Chapter Summaries

Gao Zisheng revealed that he was fleeing by yacht and taunted Yue Xiaofei, who appealed to Ouyang Jian for help. Gao Zisheng mocked Ouyang Jian on the video call, unaware of what he might do next.

• Ouyang Jian grew wary after learning Gao Zisheng was Second Master Jun's illegitimate son, but Jin Dapao vowed to have him imprisoned for touching the plaque.
• Yue Xiaofei challenged Gao Zisheng's claims by asking whether the Jun Family was more powerful than the Zhong Family and insulting Gao's illegitimate birth.
• Enraged, Gao Zisheng threatened Yue Xiaofei's family and revealed that he was aboard a yacht less than ten minutes from international waters.
• Yue Xiaofei realized Gao Zisheng was still in the country's waters and asked Ouyang Jian to help him.
• Ouyang Jian appeared beside Yue Xiaofei on the call, and Gao Zisheng mocked him while boasting that other powerful figures had failed to stop him.

After Gao Zisheng mocked the Sea Dragon and boasted that he would escape into international waters, Ouyang Jian rallied the crew to defend the Yue family’s honor. The Sea Dragon located Gao Zisheng’s yacht and began a full-speed armed pursuit, ending with Ouyang Jian ordering the ship to ram it.

• Gao Zisheng taunted Ouyang Jian and Yue Xiaofei, then ended the call after claiming his yacht would reach international waters in five minutes.
• Ouyang Jian promised Yue Xiaofei he would get justice and summoned the Sea Dragon’s officers and sailors to the deck.
• Ouyang Jian told the crew how Gao Zisheng had burned Yue Changhai’s ancestral home, endangered Yue Qinhu, and desecrated the Yue family’s Pillar of the Country plaque.
• The Sea Dragon’s crew roared their support for defending the family’s honor and the navy’s dignity.
• A radar operator identified Gao Zisheng’s yacht heading toward the maritime boundary, and Ouyang Jian ordered full combat readiness, maximum engine power, weapons prepared, and the ship to ram the yacht.

Ouyang Jian drove the Sea Dragon at extreme power to stop Gao Zisheng’s yacht before it reached international waters, declaring that the navy would defend Yue Changhai’s family honor. As Gao Zisheng neared the boundary, Chen Mo spotted the destroyer bearing down on them.

• Ouyang Jian ordered the Sea Dragon’s engines pushed beyond capacity, set a collision course, and locked its main gun on Gao Zisheng’s yacht.
• Ouyang Jian told Yue Xiaofei and Jin Dapao that the Sea Dragon’s crew would not let a hero’s descendant be humiliated without defending him.
• Yue Xiaofei warned that the yacht was less than three minutes from the boundary, but Ouyang Jian said the Sea Dragon had more than speed to rely on.
• Gao Zisheng dismissed Chen Mo’s concerns and learned that his yacht was only one and a half kilometers from international waters.
• Chen Mo spotted the Sea Dragon racing toward them and shouted a warning to Gao Zisheng.

Gao Zisheng mocked Yue Xiaofei and the Sea Dragon as he raced toward international waters, confident the warship could not catch him in time. Ouyang Jian ordered the Sea Dragon to prepare its Sea God's Whip, revealing it had more than speed to use against the yacht.

• Gao Zisheng learned the Sea Dragon was pursuing his yacht and dismissed Chen Mo’s warning that the chase might be a trap.
• The captain told Gao Zisheng the yacht was only five hundred meters from international waters and the Sea Dragon would need at least five minutes to catch up.
• Gao Zisheng slapped Chen Mo, then called Yue Xiaofei to taunt him and boast that he would escape.
• Yue Xiaofei reminded Gao Zisheng that the Sea Dragon was where his second uncle Yue Changhai had fought and died, but Gao Zisheng insulted them and dared them to catch him.
• Ouyang Jian ordered the weapons officer to target the waters around Gao Zisheng’s yacht and prepare to launch the Sea God's Whip.

Ouyang Jian ordered the Sea Dragon to fire its Sea God's Whip at Gao Zisheng's yacht just before it reached the maritime boundary. Gao Zisheng initially thought the weapon had failed, but the yacht stopped ten meters short of escape.

• Gao Zisheng mocked Ouyang Jian and boasted that his yacht was only fifty meters from the maritime boundary.
• Yue Xiaofei and Jin Dapao urged Ouyang Jian to act, but Ouyang Jian said he would wait until Gao Zisheng believed he had won.
• The Sea Dragon's weapons officer charged and aimed the Sea God's Whip, and Ouyang Jian ordered it to fire.
• Gao Zisheng heard a muffled boom but saw no missile or explosion, so he laughed and insulted Ouyang Jian.
• The white captain reported that the yacht had stopped ten meters from the maritime boundary, leaving Gao Zisheng stranded.

The Sea God's Whip disabled Gao Zisheng's yacht, leaving it stranded as the Sea Dragon closed in. When Gao Zisheng threatened Chen Mo's sick sister, Chen Mo attacked him and continued beating him on the deck.

• The Sea God's Whip released an electromagnetic pulse that destroyed the yacht's electronics and stopped its engines.
• Ouyang Jian explained the weapon to Yue Xiaofei and ordered the Sea Dragon to pursue the disabled yacht.
• Gao Zisheng panicked and demanded that Chen Mo find a way to escape.
• Gao Zisheng threatened Chen Mo's sister and her heart transplant, provoking Chen Mo's fury.
• Chen Mo punched Gao Zisheng, knocked him down, and brutally beat him for insulting his sister and disgracing the Jun Family.

Chen Mo and Gao Zisheng tried to surrender to the Sea Dragon, but Yue Xiaofei and Ouyang Jian refused to stop and rammed the yacht. After rescuing everyone from the water, Yue Xiaofei confronted Gao Zisheng and prepared to settle their old and new grievances.

• Chen Mo stopped beating Gao Zisheng when he realized the Sea Dragon was about to ram the yacht, then waved a tablecloth as a white flag.
• Yue Xiaofei refused to accept Gao Zisheng's surrender, and Ouyang Jian ordered the Sea Dragon to maintain course and prepare for impact.
• As the Sea Dragon smashed the yacht, Chen Mo grabbed the [Pillar of the Country] plaque and leaped into the sea with it.
• Ouyang Jian ordered the crew to haul everyone from the water, and Yue Xiaofei slapped Gao Zisheng awake.
• Yue Xiaofei accused Gao Zisheng of his crimes and declared that they would settle their scores at sea.

Chen Mo beat Gao Zisheng, returned the Yue Family's plaque, and revealed that he had served the Jun Family to pay for his sister's heart surgery. After Yue Xiaofei promised to protect her, Chen Mo prepared to kill Gao Zisheng, but red targeting dots suddenly appeared across his body.

• Jin Dapao tried to punch Gao Zisheng, but Ouyang Jian stopped him to avoid giving the Jun Family grounds to retaliate.
• Chen Mo struck Gao Zisheng and refused to back down when Gao threatened his sister.
• Yue Xiaofei recognized the waterlogged plaque, and Chen Mo returned it while confessing that the Jun Family had ordered him to steal and destroy it.
• Chen Mo knelt and asked Yue Xiaofei to protect his sister in exchange for his life; Yue Xiaofei promised to keep her safe.
• Chen Mo drew a dagger and prepared to stab Gao Zisheng, but dozens of red targeting dots appeared on him.

Modu’s War Wolf Squad arrived by helicopter and trained sniper rifles on Chen Mo, ordering him to surrender while Gao Zisheng celebrated his rescue. Ouyang Jian challenged the unit’s authority, but a call from Modu’s top official, Wang Hongtao, left him wary and deferential as the standoff continued.

• Yue Xiaofei warned Chen Mo not to move after spotting sniper laser sights aimed at him.
• Modu’s War Wolf Squad arrived above the Sea Dragon and ordered Chen Mo to drop his weapon and surrender.
• Gao Zisheng rejoiced and taunted Yue Xiaofei and Chen Mo, believing the squad would save him.
• Ouyang Jian demanded that the squad withdraw, but its captain cited orders from Modu’s highest-ranking official and claimed authority to arrest a violent offender.
• Ouyang Jian received a call from Wang Hongtao and answered with grave deference, suspecting the Longdu Jun Family was behind the intervention.

Wang Hongtao ordered Ouyang Jian to end the Sea Dragon’s operation and protect everyone aboard Gao Zisheng’s yacht, while Jin Dapao openly defied him. Wang Hongtao threatened to speak with Jiangbei Secretary Wu Changpeng and headed to Modu Naval Port to await the ship.

• Wang Hongtao recast the clash as minor friction, then ordered Ouyang Jian to return the Sea Dragon to port and bring the yacht’s passengers back unharmed.
• Ouyang Jian explained Gao Zisheng’s alleged crimes, but Wang Hongtao warned him that only a court could judge anyone and invoked Longdu’s attention.
• Gao Zisheng taunted Yue Xiaofei and Ouyang Jian after hearing Wang Hongtao’s order.
• Jin Dapao grabbed Ouyang Jian’s phone, identified himself as acting director of the Jiangbei Police Department, and vowed to fight Wang Hongtao.
• Wang Hongtao threatened to discuss Jin Dapao with Jiangbei Secretary Wu Changpeng, then ordered Ouyang Jian again to return to port and said he was going there to meet the Sea Dragon.

Key plot points and events

• Ouyang Jian gives up trying to protect Yue Xiaofei, ordering everyone back to port because Wang Hongtao’s influence is too powerful. Yue Xiaofei thanks him, recognizing how much pressure he has endured.
• Gao Zisheng, recovering from his earlier beating, boasts that the Jun Family and Wang Hongtao will protect him. He threatens Yue Xiaofei, Ouyang Jian, Chen Mo, and Yue Xiaofei’s sick sister.
• Jin Dapao receives an official call ordering him to leave his post and attend “special training” in Longdu. Everyone recognizes this as a disguised removal of his authority, likely engineered by Wang Hongtao. Furious, Jin considers resigning.
• Yue Xiaofei urges Jin not to act rashly, pointing out that they have evidence linking Gao to the fire that killed Yue Xiaofei’s grandfather, with Chen Mo as a witness. Yet they doubt whether justice can overcome the Jun Family’s influence.
• At the docks, Wang Hongtao’s convoy and armed-looking entourage are waiting. Ouyang warns Yue Xiaofei that Wang has intervened personally, but Yue remains defiant.
• At the same time, Lin Tiejun and the vigorous centenarian Elder Xu Anbang arrive in Modu by taxi. Asked where to go, Xu directs the driver to the docks.

Character developments

• Yue Xiaofei remains composed and determined despite mounting setbacks, and tries to protect his allies from further sacrifice.
• Ouyang Jian acknowledges the limits of his authority and his inability to shield Yue, though he continues to support him.
• Jin Dapao is pushed toward despair and resignation after being stripped of his position, but Yue’s reminder about the evidence gives him some renewed hope.
• Gao Zisheng grows more openly arrogant, convinced that powerful patrons make him untouchable.
• Elder Xu Anbang enters the conflict at a critical moment, seemingly poised to challenge the growing pressure against Yue and his allies.

Significant themes

• Power versus justice: Political and family influence threatens to overpower legal evidence and ordinary authority.
• The cost of loyalty: Yue’s supporters face career and personal consequences for standing by him.
• Defiance under pressure: Yue refuses to surrender even when his enemies appear to control the situation.
• Manipulation disguised as reward: Jin’s “special training” is presented as an honor but functions as a political punishment.

Character interactions

• Ouyang apologizes to Yue, while Yue reassures him and expresses gratitude.
• Gao taunts Yue and threatens his allies; Jin tries to attack him but is restrained by Ouyang.
• Yue stops Jin from impulsively resigning and reminds him that they still have evidence against Gao.
• Ouyang warns Yue about Wang’s arrival, but Yue meets the threat with resolve.
• Elder Xu and Lin arrive in Modu and head for the docks, setting up their confrontation with the crisis.

At Modu Naval Port, Wang Hongtao tried to appease Yue Xiaofei with rewards and a promising future, but Yue refused and demanded justice for his family. The chapter ended with Yue challenging Wang to punish Gao Zisheng for his alleged crimes instead of letting him go free.

• Wang Hongtao arrived at the port, praised Captain Ouyang for bringing everyone from the yacht back, and dismissed Jin Dapao’s accusation that he had arranged Jin’s transfer to Longdu.
• Wang Hongtao recited the Yue Family’s heroic history and offered Yue Xiaofei a scholarship, university support, and a future position in the Modu Municipal Committee.
• Yue Xiaofei rejected Wang Hongtao’s offers and said he had come only to demand justice.
• Yue Xiaofei accused Gao Zisheng of escaping detention, ordering an attack on his grandfather, slandering his second uncle, and damaging the [Pillar of the Country] plaque.
• Yue Xiaofei challenged Wang Hongtao to punish Gao Zisheng to the fullest extent of the law rather than let him walk free.

• Plot points: Yue Xiaofei publicly confronts Secretary Wang Hongtao, calling him a hypocrite for shielding Gao Zisheng and insisting he only wants justice—even if he must appeal to the national capital. Jin Dapao backs him, invoking Yue Xiaofei’s connection to the powerful Zhao Mengsheng. Wang, recognizing the political risk, tries to deny that Gao is even present, claiming the suspect is Jun Xiaoguo. Chen Mo steps forward and identifies Gao, describing his role in the arson and his desecration of the Yue family memorial plaque. Gao denies it and accuses Yue of framing him. Wang cuts off the argument and orders everyone taken for questioning. Armed guards encircle the group and aim their pistols at them. Wang presents the arrest as a final ultimatum—until an elderly voice suddenly declares, “I’m against it!”
• Character developments: Yue Xiaofei remains composed and committed to seeking justice despite the threat of force. Chen Mo overcomes his fear and risks himself by testifying against Gao. Gao becomes increasingly desperate, trying to manipulate Wang and discredit the witnesses. Wang abandons even the appearance of impartiality and uses his authority to protect Gao and silence opposition. Jin Dapao openly supports Yue, while Ouyang Jian’s fear reflects how dangerous the confrontation has become.
• Significant themes: The scene contrasts justice with political power, showing how evidence and truth can be overwhelmed by official authority. It also highlights public accountability, the courage required to speak against powerful people, and the value of solidarity in the face of intimidation.
• Character interactions: Yue challenges Wang directly; Jin supports Yue and invokes Zhao Mengsheng to warn Wang of the stakes. Wang tries to protect Gao by denying his identity, but Chen Mo’s testimony directly undermines that lie. Gao attacks Chen’s credibility, and Wang responds by threatening the entire group. The chapter ends with an unidentified elder challenging Wang’s ultimatum.

Lin Tiejun arrived at the dock with Yue Xiaolu and an unassuming elderly man, Grandpa Xu, to stand up for Yue Xiaofei. As Wang Hongtao dismissed Lin Tiejun as a retired general, Ouyang Jian recognized Grandpa Xu as the legendary first Navy Commander.

• Lin Tiejun and Grandpa Xu arrived at the dock after someone objected to Wang Hongtao's decision.
• Lin Xiaolu rushed to greet Lin Tiejun, who said he had come because Yue Xiaofei had suffered an injustice.
• Yue Xiaofei thanked Lin Tiejun, while Gao Zisheng told Wang Hongtao that Lin Tiejun was only a retired major general.
• Lin Tiejun introduced his old comrade to Yue Xiaofei, and Grandpa Xu told Yue Xiaofei he had known his grandfather, Yue Qinhu.
• Ouyang Jian recognized Grandpa Xu as the legendary first Navy Commander, Commander Xu.

Plot points and events

• Naval Captain Ouyang Jian recognizes the old visitor as Xu Anbang, legendary founder of the Dragon Kingdom Navy. His initial shock turns to excitement and hope: Xu’s presence could outweigh the influence of Wang Hongtao and the Jun Family.
• Xu Anbang recognizes Yue Xiaofei as the grandson of his old comrade, “Brother Subduing Tiger.”
• Seeing the cracked Pillar of the Country plaque, Xu demands to know what happened. Yue explains that Gao Zisheng arranged an arson attempt against his grandfather, stole the plaque, and mutilated it while insulting the fallen Yue family.
• Xu erupts in anger, condemning Gao for dishonoring the heroes whose sacrifices earned the plaque.
• Yue reveals that Gao was released because the Jun Family protected him and that Gao’s biological father is the family’s Second Master.
• Gao tries to intimidate Xu by invoking the Jun Family. Xu dismisses the threat, reveals that he knew the family’s late patriarch, Jun Changlin, and vows to confront the family over its disgraceful descendants.

Character developments

• Ouyang Jian moves from uncertainty to confidence after recognizing Xu, though he keeps quiet to watch events unfold.
• Xu Anbang is introduced as a revered naval legend, but his authority is matched by fierce anger when a symbol of military sacrifice is desecrated.
• Yue Xiaofei acts as a composed witness, clearly recounting Gao’s crimes and exposing the powerful connections that shield him.
• Gao Zisheng shifts from humiliation back to arrogance when he believes his family name will protect him, only to discover Xu is unimpressed.

Character interactions

• Ouyang’s recognition of Xu contrasts with Wang Hongtao and Gao’s failure to understand who they are dealing with.
• Xu treats Yue warmly because of his grandfather, then becomes a protective, forceful advocate when he hears what happened.
• Gao’s attempted intimidation meets Xu’s contempt, setting up a direct clash between entrenched privilege and military honor.

Significant themes

• Sacrifice and remembrance: The plaque represents the blood and lives given by earlier generations.
• Honor versus entitlement: Gao treats a national symbol with contempt, while Xu insists that privilege cannot erase its meaning.
• Power and accountability: Gao’s connections have helped him evade justice, but Xu’s stature threatens to challenge that protection.
• Legacy: Yue’s resemblance and descent connect the present conflict to the sacrifices and relationships of the past.

Plot points and events

• Elder Xu publicly insults the powerful Jun Family, naming the late Jun Changlin and dismissing his legacy. The dock falls silent, and Gao Zisheng angrily demands that Xu and Yue Xiaofei be arrested.
• Wang Hongtao recognizes that Xu may be an old war veteran and initially tries to placate him, promising an investigation and justice for the hero’s descendants. Xu rejects the offer, suspecting Wang intends to delay and bury the matter.
• When Xu insists on seeing how Wang handles Gao Zisheng, Wang drops his conciliatory manner and orders the guards to take everyone—including Yue, Gao, Chen Mo, and Jin Dapao—for questioning. The guards ready their weapons.
• Xu confronts Wang for abusing his authority and disrespecting the people who earned it. He strikes Wang across the face with his cane, knocking off and shattering his glasses and leaving a red welt.

Character developments

• Elder Xu shifts from outspoken elder to an openly defiant force, demonstrating both formidable presence and willingness to act against powerful officials.
• Wang Hongtao reveals that his polite promises are also a means of controlling the situation. When Xu refuses to cooperate, Wang turns to intimidation and force.
• Gao Zisheng relies on the Jun Family’s status to demand punishment, but Wang’s attention—and later Xu’s action—undercuts his attempt to control events.
• Yue Xiaofei remains anxious but increasingly admires Xu’s fearlessness, recognizing the danger posed by political authority.

Significant themes

• Authority versus justice: Wang uses official power to control the group, while Xu demands that it serve the law rather than protect the influential.
• Respect for sacrifice and service: Xu invokes fallen heroes and the people who earned the authority officials now wield.
• Courage against entrenched power: Xu refuses both Wang’s polite stalling and his armed threat.
• Status and intimidation: The Jun Family’s reputation frightens the crowd, but Xu refuses to treat it as untouchable.

Character interactions

• Gao tries to enlist Wang against Xu and Yue, but Wang initially ignores him.
• Wang addresses Xu and Lin Tiejun with deference, then threatens them when they challenge his handling of the case.
• Xu directly accuses Wang of choosing between upholding the law and protecting an ally; the confrontation culminates in Xu striking him in front of the crowd.

Plot points and events

• Elder Xu unexpectedly strikes Wang Hongtao across the face with his cane, stunning everyone.
• Wang’s armed guards raise their guns at Xu, but Ouyang Jian—the Sea Dragon’s captain—steps between them and Xu, ordering them to lower their weapons. The guards refuse, taking orders only from Wang.
• Humiliated and furious, Wang declares Xu a criminal and orders his arrest, insisting that no past achievements excuse a crime.
• Xu recognizes Wang as the son of “Little Shunliu,” a childhood nickname for Wang’s father. Wang is shocked that Xu knows it.
• Xu scolds Wang for abusing his authority and siding with the Jun family against a wronged hero’s family. He calls Wang’s father on an old flip phone and demands an explanation, threatening to confront him too.

Character developments and interactions

• Elder Xu reveals unexpected authority and a forceful temper beneath his frail appearance. His familiarity with Wang’s father suggests a powerful past.
• Wang Hongtao shifts from commanding confidence to alarm when Xu identifies his father, though he remains intent on using his office against Xu.
• Ouyang Jian risks confronting Wang’s guards to protect Xu, driven by respect for Xu’s identity and concern over the consequences of harming him.
• The guards and onlookers are left stunned by Xu’s assault, Ouyang’s defiance, and the revelation of Xu’s connection to Wang’s family.

Significant themes

• Authority versus accountability: Wang invokes the law to justify his power, while Xu accuses him of twisting justice for personal or political ends.
• Respect and legacy: Xu’s connection to Wang’s father exposes a hierarchy and history that Wang’s official position cannot erase.
• Unexpected power beneath appearances: Xu’s plain clothes and frailty conceal a reputation formidable enough to make even powerful people hesitate.

Key plot points and events

• Elder Xu publicly berates Modu’s top official, Wang Hongtao, and appears to call Wang’s father, a revered Founding Major General, by his childhood nickname.
• After the call, Xu orders Wang to write a ten-thousand-word self-criticism by noon the next day, warning that he will recommend Wang’s removal if he refuses.
• Wang is shaken, but Gao Zisheng argues that Xu is bluffing: his plain clothes, lack of guards, and supposed connection to Yue Xiaofei’s grandfather seem inconsistent with high rank.
• Persuaded by Gao, Wang regains confidence and accuses Xu of staging the call. He insists he knows all of his father’s old comrades—and has never met Xu.
• Xu calmly confirms that he knows Wang’s father, then reveals the twist: “He doesn’t know me!”

Character developments and interactions

• Elder Xu remains composed and commanding, using his apparent connection to Wang’s father to put Wang on the defensive. His final remark hints that his relationship with the general is unusual and deepens the mystery around his identity.
• Wang Hongtao shifts from stunned fear to renewed arrogance after Gao offers a plausible explanation. He tries to reclaim authority by challenging Xu’s credentials.
• Gao Zisheng sees himself as the only person who has uncovered Xu’s supposed deception. His confident intervention emboldens Wang, though his reasoning may be premature.
• Yue Xiaofei is thrilled by Xu’s fiery defiance, while Jin Dapao, Lin Xiaolu, Chen Mo, and the others worry about the consequences.
• Wang’s guards initially freeze at Xu’s apparent influence, then regain confidence when Wang challenges him.

Significant themes

• Appearance versus authority: Xu’s humble appearance clashes with the power he seems to wield.
• Power and status: Even a regional leader can be unsettled by the suggestion of influence from higher authorities.
• Overconfidence and misjudgment: Gao and Wang treat Xu’s ordinary appearance as proof that he is a fraud.
• Mystery and suspense: Xu’s claim that Wang’s father does not know him raises questions about who Xu is and how he knows so much.

Elder Xu revealed his commanding presence and insisted that Wang Changshun was not qualified to meet him, while Wang Hongtao and Gao Zisheng dismissed his claim as a bluff. Lin Tiejun reassured Yue Xiaofei that anyone who harmed Elder Xu would face severe consequences.

• Gao Zisheng mocked Elder Xu for claiming a connection to Old General Wang, and Wang Hongtao accused him of violence and shielding a criminal.
• Elder Xu unleashed a formidable aura and declared that Wang Changshun was not qualified to meet him.
• The narration revealed that Elder Xu was one of the Dragon Kingdom's last surviving Founding Marshals and had founded its navy.
• Jin Dapao was stunned by Elder Xu's boldness, while Yue Xiaofei worried that Elder Xu would get into trouble for helping him.
• Lin Tiejun told Yue Xiaofei to relax and warned that anyone who harmed Elder Xu would be like someone ramming their head into an aircraft carrier.

Key plot points and events

• Hou Liangbing continues to suffer the fallout from his failed attempt to use Bureau 7’s Reverse Scale squad against Yue Feng. His public humiliation has damaged his standing at work and within the Zhong family, while his wife and father-in-law have turned against him.
• Smith, a senior Eagle Country intelligence envoy, tells Hou that Yue Feng supposedly entered the deadly Cloudtop Heavenly Palace on Changbai Mountain and is presumed dead.
• Smith urges Hou to capture Yue Feng’s younger brother, Yue Xiaofei, who is at the Modu port. In exchange, Eagle Country promises to help Hou become Bureau 7’s chief and support the Zhong family. Smith offers intelligence on the Zhong family’s rival, the Zhao family, as proof of his good faith.
• Motivated by revenge and ambition, Hou accepts the deal and orders a private jet to Modu, inviting Smith to witness their cooperation.
• At the Modu docks, Wang Hongtao orders his guards to arrest Elder Xu, Yue Xiaofei, and their companions after taking offense at Elder Xu’s refusal to recognize his authority and Wang’s insult to Elder Xu’s military standing.
• As armed guards move in, Wang receives a call from his father. The chapter ends before he answers, leaving the confrontation unresolved.

Character developments and interactions

• Hou Liangbing shifts from fearful resentment to decisive, reckless action once he believes Yue Feng is dead. His desire for revenge is now intertwined with ambition and a wish to elevate the Zhong family—and himself.
• Smith exploits Hou’s grudges and insecurities, offering intelligence and political advancement to secure Yue Xiaofei. He presents the proposal as mutually beneficial while advancing Eagle Country’s interests.
• Wang Hongtao loses his temper when Elder Xu challenges him, escalating a personal insult into an armed arrest order. His father’s unexpected call interrupts the action at the moment violence seems imminent.
• Hou and Smith form a covert alliance; at the docks, Wang’s conflict with Elder Xu and Yue Xiaofei reaches a breaking point.

Significant themes

• Revenge and ambition: Hou’s personal vendetta makes him susceptible to foreign manipulation.
• Power and status: Characters judge one another by rank, family influence, and political connections.
• Foreign interference and betrayal: Smith offers advancement in return for Hou turning against a fellow citizen.
• Suspense and reversals: Yue Feng’s presumed death drives the plot, while Wang’s father’s call may alter the dockside confrontation.