Chapter Summaries

Lin Hai and his friends returned to their peaceful student lives while Kingpin joined forces with Murakami and Bakuto to attack Madame Gao and Alexandra’s operations. Two days before final exams, Master Hamil called to say the Ancient One had finished reforging Lin Hai’s weapon and told him to collect it at Kamar-Taj.

• Lin Hai and the others said goodbye to Matt, Elektra, and Foggy and returned through a Portal to Los Angeles.
• Lin Hai and his friends spent the rest of the semester studying without further supernatural trouble.
• Kingpin recruited Murakami and Bakuto to help attack Madame Gao and Alexandra’s forces, disguising some of his own operations as theirs.
• Madame Gao and Alexandra blamed Murakami and Bakuto for the attacks and diverted resources to defending The Hand’s operations.
• Kingpin kept Vanessa and Richard safe while his plan advanced, and Lin Hai heard that Matt and Elektra were growing closer.
• Master Hamil called Lin Hai and told him that the Ancient One had finished reforging his weapon and that he could collect it at Kamar-Taj.

Lin Hai learned that The Ancient One had finished reforging his weapon and went to Kamar-Taj with Gwen, Peter, and Harry to retrieve it. The Ancient One revealed a small black object and said it was a gun, leaving Lin Hai confused by its size.

• Master Hamil told Lin Hai that The Ancient One had finished his weapon.
• Lin Hai told Gwen, Peter, and Harry the news, and they all went with him through a Portal to Kamar-Taj.
• Master Hamil led the group to The Ancient One, who showed them a staff she had made for experimentation.
• The Ancient One opened the Mirror Dimension and retrieved a sleek, black weapon from within it.
• The Ancient One presented the weapon to Lin Hai as a gun, and Lin Hai wondered why it was so small.

The Ancient One explained the reforged weapon’s limits and why its spear form suited Lin Hai’s Tai Chi, then Lin Hai transformed it and examined its design. With the Ancient One’s permission, he headed into the courtyard to test it while she and the others followed to watch.

• The Ancient One explained that the Demon God Pluto’s weapon could only use spatial magic patterns to change shape because its material could not accommodate Kamar-Taj’s White Magic patterns.
• The Ancient One said Tai Chi’s principles and history made a spear the most suitable weapon for Lin Hai.
• Lin Hai accepted the black object, activated its spatial patterns with his Life Force, and transformed it into a long spear.
• Lin Hai examined the spear’s plum-blossom carvings, spearhead, weight, and balance, and felt that it suited his martial arts perfectly.
• The Ancient One let Lin Hai try the spear in the courtyard, then invited Gwen, Peter, Harry, and Hamil to watch.

Lin Hai tested the Ancient One’s reforged Plum Blossom Spear with a fluid Tai Chi demonstration and declared himself delighted with it. The Ancient One urged him to use it to defend Earth, while Peter joked that Lin Hai should not bring the spear to their sparring matches.

• Lin Hai demonstrated how he combined Tai Chi principles with spear techniques, impressing Gwen, Peter, Harry, the Ancient One, and Master Hamil.
• Lin Hai thanked the Ancient One for reforging the spear and said he loved its appearance, balance, and feel.
• The Ancient One told Lin Hai to use the spear well and drive invaders from Earth, prompting him to suspect her words carried a deeper meaning.
• Peter asked Lin Hai not to use the spear when they sparred, and the others laughed at his exaggerated fear of it.

After returning home with the Plum Blossom Spear, Lin Hai infused it with his Life Force to investigate The Ancient One’s suggestion that he could overwrite the weapon’s lingering dark nature. He suspected the process might make the spear more responsive or even conscious, and ended the chapter recalling the idea of Blade Zen.

• Lin Hai returned to Los Angeles with Gwen, Peter, and Harry, and Peter and Harry eagerly examined the shrunken Plum Blossom Spear.
• Gwen went upstairs to study for finals while Lin Hai pondered The Ancient One’s suggestion to infuse the spear with his Life Force.
• Lin Hai began channeling Life Force into the spear, sensing that its material retained an inherent dark quality despite The Ancient One’s purification.
• Lin Hai theorized that his Life Force could gradually overwrite the spear’s lingering nature and make it his exclusive weapon.
• Lin Hai wondered whether the spear could develop consciousness and remembered a manga technique called Blade Zen.

Lin Hai tried using Tai Chi meditation to connect with the Little Plum Blossom Spear, entering a deep trance before Gwen checked on him. Gwen then attempted his demanding meditation pose, lost her balance, and fell into his lap, leaving them in an intimate embrace.

• Lin Hai sat cross-legged with the Little Plum Blossom Spear across his knees and circulated his Life Force through the weapon.
• Lin Hai entered a deep meditative state and barely heard Gwen knocking and asking if he was all right.
• Lin Hai came around and explained to Gwen that Master Chen had taught him the flexible Tai Chi meditation posture.
• Gwen tried to copy Lin Hai's pose but struggled to position both feet and keep her balance.
• Gwen toppled into Lin Hai's lap, and he caught her in his arms as an intimate atmosphere settled between them.

Lin Hai and Gwen shared a long-awaited kiss after Gwen fell into his arms, while Lin Hai continued exploring how to connect with his Plum Blossom Spear through Spear Zen. The chapter ended with him determined to keep cultivating the bond and wondering whether the spear might eventually develop its own awareness.

• Lin Hai and Gwen restrained their intimacy around Peter and Harry, leaving them few chances to be alone together.
• After Gwen fell into Lin Hai's arms during meditation, the two kissed passionately in his bedroom.
• Gwen shyly left to wash up, while Lin Hai sat smiling and eventually returned his attention to Spear Zen.
• Lin Hai concluded that his Life Force had connected with and nourished the Plum Blossom Spear, though he remained far from becoming one with it.
• Lin Hai resolved to continue practicing and wondered whether the demon-god-born spear could develop spirituality or self-awareness.

After finals, Lin Hai and his friends agreed to rest before resuming their plans against The Hand, since Mr. Wilson was still keeping the conflict between its Fingers under control. They decided to celebrate with hot pot, and Peter was sent to buy the ingredients.

• Harry asked Lin Hai to return to planning their actions against The Hand, and Peter eagerly volunteered to join the fight.
• Lin Hai said they should rest for a day or two before contacting Mr. Wilson to coordinate with Matt and Elektra.
• Lin Hai suggested making hot pot, and Gwen, Peter, and Harry agreed and named ingredients they wanted.
• Lin Hai checked the refrigerator and handed Peter a shopping list for the missing ingredients.
• Peter saluted and accepted the errand, while Harry jokingly urged him to hurry and Gwen remarked that all three men acted like children.

After their exams ended, Lin Hai, Gwen, Harry, and Peter enjoyed a relaxed morning at home. Harry woke Peter with a prank, and the four friends gathered for breakfast as their vacation began.

• Lin Hai woke late, greeted Gwen, and started making breakfast with her.
• Harry sent Peter to check on Peter, then found him sleeping through the bright sunlight.
• Harry pinched Peter’s nose and covered his mouth to wake him, then watched as Peter mistook the incident for a nightmare.
• Peter realized Harry had pranked him and lunged at him, but Harry dodged and persuaded him to get up by mentioning breakfast.
• Harry returned to the kitchen, and the four friends sat down together for breakfast.

The four friends spent a quiet day relaxing at the cottage, each occupied with their own interests. Lin Hai learned why Gwen read fashion magazines and settled into his Spear Zen practice as sunlight filled the home.

• Harry went to the basement laboratory to inspect and maintain his armor.
• Peter returned to his room and called Mary Jane.
• Gwen explained to Lin Hai how fashion magazines helped her study culture, consumer behavior, and social etiquette.
• Lin Hai asked Gwen to help him with fashion at future social occasions, and she agreed.
• Lin Hai sat cross-legged on the balcony with his Plum Blossom Spear and practiced Spear Zen while Gwen read nearby.

Lin Hai and Gwen enjoyed a quiet afternoon before joining Peter and Harry for dinner. After Peter and Harry washed the dishes, Lin Hai called Kingpin to discuss the plans against The Hand, and Kingpin answered by asking if he was finished there.

• Gwen dozed on the balcony while Lin Hai meditated, and Harry quietly checked whether Lin Hai was still meditating.
• Lin Hai revealed he had woken earlier and pretended to meditate after hearing Harry approach, then explained how he recognized people by their footsteps.
• Lin Hai and Gwen went downstairs and shared a simple stew dinner with Peter and Harry.
• Peter and Harry bickered over dinner, and Lin Hai told them to wash the dishes while he called Kingpin about the plans against The Hand.
• Lin Hai called Kingpin, who answered and asked whether Lin Hai was finished there.

Lin Hai returned to New York with Gwen, Peter, and Harry after learning Kingpin would delay his final move against the Hand by another week or two. After three peaceful days at the clinic, Lin Hai told his mother he planned to come home and revealed that Gwen was his girlfriend.

• Lin Hai learned from Kingpin that Murakami and Bakuto were weakening the Hand, but the final sweep would wait another week or two.
• Lin Hai, Gwen, Peter, and Harry traveled through a Portal from Los Angeles to the Chen-Style Chinese Medicine Clinic in New York.
• Lin Hai reunited with Chen Bing and spent three quiet days helping at the clinic, training, and visiting Matt and Elektra.
• Lin Hai's mother called to ask whether he would come home, and he said he planned to visit but could not stay long.
• Lin Hai told his mother that Gwen was his girlfriend, and she urged him to ask Gwen to come home with him.

Lin Hai and Gwen prepared gifts before traveling to Huaxia to visit his parents. Lin's mother eagerly welcomed Gwen and monopolized her attention, leaving Lin Hai to help his father prepare the family dinner.

• Gwen insisted on bringing gifts, so she and Lin Hai shopped in Manhattan and chose pairs of treats, coffee, clothes, and wine for his parents.
• Lin Hai told his mother that he and Gwen were coming, and she happily planned a lavish dinner.
• Gwen arrived at the Chen-Style Chinese Medicine Clinic dressed up, and Lin Hai opened a Portal to take her and the gifts to Huaxia.
• Lin's mother swept Gwen into the house and showered her with attention, while Lin's father greeted her before returning to the kitchen.
• Lin Hai unpacked Gwen's gifts, then joined his father in the kitchen to prepare dinner as Gwen chatted with Lin's mother.

Lin Hai and Gwen shared a family meal at the Lin home, where Mother Lin’s enthusiastic hospitality left Gwen overfull. They went out for a walk, chose to visit Ta Lo, and Lin Hai successfully opened a Portal directly into its guest room.

• Lin Hai reassured Gwen that his mother’s unusual enthusiasm was a sign that she liked her, and Gwen said she was happy about it.
• Mother Lin served Gwen food and explained the dishes until Gwen realized she had eaten too much.
• At Mother Lin’s urging, Lin Hai and Gwen bundled up and went outside for a walk.
• Gwen suggested visiting Ta Lo, and Lin Hai agreed before they bought snack gifts for the children there.
• Lin Hai used his evolved Life Energy and Dragon God's Power to open a Portal directly into Ta Lo’s guest room.
• Lin Hai and Gwen carried the gifts through the Portal and entered Ta Lo together.

Lin Hai and Gwen visited Old Chen in Ta Lo after Lin Hai gained the strength to open a Portal there. The Azure Dragon sensed Lin Hai’s arrival and called for him, and Lin Hai hurried to the lakeside to reunite with it.

• Lin Hai and Gwen went to Old Chen’s home, where Lin Hai explained that he could now open a Portal directly into Ta Lo.
• Old Chen congratulated the pair and told Lin Hai that the Azure Dragon had recently asked when he would return.
• The Azure Dragon cried out excitedly after sensing Lin Hai, startling the villagers and prompting Old Chen to reassure them over the village loudspeaker.
• Gwen encouraged Lin Hai to go ahead, and he raced through Ta Lo toward the lake as villagers recognized the Divine Dragon’s emissary.
• Lin Hai reached the lakeside, where the Azure Dragon raised its head and gave a quieter, delighted cry upon seeing him.

Lin Hai’s upgraded Life Force overcharged the Azure Dragon during a flight over Ta Lo, prompting them to unleash a powerful Dragon Ascent on a distant mountain. After seeing the destruction, Lin Hai considered using Deep Forest Emergence to restore the land.

• Lin Hai soothed the excited Azure Dragon, mounted its back, and flew with it as Old Chen, Gwen, and Ta Lo villagers watched.
• Lin Hai channeled his evolved Life Force into the Azure Dragon, causing its energy to surge until he realized it needed to release the excess.
• Lin Hai and the Azure Dragon performed Dragon Ascent, diving toward a barren mountain while a huge blue-gold energy dragon formed around them.
• The Azure Dragon struck the mountain, obliterating it and leaving a massive crater whose shockwave reached the lakeshore without harming the villagers.
• Lin Hai surveyed the scorched crater and considered using Deep Forest Emergence to reforest the damaged area.

Lin Hai used Life Energy to regrow healthy plants across the scorched pit, then gave some of the energy to the Azure Dragon when it insisted on trying it. After the Azure Dragon returned to the lake and Old Chen sent the villagers away, Lin Hai and Gwen finally took their walk together along the lakeshore.

• Lin Hai connected with the seeds and roots in the pit and used Life Energy to grow grass, shrubs, and saplings across the scorched ground.
• The Azure Dragon asked Lin Hai for some Life Energy, and Lin Hai gave it a portion after explaining that his Life Force was better suited to healing the dragon.
• The Azure Dragon carried Lin Hai back to the lakeshore, where Lin Hai greeted Gwen and Old Chen before telling the dragon to rest in the lake.
• Old Chen praised Lin Hai and the Azure Dragon, then sent the gathered villagers back to the village.
• Lin Hai and Gwen joined hands and began their long-delayed walk beside the lake.

Lin Hai and Gwen returned home from Ta Lo, where Lin Hai’s mother warmly welcomed Gwen and teased the couple about taking precautions. After discussing plans to visit Gwen’s parents, Gwen kissed Lin Hai and called it his reward before sending him out of her room.

• Lin Hai and Gwen said goodbye to Old Chen and used a Portal to return home.
• Lin Hai’s mother showed Gwen the guest room and welcomed her as part of the family.
• Lin Hai told Gwen he planned to visit her parents and wanted to choose suitable Huaxia gifts for them.
• Lin Hai’s mother teased Lin Hai and Gwen about taking precautions, embarrassing them both.
• Gwen laughed at Lin Hai’s awkwardness, kissed him at the door, and called the kiss his reward.

Lin Hai and Gwen spent their last days in Huaxia shopping for gifts and celebrating the New Year season with his parents before returning to New York. After arriving, they organized the gifts, and Gwen left the clinic while Lin Hai prepared to visit her parents.

• Lin Hai and Gwen ate breakfast with Lin Hai's parents, who offered them bottles of Wuliangye and Shaoxing Rice Wine for their visit to Gwen's family.
• Lin Hai and Gwen spent the day shopping for tea, pastries, and Sichuan Embroidery, while crossing off cured meat, dried delicacies, pickles, and alcohol already provided by Chen and Lin Hai's parents.
• Lin Hai and Gwen joined his parents to buy Chinese New Year goods, then said goodbye and returned to New York through the Portal with their luggage.
• At the Chen-Style Chinese Medicine Clinic, Lin Hai and Gwen sorted their gifts before greeting Chen Bing in the courtyard.
• Gwen said goodbye to Chen Bing and left for home, while Lin Hai said he would visit her parents later.

Lin Hai visited Gwen’s family home in Queens as her boyfriend and presented gifts to her parents. George Stacy tried to intimidate him, but Gwen’s affectionate ease softened the atmosphere.

• Lin Hai arrived at Gwen’s home carrying gifts and introduced himself to Helen Stacy as Gwen’s boyfriend.
• George Stacy greeted Lin Hai sternly, and Lin Hai introduced the wines, tea, and pastries he had brought for the family.
• Gwen sat close beside Lin Hai while Helen returned to the kitchen and George cleared his throat to signal his disapproval.
• George reflected that he had investigated Lin Hai and was pleased with him, but had hoped to warn him to treat Gwen well.
• Gwen’s casual affection undermined George’s planned intimidation, and he doubted it would ever have worked.