田承嗣
Chu Sui favours Zhan Bocheng and plans to arrange a marriage between his granddaughter, Chǔ Bǎolíng (), and Zhan Bocheng. However, Chu Baoling is already in love with Liú Máng (), a young "youxia". Liu Mang and his father are plotting to take a hoard of treasure left behind by Wang Botong to finance their outlaw activities, but Chu Sui sees them as robbers. This results in a fight between both sides. Dou Yuan takes advantage of the conflict to attempt to seize the treasure. Chu Sui dies after sustaining serious injuries during the fight. Zhan Bocheng survives with the help of Tie Mole's children while Dou Yuan retreats. Tie Mole gains control of the treasure and uses it to finance the outlaws' activities. Meanwhile, Dou Yuan becomes more ambitious and plots to dominate the "wulin" by allying himself with lowlifes, corrupt government officials and foreign tribes. With backing from Uyghur nobles and Tian Chengsi, Dou Yuan moves to stir up conflict in the "wulin".