Summary
Highlights
Qin Yi transmigrates into the body of an arrogant son-in-law of the Marquis of Jingbei. The Xiao family is embroiled in political intrigue, accused of treason and facing extermination. Qin Yi activates an 'Ancient Character Playing System' which allows him to gain skills from historical figures by role-playing them. His first character drawn is 'Thief,' boosting his abilities and setting the stage for his intervention.
Qin Yi uses his newly acquired 'Thief' skills to prevent the Black Feather Guards from finding incriminating evidence planted in the Xiao family's treasury. He uncovers a conspiracy to frame the Marquis and reveals the family's financial struggles are due to the Marquis's loyalty to the army. His quick thinking temporarily saves the Xiao family, and he even earns respect from some officials.
Qin Yi attends a Spring Poetry Festival to bail out a servant. Challenged to a poetry contest, he uses his system to compose masterworks, earning him widespread admiration and a reputation as a sage. This performance allows him to complete a system mission, awarding him the 'Heavenly Silkworm Armor,' a powerful defensive item.
Despite Qin Yi's efforts, an imperial decree orders the execution of the Marquis and the exile of his family. Qin Yi is repudiated by the Xiao family (as part of a plan to save him) but secretly vows to protect them during their treacherous journey to Jingbian Fortress. He negotiates with a high-ranking official to be assigned as a border guard at the fortress, ensuring he can be with the Xiao family. He also proposes a plan for land reform to solve the empire's financial woes, which is deemed too radical for now.
Knowing the dangers of the journey, Qin Yi focuses on increasing his strength. He uses his 'Thief' identity to raid corrupt officials' treasuries, boosting his 'Thief' character progress to 71% and unlocking a new character draw. He draws 'Medicine Sage Li Shizhen' and 'Fa Mulan,' granting him medical expertise and military prowess, respectively. He applies the Mulan card to his loyal servant, Rose, empowering her.
Disguised as Li Dongbi, a bone-setter from Youzhou, Qin Yi and Rose (now disguised and physically transformed by the Mulan card) join the exiled Xiao family. They encounter bandits and are forced to reveal some of their skills. Qin Yi uses his medical knowledge to help the ailing Xiao Rushang, who notes his resemblance to Qin Yi. They learn of a local magistrate claiming credit for their actions against bandits, leading Qin Yi to eliminate the bandit leader Zhu Xiong, earning him the legendary horse 'Uyama'.
Qin Yi continues to protect the Xiao family during their journey, exposing a scam involving 'fire charms' by a Fire Lotus Sect Taoist. He reveals his true identity to some of the Xiao family members by accident. He discovers that Ling'er, a servant of the Xiao family, is actually the Holy Maiden of the Mingzun Sect, whose sect was annihilated. He takes on a mission to help Ling'er become the Sect Leader, which boosts his 'Li Shizhen' character to 70% and unlocks another character draw: 'Zhao Kuangyin'.
Qin Yi helps Ling'er regain control of the Fire Lotus Sect's supplies, strengthening her position. He is rewarded with the 'Barefoot Doctor Manual' and a 'First Aid Kit'. With the combined power of the Fire Lotus Sect, the Yan Yun Eighteen Horsemen, and Zhao Kuangyin's military strategies, Qin Yi prepares to challenge the corrupt Emperor. He finally reveals his true identity to all the Xiao family members, solidifying their trust and alliance as they embark on a larger mission to bring down the oppressive regime and restore justice.