Word of Honor Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Word of Honor Synopsis

To gain freedom, Zhou Zishu, the leader of Window of Heaven, doesn't hesitate to pay with his life to leave the organization. With not much time left, he encounters Wen Kexing, the Chief of Ghost Valley, who is determined to destroy the world and exact revenge. Drawn into the intricate disputes of the jianghu (martial arts world), the two meet and come to deeply understand each other, ultimately becoming soulmates who offer each other salvation. A conspiracy, two confidants, five pieces of a treasure puzzle, twenty years of grievances, and a centuries-old jianghu dream inextricably link their destinies.

Word of Honor Recap

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Rumors spread in the martial world that twenty years ago, the evil Rong Xuan was executed at Mount Qingya by the Five Lakes Alliance and heroes from across the land. Before his death, he left behind an arsenal that could render a person invincible overnight. To open the arsenal, one must first find the Glazed Armor. All factions began to covet the treasure, secretly searching for the Glazed Armor. Far in the north, Prince Jin also began stirring.

He secretly cultivated a large number of Window of Heaven spies and assassins to murder key officials in court. Officer Li of Zhenwu Command submitted a memorial to the court, accusing Prince Jin of plotting rebellion. Upon hearing this, Prince Jin sent Zhou Zishu, leader of Window of Heaven, to assassinate Officer Li's entire family. In the dead of night, countless Kongming lanterns floated over the Command's residence. The guards shot one down, igniting a blazing fire.

Amidst the chaos, three masked figures descended from the sky and quickly slaughtered all the guards in the compound. A swordsman in green arrived to rescue Officer Li. He engaged in fierce combat with the masked intruders and carved a bloody path through them. Grabbing Officer Li’s hand, he leapt over walls trying to escape via the rooftops, only to be stopped by the masked Zhou Zishu. Zhou Zishu forced Officer Li to hand over a secret letter.

The swordsman in green refused, and they fought fiercely. In the clash of blades, the swordsman tore off the leader’s mask—Officer Li was shocked to discover that the Window of Heaven leader was Zhou Zishu. Officer Li urged him to turn back from the wrong path and not aid the wicked. Zhou Zishu ignored him, slashed him dead, and took the secret letter.

Zhou Zishu and Princess Jing An, daughter of Officer Li, were senior and junior disciples under the same master. She was also the lover of Zhou Zishu’s close friend Qin Jiuxiao. Zhou Zishu informed her of her father’s death. Grief-stricken, she was given a bottle of poison by Zhou Zishu, who honored her act of delivering Qin Jiuxiao’s remains to the Four Seasons Manor. With tears in her eyes, she drank the poison.

Zhou Zishu watched her die from the poison, still clutching the hairpin carved by Qin Jiuxiao, his heart overwhelmed by mixed emotions. Zhou Zishu returned to report to Prince Jin. Upon learning that Bi Zhangfeng had made a grave mistake in taking down the Commandant, Prince Jin insisted he leave Window of Heaven. Enraged, he ordered Zhou Zishu to personally execute Bi Zhangfeng. Zhou Zishu returned to the now-empty Four Seasons Manor, overwhelmed with emotion.

Ten years ago, he had arrived in Jinzhou with 81 brothers—now only he and Bi Zhangfeng remained. Bi Zhangfeng had loyally followed Zhou Zishu for years and gradually came to see Prince Jin's true nature. He advised Zhou Zishu to stop being Prince Jin's lapdog—even if he became a cripple, he should still leave Window of Heaven.

Window of Heaven had a rule: those who left had to undergo the punishment of the Nails of Seven Torments—iron nails driven into different parts of the body, stripping one of all senses and speech. After three years, the person would die when their life force was completely drained. Even so, Bi Zhangfeng was willing to endure this to leave. Zhou Zishu reluctantly drove seven nails into Bi Zhangfeng’s body. Bi Zhangfeng endured the excruciating pain motionless.

Zhou Zishu, having seen all his brothers die tragically, was heartbroken and fell seriously ill, coughing up blood. Prince Jin was unhappy to hear that Zhou Zishu was in seclusion to recuperate, and summoned him through the Window of Heaven command. In truth, Zhou Zishu had long prepared to leave. Every three months, he drove a nail into his own body—he had already embedded six.

Though it meant he would only live for three more years, his senses would gradually fade, and he could still retain half his martial skills. Zhou Zishu arrived on time to see Prince Jin and presented the punishment of the Nails of Seven Torments, asking Prince Jin to embed the final nail. Prince Jin pleaded bitterly for Zhou Zishu to stay and help him conquer the land, but Zhou Zishu was determined.

Prince Jin flew into a rage and declared that he would one day march into the Central Plains and become emperor. Prince Jin ordered Duan Pengju to drive the final nail into Zhou Zishu and appointed him the new leader of Window of Heaven. Duan Pengju, having longed for this position, accepted eagerly. After leaving Window of Heaven, Zhou Zishu donned a specially prepared mask and roamed the martial world under a new identity.

In Mount Qingya, there was a Ghost Valley, whose Chief commanded the Ten Devils and over 3,000 minions. Hanging Ghost had stolen the Glazed Armor from the Chief and was being pursued. He narrowly escaped, only to be killed by someone else. The Chief ordered the valley to mobilize fully to find Hanging Ghost—whoever found the Glazed Armor would become head of the Ten Devils. Three months passed quickly. Zhou Zishu wandered into Yuezhou City, bustling with people.

He leaned against a bridge, basking in the sun. Gu Xiang and Wen Kexing were drinking in an inn across the street. Zhang Chengling from the Mirror Lake Sect, one of the Five Lakes Alliance, happened to pass by. He asked his attendant Xiao Wu for money to give Zhou Zishu. Zhou Zishu firmly refused. Gu Xiang, curious, offered him a pot of wine.

Zhou Zishu drank it all in one gulp and boasted that he only wanted wine, not money. Gu Xiang thought he was scamming drinks and attacked him. Zhou Zishu dodged left and right. Gu Xiang pulled out a whip and tried to strike him down. Wen Kexing arrived in time to stop her.

Wen Kexing immediately recognized that Zhou Zishu was using the Flowing Cloud Nine Palaces Steps of the Four Seasons Manor. He gave Gu Xiang a harsh lesson and took her away. Zhang Chengling, noticing Zhou Zishu’s profound martial arts despite his low profile, greeted him warmly and gave him a name card, inviting him to visit Mirror Lake Manor if needed. Zhang Chengling, in a hurry to buy pastries for his mother, left first.

Hearing children sing songs about the Five Lakes Alliance vying for martial supremacy and the Glazed Armor, Zhou Zishu was struck by how unpredictable the martial world had become. Zhou Zishu woke a nearby boatman, intending to go to Mirror Lake Manor by boat. The boatman took advantage of the opportunity to ask for an exorbitant fare. Zhou Zishu didn’t bargain. Seeing how sickly Zhou Zishu looked, the boatman hesitated to exploit him.

Wen Kexing and Gu Xiang arrived just in time and offered to take Zhou Zishu to Mirror Lake Manor. The boatman wouldn’t relent and dragged Zhou Zishu onto the boat and set off. From afar, Zhou Zishu saw that Mirror Lake Manor resembled a paradise. He rushed over, forgetting to pay upon disembarking. The boatman furiously scolded him, but Zhou Zishu decided to take a free ride for once.

Using lightness skills, he quickly entered the peach blossom grove of Mirror Lake Manor and was intoxicated by the floral scent. Wen Kexing suddenly attacked from behind, forcing Zhou Zishu to fight. After a few rounds, Wen Kexing admired Zhou Zishu and invited him for a drink and chat, but Zhou Zishu firmly declined. Zhou Zishu arrived at Mirror Lake Manor and learned from the steward that Sect Leader Zhang Yusen had long since withdrawn from martial affairs.

He had three sons: Zhang Chengfeng, Zhang Chengluan, and Zhang Chengling, and forbade them from meddling in sect rivalries. The steward housed Zhou Zishu in the woodshed. At midnight, the Seven Torments Nails began to take effect. Zhou Zishu was in unbearable pain and had to use all his energy for self-healing when he suddenly heard loud commotion outside. Zhou Zishu opened the door to find Mirror Lake Manor engulfed in flames.

He leapt to the roof to observe and saw masked individuals rampaging, killing, burning, and looting—likely Ghost Valley people. He immediately went to rescue others. Zhang Yusen and his sons Zhang Chengluan and Zhang Chengfeng were captured. Almost everyone in Mirror Lake Manor was slaughtered, corpses littered the ground. The boatman protected Zhang Chengling in their escape but was pursued by Ghost Valley members. Zhou Zishu saved them and helped them escape by boat.

In the distance, he saw Wen Kexing watching leisurely from a pavilion. Zhou Zishu took the boatman and Zhang Chengling to an abandoned temple. The boatman explained that Zhang Yusen had once saved his life. He had been ferrying in front of Mirror Lake Manor for three years to repay the favor. He urged Zhang Chengling to go to Tai Lake to find Hero Sanbai, but Zhang Chengling refused to leave.

As the wind howled outside, a group of masked attackers burst in. A man claiming to be Hanging Ghost shouted to capture Zhang Chengling. Zhou Zishu, exhausted, needed to rest for half an hour. The boatman fought Hanging Ghost but gradually lost strength and was knocked down. Hanging Ghost tried to kill Zhou Zishu, but Zhang Chengling protected him with all his might. Gu Xiang arrived just in time and fought fiercely against Changing Ghost and other devils.

Hanging Ghost tried to kill Zhang Chengling, but the boatman threw himself in front to shield him, receiving serious injuries. Gu Xiang was surrounded by devils. Zhou Zishu struggled to his feet to help her and drove all the devils away. Weak from exhaustion, he nearly collapsed. Wen Kexing arrived and caught him in time. The boatman, on the verge of death from blood loss, was sustained by Wen Kexing's internal energy.

He asked Zhou Zishu to entrust Zhang Chengling to Zhao Jing of the Five Lakes Alliance and made Zhang Chengling kneel to Zhou Zishu in gratitude. Zhou Zishu agreed. After saying his final words, the boatman passed away. Zhou Zishu helped Zhang Chengling bury the boatman. Exhausted, Zhang Chengling fell asleep. Zhou Zishu decided to rest for the night before continuing. Wen Kexing asked Gu Xiang to light a fire and roast some rations for Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling.

Zhou Zishu, saying he wasn't hungry, refused to eat. Gu Xiang mocked him, and Zhang Chengling also refused her food, prompting a scolding from Gu Xiang, who rebuked him for being ungrateful. Zhang Chengling repeatedly apologized. Seeing Zhang Chengling severely injured, Wen Kexing offered to treat him, but Zhou Zishu refused. The two soon began fighting over their disagreement.

Wen Kexing was convinced that Zhou Zishu had changed his appearance and tried several times to expose his true identity, but Zhou Zishu deftly deflected each attempt. Wen Kexing was curious why Mirror Lake Manor had provoked people from Ghost Valley of Mount Qingya, but Zhang Chengling was also unaware, and Zhou Zishu was even less interested.

Wen Kexing brought up children's rhymes, claiming that it was widely rumored in the martial world that the evil Rong Xuan had left behind an armory that could render one invincible. To open the armory, the Glazed Armor was required, and various sects were killing each other to obtain it. Zhou Zishu thought these people were just greedy and unworthy of discussion, forcing Wen Kexing to keep quiet.

Shen Shen, the head of the Dagu Mountain Sect, arrived at Mirror Lake Manor in a small boat and found the place littered with corpses. Deng Kuan, the top disciple of the Yueyang Sect, and others were helping to clean up the bodies. Shen Shen learned that his sworn brothers Zhang Yusen, Zhang Chengluan, and Zhang Chengfeng had been brutally killed. Devastated, he was grief-stricken.

Deng Kuan knelt and admitted his mistake, explaining that they had come to deliver an invitation to Zhang Yusen. Unexpectedly, all the boats at the dock were driven away, and they watched helplessly as the manor burned. By the time they arrived, it was too late. Shen Shen raised his head and vowed to avenge the Zhang family.

Tao Hongpo and Green Willow Elder soon arrived and cursed Shen Shen, calling him a lackey of Five Lakes Alliance leader Gao Chong and telling him to follow Zhang Yusen in death. Shen Shen was enraged, but Beggar Sect elder Huang He arrived in time to mediate, urging everyone to put the greater good above personal grudges. Zhou Zishu woke early to find Wen Kexing staring at him. He roused Zhang Chengling and continued their journey.

Wen Kexing, still suspicious of Zhou Zishu's identity but lacking evidence, followed him with Gu Xiang. Huang He and Shen Shen’s group finished clearing the bodies but couldn’t find Zhang Chengling. Just as they were about to search the backyard, they discovered that the Hanging Ghost's Soul-Binding Threads had sealed the gate, leading them to suspect that the Ghost Valley of Mount Qingya was responsible for the massacre.

Shen Shen handed the alliance token to Deng Kuan and instructed him to report back to their master and rally the brothers to find Zhang Chengling. Huang He promised to help in the search. Green Willow Elder and Tao Hongpo hated the Five Lakes Alliance deeply. Huang He tried to reason with them, explaining that the Danyang Sect had been slaughtered while fighting over the Glazed Armor in Lu Taichong’s possession.

Only two disciples survived and took refuge under Taishan Sect leader Ao Laizi. Now, with Mirror Lake Manor also annihilated, Huang He couldn't help but sigh. Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling traveled day and night. Just as they were about to rest by the roadside, Wen Kexing, persistent as ever, awaited them. Zhou Zishu ignored him and pressed on. By the riverside, Wen Kexing caught up again, prompting Zhou Zishu to leave without a word.

At the inn, Zhou Zishu found that Wen Kexing had booked all the rooms. With no other inns nearby, Zhou Zishu planned to stay in the woodshed, but Wen Kexing offered them the best room and even provided new clothes. Zhou Zishu inspected everything carefully before letting Zhang Chengling rest. Zhang Chengling was reluctant to undress, so Zhou Zishu showed concern about his injuries. Zhang Chengling quickly made excuses to hide the truth.

Zhou Zishu went downstairs for tea and found Wen Kexing waiting. Zhou Zishu got straight to the point, questioning Wen Kexing’s true intentions. Wen Kexing claimed he only wanted to see Zhou Zishu's real face and pressed him about his relationship with Zhang Chengling. Zhou Zishu avoided answering. Gu Xiang arrived, and she and Wen Kexing mocked Zhou Zishu in turn. Huang He gave Zhang Chengling’s portrait to the Beggar Sect disciples and told them to search for him.

Wen Kexing invited Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling for a meal. While Zhang Chengling went to wash his hands, he was spotted by a Beggar Sect disciple but didn’t realize it. Zhang Chengling had no appetite and was scolded by Gu Xiang. He had to force himself to eat.

Gao Chong gathered the sect leaders and publicly announced a Hero's Conference on the fifteenth of July, calling for all sects to attack Mount Qingya and eliminate Ghost Valley to avenge Zhang Yusen and his family. The crowd was stirred and swore to destroy Ghost Valley. Taishan Sect leader Ao Laizi was escorting the last two Danyang Sect disciples to Mount Wudang. They endured many hardships and had to constantly evade Five Lakes Alliance pursuers like Shen Shen.

Ao Laizi swore to protect the Glazed Armor with his life. Zhou Zishu was cultivating when he heard a commotion. He rushed to protect Zhang Chengling, who had awakened from a nightmare. Zhou Zishu comforted him and then went outside, only to see that Wen Kexing had already killed two masked attackers.

Zhou Zishu took Zhang Chengling and left the inn. Wen Kexing was already waiting at the intersection. Zhang Chengling thanked him for saving his life. At that moment, the deputy branch master of the Beggar Sect's Dazhi Branch, a limping beggar, called out to Zhang Chengling. Claiming that Huang He had entrusted him to find Zhang Yusen’s son, the Beggar Sect disciples surrounded them. Zhang Chengling, not recognizing them, hid behind Zhou Zishu.

The limping beggar insisted that Shen Shen had asked the Beggar Sect for help and was determined to take Zhang Chengling with him. Zhang Chengling refused, and the beggar accused Zhou Zishu of drugging him. Wen Kexing argued with the beggar on the spot. With one command, the Beggar Sect disciples formed an impenetrable formation to attack Zhou Zishu. Zhou Zishu asked Wen Kexing to take care of Zhang Chengling. With effortless skill, he broke through their formation.

Zhang Chengling, worried, asked Wen Kexing to help, but Wen Kexing was confident that Zhou Zishu could handle it alone. Zhou Zishu scattered a bag of soybeans on the ground, causing the Beggar Sect disciples to fall. The limping beggar tried to seize Zhang Chengling while Zhou Zishu was surrounded. Wen Kexing urged Zhou Zishu to use his weapon, but Zhou Zishu ignored him and tried to break through to rescue Zhang Chengling.

Suddenly coughing up blood, Zhou Zishu managed to grab Zhang Chengling and flee. Wen Kexing killed the limping beggar and the other disciples. Zhou Zishu brought Zhang Chengling into a small alley. Exhausted, he sat down to meditate and restore his energy. One of Ghost Valley's Ten Devils, the Lustful Ghost, brought back two girls—Yunzai and Honglu—from a brothel and harassed them.

Gu Xiang arrived and gave him a severe beating, conveying the Chief’s order to gather the other Devils at Sanbai Manor by Tai Lake. Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling traveled under harsh conditions, resting by a lakeside at night. Zhou Zishu caught and grilled fish, but it was barely edible. Gu Xiang arrived and teased him. Wen Kexing came by flower boat, accompanied by Yunzai and Honglu for drinking and entertainment, which Gu Xiang disapproved of.

Wen Kexing recognized Zhou Zishu's sword as identical to that of Qin Huaizhang from Four Seasons Manor and pressed him for answers. Zhou Zishu refused and sarcastically retorted. Suddenly, a piercing zither sound came from deep in the forest, shaking even the flames. Yunzai and Honglu, affected by the music, fell into the water but were rescued by Gu Xiang. Zhang Chengling felt dizzy and unsteady, and Gu Xiang protected him.

Zhou Zishu picked up Wen Kexing’s flute and played to counter the zither. The zither was eventually overwhelmed, and the player was severely injured and fled. Wen Kexing recognized the sound as that of Qin Song, one of Scorpion King's four top assassins, known as the Enchanting Melody. Zhang Chengling felt sick and vomited. Zhou Zishu scolded him for poor internal training and being susceptible to demonic sounds.

Zhang Chengling admitted he hadn’t learned martial arts and knelt to become Zhou Zishu's disciple. Zhou Zishu refused, citing that at fourteen he had missed the optimal time for training but agreed to teach him basic self-defense. Enchanting Melody Qin Song staggered back and complained to fellow assassins Golden-Haired Jiang Guai, Pretty Arhat, and Poison Bodhisattva. Pretty Arhat wanted to take revenge, but Jiang Guai urged him not to complicate matters and to report back first.

Zhou Zishu taught Zhang Chengling inner cultivation methods. Wen Kexing played the flute all night to aid their recovery. Gu Xiang scolded Wen Kexing for exhausting himself for Zhou Zishu, but Wen Kexing didn’t mind. By morning, Zhou Zishu's internal energy was fully restored, and he felt refreshed. Wen Kexing had stayed nearby all night, playing the flute. Zhang Chengling also felt invigorated and again asked Zhou Zishu to take him as a disciple.

Zhou Zishu planned to drop him off at Sanbai Manor and be done. Wen Kexing suggested Zhang Chengling pester Zhou Zishu to stay. As they continued traveling, Wen Kexing, claiming Gu Xiang kicked him off the boat, insisted on coming along. Zhou Zishu made him drive the carriage. Wen Kexing drove them swiftly to Huzhou. Zhang Chengling again asked to become Zhou Zishu’s disciple, but Zhou Zishu was determined to hand him over to Zhao Jing.

Tao Hongpo and Green Willow Elder relentlessly pursued Ao Laizi for the Glazed Armor, forcing him into battle. Shen Shen soon arrived to help. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing escorted Zhang Chengling to Sanbai Manor and handed him over to Zhao Jing, who expressed his gratitude for their help. At that moment, Taishan Sect disciple Qinghua rushed in to seek Zhao Jing’s aid in rescuing Ao Laizi and the others.

Shen Shen drove away Madam Peachblossom and Old Man Greenwillow, then ordered Ao Laizi to hand over Lu Taichong’s two disciples. Ao Laizi firmly refused. The disciples also wished to stay with Ao Laizi. Shen Shen, enraged and humiliated, used the pretext of protecting the Danyang Sect to issue threats. But Ao Laizi showed no fear. The two soon escalated to a tense standoff. Qinghua arrived in time with Zhao Jing and others to stop the fight.

Shen Shen and Zhao Jing greeted each other like brothers, and Shen Shen recounted how he drove away Peachblossom and Greenwillow. Zhao Jing asked Ao Laizi to take the two Danyang disciples to Sanbai Manor, but Ao Laizi resolutely refused. Zhao Jing tried to keep the disciples, but they insisted on following Ao Laizi as per their master's instructions. Zhao Jing didn’t press the matter further and bid them farewell.

Zhao Jing introduced Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing to Shen Shen with much formality. Seeing that Zhang Chengling was still alive, Shen Shen expressed his gratitude. Zhao Jing hosted a banquet for Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing, inviting the various sects of the Five Lakes Alliance to join, along with dancers and singers to liven up the atmosphere. Wen Kexing drank merrily with them. Meanwhile, Ao Laizi and his disciples ran straight to the territory of Broken Sword Manor.

As night fell, they suddenly saw the manor's young master, Mu Yunge, running frantically and shouting for help. Mu Yunge begged Ao Laizi for help, claiming a female ghost was chasing him. A sorrowful voice echoed from the air, cursing Mu Yunge for being unfaithful. Before Ao Laizi could react, the "female ghost" dragged Mu Yunge away. Shen Shen, drunk, kept urging Zhang Chengling to drink, but the boy couldn’t hold his liquor.

Zhao Jing quickly stepped in, ordering Yueyang Sect disciple Song Huairen to escort Shen Shen back to rest and to send Zhang Chengling to his room. Wen Kexing continued drinking with the Five Lakes Alliance. Zhao Jing introduced him to Mount Hua Sect leader Yu Qiufeng and his son Yu Tianjie. Wen Kexing exchanged pleasantries with them, while Zhou Zishu, disinterested in such socializing, pretended to be drunk and wandered into the backyard.

There, he accidentally saw Yu Tianjie sneaking into a secret chamber and driving out a masked man in black. A chase ensued, and Zhou Zishu watched from the sidelines with curiosity. After several rounds of drinking, a commotion broke out outside the manor. Zhao Jing immediately led people out to investigate, and Zhou Zishu followed. They discovered Ao Laizi and his two disciples had been killed, their bodies hanging on the manor's tower.

Zhao Jing and Yu Qiufeng were devastated and quickly cut the corpses down. They realized the killer was Happy Ghost, one of the Ten Devils of Ghost Valley. Zhao Jing sensed trouble and rushed to check on Zhang Chengling, only to find someone had attempted to abduct him. Fortunately, Wen Kexing intervened in time. Zhang Chengling was pale with fright, and Zhao Jing hurried to comfort him.

Mu Yunge had been captured by Liu Qianqiao, the Enchanting Ghost, one of the Ten Devils of Ghost Valley. Terrified, he begged for mercy. Liu Qianqiao scolded him for being a heartless man and frightened him with a faceless mask until he fainted from fear. Zhou Zishu comforted Zhang Chengling, urging him to stay at Sanbai Manor and learn martial arts from Shen Shen, Gao Chong, and Zhao Jing.

Zhang Chengling cried bitterly, and Zhou Zishu told him that a real man must not cry. Zhao Jing discovered the secret chamber’s door had been opened and the Glazed Armor stolen. Shen Shen blamed him for being complacent and negligent. If Ghost Valley collected all five pieces of the Glazed Armor, they would gain access to the Armory. Zhao Jing only wanted a peaceful life and regretted ever building the Armory.

He wanted to destroy all the Glazed Armor pieces, but Shen Shen disagreed, noting that many lives had been lost over the years because of it. From a crack between the roof tiles, Zhou Zishu observed Zhao Jing and Shen Shen and finally learned the truth about the Armory and the Glazed Armor. As he was about to leave, he noticed another figure lurking nearby—Wen Kexing. Zhou Zishu gave chase and discovered it was indeed Wen Kexing.

He then told Wen Kexing about how Yu Tianjie had been chasing a masked man in the secret room and suspected the man was the traitor who stole the Glazed Armor. Suddenly, Zhou Zishu saw Yu Tianjie bound by the ghost-binding threads of Hanging Ghost, dangling from a tree. Wen Kexing led Zhou Zishu onward and they soon found Song Huairen dead nearby.

Zhou Zishu suspected Song Huairen was the traitor, but Wen Kexing doubted that Yu Tianjie had killed him and continued to be mysterious. Zhou Zishu tracked the trail to the Zhao family’s mortuary. Wen Kexing followed. As they opened the doors, they were attacked by hidden weapons. Zhou Zishu pulled Wen Kexing to safety just in time. As they moved deeper, they saw funeral altars set up and coffins everywhere, casting a chilling atmosphere.

In the main hall, they found three sticks of incense burning in an incense burner. They split up to search. Wen Kexing saw someone keeping vigil in one of the rooms and was shocked to realize it was his father. In the courtyard, Zhou Zishu saw Qin Huaizhang building a snowman with Qin Jiuxiao. Smiling, Qin Huaizhang approached him. Zhou Zishu realized it was a hallucination and quickly cut his arm to wake himself up.

He drew his sword and struck, killing the ghost before him. Wen Kexing grinned foolishly at Zhou Zishu. Realizing Wen Kexing was also hallucinating, Zhou Zishu quickly fed him a dose of medicine. Wen Kexing complained about the bitter taste and jokingly said he’d tell his mother. Before leaving, Wen Kexing even called out Zhou Zishu’s real name, leaving him stunned.

Suddenly, Wen Kexing saw one of the coffin lids shaking violently. Before Zhou Zishu could react, Hanging Ghost—one of the Ten Devils—jumped out and claimed to have drugged them with a hallucinogen. He rang a bell, summoning people from the other coffins. Each coffin released a drugged puppet with copper skin and iron arms. They surrounded Zhou Zishu and launched a deadly attack.

Knowing the puppets were full of poison, Zhou Zishu was powerless but refused to die without a fight. Thankfully, Wen Kexing arrived in time and killed all the puppets. Zhou Zishu managed to snatch a soul-binding thread box from Hanging Ghost. Wounded by the puppets, Zhou Zishu first gave Wen Kexing an antidote, then cut open his own wound and sucked out the poison. Wen Kexing noticed a wound on Zhou Zishu’s shoulder and other internal injuries.

He quickly helped suck the poison from Zhou Zishu’s shoulder. Zhou Zishu tried to hide his injuries, but Wen Kexing saw through his disguise and questioned his use of a disguise technique, suspecting he was hiding from enemies. He promised to help Zhou Zishu with all his strength and urged him to be honest with him. Zhou Zishu refused, unwilling to let anyone see his true self. Wen Kexing tested Zhou Zishu’s martial arts. They exchanged moves, neither yielding.

Zhou Zishu lost a round due to his internal injuries and fell into the water. When he didn’t surface, Wen Kexing jumped in to save him. Zhou Zishu’s mask was torn off, revealing his true face. After climbing ashore and drying by the fire, Wen Kexing stared at Zhou Zishu’s handsome face, confirming his suspicions. Having fought each other, the two finally opened up.

Zhou Zishu immediately saw that the Hanging Ghost with the soul-binding threads was a fake and scolded Wen Kexing for killing the impostor. Wen Kexing dodged the topic, and Zhou Zishu didn’t press further. He asked Wen Kexing to find food in the forest. Despite Wen Kexing’s warning, Zhou Zishu cautiously opened the box and found a piece of Glazed Armor inside. Changing Ghost was ordered to handle the corpses of Ao Laizi and others at Sanbai Manor.

He sent Long-tongue Ghost with the box to trade for the Glazed Armor with the Scorpion King. After completing the task, Changing Ghost rushed to find Scorpion King, only to learn that someone had broken into the soul-binding thread formation, killed Long-tongue Ghost and all the puppets, and stolen the Glazed Armor. He blamed the Scorpion King. Wen Kexing hunted two wild rabbits, and Zhou Zishu gave him the piece of Glazed Armor from the box.

Wen Kexing guessed it belonged to Zhao Jing and suspected that something was off with Shen Shen and Ao Laizi. Zhou Zishu saw through the scheme—Ghost Valley had hung the corpses at Sanbai Manor to provoke a conflict between the Five Lakes Alliance and Mount Tai Sect. Early the next morning, Zhao Jing and Shen Shen came to ask Zhang Chengling about Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing, but he knew nothing.

Shen Shen, furious, scolded Zhang Chengling and reminded him not to forget the sacrifice of the 300 people from Mirror Lake Manor. Zhao Jing tried hard to comfort Zhang Chengling and explain Shen Shen’s anger. Zhao Jing wanted to go to Yueyang with Shen Shen for the Heroes Conference, hoping to use the Five Lakes Alliance to destroy Ghost Valley. He invited Yu Qiufeng to join them and casually asked about Yu Tianjie.

Yu Qiufeng thought he had gone to see his favorite disciple He Ruitai. Zhao Jing advised them to stay alert, but Shen Shen complained that Zhao Jing was too timid. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing returned to the Zhao family mortuary, finding everything had returned to normal, completely different from the night before. In the forest, they discovered the two corpses were gone.

Wen Kexing asked about the hallucinogen, which Zhou Zishu revealed was called "Drunken Life, Dreamlike Death"—a formula he had invented. He even explained the ingredients in detail. After Zhao Jing and Shen Shen left with Zhang Chengling, Prince Jin sent Window of Heaven leader Han Ying to Sanbai Manor. Wen Kexing saw this and urged Zhou Zishu to go to the Heroes Conference in Yueyang. He would meet him there after reporting to Gu Xiang.

Zhou Zishu followed Shen Shen and Zhao Jing, noticing how slowly they traveled and growing increasingly anxious. Wen Kexing spent a fortune to commission thirty identical replicas of the Glazed Armor from a shop. Then he went to bid farewell to Gu Xiang, asking her to give a hundred taels of silver to Yun Zai and Hong Lu to send them home. They refused to leave and vowed to follow Wen Kexing in life and death.

Gu Xiang also spoke in their favor, saying both were orphans rescued by Wen Kexing. He agreed to let them stay and serve Gu Xiang. Finally, he handed over thirty Glazed Armor pieces and assigned Gu Xiang two tasks.

The Tragicomic Ghost of Ghost Valley, known as the Merciless Register Keeper, claimed she would kill all the heartless men in the world. Upon hearing that Mu Yunge had betrayed Emei disciple Mo Yanwan after toying with her affections, leading to Mo Yanwan hanging herself in grief at Broken Sword Manor, the Tragicomic Ghost had Mu Yunge captured.

She intended to personally hold a wedding ceremony for Mu Yunge and the ghost bride Mo Yanwan, inviting the evil spirits of Ghost Valley to bear witness. Mu Yunge was forced to perform a grand kowtow ceremony in front of Mo Yanwan’s spirit tablet. The Tragicomic Ghost also had ten of Mu Yunge’s peers captured and forced them to kill each other for entertainment at the wedding. Only one would be allowed to leave alive.

These ten came from various major sects in the martial world. None wanted to die, and they fought with all their might in a brutal melee. Blood flowed like a river, just as the evil ghosts had anticipated. They eagerly waited to feast on human blood. In the end, only one person survived, and Mu Yunge was already scared out of his wits by the bloody spectacle.

Zhou Zishu followed Shen Shen and Zhao Jing all the way to Yueyang and stayed at the same inn with them. Since Zhou Zishu had resumed his true appearance, Zhang Chengling only found him familiar but couldn't recognize him. Shen Shen and Zhao Jing bought out all the Wucheng wine in the inn. They drank heartily.

Under the influence of alcohol, Shen Shen began ranting, complaining that Zhang Chengling was too weak to be of any use and suspected him of hiding the whereabouts of the Glazed Armor. Zhao Jing believed Zhang Chengling was still young and advised Shen Shen to be patient. Zhang Chengling overheard their conversation from outside the window. Han Ying was sent to investigate the whereabouts of the Glazed Armor.

Upon arriving in Yueyang, he went directly to Gao Chong to inquire about it. Gao Chong claimed to know nothing. Han Ying was infuriated, and the two had a heated argument. Gao Chong retorted sarcastically, claiming loyalty only to the current emperor and showing disdain for Prince Jin, then forcibly expelled Han Ying. Shen Shen and Zhao Jing brought Zhang Chengling to the outskirts of Yueyang.

Gao Chong personally led people to escort them into the city and asked his only daughter, Gao Xiaolian, to take Zhang Chengling to rest. Zhou Zishu arrived at the headquarters of the Yueyang Sect and saw the heavy security, which put him at ease. Then he suddenly noticed that the bun vendor at the gate was using Window of Heaven's secret signals. Zhou Zishu was shocked to realize that Window of Heaven had spies planted even in the Yueyang Sect.

Zhou Zishu immediately followed the bun vendor and used the secret code of Window of Heaven to make contact. The man showed no response, instead drawing a dagger hidden on the shelf and attacking Zhou Zishu. Zhou Zishu swiftly killed him, discovering the dagger was marked with a scorpion emblem. Only then did Zhou Zishu realize the man was an assassin from the Scorpion group. Wen Kexing arrived shortly afterward and praised Zhou Zishu’s quick reflexes.

Wen Kexing wore a piece of Glazed Armor at his waist and deliberately flaunted it in the marketplace. Zhou Zishu warned him to be cautious, but Wen Kexing didn’t take it seriously. Zhou Zishu tried to avoid him. Wen Kexing’s behavior soon drew the attention of Yueyang Sect disciples, who questioned the two of them. Zhou Zishu handled the situation cleverly. Taking advantage of the distraction, the thief Fang Buzhi stole the Glazed Armor from Wen Kexing’s waist.

Fang was delighted, intending to use it to stir chaos in the martial world. Feeling bored, Gu Xiang went to a tavern to drink alone. There, she saw Xiao Liuzi and two drunks harassing a singing girl. Gu Xiang quickly stepped in, fiercely taught the three men a lesson, and drove them away. Cao Weining, the young master of the Qingfeng Sword Sect, was also drinking there.

He praised Gu Xiang’s actions and invited her to drink and enjoy some food with him. Gu Xiang ate heartily, and the two quickly found themselves in pleasant conversation. Just then, Xiao Liuzi brought Yueyang Sect disciple Zhu Yaozhi and others to the tavern to demand accountability from Gu Xiang. Furious, Gu Xiang flew into a rage. Cao Weining stood up and explained the situation. Zhu Yaozhi scolded Xiao Liuzi harshly, frightening him into fleeing.

Zhu Yaozhi then repeatedly apologized to Gu Xiang and Cao Weining. Zhou Zishu brought Wen Kexing to the tavern to gather information. Following the custom, he placed a spiced bean on his chopsticks. A staff member noticed and came over to exchange secret signals with him. Zhou Zishu saw Gu Xiang and Cao Weining upstairs, drinking and chatting about poetry and music. Wen Kexing grew angry and stormed upstairs to confront them, sending Cao Weining away with a few words.

Wen Kexing warned Gu Xiang not to mingle with such pretentious people like Cao Weining again. When Cao Weining went to pay the bill, he found his pouch had been stolen. The staff pressed him for payment, leading to an argument. Wen Kexing volunteered to cover the cost and asked Zhou Zishu for money, but Zhou Zishu refused. Gu Xiang came over, and upon seeing Zhou Zishu's handsome and suave demeanor, couldn't resist teasing him and even touched his face.

Zhou Zishu wasn’t angry, and Wen Kexing mocked him coldly. Zhou Zishu had no choice but to hand over money for the bill, and Wen Kexing took the opportunity to order the finest banquet.

Gao Chong showed concern for Zhang Chengling and eagerly demanded the Glazed Armor. Zhang Chengling insisted he knew nothing. Zhao Jing quickly stepped in, claiming Zhang had temporary amnesia and urged Gao Chong to give him time. Gao Chong refused and pressed Zhang relentlessly. Shen Shen also chimed in. Zhang Chengling, frustrated, repeatedly said he didn’t know the whereabouts of the Glazed Armor, but Gao Chong didn’t believe him and even threatened him.

Zhao Jing quickly mediated, and Gao Chong, still furious, directed his resentment toward Zhang Yusen onto Zhang Chengling. Zhao Jing persuaded him to leave, while Shen Shen scolded Zhao Jing for being too lenient with Zhang Chengling. Since Cao Weining couldn’t pay the bill due to his stolen pouch, he hurried to apologize to Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing. Zhou Zishu invited him to drink with them, and the two hit it off.

Wen Kexing didn’t like Cao Weining and signaled Gu Xiang to drive him away. Gu Xiang wanted to use Cao Weining’s connections to infiltrate the Yueyang Sect, but Wen Kexing insisted she go catch the thief Fang Buzhi. Knowing how tricky Fang Buzhi was, Cao Weining offered to help Gu Xiang find him. Being a gourmet, he wanted to treat Gu Xiang to some local delicacies, and she gladly accepted.

Zhou Zishu had long heard the Qingfeng Sword Sect’s master was a sly old fox and was surprised that his son Cao Weining was so naive. Wen Kexing grew jealous at Zhou Zishu’s friendliness toward Cao Weining and sarcastically mocked him. Zhou Zishu only wanted to ask about Zhang Chengling’s whereabouts, but Wen Kexing had already sent Gu Xiang to follow Cao Weining into the Yueyang Sect to gather intel.

Zhou Zishu was skeptical and suspected Wen Kexing had other motives. Wen Kexing, claiming to be a benevolent man, said he wanted to punish evil and expose the hypocrisy of so-called righteous sects. Zhang Chengling wanted to return to his quarters, but Gao Chong assigned disciple Xie Wuyang to follow him. This angered Zhang Chengling, leading to a dispute.

Fortunately, Gao Xiaolian arrived in time, dismissed Xie Wuyang, and brought Zhang to the courtyard of second-generation disciples to practice with junior students. She repeatedly explained that her father, while stern on the outside, was actually kind-hearted. Just then, Cao Weining arrived looking for Gao Xiaolian. She left after settling Zhang in.

Cao Weining brought Gu Xiang to seek help from Gao Xiaolian, claiming her pouch had been stolen by Fang Buzhi and asking Gao Xiaolian to temporarily shelter Gu Xiang. Gao Xiaolian readily agreed and even arranged for Gu Xiang to stay with her. Gao Chong then summoned Gao Xiaolian, saying he would take Zhang Chengling to pay respects at the Five Lakes Monument. Gu Xiang seized the chance to slip away and inform Wen Kexing.

From a server, Zhou Zishu learned that a group resembling government agents had appeared near Yueyang, suspecting they were Window of Heaven operatives. When Zhou Zishu left the tavern, Wen Kexing followed. They both saw several sky lanterns flying overhead, which alarmed Zhou Zishu, fearing that Prince Jin had sent Window of Heaven assassins against the Yueyang Sect. Gu Xiang hurried to report to Wen Kexing.

When Zhou Zishu learned Gao Chong had taken Zhang Chengling to pay respects at the Five Lakes Monument, he rushed to save him without hesitation. At the monument, Gao Chong told Zhang the history of the site and revealed that other sects considered Zhang unfit and wanted to adopt a disciple from another sect into the Zhang family to become its leader. Gao Chong encouraged Zhang not to let his late father down and to uphold the family’s legacy.

Zhang remembered every word. On their way back, Gao Chong and Zhang Chengling encountered Han Ying, who had captured Zhu Yaozhi and others, demanding that Gao Chong hand over Zhang. Han Ying had archers ambushed nearby, ready to wipe them out. Gao Chong refused and drew his sword. The confrontation escalated. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing, observing from the forest, rushed in wearing masks, captured Han Ying, and forced him to call off the archers.

Han Ying recognized Zhou Zishu and knelt in recognition. Zhou Zishu had saved his life, and Han Ying swore loyalty. Zhou Zishu, not wanting to implicate him, urged him to be cautious. Zhou Zishu was certain that before the Heroes’ Conference, the Five Lakes Alliance would pressure Zhang Chengling to hand over the Glazed Armor. Fang Buzhi examined the stolen goods and discovered two identical pieces of Glazed Armor.

While he was still puzzled, someone broke in and poisoned him to death. Wen Kexing became more curious about Zhou Zishu’s identity and his connection to Zhang Chengling. Zhou Zishu admitted he had once worked for Window of Heaven but had since left. He had promised the boatman to protect Zhang Chengling. Wen Kexing, after confirming he had no ties with the Five Lakes Alliance, was finally reassured.

Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu cornered the thief Fang Buzhi in the street. Wen Kexing kept eating along the way, and Zhou Zishu had to pay behind him. Zhou Zishu urged him to recover the pouch and jade pendant quickly. Wen Kexing promised to repay him handsomely and even pledged loyalty. They passed a street stage where exotic Western magic was being performed. Wen Kexing, intrigued, dragged Zhou Zishu to watch.

After the performance, ten human heads fell out of a prop box. A strange voice echoed, claiming Ghost Valley was delivering justice. Chaos broke out. Yueyang Sect disciples rushed to restore order and publicly promised that Gao Chong would give justice to the victims. Wen Kexing urged Zhou Zishu to go to the Yueyang Sect and see how Gao Chong would handle the matter.

Leaders of major sects, led by Mu Yunge’s father, came to petition Gao Chong, asking him to speak up for the victims. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu arrived shortly after. Zhao Jing and Shen Shen scolded them for disappearing without notice. Wen Kexing made up excuses. When Gao Chong came out, Wen Kexing asked to visit Zhang Chengling. Gao Chong claimed Zhang was ill and recovering, and then scrutinized Wen Kexing, persistently questioning his identity. Wen Kexing responded fluently.

The disciples of the Yueyang Sect brought back Fang Bu Zhi's corpse. Zhou Zishu recognized him as the one who stole Wen Kexing’s Glazed Armor and couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. Gao Chong carefully examined the body from head to toe and found several “Raindrop on Banana Leaves” needles in Fang Bu Zhi’s throat.

Zhou Zishu immediately identified them as hidden weapons unique to the Window of Heaven and concluded that Han Ying must have snatched the Glazed Armor from Fang Bu Zhi. Not wanting to stay any longer, he quickly found an excuse to leave. Gao Chong, unable to stop him, invited them to attend the Heroes Conference. Cao Weining took Gu Xiang to try the local delicacies. His cute and clumsy demeanor made Gu Xiang laugh uncontrollably.

She couldn’t resist teasing him by mentioning the Ghoul, claiming it only eats handsome men like him. Cao Weining vowed to protect Gu Xiang and wipe out all evil spirits in the world. Gu Xiang smiled without responding. Gu Xiang suddenly saw a mother and daughter sent by Wen Kexing to make contact, claiming they were the singers from before.

Gu Xiang quickly approached them to deliver a message, then pretended to have mistaken them for someone else and continued dining with Cao Weining. Wen Kexing ordered a full table of dishes, but Zhou Zishu had no appetite, aware that his sense of taste was gradually fading. He drank alone in silence, regretting sending Zhang Chengling to the Five Lakes Alliance.

Wen Kexing gently comforted him and shared a story from his childhood about raising a puppy, only to betray it in the end. Just as Zhou Zishu was about to sleep, he was struck by tinnitus. He had no choice but to sit in meditation to heal his internal injuries. Wen Kexing played the xiao in the room to assist him, and Zhou Zishu quickly regained his energy.

Early the next morning, Wen Kexing came to wake him up for a walk to Fanyue Tower. Zhou Zishu reluctantly accompanied him. The scenery around Fanyue Tower was breathtaking. The lakes and mountains reflected between the long corridors and pavilions. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing climbed to a high spot and saw the Four Gentlemen of Anji, now old with white hair, enjoying themselves in a pavilion.

Scholar Lao Du played the qin, the Pei couple accompanied on the flute, and the lone swordsman He Yifan practiced swordsmanship nearby—a tranquil and picturesque scene. Zhou Zishu explained their background to Wen Kexing: the four of them, like-minded and close, had retired from the martial world fifteen years ago to live in a beautiful bamboo forest in Anji.

Seeing this scene stirred Zhou Zishu’s emotions, reminding him of the journey he had shared with Wen Kexing—both foes and friends—which left him full of mixed feelings. Zhang Chengling practiced martial arts with the second-generation disciples. A senior brother, who clearly disliked him, found excuses to whip him. Zhang Chengling held back his grievances and continued training. After practice, he returned to his quarters feeling dejected, only to see Gu Xiang approaching. Overwhelmed by emotions, tears streamed down his face.

He was eager to know the whereabouts of Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing. Gu Xiang admitted she was ordered to protect him, which gave him some comfort. That night was the full moon. Wen Kexing was in high spirits, sitting on the roof reciting poetry and admiring the moon. Zhou Zishu came to join him for a drink. Suddenly, the sound of clashing blades rang out.

Zhou Zishu looked outside and saw two people fighting, disappointed that such a beautiful night was being ruined. Wen Kexing, however, was unfazed and took him to see more life-and-death battles. By the time they arrived, the one-eyed swordsman Jiang Che and the wild-blade wielder Li Heng had perished together, fighting over a piece of Glazed Armor. Zhou Zishu assumed it was the one stolen by Fang Bu Zhi. Wen Kexing sneered, prompting Zhou Zishu to think deeper.

He quickly realized Wen Kexing had made many fake pieces of Glazed Armor to incite mutual slaughter among the martial world. Disappointed, Zhou Zishu angrily stopped speaking to him. That night, conflicts erupted throughout Yueyang City as everyone fought over the Glazed Armor, creating the illusion that the city was flooded with it. Han Ying obtained two identical pieces and was deeply confused. Wen Kexing brought Zhou Zishu breakfast the next morning, only to find his room empty.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yaozhi returned to the Yueyang Sect, battered and bruised. The disciples hurried to carry him back. Gao Chong was furious upon hearing of the chaos the night before. Gao Xiaolian stayed by Zhu Yaozhi’s side without leaving. He remained unconscious. The Four Gentlemen of Anji obtained a piece of Glazed Armor, which quickly attracted disciples from the Beggar Sect, Huashan Sect, and Kongtong Sect who tried to seize it.

Huang He led the Beggar Sect in surrounding them, while the other sects joined in, demanding they hand over the armor. A short man directed Gaoshan Slave to attack them. Tensions escalated. Gao Chong and Shen Shen arrived just in time with Yueyang Sect disciples and severely punished the intruding sects. Huang He mocked Gao Chong, and Shen Shen stepped forward to argue with him. Granny Tao Hong and Old Man Green Willow hurled insults at Shen Shen.

Just then, three of the Four Gentlemen were murdered. A Beggar Sect disciple took the armor from Madam Pei. Upon seeing this, Lao Du smashed his qin and committed suicide on the spot. Wen Kexing witnessed the tragedy and was filled with remorse. Gao Chong, grief-stricken, threw two pieces of Glazed Armor at Huang He, promising to publicly address the matter after the Heroes Conference. Before leaving, he threatened to settle things with Huang He once and for all. Huang He picked up the pieces, only to find both were fake, making him gnash his teeth in fury.

Wen Kexing, full of guilt, helped bury the Four Gentlemen of Anji himself. The frozen ground was as hard as iron. He used his sword to dig a grave bit by bit until the blade broke. Zhou Zishu arrived shortly after and was heartbroken at the sight. He scolded Wen Kexing for the needless killings. Wen Kexing, already filled with regret, felt further wronged.

He had only wanted to rid the world of villains, but instead, good people like the Four Gentlemen had died. He angrily exposed Zhou Zishu’s past as the Window of Heaven’s leader who also had little regard for life, rendering Zhou Zishu speechless. Zhou Zishu went alone to the pavilion where the Four Gentlemen once played music and recited poetry. He was overwhelmed with emotion. Han Ying saw him from a distance.

That night, Wen Kexing drank himself into a stupor at a brothel, presenting fake Glazed Armor and offering each girl a gold bead to drink with him. Though the girls cheerfully indulged, Wen Kexing could not find joy. He did not want to lose Zhou Zishu, his confidant. At the same time, Zhou Zishu also drowned his sorrows at a tavern, drinking himself unconscious.

Gao Chong sent Shen Shen to capture Feng Xiaofeng, the killer of the Four Gentlemen, but to no avail. Shen Shen promised to catch him after the Heroes Conference. When Zhao Jing arrived to help with the burials, he found the graves half-dug and suspected Huang He and the Beggar Sect. Shen Shen recalled following Ao Laizi and others that night and seeing paper money scattered at the scene of their murder, concluding that Ghost Valley was behind it.

Zhao Jing accused him of trying to seize the Glazed Armor from Ao Laizi and blamed him. Shen Shen retorted, insisting the armor rightfully belonged to the Five Lakes Alliance. Their argument escalated until Gao Chong stepped in to stop them. Yu Qiufeng sent people searching for Yu Tianjie but found nothing. Deeply worried and unsettled by recent events, he ordered his disciples not to get involved in martial conflicts.

When disciples from Mount Tai visited, he refused to see them. Since the death of the Four Gentlemen, Zhou Zishu had been melancholy every day. Han Ying was worried about the internal injuries caused by the Nails of Seven Torments and wanted to seek help from a miracle doctor. Zhou Zishu knew his days were numbered, and his injuries were beyond saving. He advised Han Ying to stay hidden in the Window of Heaven.

Zhou Zishu handed the real Glazed Armor to Han Ying, who then realized the two pieces he had submitted were fakes and wanted to retrieve them. Zhou Zishu forbade him from getting further involved. Granny Tao Hong, Old Man Green Willow, and Huang He were still upset over the fake armor.

Upon hearing the rumor that Gao Chong planned to marry his daughter Gao Xiaolian to Zhang Chengling, they were furious and accused Gao Chong of trying to dominate the martial world. Gu Xiang showed great care for Zhang Chengling. Seeing his face bruised from beatings, she wanted to avenge him, but Zhang Chengling stopped her. Being under house arrest in Yueyang Sect, he didn’t want more trouble and advised Gu Xiang to let it go.

Gao Xiaolian personally brought desserts to Zhang Chengling. He had already heard about the marriage arrangement and felt unworthy of her, treating her with polite distance. Gao Xiaolian left with tears in her eyes. Gu Xiang scolded Zhang Chengling for being foolish, but he was resolute and eager to find Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu. Gu Xiang immediately returned to report to Wen Kexing. Deng Kuan was the last survivor of the Tragicomic Game's ten participants.

He had feelings for Gao Xiaolian but fell ill after returning. Gu Xiang was puzzled—Deng Kuan hadn’t been seriously injured during the melee. She couldn’t understand why Gao Chong would marry Gao Xiaolian to Zhang Chengling. Feeling sorry for Zhang Chengling, she begged Wen Kexing to rescue him. Wen Kexing forbade her from getting involved, suspecting Gao Chong had ulterior motives and sent Gu Xiang to keep an eye on him.

After much thought, Wen Kexing decided to go completely mad and plunge the martial world into chaos. Despite repeatedly showing kindness to Zhang Chengling, Gao Xiaolian was always rejected. Heartbroken, she forced herself to stay composed and brought lotus seed soup to Gao Chong. He asked her to give it to Zhang Chengling, but she begged him to cancel the engagement and tearfully shared her feelings.

Gao Chong gently comforted her and promised to persuade Zhang Chengling when the time was right. Gu Xiang invited Cao Weining to a meal and even ordered the tune “Parting Joy” to set the mood. Cao Weining mistakenly thought Gu Xiang liked him and couldn’t be happier. Wen Kexing issued a secret order summoning all the Ten Devils and minor ghosts of Ghost Valley.

He pointed out that after being out of the valley for three months, they still hadn’t found the Hanging Ghost. He then listed all their failures in purging evil. In front of everyone, he executed White Grim Reaper for harboring rebellious thoughts. The rest trembled in fear. Wen Kexing discussed with them his plan to cause chaos at the Heroes Conference and bring disgrace to Gao Chong and others.

The Tragicomic Ghost argued with Wen Kexing, blaming him for ruthlessly killing White Grim Reaper, but Wen Kexing was indifferent. The Beauty Ghost, Liu Qianqiao, hurriedly knelt to plead on the Tragicomic Ghost’s behalf. Wen Kexing used the excuse of having something to discuss privately with Liu Qianqiao and forcibly drove the Tragicomic Ghost away. Liu Qianqiao had long heard that the Changing Ghost was itching to become the Chief of Ghost Valley.

Wen Kexing killed White Grim Reaper to intimidate him. Her words hit the mark, and Wen Kexing warned Liu Qianqiao not to meddle. Wen Kexing learned that Liu Qianqiao’s disguise skills were taught by Qin Huaizhang, but she had never been to the Four Seasons Manor. He then gave her a task. Zhou Zishu spent his days drinking, eager to leave this troublesome place.

The only person he couldn't stop worrying about was Zhang Chengling, so he loitered at the gate of the Yueyang Sect. Zhang Chengling suddenly received a note signed "Xu," asking to meet him at midnight. Mistaking it for Zhou Zishu, he tried to sneak out during the third watch of the night, avoiding patrols, but was caught by a senior disciple. He claimed he was hungry and looking for food, but the senior didn't buy it.

Fortunately, Gu Xiang arrived just in time to defuse the situation. When she learned that Zhang Chengling wanted to meet Zhou Zishu, she went with him, but they fell into the trap of the Scorpion assassin Qiao Luohan. Gu Xiang fought fiercely with Qiao Luohan to cover Zhang Chengling’s escape. Mei Qu Qin Song played a demonic tune that knocked out Gu Xiang and the disciples of Yueyang Sect. Qiao Luohan took the opportunity to abduct Zhang Chengling.

Zhou Zishu was drinking outside the Yueyang Sect when he suddenly saw Zhang Chengling being taken away and rushed to chase after them. Qiao Luohan and the Poison Bodhisattva threatened and tortured Zhang Chengling, trying to force him to reveal the whereabouts of the Glazed Armor. Zhang Chengling would rather die than talk, so Qiao Luohan used water torture on him, causing him to spit blood in her face.

Qin Song and three other assassins arrived to regroup but were caught by Wen Kexing. Wen Kexing pressed them harshly for Zhang Chengling’s whereabouts. When they refused to answer, he snapped the bones in Qin Song’s pipa-playing arm one by one. Zhou Zishu arrived just in time to rescue Zhang Chengling. Elder Jiang followed shortly after. Three Scorpion assassins surrounded Zhou Zishu.

Not wanting a prolonged fight, Zhou Zishu was severely wounded and had to use a hidden weapon to kill Elder Jiang on the spot. Just as Qiao Luohan and Poison Bodhisattva were about to capture Zhou Zishu, Wen Kexing returned with Qin Song, scaring the two women into fleeing in panic. Wen Kexing quickly fled with Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling but ran into the Scorpion King and his drugged puppets midway.

Qiao Luohan and Poison Bodhisattva reported the death and injury of Jiang and Qin Song. Enraged, the Scorpion King vowed to kill Zhou Zishu and his companions. Zhou Zishu used a smoke bomb to escape with Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling, leaving the Scorpion King seething with fury. Gao Chong learned that Zhang Chengling had been taken by the Scorpion’s four assassins and guessed it was because of the Glazed Armor in Zhang Chengling's possession.

He immediately gathered the Yueyang Sect disciples that night. Zhang Chengling fled with Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu to a safe place and eagerly recounted his experience of being held under house arrest at the Yueyang Sect. He wanted to take Zhou Zishu as his master and learn martial arts to avenge his father and brothers. Recalling his father's dying words, “Trust no one,” Zhang Chengling chose to trust Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing.

He wanted to take out the Glazed Armor hidden in his body and give it to Zhou Zishu, but Zhou Zishu told him to hold onto it for now. Zhang Chengling remembered his father Zhang Yusen had also entrusted him with a letter to deliver to the Sword Immortal of Mount Changming. To be safe, he had hidden it under the statue in a ruined temple and had memorized its contents.

Back then, Gao Chong, Zhao Jing, Lu Taichong, Zhang Yusen, and Shen Shen—the five sons of the Five Lakes Alliance—were close friends with Rong Xuan. They quarreled over the Six Harmonies Manual and eventually dueled. Although Rong Xuan won, he was driven mad by the poison on Gao Chong’s sword. Pursued by everyone in the martial world, Rong Xuan received no help.

Zhang Yusen tried to go to Ghost Valley at Qingya Mountain to aid him but was stopped and crippled by his grandmaster. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu were lost in thought after learning the truth. Gao Chong went alone to a secret chamber and poured his heart out before the memorial tablets of Zhang Yusen, Lu Taichong, and Rong Xuan. He admitted that he kept Zhang Chengling alive only to uncover the truth, but ultimately failed.

Wen Kexing asked Zhou Zishu for wine. Zhang Chengling sensed the tension between them and tried to persuade them to reconcile. Zhou Zishu’s internal injuries worsened, and Wen Kexing, without a word, helped him recover. After much thought, Zhou Zishu decided to take Zhang Chengling as his disciple and revealed his true identity. He admitted he was the current chief of Four Seasons Manor and that the previous chief, Qin Huaizhang, had been his teacher.

Now, he was the only one left from Four Seasons Manor. When Zhou Zishu was sixteen, Qin Huaizhang passed away. Unable to uphold the manor’s prestige, he and his fellow disciples joined the Jizhou military governor and used that as a base to establish Window of Heaven. All 81 members of the manor's old guard became agents of Window of Heaven, and because of one wrong decision, they all met tragic ends.

Zhang Chengling didn't care who Zhou Zishu had once been and was willing to follow him and learn martial arts. Wen Kexing urged him to formally become a disciple immediately. Zhang Chengling knelt and took Zhou Zishu as his master.

The night was as cool as water. Wen Kexing stood alone by the lake, gazing at the bright moon, reflecting on Zhou Zishu’s heartfelt words, overwhelmed with emotion. After settling Zhang Chengling, Zhou Zishu came to find Wen Kexing. Wen Kexing asked why he would take someone as dumb and foolish as Zhang Chengling as his disciple.

Zhou Zishu said he sensed a kind of lonely courage in Zhang Chengling and that he had truly accepted Wen Kexing as a friend, which was why he opened his heart. Wen Kexing was deeply moved. Last night, Cao Weining heard that assassins had broken into Yueyang Sect and taken Zhang Chengling. Fearing for Gu Xiang’s safety, he went to her courtyard, only to find she wasn’t there.

Still worried, he came looking for her early the next morning and saw her looking pale. He guessed she had gone to save Zhang Chengling and showed concern. Gu Xiang made up some excuses to brush him off and quickly sent him away. Zhou Zishu woke Zhang Chengling early, intending to take him somewhere safe. But Zhang Chengling wanted to attend the Heroes Conference and uncover the truth about the Glazed Armor. Wen Kexing then told the full story.

Twenty years ago, a previously unknown master rose to fame—Rong Xuan of the Sealed Mountain Sword. Rong Xuan believed that all martial arts shared the same origin and wanted to merge all techniques into one ultimate skill. His theory convinced Zhao Jing, Lu Taichong, Gao Chong, Zhang Yusen, and Shen Shen. Rong Xuan became obsessed and resorted to any means to collect martial arts manuals, soon becoming a public enemy.

He was often beaten within an inch of his life, and it was only thanks to his wife, the medical expert Yue Feng’er, that he survived. After tireless efforts from Rong Xuan and the five others, they collected all martial arts and created a treasure vault called the “Armory of All Under Heaven,” setting many traps around it. The key was divided into five parts, kept by Rong Xuan and the four strongest fighters.

Not long after, the Five Lakes Alliance held a martial arts conference and called upon all sects to kill Rong Xuan. Cornered, Rong Xuan was forced to Qingya Mountain and, exhausted, committed suicide. Ghost Valley mobilized fully, engaging in bloody battles with martial sects. The resulting carnage brought 20 years of peace. Wen Kexing lamented that had Rong Xuan opened the armory back then, countless massacres would have been avoided. Zhang Chengling, however, had heard another version.

After careful thought, he decided to return to Yueyang Sect and attend the Heroes Conference, not wanting the Mirror Lake Sect to vanish from the martial world. Zhou Zishu supported his decision and advised him to return the Glazed Armor to the Five Lakes Alliance. But Zhang Chengling refused—his father died protecting it, and he couldn’t bear to give it back. Zhou Zishu believed Zhang Yusen valued brotherhood more than the armory.

Even if greedy people gathered all the pieces and opened the vault, they could never master all martial arts. Zhou Zishu earnestly advised Zhang Chengling that if Rong Xuan and Zhang Yusen knew, they would never want him to get involved and be hunted down. They’d want him to live his life well. Gao Chong summoned everyone who had stayed overnight at Yueyang Sect, suspecting a traitor. Each was asked to explain their whereabouts. Gu Xiang was among them.

Gao Chong pressed her for her identity. She claimed to be a villager who admired the Five Lakes Alliance and Gao Chong and had come to join. Gao Xiaolian stepped in to vouch for her and revealed she and Zhang Chengling were old acquaintances. Still suspicious, Gao Chong relentlessly questioned her. Gu Xiang tried to dodge the questioning, but Gao Chong pressed on until Cao Weining arrived just in time and claimed he had been with her the night before.

Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu escorted Zhang Chengling to the gate of the Yueyang Sect, repeatedly warning him to be careful and promising to take him far away after the Heroes Conference. Zhang Chengling reluctantly parted with them and walked into the gate with his head held high. The guards immediately led him to see Gao Chong. Zhang Chengling cut open the scar on his abdomen and took out the Glazed Armor to give it to Gao Chong.

Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing had been through life and death together, considering each other confidants. They drank and reminisced. Zhou Zishu recalled childhood memories of learning from his master. Wen Kexing shared his feelings. Their bond deepened. Zhou Zishu wanted to regain face at the Scorpion Branch, and Wen Kexing, ever eager for chaos, readily agreed to join him. Upon learning that Zhang Chengling had returned safely, Gao Xiaolian eagerly went to visit him.

She thanked him on Gao Chong’s behalf for his righteousness, helping Gao Chong uncover the truth and bring justice to the fallen brothers and the Five Lakes Alliance. Gao Xiaolian promised to treat Zhang Chengling like a real younger brother before leaving. Gu Xiang arrived soon after and, learning that Zhang Chengling had taken Zhou Zishu as his master, rejoiced for him.

Zhang Chengling passed on the supplements Gao Chong had given him to Gu Xiang, thanking her for protecting him. Gao Chong, puzzled, couldn’t guess who had saved Zhang Chengling but refused to show themselves. He wanted to retrieve the remaining two pieces of the Glazed Armor from Ghost Valley. He discussed with Shen Shen the idea of having him keep the two pieces, though Shen Shen was reluctant.

Zhao Jing arrived in a hurry, saying he had successfully convinced Longyuan Pavilion to attend the Heroes Conference and reveal everything about the Glazed Armor. Gao Chong was pleased. Shen Shen claimed he had spent days on Mount Changming shouting with the Seal of Mountains and Rivers, hoping to summon the Sword Immortal, but no one responded. He suspected the Sword Immortal had long died.

Gao Chong didn’t want to hear it and showed Zhao Jing the Glazed Armor Zhang Chengling had handed over. Zhao Jing was delighted. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing made their way to the Scorpion Branch, only to find it completely destroyed. Wen Kexing feigned ignorance, but he had already discovered the Changing Ghost was secretly colluding with the Scorpions and had sent someone to destroy the place. Wen Kexing discreetly followed Zhou Zishu back to Yueyang City.

The two went to a tavern for a drink when Gu Xiang arrived to report back to Wen Kexing as ordered. Wen Kexing told her to withdraw from the Yueyang Sect, but Gu Xiang wanted to stay and protect Zhang Chengling. Cao Weining arrived shortly after. Wen Kexing complained that Gu Xiang had brought a tail. Cao Weining explained that he'd heard Zhu Yaozhi say someone sent a letter calling Gu Xiang away, so he'd followed out of concern.

Cao Weining then offered to have his master take Zhou Zishu to Shenyi Valley to treat his internal injuries. Zhou Zishu politely declined, knowing his time was short and he didn't want to waste it; he only wished to wander the world with Wen Kexing. Zhou Zishu then used Gu Xiang's presence as an excuse, saying it was inconvenient to have her around and he wanted to find her a good match. Naturally, Cao Weining was thrilled and timidly proposed to marry Gu Xiang.

Zhou Zishu tried hard to matchmake Gu Xiang and Cao Weining, which made Wen Kexing furious. Gu Xiang also didn’t want Zhou Zishu meddling in her love life and quickly ran off, with Cao Weining chasing after her. He took the opportunity to confess his feelings, but Gu Xiang quickly changed the topic. Cao Weining wanted to introduce her to his martial uncle and other family members and publicly declare their relationship, but Gu Xiang deliberately evaded the topic.

Yu Qiufeng came early with lavish gifts to visit Huang He, stating his intentions directly: he asked Huang He to help deal with the Five Lakes Alliance. Huang He was skeptical, so Yu Qiufeng revealed that his son Yu Tianjie was killed by the Five Lakes Alliance. He also shared that years ago, Rong Xuan, Gao Chong, and three others founded the Armory and split the Glazed Armor, which now led to the current chaos in the martial world.

After weighing the pros and cons, Huang He agreed to Yu Qiufeng’s proposal. In fact, Yu Qiufeng was impersonated by Liu Qianqiao. Upon learning Liu Qianqiao could disguise herself, Wen Kexing had her pose as his former lover Yu Qiufeng to win Huang He over, intending to provoke a war between the Beggar Gang and the Five Lakes Alliance. After completing the task, Liu Qianqiao tore off the familiar mask of Yu Qiufeng, revealing her scarred face.

The scene stirred painful memories of being beaten and disfigured by Yu Qiufeng’s wife, leaving her with mixed emotions. Zhou Zishu was worried about Zhang Chengling. Zhang had already handed the Glazed Armor to Gao Chong, but Gao Chong had yet to announce it publicly, raising suspicion. Knowing his and Wen Kexing’s identities were already exposed, Zhou Zishu didn’t dare approach recklessly for fear of trouble.

He advised Wen Kexing to use disguise techniques to hide his identity, but Wen Kexing, proud of his looks, was reluctant to cover his handsome face. Sword Immortal Ye Baiyi from Mount Changming arrived at the gates of the Yueyang Sect, sitting high on a mast and looking down at everyone. Gao Chong personally led Yueyang disciples out to welcome him. Shen Shen disliked Ye Baiyi’s arrogance and spoke rudely to him.

Ye Baiyi returned the "Word of Honor" to Gao Chong and promised to eliminate Ghost Valley on Qingya Mountain after the Heroes Conference before leaving gracefully. Gao Chong praised his exceptional qinggong skills. Late at night, Zhou Zishu disguised himself as a Yueyang Sect disciple and secretly met Zhang Chengling. Zhang was overjoyed. Zhou Zishu immediately noticed his fatigue and expressed concern. Zhang was distressed about the Heroes Conference and revealed that Gao Chong wanted him to marry Gao Xiaolian.

Zhou Zishu told him just to make an appearance at the conference to prove the Jinghu Sect still had a successor. Zhou Zishu couldn’t figure out why Gao Chong was so insistent on keeping Zhang. That night, Gao Chong led people into the residence of the Tragicomic Ghost and killed 47 disciples of Ghost Valley on the spot, capturing the Tragicomic Ghost alive. Ye Baiyi was eating at a tavern, consuming numerous dishes in one sitting, attracting a crowd.

Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing came to watch. After Ye Baiyi finished, he called on the crowd to help pay the bill, promising a favor in return. Wen Kexing volunteered to pay and asked Zhou Zishu for money. Ye Baiyi sized up Zhou Zishu and declared he couldn’t help him. He also saw that Zhou Zishu was close to death, telling him to come back after thinking it over. Liu Qianqiao came in the rain to confront Yu Qiufeng.

Despite their past, she had been badly beaten and disfigured by his wife. Yu Qiufeng was filled with guilt, hugged her tightly, and confessed his love, intending to strangle her, but softened at the last moment. Liu Qianqiao then told him that Yu Tianjie was killed by Ghost Valley’s Hanging Ghost and left in anger. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing drank and played drinking games together, having a great time.

Fueled by alcohol, Zhou Zishu revealed that Wen Kexing was Rong Xuan’s son and had forged many Glazed Armor pieces to stir up conflict. Wen Kexing denied it, stating he hated Rong Xuan, then stormed off angrily. Zhou Zishu was left full of doubts. Ye Baiyi came to negotiate with Zhou Zishu that night and tested his martial skills. Zhou had to fight back. Ye Baiyi confirmed that Zhou was Qin Huaizhang’s direct disciple.

Upon learning Qin had died, Ye Baiyi harshly criticized him. Enraged, Zhou drew the White Clothes Sword to strike, but Ye Baiyi easily disarmed him, claiming it was his sword before handing it back. Ye Baiyi insisted on tearing open Zhou’s clothes to treat his wounds, but Zhou resisted. Wen Kexing arrived just in time to stop him.

Wen Kexing harshly rebuked Ye Baiyi, who remained determined to check Zhou Zishu’s wounds, urging him to accept treatment or face withered meridians. Even the old master of the Divine Healer Valley couldn’t help. Wen Kexing was very anxious and tended to Zhou Zishu attentively. Ye Baiyi disliked Wen Kexing’s demeanor, and the two fought. Zhou Zishu hurriedly stepped in to stop them. Ye Baiyi couldn’t bear to see Zhou Zishu fading away and pressured him to receive treatment.

Wen Kexing also wanted to see Zhou’s injuries. Zhou removed his shirt, revealing the scars left by the Nails of Seven Torments. Both were shocked, not knowing who could invent such a cruel punishment. Zhou Zishu admitted he was the one who created it. Ye Baiyi, setting aside emotion, hurried him inside to take his pulse.

After a thorough examination, Ye Baiyi promised to extend his life by ten years, but only if Zhou abandoned his martial arts and inner strength, or risked qi deviation. Zhou gently declined the offer. Zhou Zishu walked in the rain to a lakeside pavilion. Wen Kexing followed and learned he had only two years left to live. Heartbroken, Wen Kexing begged Zhou to accept Ye Baiyi’s treatment.

But Zhou Zishu, who had endured this torture for freedom, refused to live on by losing his martial abilities. Not wanting to lose such a soulmate, Wen Kexing couldn’t help shedding tears. Zhou Zishu, suppressing his sorrow, gave Wen Kexing a harsh scolding and left. The more Wen Kexing thought about it, the sadder he became. Just as he was about to avenge his great hatred, Zhou was going to leave him.

He sat alone at the bridge, playing the flute as cold rain lashed his face and body. Gu Xiang returned to the Tragicomic Ghost Luo Fumeng’s List of the Unfaithful. She learned Gao Chong had led a massacre there, killing 47 Ghost Valley disciples and capturing Luo Fumeng. Gu Xiang gathered details from the wounded and rushed through the rain overnight to inform Wen Kexing. Soaked, Wen Kexing ignored her words, still consumed by Zhou Zishu’s illness.

He sighed toward the sky, lamenting fate’s cruelty, then drifted away. Ao Laizi was killed, and Qingsong succeeded him as head of the Mount Tai Sect. Wearing mourning clothes, he led disciples to seek help from Huang He, kneeling and begging him to seek justice for Ao Laizi. Huang He readily agreed and promised to rally the Beggar Gang to eliminate the evildoers. Only then did Qingsong leave.

Madam Peachblossom and Old Man Green Willow advised Huang He to publicly challenge Gao Chong. Though Huang He had leverage on Gao Chong, he still wasn’t ready for direct confrontation. Luo Fumeng was imprisoned by the Five Lakes Alliance. Zhao Jing visited her, seeing his former lover now a vengeful ghost who kills unfaithful men. Beaten and covered in scars, she no longer recognized him. Zhao Jing, disappointed, left in frustration.

Wen Kexing believed Gao Chong wouldn’t kill Luo Fumeng yet, wanting to keep her until the Heroes Conference. He sent Liu Qianqiao, disguised as Yu Qiufeng, to find her whereabouts. Cao Weining’s senior, Cao Weixu, arrived at Yueyang for the conference. Upon hearing of Cao Weining’s pursuit of Gu Xiang, he advised him to focus. But Cao Weining expressed sincere feelings for Gu Xiang, unwilling to end up lonely like his uncle.

Learning Gu Xiang was unwell, he rushed to see her, leaving Cao Weixu helpless. Shen Shen brought disciples to set up the Heroes Conference venue when suddenly a chilling wind blew and yellow papers floated from the sky. He suspected Ghost Valley’s interference and ordered the disciples to prepare. Huang He and Beggar Gang disciples, along with Qingsong and Mount Tai disciples in mourning, stormed in and wrecked the venue.

Liu Qianqiao, disguised as Yu Qiufeng, came looking for Shen Shen. Learning he wasn’t in, she insisted on going in for a cup of tea. Hearing someone had caused trouble at the venue, the Yueyang disciples rushed out. Liu Qianqiao seized the chance to search for Luo Fumeng’s prison and ran into the real Yu Qiufeng. She handed him the Glazed Armor and asked for help in rescuing Luo Fumeng.

Yu Qiufeng agreed and advised her to leave the Yueyang Sect quickly to avoid danger. Qingsong called on disciples to avenge Shen Shen, who swore that Ao Laizi was killed by Ghost Valley. Qinghua recalled clearly that when Ao Laizi was killed, the Changing Ghost said it was on Shen Shen’s orders and planned to eliminate all Mount Tai disciples. Qinghua rushed to fight the ghost and was seriously injured, barely escaping to report back. Shen Shen denied all accusations.

Huang He stepped out to accuse him. Elder Fan Huaikong of the Qingfeng Sect defended Shen Shen and questioned Qinghua’s testimony, suggesting they wait for Gao Chong to preside. Wen Kexing sat in a nearby pavilion watching the drama, while Zhou Zishu was disguised in the crowd. Gao Chong soon arrived and affirmed that Ao Laizi died nobly trying to protect Zhang Chengling.

Tomorrow is the day of the Heroes Conference. Deng Kuan remains unconscious. Gao Xiaolian comes to the clinic to see him, and upon hearing the news, Gu Xiang hurries over. She pretends to be ill and faints on the ground. Gao Xiaolian quickly helps her onto a nearby couch. Gu Xiang is about to take out a hidden weapon to threaten Gao Xiaolian and force Gao Chong to release Luo Fumeng. Unexpectedly, Cao Weining arrives in a hurry.

Seeing Gu Xiang lying on the couch, he panics. While Gao Xiaolian goes to get medicine for Gu Xiang, Cao Weining expresses concern for her and even feeds her pastries. Gu Xiang’s plan is disrupted, and she is furious. Huang He and Qingsong press Gao Chong relentlessly, forcing him to punish Shen Shen and seek justice for Ao Laizi.

Gao Chong tries his best to defend Shen Shen, blaming everything on Ghost Valley and promises to settle the score with Ghost Valley after the Heroes Conference. Other Five Lakes Alliance sects echo the call to eradicate Ghost Valley. However, Huang He refuses to relent and demands Gao Chong to reveal the origins of the Glazed Armor. Gao Chong suspects he’s only interested in its whereabouts.

The heads of Eagle Claw Sect and Iron Palm Sect were both involved in the battle at Qingya Mountain years ago and paid a heavy price. They urge Gao Chong to reveal the truth about the Glazed Armor. The crowd becomes agitated and presses Gao Chong. Zhou Zishu sees a veiled figure hurrying away and pursues her. The person throws a hidden weapon and escapes. Zhou Zishu recognizes her as the Scorpion assassin Qiao Luohan.

Pressured, Gao Chong admits that the Glazed Armor is indeed in the Five Lakes Alliance. After the Qingya Mountain battle, various sects were severely weakened. He and his four sworn brothers divided the Glazed Armor into five pieces and planned to open the armory together one day. The heads of the Funiu Sect and Feng Xiaofeng raise doubts, urging Gao Chong to hand over the Glazed Armor for redistribution.

Gao Chong doesn't want to see more bloodshed over the Glazed Armor. Recently, someone spread fake pieces of the Glazed Armor in Yueyang City, sparking new conflicts. Feng Xiaofeng accuses Gao Chong of forging the fake Glazed Armor, which sparks strong protests. Feng Xiaofeng has no choice but to back down. Zhou Zishu visits Wen Kexing to tell him that Qiao Luohan of the Scorpion Sect has infiltrated the Five Lakes Alliance and wants to know the Scorpions' true goal.

Wen Kexing believes they just want the Glazed Armor. Zhou Zishu thinks it’s more complicated and suspects someone is pulling strings behind the scenes. Wen Kexing, however, is indifferent and only wishes for mutual destruction among the Five Lakes Alliance and the other sects. Huang He proposes using the Glazed Armor to open the armory and distribute the martial arts manuals among the sects before eliminating Ghost Valley.

Gao Chong, cornered again, is forced to admit that even with all the pieces, the armory still cannot be opened without the help of a specific person. Yu Qiufeng and Liu Qianqiao sneak into the dungeon while the Yueyang Sect is unguarded to rescue Luo Fumeng, only to find her being carried away by masked men. They fight fiercely and manage to retrieve her. Gu Xiang, Gao Xiaolian, and Cao Weining leave the clinic to find the courtyard empty.

Suddenly, Madam Taohong and Elder Lüliu drop down and try to seize Gao Xiaolian. Cao Weining fights desperately but is quickly defeated. Gu Xiang rushes to help but is knocked down. Cao Weining gets back up to shield Gu Xiang and is knocked unconscious. Madam Taohong and Elder Lüliu seize the opportunity to abduct Gao Xiaolian and fly away. Gu Xiang quickly gives Cao Weining an emergency pill and starts to pity him.

Liu Qianqiao, passing by, sees this and looks down on Gu Xiang’s actions. Gu Xiang is secretly pleased to see Luo Fumeng rescued. Gao Chong brings in Long Xiao, the young master of Longyuan Pavilion, known for its mastery of mechanical devices. Everyone is surprised that he invited a child. Though young, Long Xiao is mature and explains in detail how his father Long Que built the armory at the request of Rong Xuan.

He states the armory’s structure is complex and cannot be opened by the Glazed Armor alone. When pressed to open it, Long Xiao claims he didn’t learn the full technique from his father and cannot open it himself. He then publicly declares that Long Que will never help Gao Chong open the armory for his own gain. Shen Shen, unwilling to hear more, charges forward to argue.

Zhao Jing also blames Long Xiao for speaking nonsense, claiming Gao Chong never threatened Long Que or sought to keep the treasure for himself. However, the crowd believes Long Xiao, protests fiercely against Gao Chong, and Zhao Jing kneels, admitting fault and saying he has implicated Gao Chong. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing watch all this unfold, each with different opinions.

Zhou Zishu believes someone set Gao Chong up, while Wen Kexing dismisses the Five Lakes Alliance as a disorganized rabble and is curious to see how Gao Chong ends up. Zhou Zishu advises Wen Kexing not to be blinded by hatred and to view the Five Lakes Alliance more objectively. Gao Chong swears that after defeating Ghost Valley, he will distribute the manuals from the armory with Long Xiao's help. If he breaks his word, he will die without burial.

The crowd falls silent, and Long Xiao leaves resentfully. Gao Chong brings up Zhang Chengling and publicly announces his marriage to Gao Xiaolian. He promises to pass the Yueyang Sect to them after the wedding and to retire from the martial world. Gao Chong takes out the Mount Changming Sword Immortal’s "Order of Mountains and Rivers" to swear a blood oath with everyone present. Huang He mocks him, and Gao Chong grabs his hand and presses it on the sword.

Blood drips into the wine jar. Feng Xiaofeng raises questions about the ownership of the Liuhe Manual and the Yin-Yang Records. Each sect wants to claim them, and tensions rise. A battle seems imminent. Wen Kexing is eager to watch the chaos, but Zhou Zishu disagrees. The two part ways.

Qiao Luohan delivers the Scorpion’s orders to the Changing Ghost, who quickly accuses Gao Chong of colluding with Ghost Valley to kill Zhang Yusen, Ao Laizi, and Lu Taichong to monopolize the Glazed Armor. Deng Kuan, enchanted by a whistle, kills a guard and heads straight to the Five Lakes Monument. He accuses Gao Chong of injustice and kills himself on the spot to prove his point, leaving Gao Chong stunned.

Gao Chong watches Deng Kuan commit suicide before his eyes and is overwhelmed with grief. He prepares to go down with the martial world. Shen Shen vows to live and die with Gao Chong. Huang He calls on everyone to fight Gao Chong to the death. Mu Siyuan, who lost a son at Qingya Mountain, is the first to charge at Gao Chong. Gao Chong draws his sword in return but only breaks the opponent’s weapon without wounding him.

An elder from the Qingfeng Sword Sect senses a plot against Gao Chong and decides to leave quietly with his disciples. Huang He urges the Beggars' Sect to fight alongside him. Zhang Chengling stands on stage, unsure what to do. Zhou Zishu sneaks up and tries to take Zhang Chengling away. Zhao Jing blocks him. Huang He, unaware of Zhou Zishu’s identity, agrees to help him rescue Zhang Chengling.

Zhou Zishu curses Huang He, who orders the Beggars' Sect disciples to attack him. Huang He then charges to kill Zhang Chengling, but Wen Kexing arrives just in time to help. Gao Chong is surrounded. Zhang Chengling watches anxiously. Gao Chong tells Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing to take Zhang Chengling away, and they comply. Gao Chong and Shen Shen fight desperately, surrounded by various sects. Feng Xiaofeng seizes the chance to knock over the Five Lakes Monument.

Gao Chong tries to stop him but is too late. Gao Shan rushes in to help and is killed by Feng Xiaofeng. The monument collapses. Gao Chong, devastated by Gao Shan’s death, screams in despair as his last hope crumbles. Zhao Jing pleads with Gao Chong to hand over the Glazed Armor. Huang He pressures him.

Zhao Jing kneels and begs Huang He to spare Gao Chong and urges Gao Chong to think of Gao Xiaolian, not to let her carry the burden of her predecessors' sins. After much consideration, Gao Chong agrees to hand over the Glazed Armor, hoping Gao Xiaolian can live a normal life. Shen Shen tries to stop him, but Gao Chong knocks him unconscious. Gao Chong furiously accuses Huang He of framing him with such despicable means.

He takes out three pieces of the Glazed Armor and publicly announces his break from the Five Lakes Alliance. He crushes the pieces and throws them to the ground. Huang He cries out in distress. Torrential rain pours down. Gao Chong crashes into the ruined monument and dies on the spot. Zhang Chengling sobs uncontrollably, and Zhou Zishu holds him tightly. Wen Kexing is stunned, filled with guilt after seeing so many die for the Glazed Armor.

Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu take Zhang Chengling to a cave to hide. Wen Kexing stands at the entrance in deep thought. Zhou Zishu, having settled Zhang Chengling, joins him. Wen Kexing doubts whether he is an evil person. Zhou Zishu mocks him. Wen Kexing initially just wanted to watch a good show but ended up overreaching. Zhou Zishu cannot guess who the mastermind is but sees through Zhao Jing’s cunning tactics. Zhao Jing manipulates the situation to appear uninvolved.

Wen Kexing vows to send all demons and monsters back to the eighteenth level of hell. Zhou Zishu promises to help him with all his strength. As Zhou Zishu predicted, Zhao Jing is revealed as the mastermind behind the conspiracy. He is the adoptive father of the Scorpion King. The Scorpion King used venom to control Deng Kuan and made him kill himself in front of everyone, leading to Gao Chong’s death out of guilt.

Zhao Jing feigned weakness for over twenty years and is finally triumphant. He had his adoptive son Song Huairen steal the Glazed Armor hidden in the Five Lakes Alliance. The Scorpion King came to retrieve it, but Song Huairen insisted on seeing Zhao Jing’s seal first. Enraged, the Scorpion King killed him. Zhao Jing gives the completed Glazed Armor to the Scorpion King, who wears it around his neck.

Zhao Jing sends the Scorpion King to pacify Mu Siyuan, intending to use him as a figurehead. The Scorpion King admires Zhao Jing’s cunning. Zhao Jing vows to eventually control the entire martial world. Knowing that Madam Taohong and Elder Lüliu have abducted Gao Xiaolian, Zhao Jing decides to spare her to appear righteous to the martial world. Ye Baiyi captures Long Xiao and hands him over to Zhou Zishu.

Wen Kexing mocks Ye Baiyi, and the two nearly come to blows. Zhou Zishu rushes to stop them. Huang He recounts Gao Chong’s suicide in detail to Madam Taohong and Elder Lüliu. Upon hearing of her father’s tragic death, Gao Xiaolian silently weeps. Shen Shen wants to search for Gao Xiaolian. Zhao Jing begs him to stay, but Shen Shen is determined to find her and then retreat to the bamboo forest in Dabie Mountain to live in seclusion.

He hands over the Five Lakes Alliance entirely to Zhao Jing, who is more than happy to accept. The Scorpion King wants to kill Shen Shen to eliminate future trouble, but Zhao Jing forbids him from acting on his own, intending to use Shen Shen to witness his final triumph.  Unable to bear his hunger, Ye Baiyi had no choice but to take the dry rations Zhou Zishu offered.

Ye Baiyi found them hard to swallow, prompting Wen Kexing's ridicule, and the two once again engaged in a verbal sparring match. Ye Baiyi then instructed Zhou Zishu to investigate the old events concerning Rong Xuan and the Lapis Armor through Long Xiao.

Cao Weining was severely injured while trying to save Gu Xiang. Yu Qiongfeng settled him at Mount Hua Sect to recover. Gu Xiang stayed by his side the whole time. Liu Qianqiao and Yu Qiongfeng came together to visit Cao Weining. Gu Xiang was curious why the two of them went to rescue Luo Fumeng together.

Liu Qianqiao casually explained that Yu Qiongfeng's son, Yu Tianjie, was killed by the Five Lakes Alliance, and she had agreed to help Yu Qiongfeng get revenge, so he helped her rescue Luo Fumeng. Gu Xiang thought Yu Qiongfeng was cunning and warned her to be cautious. Madam Peachblossom and Old Man Green Willow locked Gao Xiaolian in a dilapidated temple, pressuring her harshly to reveal the whereabouts of the Glazed Armor.

Gao Xiaolian remained silent, refusing to eat or drink out of spite. Madam Peachblossom became furious and gave her a harsh beating. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing rode ahead on horseback, while Zhang Chengling held a rope behind to practice the Flowing Cloud Nine Palace Steps. Ye Baiyi traveled by carriage with Long Xiao. The group was on their way to Longyuan Pavilion to investigate the truth. Zhang Chengling practiced the moves thousands of times nonstop.

Exhausted and drenched in sweat, he wanted to rest, but Zhou Zishu, in a fit of anger, extended his training by another hour. Wen Kexing spoke up for Zhang Chengling, but Zhou Zishu was unmoved, telling him that even a slow bird must start flying early. Zhang Chengling, already completely worn out, begged Zhou Zishu, but he refused to yield. Changing Ghost, Lustful Ghost, and Happy Ghost came together to congratulate Zhao Jing.

Zhao Jing urged them to hurry up and search for the Glazed Armor and continue the hunt for Hanging Ghost. Changing Ghost immediately voiced suspicion, questioning whether Zhao Jing possessed five pieces of the Glazed Armor. Zhao Jing flew into a rage and forbade him from probing further. In fact, the reason Changing Ghost cooperated with Zhao Jing was that he didn’t want to live in darkness anymore.

He longed for the Ghost Valley medical manual stored in the Armory to return to the human world and enjoy luxury, a dream shared by Lustful Ghost and Happy Ghost. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu’s group traveled through harsh conditions. One night, they camped by a lake, and Wen Kexing made fish soup. Zhou Zishu asked Zhang Chengling to bring a bowl to Long Xiao.

Curious about the connection between Longyuan Pavilion and the Glazed Armor, Zhang Chengling asked Zhou Zishu, who explained in detail. Long Que, entrusted by Rong Xuan, established the Armory, but no one to this day knew the exact location of Longyuan Pavilion—only vague rumors circulated in the martial world. Zhao Jing officially took over as leader of the Five Lakes Alliance.

He convened a meeting of major sects, all of whom believed Gao Chong had colluded with Ghost Valley to endanger the martial world. Zhao Jing called on the sects within the Alliance to unite and promised that the Five Lakes Alliance would endure for a hundred years. Zhou Zishu trained Zhang Chengling on horseback, suddenly spurring his horse to gallop ahead. Zhang Chengling had no choice but to chase closely behind, and Wen Kexing felt sorry for him.

The elders of the Giant Whale Gang advised Chief Wang Moxuan to leave the Five Lakes Alliance. Wang also thought Zhao Jing was cowardly and unfit for great responsibility. Unexpectedly, Zhao Jing arrived with the Scorpion King and his four top assassins to hold him accountable. Wang Moxuan immediately realized the truth—that Zhao Jing and the Scorpion King had colluded to sow chaos in the martial world.

Zhao Jing claimed that the Scorpion had already submitted to the Five Lakes Alliance. Wang Moxuan didn’t believe him and was killed on the spot by the Scorpion King. Zhao Jing even pretended to scold the Scorpion King afterward. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing’s group checked into an inn. Wen Kexing and Ye Baiyi drank tea and chatted in a pavilion while Zhou Zishu supervised Zhang Chengling’s training.

After thousands of repetitions, Wen Kexing gave Zhang Chengling tips on the training techniques. Zhou Zishu tried to stop him but was too late. Zhang Chengling’s steps faltered, and he panted heavily. Wen Kexing rushed over to help restore his inner energy and discovered that his meridians were wide and naturally suited for martial arts. Ye Baiyi mocked him for having such good potential but being too dull-witted.

Zhao Jing had his trusted disciple Wuyiang pose as an assassin to help the Scorpion rescue Luo Fumeng, but unexpectedly, Yu Qiongfeng and a female ghost intercepted and kidnapped her. Zhao Jing asked Wuyiang about the woman’s identity, but he didn’t know either. The Scorpion King had the Five Lakes Alliance base remodeled to resemble Sanbai Manor and came to Zhao Jing to claim credit. Seeing Zhao Jing showing special care for Wuyiang made him jealous.

Zhao Jing advised him not to sweat the small stuff. Wen Kexing and Ye Baiyi drank heartily together while Zhou Zishu meditated nearby to cultivate his inner energy. Wen Kexing soon got so drunk that he lost consciousness and sarcastically mocked Ye Baiyi. Zhou Zishu dragged him away to rest. Ye Baiyi realized Zhou Zishu’s internal injuries had reached his bones and advised him to get treated and live well.

Zhou Zishu politely declined, and Ye Baiyi couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Zhou Zishu checked in on Wen Kexing, who continued drinking alone in his room. Wen Kexing was genuinely concerned about his injuries and didn’t want him to die so soon. Zhou Zishu didn’t want his pity or his polite facade. Wen Kexing made it clear he was sincere.

Zhou Zishu helped him to bed and promised to cherish the remaining time, hoping that one day Wen Kexing would open his heart. Wen Kexing was deeply troubled, fearing that once Zhou Zishu learned his identity, even their friendship would be over.

Early the next morning, Zhou Zishu packed Long Xiao into a basket and had Zhang Chengling carry him on their journey. Ahead lay a dangerous, silent forest, with only the rustling of dry leaves underfoot breaking the eerie silence. Ye Baiyi led the way, with Zhou Zishu and the others closely behind, threading through the dense woods. Zhang Chengling accidentally stepped on a skull. Thanks to his recent training, he quickly regained balance after a stumble.

Ye Baiyi warned everyone not to fall behind, or they’d trigger traps set by Longyuan Pavilion. Just as he finished speaking, Long Xiao secretly tossed a marble at a nearby tree, triggering a hidden mechanism. Swords shot out from the surrounding trees, and several trees were about to fall and trap them. Ye Baiyi leapt into the air and deflected all the swords, causing the trees to break and scatter.

Ye Baiyi suspected Long Xiao was the culprit, warning him not to repeat the stunt and even threatened to have Wen Kexing break his fingers. Wen Kexing strongly objected, insisting he was too kindhearted to do something so cruel. Zhang Chengling wondered why the master of Longyuan Pavilion would live in such a remote place with so many traps. Ye Baiyi guessed he wanted to cut off all contact with the outside world.

They moved forward and encountered a long floating bridge. Long Xiao claimed that Longyuan Pavilion lay on the other side. Wen Kexing volunteered to carry him over but feared he would cause more trouble. Zhou Zishu immediately struck an acupoint to paralyze Long Xiao. Ye Baiyi crossed the bridge first without incident. Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu, and Zhang Chengling followed cautiously. Suddenly, Wen Kexing stepped on a trigger, and the bridge broke in half.

Zhou Zishu, Zhang Chengling, and Wen Kexing fell into a deep abyss. Ye Baiyi was shocked and rushed to save them, but it was too late. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu managed to push Zhang Chengling back onto the bridge. Exhausted, they both fell down the mountain and accidentally triggered another trap, landing in a dark cave. Wen Kexing was seriously injured, and Zhou Zishu used his energy to help restore his inner strength.

Zhang Chengling wept bitterly, and Ye Baiyi comforted him, believing they would make it out safely. Long Xiao, in a wheelchair, released human test subjects raised in the cave to feed on Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing’s blood. Zhou Zishu knew Long Que had been an upright man and was shocked that his only son had teamed up with the Scorpion to train human weapons.

Enraged, Long Xiao cursed his father as foolish, saying he’d given up on using the Ghost Valley’s Yin-Yang Manual to cure his disability. Long Xiao mentioned that Rong Xuan had once had severed meridians and was cured by Yue Feng’er using the same manual. Wen Kexing retorted, calling him mad. Declaring himself a descendant of Ghost Valley’s Medical Sage and an expert in the Yin-Yang Manual’s medicine, Wen Kexing was met with disbelief.

At Long Xiao’s command, a swarm of human weapons surrounded them. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing prepared for a desperate fight. Ye Baiyi led Zhang Chengling into Longyuan Pavilion, but no one answered their calls. Only the sound of chains turning in gears echoed. Ye Baiyi told Zhang Chengling to wait while he searched. Suddenly, countless knives emerged from under Zhang Chengling’s feet. He dodged but fell into a deep trap.

Ye Baiyi rushed over, only to find the floor intact and without a single gap. Zhang Chengling tumbled into a vast underground chamber. Long Xiao followed, claiming that Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing were already dead. His men attacked Zhang Chengling, who fought back with all his strength. Meanwhile, Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing broke through the encirclement. Seeing more human weapons in pursuit, they looked around and realized they were trapped on a cliffside.

Wen Kexing tossed a ball to scout the way and discovered a large cave ahead. He jumped first, followed by Zhou Zishu. They tumbled out into a lush garden that looked like paradise. Zhou Zishu asked a straw-hatted figure for directions, only to find it was a mechanical puppet built by Longyuan Pavilion, which charged toward them. Realizing the danger, Zhou Zishu quickly pulled Wen Kexing aside. The puppet exploded violently, but they were unharmed thanks to their quick reflexes.

Wen Kexing’s sleeve caught fire, and Zhou Zishu immediately cut it off. Ye Baiyi arrived shortly after. Upon learning Zhang Chengling had fallen into a trap inside Longyuan Pavilion, Zhou Zishu became anxious. Ye Baiyi tried to find a solution but had no clues. At that moment, a puppet in a wheelchair resembling Long Xiao delivered a map of Longyuan Pavilion. Zhang Chengling ran frantically through the underground chamber but hit obstacles everywhere.

Long Xiao threatened him, ordered his men to tie him up and put him on an iron torture device, then commanded them to gouge out his eyes. One henchman even drove a steel needle into Zhang Chengling’s head. Just then, Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing blasted into the chamber from above and knocked Long Xiao to the ground. Zhou Zishu forced Long Xiao to reveal how to remove the needle from Zhang Chengling’s head, but Long Xiao refused.

Ye Baiyi arrived gracefully and pulled out the needle himself. Zhang Chengling was unharmed, and Zhou Zishu finally felt relieved. Ye Baiyi said they must take Long Xiao to see Long Que. The puppet led them to a vast cave where Long Que, now white-haired, was chained in the center. He recognized Zhou Zishu, grabbed his hand excitedly, and bombarded him with questions. Ye Baiyi scolded Long Que for allowing Long Xiao to deceive others and harm the martial world.

Long Que revealed his lower body had been severed. Zhou Zishu was shocked. Years ago, Long Xiao had forced Long Que to hand over the Yin-Yang Manual from the Armory. When he refused, Long Xiao imprisoned him there.

Long Xiao furiously rebuked his father, Long Que, for being too pedantic. He accused him of knowingly withholding the Yin-Yang Codex from the Armory, which could have reversed his fate, causing him to live uselessly for over a decade. Long Que repeatedly explained that the Yin-Yang Codex didn’t possess the power to bring the dead back to life, but Long Xiao didn’t believe him and lashed out at him.

He blamed Long Que for relocating the Longyuan Pavilion for his wife, for keeping Rong Xuan’s secret for the sake of his deceased brother, but refusing to extend the life of his own son. Wen Kexing, unwilling to listen to his nonsense, immediately struck his throat with a hidden weapon, rendering him mute. Ye Baiyi couldn’t wait to learn about the relationship between Long Que and Rong Xuan and the entanglements of the past.

Long Que admitted that his wife Yu Zhui was introduced by Yue Feng’er, the senior disciple of the Valley of the Divine Healer. Wen Kexing confirmed with Long Que whether Rong Xuan had forced him to build the Armory back then and whether Gao Chong had coerced him to open it. Long Que guessed these were all lies made up by Long Xiao and advised Wen Kexing not to believe them.

He willingly helped Rong Xuan build the Armory, leaving Wen Kexing dumbfounded. Zhou Zishu wanted to know the truth of the past, and Long Que began recounting it in detail. Qin Huaizhang was the first to meet Rong Xuan, and later Long Que and the others gradually got to know him as well. They worked together to punish evil and uphold justice across the martial world. The Armory was built by everyone to help Rong Xuan.

When Long Que learned that Zhang Chengling was the son of Zhang Yusen, he called him over and was pained to learn that his father had died protecting the Glazed Armor. Long Que repeatedly emphasized that even with all five pieces of the Glazed Armor, the Armory could not be opened without the key that Rong Xuan held. Wen Kexing clenched his fists and remained silent. Zhou Zishu, understanding his inner conflict, gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

Ye Baiyi pressed for the whereabouts of the key, but Long Que resolutely refused to tell. Ye Baiyi kept pressing him, and Wen Kexing could no longer bear it, stepping in to stop Ye Baiyi. Ye Baiyi finally admitted that Rong Xuan was his disciple, and he only wanted to find out the true cause of Rong Xuan’s death. Wen Kexing was once again stunned. Zhao Jing placed Gao Chong’s memorial tablet in the ancestral hall.

Facing two rows of tablets for the deceased, he felt indescribably pleased. As the sole survivor of the Armory’s construction, he couldn’t help but curse at Rong Xuan’s tablet and harshly criticized Gao Chong. Zhao Jing proudly boasted to everyone that he had finally achieved his goal of leading the Five Lakes Alliance. Ye Baiyi practiced a set of Sword Techniques of Sealing the Mountains.

Long Que recognized him as Rong Xuan’s master and was moved to tears, shocked that he was still alive. Long Que finally witnessed the miraculous power of the Six Harmonies Manual, which could make one regain youth. He clearly remembered that Rong Xuan and Yue Feng’er had intended to return the Six Harmonies Manual to Changming Mountain. Ye Baiyi cursed Rong Xuan as a fool and continued to question the cause of his death.

Long Que recalled the days they spent together, and a faint glimmer appeared in his clouded eyes. He remembered that Qin Huaizhang had chosen the location for the Armory, which Long Que later modified. The Glazed Armor and the key had been collected by Qin Huaizhang during his early travels. Rong Xuan had voluntarily invited Zhao Jing, Gao Chong, Shen Shen, Lu Taichong, and Zhang Yusen to compete in martial arts.

Gao Chong accidentally wounded Rong Xuan’s arm, not knowing his sword was laced with the Three-Corpse Poison. Rong Xuan was severely poisoned, and an enraged Yue Feng’er drove all five men away. In her desperation to save Rong Xuan, Yue Feng’er used a forbidden technique from the Yin-Yang Codex of the Valley of the Divine Healer, which drove Rong Xuan mad. In a fit of madness, he accidentally killed Yue Feng’er and was later hunted by all the martial artists.

Yue Feng’er had known before her death that she would never return to the Valley of the Divine Healer, so she entrusted Zhen Ruyu and his wife with seeking a cure and gave them the key to the Armory. When Zhen Ruyu hurried back to Qingya Mountain, Rong Xuan was already heavily surrounded and severely injured.

Zhen Ruyu pleaded on his behalf, hoping to bring him back to the Valley for treatment and promising to atone for Rong Xuan for the rest of his life. Rong Xuan knocked him out and fought with the martial artists, eventually dying in battle. After Rong Xuan’s death, martial artists forced Zhen Ruyu to reveal the secrets of the Armory. Zhen Ruyu firmly refused, so they coerced the old Chief of the Valley to hand him over.

Madame Zhen fled with the seriously injured Zhen Ruyu and their young son, disappearing without a trace. The second disciple and his wife colluded with bandits and were expelled by the old Chief. After the Chief’s death, the Valley of the Divine Healer withdrew from the martial world. By the time Long Que heard the news, it was already too late.

He deliberately released the rumor that the Longyuan Pavilion could open the Armory to stop the hunt for Zhen Ruyu’s family. Wen Kexing was deeply moved by Long Que’s righteousness. Zhou Zishu was also filled with emotion. Ye Baiyi agreed to help fulfill Long Que’s wish, but Long Que had already given up hope and asked for nothing. Instead, he blamed Ye Baiyi for not passing the Six Harmonies Manual to Rong Xuan.

He had stolen it and left the mountain. Ye Baiyi made it clear that the Six Harmonies Manual was not a good thing—otherwise, he would have given it to Rong Xuan long ago. He only regretted not destroying it back then. Long Que shared the same feeling. Looking at Long Xiao, he sighed toward the heavens.

Inspired by Ye Baiyi, Long Que finally understood that parents sometimes withhold things from their children because they cannot give them. He hoped Long Xiao would understand his intentions. Long Que asked Zhou Zishu to retrieve two maps from the library to the right of the bamboo building—one of Longyuan Valley and one of the Armory’s mechanisms. He entrusted the mechanism diagram to Ye Baiyi.

Long Que also compiled the techniques of the Longyuan Pavilion into two books and gave them to Zhou Zishu, asking him to find a suitable successor. Zhou Zishu recommended Zhang Chengling to be his disciple, which Long Que gladly accepted. Zhang Chengling immediately knelt and acknowledged him as master. With his wish fulfilled, Long Que asked Zhou Zishu to cut the iron chains embedded in his body.

Wen Kexing urged him to reconsider, warning that the chains had been embedded too long—cutting them could disrupt his blood flow and be life-threatening. But Long Que didn’t want to face his fallen brothers in the afterlife still wearing chains, fearing their ridicule. Wen Kexing, choking back his grief, cut the chains. Long Que was severely weakened and soon near death. Zhou Zishu held Wen Kexing tightly and encouraged him to reveal his true identity to Long Que.

Wen Kexing couldn’t bring himself to admit that he was Zhen Ruyu’s son, Zhen Yan. Zhou Zishu revealed the truth to Long Que: Qin Huaizhang had helped Zhen Ruyu’s family alter their appearance and took Zhen Yan as his disciple. Zhen Yan had since grown up and become a skilled martial artist. Long Que was gratified and passed away with a smile.

Wen Kexing collapsed in grief beside Long Que’s body, wailing in sorrow and thanking him for telling the truth. Zhou Zishu quickly pulled Zhang Chengling away. Gu Xiang stayed by Cao Weining’s side, tending to him with utmost care. When Cao Weining heard that his master had returned early with the other disciples, he suspected the master had taken the Glazed Armor and worried about trouble befalling the Qingfeng Sword Sect.

He struggled to get up to confront the matter, but Gu Xiang firmly refused. Cao Weining wanted to take her along, and Gu Xiang, eager to investigate the Glazed Armor’s whereabouts, agreed. Yu Qiufeng learned that Zhao Jing had seduced and then abandoned Luo Fumeng, turning her into a ruthless killer.

He wanted to use this to bring Zhao Jing down in disgrace, but Liu Qianqiao disagreed, knowing Yu Qiufeng couldn’t become leader of the Five Lakes Alliance even if Zhao Jing fell. Yu Qiufeng planned to use Luo Fumeng to blackmail Zhao Jing into revealing the location of the Glazed Armor and use the Yin-Yang Codex from the Armory to remake Liu Qianqiao. Liu Qianqiao was instantly tempted.

Zhao Jing, once in power, began expanding the influence of the Five Lakes Alliance by using its sects. Proud of himself, he was still uneasy about Gao Xiaolian and Zhang Chengling. Under the guise of righteousness, Zhao Jing asked the sects to search for them. He intended to restart the Heroes Conference to cement his authority in the martial world.

He sent the Scorpion King to eliminate Bai Qifeng, head of the Xianxia Sect, and Long Xiao, who both knew too much about the past. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu relentlessly pressured Long Xiao to reveal who framed Gao Chong, threatening to kick him off a cliff. Long Xiao swore never to speak and jumped into a cave, ringing a bell to summon the medicine men. They surrounded him and drained his blood.

Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing watched as Long Xiao died tragically. They took Zhang Chengling to the library to find the two maps. Ye Baiyi soon arrived and visited Yu Zhui’s grave. The Scorpion King’s men witnessed this and quickly returned to report. Gu Xiang came to bid farewell to Liu Qianqiao, urging her to leave Mount Hua with Luo Fumeng as soon as possible. She didn’t trust Yu Qiufeng, but Liu Qianqiao made various excuses.

Zhou Zishu wanted to take Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling back to Four Seasons Manor to reunite with their sect. Wen Kexing resisted, recalling the past—Zhen Ruyu’s meridians were severed by the Chief of the Valley of the Divine Healer. He fled with his wife Miaomiao and son Zhen Yan, hunted by martial artists. Luckily, Qin Huaizhang arrived in time to save them. His disciple Zhou Zishu became close friends with Zhen Yan.

Qin Huaizhang altered their appearances and took Zhen Yan back to Four Seasons Manor as his disciple. Zhou Zishu wanted to take Wen Kexing back to revive the Four Seasons Manor and help train Zhang Chengling together. Wen Kexing strongly refused, ashamed to return. Zhou Zishu believed he had gone through unspeakable things over the years. Wen Kexing ran to the lakeside, standing there lost in sorrow.

The Scorpion King summoned the Lustful Ghost, Happy Ghost, and Changing Ghost, and ordered them to annihilate the Xianxia Sect. Black Grim Reaper protested but was immediately drugged unconscious by the Poison Bodhisattva. Changing Ghost was furious and forced Poison Bodhisattva to hand over the antidote. The two erupted into a heated quarrel. The Scorpion King loudly stopped them and threatened Changing Ghost, who had no choice but to obey.

The Scorpion King assigned Handsome Arhat to accompany them—actually to monitor them—and instructed him to leave a few survivors from the Xianxia Sect as a warning to other martial arts sects. Lustful Ghost and Happy Ghost didn’t want to be used as pawns by Zhao Jing. Changing Ghost had long since seen through Zhao Jing’s malicious intentions, but having already betrayed Wen Kexing, they didn’t want to lose Zhao Jing, their last lifeline.

Changing Ghost still shivered at the thought of Wen Kexing’s methods—he had skinned the Old Ghost Master alive to become Chief of Ghost Valley. Zhang Chengling curiously asked why Wen Kexing didn’t return to Four Seasons Manor with Zhou Zishu back then. Zhou Zishu clearly remembered that Qin Huaizhang had urgent matters and couldn’t bring the injured Zhen Ruyu and his family along. He promised to return in three months to fetch them.

When Qin Huaizhang returned after finishing his business, he found their village razed to the ground. This became his lifelong regret. Even until his death, he never forgot his second disciple, Zhen Yan. Zhang Chengling guessed that Wen Kexing had recognized Zhou Zishu long ago but refused to reunite. Zhou Zishu believed Wen Kexing had his own reasons. Hearing their conversation, Wen Kexing was overwhelmed with emotion but feigned calm as he rejoined the group.

Zhang Chengling affectionately hugged him and called him “Shishu. ” Ye Baiyi, wanting to atone for Rong Xuan, offered to fulfill a wish for Wen Kexing. Wen Kexing only asked him to heal Zhou Zishu’s injuries. Ye Baiyi immediately set out to find a healer and told the three of them to patiently wait at Four Seasons Manor. Wen Kexing was overjoyed to learn that Zhou Zishu could be saved, and Zhang Chengling was equally delighted.

The three set out for Four Seasons Manor. Yu Qiufeng came to see Zhao Jing, who scolded him for not attending the Heroes Conference. Yu Qiufeng, putting on airs, revealed a rumor circulating in the martial world: Luo Fumeng was once Zhao Jing’s betrothed, but on the wedding day, he eloped with the daughter of a wealthy military commissioner. Luo Fumeng, driven mad with rage, vowed to kill all unfaithful men. Zhao Jing listened without reaction.

Originally, Zhao Jing had ordered the Scorpion King to have Luo Fumeng relocated, but those sent were all killed at the Yueyang Sect. Zhao Jing suspected Yu Qiufeng of rescuing her. The Scorpion King wanted to kill Yu Qiufeng in a fit of rage, but Zhao Jing forbade rash action to avoid public scrutiny. Zhao Jing instead sent Wuying to notify Lustful Ghost to handle the matter.

On the street, Wen Kexing saw a coded message from the List of the Unfaithful and rushed to meet two women—survivors of the organization. They told him in detail about the massacre they had suffered. Wen Kexing forbade them from returning to Qingya Mountain. Zhang Chengling pestered Zhou Zishu for a bedtime story. Exhausted, Zhou Zishu passed the task to Wen Kexing, who recounted a childhood tale about the two of them stealing honey.

Lustful Ghost, acting on orders, went to the Huashan Sect to find Luo Fumeng and ran into Liu Qianqiao. They fought fiercely, and he knocked her down, attempting to assault her. The Scorpion King and Poison Bodhisattva arrived just in time. Luo Fumeng ran out of the room, madly shouting “Jing-lang. ” The Scorpion King was stunned. Mistaking his reaction for desire, Lustful Ghost mocked him, provoking the Scorpion King to kill him in a rage.

Yu Qiufeng rushed back, begging the Scorpion King to spare Liu Qianqiao and promising to hand over the Glazed Armor. He swore to protect her. The Poison Bodhisattva publicly exposed Yu Qiufeng as the most heartless man in the world: years ago, Liu Qianqiao was humiliated and disfigured by his wife, and he had hidden away. Liu Qianqiao admitted she had given him a fake Glazed Armor, only to get his help in rescuing Luo Fumeng.

Liu Qianqiao knelt before the Scorpion King, pledging her loyalty. The Scorpion King learned that Luo Fumeng had drunk Meng Po Soup and gone mad. He ordered the Poison Bodhisattva to take Liu Qianqiao and Luo Fumeng away and make sure no one saw them. On their way to Four Seasons Manor, Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing, with Zhang Chengling, stopped for tea and encountered injured disciples of the Xianxia Sect.

The tea seller told them the sect had been raided. Zhou Zishu immediately took the group to investigate. Gu Xiang and Cao Weining also ran into injured Xianxia disciples and, confused, crossed paths with Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing.

Gu Xiang ran into Wen Kexing and eagerly called out to Cao Weining. Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling went to a roadside tavern. An old beggar outside praised Gu Xiang and Cao Weining as a match made in heaven. Cao Weining was overjoyed. Gu Xiang gave the beggar some money, but Wen Kexing’s expression darkened at his words. Zhou Zishu warned Cao Weining to prepare for hardships ahead. At the meal, Wen Kexing was openly hostile to Cao Weining.

Zhou Zishu noticed lingering poison in Cao Weining’s system, and Wen Kexing checked his pulse. Gu Xiang described in detail how Peach Blossom Granny and Willow Elder kidnapped Gao Xiaolian and injured Cao Weining, also revealing Deng Kuan was Gao Xiaolian’s fiancé. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu found the whole thing suspicious. They excused themselves to buy medicine, suspecting Deng Kuan was being manipulated to accuse Gao Chong at the Heroes Conference.

A beggar suddenly collapsed at Zhou Zishu’s feet, pretending to faint. Wen Kexing saw through the act. Shen Shen arrived on horseback. As they talked, the beggar attacked from behind. Shen Shen shouted a warning, and Wen Kexing knocked the beggar down with his fan. A group of assassins surrounded them, but Shen Shen joined the fight and quickly killed them all. He was poisoned by a scorpion tail dart. Zhou Zishu gave him an antidote on the spot.

Grateful, Shen Shen joined them to meet Zhang Chengling. Gu Xiang was questioning Zhang Chengling about his recent whereabouts when a waiter brought food. As she opened the lid, poison gas escaped. Gu Xiang quickly reacted and killed the waiter with a hidden weapon. More assassins stormed out, attacking the three. Cao Weining and Gu Xiang protected Zhang Chengling as they broke out. Outside, an old beggar begged Zhang Chengling for help, but Gu Xiang killed him without hesitation.

Cao Weining blamed her for killing innocents. More blade-wielding assassins appeared, and Gu Xiang pulled Zhang Chengling and Cao Weining to flee. Wen Kexing, Shen Shen, and Zhou Zishu arrived and easily killed the attackers. Gu Xiang fumed over Cao Weining’s reproach. He tried everything to cheer her up, but she wouldn’t relent. He knew she had suffered greatly growing up and thus distrusted others. She didn’t want to talk about the past and stormed out in anger.

Seeing Zhang Chengling again, Shen Shen was overwhelmed. He felt Zhang Chengling was just like Zhang Yusen—devoted and filial. Zhou Zishu joined them, and Shen Shen learned that Zhang Chengling had become Zhou Zishu’s disciple. Zhang Chengling asked for guidance. Shen Shen clarified that Deng Kuan’s accusations against Gao Chong were false. Gao Chong had cherished Zhang Yusen and would never frame him.

He had even wanted Zhang Chengling to marry Gao Xiaolian and unite the martial arts of both families, grooming him to be a great hero and next leader of the Five Lakes Alliance. Zhou Zishu recalled a popular rhyme in the martial world and suspected Gao Chong of seeking power. Shen Shen insisted Gao Chong was upright and would never spread such rumors. He, too, was puzzled by Deng Kuan’s behavior, suspecting foul play.

Shen Shen also noted Wen Kexing resembled Zhen Ruyu’s descendants, but Zhou Zishu didn’t respond. Zhou Zishu pieced together all the events and suspected Zhao Jing was the leader of the Scorpions. Wen Kexing agreed. Zhou Zishu also wanted to know the true identity of the Long-tongued Ghost, but Wen Kexing evaded the question. Cao Weining, knowing Wen Kexing disliked him, tried to please him—even heating water for his bath.

The Scorpion King reported intel to Zhao Jing, who learned that Zhang Chengling, Wen Kexing, and Zhou Zishu were together and that Longque and Longxiao were dead. He wasn’t surprised. Zhao Jing only wanted the key to the armory hidden in Ghost Valley. To cover his tracks, he staged the Mirror Lake Manor massacre, the Sanzai Villa theft, and the murder of Aolaizi to make the martial world believe Ghost Valley stole the Glazed Armor.

The Scorpion King didn’t understand why Zhao Jing wanted to kill Gao Chong. Zhao Jing, furious, revealed that he had endured Gao Chong’s oppression for twenty years just for this day. The Scorpion King apologized repeatedly. Learning that the assassins sent to kill Zhang Chengling had failed, Zhao Jing harshly punished him. Gu Xiang, out for a walk, saw Zhou Zishu lost in thought and urged him to stay alive for Wen Kexing’s sake.

Wen Kexing arrived and quickly sent her away. Shen Shen recognized Wen Kexing as Zhen Yan. Wen Kexing thought Zhang Chengling had revealed his identity, but Zhang Chengling insisted Shen Shen figured it out himself. Shen Shen knelt to apologize. Wen Kexing, overwhelmed by memories of his parents’ tragic deaths and years of suffering, coughed up blood in a fit of rage and collapsed unconscious.

Zhou Zishu revealed that Qin Huaizhang had saved Zhen Ruyu’s family and taken Zhen Yan as a disciple. Shen Shen regretted not stepping up back then, which led to the deaths of Rong Xuan and Zhen Ruyu. Zhou Zishu suspected Zhao Jing had poisoned Gao Chong’s sword, causing Rong Xuan’s madness. Shen Shen swore to avenge him, but Zhou Zishu wasn’t convinced and asked Zhang Chengling to escort him out.

Shen Shen and Zhang Chengling bid farewell. Shen Shen wanted to find Gao Xiaolian first and send her to Mount Dagu. He was worried something might happen to him, so he asked Zhang Chengling to take Gao Xiaolian to Four Seasons Manor. Zhang Chengling promised to take good care of her, which put Shen Shen at ease to leave. Wen Kexing was unconscious for a whole day and night. Gu Xiang stayed by his side without leaving.

Zhou Zishu came to take her place in caring for Wen Kexing and learned from her that Wen Kexing often fell into unconscious states as a child. Zhou Zishu checked Wen Kexing’s pulse, and Wen Kexing seized the moment to tightly grab his hand. Wen Kexing had been taken in by the Chief of Ghost Valley since childhood and was trained to become the king of evil and the king of ten thousand poisons.

Wen Kexing woke up and found out that Zhou Zishu had let Shen Shen go. He flew into a rage, originally intending to kill Shen Shen to avenge his deceased parents. Zhou Zishu felt that Shen Shen, Gao Chong, and the others had suffered from guilty consciences for so many years, but did not deserve death. Wen Kexing refused to accept that, insisting on killing Shen Shen.

Zhou Zishu didn’t want to see him kill again and said he should focus his energy on the real enemy, Zhao Jing. Wen Kexing had no choice but to let it go. The Scorpion King imprisoned Liu Qianqiao and Luo Fumeng in a dungeon. Luo Fumeng remained dazed.

The Scorpion King heard that drinking Meng Po Soup would make one forget the person and things one was most obsessed with, so he ordered Liu Qianqiao to find the formula for it and promised to release her once she succeeded. In fact, Wen Kexing had been forced to drink Meng Po Soup since childhood, but the deep-seated hatred never left him. Every time he thought of it, his head throbbed with pain.

Wen Kexing swore to kill all his enemies. Gu Xiang blamed him for not saying anything sooner and promised to help him take revenge. Wen Kexing didn’t want to drag her into it and told her to go live a quiet life with Cao Weining in the Qingfeng Sect. Gu Xiang was unwilling to part from Wen Kexing.

She had initially approached Cao Weining to help Wen Kexing investigate the whereabouts of the Glazed Armor, but later gradually developed feelings for him. Gu Xiang was worried that Cao Weining would eventually discover her true identity, so she didn’t dare accept his feelings. Wen Kexing promised not to harm the Qingfeng Sect and told Gu Xiang to keep her identity hidden. Wen Kexing called Cao Weining aside and admitted that he had saved Gu Xiang as a child.

The two of them depended on each other and endured much hardship. Wen Kexing regarded Gu Xiang as his own sister and asked Cao Weining to take her back to the Qingfeng Sword Sect the next day and never let her down for life. Cao Weining swore to the heavens that he would protect Gu Xiang forever and be good to her for the rest of his life. Only then did Wen Kexing feel relieved.

Zhou Zishu overheard their conversation and couldn’t help teasing Wen Kexing. Zhou Zishu didn’t understand why Wen Kexing was in such a hurry to send Gu Xiang away and asked him to play matchmaker. Wen Kexing snatched the wine pot from Zhou Zishu’s hand and found that the wine was sour and bitter, hard to swallow. Zhou Zishu realized his sense of taste was fading.

He calmly agreed that after they returned to Four Seasons Manor, he would dig out the fine wine hidden in the plum grove for Wen Kexing to enjoy. Early the next morning, Cao Weining prepared a carriage and luggage, planning to take Gu Xiang back to the Qingfeng Sword Sect. Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu, and Zhang Chengling came to see them off. Wen Kexing “gave” Gu Xiang to Cao Weining for free, and Cao Weining promised to marry her with proper rituals and ceremonies.

Zhou Zishu brought Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling back to Four Seasons Manor. The place was surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, blooming with exotic flowers and herbs, and filled with birdsong and floral fragrance. Wen Kexing was completely enchanted. Zhou Zishu opened the main gate of Four Seasons Manor. The courtyard was overgrown with weeds and desolate. Zhou Zishu felt heavy-hearted.

Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling promised to tidy it up soon and restore it to its former state. Zhou Zishu gave them a detailed explanation of the significance of every stone and tree in the courtyard, as well as the mechanisms in various places. He then led them to the meeting hall. The furnishings inside remained unchanged, but spider webs filled the corners.

Zhou Zishu seemed to see Qin Huaizhang chatting with everyone around the fire, but now everything had changed. He was overwhelmed with emotions and regretted leading all 81 disciples of Four Seasons Manor to their deaths. Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling didn’t dare ask more questions. Cao Weining was taking Gu Xiang back to the Qingfeng Sword Sect. Along the way, Gu Xiang got upset and ran ahead, only to see Zhu Yaozhi being driven out by Mu Siyuan.

Mu Siyuan angrily accused Gao Chong of colluding with Ghost Valley to endanger the martial world. Zhu Yaozhi tried hard to defend Gao Chong, but Mu Siyuan refused to listen and publicly revealed that Wen Kexing was the Chief of Ghost Valley. Zhao Jing had already distributed the portraits of the Ten Devils to martial sects across the land, calling for their execution. Zhu Yaozhi didn’t believe that Wen Kexing was the Chief of Ghost Valley.

Gu Xiang was worried that Wen Kexing’s identity had been exposed and couldn’t help but feel nervous for him. Mu Siyuan forced Zhu Yaozhi to curse Gao Chong in exchange for pardon, but Zhu Yaozhi firmly refused. Mu Siyuan began to beat him. Luckily, Shen Shen arrived in time to stop him. Seeing this, Gu Xiang quickly slipped back to reunite with Cao Weining. She began to worry that Cao Weining’s martial uncle wouldn’t accept her.

Cao Weining swore he would elope with her and promised to stay with her for life. Though Gu Xiang knew the truth couldn’t stay hidden forever, she was moved by Cao Weining’s sincerity. At night, Wen Kexing dreamed of witnessing his parents being killed by the Chief of Ghost Valley when he was a child. He tried to fight to the death.

Luo Fumeng pulled him aside, regretting that she couldn’t save his parents, and promised to do everything to protect him. Luo Fumeng gave him Meng Po Soup to forget all his pain. Wen Kexing awoke from the nightmare and saw Zhou Zishu trembling all over, calling out “Shidi” in his sleep. Wen Kexing realized his internal injuries were flaring up and quickly used his internal energy to heal him.

Zhou Zishu finally came to and told him what happened in the past. Back then, Zhou Zishu was ordered by Prince Jin to kill Governor Jiang. Jiang had once helped them, and his daughter was Qin Jiuxiao’s fiancée. Luo Haoning and Qin Jiuxiao pleaded with Zhou Zishu to let Jiang go and secretly send him back to the Northwest. Zhou Zishu pretended to agree and gave them farewell wine, but it was actually Drunken Oblivion Wine.

Qin Jiuxiao slept for five days and nights. When he woke up and didn’t see Zhou Zishu, he mistakenly thought he was trapped and went to rescue him, only to lose his life. Zhou Zishu personally poisoned Miss Jiang. To this day, he deeply regrets it. Wen Kexing tried to comfort him with kind words. Prince Jin was Zhou Zishu’s cousin.

Because of one word from him, Zhou Zishu resolutely led 81 brothers down the mountain to form Window of Heaven, but in the end, they all died. Wen Kexing was also filled with emotion, but he still hoped Ye Baiyi would return soon with a cure for Zhou Zishu. Ye Baiyi overheard commoners talking about how Wen Kexing was the ruthless Chief of Ghost Valley and that Zhao Jing had ordered martial sects to hunt him down. Ye Baiyi didn’t believe it and asked the commoners to confirm if the news was true.

The night was cold as water, and at some point, it had begun to rain. Zhou Zishu woke up and went out to fetch some charcoal for warmth. He saw Wen Kexing standing under the eaves, lost in thought, and invited him to have a drink to ward off the chill. Wen Kexing recalled the joyful memories of raising a puppy with Zhou Zishu when they were young.

He saw Zhou Zishu use the Liuyun Nine Palace Steps and draw the White Clothes Sword, but still wasn’t sure of his identity. Only when he mentioned his surname was Zhou did Wen Kexing confirm that he was indeed Zhou Zishu. Before meeting him and Zhang Chengling, Zhou Zishu had already resolved to roam the world and quietly end his days, but now he simply wanted to stay at the Four Seasons Manor and wait for Wen Kexing to return.

The two of them shared wine and had an increasingly pleasant conversation. Cao Weining was taking Gu Xiang to the Qingfeng Sword Sect. On the way, he recognized the disguised Peach Red Madam and Green Willow Elder. Inside the carriage was Gao Xiaolian, whose acupoints had been sealed. Cao Weining wanted to rescue her, but Gu Xiang disagreed, afraid he would die in vain.

Cao Weining couldn't stand by and do nothing, so Gu Xiang decided to seek help from the nearby Broken Sword Manor. Green Willow Elder drove the carriage toward Dashizhen to rendezvous with Huang He, but unexpectedly, Huang He was already waiting for them halfway. He claimed that the moment he showed up in Dashizhen, he was hunted by the Scorpions and barely escaped. He had clearly seen Zhao Jing's sinister intentions.

Gao Xiaolian mistakenly thought Zhao Jing had sent people to save her. However, Huang He had already leaked the news, suggesting Zhao Jing exchange Gao Xiaolian for the Glazed Armor. Since Zhao Jing had yet to respond, Huang He believed Zhao Jing was responsible for Gao Chong’s death. Gao Xiaolian refused to believe it. Cao Weining was hiding in the forest and saw everything clearly.

Huang He insisted that the martial challenge between Zhao Jing and Rong Xuan twenty years ago was a sham, merely a ploy to steal Rong Xuan's Glazed Armor. Only then did the Five Lakes Alliance gain a foothold in the martial world. Peach Red Madam, learning that Gao Xiaolian was now useless, wanted to kill her in a fit of anger. Huang He quickly stopped her.

Cao Weining stepped out to protect Gao Xiaolian, trying to persuade Huang He to turn to the right side. Peach Red Madam saw through Huang He's lies and started fighting with him. Cao Weining seized the opportunity to escape with Gao Xiaolian. Peach Red Madam and Green Willow Elder quickly caught up. Cao Weining was knocked out while trying to protect Gao Xiaolian. Gu Xiang arrived with Shen Shen, who struck Green Willow Elder with his sword.

Gao Xiaolian begged Shen Shen to spare Peach Red Madam, but she remained defiant, swearing she would never let Gao Chong go even in death. Green Willow Elder begged Shen Shen to spare them and promised to retire from the martial world. It turned out that Gu Xiang had found Shen Shen to help save Gao Xiaolian. Shen Shen exposed Gu Xiang as the Chief's close servant from Ghost Valley.

Gu Xiang was willing to die and begged Gao Xiaolian and Shen Shen to keep her identity a secret from Cao Weining. Gao Xiaolian pleaded earnestly for her, and Shen Shen had no choice but to leave with Gao Xiaolian. After days of hard work by Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling, the Four Seasons Manor was finally restored to its former glory.

Zhang Chengling wanted to pay respects to his grandmaster, so Zhou Zishu took him and Wen Kexing to the cemetery. Zhang Chengling knelt before the grave of Qin Huai Zhang and his wife, expressing his determination. Wen Kexing wanted to pay tribute alone, so Zhou Zishu left with Zhang Chengling. Wen Kexing would never forget the moment he became Qin Huai Zhang’s disciple.

But later, he went down a path of no return, becoming the King of Ten Thousand Venoms and the leader of the Ten Devils. He swore to kill all the major sects and banish every demon and monster to the eighteenth level of hell. He was close to achieving that goal, but the hatred still burned within. Wen Kexing begged Qin Huai Zhang to show him a path back to the human world.

Gu Xiang stayed by Cao Weining's side and didn’t leave for a moment. Cao Weining finally woke up and relaxed after learning that Broken Sword Manor had rescued Gao Xiaolian. Gu Xiang felt that their fates didn’t match and that she had brought misfortune to him. But Cao Weining didn’t care; he was willing to entrust his life to her. Gu Xiang was deeply moved.

Wen Kexing was startled awake by a nightmare and saw Zhang Chengling practicing in the courtyard. Zhang Chengling wanted to become as powerful as him and Zhou Zishu so he could take revenge on Ghost Valley. Wen Kexing calmly taught him martial arts techniques. Zhou Zishu was relieved to see that he was willing to teach Zhang Chengling. Just then, a clerk from Ping’an Bank arrived with a letter for Zhou Zishu.

He took Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling to the bank. Because Zhao Jing had made the Ghost Valley Chief and the Ten Devils’ roster public, they were hunted by the major sects in the martial world. Changing Ghost, Happy Ghost, and others were cornered. They went to confront the Scorpion King, who made excuses and twisted words. In a fit of anger, they left without looking back. Zhou Zishu learned the full story from the bank owner Ping’an.

It turned out that Ye Baiyi had traveled all the way to the Southern Frontier to invite Qi Ye and Da Wu to heal Zhou Zishu. Qi Ye and Da Wu brought medicinal herbs with them, but Ye Baiyi, impatient, had returned early to deliver the message. Zhou Zishu, Qi Ye, and Da Wu had all once served Prince Jin. Discontent with him, Qi Ye and Da Wu had left one after another to live in the Southern Frontier.

Ye Baiyi had gone through great trouble to find them and, unexpectedly, they turned out to be Zhou Zishu’s old acquaintances. Ye Baiyi left a letter scolding Zhou Zishu and demanded he prepare dumplings for him. Wen Kexing happened to see Yun Zai and used it as an excuse to go meet the disciples of Ghost Valley. He learned that Zhao Jing had issued the Roster of Devils, and Ghost Valley had become a target for all.

The disciples begged Wen Kexing to reunite them and lead a final battle against Zhao Jing. Liu Qianqiao came to plead with the Scorpion King to release Yu Qiufeng and Luo Fumeng, promising to follow his orders. The Scorpion King, grateful for her finding the recipe for Meng Po Soup, refined it with additional ingredients into the Dreamless Incense.

He used it to smoke Luo Fumeng in the fragrance room for seven days, hoping to wake her up and clear Zhao Jing of suspicion. Cao Weining and Gu Xiang hurried along and soon arrived at the foot of the Qingfeng Sword Sect mountain. With the New Year approaching, Cao Weining was eager to return. He had written home early, and Elder Fan Huaikong brought Mo Weixu and others to welcome them.

Since the sect leader had ordered the mountain sealed, they arranged a room for Gu Xiang halfway up the mountain. She didn’t ask much. Fan Huaikong and Mo Weixu escorted Gu Xiang to her quarters and persistently asked about her background. Gu Xiang made excuses to dodge the questions. Fan Huaikong promised to arrange her marriage with Cao Weining soon. Cao Weining was curious why the leader had sealed the mountain, but Fan Huaikong quickly changed the subject.

The Scorpion King falsely claimed to have learned from Yu Qiufeng about Zhao Jing and Luo Fumeng’s complicated relationship and went to confront Zhao Jing. Zhao Jing explained that on the day of his wedding to Luo Fumeng, Li Yao threatened him with evidence of his theft from the arsenal and forced him to abandon Luo Fumeng and marry into the government family. Zhao Jing insisted he endured humiliation for the sake of his brothers.

Unexpectedly, Luo Fumeng had stormed through Niguan Palace that night and was seriously injured. Zhao Jing took her for treatment despite their past grievances, but was wounded by her unique martial art, crippling his abilities forever. In a fit of rage, he killed his wife, Li Yao. Zhao Jing repeatedly expressed loyalty to the Scorpion King, who believed him. In truth, Luo Fumeng had already regained her senses and recalled the events of the past.

She told the Scorpion King everything. Unexpectedly, Zhao Jing had twisted the truth and falsely accused her. Back then, Zhao Jing had colluded with government forces to massacre Niguan Palace. Luo Fumeng felt fortunate not to have married Zhao Jing, or she would’ve ended up like Li Yao. The Scorpion King was half-convinced and unsure whom to believe. Luo Fumeng exposed Zhao Jing's cunning and scheming nature.

She said he had hoarded many war trophies and even guessed what gift Zhao Jing had given the Scorpion King to feign sincerity. Tomorrow was the Winter Solstice. Zhou Zishu was certain Ye Baiyi would return for dumplings, so he asked Wen Kexing to prepare some and buy good wine and food. Wen Kexing, knowing Ye Baiyi's enormous appetite, complained in his heart. Zhang Chengling wanted to accompany him shopping, but Zhou Zishu told him to stay home and focus on his training.

Ye Baiyi hurriedly returned to Four Seasons Manor, and Zhou Zishu had already been waiting for him halfway. As soon as Ye Baiyi saw Zhou Zishu, he lashed out at him. If Ye Baiyi had known beforehand that Zhou Zishu and Da Wu were close friends, he wouldn't have traveled all the way to the southern border. He felt humiliated by Zhou Zishu.

Zhou Zishu repeatedly tried to explain, and Ye Baiyi then revealed that Wen Kexing was the Chief of Ghost Valley, only to find out that Zhou Zishu already knew Wen Kexing's true identity. Ye Baiyi flew into a rage. Having roamed the martial world for many years, he didn't expect to be deceived by Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu. Zhou Zishu admitted that he had known Wen Kexing was Zhen Yan back when they were in Longyuan Pavilion.

Zhen Yan was first his junior brother before becoming the Chief of Ghost Valley. Out of brotherhood, and seeing that Wen Kexing hadn't lost all humanity, Zhou Zishu chose to protect him. However, Ye Baiyi remained relentless, insisting on eliminating Wen Kexing and all the Devils of Ghost Valley. Zhou Zishu insisted on protecting Wen Kexing and was willing to bear half of his crimes.

In a fury, Ye Baiyi attacked Zhou Zishu, who firmly blocked him and refused to let him step into Four Seasons Manor. Ye Baiyi, out of spite, drew his sword and wounded him. Wen Kexing arrived just in time to intervene. He and Ye Baiyi engaged in battle. Ye Baiyi relentlessly pressed forward with deadly strikes. Wen Kexing was seriously wounded and collapsed. Zhou Zishu desperately shielded Wen Kexing. Ye Baiyi forced Wen Kexing to take his own life.

Wen Kexing said he'd rather die than not fight against all the demons and monsters of the world. Ye Baiyi raised his sword to kill Wen Kexing. Zhou Zishu rebuked Ye Baiyi, saying he had no right to kill Wen Kexing. Wen Kexing’s parents died protecting his disciple Rong Xuan. Zhou Zishu scolded Ye Baiyi harshly, swearing to live and die with Wen Kexing.

Ye Baiyi finally relented and demanded that Wen Kexing stay put at Four Seasons Manor, warning that if he ever stepped out, he would be killed without mercy. Wen Kexing had originally planned to wait for Ye Baiyi halfway, worried that he would reveal his identity to Zhou Zishu. Unexpectedly, Zhou Zishu had already known Wen Kexing was the Chief of Ghost Valley and had purposely sent him out shopping to meet Ye Baiyi.

Wen Kexing was deeply grateful for Zhou Zishu’s thoughtful planning. Cao Weining spent his days by Gu Xiang’s side, and their feelings for each other grew deeper. Mo Weixu delivered a letter to Cao Weining. Gu Xiang found out it was from Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu and quickly snatched the letter, making up all sorts of excuses to cover up. Mo Weixu noticed a dark aura around Gu Xiang and quietly warned Cao Weining to be cautious.

Cao Weining vigorously defended Gu Xiang. Mo Weixu revealed that Gao Chong had entrusted the Glazed Armor to Sect Leader Mo Huaiyang. Cao Weining had already guessed that this was the reason for the sect’s closure. He repeatedly vouched for Gu Xiang, and Mo Weixu said no more. Despite his injuries, Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling took meticulous care of Wen Kexing, even pretending that they were wounded by robbers. Zhang Chengling didn’t question them.

Wen Kexing confessed his deeds to Zhou Zishu. He had deliberately fabricated the second half of the ballad, intending to mislead the martial world into thinking the Glazed Armor was in the hands of the Five Lakes Alliance. Unexpectedly, the brothers of the Alliance scattered in the face of danger. Though Wen Kexing didn’t directly kill Zhang Chengling’s father and brother, he was indirectly responsible and didn’t know how to face Zhang Chengling.

Zhou Zishu also didn’t know what to do. What he cared more about was who framed Gao Chong. Wen Kexing suspected a traitor in Ghost Valley and planned to investigate once he recovered. The Scorpion King found out that Gu Xiang and Cao Weining had gone to the Qingfeng Sword Sect and that after the Heroes Conference, Mo Huaiyang had sealed off the mountain with no one allowed in or out.

The Scorpion King felt something was off and wanted to send someone to investigate the Qingfeng Sword Sect. Zhao Jing didn’t want any complications and told him to focus on preparing for the reopening of the Heroes Conference. Zhao Jing knew that Mo Huaiyang and Gao Chong were close and that Gao Chong must have entrusted him with the three pieces of Glazed Armor. Mo Huaiyang had left before the Heroes Conference and sealed the mountain immediately after his return.

The Scorpion King wanted to send drugged men to turn Qingfeng Sword Sect into a dead zone. Zhao Jing was furious. He had already ordered the Scorpion King to eliminate all the drugged men but hadn’t expected his continued obsession. Zhao Jing didn’t want to be accused of colluding with Scorpion, which would destroy his chance to become the leader of the martial world.

He warned the Scorpion King not to act on his own and ruin everything he had built. Zhao Jing forcibly drove the Scorpion King away. The Scorpion King finally saw Zhao Jing’s true colors and gave up completely. Cao Weining wanted to see the letter from Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu, but Gu Xiang made excuses to hide it. She was also worried that Mo Weixu and Fan Huaikong would misunderstand her. Cao Weining comforted her.

Ping’an reported Da Wu’s itinerary to Zhou Zishu. Da Wu was making a special medicine for him and would be delayed for a few days. Ping’an handed Zhou Zishu a letter from Ye Baiyi — a war challenge stamped with the Seal of the Armament Order, calling upon all martial sects to unite in destroying Ghost Valley. Zhang Chengling was eager, hoping to avenge his father and brother soon.

Zhou Zishu knew Wen Kexing had trouble sleeping and personally prepared a strong sedative for him. Wen Kexing came to help, feeling guilty and unsure how to explain things to Zhang Chengling. Zhou Zishu decided to find the murderer who exterminated the Mirror Lake Sect after they recovered, and then reveal the truth to Zhang Chengling. Wen Kexing had no choice but to go along. Seeing Zhang Chengling practicing diligently day and night stirred mixed emotions in Wen Kexing’s heart.

Han Ying was carried back to report to Prince Jin. He lied that he had taken Window of Heaven’s assassins to search for the Glazed Armor but was ambushed by Scorpion’s killers. He fought his way out but was seriously injured, and all others perished. Han Ying suspected a mole in Window of Heaven.

Prince Jin, unfazed, thanked him for bringing back a piece of the Glazed Armor and said he had already sent Duan Pengju to continue the search, telling Han Ying to rest at home. Duan Pengju went straight to Zhao Jing to negotiate, persuading him to work for Prince Jin and promising that he would be made leader of the martial world afterward. The two quickly reached an agreement. Outside, the Scorpion King overheard everything.

Zhao Jing, in great spirits, drank heavily until he passed out. The Scorpion King brought him tea to sober up. Zhao Jing bragged about his cooperation with Prince Jin, and the Scorpion King pretended to be happy for him. Zhao Jing decided to wait and see how things unfolded, not wanting to bet everything on Prince Jin. If Prince Jin gained power, he could still switch sides.

The Scorpion King volunteered to pledge allegiance to Prince Jin on his behalf, and Zhao Jing did not object. Duan Pengju soon reported to Prince Jin, revealing that Zhou Zishu had secret contact with Han Ying. Prince Jin had long suspected Han Ying and was surprised that someone was still working for Zhou Zishu after his disappearance. He pretended not to know, intending to lure Han Ying into exposing himself.

Han Ying sneaked into Prince Jin’s mansion at night to search for the Glazed Armor. Poison Bodhisattva, upon hearing that Duan Pengju had come to Yueyang, threw herself at him. As the two were entangled, the Scorpion King came and promised to give him the Glazed Armor. On New Year's Eve, Wen Kexing bought many window decorations. Zhang Chengling began pasting them early in the morning while Wen Kexing supervised.

Zhou Zishu couldn’t help but tease Wen Kexing, saying he only bought so many to please the little girl selling them. Wen Kexing forced Zhang Chengling to kill a chicken and make soup. Zhang Chengling grabbed a knife, but the frightened chicken flew away, making him scream in terror. The Heroes Conference began with great fanfare, and all sects came to participate. Zhao Jing was overjoyed.

Gu Xiang kept vigil alone on New Year’s Eve and felt very lonely, but unexpectedly, Cao Weining, Fan Huaigu, and Mo Weixu came to celebrate with her. The once quiet courtyard was soon filled with joy and laughter. Gu Xiang was very happy. Zhao Jing, drunk, went to the ancestral hall, loudly cursing Li Yao and boasting to the deceased about his current life and status, declaring that next year he would return as the leader of the martial world.

The Scorpion King brought sobering tea to Zhao Jing and witnessed his hideous face firsthand. He also saw the relics of the dead that Luofeng Meng had mentioned. Zhao Jing, enraged, forcibly drove the Scorpion King away. Wen Kexing quickly prepared a table full of dishes and wine. Zhou Zishu, Wen Kexing, and Zhang Chengling drank happily together as firecrackers roared and fireworks lit up the night sky. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu played drinking games.

Zhang Chengling went out to watch the fireworks and suddenly saw Han Ying, covered in blood, arrive at Four Seasons Manor. He quickly informed Zhou Zishu. Han Ying, struggling, took out a piece of Glazed Armor and handed it to Zhou Zishu, hoping he could collect all the pieces, open the armory, and retrieve the Yin-Yang Manual to treat injuries. Han Ying recounted everything in detail.

After realizing Zhou Zishu's identity had been exposed, he killed all the Window of Heaven agents and framed Scorpion. Knowing Prince Jin would soon find out the truth, he tried to find something useful for Zhou Zishu before escaping. He sneaked into Prince Jin’s study and, after much effort, found a piece of Glazed Armor but was discovered by assassins. Thanks to Xingming’s help, he barely escaped Jinzhou.

In Prince Jin’s study, Han Ying found a secret letter stating that Zhou Zishu’s father had been framed and killed by the late Prince Jin. Zhou Zishu didn’t believe it. Han Ying was gravely injured and might not live long. Zhou Zishu immediately descended the mountain to find Ping’an, hoping Da Wu could treat Han Ying.

Zhou Zishu hurried to the Ping’an Silver Bank to inquire about Da Wu’s whereabouts, but found the doors tightly shut. Anxious and at a loss, he didn’t know what to do. Meanwhile, Wen Kexing was channeling all his internal energy to heal Han Ying’s wounds, but the effort yielded little effect. Knowing he was beyond saving, Han Ying advised Wen Kexing not to waste his strength any further.

Wen Kexing felt deep guilt—had he not preemptively forged thirty pieces of Glazed Armor, Han Ying wouldn’t have risked his life to steal the fake piece from Prince Jin’s residence, falling into his trap and suffering grave injuries. Wen Kexing swore to save Han Ying, even at the cost of his life. Zhang Chengling, hearing movement outside, rushed out and discovered that the hounds of the Window of Heaven had arrived at Four Seasons Manor.

When Zhou Zishu returned to the manor, he noticed many sky lanterns drifting in the sky, sensing something was wrong. He quickly climbed to a high vantage point and saw Duan Pengju leading the Window of Heaven’s men to surround Four Seasons Manor. He became deeply worried about Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling’s safety.

Zhou Zishu soon reached the manor and was relieved to find that the three of them were unharmed, and that Zhang Chengling had already driven off all the scouts. Zhou Zishu instructed Zhang Chengling to activate the manor’s defense mechanisms to stop the Window of Heaven’s men from breaking in. He hurried inside to check on Han Ying, only to find that he had severed his heart vessels and died.

Wen Kexing held Han Ying’s body, crying in agony, overwhelmed with remorse. Zhou Zishu tried to comfort him, but Wen Kexing, overcome with grief and having exhausted his internal energy, fainted. Zhou Zishu asked Zhang Chengling to take Wen Kexing and Han Ying into the secret chamber. Zhang Chengling insisted on staying to live or die with him. Zhou Zishu repeatedly assured him that Prince Jin had only sent Duan Pengju to bring him back, and would not harm him.

Outside, the Window of Heaven’s hounds loudly delivered Prince Jin’s command, summoning Zhou Zishu back to Jinzhou. Zhang Chengling had no choice but to comply. Zhou Zishu opened the gate, and Duan Pengju mocked him before ordering his arrest. Gu Xiang and Cao Weining were living peacefully, depending on each other each day. But Gu Xiang couldn’t hide her longing for Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu.

Cao Weining saw through her feelings and agreed to accompany her back to Four Seasons Manor. Gu Xiang didn’t dare go, afraid Wen Kexing would scold her. Just then, the long sound of a horn echoed from the mountain. Cao Weining realized they were under attack, and Gu Xiang recognized the army of drugged soldiers raised by the Scorpion King. Without hesitation, she led Cao Weining up the mountain.

The Scorpion King led his drugged soldiers to ransack the Qingfeng Sword Sect. Fan Huaikong took the remaining disciples to hide in the back mountain. When Gu Xiang and Cao Weining arrived, they were met with scenes of carnage. The two quickly went to regroup with the others in the back. Duan Pengju captured Zhou Zishu and set Four Seasons Manor ablaze. As Zhou Zishu watched the picturesque manor—where spring reigned all year—reduced to ashes, his heart ached with pain.

Duan Pengju laughed triumphantly. With a command, the Window of Heaven’s men departed, escorting Zhou Zishu’s prison cart. Gu Xiang and Cao Weining arrived at a cave in the back mountain, a retreat for Qingfeng’s past masters. Cao Weining was shocked to hear that Mo Huaiyang had fought with the drugged soldiers and now was missing, presumed dead. Gu Xiang applied medicine to the wounded disciples.

Fan Huaikong insisted that the drugged soldiers were raised by Wen Kexing, the Chief of Ghost Valley. Cao Weining was stunned—he had never imagined that the man he had long admired could be the evil one. Wen Kexing, drifting in and out of consciousness, recalled his childhood. He had lived in a small village with his parents, waiting for Qin Huaizhang to take them to Four Seasons Manor.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Jing came instead, trying to force Zhen Ruyu and Miao Miao to hand over the arsenal’s keys. They refused. In anger, Zhao Jing threatened to kill them. But Miao Miao had already poisoned the tea. Zhao Jing demanded the antidote. Miao Miao gave him only a temporary cure for three months. Furious, Zhao Jing left. Wen Kexing, hiding behind the door, saw everything. He woke from the nightmare and became convinced that Zhao Jing had killed his parents.

Determined to seek revenge, he stormed off despite Zhang Chengling’s desperate attempts to stop him. When Da Wu and Qi Ye Jing Beiyuan arrived at Four Seasons Manor, they found it completely destroyed. Da Wu discovered a charred corpse and concluded it was Zhou Zishu. Jing Beiyuan didn’t believe it—having served under Prince Jin, he was sure Prince Jin wouldn’t kill Zhou Zishu so easily. Just then, Wen Kexing appeared shouting for revenge, with Zhang Chengling chasing after him.

After learning that Zhou Zishu had been taken by Prince Jin’s men, Da Wu subdued Wen Kexing and had Zhang Chengling recount the events in detail. The Scorpion Sect’s drugged soldiers had surrounded the cave for days. With supplies running out, Cao Weining refused to sit and wait for death. He discussed a breakout plan with Mo Weixu. Gu Xiang volunteered to fight alongside them.

The Scorpion King and his men lay in wait at the Qingfeng Sword Sect’s base, hoping the disciples hiding in the cave would eventually come out. The Poison Bodhisattva was worried that Mo Huaiyang would return with reinforcements, but the Scorpion King dismissed her concerns. Cao Weining wanted to confirm Wen Kexing’s true identity with Gu Xiang, but he hesitated.

Gu Xiang sensed his doubt and took the initiative to admit that Wen Kexing was indeed the Chief of Ghost Valley. Still, Cao Weining refused to believe it, convinced Wen Kexing had his reasons. Gu Xiang had no way to explain. Cao Weining declared that even if Gu Xiang were Wen Kexing’s spy, he would kill her first and then take his own life. Gu Xiang was moved to tears and told him everything.

As a child, Gu Xiang was taken by the former Chief of Ghost Valley to Qingya Mountain to train in demonic arts. All the other children died. Wen Kexing begged the old chief to spare her life and promised to return her to the mortal world when she grew up. Later, Wen Kexing launched a massacre within Ghost Valley—killing the old chief and replacing all Ten Devils with new ones.

He became the new Chief, ordering the ghosts to retrieve the Glazed Armor from the Hanging Ghost, but it was just an excuse to cleanse the world of all evil. Thanks to the combined efforts of Jing Beiyuan and Da Wu, Wen Kexing finally woke. Learning that Zhou Zishu had been taken to Jinzhou, he was eager to go save him, though they were severely outnumbered.

Duan Pengju brought Zhou Zishu to Prince Jin, who specially dug out a jar of old wine hidden in Qingyuan Courtyard. He personally poured Zhou Zishu a drink and reminisced about the past and their ten-year pact. Prince Jin asked Zhou Zishu to help him achieve his great ambitions, but Zhou Zishu refused flatly, recalling the 79 brothers from the manor who had died tragically. He refused to let anyone else die for Prince Jin’s selfish goals.

Zhou Zishu grew more and more agitated and flipped the wine table. Prince Jin claimed such sacrifices were trivial for a grand cause. Enraged, Zhou Zishu drew his sword and held it to the prince’s throat. Frightened, Prince Jin called for help. Duan Pengju and guards rushed in. Zhou Zishu was ready to die with Prince Jin. Furious, Prince Jin gritted his teeth, and Zhou Zishu punched him in the chest, making him cough blood and collapse.

Duan Pengju surrounded Zhou Zishu, but Prince Jin, realizing the severity of his injury, forbade them from killing him. Gu Xiang opened her heart and revealed the truth to Cao Weining. The two vowed to live and die together. The Scorpion King, along with the Poison Bodhisattva, stood guard at the cave entrance and deliberately roasted meat so the aroma would lure the disciples out. Unexpectedly, Mo Huaiyang brought Zhao Jing.

Upon seeing the Scorpion King, Zhao Jing slapped him without a word and lashed out at him. Mo Huaiyang ordered the cave opened to rescue the trapped disciples. Zhao Jing promised to give Mo Huaiyang an explanation. The Scorpion King finally saw Zhao Jing’s true face and was utterly disillusioned. When Zhao Jing tried to strike him again, the Poison Bodhisattva pleaded on his behalf.

Zhao Jing drove him away and repeatedly apologized to Mo Huaiyang, admitting he failed as a father. Mo Huaiyang handed over three pieces of Glazed Armor and reminded Zhao Jing to honor their agreement. Zhao Jing promised to personally present the Scorpion King’s head afterward, giving justice to the fallen disciples. Duan Pengju captured Zhou Zishu and tortured him, trying to force him to heal Prince Jin. He even threatened to execute Zhou Zishu by dismemberment. But Zhou Zishu didn’t care—if he died, no one would be able to save Prince Jin.

The Changing Ghost brought the Black Grim Reaper to report to the Scorpion King on the outcome of the battle at Qingfeng Sword Sect. The Scorpion King ordered Liu Qianqiao to distribute this month’s antidote to them. The Lustful Ghost handed over Cao Weining and Gu Xiang as part of their report. Fan Huaikong was furious at Mo Huaiyang’s actions, shocked that he would collude with evil forces.

Mo Huaiyang explained that it was Zhao Jing and the Scorpion King’s doing, and that he had never given the real Glazed Armor to Zhao Jing. Only then did Fan Huaikong realize he had wrongly accused him, and repeatedly apologized. That night, Bi Xingming, disciple of Bi Zhangfeng, led the former Window of Heaven disciples in a masked raid on Prince Jin’s manor and rescued Zhou Zishu from the dungeon.

They rushed to escort Zhou Zishu out of Jinzhou by carriage, but were ambushed halfway by Duan Pengju’s men. Duan Pengju had tracked their movements all along, planning to let them succeed in the rescue before secretly killing Zhou Zishu. Duan Pengju ordered the execution of Zhou Zishu and the others. Just then, Wen Kexing suddenly descended from the sky and instructed Bi Xingming to take the rest and flee.

Duan Pengju bragged that Prince Jin’s army was arriving soon, but unexpectedly, the devils of Ghost Valley swarmed in, forcing Duan Pengju to retreat in panic. Before he died, Han Ying had entrusted seventeen former disciples of the Window of Heaven to Wen Kexing, hoping Zhou Zishu would lead them to revive the Four Seasons Manor. Wen Kexing gathered Bi Xingming and the others and led them in kneeling before Zhou Zishu. Zhou Zishu was moved to tears.

Wen Kexing negotiated with the Scorpion King and rescued Gu Xiang and Cao Weining, settling them at Jing Beiyuan’s residence—Dagu Mountain. Wen Kexing and the seventeen disciples escorted Zhou Zishu there. Seeing Zhou Zishu badly wounded, Gu Xiang swore to kill Prince Jin. Da Wu hurried to treat Zhou Zishu’s injuries, and Wen Kexing cared for him meticulously. Zhou Zishu planned to hold a formal ceremony to accept disciples once Zhang Chengling returned.

After learning that Gu Xiang and Cao Weining had eloped, Jing Beiyuan curiously asked for the details. Gu Xiang recounted the whole story vividly: Cao Weining had overheard from Fan Huaikong that Mo Huaiyang and Zhao Jing had struck a deal and was forbidden from asking further. Disheartened, he ran away with Gu Xiang. Gu Xiang, however, kept secret the collusion between Wen Kexing and the Scorpion King.

Zhao Jing widely sent out invitations to heroes, summoning sects across the martial world to Bailu Town at the foot of Qingya Mountain to jointly destroy Ghost Valley. Growing increasingly uneasy, Gu Xiang pleaded with Wen Kexing not to return to Ghost Valley and pressed him for details about his deal with the Scorpion King. Wen Kexing refused to answer.

Gu Xiang had seen with her own eyes how the Scorpion King used drugs to subdue the Changing Ghost, the Lustful Ghost, and others, and feared he would harm Wen Kexing. But Wen Kexing was indifferent. Gu Xiang, knowing Wen Kexing would do anything to save Zhou Zishu, was filled with frustration. Wen Kexing returned to Ghost Valley. The Scorpion King had been waiting and was even seated openly in the Chief’s chair.

Wen Kexing joked about passing the title of Chief to him, but the Scorpion King dared not accept. Luo Fumeng came to see Wen Kexing, blaming him for returning. She recalled how Zhen Ruyu and his wife had saved her years ago and regretted only managing to save Wen Kexing.

Wen Kexing admitted he never had the Glazed Armor; he had killed the Hanging Ghost and falsely claimed that the ghost had stolen it, all to recreate the battle of Qingya Mountain and burn down the filth and hypocrisy of the so-called righteous sects. He had long been ready to perish with them. But meeting Zhou Zishu gave him new purpose. Wen Kexing urged Luo Fumeng to leave with the girls of the List of the Unfaithful, but she insisted on staying.

After rescuing Zhang Chengling, Jing Beiyuan returned him to Shen Shen and Gao Xiaolian, assigning his disciple Aqinlai to attend to Zhang Chengling. Upon learning that Wen Kexing was the Chief of Ghost Valley, Zhang Chengling wept bitterly, then immersed himself in training day and night, vowing revenge. Gao Xiaolian tried her best to dissuade him, but to no avail. In a fit of anger, Zhang Chengling even drove Aqinlai away.

As Zhou Zishu gradually recovered, he hosted a banquet to thank Da Wu, Jing Beiyuan, Gu Xiang, and Cao Weining. They drank merrily together. Aqinlai rushed back to report to Jing Beiyuan. When Zhou Zishu learned that Zhang Chengling intended to seek revenge on Wen Kexing, he decided to go to Ghost Valley himself to resolve the misunderstanding between them. Before leaving, Da Wu gave Zhou Zishu some medicine.

Zhou Zishu hurried to the foot of Qingya Mountain and overheard that Zhao Jing had rallied all sects to eradicate Ghost Valley and that the Chief was surrounded. Anxious, he rushed ahead. Wen Kexing was already encircled by Zhao Jing and others. Shen Shen and Zhang Chengling soon arrived. Severely wounded and cornered, Wen Kexing threatened them with the armory key. Wen Kexing said he would rather die at Zhang Chengling’s hands and promised not to resist.

Zhang Chengling wanted to kill Wen Kexing to avenge his mentors. Shen Shen, suspecting a trap, desperately tried to stop him. Suddenly, Zhou Zishu descended from above, shielding Wen Kexing and forbidding anyone from hurting him. Zhao Jing warned Zhou Zishu not to aid the wicked, but Zhou Zishu retorted sharply. Ye Baiyi suddenly appeared, drawing his sword to attack Wen Kexing. Zhou Zishu tried to help but was held back by the Changing Ghost and the Lustful Ghost.

Zhang Chengling leapt down and hit Wen Kexing with a concealed weapon. Wen Kexing stumbled and fell off a cliff. Zhou Zishu leaped after him, but it was too late. Seeing Wen Kexing fall to his death, Zhao Jing laughed triumphantly. The Scorpion King urged the others to search Wen Kexing’s body for the armory key.

Zhou Zishu woke up groggily at the Ping’an Inn, only to hear that Wen Kexing had died from the fall and that his body had been recovered intact. Overwhelmed by grief, he coughed up blood. Zhao Jing held a banquet to celebrate and thanked Ye Baiyi for his help. Ye Baiyi credited the Scorpion King as the main contributor, saying he lured Wen Kexing out of Qingya Mountain, and then left without even drinking.

Zhao Jing proudly introduced the Scorpion King as his son. Disgusted, Fan Huaikong walked out. Gu Xiang and Cao Weining came to inquire about Wen Kexing’s whereabouts and ran into Fan Huaikong. Fan Huaikong demanded that Cao Weining leave Gu Xiang, but he firmly refused. Zhou Zishu arrived at the Five Lakes Alliance and found Liu Qianqiao burning paper offerings for Wen Kexing. Forcing open the gate, he saw Wen Kexing lying on a cold wooden plank.

As the disciples of the Five Lakes Alliance gathered, Zhou Zishu didn’t want to fight and didn’t want Wen Kexing’s integrity defiled. He kicked a burning log toward Wen Kexing’s body, igniting a raging fire, then left in agony. Gu Xiang and Cao Weining caught up to him and learned he hadn’t saved Wen Kexing. Gu Xiang fainted from heartbreak. Zhou Zishu told Cao Weining to take Gu Xiang and return to Nanjing with Jing Beiyuan.

Grief-stricken over the loss of his soulmate Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu drowned his sorrows in wine at the place where Wen Kexing had fallen. Memories of their shared struggles flooded back. Risking his life, Zhou Zishu forcibly removed all seven Nails of Seven Torments from his body, determined to carry on Wen Kexing’s unfinished mission.

Zhao Jing publicly announced the reopening of the Heroes’ Conference the next day, calling on all sects to wipe out Ghost Valley and exterminate its three thousand devils. He proposed to elect a new leader of the martial world. He solemnly offered a toast to the dead. Shen Shen, the Scorpion King, and Zhang Chengling each toasted Zhao Jing, congratulating him on his imminent success. Everyone endorsed Zhao Jing as the new leader, and he was overjoyed.

Ye Baiyi drank alone, cursing his deceased disciple Rong Xuan for not only getting himself killed but also causing many innocent deaths. Thinking of Wen Kexing’s tragic end left Ye Baiyi deeply troubled. The Scorpion King sent someone disguised as Duan Pengju to confront Zhao Jing, condemning him for associating with evil and publicly severing ties. Zhao Jing tried to defend himself and shift all blame onto the Scorpion King. Learning the truth about Zhao Jing’s actions, the Scorpion King was utterly disillusioned.

The Scorpion King sent Liu Qianqiao, disguised as Duan Pengju, to test Zhao Jing. As a result, Zhao Jing revealed his true colors. In order to form an alliance with Prince Jin, he shifted all the blame onto the Scorpion King. The Scorpion King was completely disheartened and immediately decided to take revenge.

To thank Liu Qianqiao, he agreed to let Yu Qiufeng rekindle their relationship and gave Liu Qianqiao both a Gu poison and an antidote for the enslavement drug. If Yu Qiufeng was unwilling to give up everything for her, Liu Qianqiao could use the drug to make him eternally submissive to her. Liu Qianqiao wanted to elope with Yu Qiufeng.

Yu Qiufeng made excuses, saying they were both under the Scorpion King's enslavement and that tomorrow was the martial arts conference. Liu Qianqiao understood what he meant and handed him the antidote on the spot, even returning the love token fan she had given him in the past. She urged him to leave White Deer Town forever. Yu Qiufeng tried to give her the antidote instead, but Liu Qianqiao gently declined, tearfully bidding him farewell.

Before leaving, she tore the fan into pieces, severing all ties with Yu Qiufeng. Yu Qiufeng stared at her resolute figure, devastated, but still decisively took the antidote. The Heroes Conference officially commenced. Various sects from the martial world attended. Shen Shen nominated Master Cimu of Shaolin Temple as the Alliance Chief to lead the attack on Ghost Valley. Master Cimu, being a monk, found it inappropriate to lead a violent campaign.

Zhao Jing strongly recommended Mo Huaiyang of the Qingfeng Sword Sect. Mo Huaiyang in turn publicly nominated Zhao Jing and suggested resolving the matter through a martial contest. Everyone agreed. Mo Huaiyang and Zhao Jing squared off in a duel. Their battle was intense and evenly matched, though Zhao Jing clearly held the upper hand. Everyone praised Zhao Jing's martial skills.

Suddenly, Zhou Zishu descended from the sky and mocked Zhao Jing, exposing his crimes: poisoning Gao Chong’s sword and causing Rong Xuan to go mad. In a bid to win, Zhao Jing secretly injured Mo Huaiyang with a hidden weapon, inciting public outrage. Zhao Jing accused Zhou Zishu of being Wen Kexing’s accomplice and falsely claimed that Zhou Zishu gave him the hidden weapon. Zhou Zishu dismissed him with scorn and drew his sword to fight.

Unexpectedly, Wen Kexing flew in and, identifying himself as a disciple of Four Seasons Manor, took Zhou Zishu’s place. Zhou Zishu was stunned to see that Wen Kexing was still alive. Zhao Jing publicly revealed that Wen Kexing was the Chief of Ghost Valley and urged everyone to kill him. Wen Kexing retorted, accusing Zhao Jing of framing him. Shen Shen called for Changing Ghost, Happy Ghost, and others to identify Wen Kexing.

Under the Scorpion King's prior orders, they all denied knowing him. Zhao Jing was furious, realizing that the Scorpion King had betrayed him. To prove his identity, Wen Kexing borrowed the White-Clad Sword from Zhou Zishu and demonstrated his father Zhen Ruyu’s Qiuming Eighteen Techniques, admitting he was Zhen Ruyu’s son, Zhen Yan. The Emei Sect leader doubted him, so Wen Kexing recalled how Emei disciples once jointly made clothes for him when he was a baby.

Zhao Jing accused Wen Kexing of inciting Gao Chong to seize the four pieces of Glazed Armor. Shen Shen furiously rebuked Zhao Jing for tarnishing Gao Chong’s name. Zhao Jing then retaliated, accusing Shen Shen of colluding with Ghost Valley, causing Gao Chong’s death, killing the Mount Tai Sect leader Ao Laizi, and forcing Gao Xiaolian to cause Gao Chong’s suicide. Everyone was shocked and began to talk. Suddenly, Gao Xiaolian appeared and publicly denounced Zhao Jing’s lies.

She exposed his plot to harm Gao Chong and seize the leadership of the Five Lakes Alliance. She listed all of Zhao Jing’s crimes. Zhao Jing tried to argue, but Zhang Chengling produced a letter written by his father Zhang Yusen to Ye Baiyi before his death. The letter detailed Zhao Jing poisoning Rong Xuan through Gao Chong’s sword. Gao Xiaolian brought in Deng Kuan to testify.

Deng Kuan exposed Zhao Jing’s true nature, and the crowd, enraged, unanimously demanded Zhao Jing’s execution. Abandoned by all, Zhao Jing was unwilling to surrender. He swung his sword at Gao Xiaolian. Wen Kexing rushed to protect her, and Zhao Jing attacked him relentlessly. Wen Kexing easily defeated Zhao Jing. When Zhao Jing refused to admit his guilt and tried to stab Wen Kexing, Wen Kexing blocked his throat with his sword, ready to avenge his parents.

The crowd was roused and cheered for Wen Kexing. Zhao Jing laughed maniacally, claiming he had manipulated the martial world for over twenty years and was satisfied. Wen Kexing stabbed him, and the Scorpion King fed him a pill that made him mute for life. Wen Kexing returned the White-Clad Sword to Zhou Zishu, expressing his desire to go home together and promising to explain everything afterward. Zhang Chengling wanted to return to Four Seasons Manor with them.

Mo Huaiyang suddenly stepped forward to denounce Wen Kexing as the Chief of Ghost Valley and demanded his death. Wen Kexing admitted his identity and said it was all thanks to those present that he ended up in Ghost Valley—none of them helped Zhen Ruyu and his wife back then. Mo Huaiyang wanted to settle all past scores with Wen Kexing, but Ye Baiyi suddenly arrived to stop him.

Ye Baiyi appeared at the martial arts conference. The sect leaders pleaded with him to lead them in destroying Ghost Valley. Ye Baiyi condemned Wen Kexing’s grave sins. Wen Kexing repeatedly admitted his faults. Ye Baiyi ordered him to permanently seal Ghost Valley and forbid its people from entering the human world. Wen Kexing readily agreed and left immediately with Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling.

The sect leaders accepted Ye Baiyi’s decision, though Mo Huaiyang was resentful but dared not speak out. Gu Xiang brought Cao Weining to see Wen Kexing. Wen Kexing held a banquet for Shen Shen, Jing Beiyuan, and others. Gu Xiang learned that Shen Shen had long been in contact with Wen Kexing, and they had together exposed Zhao Jing’s crimes. Thanks to Ye Baiyi’s timely intervention, Wen Kexing had escaped unharmed.

Everyone drank and celebrated, except Zhou Zishu, who drank alone in silence, knowing his days were numbered even though Wen Kexing had avenged his parents. Gu Xiang revealed that Wen Kexing had worked with the Scorpion King. No one expected the Scorpion King to truly want Zhao Jing dead. Though Zhao Jing survived, he could no longer care for himself or speak. The Scorpion King assigned people to care for him and harshly scolded him.

He had given Zhao Jing many chances, but Zhao Jing repeatedly failed him. Thus, he had no choice but to resort to this. The Scorpion King still planned to kill Prince Jin and become emperor, promising to make Zhao Jing the Retired Emperor if successful. Wen Kexing and Zhang Chengling toasted Zhou Zishu, admitting they had staged Wen Kexing’s fake death in advance. Da Wu kept defending Wen Kexing, explaining that Zhou Zishu wasn’t informed because of his severe injuries.

Zhou Zishu didn’t accept the excuse and made Wen Kexing drink several cups as punishment. Wen Kexing drank heavily and visited Zhou Zishu that night to pour out his heart. He thanked Zhou Zishu for changing him and helping him let go of his hatred. Wen Kexing wanted Zhou Zishu to accompany him to find the small farmhouse where he once lived with his parents after Gu Xiang’s wedding. Zhou Zishu gladly agreed.

Today was Gu Xiang and Cao Weining’s wedding day. Wen Kexing had Ghost Valley decorated festively. It was Zhou Zishu’s first visit to Ghost Valley, and the ghosts addressed him as “Uncle,” which displeased him. Gu Xiang affectionately called him “Big Brother. ” Learning that Wen Kexing was going with Zhou Zishu to Four Seasons Manor, she pouted and said she wouldn’t marry, wanting to go with them. Wen Kexing promised to visit her often, which comforted her.

Wen Kexing locked up Changing Ghost and others in the Cold Pool Prison and let Zhang Chengling decide their fate. Zhang Chengling chose not to pursue the matter and agreed to let them stay imprisoned for reflection. Wen Kexing assigned Luofeng Dream and Liu Qianqiao to prepare a generous dowry for Gu Xiang. Gu Xiang was overjoyed.

Luofeng Dream gave Gu Xiang the hairpin she wore at her own wedding and asked Liu Qianqiao to help manage the wedding since she planned to retreat to the back mountain and wouldn’t attend. Gu Xiang was disappointed. Liu Qianqiao personally placed the hairpin on Gu Xiang’s head. Gu Xiang learned Liu Qianqiao also chose to stay in Ghost Valley and casually asked about her and Yu Qiufeng. Liu Qianqiao acted as if she had never heard of him.

Wen Kexing rushed in and tied the Red Thread of Fate, a gift from Da Wu, around Gu Xiang’s wrist himself. Cao Weining changed into his bright red wedding robe, so nervous he kept drinking water. He couldn’t believe he was getting married in Ghost Valley and regretted that Uncle Fan Huaikong couldn’t attend. Zhang Chengling suddenly remembered Fan Huaikong had sent him a message and mimicked his tone to offer congratulations.

Suddenly, Mo Huaiyang arrived at Ghost Valley with a generous gift. Cao Weining was overjoyed and hurried out to greet him. Gu Xiang wanted to go too, but Wen Kexing firmly refused. Zhou Zishu pleaded with him, and Wen Kexing reluctantly agreed. Gu Xiang and Cao Weining held hands and came out to greet the guests. Seeing Mo Huaiyang and his people, Gu Xiang felt a bit disappointed that Fan Huaikong and Mo Weixu didn’t come. Cao Weining, emotional, knelt and bowed in greeting.

Mo Huaiyang furiously scolded Gu Xiang, calling her a witch who seduced Cao Weining. Cao Weining repeatedly defended Gu Xiang, but Mo Huaiyang refused to listen. On the spot, he twisted Cao Weining's head 360 degrees. Cao Weining collapsed to the ground, dead before he could utter a word. Gu Xiang rushed forward and held him in her arms, wailing in grief.

At Mo Huaiyang’s command, disciples of the Qingfeng Sword Sect swarmed forward and slaughtered all the Ghost Valley members who came for the wedding. Hearing the drum signal, martial artists from various sects who had been lying in ambush outside Ghost Valley stormed in. A fierce battle broke out. Gu Xiang wiped away her tears and fiercely engaged Mo Huaiyang. Unfortunately, she was injured.

Despite the pain, she pressed on him relentlessly, only to be gravely wounded by his wild sword strikes. Wen Kexing came out upon hearing the news and saw Gu Xiang lying in a pool of blood. Enraged, he shouted in fury. Zhou Zishu, Luo Fumeng, Liu Qianqiao, and others also came to reinforce. Liu Qianqiao personally killed Yu Qiufeng, but was stabbed through from behind. It turned out all of this had been orchestrated by the Scorpion King.

He even had Zhao Jing brought in to witness the scene. The Scorpion King summoned the army of drugged men to Ghost Valley, intending to annihilate both the Ghost Valley members and the martial artists from all sects in one fell swoop. Gu Xiang struggled to get up and tried to assassinate Mo Huaiyang, but lacking strength, she was overpowered.

Mo Huaiyang took the chance to seize her and forced Wen Kexing to hand over the armory key and the Glazed Armor. Wen Kexing had no choice but to agree. Just as the army of drugged men arrived, Mo Huaiyang threw Gu Xiang aside and fled in panic. Wen Kexing picked up Gu Xiang, but due to severe blood loss, she was on the brink of death.

She begged Wen Kexing to avenge Cao Weining by killing Mo Huaiyang, then she closed her eyes forever. Wen Kexing was devastated and inconsolable. Wen Kexing laid Gu Xiang and Cao Weining together and personally placed the phoenix crown on her. Mo Huaiyang tried to break out of the drugged men’s ranks, cursing the Scorpion King in his heart. Wen Kexing quickly caught up. Mo Huaiyang drew his sword to attack, and Wen Kexing countered with his folding fan.

The two fought intensely. Wen Kexing was wounded but managed to blind Mo Huaiyang and kill him on the spot. Seriously injured, Wen Kexing leaned against a tree to rest. The Scorpion King arrived with the Poison Bodhisattva, retrieving the three pieces of Glazed Armor from Mo Huaiyang’s body. The Poison Bodhisattva wanted to kill Wen Kexing, but the Scorpion King insisted on doing it himself.

Zhou Zishu arrived just in time and pressed his sword to the Scorpion King’s throat. The Scorpion King tried to negotiate, and Zhou Zishu agreed to hand over the Glazed Armor in exchange for taking Wen Kexing away. The Scorpion King was satisfied and left with his men. Wen Kexing reached out for Zhou Zishu but passed out from exhaustion. The Scorpion King launched the drugged men to attack Ghost Valley at Qingya Mountain, killing all sect leaders.

Duan Pengju highly praised his actions and eagerly moved to open the armory. Wen Kexing, in a daze, dreamed of Gu Xiang offering him tea. But he felt weak and couldn’t open his eyes. As she was leaving, Gu Xiang told him to take care of himself. Wen Kexing suddenly woke and chased after her, but no one was there.

Thanks to Da Wu and Jing Beiyuan’s help, the corpses of Gu Xiang and Cao Weining were taken out of Ghost Valley. Zhou Zishu and Zhang Chengling buried them. Wen Kexing remained unconscious. Knowing he had little time left, Zhou Zishu didn’t want Zhang Chengling or Wen Kexing to watch him die, so he asked Zhang Chengling to take care of Wen Kexing while he set off to stop Prince Jin from opening the armory.

Da Wu realized something was wrong and checked Zhou Zishu’s pulse, discovering he had already removed all the Nails of Seven Torments from his body. But even Da Wu couldn’t save him. Zhang Chengling was heartbroken and wanted to find the Yin-Yang Manual to save Zhou Zishu, but Zhou Zishu persuaded him not to waste his efforts.

Zhou Zishu wanted to cripple Prince Jin and confine him to bed for life so that no one could take the throne, temporarily stabilizing the northwest. But Zhang Chengling thought they should kill Prince Jin. Jing Beiyuan advised Zhang Chengling not to act rashly; if Prince Jin were killed, another would take the throne, plunging the world into chaos and war.

Only by letting Prince Jin live and allowing internal strife among the powers could peace be maintained for a few years. Zhang Chengling finally understood. Zhou Zishu regretted the short master-disciple bond with Zhang Chengling and reminded him to serve the country and its people. He also asked Da Wu and Jing Beiyuan to look after Wen Kexing. Jing Beiyuan recalled that Prince Jin’s father once said the Tuojie clan had a treasure vault to secure the country.

Six keys were distributed among clan members with different surnames. But just as the old prince was about to get the treasure, he was betrayed. Zhou Zishu’s father was killed then, leading Zhou Zishu to believe the Glazed Armor Qin Huaizhang collected had been entrusted to him by his father. Zhou Zishu bid farewell to Zhang Chengling, Da Wu, and the others, repeatedly instructing Zhang Chengling to hide the truth from Wen Kexing.

The Scorpion King and Duan Pengju each led their troops to the desolate Songmo. After much hardship, they finally found the armory. The Scorpion King handed the keys and Glazed Armor to Duan Pengju, who ordered the ice on the door broken. He assembled the Glazed Armor in the door’s groove and inserted the key—but the door didn’t budge. The Scorpion King was furious to discover the key was fake and cursed Wen Kexing.

Suddenly, Zhou Zishu descended from above and killed Duan Pengju on the spot. The Scorpion King demanded he hand over Wen Kexing, but Zhou Zishu scoffed. Suddenly, an avalanche occurred. The Scorpion King fled in fear with his men. Ready to die, Zhou Zishu closed his eyes—but unexpectedly, Wen Kexing arrived, pulled the hairpin from Zhou Zishu’s head, and turned it into a key. When Wen Kexing inserted it, the armory door opened.

They entered together, and the heavy snow sealed the door shut behind them. It turned out Zhen Ruyu and his wife had crafted the key into a hairpin. When Wen Kexing faked his death, he gave the hairpin to Zhou Zishu. Zhou Zishu hadn’t expected him to come. Wen Kexing explained that Ye Baiyi had come to restore his inner strength, allowing him to arrive just in time. Inside was a snow-covered cave.

As they walked in, they found a massive stone door. Wen Kexing opened it to reveal a vast library. Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu split up to search for the Six Harmonies Manual. Wen Kexing found the Yin-Yang Manual from the Valley of the Miracle Doctor at his feet and handed it to Zhou Zishu. Zhou Zishu saw martial arts manuals from various sects, along with books on agriculture, grains, and farming tools.

They continued forward and found a treasure box containing the Six Harmonies Internal Method. Zhou Zishu pondered deeply and finally realized that these grains, books, and tools were the legacy left by the Tuojie ancestors for future generations, and the true secret to a stable kingdom. Wen Kexing also came to the same realization. Reviewing everything, Zhou Zishu felt something was off. Years ago, the old Prince Jin sent his father to open the armory.

Knowing Prince Jin's ambitions, his father didn’t reveal that it contained only provisions and farming tools. Qin Huaizhang had thus handed the key to Rong Xuan. Zhou Zishu feared they would never get out. Wen Kexing said he was willing to stay and survive on snow and ice, just as Ye Baiyi had done for years on Changming Mountain.

Wen Kexing had learned from Ye Baiyi that the Six Harmonies Technique could save Zhou Zishu, but at the cost of his own life. Determined, Wen Kexing concealed this from Zhou Zishu and began cultivating the technique to heal him. Wen Kexing used himself as the vessel to transfer his cultivated energy into Zhou Zishu’s body. Overnight, his hair turned white. Zhou Zishu eventually fully recovered, but Wen Kexing's meridians were shattered, and he was barely clinging to life.

Years later, Zhang Chengling and Gao Xiaolian had a child named Zhang Nianxiang. Whenever he had time, Zhang Chengling would tell the disciples about those past events and widely share the deep bond of brotherhood between Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing, who lived and died together.

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