Recaps

Zhang Xiaohua absorbed the dragon vein and dragon soul into his meridians, then discovered that the restriction’s hidden Five Elements Array had been drawing on the vein’s essence to sustain itself. He identified the array as a possible Spirit Gathering Formation and found a way to map its hidden fluctuations using the Five Elements Pearls.

• The dragon soul contracted and rushed through Zhang Xiaohua’s meridians toward the mysterious place behind his head, while the dragon vein fused with his meridians.
• The starlight dispersed, and Zhang Xiaohua awoke to find the dragon vein gone and his divine sense newly able to perceive its lingering aura.
• Zhang Xiaohua compared the Five Elements Pearls with five hidden elemental formations and concluded they formed a Five Elements Array beneath the green gourd.
• Zhang Xiaohua discovered that the array fed Primordial Qi through the gourd to maintain the restriction, and suspected it was a Spirit Gathering Formation powered by the dragon vein.
• Zhang Xiaohua infused the Water Element Pearl with true qi and used its changing fluctuations to locate the hidden array’s elemental points.

Zhang Xiaohua broke the restriction protecting the azure gourd, took it and gathered five-colored jade marrow as the underground chamber collapsed. Meanwhile, the Incense-Passing Cult investigated Abbess Jinggang’s death and suspected that an infiltrator had killed her with an Immortal Dao flying sword.

• Zhang Xiaohua found that Zhuimeng could not break through the restriction above him, so he used its remaining mysterious flow to cut around the azure gourd’s protection.
• Zhang Xiaohua removed the gourd after its restriction vanished, discovered its immense weight, and stored it in his money pouch.
• The pale azure restriction shattered, and Zhang Xiaohua used Earth Escape and the Crimson Spirit Guard to survive the collapsing mountain while collecting the five-colored jade marrow.
• Abbess Jingyi told the elders that Abbess Jinggang had been found dead near Jinghai Lake with a sword wound through her throat.
• Abbess Jingyi judged that an Immortal Dao flying sword had killed Abbess Jinggang and that the killer had taken her defensive magical artifacts.
• Abbess Jingyi dismissed Xi Mujun as a suspect, while the elders concluded that an infiltrator might have murdered Abbess Jinggang.

Abbess Jingyi responded to the shaking of Yi Xiang Peak by ordering an investigation of the protective formations and a crackdown on spies. She concluded that the Incense-Passing Cult’s great protective formation had collapsed, leaving the cult to face a major transition back into the martial world.

• Abbess Jingyi and the elders discussed the likely involvement of the Heavenly Dragon Sect or a mysterious force in Great Elder Jing Gang’s death, while Chen Chen asked why Jing Gang had gone to Jinghai Lake.
• Abbess Jingyi appointed Peacock to temporarily manage Ruijin Hall and directed Abbess Xuezhen to investigate known spies.
• Yi Xiang Peak shook violently, and Abbess Jingyi ordered Peacock and Abbess Xuezhen to seize the cult’s spies while twelve urgent red signals rose from the direction of Mount Jiuhua.
• A disciple reported that Yi Xiang Peak had sunk and its scenery was visible from outside; Abbess Jingyi recognized that its peak-protecting formation was gone and sent forces toward Jinghai Lake and Mount Jiuhua.
• Abbess Jingyi ordered Yi Xiang Peak’s inner disciples to prepare for a turning point and told them that the Incense-Passing Cult would return to the martial world as its great protective formation failed.

After the Incense-Passing Cult’s protective formations collapsed, Zhang Xiaohua returned to Yi Xiang Peak and learned the cult was preparing for its sudden exposure to the martial world. He reached Mocu Palace as Abbess Jingyi began discussing plans for the change.

• Zhang Xiaohua noticed the Incense-Passing Cult’s Primordial Qi thinning and suspected that taking the azure gourd had disrupted its grand formation and dragon vein.
• He spent several days refining his belongings before heading toward Yi Xiang Peak, where he learned the cult-protecting grand formation had opened and disciples were carrying out the Cult Master’s orders.
• Zhang Xiaohua helped a masked Mocu Palace disciple who had fallen from her horse, and she told him that all disciples in seclusion had been ordered to emerge, including Senior Sister Zixia.
• At Yi Xiang Peak, Zhang Xiaohua discovered that its protective formation was gone and passed the new entrance inspection by identifying himself as Protector disciple Ren Xiaoyao.
• At Mocu Palace, Abbess Jingyi told the elders that the cult should prepare in advance for the martial world to learn that its gates were open.

Abbess Jingyi announced a Martial Arts Gathering to mark the Incense-Passing Cult’s return and ordered measures to establish the cult’s power. After assigning invitation missions, she summoned Ren Xiaoyao and accused him of killing Great Elder Jing Gang, then constricted his neck with divine sense.

• Abbess Jingyi announced a Martial Arts Gathering at Huaiyu Peak three months later and called for the cult to establish its prestige by killing suspected spies.
• Abbess Jingyi ordered disciples to tell Ming Qing to finish his task within three months and assigned Peacock and Rain Swallow to deliver invitations to the Heavenly Dragon Sect and Righteous Path Alliance.
• Abbess Jingyi assigned Abbess Jingfan and Abbess Xuezhen to arrange invitations for other sects, while Chen Chen was told to manage Ruijin Hall in their absence.
• Abbess Jingyi summoned Ren Xiaoyao and asked about his investigation into the cult’s spies; he reported his findings but concealed his dealings with Lei Hong of Qingmu Hall.
• Abbess Jingyi accused Ren Xiaoyao of killing Great Elder Jing Gang and tightened her divine sense around his neck when he denied it.

Zhang Xiaohua persuaded Abbess Jingyi that he had not killed Great Elder Jing Gang and was assigned to deliver an invitation to Great Forest Temple if Xi Mujun did not return. Abbess Jingyi approved Zixia accompanying him, and Zhang Xiaohua reunited with Meng, beginning to share the news.

• Zhang Xiaohua denied killing Great Elder Jing Gang, and Abbess Jingyi said he remained the chief suspect until he found Yue Zhuoqun.
• Abbess Jingyi told Zhang Xiaohua to rest for two days and then deliver an invitation to Great Forest Temple if Xi Mujun had not returned.
• Abbess Jingfan proposed that Zixia accompany Zhang Xiaohua, and Abbess Jingyi approved the plan.
• Zhang Xiaohua returned to his room and reunited with Meng, who worried that Great Elder Jing Gang had threatened him.
• Zhang Xiaohua reassured Meng and hinted that he had good news for them both.

Zhang Xiaohua secretly visited Zhang Xiaohu on Shixin Peak and told him that the Incense-Passing Cult’s restrictions had opened wide. Zhang Xiaohu asked him to use the opportunity to tell their family in Guo Village that both brothers were alive, and Zhang Xiaohua said he planned to arrange an outing that would let him do so.

• Zhang Xiaohua told Meng about the grand protective formation and the coming Martial Arts Gathering, and they parted after speaking privately.
• Zhang Xiaohua used the Flying Technique to reach Shixin Peak, evaded the guards, and waited in Zhang Xiaohu’s room.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu teased each other about their romantic prospects and discussed Zhang Xiaohu’s reading and the Martial Arts Tournament.
• Zhang Xiaohua decided not to give Zhang Xiaohu a Qi Boosting Pill yet, since sudden progress could draw suspicion during the Cult’s preparations.
• Zhang Xiaohua explained that the restrictions had opened wide, and Zhang Xiaohu asked him to send word to their family in Guo Village that both brothers were alive.
• Zhang Xiaohua said he would seek an assignment that let him travel and settle the brothers’ private matter.

Zhang Xiaohua told Zhang Xiaohu about his recent adventures and left for Yi Xiang Peak, where he prepared to deliver the Incense-Passing Cult’s invitation to Great Forest Temple with Meng. They set out together, and Meng insisted they pass through Mochou City to visit Hui Chun Valley, leaving Zhang Xiaohua unable to refuse.

• Zhang Xiaohua recounted his adventures to Zhang Xiaohu, who warned him to be careful and shared news about Misty Manor and Huanxi Mountain Villa.
• Zhang Xiaohua burrowed underground to return to Yi Xiang Peak, then practiced with the Prajna Heavy Sword while waiting to depart.
• Abbess Jingyi assigned Zhang Xiaohua to deliver an invitation to Elder Changsheng of Great Forest Temple, and Meng joined him after Xi Mujun failed to return.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Meng descended Yi Xiang Peak on horseback, teasing each other as they discussed Hui Chun Valley.
• Meng suggested they pass through Mochou City to thank Hui Chun Valley, and Zhang Xiaohua could not think of a reply.

Zhang Xiaohua and Meng left the valley on a supposed mission to Great Forest Temple, crossing from Jinghai Lake to Dianchi Lake through a hidden waterway. After reaching the guarded exit, they headed toward the martial world, where Meng insisted they go to Mochou City instead of Xuyuan City.

• Zhang Xiaohua told Wuming Hall disciples that a Martial Arts Gathering would be held and continued with Meng to Jinghai Lake.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Meng crossed Jinghai Lake through a hidden passage beneath a ridge and reached Dianchi Lake.
• Zhang Xiaohua discovered that Ruijin Hall disciples guarded the route out of the valley, and a disciple inspected their identity tokens before escorting them outside.
• A Ruijin Hall disciple advised Zhang Xiaohua to take the road to Xuyuan City for Great Forest Temple, but Meng declared that they had to go to Mochou City.

Zhang Xiaohua and Meng traveled toward Mochou City, and Meng spoke of her lost family and her hope to stay with him. Their conversation was interrupted when they encountered Peng Yeyu and Huang Qiang of the Falling Star Alliance, who tried to invite them to drink.

• Meng explained that she had to visit Mochou City because of matters concerning Mocu Palace’s female disciples, and Zhang Xiaohua accepted her secrecy.
• As they rode through the forest, Meng lamented that she could not remember her family, and Zhang Xiaohua promised they would search for them together.
• Zhang Xiaohua caught a wounded wild goose shot by Peng Yeyu, who recognized it and introduced himself while staring at Meng.
• Zhang Xiaohua said he and Meng belonged to the Big Dipper Sect and tried to leave with her.
• Huang Qiang of the Falling Star Alliance blocked their path and invited them to roast game and drink, but Zhang Xiaohua refused.

Zhang Xiaohua and Meng traveled onward after evading Peng Yeyu and Huang Qiang, but Huang Qiang caught up and tried to take Meng to the Falling Star Alliance. The chapter ended with Huang Qiang mocking their claims and Zhang Xiaohua asking how he could make Meng a famous heroine.

• Huang Qiang hid his hostility after Peng Yeyu's warning and sent a rider after Zhang Xiaohua and Meng.
• Zhang Xiaohua told Meng he had invented the Big Dipper Sect to conceal their connection to the Incense-Passing Cult.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Meng realized Huang Qiang's group was pursuing them and continued toward an inn.
• Huang Qiang and five subordinates overtook the pair and blocked their path, demanding that they visit the Falling Star Alliance.
• Meng revealed that they were disciples of the Incense-Passing Cult, but Huang Qiang mocked her claim and pointed out that its disciples were not due to enter the jianghu for more than a year.
• Huang Qiang offered to make Meng a famous heroine, and Zhang Xiaohua asked how he planned to do it.

Huang Qiang explained that famous heroines often relied on beauty and powerful godfathers to build their reputations, then tried to force Zhang Xiaohua and Meng to join the Falling Star Alliance. Zhang Xiaohua killed Huang Qiang and his men when they attacked, and the chapter ended with Meng asking what he meant by hunting.

• Huang Qiang told Zhang Xiaohua that beauty and a powerful godfather could make a woman famous as a heroine, and invited Zhang Xiaohua and Meng to the Falling Star Alliance.
• Zhang Xiaohua refused Huang Qiang’s invitation, and Huang Qiang ordered his men to capture Zhang Xiaohua and keep Meng alive.
• Zhang Xiaohua used the Prajna Heavy Sword to kill the five men and their horses, then killed Huang Qiang when he attacked.
• Meng praised Zhang Xiaohua’s strength and said she wanted to practice fighting next time.
• Meng asked Zhang Xiaohua what hunting was.

Zhang Xiaohua reached Mochou City with Meng, arranged for a letter to be sent to his family in Guo Village, and learned that Hui Chun Valley had been besieged for over twenty days. The news left him alarmed as the valley still faced a powerful coalition without Incense-Passing Cult’s protection.

• Zhang Xiaohua burned Huang Qiang and the others' corpses with fire talismans as he and Meng traveled to Mochou City.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Meng entered Mochou City, agreed to meet at Matchmaker Temple, and he gave her a jade pendant for protection.
• Zhang Xiaohua visited Tongda Escort Agency, then paid Swift Carriage and Horse Service to deliver a letter to his family in Guo Village.
• A lean, wiry man took the silver from Swift Carriage and Horse Service and returned after speaking with someone, while Zhang Xiaohua left unaware of what had happened.
• Zhang Xiaohua overheard martial artists say that Hui Chun Valley had been surrounded for over twenty days by numerous groups and that it had lost Incense-Passing Cult's protection.
• Zhang Xiaohua's expression changed drastically when he heard Hui Chun Valley was in danger of falling.

Zhang Xiaohua rushed away after hearing alarming news, while Hui Chun Valley’s battered defenders struggled to withstand a siege by Dragon Soaring Manor and its allies. When the Giant Whale Gang arrived with Nie Qianxiu and appeared close to defeat, Valley Master Nie led a rescue party out through the Five Elements Array, where their arrival turned the battle’s momentum.

• Zhang Xiaohua left the teahouse in haste, leaving more silver than the bill required.
• Valley Master Nie and the injured defenders discussed their worsening position, their dead comrades, and their doubts about the absent allies.
• A disciple reported that the Giant Whale Gang and Nie Qianxiu were fighting Dragon Soaring Manor outside the eastern array.
• After learning that many Giant Whale Gang members had fallen and Nie Qianxiu was pleading for help, Valley Master Nie decided to lead a rescue.
• Nie Qianyu opened a narrow path through the Five Elements Array, and Valley Master Nie charged out with several allies.
• The Giant Whale Gang rallied when Valley Master Nie arrived, then fought through Dragon Soaring Manor’s encirclement.

Old Master Qiang brought the Giant Whale Gang and news of eleven allied sects into Hui Chun Villa, proposing a coordinated attack against Dragon Soaring Manor. As the defenders prepared, Dragon Soaring Manor launched another assault, and Nie Qianxiu joined the fight with Qiangsheng and the gang disciples.

• The Giant Whale Gang and Hui Chun Valley disciples entered the villa through the mist while Dragon Manor Lord ordered his men to proceed with their plan.
• Old Master Qiang told Valley Master Nie that his gang had gathered eleven sects and more than three hundred fighters outside, and proposed signaling them for a joint attack at midnight.
• Zuo Siqing and Si Yakong urged caution about breaking out, while Old Master Qiang argued that the defenders should coordinate with the forces waiting outside.
• A wounded disciple reported that Dragon Soaring Manor had attacked again and that Hui Chun Valley's fighters in the Metal Formation had suffered severe losses.
• Nie Qianxiu persuaded Valley Master Nie to let her help, then joined Qiangsheng and the Giant Whale Gang disciples under Nie Qianyu's instructions.
• As Dragon Soaring Manor's battle cries approached, Nie Qianxiu and the gang disciples formed a circle, and she took an object from her robes.

The Giant Whale Gang helped Dragon Soaring Manor dispel Hui Chun Valley’s Five Elements Great Formation, forcing Valley Master Nie and the Jade Standing Alliance to flee through a secret passage. Dragon Manor Lord then caught them at the mountain peak, where Nie Qianxiu revealed her betrayal and Young Master Long demanded Nie Qianyu as his concubine.

• A Giant Whale Gang disciple used a violet object to dispel the white mist and disable Hui Chun Valley’s Five Elements Great Formation.
• Valley Master Nie realized Old Master Qiang had betrayed them, then led the Jade Standing Alliance into Hui Chun Valley’s secret passage.
• Valley Master Nie opened a hidden stairway in the pill chamber, and the group climbed to a peak in the inner valley.
• Dragon Manor Lord appeared with his forces and revealed that Nie Qianxiu had shown them the secret passage.
• Nie Qianxiu urged Valley Master Nie to submit to her master, while Young Master Long emerged and demanded Nie Qianyu as his concubine.

Dragon Soaring Manor and its allies attacked the Jade Standing Alliance, while Young Master Dragon assaulted Nie Qianrong, Nie Qianyu, and Xiao Juzi. Zhang Xiaohua arrived, killed Young Master Dragon and Dragon Manor Lord with flying swords, and offered Nie Qianyu medicine for Xiao Juzi before noticing something near the secret passage.

• Dragon Manor Lord and the leaders of the allied forces rejected Valley Master Nie’s plea and began fighting the Jade Standing Alliance.
• Young Master Dragon disarmed and wounded Nie Qianrong, then reached for Nie Qianyu as Dragon Manor Lord wounded Valley Master Nie.
• Xiao Juzi shielded Nie Qianyu, and Young Master Dragon tore off her left arm before reaching for Nie Qianyu again.
• Zhang Xiaohua appeared and sent eight streaks of sword light through the battle, killing Young Master Dragon, Dragon Manor Lord, and many of their fighters.
• Nie Qianyu begged Zhang Xiaohua to save Xiao Juzi, and he gave her a jade bottle of medicinal pills before looking toward the secret passage.

Zhang Xiaohua arrived at Hui Chun Valley after Young Master Long’s attack, rescued the Jade Standing Alliance, and learned that the conflict had cost Mu Qingxuan and Fei He their lives. He offered to take Nie Qianyu as a disciple, but when she affirmed her ties to the Big Dipper Sect, he accepted her provisionally and left her a communication jade talisman before flying toward Mochou City.

• Zhang Xiaohua killed the attackers from Dragon Soaring Manor and recalled his flying sword as the Jade Standing Alliance mistook him for a Sword Immortal.
• Zhang Xiaohua urged Valley Master Nie to prioritize Xiao Juzi’s treatment, and Valley Master Nie carried her down the mountain to reattach her severed arm.
• Si Yakong recounted the attack and its causes, leaving Zhang Xiaohua sorrowful over Mu Qingxuan and Fei He’s deaths.
• Zhang Xiaohua offered to take Nie Qianyu as his disciple, but she explained that she regarded the Big Dipper Sect as her master’s sect.
• Zhang Xiaohua accepted Nie Qianyu as a provisional registered disciple, gave her a communication jade talisman, and flew away toward Mochou City.

Zhang Xiaohua heard rumors about the immortal who saved Hui Chun Valley, reunited with Meng, and decided to visit the valley with her. They entered Hui Chun Villa at night, where Valley Master Nie confronted Nie Qianxiu over her role in letting Dragon Soaring Manor into the valley.

• Zhang Xiaohua heard increasingly extravagant stories about the battle at Hui Chun Valley and left the rumors uncorrected, thinking they might protect the valley.
• Zhang Xiaohua met Meng at the Matchmaker Temple and told her that an Immortal Path practitioner had supposedly killed Dragon Soaring Manor’s forces.
• Meng persuaded Zhang Xiaohua that visiting Hui Chun Valley would not endanger the Incense-Passing Cult’s plans, and he agreed to go with her.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Meng entered Hui Chun Villa unnoticed at night while disciples discussed Nie Qianyu’s refusal of the immortal elder’s offer and the formation she had set up.
• Valley Master Nie confronted Nie Qianxiu and Qiangsheng as they knelt in Herb Hall, and Nie Qianxiu defended her decision to let Dragon Soaring Manor enter the valley.

Zhang Xiaohua arrived at Hui Chun Valley with Meng and revealed that his actions had caused the valley’s recent disaster. He offered pills as an apology, while Nie Qianyu learned that Meng was named Zixia and had heard Zhang Xiaohua speak of her often.

• Valley Master Nie prepared to cripple Nie Qianxiu and Qiangsheng’s martial arts and imprison them after Old Master Yue argued for punishment instead of execution.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Meng entered the hall, and Zhang asked to question the prisoners about the mysterious master linked to Dragon Soaring Manor.
• Valley Master Nie refused to let Zhang and Meng question the prisoners privately, citing the need to handle the matter openly.
• Zhang revealed that he was an Incense-Passing Cult Protector disciple, explained that he had come secretly because Hui Chun Valley’s crisis was partly his fault, and asked those present to keep his whereabouts secret.
• Zhang apologized to Valley Master Nie and offered him bottles of Incense-Passing Cult pills as compensation.
• Nie Qianyu greeted Meng, who introduced herself as Zixia and said Zhang had often spoken of Nie Qianyu, leaving her pale with shock.

Zhang Xiaohua settled matters at Hui Chun Valley, returned Si Yakong’s Wordless Heavenly Book, and left Nie Qianyu to decide whether she wanted to join the Big Dipper Sect. After secretly searching for clues about the hidden conspirators, he overheard Nie Qianyu confessing her feelings for him, leaving him stunned.

• Zhang Xiaohua gave Nie Qianyu healing pills as compensation for Hui Chun Valley’s losses and asked everyone to keep his visit secret.
• Si Yakong asked for the Wordless Heavenly Book back, and Zhang Xiaohua returned it untouched.
• Valley Master Nie urged Zhang Xiaohua not to pursue Nie Qianyu’s discipleship, but Zhang Xiaohua said the choice was hers and warned her not to keep practicing his cultivation method if she declined.
• After leaving with Meng, Zhang Xiaohua returned to Hui Chun Valley to question Qiangsheng and Nie Qianxiu, but found no useful clues.
• Zhang Xiaohua overheard Nie Qianyu lamenting that she loved him and could not bear to see him with Meng, and he stood stunned above the peach grove.

Zhang Xiaohua and Meng learned that Nie Qianxiu knew little about the mysterious master beyond the name Shuiyun, while news of the immortal’s attack on Dragon Soaring Manor spread through the martial world. The Incense-Passing Cult and Righteous Path Alliance began weighing the rise of Immortal Dao practitioners and preparing for what might follow.

• Zhang Xiaohua told Meng that Nie Qianxiu and Qiangsheng had been used as pawns and that she had heard the master was connected to a place called Shuiyun northeast of Mochou City.
• Gang Leader Huang questioned Peng Yeyu about his missing son, then learned that an immortal had slaughtered Dragon Soaring Manor’s attackers at Hui Chun Valley.
• Peng Yeyu set out for Mochou City and ordered Gang Leader Huang to investigate the survivors and report the incident to the master.
• Abbess Jingyi and Abbess Jingfan discussed the Immortal Dao’s appearance alongside changes in Primordial Qi and agreed that the Incense-Passing Cult needed to act.
• Zhang San and Deputy Alliance Leader Chai considered whether the Immortal Dao practitioner was connected to the earlier destruction of the Fierce Tiger Gang’s underground hall.

The Righteous Path Alliance planned to hunt down the Misty Sect remnants and pressed Shui Yupeng for information about the sect’s hidden inheritance. Great Forest Temple and the Heavenly Dragon Divine Cult also discussed the Immortal Path practitioner and the destruction of the Misty Sect, leaving Di Shitian ordering his followers to uncover the reason behind it.

• Zhang San and the Righteous Path Alliance deputies discussed their search for Immortal Path secrets and decided to sweep away the Misty Sect remnants hiding with Hu Yunyi.
• Zhang San secretly used a crimson flag and a greenish yuan stone in a private chamber.
• Deputy Alliance Leader Chai learned Shui Yupeng had been captured and questioned him about a sheepskin scroll, using Tiantian and the possibility of restoring the Misty Sect to pressure him.
• Elder Changsheng dismissed concerns about the Immortal Path practitioner in Mochou City and declared that Great Forest Temple was ready to face any challenge.
• Di Shitian questioned his followers about the Immortal Path practitioner and the destruction of the Misty Sect, then ordered them to find out why the sect had been destroyed.

Zhang Xiaohua and Meng reached a temple called Great Forest Temple, but found that its abbot, rules, and monks did not match the Great Forest Temple they expected. Zhang Xiaohua realized the temple was a different institution sharing the same name, and the pair left to continue their search.

• Zhang Xiaohua and Meng discussed their long journey and the Incense-Passing Cult’s plans as they rode toward Great Forest Temple.
• They saw women entering the temple despite hearing that women were forbidden, and an elderly worshipper told Zhang Xiaohua that its abbot was Wu Lan rather than Changsheng.
• Zhang Xiaohua asked a young monk about Changsheng, Chang Geng, Chang Xing, Yuan Liao, Yuan Kong, and the temple’s halls, but the monk knew none of them.
• Zhang Xiaohua concluded that this Great Forest Temple was not the Great Forest Temple he sought, then led Meng away.

Zhang Xiaohua and Meng followed young monks through the mountains toward Great Forest Temple, where Zhang Xiaohua rescued one of them and the pair found their way onward. A monk guarding the route then mistook them for fame-seeking challengers and dismissed Meng’s Incense-Passing Cult attire as a common disguise.

• Zhang Xiaohua and Meng followed a group of young monks carrying heavy water buckets to a mountain spring.
• When one monk slipped toward the spring, Zhang Xiaohua swiftly caught him and carried him and his buckets to safety.
• The rescued monk silently signaled for them to follow, and Zhang Xiaohua and Meng tracked water stains along the middle path.
• At a pavilion, a guard monk blocked their way and accused them of coming to challenge Great Forest Temple for fame.
• The guard monk said women often impersonated Incense-Passing Cult disciples, leaving Zhang Xiaohua and Meng stunned.