Chapter Summaries

Zhang Xiaohua won his first second-stage match after relying on the Big Dipper Divine Fist, then unexpectedly recovered his strength by practicing it and entered his next match. He began to gain the upper hand against a stronger opponent, who tried to exploit his apparent lack of lightness skill by circling and tiring him out.

• Zhang Xiaohu brought a ladder, and Zhang Xiaohua climbed onto the platform for his match.
• Zhang Xiaohua fought using only the Big Dipper Divine Fist, adapted to his opponent’s attacks, and dodged the opponent’s final charge with the Misty Steps, sending him off the platform.
• After collapsing from exhaustion, Zhang Xiaohua practiced the Big Dipper Divine Fist and recovered his strength when a familiar flow surged through his body.
• Zhang Xiaohu stalled the tournament leader until Zhang Xiaohua arrived at his next platform before the forfeit deadline.
• Zhang Xiaohua attacked his second opponent with increasingly skillful combinations, while the opponent circled to wear him down.

Zhang Xiaohua outlasted and then overwhelmed Senior Brother Gao, winning their match when the time limit ended with Gao at a disadvantage. After worrying that he had missed his next match, Zhang Xiaohua learned that he had received a bye and advanced directly to the fourth round.

• Zhang Xiaohua conserved his strength while Senior Brother Gao circled the arena, then countered Gao’s Shadowless Kick and pressed him until time ran out.
• An official declared Zhang Xiaohua the winner because the tournament rules judged the disadvantaged fighter the loser when time expired without a decisive victory.
• Zhang Xiaohua learned from a nearby youth why Gao had lost and told Zhang Xiaohu that he had used feints to save his strength.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu feared they had missed his next match, but Steward Xu checked the tournament slips and found that Zhang Xiaohua had not been called.
• Steward Xu explained that Zhang Xiaohua had received a bye and advanced directly to the fourth round.

Zhang Xiaohua faced Tang Shi in the final round of the Martial Arts Tournament’s second stage and used the Misty Steps to wear down his exhausted opponent before launching a decisive attack. The chapter ended with Zhang Xiaohua’s full-strength punch aimed at Tang Shi’s chest near the edge of the platform.

• Zhang Xiaohua reassured Zhang Xiaohu that they had both made progress, and Zhang Xiaohu resolved to trust his master and stop dwelling on his coldness.
• Zhang Xiaohu carried a ladder to Zhang Xiaohua’s platform, and Zhang Xiaohua climbed it as the final match began.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Tang Shi traded powerful punches, surprising the watching disciples with Zhang Xiaohua’s strength.
• Zhang Xiaohua used the Misty Steps to evade Tang Shi and exhaust him after realizing Tang Shi had already fought several strenuous matches.
• Zhang Xiaohua pressed his attack and drove Tang Shi toward the platform’s edge, then shouted and threw a full-strength punch at his chest.

Zhang Xiaohua defeated Tang Shi in the tournament by using the Floating Technique to return to the arena, then learned Tang Shi would qualify regardless because Zhang Xiaohua held no Fledgling Eagle Hall slot. After a reflective walk with Zhang Xiaohu, he visited He Tianshu, who was exhausted and troubled by his attempts to understand Misty Steps.

• Tang Shi redirected Zhang Xiaohua toward the arena’s edge, but Zhang Xiaohua used the Floating Technique and Misty Steps to return, kick Tang Shi off the platform, and win.
• The leader explained that Tang Shi would qualify despite losing because Zhang Xiaohua was not a Fledgling Eagle Hall disciple and could not take a qualification slot.
• Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu discussed visiting their parents after the tournament, then used their tokens to enter the Medicine Hall and look for He Tianshu.
• On the walk, Zhang Xiaohua felt a sudden release after reflecting on his bond with Zhang Xiaohu, and Zhang Xiaohu noticed that his younger brother seemed changed.
• He Tianshu explained that comparing Zhang Xiaohua’s version of Misty Steps with the manual had left him unable to advance or trust his own understanding.

Zhang Xiaohua explained why his Misty Steps differed from the manual, helping He Tianshu escape a dangerous fixation, then shared his surprising progress in the Martial Arts Tournament. After studying the Carefree Heart Sutra through the night, Zhang Xiaohua went with Zhang Xiaohu and He Tianshu to watch the third-round matches, where Zhang Xiaohu began asking a practical question.

• Zhang Xiaohua explained that his self-taught Misty Steps naturally differed from the manual, and Zhang Xiaohu warned He Tianshu that obsessing over one interpretation could cause Qi Deviation.
• He Tianshu recognized that he had become trapped in a dangerous dead end, thanked the two brothers, and learned that Zhang Xiaohua had advanced to challenge the third round after drawing nine matches and winning through several unusual circumstances.
• He Tianshu advised Zhang Xiaohua about the coming matches, while Zhang Xiaohua spent the night memorizing all eighteen levels of the Carefree Heart Sutra and then regulated his qi.
• The next morning, He Tianshu explained that Medicine Hall disciples did not need to challenge the third round and offered to accompany Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu to watch the matches before Council Hall.
• At the Council Hall square, Zhang Xiaohu began asking He Tianshu a practical question about the tournament.

Zhang Xiaohua prepared to compete in the third round of the Misty Sect’s Martial Arts Tournament, but the matches were suspended when honored visitors arrived. He and Zhang Xiaohu learned that the unusual visit during the tournament might signal trouble.

• He Tianshu fetched a ladder so Zhang Xiaohua could reach the platform, and Zhang Chengyue opened the third round of the tournament.
• Zhang Chengyue assigned Zhang Xiaohua, Number 250, to Platform Five, drawing a crowd curious to see the lowest-ranked contestant who had advanced.
• Zhang Xiaohua hesitated between fighting seriously and using Misty Steps to secure a draw as the earlier matches unfolded.
• A messenger reported something to Zhang Chengyue, who consulted Ou Peng and then paused the tournament because guests had arrived.
• Ou Peng led the sect’s leaders out to welcome the visitors with nine bell chimes, while He Tianshu explained the ceremony and wondered why guests had come during the tournament.

Chang Geng brought Great Forest Temple monks to the Misty Sect’s Martial Arts Tournament and challenged its young disciples, forcing Ou Peng to accept an unfavorable contest. As the matches began, Zhang Xiaohua arrived at Arena Five to face a young monk, though he admitted he was unsure he could win.

• Zhang Xiaohua learned from He Tianshu that Chang Geng, Great Forest Temple’s Enforcement Elder, had arrived seeking to settle a score with the Misty Sect.
• Chang Geng proposed that his young monks compete against the Misty Sect’s Commoner First Rank challengers, and Ou Peng reluctantly agreed to his terms.
• Zhang Chengyue selected three young monks, who took positions on Arenas One, Four, and Five as the Misty Sect’s matches began.
• Zhang Xiaohu brought a ladder to Arena Five, and Zhang Xiaohua climbed up to face the monk waiting there.
• Zhang Xiaohua told Zhang Chengyue he was Contestant Number 250 and had little confidence in winning, while Zhang Chengyue encouraged him to show his ability.

Zhang Xiaohua defeated Yuan Liao in the Arena Five challenge, surprising the crowd and shifting the Misty Sect’s tournament results. The matches ended with the Misty Sect advancing on four arenas, while Monk Chang Geng accepted the monks’ defeat and urged them to train harder.

• Yuan Liao questioned Zhang Xiaohua about his tournament entry and record, then revealed his lightness skill and acupoint-striking ability as he attacked.
• Yuan Liao struck thirty-six of Zhang Xiaohua’s major acupoints, but Zhang Xiaohua remained unaffected and kicked him off the arena.
• The cheering at Arena Five distracted the other competitors, helping Tang Shi win on Arena One and allowing the Misty Sect to pass two more challenges; Arena Four’s challenge failed.
• Monk Chang Geng persuaded Gang Leader Ou to let winners continue in later matches, but Yuan Liao had already been eliminated under the agreed rules.
• Zhang Chengyue and Gang Leader Ou wondered how Zhang Xiaohua had won, while Monk Chang Geng told the defeated monks to train harder.

Great Forest Temple’s disciples defeated the Misty Sect in a series of challenges and sparring matches, leaving Ou Peng worried about the sect’s reputation and Monk Chang Geng’s intentions. Monk Chang Geng then announced that the next match involving a disciple surnamed Yuan would be special, but had not yet explained how.

• Yuan Kong demanded a chance to challenge Zhang Xiaohua, and Monk Chang Geng told him to wait until Zhang Xiaohua had rested.
• Monk Chang Geng arranged for Great Forest Temple disciples to challenge Misty Sect disciples of the Second Rank, and all four matches ended in Misty Sect defeats.
• The First-to-Third Rank challenges continued, with Misty Sect disciples suffering further losses while a few advanced.
• Monk Chang Geng arranged five unarmed sparring matches between similarly aged disciples, and Great Forest Temple won all five.
• Ou Peng acknowledged Great Forest Temple’s advantage, while Monk Chang Geng hinted at the Misty Sect’s long-standing ties to his temple.
• Monk Chang Geng said the next match involving a disciple surnamed Yuan would be special, and Ou Peng asked him to explain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Monk Chang Geng brings Yuan Xing, a lay disciple of Great Forest Temple, to Misty Sect for a spar, requesting no use of internal energy.
• Zhang Xiaohu volunteers to represent Misty Sect, using only the [***] Fist Techniques against Yuan Xing's various Great Forest Temple fist and palm techniques.
• Zhang Xiaohu's initial disadvantage turns into a close match as he improves his [***] Fist Techniques under pressure.
• The Misty Sect disciples and martial artists in the audience cheer for Zhang Xiaohu as he gradually gains the upper hand.

Character Developments

• Zhang Xiaohu: Shows resilience and growth in his [***] Fist Techniques, eventually gaining the upper hand against Yuan Xing.
• Yuan Xing: Initially underestimates Zhang Xiaohu, later regrets not finishing the match earlier, and struggles to defeat Zhang Xiaohu as his techniques improve.
• Monk Chang Geng: Confident in Yuan Xing's abilities, doesn't watch the match closely, and chats with Ou Peng about jianghu affairs.
• Ou Peng: Watches the match with keen interest, hoping to see Zhang Xiaohu's potential in internal energy cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Growth: Zhang Xiaohu's [***] Fist Techniques improve under pressure, showcasing his resilience and growth as a martial artist.
• Underestimation: Yuan Xing underestimates Zhang Xiaohu initially, leading to a more challenging match than expected.
• Potential and Opportunity: Ou Peng watches the match to assess Zhang Xiaohu's potential in internal energy cultivation, seeing it as an opportunity for his growth.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Xiaohu vs. Yuan Xing: The close match between Zhang Xiaohu and Yuan Xing highlights their respective strengths and weaknesses, with Zhang Xiaohu's resilience and growth ultimately turning the tide.
• Monk Chang Geng and Ou Peng: The two sect leaders chat about jianghu affairs, showing mutual respect and understanding, despite the competitive nature of the spar.
• Misty Sect Disciples and Audience: The disciples and audience members initially underestimate Zhang Xiaohu but grow hopeful as he improves, eventually cheering for him in unison.

Zhang Xiaohu’s skill with a single set of ordinary fist techniques impressed Great Gang Leader Ou, and his match with Yuan Xing ended in a draw that won him the Misty Sect disciples’ wholehearted respect. Great Gang Leader Ou then persuaded Zhang Xiaohua to face Yuan Kong, who returned with Great Forest Temple’s terms for letting him view the secret Dharma Sword Manual if Yuan Kong lost.

• Great Gang Leader Ou recognized Zhang Xiaohu’s talent, learned he had practiced martial arts for only a short time, and refused Monk Chang Geng’s suggestion that Zhang Xiaohu join Great Forest Temple.
• Yuan Xing called his match with Zhang Xiaohu a draw, and the Misty Sect disciples welcomed Zhang Xiaohu as one of their own.
• Monk Yuan Kong challenged Zhang Xiaohua, and Zhang Xiaohua agreed after deciding that refusing would put Great Gang Leader Ou in a difficult position.
• Zhang Xiaohua demanded a chance to learn Great Forest Temple’s Dharma Swordplay if he won, and Yuan Kong refused to teach it.
• Yuan Kong consulted Monk Chang Geng and returned offering Zhang Xiaohua a single viewing of the Dharma Sword Manual, provided he did not copy, recite, or teach its contents.

Zhang Xiaohua fought Yuan Kong in a fierce arena match, and Yuan Kong’s acupoint strikes failed against him while injuring his fingers. The match continued as Yuan Kong paused to treat his hand, while Ou Peng studied Zhang Xiaohua’s unusual fist technique.

• Zhang Xiaohua and Yuan Kong agreed to fight after bargaining over the stakes, and they exchanged formal salutes before beginning.
• Yuan Kong attacked with the Vajra Subduing Demon Palm, but Zhang Xiaohua met his force and the two traded powerful blows as the crowd cheered.
• Ou Peng and Monk Chang Geng discussed Zhang Xiaohua’s strange, mixed-together fist technique while watching the evenly matched fight.
• Yuan Kong switched to grappling and used Acupoint Striking Hand on Zhang Xiaohua’s neck, but Zhang Xiaohua remained standing and kicked Yuan Kong’s fingers against his hard sole.
• Yuan Kong’s fingers were injured, and Zhang Xiaohua offered him time to treat them before teasing him about braised pork, making him collapse onto the arena.

Zhang Xiaohua fought Monk Yuan Kong in a match that tested his stamina, while Ou Peng and Hu Yunyi recognized a possible link between Zhang’s basic-looking fist moves and the lost Great Heavenly Cycle Star Fist. The match continued with Zhang apparently near exhaustion, leaving his connection to the ancient fist technique unresolved.

• Monk Yuan Kong treated his injured fingers, returned to the arena, and changed tactics to drain Zhang Xiaohua’s strength with the Mad Demon Staff Technique.
• Zhang Xiaohua used the Misty Steps to evade Yuan Kong, but Yuan Kong matched them with Crossing the River on a Reed and forced Zhang back to the Big Dipper Divine Fist.
• As Zhang’s strength waned and Yuan Kong grew confident, Ou Peng and Hu Yunyi recalled their master Yun Hui’s account of the Great Heavenly Cycle Star Fist and its scattered moves hidden in ordinary martial arts.
• Ou Peng concealed his excitement from Monk Chang Geng, while Hu Yunyi shared his suspicions about Zhang Xiaohua’s unusual fist technique.
• Monk Chang Geng observed that Zhang Xiaohua was too exhausted to punch steadily and warned that Yuan Kong could knock him from the arena with a light touch.

Zhang Xiaohua’s strength suddenly surged during his match with Yuan Kong, turning the fight around and leaving Yuan Kong to jump off the arena himself. After the match, Zhang Chengyue warned Zhang Xiaohua that Master Chang Geng would question him about his martial arts, and Zhang Xiaohua went to meet the Enforcement Elder.

• Yuan Kong toyed with Zhang Xiaohua until Zhang Xiaohua completed seven sets of the Big Dipper Divine Fist and gained a surge of strength.
• Zhang Xiaohua chased Yuan Kong around the arena with powerful blows, while Yuan Kong grew wary and eventually exhausted his internal energy.
• After Zhang Xiaohua’s strength surged again, Yuan Kong jumped off the arena to avoid being kicked down, and Zhang Xiaohua said he had wanted to call the match a draw.
• Yuan Kong fainted from anger, while Misty Sect disciples celebrated Zhang Xiaohua’s victory and called him “Little Qiang.”
• Zhang Chengyue warned Zhang Xiaohua that Master Chang Geng would question him, then brought him to greet Great Gang Leader Ou and the other leaders.
• Zhang Xiaohua paid respects to Master Chang Geng, who silently stared at him.

After defeating Yuan Liao and Yuan Kong, Zhang Xiaohua secured a promise from Monk Chang Geng to let him study a Great Forest Temple sword manual in a year. The tournament’s contests ended, and Zhang Xiaohua returned to a warm welcome from Misty Sect’s disciples.

• Monk Chang Geng praised Zhang Xiaohua and considered asking him about joining Great Forest Temple, but decided against it after recognizing his ties to Misty Sect.
• Zhang Xiaohua reminded Monk Chang Geng that Yuan Kong had wagered access to the Dharma Sword manual, and Monk Chang Geng promised to seek the abbot’s approval.
• Monk Chang Geng agreed that Zhang Xiaohua could study another treasured Great Forest Temple sword manual in one year, and Zhang Xiaohua accepted.
• Ou Peng and Monk Chang Geng ended the contests and agreed to encourage future exchanges between Great Forest Temple and Misty Sect.
• Ou Peng invited Monk Chang Geng to a vegetarian feast, and the remaining tournament contests were postponed.
• Zhang Xiaohua returned to the square and received an enthusiastic welcome from Misty Sect’s disciples.

After defeating two Great Forest Temple monks in the tournament, Zhang Xiaohua returned to Zhang Xiaohu’s residence, where He Tianshu explained why the monks had been sent to challenge the Misty Sect. The chapter left Zhang Xiaohua worried that the temple’s Enforcement Elder might retaliate, while Zhang Xiaohu wondered how his younger brother had recovered his strength.

• Zhang Xiaohua escaped the enthusiastic Misty Sect disciples and joined Zhang Xiaohu and He Tianshu at Zhang Xiaohu’s residence.
• Zhang Xiaohua asked how Yuan Liao’s acupoint strikes had failed to affect him, and He Tianshu explained the technique and marveled at his immunity.
• He Tianshu said Great Forest Temple had sent Yuan Liao and Yuan Kong to defeat Misty Sect disciples in different rank groups.
• He Tianshu praised Zhang Xiaohua for appearing exhausted and luring Yuan Kong into defeat, while Zhang Xiaohu recalled that Zhang Xiaohua had practiced punches instead of resting.
• Zhang Xiaohua feared Monk Chang Geng might try to silence him, and Zhang Xiaohu grew concerned about his brother’s unexplained recovery.

After Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu were summoned to the Council Hall, Ou Peng praised their performance against Great Forest Temple and recognized Zhang Xiaohu’s potential. He granted Zhang Xiaohu the chance to learn the Misty Sect’s Misty Divine Art, leaving Zhang Xiaohu determined to cultivate it to great completion.

• Zhang Xiaohua asked He Tianshu whether Great Gang Leader Ou would reward him for fighting Great Forest Temple, and He Tianshu said the second match might earn him recognition.
• Zhang Chengyue arrived and told Zhang Xiaohu and Zhang Xiaohua that Ou Peng wanted to see them in the Council Hall.
• Ou Peng praised Zhang Xiaohu for enduring the sect’s test and acknowledged that he had underestimated Zhang Xiaohu’s aptitude.
• Ou Peng offered Zhang Xiaohu a choice of the Misty Divine Art or another Internal Energy Cultivation Method, and Zhang Xiaohu chose the Misty Divine Art.
• Ou Peng told Wen Wenhai to teach Zhang Xiaohu the art’s oral formula the next day and urged them to prepare for a possible rematch with Yuan.

After Zhang Xiaohua defeated two Great Forest Temple monks, Ou Peng and Hu Yunyi examined his unusual fist technique and arranged to record it as the Big Dipper Divine Fist. Ou Peng then rewarded Zhang Xiaohua with permission to enter the Medicine Hall and read its books, leaving him with a chance to investigate the herbs that would not sprout.

• Ou Peng asked Zhang Xiaohua to explain and demonstrate his 108-move fist technique, which Zhang Xiaohua said he had improvised from moves he kept forgetting.
• Ou Peng and Hu Yunyi asked to record the technique, and Zhang Xiaohua named it the Big Dipper Divine Fist and requested a copy of the finished manual.
• Ou Peng offered Zhang Xiaohua a reward for defeating two Great Forest Temple monks, and Zhang Xiaohua asked for a token granting free access to the Medicine Hall and its books.
• Ou Peng granted Zhang Xiaohua the token and promised another reward if he solved the problem of the herbs that would not sprout.
• Ou Peng asked whether Zhang Xiaohua had finished learning the Misty Steps, and Zhang Xiaohua credited Captain He with teaching him.

Zhang Xiaohua discussed the Misty Steps Floating Technique and his reward with Ou Peng, then asked permission to return home with his second brother. Ou Peng agreed, but said they could leave only after Zhang Xiaohua recorded his fist manual and his brother memorized the first level of the Internal Energy Cultivation Method.

• Zhang Xiaohua thanked Ou Peng for awarding him Misty Steps, and Ou Peng said its later techniques could not be passed on casually.
• Zhang Xiaohua mentioned the Floating Technique in his copy of Misty Steps, so Ou Peng ordered Zhang Chengyue to retrieve the manual and told Zhang Xiaohua to keep it secret.
• Zhang Xiaohua asked for royalties for his Big Dipper Divine Fist, and Ou Peng awarded him one thousand taels of silver to take home to his parents.
• Zhang Xiaohua asked to return home with his second brother, and Ou Peng agreed.
• Ou Peng clarified that Zhang Xiaohua and his second brother could leave only after Zhang Xiaohua recorded the fist manual and his brother memorized the first level of the Internal Energy Cultivation Method.

Zhang Xiaohua learned that the Misty Sect leaders believed his Big Dipper Divine Fist was genuine and decided to keep his connection to it secret, while leaving him outside the sect. After returning to Huanxi Mountain Villa, he was summoned to deal with a crisis: the medicinal herbs he had tended were turning yellow, and He Tianshu was inspecting them by torchlight.

• Ou Peng reassured Zhang Chengyue that the Floating Technique paper posed no danger and ordered the Big Dipper Divine Fist manual kept secret.
• Ou Peng told Hu Yunyi that Zhang Xiaohua had truly mastered the Big Dipper Divine Fist, but explained why the sect would not formally accept him.
• Zhang Xiaohua returned to Zhang Xiaohu’s residence pleased with his Medicine Hall token and silver reward, then encountered Nie Xiao Er at the door.
• Nie Xiao Er told Zhang Xiaohua that the medicinal herbs at Huanxi Mountain Villa had turned sickly while he was away, and hurried him back.
• Zhang Xiaohua reached the villa and found He Tianshu examining the damaged medicinal fields by torchlight.