Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Continue the Application”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng assigns Little Fatty several major responsibilities:
  • Contact the Guild and negotiate for resources owed to the Dojo.
  • Recruit high-quality apprentices from Dojos in other regions.
  • Follow the Royal Capital Dojo’s standards, prioritizing quality over quantity.
  • Monitor Guild Master Hills, whom Chen Cheng suspects may have ulterior motives.
• Little Fatty realizes that the Dojo has become politically valuable after an adventurer achieved a breakthrough to Platinum Rank there. The Guild, which previously ignored the Dojo, can no longer easily control it because the other major factions would interfere.
• Little Fatty sends a subordinate to consult the Guild elders about the resource list and becomes more cautious of their schemes.
• Chen Cheng and Little Fatty discuss Chen Cheng’s return to Hui Dun City. Chen Cheng plans to travel independently rather than accompany His Highness, while Little Fatty reminds him to seek help from the Dojo and its adventurers if necessary.
• After the Communication Conch runs out of charges, Chen Cheng learns that replacements are supplied by the Stowe Merchant Association through the Dojo’s accounts.
• Chen Cheng considers developing radio communication, though he recognizes the technical difficulties caused by the world’s magic, atmosphere, and dangerous wilderness. Wired communication would be even more difficult because of the cost and danger of maintaining telephone lines.
• Chen Cheng remembers unfinished business with the Adventurer Guild and decides to maintain cooperation with it, recognizing that he needs the Guild’s protection and public affiliation if he wants to travel freely.
• Returning to the Guild, Chen Cheng again presents Aunt Mei’s letter of recommendation. Guild Master Hills now receives him personally and gives him a Guild-issued key-talent development plan.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng becomes more politically aware and strategic. He understands that the Dojo’s success has attracted the attention of the major factions and that he must preserve ties with the Guild despite growing friction.
• Little Fatty is entrusted with greater authority and responsibility. He shifts from simply managing the Dojo to handling negotiations, resource acquisition, recruitment, and political surveillance. He also becomes more wary of the Guild elders’ manipulations.
• Hills appears to have changed his attitude toward Chen Cheng. Instead of avoiding him, he now actively brings him into the Guild’s internal talent-development system, suggesting that Chen Cheng has become too important to ignore.
• The Guild elders are portrayed as calculating political players who use resource allocation and talent recommendations as tools in their internal power struggles.

Significant Themes

• Political maneuvering and factional balance: The Dojo’s success forces the Guild and other factions to reconsider its importance, creating new opportunities but also new dangers.
• Power through talent: The Platinum breakthrough turns the Dojo into a valuable institution, while apprentice recruitment becomes essential to securing its future influence.
• Caution and trust: Little Fatty learns that apparent cooperation from the Guild may conceal attempts at control, while Chen Cheng realizes that alliances are necessary even when trust is limited.
• Communication and modernization: Chen Cheng’s thoughts about radio and telephone systems show his continued effort to apply ideas from his former world to this magical setting.
• Institutional survival: The Dojo must expand carefully, preserve independence, and work within existing power structures rather than challenge every faction openly.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng sharply corrects Little Fatty’s assumptions and assigns him the Dojo’s practical and political tasks.
• Little Fatty responds with loyalty and humor but also demonstrates growing political awareness by investigating the Guild’s intentions.
• The two discuss Chen Cheng’s safety, with Little Fatty encouraging him to rely on the Dojo and its adventurers rather than face danger alone.
• Chen Cheng’s meeting with Hills marks a significant change in their relationship: Hills moves from cautious avoidance to direct engagement by offering Chen Cheng a place within the Guild’s key-talent system.

Chapter Summary: “Becoming Part of the Training Program”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng reviews the Guild’s talent development plan and decides to join, focusing primarily on its strict identity protection and access to Guild assistance rather than its training resources.
• The program’s first stage requires members below Platinum Rank to complete monthly Guild tasks. Those who fail to reach Platinum Rank within the allotted time are removed from the program and absorbed into the Guild as highly exploited official personnel.
• Hills registers Chen Cheng by combining his documents with Aunt Mei’s recommendation letter and activating a magical transmission system embedded in the letter paper.
• Chen Cheng receives a jade talisman that serves as his Guild identity credential. The Guild will conceal his movements and erase records of his activities unless he reveals himself.
• Chen Cheng considers the Guild’s Ancient Ruins and the possibility that they contain knowledge related to the ancient civilization, magical devices, and warrior training.
• He reflects on the approaching return of Samlet from the City of Sin and anticipates a catastrophic global war involving Legendary Rank fighters.
• Chen Cheng’s decision to join the Guild is primarily motivated by the need to protect his identity from the Church and find a morally acceptable path through the coming conflict.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Demonstrates strategic caution, intellectual curiosity, and strong moral concerns. He values secrecy and protection more than material rewards, recognizes the dangers posed by the Church, and begins preparing for the massive war he believes Samlet’s return will cause.
• Hills: Acts as a professional Guildmaster who efficiently completes Chen Cheng’s registration while withholding sensitive information about the Guild’s magical communication technology.
• Aunt Mei: Though absent, her recommendation is crucial to Chen Cheng’s acceptance and provides the magical document necessary for registration.
• Samlet: Remains offstage but becomes increasingly important as Chen Cheng anticipates his imminent return and the worldwide conflict it may trigger.
• The Church: Emerges as Chen Cheng’s primary political threat because of its pursuit of authority and its potential interest in discovering his true identity.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and identity: Chen Cheng joins the program mainly to gain official protection and concealment, even while accepting that the Guild itself will monitor him.
• Power and exploitation: The training program offers exceptional resources but ultimately treats failed participants as assets to be drained by the Guild.
• Ancient knowledge and technological discovery: The magical letter paper, system glasses, Magic Runes, and Ancient Ruins suggest that lost civilizations may hold advanced magical technology.
• Responsibility and the morality of war: Chen Cheng refuses to justify a devastating global conflict merely through survival. He searches for a reason that will allow him to act without betraying his conscience.
• Pragmatism versus trust: Chen Cheng accepts Guild protection while remaining wary of its motives, trusting that the Guild needs the Dojo enough not to betray him.
• Apocalyptic foreshadowing: The anticipated war between powerful forces is compared to nuclear warfare, emphasizing the potentially civilization-destroying consequences of Legendary Rank combat.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Hills: Chen Cheng politely asks Hills to register him, then probes him about the Guild’s long-distance magical letter system. Hills acknowledges his insight but avoids revealing technical details and redirects the conversation to the training program.
• Chen Cheng and Aunt Mei: Aunt Mei supports Chen Cheng indirectly through her recommendation letter, enabling his Guild enrollment.
• Chen Cheng and the Guild: Their relationship is transactional: the Guild provides secrecy, support, and access to Ancient Ruins, while Chen Cheng must complete tasks and potentially submit to future obligations.
• Chen Cheng and Samlet: Although Samlet is absent, Chen Cheng’s plans and moral anxiety are shaped by their connection and by Samlet’s expected return.
• Chen Cheng and the Church: Their conflict is largely anticipatory; Chen Cheng seeks Guild protection specifically to prevent the Church from discovering and targeting him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng, having lived in the 21st century, grapples with the idea of restoring the empire or overthrowing it, depending on whether it improves or worsens the people's lives.
• Meanwhile, in the western desert, a caravan led by an elder follows a wooden stick to find an oasis. They encounter the Alchemy Old Monster, Luca, at the oasis.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Struggles with indecision due to his understanding of the people's will and the potential outcomes of rebellion or restoration.
• Luca (Alchemy Old Monster): Revealed to be the one guiding the caravan to the oasis using his sect's secret method.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and Decision-Making: Chen Cheng's struggle to make the right decision highlights the responsibility and uncertainty of leadership.
• Survival and Perseverance: The caravan's journey through the desert emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness in the face of harsh conditions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and She Li: Though not present in this chapter, their interaction is implied, with Chen Cheng feeling the urgency of She Li's situation.
• Luca and the Caravan: Luca's revelation causes fear and embarrassment among the caravan members, highlighting the power and reputation of alchemists.

Chapter Summary: “Alchemy Grinding Disc”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The lead mage apologizes to Luca, but Luca dismisses the matter, saying he has already been paid.
• Alchemy Old Monster privately meets Luca, who kneels and tearfully welcomes his ancestor back. Luca explains that his master and grandmaster died before Alchemy Old Monster’s return, and that he failed to preserve the Limb Severing Alchemy tradition.
• Luca reveals that he survives by guiding adventurers and merchant caravans through the Great Desert because he lacks both money and the skill to perform Alchemy Old Monster’s legendary Midas Touch.
• Alchemy Old Monster decides to join Luca’s group on their journey to Moonlight Forest, where he intends to find the Elves.
• In secret, Alchemy Old Monster examines an ancient Alchemy Grinding Disc hidden beneath a tree. The disc is worn from use, confirming Luca’s claim that the oasis remains undiscovered by the Church.
• He restores the disc’s alchemical markings using a transformed metal arm. Activating it reveals the locations of several other surviving oases.
• Alchemy Old Monster remembers Chaos Demon, who sacrificed himself to help him escape the Holy City’s dungeon. A signal marker implanted by Chaos Demon now guides him toward certain coordinates, though Alchemy Old Monster is puzzled that the destination has shifted from the Kingdom of Moss to Moonlight Forest.
• Meanwhile, Samlet is recovering in Moonlight Forest after being sent there by a mysterious woman, likely the Moon Goddess. Crossing the world barrier severely injured him.
• Samlet discovers the guidance signal associated with Chaos Demon and redirects it away from Chen Cheng toward himself, intending to find and kill Chaos Demon personally.
• Because Samlet has repeatedly moved through the forest without permission, the Elves begin hunting him. He avoids them rather than fighting, remaining cautious because he is still injured and unsure whether the Elves still honor their old treaty with the Empire.
• Just as Samlet prepares to leave after evading his pursuers, the Elves capture him in a large net made of enchanted vines.

Character Developments

• Alchemy Old Monster: Reconnects with his surviving descendant and confirms that his alchemical legacy has not been betrayed. He demonstrates his ingenuity by restoring the Alchemy Grinding Disc with his own transformed arm and resumes his search for Chaos Demon.
• Luca: Reveals his humility, loyalty, and regret over failing to preserve his ancestor’s teachings. Though reduced to working as a desert guide, he remains devoted to the alchemical lineage and is delighted to help Alchemy Old Monster.
• Samlet: Becomes more cautious and pragmatic after his ordeal. He respects divine power after receiving aid from the Moon Goddess, avoids harming the Elves despite their pursuit, and remains focused on revenge against Chaos Demon.
• Chaos Demon: Though absent, his sacrifice and implanted signal continue to influence events, drawing Alchemy Old Monster and Samlet toward a potential confrontation.

Significant Themes

• Legacy and decline: Luca’s poverty and limited abilities contrast with the former greatness of Alchemy Old Monster’s school, emphasizing how traditions can weaken across generations.
• Loyalty and betrayal: Alchemy Old Monster worries that his disciples may have betrayed him, while Luca’s continued protection of the oasis proves his loyalty. Chaos Demon’s sacrifice also complicates his status as a “traitor.”
• Hidden power and survival: The secret oases and concealed Alchemy Grinding Disc represent forgotten achievements preserved beneath the surface of a hostile world.
• Caution and trust: Both Luca and Samlet must navigate uncertain alliances. Samlet particularly distrusts the Elves and hides his identity while injured.
• Divine intervention and destiny: The Moon Goddess’s actions and the mysterious guidance signals suggest that larger supernatural forces are directing the characters toward Moonlight Forest.

Character Interactions

• The lead mage apologizes to Luca, showing regret over the earlier conflict.
• Luca’s emotional reunion with Alchemy Old Monster highlights their master-disciple family bond.
• Alchemy Old Monster offers Luca renewed purpose by inviting him to guide the group to Moonlight Forest.
• Samlet remains indirectly connected to Alchemy Old Monster through Chaos Demon’s guidance signal, while redirecting that connection toward himself.
• Samlet repeatedly evades the Elves rather than attacking them, but their distrust of outsiders ultimately leads to his capture.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fisili, an elf, captures Samlet, a human, in the Moonlight Forest.
• Samlet escapes and destroys Fisili's coming-of-age gift, a net she had painstakingly made.
• Fisili, despite being over two hundred years old, acts immature and demands compensation.
• Samlet teases Fisili, causing her to use a spatial treasure to escape.
• Samlet reappears, scaring Fisili, who then summons her Elders.
• The Elders arrive, and Fisili asks them to banish Samlet instead of punishing him.

Character Developments

• Fisili: Initially confident and proud, she becomes frightened and immature when faced with danger. She shows immaturity despite her age, acting like a child.
• Samlet: He demonstrates his strength and cunning by escaping from Fisili's net and teasing her. He also shows understanding of elven customs.

Significant Themes

• Age vs. Maturity: Fisili, despite her advanced age, behaves immaturely, while Samlet, despite his youth, acts mature and wise.
• Power Dynamics: The Elders' arrival shifts the power dynamics, with Samlet now at a disadvantage.
• Cultural Differences: The chapter highlights the differences between human and elven customs, particularly the importance of the coming-of-age ceremony for elves.

Character Interactions

• Fisili and Samlet: Their interaction is playful yet tense, with Samlet teasing Fisili and her reacting with immaturity and fear.
• Fisili and the Elders: Fisili seeks protection from the Elders, showing her dependence on them. The Elders, in turn, show affection and concern for Fisili.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Samlet, a human, is discovered in the Moonlight Forest by Elf Elders, including Fisili's Elder.
• Fisili intervenes to prevent Samlet's immediate execution, revealing her naivety.
• Samlet explains he was driven out by the Emperor and guided by the Moon God to the forest.
• Fisili's Elder reveals the Empire still exists and that the Emperor will likely come to the forest.
• Fisili's coming-of-age ceremony is discussed; she's failed numerous times due to mysterious issues with her assessment items.
• Samlet suspects the Elves of deception, causing tension, but apologizes later.
• Saintess Sifite returns with her team, scolds Fisili for disobedience, and increases her training regimen.

Character Developments

• Fisili: Shows naivety and concern for Samlet's life, displays determination to succeed in her coming-of-age ceremony.
• Samlet: Initially bitter and defensive, later apologizes for his suspicion of the Elves.
• Sifite: Strict and disciplined, prioritizes Fisili's training over her coming-of-age ceremony.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Suspicion: Samlet's suspicion of the Elves highlights the theme of trust and its fragility.
• Determination and Perseverance: Fisili's persistence in her coming-of-age ceremony despite numerous failures.
• Responsibility and Duty: Sifite's commitment to her role as a trainer, even when it's difficult for Fisili.

Character Interactions

• Fisili and Samlet: Fisili's initial naivety and concern for Samlet's life contrast with his initial defensiveness and later apology.
• Fisili and Sifite: Fisili's pleading with Sifite highlights the power dynamic and Sifite's strictness as a trainer.
• Fisili and her Elder: The Elder's kindness and support towards Fisili, despite her failures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Samlet is questioned by Elf Elder Melos about his entry into Moonlight Forest.
• Samlet recounts his journey to Moonlight Forest, emphasizing certain facts.
• Melos and other Elf elders invite Samlet to the Priest Temple to "expel the City of Sin's influence."
• Samlet refuses to ride with Melos, causing misunderstandings and embarrassment.

Character Developments

• Samlet shows awareness of his situation and the elves' power but underestimates their customs.
• Melos maintains her composure and professionalism despite Samlet's refusal.
• The Elf elders display a playful side, gossiping about Samlet and Melos.

Significant Themes

• Purity and Perception: Elves' purity contrasts with outsiders' perceptions, leading to misunderstandings.
• Long Life and Love: Elves' long lives and lack of male counterparts complicate romantic relationships.

Character Interactions

• Samlet and Melos: Tension and misunderstanding due to cultural differences.
• Samlet and Elf Elders: The elders tease Samlet about his interaction with Melos.
• Melos and the Unicorns: Melos shows affection and control over the Unicorns.

Chapter Summary: “Extremely Low Birth Rate”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Samlet and Melos return to the Elves’ homeland beneath the World Tree, where the Elves live in naturally grown wooden homes.
• The young Elves warmly greet Melos and receive beautiful clothes as gifts. Their innocence contrasts with the serious conflict between the Elves and the human Empire.
• Melos reveals that the children present represent nearly all the Elves born over the past several decades. The race’s birth rate has fallen drastically, with births becoming increasingly rare.
• She explains that this crisis stems from an agreement between the Elven race and the Imperial family. The Imperial family apparently failed to fulfill its promise, leaving the Elves without the outcome they were promised.
• Melos demands that the current Imperial ruler, Chen Cheng, appear and honor the agreement. The World Tree then binds Samlet with a single branch, though Melos assures him that the Elves do not intend to harm him.
• Samlet questions whether the Elves can be trusted. Melos swears by the Father God—the Elves’ supreme deity, the God of Life—that her people will never harm the Emperor.
• Convinced by the seriousness of the oath and recognizing that the Elves may truly be suffering, Samlet agrees to help Chen Cheng fulfill the Imperial family’s promises.
• Samlet is placed in a wooden house, where he activates a contingency linked to She Li, who is traveling with Chen Cheng in the Royal Capital of Mos.
• Through She Li’s spiritual world, Samlet contacts him and observes that his spiritual foundation is unusually stable. He predicts that She Li will soon reach the realm of second enlightenment.

Character Developments

• Melos: Her anger toward humans remains strong, but it is revealed to be rooted in the existential suffering of her people. She acts as a protector of the Elf race and is willing to detain Samlet to force the Imperial family to honor its commitment, while still adhering to the Elves’ oath not to harm the Emperor.
• Samlet: He begins the chapter uncomfortable and skeptical of the Elves, especially because they failed to aid the fallen Empire in the past. After learning about their collapsing birth rate, he gains a deeper understanding of their desperation and becomes more committed to helping Chen Cheng restore the Empire and fulfill its old alliances.
• Chen Cheng: Though absent from the chapter, he becomes central to the conflict because the Elves are waiting for him to fulfill the Imperial family’s promise and potentially unite the various races.
• She Li: His spiritual cultivation is shown to be progressing rapidly. Samlet’s assessment suggests that She Li is close to advancing to the second enlightenment realm.

Significant Themes

• Broken promises and inherited responsibility: The current Imperial leadership must deal with promises made by their predecessors, showing how political failures can affect entire races across generations.
• The survival of a people: The Elves’ low birth rate transforms the Imperial agreement from a political matter into a question of racial survival.
• Trust and betrayal: Samlet struggles to trust the Elves because of their silence during the Empire’s downfall, while Melos insists that the Elves remain bound by sacred vows.
• Faith and divine authority: The Elves’ belief in the God of Life and the Moon Goddess shapes their identity and gives their oaths enormous moral weight.
• Alliance-building: Samlet begins to see Chen Cheng’s restoration effort as a chance to gather the world’s races into a united force against the rebels.

Character Interactions

• Young Elves enthusiastically welcome Melos and receive gifts from her, highlighting the warmth and innocence of Elf society.
• Melos rebukes Samlet for being a smooth-talking human, reflecting the lingering hostility between the Elves and humans.
• Melos confronts Samlet about the Imperial family’s failure to honor its agreement and has the World Tree restrain him.
• Samlet challenges Melos’s trustworthiness, prompting her to invoke the sacred oath of the Elf race.
• Later, Samlet contacts She Li through a spiritual link and evaluates his cultivation, creating a connection between the Elf crisis and Chen Cheng’s ongoing restoration efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Samlet contacts She Li mentally, proving his identity to avoid a mental battle.
• Samlet reveals he's in the Moonlight Forest, recuperating after the City of Sin plan failed.
• He instructs She Li to tell Chen Cheng about the Empire and Elf race's agreement, and that Chen Cheng can fulfill it in the Moonlight Forest.
• She Li returns to reality, still with Chen Cheng on Adventurer's Street.
• Chen Cheng suggests they visit Guild Street for relaxation, but She Li declines.
• Chen Cheng asks She Li's opinion on a magic sword, and She Li criticizes it, leading to a confrontation with the shop owner.

Character Developments

• Samlet: Shows concern for Chen Cheng's situation and feels guilty for the failed plan.
• She Li: Demonstrates vigilance and caution in verifying Samlet's identity, and maintains loyalty to Chen Cheng.
• Chen Cheng: Shows care for She Li's well-being and relies on his judgment for weapons.

Significant Themes

• Trust and verification (Samlet and She Li's mental exchange)
• Loyalty (She Li's dedication to Chen Cheng)
• Pride and face (shop owner's insistence on a gamble)

Character Interactions

• Samlet and She Li: Samlet proves his identity, and She Li confirms it before relaying information.
• Chen Cheng and She Li: Chen Cheng cares for She Li's well-being and seeks his advice on weapons.
• Chen Cheng and the shop owner: The owner challenges Chen Cheng and She Li to prove their criticism of the sword.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng, a customer at a sword shop, challenges the shop's reputation by betting on his subordinate's ability to break the shop's prized sword using a seemingly worthless, rusty sword.
• Chen Cheng's subordinate, She Li, successfully breaks the shop's sword with Chen Cheng's rusty sword, proving its superiority.
• The shop owner attempts to renege on the bet and retrieve his sword, but Chen Cheng insists on upholding the agreement and calls for the City Guard.
• Chen Cheng and She Li subdue the shop owner and his employees without killing anyone, awaiting the City Guard's arrival.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his confidence, strategic thinking, and commitment to justice.
• She Li showcases her strength and skill in combat.
• The sword shop owner reveals his dishonesty and greed, leading to his downfall.

Significant Themes

• Honesty and Integrity: Chen Cheng upholds his word and exposes the shop owner's dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of integrity.
• Consequences of Greed: The shop owner's greed leads to his business's downfall and his own arrest.
• Power Dynamics: Chen Cheng's use of the City Guard to resolve the issue highlights the power dynamics between citizens and authorities.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and She Li work together, with Chen Cheng strategizing and She Li executing the plan.
• The shop owner and his employees initially underestimate Chen Cheng and She Li, leading to their defeat.
• The City Guard arrives to maintain order and uphold justice, interacting with Chen Cheng and the shop owner.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng wins a bet with a sword shop owner, who then tries to renege. The City Guard arrives, and the shop owner surrenders.
• Chen Cheng reveals his identity as Mr. Brown, causing the shop owner to collapse in fear.
• Chen Cheng ensures the shop owner refunds customers who bought defective swords.
• Chen Cheng learns the sword he won is made from a Fire Flood Dragon's horn, a Spirit Weapon.
• She Li reveals that Lord Samlet, Chen Cheng's former knight, has contacted him from the City of Sin, seeking help.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his authority and influence as Mr. Brown.
• She Li shows a rare moment of humor, indicating a growing comfort with Chen Cheng.
• Chen Cheng expresses concern and guilt over Samlet's situation, highlighting his loyalty and care for his subordinates.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of defying authority (shop owner vs. Chen Cheng and the City Guard).
• The value of honesty and integrity (Chen Cheng ensuring refunds for customers).
• The importance of loyalty and responsibility (Chen Cheng's worry for Samlet).

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and the shop owner: A power struggle where Chen Cheng asserts his dominance.
• Chen Cheng and the City Guard captain: A display of mutual respect and cooperation.
• Chen Cheng and She Li: A growing bond, with She Li showing a rare moment of humor and Chen Cheng expressing concern for Samlet's well-being.
• Chen Cheng and Samlet (off-page): A strong sense of loyalty and responsibility, with Chen Cheng feeling guilty for Samlet's predicament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng learns that Samlet has been detained by the Elf race and must go to the Moonlight Forest to rescue him.
• Chen Cheng decides to accept the mission and travels to the Adventurer's Guild to request ancient teleportation nodes.
• Hills warns Chen Cheng about the dangers of teleportation and offers him a long-term mission that suits his needs.
• Chen Cheng accepts the mission to investigate a missing guild caravan headed to the Moonlight Forest, which aligns with his plan to rescue Samlet.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his loyalty and determination to help Samlet, showing growth in his responsibility and decision-making.
• Hills shows concern for Chen Cheng's safety, revealing a more caring side to his usually stern demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and friendship: Chen Cheng's decision to rescue Samlet highlights the importance of their bond.
• Dangers of ancient technology: The instability of ancient teleportation nodes serves as a reminder of the risks associated with old magic and technology.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Hills: Their interaction shows a shift in their relationship, with Hills displaying more concern for Chen Cheng's well-being.
• Chen Cheng and Samlet: Their bond is strengthened as Chen Cheng decides to rescue Samlet, showing trust and loyalty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng accepts a mission to investigate a lost merchant caravan in the Great Desert.
• He learns about the Great Desert's vastness, its Spirit-Sealing nature, and its role as a barrier for the Elf race.
• Chen Cheng borrows magic crystals from the dojo to activate the ancient teleportation array.
• Chen Cheng takes his mount, Daha, and She Li merges with Daha's shadow for the journey.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his knowledge of the Great Desert and his determination to take on the mission.
• Samlet shows concern for Chen Cheng's safety and provides insider information about the merchant caravan's guide.
• Chen Cheng shows no fear of the Great Desert's dangers and is well-prepared for the journey.

Significant Themes

• The vast and dangerous Great Desert serves as a symbol of the unknown and the challenges ahead.
• The importance of preparation and knowledge in facing adversity is highlighted.
• Chen Cheng's determination and courage are emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and Samlet have a candid conversation about the mission and its risks.
• Chen Cheng interacts with the dojo supervisor, "borrowing" magic crystals without hesitation.
• Chen Cheng shows affection towards Daha, his mount, and trust in She Li, who merges with Daha's shadow.

Chapter Summary: “Puliu City”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wisdom Shield returns to the Crown Prince’s Manor after several exhausting days away and asks after Chen Cheng, hoping to consult him about the growing conflict between his royal uncle and the Princess Consort, as well as plans involving the Duke’s Mansion.
• He learns that Chen Cheng has been spending time at the Adventurer’s Guild and orders the steward to summon him. However, Little Maidservant reveals that Chen Cheng left the city that morning and had only left a message behind.
• Chen Cheng’s departure deeply upsets Wisdom Shield. Though he pretends to be angry that Chen Cheng did not say goodbye in person, he is clearly worried and emotionally devastated. He tells Little Maidservant to return to the manor and later accompany him back to Hui Dun City so Chen Cheng cannot accuse him of neglecting her.
• After Little Maidservant leaves, Wisdom Shield breaks down in private, realizing how lonely he feels without Chen Cheng.
• The narrative shifts to Puliu City, a small settlement beside the Puliu River. Its main route to the outside world passes through Willow Mountain, also known as Spring Sound Mountain.
• The willow trees on the mountain have mysteriously transformed into man-eating demons. Several adventurer parties have accepted a quest to eliminate them but never returned. The city lord fears both further attacks and the loss of travelers and trade.
• Chen Cheng and She Li arrive in Puliu City after traveling between damaged Ancient Teleportation Array nodes across the Kingdom of Moss. Their goal is to reach the teleportation array located on Willow Mountain and return quickly to Hui Dun City.
• She Li explains that the spatial node likely contaminated the willow trees. Damaged teleportation arrays can distort spatial coordinates and release corruptive Magic Energy, transforming nearby living things into monsters. She is confident she can deal with the threat.

Character Developments

• Wisdom Shield: His attachment to Chen Cheng becomes unmistakable. Although he maintains a composed, princely exterior, Chen Cheng’s departure reveals his emotional dependence and profound loneliness. He also demonstrates genuine concern for Little Maidservant’s safety and welfare.
• Chen Cheng: He acts independently and urgently, leaving without informing Wisdom Shield directly because of his mission. His focus is on reaching Hui Dun City and finding a safe route to Moonlight Forest.
• She Li: She continues to serve as a capable and knowledgeable companion. Her experience with spatial nodes and magical contamination makes her confident in handling the Willow Mountain threat.
• Little Maidservant: She faithfully delivers Chen Cheng’s message and recognizes the depth of Wisdom Shield’s feelings toward her young master.

Significant Themes

• Loneliness and emotional dependence: Wisdom Shield’s reaction shows how deeply Chen Cheng has become part of his life.
• Duty versus personal bonds: Chen Cheng prioritizes his urgent mission, while Wisdom Shield struggles with being left behind.
• The dangers of damaged magic: The chapter expands the lore of the Ancient Teleportation Arrays, showing that their destruction can have unpredictable and monstrous consequences.
• Travel and uncertainty: Both Wisdom Shield and Chen Cheng face unstable circumstances—political conflict in the capital and supernatural danger on the road.
• Hidden consequences of magical technology: The teleportation network, once useful for travel, has become a source of corruption and danger.

Character Interactions

• Wisdom Shield questions the steward about Chen Cheng and prepares to meet him, revealing his anticipation and trust.
• Little Maidservant delivers Chen Cheng’s farewell message, prompting Wisdom Shield’s emotional collapse.
• Wisdom Shield reassures Little Maidservant that she should return with him to Hui Dun City, showing both protectiveness and concern over Chen Cheng’s future judgment.
• In Puliu City, Chen Cheng rewards the tavern attendant for information about Willow Mountain. The attendant warns him not to accept the dangerous demon-elimination quest.
• Chen Cheng consults She Li about the transformed willow trees. She Li identifies the likely cause as contamination from the damaged spatial node and assures him that she can resolve it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng and She Li arrive in Puliu City to accept a mission to clear Willow Mountain.
• Chen Cheng learns that two Gold Rank adventurer teams previously attempted the mission but never returned.
• Chen Cheng accepts the mission despite the risks and sets off for Willow Mountain.
• Chen Cheng sets up camp at the foot of Willow Mountain and prepares to ascend the next day.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates confidence and determination in accepting the mission, despite knowing the risks.
• She Li remains loyal and ready to follow Chen Cheng's orders, showing no fear of the mission's challenges.
• Guild Master Jess is revealed to have a hidden agenda and manipulates information to suit his needs.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Church, the Guild, and other forces in the world.
• The dangers and mysteries of adventuring, as seen through the fate of the previous teams.
• The contrast between the apparent beauty of Willow Mountain and its hidden dangers.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and She Li work together, with Chen Cheng making decisions and She Li supporting him.
• Chen Cheng interacts with Guild Master Jess, seeing through his manipulation but choosing not to confront him directly.
• Chen Cheng, She Li, and Daha (the wolf) share a meal, showing camaraderie and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng and his companions ascend Willow Mountain to find the demonized willow tree.
• They encounter strange, swaying willow trees controlled by the demonized willow tree.
• Chen Cheng discovers a decaying arm and learns that the willow tree has absorbed adventurers and is preparing to transform into a Treant.
• She Li reveals that the willow tree is likely at the peak of Platinum Rank and will become an Epic Rank Treant if it transforms.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his determination and courage by facing the demonized willow tree despite its potential Epic Rank strength.
• She Li shows concern for Chen Cheng's safety and offers to retreat if necessary.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of demonized creatures.
• The importance of caution and preparedness in facing powerful enemies.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and She Li work together to investigate the source of the strange willow tree movements.
• She Li provides valuable information about the willow tree's transformation and offers to retreat if Chen Cheng is not confident.
• Chen Cheng and Daha (the wolf) form a team, with Daha clearing the path and Chen Cheng handling the demonized willow tree threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng and She Li discover that Willow Mountain has been demonized by a willow tree.
• They decide to burn the entire willow forest to force the demonic tree to reveal itself.
• Chen Cheng uses Fire Magic crystals to set Willow Mountain ablaze, creating a massive fire.
• The fire burns for half a day, reducing the entire Willow Mountain to a scorched wasteland.
• An undamaged willow tree is found on the mountainside, revealing the location of the demonic tree and the teleportation node.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in dealing with the demonic tree threat.
• She Li shows eagerness to engage in combat but also follows Chen Cheng's strategic guidance.
• Daha, the wolf, displays intelligence by retreating from Willow Mountain when the demonic tree's power is revealed.

Significant Themes

• The power of fire to combat demonic forces.
• The importance of strategy and planning in overcoming powerful enemies.
• The potential danger of teleportation arrays and the need for caution.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and She Li work together to execute a plan to defeat the demonic tree.
• Chen Cheng and Daha share a bond, with Chen Cheng praising Daha's intelligence.
• She Li and Chen Cheng have a mutual respect for each other's abilities, with She Li deferring to Chen Cheng's strategic decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng encounters a Platinum Rank Tree Demon, a willow tree demonized by Demonic Energy, which he defeats with She Li's help.
• They discover a treasure cave containing Gold Coins, belonging to a water bandit group, which they claim as spoils of war.
• Chen Cheng suspects that the water bandits' activities and the damaged spatial node are connected.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng shows off his power but later regrets it due to the charred corpses' stench.
• She Li reveals his blade path is nearing the next level but declines to switch to the Warrior's Path.
• Chen Cheng demonstrates his strategic thinking by planning to keep the Gold Coins and understanding the connection between the water bandits and the damaged spatial node.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences (Chen Cheng's show of strength leading to discomfort).
• Greed and its consequences (water bandits' actions leading to their downfall).
• The value of spoils of war (Chen Cheng's decision to keep the Gold Coins).

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng and She Li work together to defeat the Tree Demon, showcasing their teamwork.
• Chen Cheng offers She Li healing crystals, demonstrating his concern for his companion's well-being.
• Chen Cheng and She Li discuss their respective paths of cultivation, revealing their differing views on physical strength and blade speed.

Chapter Summary: “Return”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng finishes storing the Gold Coins and travels deeper into Willow Mountain, where She Li has located an Ancient Teleportation Array.
• He discovers that the array has been damaged because it was neglected for over ten thousand years. After inspecting it, Chen Cheng confirms that its core remains functional.
• She Li protects Chen Cheng with his Demigod Artifact armor and Shadow Demon while Chen Cheng activates the array using a Magic Crystal. Chen Cheng, She Li, and Daha teleport away.
• Jess, the Guild President, arrives at Willow Mountain after they leave. Finding the cave looted and the Gold Coins gone, he reveals his identity in anger and realizes the thieves escaped.
• The teleportation causes Chen Cheng severe nausea and vomiting. Although the array sends them slightly off course, they land fairly close to another usable teleportation array.
• After resting for three days, Chen Cheng uses another Ancient Teleportation Array to reach the area near Kailan City, bringing him within a hundred li of Hui Dun City.
• Daha recognizes the Nanmu Forest region and becomes excited to return home. Chen Cheng rides him through a field of Kailan Flowers.
• Chen Cheng meets flower farmers and learns that Kefra was removed by the Crown Prince and that Haosen has become Kailan City’s new city lord.
• The farmers explain that Haosen reformed the gangs, gave people their own flower fields, and created factory jobs, greatly improving their lives.
• Relieved, Chen Cheng concludes that Haosen has remained fundamentally kind and has not become corrupt after gaining power.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng demonstrates his knowledge of Space Magic by evaluating and safely activating damaged teleportation arrays. His experience with repeated teleportation also allows him to gradually adapt to its physical effects.
• She Li continues to act as Chen Cheng’s protector, preparing his armor and using the Shadow Demon to shield him during teleportation.
• Daha remains loyal and dependable. His excitement upon returning to familiar territory highlights his bond with Chen Cheng and his attachment to Nanmu Forest.
• Jess is exposed as the Guild President and reacts furiously when he discovers that the treasure has been stolen.
• Haosen is revealed to have become a responsible and reform-minded city lord. Rather than exploiting his authority, he improves conditions for ordinary citizens.
• Chen Cheng feels reassured by Haosen’s success, showing that he cares about whether his allies remain true to their original character.

Significant Themes

• Return and homecoming: Chen Cheng’s arrival near Hui Dun City and the sight of familiar Kailan Flowers mark his emotional return home.
• Trust and loyalty: She Li and Daha support Chen Cheng throughout the dangerous journey, while Chen Cheng’s concern for Haosen reflects his loyalty to old allies.
• Power and responsibility: Haosen’s leadership contrasts with Kefra’s criminal rule, showing how authority can either oppress people or improve their lives.
• Neglect and decay: The damaged teleportation array symbolizes how valuable systems deteriorate when institutions refuse to maintain them for practical or financial reasons.
• Relief after uncertainty: Chen Cheng’s worries about Haosen’s possible corruption are eased when he sees the positive changes in Kailan City.

Character Interactions

• Chen Cheng relies on She Li’s protection while activating the teleportation array, and She Li willingly assumes the danger of guarding him.
• Chen Cheng and Daha share a close partnership, with Daha carrying him and later signaling his desire to return him to Hui Dun City.
• Jess’s furious reaction at Willow Mountain contrasts with Chen Cheng’s successful escape.
• Chen Cheng speaks with a flower farmer while disguising himself as an adventurer. By asking about Kefra, he indirectly confirms that the Crown Prince’s political plan succeeded.
• The farmers’ sincere praise of Haosen reassures Chen Cheng that his former companion has used his new position honorably.

Chapter Summary: “Return to Hui Dun City”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Cheng learns from a flower farmer that Kailan City has undergone major reforms under Haosen’s rule and with Hui Dun City’s support.
  • All gangs have been outlawed.
  • Former gang leaders were either recruited into the City Guard or killed for resisting.
  • Lesser gang members, most of whom had turned to crime because of poverty and unemployment, were given legitimate work.
  • Habitual troublemakers were arrested and prosecuted.
• Chen Cheng travels back toward Hui Dun City with Daha, passing through its newly developed industrial district.
• At the industrial park, an elderly gatekeeper warmly recognizes Chen Cheng. The old man is relieved to hear that Wisdom Shield—the new crown prince—will return to Hui Dun City.
• Chen learns that Hui Dun City’s factories are no longer suffering from labor shortages, since other regions have stopped obstructing the city now that Wisdom Shield has become crown prince.
• Chen sends She Li home to reunite with Mata, assuring her that Hui Dun City is safe.
• Upon arriving at the Baron’s residence, Chen is enthusiastically welcomed by the servants and by Fini, who initially hides her happiness behind a jealous, sarcastic attitude.
• Fini embraces Chen and cries over how worried she was during his absence, especially after hearing about the dangers he and Wisdom Shield faced in the Royal Capital.
• Fini announces that Chen is no longer technically her slave, but both of them acknowledge that she will continue calling him “Little Slave.”
• The reunion ends with Fini taking Chen to see how much she has improved through training while he was away.

Character Developments

• Chen Cheng: Returns to Hui Dun City more reflective and aware of how much responsibility he carries. He recognizes that he cannot honestly promise Fini a peaceful future, but still reassures her emotionally through their familiar playful relationship.
• Fini: Reveals strong affection and anxiety over Chen’s absence. Though she maintains her spoiled, tsundere personality, her tears and relief show how deeply attached she is to him. She also demonstrates personal growth and increased confidence, both physically and through her training.
• Wisdom Shield: Although absent from the chapter, his rise to crown prince has greatly strengthened Hui Dun City’s political position and reassured its citizens.
• She Li: Is allowed to return home after months away, showing Chen’s consideration for his companions’ personal needs.
• Haosen: His leadership has transformed Kailan City by suppressing criminal organizations and creating employment opportunities.

Significant Themes

• Social reform and improved governance: Kailan City’s transformation shows how political support, employment, and fair punishment can replace criminal structures with stability.
• Political power and public confidence: Wisdom Shield’s promotion to crown prince protects Hui Dun City from outside interference and gives ordinary citizens a sense of security.
• Homecoming and belonging: Chen’s return emphasizes the emotional importance of familiar places, people, and relationships after his dangerous journey.
• Freedom versus emotional bonds: Although Chen is no longer formally a slave, his relationship with Fini remains defined by affection and mutual attachment rather than legal status.
• Separation and worry: Fini’s emotional reaction highlights the cost of Chen’s adventures and the concern felt by those who care about him.

Character Interactions

• Chen and the flower farmer discuss Kailan City’s reforms and the decline of gang activity.
• Chen shares a warm, humorous exchange with the elderly industrial gatekeeper, who expresses his loyalty to Wisdom Shield.
• Chen gently dismisses She Li so she can reunite with Mata.
• Chen and Fini reunite through teasing, emotional confrontation, and an affectionate embrace.
• Their familiar “Little Slave” dynamic is preserved even as Fini formally frees Chen, blending playful submission with genuine mutual affection.
• Fini ends the chapter by challenging Chen to observe her training progress, signaling a renewed and energetic stage in their relationship.