Chen Chong

Biodata

Power Progression

Background

Chen Chong transmigrated into the body of a poor Jichuntang Hall laborer who had died from overtraining without sufficient food or medicinal support. The former owner had spent months unsuccessfully pursuing martial arts and left behind only a jade pendant, which Chen Chong pawned to obtain the silver needed to activate his panel. 1

Before his rise, he processed medicinal herbs for twelve copper coins per day, two coarse meals, and space on a communal sleeping platform. His work included sorting, washing, cutting, drying, and baking ingredients for Jichuntang Hall. 1 2

The former owner’s family had once been wealthy, but his father’s gambling destroyed its circumstances. The jade pendant was the last gift from his father and had been retained as a memento. Chen Chong pawned it at Ever-Pass Pawnshop for one tael and more than forty copper coins. 1

Chen Chong retains memories of his previous life on Blue Star, including childhood evenings with his parents, mooncakes, fruit, and stargazing. These memories evoke a sense of warmth and reunion that contrasts with his isolation in the martial world. 1 23

Appearance

Chen Chong initially appeared to be a pale, slight seventeen- or eighteen-year-old, half a head shorter than most new disciples at Green Mountain Martial Academy. 1

After reaching the Skin Tempering Realm, his body changed substantially:

• Broader shoulders and back, with defined arm muscles. 2 3
• Increased height to an average build. 2
• Taut, faintly lustrous skin compared to glazed leather. 2 3
• Later carries a black-sheathed Mountain-Splitting Saber with a hemp-wrapped hilt worn dull through use. 19
• Fusion of the Profound Abyss Dragon-Tiger True Canon briefly produces an extremely thin, dark sheen over his skin, compared to tempered iron. 33
• Subsequently wields Tiger Roar, an ivory-white heavy saber approximately as tall as himself, fitted with a scabbard provided by Old Li. 65 66

Personality

Chen Chong is practical, observant, and highly focused on survival. He sacrifices sentimental possessions for immediate strength, conceals abnormal progress, and avoids reckless confrontations when patience gives him an advantage. 1 8

His pragmatism becomes increasingly ruthless after repeated assassination attempts and exposure to the martial world’s violence. He kills Wang Yu and Li Hu after their ambush, tortures an assassin for information, and eliminates Li Lang after learning of the assassination plot. 2 19

Despite this, Chen Chong responds to suffering with quiet compassion. He leaves food for a starving mother and child, refines medicine during Li Zhaoning’s refugee relief effort, and ultimately risks himself to refine a hostage-demanded pill rather than abandon Li. 8 11 12

By the Tendon-Tremor Realm, he recognizes that his panel-driven routine is making him emotionally detached and machine-like. He still longs for a life in which he can stop striving long enough to simply live. 23

His independence remains important as his status grows. He declines Li Zhaoning’s offer of a residence, later abandons World-Aiding Hall rather than cling to possessions during Dingshan County’s collapse, and hesitates to enter another subordinate position when seeking a foothold in Anyang Commandery. 22 37 47

His brutality can become theatrical. When Wan Qianshan attempts to extort him, Chen Chong maims him, arranges his body into a grotesque “snowman,” and calmly recounts the abuses Wan has committed before resuming his meal. 43

Sect training tempers his confidence without diminishing his ambition. After being outmaneuvered by Old Li and Luo Yu, he accepts criticism, rebuilds his combat foundations, and repeatedly seeks instruction rather than relying solely on powerful techniques. 50 54 57 58

He also adapts his longstanding secrecy to institutional life. Learning that internal-refinement arts are guarded by major sects and Lineages, he decides to reveal more of his progress to Luo Yu so that his potential will be recognized and he can gain access to higher teachings and resources. 58

Chen Chong regards fear as a useful safeguard rather than a shameful weakness. Before entering Blackwater Ravine, he admits that he fears the demon and explains that those who lacked fear remained in the ravine. He takes responsibility for Yu Che’s safety and emphasizes observation, caution, and disciplined action. 67 68

Abilities & Skills

Mysterious Panel

Chen Chong possesses a status panel that converts silver into accelerated mastery.

• Simplifies techniques into basic actions that can be trained with extraordinary efficiency, such as breathing, swinging a blade, controlling fire, or roaring. 1 5 8
• Fuses compatible techniques into stronger arts. Continued fusion requires techniques to first reach Great Perfection, and its benefits diminish as his foundation improves. 4 14
• Can deduce incomplete manuals for a major silver cost; he spent one thousand taels to derive the Wandering Dragon Crossing the Moon Heart Sutra. 17 20
• Allows him to track technique proficiency and realm progress precisely. 1 23
• Can demonstrate simplified movements, as shown when it teaches the twisting, leaping, and resonant actions of Dragon-Tiger Self-Cry. 35
• Incorporates combat understanding into existing techniques. Chen Chong spends 1,000 taels to fuse the insights of Luo Yu’s Arms Combat with Ravine-Returning Profound Severance’s first form. 54
• Later deductions become substantially more expensive. He spends 100,000 taels on further derivation of Ravine-Returning Profound Severance’s first form, revealing an outline of its second form. 43 58
• Supports increasingly complex cultivation syntheses, including the Profound Abyss Dragon-Tiger True Canon, Dragon-Tiger-Phoenix Evolution Scripture, and Four Saints Art. 33 60 73

Dragon Abyss Tiger-Subduing Art

Chen Chong fused the perfected True Tiger-Subduing Art with the deduced Wandering Dragon Crossing the Moon Heart Sutra to create this superior cultivation art. 20

• Greatly expands his qi-and-blood pathways and links his muscles, sinews, and membranes into a unified source of force. 20
• Enables extremely efficient refinement of True Martial Pills; he can fully absorb one in less than an hour, while an ordinary martial artist needs a day and loses most of its medicinal power. 23
• Its simplified training methods include Dragon Stride and Tiger Roar. 20
• Gives him a more direct perception of others’ cultivation. Their qi-and-blood richness, fascia, and breathing become readable enough for him to identify Tendon-Tremor experts almost instinctively. 21 24
• Its Dragonwalk footwork allows circling, feinting, and control of distance, while its reserves sustain prolonged combat against Yang He. 26

Profound Abyss Dragon-Tiger True Canon

Chen Chong creates this canon by fusing the Mystic Astral Body-Forging Art obtained from Yang He with his existing cultivation method. The completed fusion costs 10,000 taels and initially places the canon at Proficient 32/1,000. 26 33

• Combines internal cultivation working from within outward with external body tempering working from outside inward. 34
• Toughens skin, flesh, fascia, and bones sufficiently that Chen Chong believes he could withstand several attacks from Yang He’s saber. 33
• Provides lasting qi and blood, rapid recovery, and exceptional endurance. During a ten-day alchemy commission, he refines more than twenty batches and sleeps fewer than twenty hours in total while still waking refreshed. 34
• Its simplified practice, Dragon-Tiger Self-Cry, uses dragon-like winding motions, tiger-like pouncing leaps, and inner resonance to stimulate sinews, fascia, blood, qi, and bones. Simplification costs another 10,000 taels. 35
• Circulates automatically to resist intrusive influences, neutralizing an inn attendant’s bewitching voice and blocking the Big-Eyed Beast’s probing sensation at Pine Roost Sect. 47 49
• Fusion with the Marrow-Cleansing Essence-Hiding Record completes its internal-refinement component and deepens the source of qi and blood within his marrow. 58 59

Dragon-Tiger-Phoenix Evolution Scripture and Four Saints Art

Luo Yu gives Chen Chong a Jade Slip containing the Spirit Phoenix Evolution Chapter, a comprehensive but difficult art involving marrow and organ refinement. Unable to comprehend its phoenix contemplation independently, Chen Chong fuses it through the panel for 10,000 taels, creating the Dragon-Tiger-Phoenix Evolution Scripture. 59 60

• Simplified to Contemplation for 1,000 taels; practice consists of visualizing and uniting the dragon, tiger, and phoenix. 60
• Develops a subtle vital-force membrane linking his body with the world. After three days of practice, rain slides off without wetting him. 60
• Works with the gentle potency of Pine-Nourishing True Essence Pills to accelerate marrow cultivation and strengthen his foundation. 67
• Later develops into the Four Saints Art, incorporating the tortoise’s slow, heavy, still, inward principle alongside the dragon’s speed, tiger’s ferocity, and phoenix’s agility. 73
• At Minor Mastery 12,000/100,000, grants enough toughness to break Zhang Yide’s staff against his back while suffering only a red mark. 74

Saber Arts and Soundwave Techniques

Chen Chong’s martial techniques evolved from the Green Mountain Five Forms and Five Tiger Saber into the Five Tigers Severing the Mountain Blade, then the Mountain-Splitting Saber Technique. 4 18

• His perfected blade force can sever a falling leaf from a distance. 9
• The Mountain-Splitting Saber Technique carries force from his feet through his body to the blade with minimal loss. 19
• He defeated the scar-faced Tendon-Tremor assassin with his saber, severing all four limbs. 19
• His tiger roar produces powerful soundwaves, frightens animals, shakes leaves and dust from nearby structures, and was used to halt a thrown blade in midair. 14 16 19
• Myriad Ravines Return to the Edge supplies striking power comparable to the Bone Tempering Realm while he is still in the Tendon-Tremor Realm. Combined with Dragonwalk and Tiger Roar, it enables him to control the battle against Yang He and exploit the latter’s wound. 26
• Completes the first form of the Immortal-Slaying Saber, which fuses into Ravine-Returning Profound Severance. Its simplified practice becomes “stroke saber and meditate.” 43
• Ravine-Returning Profound Severance builds saber intent and force in successive layers, compared to a crushing mountain or waves pressing forward. Chen Chong uses its rhythm to seal sword paths, expose openings, and disarm tournament opponents. 50 63 66
• Further deduction for 100,000 taels clarifies the first form’s saber intent and reveals an outline of the second form. 58
• The weight of Tiger Roar allows him to express denser, deeper layers of force than his earlier weapons. His Marrow Cleansing breakthrough makes the heavy saber substantially easier to set in motion. 65 66

Combat Foundations and Perception

Although Chen Chong initially wins through superior cultivation, offensive techniques, and tactical control, Old Li exposes significant gaps in his formal combat training. Even while limiting himself to Bone-Forging strength, Old Li reads Chen Chong’s breathing, shoulders, and feet, evades his attacks, redirects his saber, and disarms him. 50

Under Luo Yu and through daily practice with Yu Che, Chen Chong develops a more complete fighting method:

• Meditation and balance on an unstable bamboo platform. 53
• Agility and footwork through bamboo without touching the poles. 53
• Precise strikes on meridian-marked training dummies and improved control of force. 53 54
• Reading opponents’ shoulders, momentum, and intent instead of merely reacting to the weapon. 53
• Concealing intent, seizing initiative, neutralizing stronger attacks, and creating opportunities from disadvantageous positions through Arms Combat. 54
• Changing techniques during a movement rather than following rigid transitions. 57
• Controlling combat rhythm through alternating speed, restraint, advance, and defense. 62 63

At Marrow Cleansing, his control improves further: force can surge directly from his marrow through his meridians with little resistance, rather than requiring deliberate guidance through each bodily segment. His estimated all-out endurance rises from just under an hour to well over an hour. 65

Alchemy

Chen Chong became a master alchemist through panel-assisted fire control and relentless furnace practice.

• Learned basic Fire Control after observing Chen Huaixu’s furnace demonstration. 5
• Refined Tiger Bone Pills successfully on his first formal test and later produced flawless batches consistently. 6 7
• Reached Great Perfection in alchemy and refined six flawless Essence-Nourishing Pills, earning a larger profit share from Yuan Zhiwu. 9
• Produces True Martial Pills roughly thirty percent stronger than ordinary versions and can refine twenty to thirty per day. 18
• His distinctive pill ripple patterns identify his work to experienced merchants and establish his reputation as a master. 21 22
• Refines six Jade Marrow Essence-Coalescing Pills in a batch, using them to approach and then reach Bone Tempering. His six-pill yield later attracts praise from other master alchemists. 26 27 33
• Demonstrates practical mastery without a formula during Elder Yang’s test, selecting suitable herbs from an unsorted assortment and refining a nearly perfect pill. Elder Yang concludes that Chen Chong’s alchemical skills are already mature. 49
• Broadens his practical knowledge through assisting Elder Yang with varied medicines and methods, including Jade Splendor Essence-Nourishing Pills, Qingxin Pills, and Tongluo Powder. 53 55
• Obtains Bronze-Badge Alchemist certification through the Alchemist Alliance, following Elder Yang’s advice that credentials will help him sell and distribute pills. 55 57
• Succeeds in refining Pine-Nourishing True Essence Pills on his third attempt, producing three high-grade pills. One grants 5,420 experience while gently nourishing his marrow and strengthening his foundation. 66 67
• Gives Yu Che a pill that produces two days and nights of painful cleansing, after which Yu Che’s aura and swordsmanship become deeper and more forceful. 74

Equipment / Items

• Mountain-Splitting Saber — a black-sheathed saber carried for combat and used to defeat the scar-faced assassin. Its blade later suffers increasing chips during the duel with Yang He. 19 26
• Alchemy furnaces and workshops — first received access through Jichuntang Hall, then gained a superior private furnace and residence at World-Aiding Hall. He abandons the hall’s furnace and medicine cabinets when leaving Dingshan County; later refines pills in his sect stone house and Elder Yang’s courtyard. 7 14 37 53 67
• Tyrant Blade Sect incomplete saber manual — purchased in the Dark Market for two taels; the panel can deduce its missing portions for one thousand taels. 17 18
• Jade Marrow Essence-Condensing Pill formula — provided by Li Zhaoning; its rare ingredients strengthen bones and sinews. The medicine is also rendered as the Jade Marrow Essence-Coalescing Pill. 22 24 26
• Rare medicinal ingredients — trades True Martial Pills in the Dark Market for Earth Marrow Essence Milk, Nine-Jointed Jade Ginseng, and Profound Frost Grass. 22
• Mystic Astral Body-Forging Art steel plate — recovered from Yang He’s body. Records a brutal method of destroying and restoring the body and introduces Astral Force; later used in the fusion that creates the Profound Abyss Dragon-Tiger True Canon. Chen Chong takes the plate when leaving Dingshan County. 26 33 37
• Hundred-Forged Saber — left by Yang He and carried by Chen Chong after leaving World-Aiding Hall. He uses it in his admission spar with Old Li. 37 50
• Elder Yang’s black “Inner” token — bears a pine tree and the character for “inner”; authorizes Elder Yang’s recommendation for admission and access to the sect’s assessment grounds. It precedes, rather than establishes, Chen Chong’s eventual Inner Sect qualification. 49 50 61 74
• Mysterious stone — associated with his sect stone house; improves sleep and mental clarity, leaving him unusually refreshed. 52
• Arms Combat — handwritten manual from Luo Yu explaining combat principles and connecting his foundational exercises to practical martial application. 54
• Marrow-Cleansing Essence-Hiding Record — given by Luo Yu after testing his improved fundamentals; explains the inward transition to Marrow Washing and Organ Nurturing and is later fused into his cultivation canon. 57 58
• Spirit Phoenix Evolution Chapter Jade Slip — Luo Yu’s gift containing a comprehensive but difficult cultivation art; fused to create the Dragon-Tiger-Phoenix Evolution Scripture. 59 60
• Tiger Roar — massive ivory-white saber made from a tiger demon’s leg bone and meteoric iron. Awarded through the Qiyun Treasury after a martial demonstration; Old Li, who hunted the demon, supplies a fitted scabbard. 65
• Pine-Nourishing True Essence Pill formula — Elder Yang’s improved formula, freely shared with Chen Chong. Its ingredients include rare, three-hundred-year-old pine-patterned lingzhi. 66 67
• Elder Yang’s secret-realm herb list — identifies four unknown herbs Elder Yang wants collected from the Green Satchel Secret Realm, with compensation promised for their value. 74

Relationships

• Li Zhaoning — Benefactor, employer, and trusted political ally. She appoints him deputy chief steward of World-Aiding Hall, entrusts him with monitoring Wang Zheng, and increasingly relies on his alchemy. She later excludes him from the dangerous search for Wang Guanyong, describing him as a master alchemist the Li Family cannot afford to lose, and assigns two Tendon-Tremor guards to accompany him. 13 20 22 28
• Chen Huaixu — Senior alchemist and mentor. He recognizes Chen Chong’s talent, gives him access to the alchemy room, and accepts his successor-like role without jealousy. Chen Chong visits him before leaving the devastated county, bringing tea, wine, and pastries. Their subdued farewell reflects mutual concern, and Chen Huaixu remarks that Chen Chong is “not simple.” 6 7 10 37
• Chen Qian — Chen Huaixu’s granddaughter and Chen Chong’s friend. She prefers swordsmanship to alchemy and later signals romantic interest that Chen Chong deliberately leaves unanswered. Chen Huaixu subsequently sends his maidservants to safety with Xiao Qian and Miss Li before Chen Chong’s departure. 10 16 17 37
• Yuan Zhiwu — Former chief steward of Jichuntang Hall. He promotes Chen Chong to courtyard guard after recognizing his Skin Tempering cultivation and later respects his value as an alchemist. 4 9
• Lu Yun — Formerly hostile guard supervisor who withheld techniques and overworked Chen Chong; later apologizes after Chen’s status rises. 4 5 10
• Su Hongyu — A politically astute subordinate who receives an accounts-steward promotion after Chen Chong advocates for him; later gifts Chen a Jade Marrow Essence-Coalescing Pill. Chen Chong recognizes the calculation behind his attentiveness but invites him to share lunch rather than behave solely as a servant. Su provides travel food and a restrained, emotionally significant farewell when Chen leaves World-Aiding Hall. 22 23 27 37
• Yang He — Bandit leader who coerces Chen Chong into refining a Flesh-Regenerating Bone-Mending Pill during the refugee ambush; later reappears mysteriously in Dingshan County. After reaching Bone Tempering, he joins Wang Zheng in an ambush and is killed by the still-Tendon-Tremor Chen Chong. His steel plate and Hundred-Forged Saber become important resources for Chen’s subsequent development. 12 16 26 37
• Wang Zheng — Former chief steward of World-Aiding Hall. Chen Chong uncovers his black-market pill embezzlement and reports it to Li Zhaoning, leading to Wang’s arrest. Wang later ambushes Chen with Yang He and is killed immediately upon detection. 20 21 26
• Li Lang — Rival pill master who hires an assassin against Chen Chong after losing income and influence; Chen Chong kills him in retaliation. 18 19
• Wang Yu — Former Jichuntang Hall apprentice who repeatedly targets Chen Chong and arranges an ambush on Mount Dingjun; Chen Chong kills him. 1 2
• Li Zhiyi — Wang Zheng’s replacement as World-Aiding Hall chief steward. His initial meeting with Chen Chong is courteous and measured; he later informs Chen of Wang Guanyong’s return and the failures of the Li Family’s pursuit. 23 28 29
• Wang Guanyong — Wang Zheng’s son and a Bone-Forging Tyrant Blade Sect practitioner. His return creates a threat after Wang Zheng’s death; Chen Chong later encounters him in a demonized state and survives the confrontation, recognizing saber movements within his claw attacks. 28 39 67
• Li Huize — Head of the Li Family, who hosts Chen Chong and other master alchemists for a lucrative ten-day commission offering silver and access to the family’s cultivation library. 33
• Wan Qianshan — Clear River Gang heir who attempts to extort Chen Chong in Pingyang City. Chen kills his two guards, maims him, and turns his body into a grotesque “snowman” while recounting his abuses. 43
• Elder Yang — Pine Roost Sect alchemist and continuing mentor. Initially tests Chen Chong because of Elder Qin’s recommendation, then recognizes his mature skill and recommends his admission. He broadens Chen’s practical alchemy, advises certification, recommends him for the medicine-mountain tournament, and shares his improved Pine-Nourishing True Essence Pill formula. 49 53 55 60 66
• Luo Yu — Chen Chong’s martial master at Pine Roost Sect. Teaches through foundations, controlled sparring, observation, and carefully timed gifts of manuals and cultivation arts. Chen Chong’s respect develops into genuine gratitude and belonging as Luo Yu invests in his future; Luo also supports him after Blackwater Ravine and warns him against risking his life for secret-realm points. 52 54 57 59 71 74
• Yu Che — Fellow disciple under Luo Yu and Chen Chong’s regular training partner, addressed as his junior brother in later missions. His elusive swordsmanship helps Chen improve perception and timing. Chen later protects and guides him during the Blackwater Ravine mission, learns that he too has reached Marrow Cleansing, gives him a cleansing pill, and enters the Green Satchel Secret Realm with him. 53 67 68 74
• Zhang Yide — Friendly eldest senior brother under Luo Yu. Escorts goods with Chen Chong, explains sect life and guarded internal-refinement methods, supports his tournament participation enthusiastically, and provides mission supplies. His candid advice helps Chen change his habit of hiding all his potential. 55 57 58 63 67
• Old Li — Senior sect expert who assesses Chen Chong’s admission, exposes his combat weaknesses, and later oversees the medicine-mountain tournament. Guides him to the Qiyun Treasury, recognizes Tiger Roar’s connection to a demon he hunted, supplies its scabbard, and supports Chen’s advancement toward the Inner Sect. 50 61 65
• He Shouyi — Divine Sword Sect rival associated with an identical counterpart and a two-person profound art. Chen Chong defeats swordsmen bearing this name during the tournament, including the Marrow Cleansing contender, then encounters the synchronized pair in Blackwater Ravine. Luo Yu later explains that losing one participant cripples half of their art. 63 68 71
• Yu Zhe — Great Snow Mountain saber user defeated by Chen Chong during the tournament. Acknowledges Chen’s skill respectfully after being disarmed, then returns to the final round through the platform’s assessment of defeated contestants. 63 64
• Du Wei — Pine Roost Sect senior disciple and fellow tournament finalist. Reunites with Chen Chong before the Green Satchel Secret Realm expedition and jokes about Chen’s previous victory over He Shouyi. 64 74

Story Role / Major Arcs

Rise at Jichuntang Hall

Chen Chong begins as an impoverished herb-processing laborer and enters Green Mountain Martial Academy. After activating the panel with the money from his pawned jade pendant, he rapidly reaches Martial Initiate and later Skin Tempering. 1 2

On Mount Dingjun, he survives Wang Yu and Li Hu’s ambush, kills both attackers, then confronts and kills a Rat Demon after simplifying the Green Mountain Five Forms into a punching technique. He uses the demon corpse and a controlled account of the expedition to secure a promotion to Jichuntang Hall courtyard guard. 2 3 4

Alchemical Advancement

While being overworked by Lu Yun, Chen Chong observes Chen Huaixu’s furnace work and develops Fire Control. He proves his ability by refining Tiger Bone Pills, becomes an apprentice alchemist, and eventually takes over Chen Huaixu’s former workshop. 5 6 7 8

His refinement of Essence-Nourishing Pills establishes him as Jichuntang Hall’s primary “Alchemist Chen.” His rising status allows him to resolve his conflict with Lu Yun, mentor Chen Qian, and become involved in Li Zhaoning’s relief plan. 9 10

Refugee Relief and World-Aiding Hall

Chen Chong refines Illness-Repelling Essence Pills during Li Zhaoning’s refugee-relief operation, where he witnesses widespread hunger, disease, and displacement firsthand. 11

He reaches the Flesh-Nourishing Realm during the relief effort, then refines the Flesh-Regenerating Bone-Mending Pill under Yang He’s threat. His actions earn Li Zhaoning’s trust, an advanced alchemy manual, and appointment as deputy chief steward of World-Aiding Hall. 12 13

Conflict Within World-Aiding Hall

At World-Aiding Hall, Chen Chong uses True Martial Pills and newly fused martial arts to accelerate his cultivation. His superior output threatens Li Lang’s position, prompting an assassination attempt that Chen Chong survives and answers with lethal retaliation. 14 18 19

He subsequently uncovers Wang Zheng’s theft of True Martial Pills for black-market sale. Li Zhaoning uses his evidence to remove Wang, while Chen Chong gains access to rare cultivation materials and increasing influence within the Li Family’s sphere. 20 21 22

After Wang’s removal, Chen Chong meets the new chief steward, Li Zhiyi, and receives Su Hongyu’s carefully prepared thanks for supporting his promotion. Although others recognize his importance as an alchemist, his true martial progress remains concealed. 23

Yang He’s Ambush and Bone Tempering

Chen Chong acquires rare materials and refines Jade Marrow Essence-Coalescing Pills, reaching 9,760/10,000 in Tendon-Tremor. On his way home, he detects an ambush, kills Wang Zheng immediately, and fights the newly Bone-Tempering Yang He. Through Myriad Ravines Return to the Edge, Dragonwalk, Tiger Roar, and careful control of distance and tempo, he overcomes the cultivation gap and fatally stabs Yang He. 22 25 26

He recovers the Mystic Astral Body-Forging Art on a steel plate from Yang He’s body. The following day, Su Hongyu unknowingly recounts an official account of Chen’s victory as the deed of an unidentified young saber hero. Chen then takes another Jade Marrow Essence-Coalescing Pill and reaches Bone Tempering. 26 27

Wang Zheng’s son, Wang Guanyong, returns from Tyrant Blade Sect and kills several Li Family members. Li Zhaoning mobilizes the family’s businesses to search for him but exempts Chen Chong because of his value as a master alchemist. The pursuit eventually stalls as Wang Guanyong escapes into the refugee district and the northern rebel threat worsens. 28 29

Cultivation Synthesis and Departure from Dingshan County

Chen Chong earns 11,435 taels through Dark Market pill refinement and spends 10,000 to create the Profound Abyss Dragon-Tiger True Canon. He then participates in the Li Family’s ten-day alchemy commission, whose rewards include silver and access to a cultivation technique, before spending another 10,000 taels to simplify the canon into Dragon-Tiger Self-Cry. 33 34 35

After the rebel takeover, looting devastates Dingshan County and demonic beasts threaten the surrounding roads. Chen Chong secures his pills, gathers essential clothing, medicine, silver, the steel plate, and Yang He’s Hundred-Forged Saber, and visits Chen Huaixu for a subdued farewell. Accepting that he has been only a “passerby,” he abandons World-Aiding Hall’s furnace and other possessions. Su Hongyu gives him food for the journey and watches him leave through the back of the hall. 37

On the road, Chen Chong encounters the demonized Wang Guanyong. The confrontation forces him to reconsider the separation between his cultivation canon and saber techniques, recognizing that his whole trained body is part of his weapon. 39

Pingyang City and Anyang Commandery

In Pingyang City, Chen Chong gathers uncertain reports of Dingshan County’s destruction, develops the first form of Ravine-Returning Profound Severance, and arranges travel to Anyang Commandery with the Hundred Treasures Pavilion for 10,000 taels. When Wan Qianshan attempts to extort him, Chen kills the young man’s guards and mutilates him in a brutal public display. 42 43

Chen later travels south with the Pavilion’s guarded convoy. Its coordinated defeat of a Wolf Demon broadens his understanding of organized combat, while the demon-blooded carriage horses reveal another aspect of human relations with demonic beasts. On reaching Anyang Commandery, he discovers a highly fortified city whose commerce and pill trade are dominated by sects. 46 47

Unable to sell pills freely without sect endorsement, he investigates recruitment and weighs security against independence. Manager Zhou offers possible connections to Xuanyao Sect and Pure Wind Sword Sect, but Chen postpones committing while learning the local rules. 47

Admission to Pine Roost Sect and Foundational Training

Recommended by Elder Qin, Chen Chong visits Elder Yang at Pine Roost Sect. His successful formula-free refinement and verified age of nineteen impress Elder Yang, who gives him a black “Inner” token and recommends his admission. Old Li then tests his cultivation and combat ability, defeating him with Bone-Forging-level strength before formally welcoming him to the sect. 49 50

Chen Chong enters Luo Yu’s discipleship and trains regularly with Yu Che in the Bamboo Sea. Meditation, balance, footwork, precise force application, and sparring connect his previously scattered skills into a more coherent fighting method. Luo Yu’s Arms Combat manual further transforms how he applies saber intent, timing, and restraint. 52 53 54

A goods-escort assignment with Zhang Yide introduces him to practical sect work. Following Elder Yang’s advice, he obtains Bronze-Badge Alchemist certification. Luo Yu subsequently tests his improved adaptability and gives him the Marrow-Cleansing Essence-Hiding Record, explaining that future cultivation must turn inward after the four external thresholds. 55 56 57

Zhang Yide’s explanation of guarded internal methods prompts Chen Chong to stop concealing all his progress from his master. He fuses the Record into his canon, seeks Luo Yu’s guidance more frequently, and spends 100,000 taels on further saber deduction. Luo Yu’s later gift of the Spirit Phoenix Evolution Chapter deepens their teacher–student bond and leads to the Dragon-Tiger-Phoenix Evolution Scripture. 58 59 60

Medicine-Mountain Tournament and Marrow Cleansing

Elder Yang recommends Chen Chong for the inter-sect competition deciding the allocation of a jointly managed medicine mountain. Initially uncertain of his standing among sect disciples, Chen studies the opening matches and learns to value control of rhythm and distance over raw force alone. 60 61 62

His victories include a Falling Cloud Sect twin-saber user, a precise Divine Sword Sect swordsman named He Shouyi, and Great Snow Mountain’s Yu Zhe. He reaches the final group alongside Du Wei and a Marrow Cleansing He Shouyi, and later confirms that he forced the stronger swordsman to concede. His performance earns recognition within Pine Roost Sect and access to the Qiyun Treasury. 63 64 65 68

After demonstrating Ravine-Returning Profound Severance in the Treasury, Chen Chong receives Tiger Roar. Old Li supplies a fitted scabbard and says the sect will arrange his entry into the Inner Sect. That night, Chen reaches Marrow Cleansing, gaining far greater endurance and control over his strength. 65

Luo Yu explains the resources and true legacies available to Inner Sect members and reassures Chen that the transition will not sever their teacher–student relationship. Elder Yang then gives him the improved Pine-Nourishing True Essence Pill formula, whose gentle marrow nourishment raises his experience to 80,000 over half a month. 66 67

Blackwater Ravine Mission

After herb gatherers and most of a search party vanish, Luo Yu assigns Chen Chong and Yu Che to investigate Blackwater Ravine, where a large Serpent Demon is suspected. Chen accepts responsibility for Yu Che’s safety, establishes cautious rules of conduct, and learns during the journey that his companion has also reached Marrow Cleansing. 67 68

At the ravine entrance, they encounter He Shouyi and his identical, perfectly synchronized counterpart. Both groups seek resources within the ravine, but Chen deliberately follows at a distance, recognizing that the encounter lacks the protections of a tournament. Deeper inside, Flame Martial Sect members ambush them with arrows and block their retreat. 68 69

Chen Chong later encounters He Shouyi’s pair near a pool associated with a marrow-cleansing fruit. After returning to the sect, Luo Yu reassures him about possible Divine Sword Sect repercussions, explaining the vulnerability of He Shouyi’s two-person art and the distinction between crossing paths and witnessing a killing. Yu Che acknowledges that he has now used his sword to kill. 70 71

Four Saints Art and the Green Satchel Secret Realm

Chen Chong’s cultivation develops into the Four Saints Art after a difficult fusion reconciles the active dragon, tiger, and phoenix principles with the tortoise’s inward stillness and weight. Over more than half a month of disciplined training and pill refinement, the art reaches Minor Mastery 12,000/100,000, his stored experience reaches 260,000, and his bodily resilience increases markedly. 73 74

Yu Che undergoes a painful cleansing using Chen Chong’s pill and afterward can meet his saber head-on during prolonged sparring. Elder Yang asks Chen to collect four unknown herbs from the Green Satchel Secret Realm, while Luo Yu warns that valuable medicines are often guarded and that points cannot restore a lost life. 74

Chen Chong and Yu Che join the sect’s young cultivators for the realm’s ten-year opening. Old Li explains that entrants will be expelled after seven days, that the top three will qualify for the Inner Sect, and that there are no rules or protective safeguards inside. Seeking medicines capable of accelerating his demanding marrow cultivation, Chen Chong enters with Yu Che and instructs him to remain close. 74

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