Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun and Ji Li reunite at the Outer Sect trial grounds.
• Lu Xun is to take the trial first, setting an example for the Outer Sect Disciples.
• The trial involves using a brush, once owned by their Teacher, to write or draw on a large talisman paper for as long as possible. The longest user will be rewarded with an Emerald Pill.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Maintains his composed and approachable demeanor, aiming to gain prestige among the Outer Sect Disciples. He encourages Ji Li before her trial.
• Ji Li: Shows nervousness but determination before her trial. Her cultivation has progressed to the third level of the Qi Devouring Art.

Significant Themes

• Prestige and status within the sect.
• Competition and reward among cultivators.
• The value of pills and resources in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Ji Li: They greet each other warmly, and Lu Xun encourages Ji Li before her trial. Their interaction shows a friendly and mentor-like relationship.
• Lu Xun and Elder Qiu Shui: They have a respectful and cordial interaction, with Elder Qiu Shui deferring to Lu Xun's status and allowing him to go first in the trial.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun discovers that the ordinary brush he's using for the trial has a level (20) and a spirit, which is rare for non-sword equipment.
• He struggles to control the brush initially, but eventually understands that the trial tests his ability to control spiritual power within his body, a skill known as 'Micro Control'.
• Lu Xun manages to complete 20% of the trial, gaining 1000 experience points, and then decides to level up his Qi Devouring Art to increase his spiritual power.
• He successfully draws a straight line using Micro Control, surprising everyone watching.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun demonstrates adaptability and quick understanding of new skills, showing potential in Micro Control.
• He also displays determination and perseverance in facing challenges, earning respect from the disciples and Peak Lords.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and flexibility in facing challenges.
• The value of perseverance and determination in overcoming obstacles.
• The concept of 'Micro Control' is introduced, highlighting the significance of precise and careful use of one's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with the brush spirit, initially struggling to control it but eventually finding a way to communicate and work with it.
• The disciples and Peak Lords watch Lu Xun's progress, admiring his perseverance and skill.
• Lu Xun's actions earn him respect and praise from the Peak Lords, particularly Luo Wanqiu and Gongshu Pan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun (Little Martial Grand-Aunt) successfully draws a straight line on the Talisman Paper, surprising the Outer Sect Disciples.
• He attempts to draw a curve, initially struggling but improving with each try.
• Lu Xun breaks through two realms (Qi Devouring Art levels 3 to 4) during the trial, drawing for a full hour, far surpassing the required 25 minutes.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun demonstrates remarkable talent and determination in Insight, pushing his limits and breaking through realms.
• Outer Sect Disciples gain respect and admiration for Lu Xun's abilities and perseverance.

Significant Themes

• Talent and determination: Lu Xun's exceptional skills and dedication inspire awe and respect.
• Pushing limits: Lu Xun challenges his mental and spiritual boundaries, setting an example for others.
• Respect and admiration: The Outer Sect Disciples' growing appreciation for Lu Xun's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Shen Yan and Yue Heshan discuss Lu Xun's progress, with Shen Yan acknowledging Lu Xun's talent and Yue Heshan's bet on Lu Xun's potential.
• Outer Sect Disciples watch Lu Xun's trial, contributing prestige points and favorability, showing their support and respect.
• Lu Xun's actions serve as a teaching example for the Outer Sect Disciples, inspiring them and instilling a sense of pride in their sect's chosen one.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun completes the trial, exhausting himself but not leveling up to avoid appearing strange.
• Ji Li takes the trial next, showing exceptional physical strength but struggling with the precision required.
• Outer Sect Disciples, inspired by Lu Xun and Ji Li, push themselves to their limits in the trial, leading to a series of fainting incidents.
• Lu Xun encourages the disciples, causing his reputation points to increase significantly.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Realizes the mental exhaustion of using his abilities and decides not to level up immediately. Shows concern and encouragement towards the disciples, boosting his reputation.
• Ji Li: Demonstrates her physical prowess but struggles with the trial's precision aspect. Faints after completing her drawing.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and pushing one's limits.
• The importance of mental and spiritual strength in cultivation.
• The power of encouragement and support.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Ji Li: Lu Xun watches Ji Li's trial with interest, noting her unique approach and physical strength. He later encourages her and the other disciples.
• Lu Xun and Outer Sect Disciples: Lu Xun's encouraging words boost the disciples' morale and increase his reputation among them.
• Elder Qiu Shui: Observes the trial, surprised by the disciples' determination and the unexpected direction of the trial.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun recovers from his injuries after the Outer Sect Trial.
• Ji Li wins the Emerald Pill, impressing many Peak Lords who consider taking her as a disciple.
• Sect Master Shen Yan discusses the mysterious Invisible Force that appeared on Reception Peak when Lu Xun jumped off the cliff.
• Peak Lords suspect that the force might be related to Sect Master Yan Li, but decide to wait for his return before investigating further.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun gains 15,000 experience points from completing trial and prestige tasks, but chooses not to level up immediately.
• Ji Li's performance in the trial earns her respect and potential discipleship offers from Peak Lords.
• Sect Master Shen Yan shows concern for Lu Xun's well-being and willingness to help, despite his initial reluctance.

Significant Themes

• The mysterious force on Reception Peak raises questions about Sect Master Yan Li's involvement and the true power dynamics within the Demon Sect.
• The Outer Sect Trial highlights the competitive nature of the sect and the importance of individual performance.
• Lu Xun's continuous cultivation in his dreams, despite the harsh methods, underscores his dedication and determination.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Ji Li share a moment of mutual respect after the trial.
• Shen Yan shows concern for Lu Xun's well-being, escorting him back to the Back Mountain.
• The Peak Lords discuss the mysterious force and its potential connection to Sect Master Yan Li, revealing their respect and caution towards him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun wakes up exhausted after a night of intense training with Second Senior Sister.
• Mao Nanbei (Fourth Senior Sister) joins Lu Xun for breakfast, and they decide to make pumpkin porridge together.
• After breakfast, they head to the Bamboo Forest where Second Senior Sister joins them.
• Lu Xun learns about the upcoming closed beta for the Tian Chen game, which will involve real players.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun reflects on his improvement in endurance, having gone from being "killed" 36 times to 19 times in a night.
• Mao Nanbei shows a more caring side, sitting with Lu Xun despite his haggard appearance and later helping him cook.

Significant Themes

• The theme of improvement and growth is evident as Lu Xun reflects on his increased endurance.
• The theme of camaraderie and shared experiences is highlighted during breakfast and in the Bamboo Forest.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Mao Nanbei's interaction is playful and friendly, with Mao Nanbei pushing Lu Xun off the chair but later helping him cook.
• Lu Xun and Second Senior Sister's interaction is brief but shows a level of comfort and familiarity.
• Lu Xun's interaction with the Tian Chen game forum hints at his anticipation and seriousness regarding the upcoming closed beta.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun learns about the upcoming internal test for the game 'Tian Chen' in two days, which is equivalent to 20 days in the Tian Chen Continent.
• He decides to go down the mountain in a few days to try and meet the players.
• Lu Xun plans to improve his strength before the internal test.
• On the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lu Xun asks Second Senior Sister and Mao Nanbei if they want any specific dishes.
• Mao Nanbei suggests getting Lu Xun a sword, but Second Senior Sister decides to teach Lu Xun the Saber Nurturing Art instead.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun shows concern for the players' descent and plans to improve his strength.
• Second Senior Sister decides to teach Lu Xun the Saber Nurturing Art, showing she cares for his growth.
• Mao Nanbei is eager to help Lu Xun but is also cautious about his ability to handle the Saber Nurturing Art.

Significant Themes

• The theme of preparation and improvement is evident as Lu Xun plans to strengthen himself before the players' arrival.
• The theme of mentorship is shown as Second Senior Sister decides to teach Lu Xun the Saber Nurturing Art.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with Second Senior Sister and Mao Nanbei, showing care and concern for them.
• Second Senior Sister and Mao Nanbei discuss Lu Xun's cultivation, showing their worry and support for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun learns an orange-level skill, Sword Nurturing Art, from Mao Nanbei.
• The skill requires 10,000 experience points to learn and has 10 levels.
• Lu Xun decides to learn the skill despite the high cost, spending 10,000 experience points.
• After learning, Lu Xun begins to cultivate, attracting a large amount of spiritual energy.
• The spiritual energy converges towards Lu Xun's Sword Heart, forming a tiny Sword of the Heart.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun shows determination and ambition by choosing to learn the high-level skill despite the cost.
• Mao Nanbei demonstrates intelligence and understanding of the skill's intricacies, guessing Second Senior Sister's intentions.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination in the face of high costs.
• The consequences of actions and their unintended results (Lu Xun's cultivation without a sword).

Character Interactions

• Mao Nanbei passes the Sword Nurturing Art skill to Lu Xun.
• Mao Nanbei observes Lu Xun's cultivation process, expressing concern and anxiety when she notices the anomaly.
• Second Senior Sister, though not present, is mentioned as being aware of the situation and having planned for Lu Xun's cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun attempts to upgrade his skill using the system's forced upgrade feature, experiencing intense discomfort before successfully cultivating the Sword Nurturing Art.
• Mao Nanbei, concerned about Lu Xun's safety, warns him about the risks of cultivating without a suitable Natal Treasure.
• Second Senior Sister examines Lu Xun, discovering that he has successfully entered the Sword Nurturing Art but has deviated due to the lack of a Natal Treasure.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Shows determination and resilience in his cultivation, despite the discomfort. He also displays curiosity and a desire to learn more about his new skill.
• Mao Nanbei: Reveals her caring nature towards Lu Xun, showing concern for his well-being and his cultivation progress.
• Second Senior Sister: Demonstrates her serious and responsible side as she examines Lu Xun's cultivation, showing concern for his progress and well-being.

Significant Themes

• The importance of suitable tools (Natal Treasures) for cultivation and their impact on the cultivation process.
• The risks and challenges of forced upgrades or rushing into cultivation without proper understanding or preparation.
• The potential of Lu Xun's unique physique and its implications for his cultivation journey.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Mao Nanbei: Mao Nanbei shows concern and care for Lu Xun, while Lu Xun listens attentively to her advice.
• Lu Xun and Second Senior Sister: Second Senior Sister examines Lu Xun's cultivation, showing a serious and responsible demeanor, while Lu Xun cooperates with her examination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun acknowledges he's an Innate Sword Embryo to avoid suspicion.
• Lu Xun tests his Innate Sword Embryo ability with two swords, a Middle-Grade and a High-Grade Magic Item, but his Sword Heart rejects them.
• Lu Xun tries a high-grade Wooden Sword, and his Sword Heart accepts it.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun accepts his Innate Sword Embryo status and decides to embrace it.
• Second Senior Sister understands Lu Xun's unique situation and supports his exploration of his abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of Lu Xun's Innate Sword Embryo and his unique cultivation method.
• The contrast between Lu Xun's cultivation and traditional sword cultivation methods.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with Second Senior Sister and Mao Nanbei, seeking their understanding and support.
• Lu Xun's Sword Heart demonstrates its sentience and preference for the Wooden Sword.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun's fingertip touches Second Senior Sister's Wooden Sword, causing his Sword Heart's little sword to react violently, sending him flying.
• Lu Xun discovers he can no longer hold a sword, but can emit Sword Qi from his fingertip.
• Mao Nanbei brings Ji Li to the Bamboo Forest for Lu Xun to test his new ability.
• Lu Xun realizes he's become a "Sword Person," producing Sword Qi without needing a physical sword.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Discovers a new aspect of his Sword Nurturing Art, becoming a "Sword Person" who can emit Sword Qi.
• Ji Li: Shows her feelings for Lu Xun, willing to help him despite getting injured.
• Mao Nanbei: Realizes Lu Xun's unique ability and its implications for other Sword Cultivators.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation: Lu Xun adapts to his new situation, finding a way to use his Sword Nurturing Art without a physical sword.
• Power Dynamics: Lu Xun's new ability gives him an advantage over other Sword Cultivators, as they would be at a disadvantage if they faced him.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Ji Li: Lu Xun asks Ji Li to help him test his new ability, showing he trusts her.
• Lu Xun and Mao Nanbei: Mao Nanbei brings Ji Li to help Lu Xun and later realizes the implications of his new ability.
• Lu Xun and Second Senior Sister: Second Senior Sister suggests finding someone for Lu Xun to fight, understanding his situation without needing to speak much.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mao Nanbei, usually cheerful, is unusually subdued and homesick on the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Lu Xun, noticing her mood, takes her to the kitchen and makes her a milk pudding to cheer her up.

Character Developments

• Mao Nanbei: Reveals her past as a cat demon from a forest destroyed by a Mountain Ghost. She's homesick and vulnerable, showing a softer side.
• Lu Xun: Demonstrates caring and understanding, comforting Mao Nanbei without intrusive questions. He shows his nurturing side by making her a treat.

Significant Themes

• Home and belonging: Mao Nanbei's longing for her original home and her struggle to find a new sense of belonging.
• Comfort and understanding: Lu Xun's actions show that sometimes, actions speak louder than words in comforting someone.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Mao Nanbei: Lu Xun takes the initiative to comfort Mao Nanbei, showing a brotherly or fatherly care. Mao Nanbei, in turn, accepts his comfort, showing a rare vulnerability and trust in him. Their interaction is tender and caring, with Lu Xun's actions helping Mao Nanbei cope with her homesickness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun touches Mao Nanbei's cat ears, and she rubs against his hand like a cat seeking affection.
• Ji Li arrives early at the Back Mountain for the Mid-Autumn Festival, meeting several high-ranking sect members, including Shen Yan and Peak Lords.
• Lu Xun sends Ji Li to the kitchen to avoid pressure from the senior figures.
• Shen Yan and Peak Lords inform Lu Xun about the Demon Sect's Hidden Mountain, where magical treasures await destined individuals.
• Lu Xun is invited to Hidden Mountain, expressing interest in the fastest sword in the world, "Sword Qi Approaches," left behind by the current number one Sword Cultivator, Yan Li.

Character Developments

• Mao Nanbei shows a more vulnerable and affectionate side, acting like a cat seeking comfort.
• Ji Li, despite her initial nervousness, is sent away by Lu Xun to avoid pressure.
• Lu Xun demonstrates concern for Ji Li's well-being and shows interest in the treasures of Hidden Mountain.

Significant Themes

• The theme of destiny and fate is reinforced, with magical treasures on Hidden Mountain choosing their owners.
• The importance of respect and deference to senior figures is shown through Ji Li's interactions with the Peak Lords and Shen Yan.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Mao Nanbei share a moment of affection, with Lu Xun resisting the urge to pinch her cheeks.
• Ji Li interacts with senior sect members, feeling pressured and eventually being sent away by Lu Xun.
• Shen Yan and the Peak Lords inform Lu Xun about Hidden Mountain, showing respect and deference to his position as Little Martial Grand-Uncle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun learns about the legendary sword "Sword Qi Approaches" on Hidden Mountain, which is known for its incredible speed and lethal nature.
• He decides to visit Hidden Mountain the next day to try his luck and obtain some free equipment.
• Lu Xun spends the day cooking for his sect members, teaching Ji Li basic cooking skills in the process.
• The sect members gather for a Mid-Autumn Festival dinner, enjoying the full moon and good food.
• The Second Senior Sister gives Lu Xun a mysterious item before he leaves for Hidden Mountain.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun shows his cooking skills and takes an interest in Ji Li's cultivation path, suggesting she consider her options for a teacher.
• Ji Li expresses her desire to have Lu Xun as her teacher, much to his amusement.
• The Second Senior Sister shows rare initiative, asking about Lu Xun's plans and giving him an item before his journey.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Camaraderie: The sect members enjoy a meal together, strengthening their bond.
• Cultivation and Growth: Lu Xun considers Ji Li's cultivation path, and the Second Senior Sister shows concern for Lu Xun's safety.
• Luck and Opportunity: Lu Xun hopes to rely on his luck to obtain good equipment on Hidden Mountain.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Ji Li have a friendly interaction while cooking, with Lu Xun teaching Ji Li basic cooking skills and considering her cultivation path.
• The sect members enjoy a meal together, appreciating the full moon and good food.
• The Second Senior Sister shows rare interaction with Lu Xun, asking about his plans and giving him an item before his journey.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun receives a small, black stone shard from Second Senior Sister, which has no discernible information.
• Ji Li hints that the stone shard should be kept close to Lu Xun's body when he goes to Hidden Mountain.
• Lu Xun meets the old, mute guardian of Hidden Mountain, who seems amused by Lu Xun's face and bestows a buff on him.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun is still struggling with his cultivation bottleneck and resisting Sword Intent.
• The old mute guardian is revealed to have raised Lu Xun's First Senior Brother and holds a mysterious past.

Significant Themes

• The theme of inheritance and the past is reinforced as Hidden Mountain is both a treasure trove and a cemetery.
• The theme of secrets and mysteries continues, with the old mute guardian hinting at hidden knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with Ji Li, who provides him with a cryptic hint about the stone shard.
• Lu Xun meets the old mute guardian, who seems to recognize him and bestows a buff on him.
• Shen Yan accompanies Lu Xun but doesn't interfere with the interactions between Lu Xun and the old guardian.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun receives a 'Blessing' buff from a mysterious old man, increasing his Luck attribute.
• Lu Xun enters Hidden Mountain, where he starts climbing, with the speed of an ordinary person.
• As he climbs, Lu Xun learns about the rules of Hidden Mountain: magic items react to climbers, and choosing one means forgoing all others.
• At the 99th step, Lu Xun encounters low-grade magic items, with the Magic Swords reacting violently to his presence.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Shows curiosity and caution as he enters Hidden Mountain, demonstrating his strategic thinking.
• The Old Man: Revealed to have extraordinary abilities, possibly a Koi spirit, as he grants Lu Xun a Luck buff.
• Shen Yan: Shows interest in Lu Xun's progress, joining the other Peak Lords in gambling on Lu Xun's potential finds.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Fortune: The old man's buff highlights the importance of luck in Lu Xun's journey.
• Gambling and Risk: The rules of Hidden Mountain emphasize the gamble of choosing one magic item over potentially better ones.
• Greed and Patience: The fate of previous climbers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of patience.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and the Old Man: Their interaction is brief but significant, with the old man granting Lu Xun a buff before disappearing.
• Lu Xun and Shen Yan: Although they don't interact directly, Shen Yan's interest in Lu Xun's progress shows his recognition of Lu Xun's potential.
• The Peak Lords: They gather to gamble on Lu Xun's potential finds, showing their interest in his progress and the wealth he might bring to the Demon Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun ascends Hidden Mountain, triggering anomalies and causing Magic Swords to choose him.
• He reaches the 399th step, where Spirit Swords react strongly to him, but he continues climbing without taking any.
• He reaches the 499th and 599th steps, where Spirit Swords still react, but he doesn't take any, disappointing Shen Yan and the others.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun remains calm and composed despite the unusual reactions of the swords, showing self-control and determination.
• Shen Yan and the others are surprised and puzzled by Lu Xun's indifference to the reacting swords and his lack of reaction to other Magic and Spirit Items.

Significant Themes

• Possessiveness and Jealousy: The little sword within Lu Xun's Sword Heart is possessive and jealous of other swords, causing them to react strongly to Lu Xun.
• Disappointment and Expectation: Lu Xun feels disappointed that none of the non-sword items choose him, while Shen Yan and the others are disappointed that he doesn't take any of the reacting swords.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with the swords through his thoughts, feeling their desire and possessiveness.
• Shen Yan and the others discuss Lu Xun's indifference to the reacting swords and his lack of reaction to other items, showing their surprise and puzzlement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demon Sect was founded by Yan Li after he accidentally recruited too many disciples during his travels.
• The sect grew stronger over time, but many disciples, including more than half of the first generation, died along the way.
• Lu Xun, an Innate Sword Embryo cultivator, climbs Hidden Mountain, encountering his former signature equipment, First Encounter, but it doesn't acknowledge him.
• At the 699th step, Lu Xun finds a purple-grade die among other purple equipment, which was once a relic of a Demon Sect disciple.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun feels nostalgic and complicated about his past, especially regarding his former signature equipment, First Encounter.
• Yue Heshan, a Demon Sect Peak Lord, remembers his past with his little junior sister, who cheated in a die roll to make him feel like he won, showing her affection towards him.

Significant Themes

• The path of cultivation is fraught with danger, leading to many deaths among cultivators.
• The importance of luck and skill in achieving success, as seen through Lu Xun's past with First Encounter and Yue Heshan's experience with his little junior sister.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with his past through the equipment on Hidden Mountain, feeling nostalgic and complicated about his former life.
• Yue Heshan remembers his interaction with his little junior sister, showing their affectionate relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun attempts to claim a Purple Tier Equipment, specifically Eldest Senior Sister's sword, Calming the Waves, but is rejected.
• He decides to continue climbing Hidden Mountain towards Sword Qi Approaches.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun demonstrates his resilience and determination in the face of setbacks.
• Shen Yan and the Peak Lords express excitement and confusion about Lu Xun's rejection by Calming the Waves.

Significant Themes

• The allure of the unattainable (Calming the Waves).
• Resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with the Purple Tier Equipment, specifically Calming the Waves, which rejects him.
• Shen Yan and the Peak Lords discuss Lu Xun's rejection, showing their excitement and confusion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun ascends Hidden Mountain, reaching the 999th step where the mist clears, revealing Sword Qi Approaches.
• He approaches the sword, which radiates disdain and struggles internally upon sensing the small black stone fragment he holds.
• Lu Xun attempts to grab the sword but is blasted back by a powerful force, causing him to fall from a height of about ten meters.
• Despite this, he successfully obtains the Sword Sheath of Sword Qi Approaches and is teleported out of the mountain.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun demonstrates his determination and decisiveness in the face of no other choice, charging forward with a mix of luck, effort, and relentless pushing.
• The Little Sword in Lu Xun's Sword Heart shows fear and hesitation in the presence of Sword Qi Approaches, indicating its exceptional nature.

Significant Themes

• The theme of choice and consequence is explored, with Lu Xun having no choice but to press forward, leading to unexpected results.
• The importance of timing and opportunity is highlighted, as Lu Xun seizes the moment to obtain the treasure.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with Sword Qi Approaches, which radiates disdain and struggles internally upon sensing the small black stone fragment.
• Lu Xun's Little Sword shows fear and hesitation in the presence of Sword Qi Approaches, indicating a complex relationship between the two swords.