Summary
Highlights
A man transmigrates into the body of Jiang Chen, a notorious scoundrel in ancient times. He wakes up to find his family in utter poverty and despair, exacerbated by the original Jiang Chen's irresponsible behavior. He immediately decides to reform himself and protect his new family, promising never to be like the original owner. He also discovers a 'Fortune-telling system' that allows him one divination per day to predict the future.
Jiang Chen uses his new ability to find a rabbit on Xiaohei Mountain. He encounters Zhang Sanpo, a former crony of the original Jiang Chen, who tries to con him out of the rabbit. Jiang Chen, displaying his changed demeanor, refuses and warns Zhang Sanpo to stay away. The encounter highlights his determination to break ties with his troublesome past.
Jiang Chen overhears villagers discussing Chen Hua, his former fiancée, coming to break off their engagement due to his past behavior. He approves, seeing it as an opportunity to rid himself of a problematic relationship. He brings the rabbit home, much to his family's surprise and delight, and they enjoy a rare meal together, beginning to see a positive change in him.
Jiang Chen, eager to provide for his family, asks his father to teach him trapping and archery. His father is initially skeptical but agrees, recognizing his son's newfound ambition. The next day, Jiang Chen and his younger siblings successfully hunt pheasants, further solidifying his reformed image among the villagers and within his family. His sister-in-law even adds salt to the meal as a sign of their improving fortunes.
Despite a forecast of minor bad luck and rain, Jiang Chen uses his divination ability to hunt a roe deer on Xiaoheishan Mountain. He encounters another hunter, Jia Fan, and they team up to catch the deer, also having a close encounter with the old wolf king. The successful hunt further enhances Jiang Chen's reputation in the village, with people now referring to him with respect.
Jiang Chen plans a trip to the county town to sell the roe deer and other game. He borrows a cart from the village head, offering him some roe deer meat. He also accompanies Shen Yanqiu, a learned woman who needs to buy medicine for her ailing father. During the trip, he buys a rusty, antique sword and discovers a rare wild ginseng, demonstrating his keen eye and resourcefulness.
Jiang Chen meets Shen Yanqiu's father, a former scholar, who is initially dismissive of him due to his 'scoundrel' reputation. However, Jiang Chen impresses him with his insights into the political and economic problems of the Great Zhou dynasty, demonstrating a wisdom beyond that of a simple hunter. Shen's father creates a detailed play highlighting Jiang Chen's heroism.
Chen Hua spreads a false rumor that Jiang Chen was eaten by the wolf king, attempting to exploit the situation. However, Jiang Chen returns triumphantly with the wolf king's carcass, proving his bravery and exposing Chen Hua's deceit. His feat earns him the title of 'Wolf Hunter Hero' and significantly boosts his standing in the village. Meanwhile, Lord Wang, a powerful official, becomes interested in Jiang Chen's family land, claiming it's a 'feng shui treasure land,' and plots against him to acquire it.
Jiang Chen discovers that Lord Wang is after a hidden account book from the First Prince, which is buried under his house. He confronts Lord Wang and his assassins, easily defeating them. His family, armed with martial arts training, also arrives to support him. With the account book in hand and his growing martial prowess, Jiang Chen gains an even stronger position, attracting Yanqiu as his future wife and hinting at a grander ambition to challenge the current regime.