This chapter opens with a flashback to the events of the previous chapter. The narrator explains that Mingxue's father wanted her to marry him, but the senior members of the sect refused to let him go. The senior members are still loyal to the old sect, and they will continue to resist the reform and opening movement of the new sect. Ming wants to leave the city and return to the countryside, but he is afraid that he will be killed if he does not leave. He tells the narrator that the business of the city has ended, and he is leaving to say goodbye to Ming. Ming says that he would not have stayed in the city without the painting of his master, and that he wants to go with Ming to see the countryside. Ming congratulates Ming on completing the mission, and Ming is happy that he has been rewarded for his efforts. Ming also tells Ming that he is now promoted to chief constable of the town ofxiangnan.