The Brave Archer

The rebels are crushed by imperial soldiers, leaving Guo Jing and Yang Kang as orphans. Six skilled pugilists rescue the boys and take them in. To maximize their future prowess, the pugilists separate them and arrange private training with different masters.

Guo Jing becomes the student of the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan and begins a rigorous, diverse martial arts education. Each master contributes a unique style, broadening his range and discipline. The training forges his character and skill from youth onward.

Yang Kang is raised as the foster son of a powerful Jurchen prince, gaining status and access to wealth. This estranged path plants seeds for his later temptations and conflicts. His upbringing contrasts with Guo Jing’s more grounded training.

In adulthood, Guo Jing travels to a local town where he befriends Huang Rong, a clever and resourceful figure who is secretly the daughter of Huang Yaoshi. The meeting marks the beginning of a pivotal partnership. Huang Rong’s dual identity adds intrigue to their alliance.

Guo Jing encounters Yang Kang during a contest to win the hand of Mu Nianci, the adopted daughter of Yang’s father. Yang’s true identity remains hidden at this time, setting up a rivalry fueled by fate and misunderstanding. The contest accelerates the intertwining paths of the two men.

Tempted by wealth and noble status, Yang Kang betrays his father, choosing personal advancement over family ties. His mother’s subsequent suicide underscores the tragedy of his choice and foreshadows future consequences. The betrayal cements a lasting rift within the family.

Huang Rong reveals to Guo Jing that she is actually a woman, and the two decide to continue their adventures together. The revelation deepens their bond and sets the stage for joint quests. Their alliance combines Guo Jing’s growing skill with Huang Rong’s cunning.

Guo Jing studies the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms under Hong Qigong, the Nine-fingered Beggar. Hong also mentors Huang Rong, grooming her to become the next chief of the Beggars' Sect. The training elevates Guo Jing’s martial arts to a new level.

Guo Jing and Huang Rong travel to Peach Blossom Island to meet Huang Yaoshi. The island owner disapproves of their union, creating early friction. The journey becomes a catalyst for revelations and trials to come.

On Peach Blossom Island, Zhou Botong imparts advanced martial arts and forces Guo Jing to read a mysterious manual. This manual’s true origin links to Huang Rong’s late mother. The lessons push Guo Jing toward deeper knowledge and responsibility.

Ouyang Feng comes with his nephew Ouyang Ke and proposes marriage between the nephew and Huang Rong. Hong Qigong arrives to support Guo Jing’s claim to Huang Rong, heightening the competition of loyalties and love. The arrival escalates the island’s rivalries.

Huang Yaoshi arranges a contest between Guo Jing and Ouyang Ke to determine who is worthy of his daughter. The challenge requires memorizing and reciting a manual, testing both skill and memory. The duel of wits becomes the defining moment for the couple.

Guo Jing reveals that he had already read the manual earlier and recites it from memory, winning the contest with ease. Huang Yaoshi finally approves of Guo Jing’s marriage to Huang Rong. The union moves from debate to sanctioned alliance.

Ouyang Feng realizes that the manual Guo Jing used is the Nine Yin Manual and resolves to obtain it for himself. The revelation intensifies the power struggle surrounding the manual and its immense potential. The island’s peace dissolves into rising tension.