Chapter Summaries

Jiang Che tried to keep the dispute between Cao Jian and the local Lineages from erupting while insisting on inspecting Duckweed Marsh. After Cao Jian secretly sent him a Wind-Nourishing Bottle and a written defense, Jiang Che recognized that both sides were implicated in the marsh’s decline.

• Jiang Che said Zhao Bo’s testimony alone could not convict Cao Jian, but ordered that Zhao Bo be kept safe and demanded a clear answer about Duckweed Marsh’s condition.
• Zhao Zhisong challenged Cao Jian’s objections to an inspection, and Jiang Che decided that Cao Jian, Zhao Zhisong, and the third cultivator would accompany him to Duckweed Marsh the next day.
• Jiang Che searched for the familiar azure light but found no new Instance.
• Jiang Han brought Jiang Che a Wind-Nourishing Bottle from Cao Jian and argued that the Lineages, not his master, had depleted Duckweed Marsh.
• Jiang Han returned with Cao Jian’s written denial and guarantee that the marsh could still supply eight portions of Spirit Essence in three years; Jiang Che read it alongside the shady account books and understood that the factions were both entangled in the affair.

Jiang Che concluded that Cao Jian, the local lineages, and the sect all shared responsibility for Duckweed Marsh’s depletion, but he avoided accusing anyone in his inspection report. After Cao Jian and Zhao Zhisong agreed to meet at the Zhao Lineage Grounds, the inspection party headed there to discuss how to proceed.

• Jiang Che attached Cao Jian’s written defense to his report without alteration and accepted the Spirit Essence Cao Jian had delivered.
• Jiang Han proposed a risky plan to Cao Jian, who hesitated and said he needed to consult Lord Xu.
• Cao Jian stopped Zhao Zhisong from demonstrating the marsh’s poor qi yield and suggested the group talk at the Zhao Lineage Grounds instead.
• Zhao Zhisong consulted a lineage elder, then agreed to host Jiang Che and the others at the Zhao Lineage Grounds.