to the agency.
• The War God Oath involves taking one's martial path as the foundation and promising to fulfill the oath's promises. Violators face having their martial foundation collapse.
• Zhou Ming and Wen Ruoxi have a playful argument, ending with Zhou Ming getting slapped.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: He shows confidence and straightforwardness, not afraid to speak his mind. He's also curious and unafraid of the War God's voice.
• Wen Ruoxi: She's portrayed as lively, mischievous, and quirky, with a strong will. She's also protective of her agency and its members.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and commitment: The War God Oath emphasizes loyalty and dedication to one's promises.
• Playfulness and banter: Zhou Ming and Wen Ruoxi's interactions highlight the theme of playful banter and mutual teasing.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Wen Ruoxi: Their interactions are playful and teasing, with a hint of attraction. They challenge each other, and their dynamic is lighthearted yet respectful.
• Zhou Ming and the elders: The elders, Wang Quan, Yang Zhengxing, and Wu Quan, seem to have a history with Zhou Ming and are aware of his mischievous nature. They're protective of Wen Ruoxi and the agency.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming watches Wen Ruoxi train and drinks wine on her rooftop.
• Wen Ruoxi confronts Zhou Ming, leading to a brief sparring session where she fails to hit him.
• Zhou Ming reveals he has cultivated Jade Skin, surprising Wen Ruoxi.
• Zhou Ming teaches Wang Quan how to make an AK, but Wang Quan expresses concerns about its potential consequences.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming demonstrates his martial arts prowess by cultivating Jade Skin without Wen Ruoxi's knowledge.
• Wen Ruoxi shows concern for Zhou Ming's martial arts progress and disapproval of his casual attitude.
• Wang Quan reveals his strategic thinking and understanding of the potential dangers of the AK.

Significant Themes

• The importance of diligence and dedication in martial arts cultivation.
• The consequences of creating powerful weapons that could disrupt the balance of power.
• The tension between personal ambition and responsibility to society.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Wen Ruoxi's interactions show a playful rivalry, with Wen Ruoxi trying to hit Zhou Ming and Zhou Ming dodging while teasing her.
• Zhou Ming and Wang Quan's interaction reveals their close relationship and mutual respect, as well as Wang Quan's concern for the potential consequences of the AK.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming spends several days training at the Dragon Soaring Escort Agency, focusing on the Soaring Dragon Body Technique and Soaring Dragon Spear.
• He reaches a bottleneck in his training, as he has no more techniques to practice and his cultivation speed is too fast.
• He meets Yang Escort Leader, who discusses the Supreme Realm and Transcendence, and suggests practicing multiple Eighth-Rank Cultivation Techniques to achieve Zhou Ming's goal of tempering all his bones.
• Zhou Ming decides to follow Yang's advice and begins training in the Evergreen Art, experiencing intense pain.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming becomes frustrated with his lack of progress and seeks advice from Yang Escort Leader.
• He shows determination and resilience in the face of intense pain while training the Evergreen Art.
• Yang Escort Leader demonstrates wisdom and experience in guiding Zhou Ming's cultivation path.

Significant Themes

• The importance of finding the right cultivation technique to suit one's goals and abilities.
• The challenges and hardships faced by martial artists in their pursuit of cultivation.
• The concept of the Supreme Realm and Transcendence, and the lack of experts in these ranks in the current martial world.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with Yang Escort Leader, seeking his advice on cultivation techniques and the Supreme Realm.
• Yang Escort Leader, Wu Escort Leader, and Wang Quan discuss Zhou Ming's progress and cultivation methods on the rooftop, revealing their concern and amusement at his situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, after three months of seclusion, emerges and joins his friends for a meal.
• The group discusses Zhou Ming's extraordinary talent, which he prefers to keep private.
• Zhou Ming leaves with Wen Ruoxi, a woman he has been thinking about, leaving his friends to speculate about their relationship.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Shows maturity and understanding of the world, protecting Fan Daniu from potential harm by keeping his talent a secret.
• Fan Daniu: Demonstrates naivety and honesty, unaware of the implications of his words about Zhou Ming's talent.
• Wen Ruoxi: Reveals her feelings for Zhou Ming, showing she has been thinking about him as well.

Significant Themes

• Talent and its consequences: Zhou Ming's exceptional talent sets him apart, bringing both admiration and potential danger.
• Friendship and camaraderie: The group shares a meal and memories, strengthening their bond.
• Love and relationships: Zhou Ming and Wen Ruoxi's interaction hints at a developing romantic relationship.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Fan Daniu: Zhou Ming shows concern for Fan Daniu's well-being, warning him not to spread information about his talent.
• Zhou Ming and Wen Ruoxi: They express their feelings for each other, with Zhou Ming taking her hand, and Wen Ruoxi confessing her longing for him.
• Zhou Ming and his friends (Yang Shu, Chen Li): They catch up, share stories, and toast to each other's success and Zhou Ming's emergence from seclusion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming visits Wen Ruoxi's boudoir, surprised by its simplicity and neatness.
• Zhou Ming and Wen Ruoxi share a moment of intimacy as he asks her to call him by his name in private.
• Zhou Ming is later confronted by the three Escort Leaders (Wu Quan, Wang Quan, and Yang Zhengxing) about his relationship with Wen Ruoxi.
• Zhou Ming explains his intentions and agrees to leave in three days to prove his sincerity and ambition.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Shows his affection for Wen Ruoxi and his determination to achieve his goals.
• Wen Ruoxi: Maintains her composure and teasing demeanor around Zhou Ming but shows warmth towards him.
• Wu Quan, Wang Quan, and Yang Zhengxing: Reveal their protective nature towards Wen Ruoxi and their desire to ensure her happiness and security.

Significant Themes

• Love and Romance: Zhou Ming's growing feelings for Wen Ruoxi and their shared moments of intimacy.
• Ambition and Determination: Zhou Ming's resolve to achieve his goals and prove himself to Wen Ruoxi and the Escort Leaders.
• Family and Responsibility: The Escort Leaders' sense of duty towards Wen Ruoxi and their desire to protect her.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Wen Ruoxi: Share a tender moment as Zhou Ming asks Wen Ruoxi to call him by his name in private.
• Zhou Ming and the Escort Leaders: Engage in a tense discussion about Zhou Ming's relationship with Wen Ruoxi, leading to Zhou Ming agreeing to leave temporarily to prove his sincerity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming returns from the mountains with limestone and quartz sand to create a mirror.
• He sets up a furnace, grinds the limestone and quartz sand into powder, and mixes them with soda ash.
• He heats the mixture until it turns into molten glass, then shapes it into a flat sheet.
• Zhou Ming uses his Blood Qi to create three blood-red rods and places them beneath the glass, creating a bridge for the candle.
• He pours silver nitrate, ammonia water, and glucose solutions onto the glass in sequence and lights the candle.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming demonstrates his resourcefulness, knowledge, and patience in creating the mirror.
• Yang Shu, Fan Daniu, and Chen Li witness Zhou Ming's abilities and are impressed by his skills.

Significant Themes

• Resourcefulness and Ingenuity: Zhou Ming uses his knowledge and available resources to create a mirror.
• Patience and Persistence: Zhou Ming's dedication and perseverance are shown in his two-day effort to obtain the necessary materials.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with Yang Shu, Fan Daniu, and Chen Li, delegating tasks and sharing his process with them.
• Yang Shu and Chen Li express their admiration for Zhou Ming's abilities through their dialogue.
• Fan Daniu shows his honest and straightforward nature, refusing to accept the mirror for personal gain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming discovers a bronze mirror in a glass shard, which he plans to give to Wen Ruoxi.
• Yang Shu, Chen Li, and Fan Daniu express their surprise at Zhou Ming's ignorance about the Yan Kingdom's Empress.
• Zhou Ming decides to leave the Dragon Soaring Escort Agency to find more cultivation techniques and strengthen himself.
• Chief Escort Yang reveals that Wen Ruoxi has gone on an escort run, preventing Zhou Ming from seeing her.
• Zhou Ming leaves a mirror and a letter for Wen Ruoxi and departs the agency.
• Wang Quan appears, offering Zhou Ming a chance to see Wen Ruoxi by participating in the next year's Martial Examination.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Realizes the value of the bronze mirror, decides to leave the escort agency to improve his strength, and resolves to participate in the Martial Examination to see Wen Ruoxi.
• Wen Ruoxi: Not present in the chapter, but Zhou Ming's actions show his determination to reunite with her.
• Wang Quan: Shows concern for Zhou Ming's well-being and offers guidance by suggesting the Martial Examination.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power: Zhou Ming's decision to leave the escort agency and participate in the Martial Examination highlights his desire to become stronger.
• Love and separation: Zhou Ming's inability to see Wen Ruoxi before leaving emphasizes the theme of love and separation, as well as his determination to reunite with her.
• Greed and ambition: The warning from Yang Shu and Chen Li about the dangers of wealth and power hints at the corrupting influence of greed and ambition.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Yang Shu, Chen Li, Fan Daniu: The four men discuss the value of the bronze mirror and the Yan Kingdom's Empress, leading to Zhou Ming's decision to leave the agency.
• Zhou Ming and Chief Escort Yang: Their interaction reveals that Wen Ruoxi has gone on an escort run, preventing Zhou Ming from seeing her before he leaves.
• Zhou Ming and Wang Quan: Wang Quan's appearance and guidance offer Zhou Ming a chance to see Wen Ruoxi by participating in the Martial Examination, showing Wang Quan's concern for Zhou Ming's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming returns to a proper road after wandering for a month.
• He enters Hua'an County and realizes he has missed the New Year.
• He encounters county guards and speculates about their mission.
• At an inn, he learns about Martial Academies' recruitment and the Martial Examination.
• A dispute leads to a man being killed, demonstrating the harsh reality of the martial world.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Realizes the harsh reality of the martial world and accepts the rule of "big fish eat little fish."
• The Blue-Robed Man: Dies after insulting the veiled woman.
• The Veiled Woman: Reveals herself to be a skilled martial artist, killing the blue-robed man with a single strike.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality and ruthlessness of the martial world.
• The importance of strength and power in this world.
• The acceptance of one's path and the consequences that come with it.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with various people at the inn, learning about Martial Academies and the Martial Examination.
• A verbal dispute between the blue-robed man and the veiled woman leads to the blue-robed man's death.
• The innkeeper and Er Zhuang remain unmoved by the death, demonstrating the normalization of violence in their world.