Chapter Summaries

Summary of Chapter 61: Sword Sheath's Special Skill

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun successfully retrieves Sword Qi Approaches' sheath from Cang Mountain.
• The Dumb Old Man appears and reveals he forged the sheath.
• Lu Xun discovers the sheath has two special skills: Sword Seal and Qi Accumulation.
• He finds that the sheath can absorb and store his sword qi.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun demonstrates his growing strength and determination in obtaining powerful artifacts.
• The Dumb Old Man shows his connection to the sheath and his wisdom, despite his apparent senility.

Significant Themes

• The power of artifacts and their impact on cultivation.
• The relationship between Lu Xun and the Dumb Old Man, hinting at potential mentorship.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with the Dumb Old Man, showing respect and gratitude.
• Shen Yan and other Peak Lords congratulate Lu Xun on obtaining the sheath.
• Mao Nanbei and the Second Senior Sister await Lu Xun's return, displaying concern for his well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun decides to descend the mountain after calculating the remaining time for the Beta Testers' arrival.
• Shen Yan gives Lu Xun a Life Bead for safety during his journey.
• Lu Xun requests an unknown Inner Sect Disciple to accompany him, not wanting to reveal his identity.
• Lu Xun says goodbye to his Second Senior Sister and Mao Nanbei, with Mao Nanbei giving him advice on how to handle fights.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun shows concern for his safety and discretion during his descent, indicating his growing awareness of his status and potential threats.
• Mao Nanbei demonstrates her protective nature and concern for Lu Xun's well-being, showing a softer side to her stern demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Discretion: Lu Xun's desire to keep his identity hidden while descending the mountain highlights the theme of identity and discretion in the cultivation world.
• Protection and Guidance: Mao Nanbei's advice to Lu Xun showcases the theme of protection and guidance, with senior cultivators looking out for their juniors.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Shen Yan: They interact briefly, with Shen Yan providing Lu Xun with a Life Bead and arranging for an Inner Sect Disciple to accompany him.
• Lu Xun, Second Senior Sister, and Mao Nanbei: They share a heartwarming farewell, with Mao Nanbei giving Lu Xun advice on how to handle fights, showing her care for him despite her stern exterior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun descends the mountain with Murong Yan, a Demon Sect disciple, to make initial contact with players.
• Lu Xun sees Ji Li's name on the list of disciples leaving the sect and decides to look for her.
• While leaving Reception Peak, Lu Xun sees a half strand of Sword Qi that splits off a small strand, which flies towards him and enters his scabbard.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun shows concern for Ji Li's safety and decides to look for her.
• Murong Yan demonstrates her meticulous nature and knowledge about Ji Li.
• The half strand of Sword Qi shows sentience and familiarity with Lu Xun's scabbard, indicating a connection to the legendary sword, Sword Qi Approaches.

Significant Themes

• The power and mystery of the Sword Qi.
• The importance of self-defense tools and the unexpected nature of the Sword Qi's assistance.
• The responsibility Lu Xun feels towards Ji Li.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Murong Yan work together, with Murong Yan providing useful information about Ji Li.
• Lu Xun interacts with the Sword Qi, which displays agency and familiarity with his scabbard.
• Lu Xun's decision to look for Ji Li shows his growing concern for her well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun studies Yan Li's Sword Qi in his Sword Sheath.
• Ji Li descends the mountain three days earlier than Lu Xun and Murong Yan, aiming to go directly to Yong'an County.
• Lu Xun and Murong Yan bet on whether Ji Li can successfully avenge her parents without Lu Xun's help.
• After three days, Ji Li arrives at Yong'an County with the heads of her enemies.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun shows concern for Ji Li's safety, reflecting his protective nature.
• Ji Li demonstrates her determination and capability by successfully avenging her parents.
• Murong Yan shows faith in Ji Li's abilities and initiates the bet with Lu Xun.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Maturity: Ji Li's journey reflects her growth and maturity, as she faces and overcomes adversity.
• Protection and Concern: Lu Xun's worry for Ji Li highlights the theme of protection and concern for others' well-being.
• Faith and Belief: Murong Yan's bet on Ji Li shows his faith in her abilities and belief in her potential.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Murong Yan interact as teacher and disciple, with Murong Yan showing initiative and Lu Xun responding with amusement and support.
• Lu Xun and Ji Li's interaction shows his protective nature and her determination, with a hint of a mentor-mentee relationship.
• Ji Li's arrival at Yong'an County brings together the three main characters, setting the stage for further interactions and developments.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Ji Li returns to her hometown, Yong'an County, with Lu Xun and Murong Yan.
• They enter Ji Li's residence, which is now empty and dirty.
• Ji Li buries a black package under a tree and decides to leave Yong'an County.
• Lu Xun suggests they go to Tong County, another novice village.
• The internal beta test begins, and Lu Xun unlocks the map function and NPC Template Function.

Character Developments

• Ji Li shows strength and resilience, having avenged her hatred alone.
• Lu Xun demonstrates his care and understanding towards Ji Li.
• Lu Xun expresses eagerness to interact with players and explore his new NPC functions.

Significant Themes

• The impact of players (or 'celestial phenomenon') on the native world of Tian Chen Continent.
• The changes and mutations caused by the 'Collapse of the Heavenly Dao'.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Ji Li's bond strengthens as Lu Xun shows understanding and support towards Ji Li.
• Lu Xun and Murong Yan respect Ji Li's decision to leave Yong'an County.
• Lu Xun looks forward to meeting players in Tong County to explore his new NPC functions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mo Guanjie, a novice player, descends into the Tian Chen Continent's Tong County.
• He marvels at the game's realism and interacts with other players, including Zhuo Houyi from the Knight Guild.
• Mo Guanjie receives a newbie quest but decides to explore the forest instead.
• He encounters a fight between Li Shan (Assassin) and Chen Yuntian (Wandering Swordsman), with Chen Yuntian pushing Mo Guanjie towards Li Shan.
• A mysterious figure in a black robe intervenes, disarming both fighters with a casual wave.

Character Developments

• Mo Guanjie: Shows curiosity and a desire to explore the game world, prioritizing immersion and enjoyment over quests.
• Zhuo Houyi: Eager to complete quests and make friends, extends an invitation to Mo Guanjie.
• Chen Yuntian: Desperate and willing to use others to buy time, shows no regard for Mo Guanjie's safety.
• Li Shan: A paid assassin, confident in his abilities and eager to complete his task.
• The Mysterious Figure: Shows powerful and casual use of abilities, remaining unidentified.

Significant Themes

• Realism and Immersion: The game's high level of detail and realism is emphasized, with Mo Guanjie appreciating the environment and the mysterious figure's abilities.
• Player Interaction: The game encourages interaction among players, with Mo Guanjie and Zhuo Houyi conversing and Chen Yuntian involving Mo Guanjie in his fight.
• Power Dynamics: The fight between Li Shan and Chen Yuntian, and the mysterious figure's intervention, highlight the power dynamics in the game world.

Character Interactions

• Mo Guanjie and Zhuo Houyi: They briefly interact, with Zhuo Houyi inviting Mo Guanjie to complete quests together, but Mo Guanjie declines.
• Chen Yuntian and Mo Guanjie: Chen Yuntian pushes Mo Guanjie towards Li Shan, putting Mo Guanjie in danger.
• Li Shan and Chen Yuntian: They fight, with Li Shan confident in his abilities and Chen Yuntian desperate to survive.
• The Mysterious Figure and Li Shan/Chen Yuntian: The figure intervenes in their fight, disarming both with a casual wave.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun, a powerful NPC, encounters Mo Guanjie in a small woods outside Tong County.
• Lu Xun scares off two swordsmen who were harassing Mo Guanjie.
• Lu Xun issues a quest to Mo Guanjie, asking him to find a companion and bring them to Lu Xun's carriage.

Character Developments

• Mo Guanjie is shocked by Lu Xun's appearance and purple name, assuming he's a high-level NPC.
• Lu Xun is surprised to encounter Mo Guanjie, a player he knew from his previous life.

Significant Themes

• The game's NPC and player dynamics.
• The potential for 'ji yuan' (fateful encounters) in the game.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun protects Mo Guanjie and issues him a quest.
• Mo Guanjie is awestruck by Lu Xun's appearance and status, eagerly accepting the quest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun, Ji Li, and Murong Yan travel in a carriage, with Lu Xun not revealing his intention to enter the city.
• Lu Xun discovers new functions: checking task progress, adjusting favorability, and imparting cultivation methods and skills.
• Mo Guanjie enters Tong County to find other players for Lu Xun's task.
• Mo Guanjie meets Zhuo Houyi and Li Wanji; he decides to approach Zhuo Houyi due to his kindness and guild membership.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Realizes the value of his status and the cost of living, decides to level up to increase his daily experience quota.
• Mo Guanjie: Shows initiative in completing Lu Xun's task, demonstrates good judgment in choosing allies.
• Zhuo Houyi: Proves to be kind, reliable, and experienced, offering Mo Guanjie advice on quests.

Significant Themes

• Status and reputation (Lu Xun's purple name causes a sensation).
• The value of experience points and silver taels in the game.
• The importance of choosing the right allies and quests (Zhuo Houyi's advice to Mo Guanjie).

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun, Ji Li, and Murong Yan: Travel together without revealing Lu Xun's plans.
• Mo Guanjie and Zhuo Houyi: Establish a quick friendship; Zhuo Houyi offers Mo Guanjie advice on quests.
• Mo Guanjie and Li Wanji: Mo Guanjie avoids Li Wanji, deciding not to approach him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhuo Houyi, a mid-level cadre in the Knight Guild, encounters Lu Xun, a Purple Name NPC, and is determined to form a connection with him.
• Lu Xun tasks Zhuo Houyi and Mo Guanjie with driving him to Green Ridge City in a carriage.
• The Knight Guild publicizes their interaction with Lu Xun, causing a stir on the game's forums.

Character Developments

• Zhuo Houyi becomes motivated and eager to please Lu Xun, hoping to gain benefits from the powerful NPC.
• Lu Xun studies the favorability function and uses his aloof and noble demeanor to create intrigue around his hidden quests.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and status within the game, as seen through Zhuo Houyi's eagerness to associate with Lu Xun.
• The manipulation of favorability and intrigue to create interest in Lu Xun's quests.

Character Interactions

• Zhuo Houyi and Mo Guanjie form a bond as they work together to complete Lu Xun's task.
• Zhuo Houyi interacts with the president of the Knight Guild, who encourages him to publicize their encounter with Lu Xun.
• Lu Xun tasks Zhuo Houyi and Mo Guanjie with driving him, creating a dynamic between the NPC and the players.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mei Qianhua, president of the Knight Guild, shares a post about encountering a Purple Name NPC in Tian Chen's internal beta.
• The post gains significant attention, with users eagerly awaiting updates.
• Mei Qianhua shares an in-game screenshot of the Purple Name NPC, causing a stir among players, especially female ones.

Character Developments

• Mei Qianhua: Showcases his pretentious and attention-seeking personality.
• Zhuo Houyi: Displays loyalty and understanding towards his guild president's antics.
• Lu Xun (Purple Name NPC): Remains calm and collected amidst the online frenzy.

Significant Themes

• The impact of social media and online presence in the gaming community.
• The allure of rare and powerful in-game characters or NPCs.

Character Interactions

• Mei Qianhua and Zhuo Houyi: They communicate about the Purple Name NPC encounter, with Zhuo Houyi supporting Mei Qianhua's decision to build anticipation.
• Lu Xun and the online players: Lu Xun silently observes the online reaction to his in-game character, using the attention to his advantage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun discovers an NPC Legend Score prompt, choosing not to activate it.
• A fan group forms for Lu Xun, naming him "Purple Prince."
• Lu Xun arrives at Green Ridge City, preparing to receive Ji Li's flogging for the Sword Intent Entanglement task.
• Lu Xun completes the task, gaining 1 point in Sword Dao Aptitude, and adds a saved special attribute point, totaling 3 points.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun strategizes on using players to his advantage, planting "seeds" for future growth.
• Ji Li remains devoted to Lu Xun, assisting him in his tasks.

Significant Themes

• The power of idols and fan culture in the game.
• The importance of patience and habit in skill development (Sword Intent Entanglement task).
• The potential of special attributes (Sword Dao Aptitude).

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun interacts with Zhuo Houyi and Mo Guanjie, using them as resources.
• Lu Xun and Ji Li maintain their master-disciple relationship, with Ji Li supporting Lu Xun's growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun enters Green Ridge City, attracting attention due to the commotion caused by his sword sheath.
• He learns that the city is built on a Mystic Tortoise's shell and is protected by its spiritual energy.
• Lu Xun dismisses Zhuo Houyi and takes Mo Guanjie to a Demon Sect stronghold, a restaurant in the city.
• Lu Xun offers Mo Guanjie the position of sword-bearing servant, which he accepts.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Shows caution and wisdom in entering the city and attracting attention. He also demonstrates his understanding of the city's history and his strategic thinking in dismissing Zhuo Houyi.
• Mo Guanjie: Accepts the position of sword-bearing servant to Lu Xun, showing loyalty and eagerness to serve.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: The title "Tricked by Fate" suggests that the characters are being manipulated by unseen forces, a common theme in cultivation novels.
• Power and Influence: The Demon Sect's influence is evident in the city, and Lu Xun's actions show his awareness of this power dynamic.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Mo Guanjie: Lu Xun offers Mo Guanjie a position, showing trust and recognition. Mo Guanjie accepts, showing loyalty and eagerness to serve.
• Lu Xun and Zhuo Houyi: Lu Xun dismisses Zhuo Houyi, showing his strategic thinking and lack of need for Zhuo Houyi's services at the moment.
• Lu Xun and the Turtles: The turtles in the city react to Lu Xun, showing his extraordinary presence and aura.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mo Guanjie, excited about his new identity, joins the Demon Sect and becomes Lu Xun's Sword-Serving Maiden.
• Lu Xun, pleased with Mo Guanjie's potential, sends him on a quest to explore the city and trigger hidden quests.
• Ji Li confesses her desire to become Lu Xun's Sword-Serving Maiden.

Character Developments

• Mo Guanjie: Becomes more excited and ambitious about his new role and opportunities.
• Lu Xun: Shows favoritism towards Mo Guanjie, viewing him as a tool for hidden quests.
• Ji Li: Gains courage to confess her desire to Lu Xun.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences: Mo Guanjie's excitement about his new role hints at potential future complications.
• Hidden quests and their value: Lu Xun's focus on hidden quests suggests their importance in the game and story progression.
• Confession and courage: Ji Li's confession to Lu Xun highlights her growing courage and determination.

Character Interactions

• Mo Guanjie and Lu Xun: Their interaction shows Mo Guanjie's eagerness and Lu Xun's manipulative tendencies.
• Ji Li and Lu Xun: Ji Li's confession to Lu Xun reveals her growing affection and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun meets Ji Li, a 16-year-old girl who has a crush on him.
• Lu Xun decides not to take Ji Li as his Sword-Serving Maiden but treats her like a little sister.
• Lu Xun discovers he can gain experience points from his disciples' level-ups and plans to experiment with Mo Guanjie.
• He decides to go out more to find promising players to cultivate.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Starts treating Ji Li as a little sister, plans to experiment with experience washing using Mo Guanjie, and decides to find more players to cultivate.
• Ji Li: Develops feelings for Lu Xun, decides to work hard to cultivate and never give up on him.

Significant Themes

• Brotherly love and protection (Lu Xun towards Ji Li).
• Persistence in love (Ji Li's determination not to give up on Lu Xun).
• Experience point farming and cultivation (Lu Xun's plan to experiment with experience washing).

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Ji Li: Lu Xun treats Ji Li like a little sister, which disappoints her but also makes her more determined to pursue him. He also spars with her to encourage her cultivation.
• Lu Xun and Mo Guanjie: Lu Xun plans to experiment with Mo Guanjie to see if he can gain experience points from his disciples' level-ups.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun, the protagonist, walks through Green Ridge City, aiming to encounter Silly Players.
• He spots Xiao Ran, a familiar NPC from his past life, who is now in Green Ridge City for training.
• Lu Xun recalls Xiao Ran's true nature as a two-faced, violent NPC who enjoys torturing enemies.
• He also remembers that Xiao Ran's favorability was maxed out by a female player, Yan Bao, leading to a sensation in the forums.
• Lu Xun plans to harvest leeks (a euphemism for leveling up) and later visit the [Tortoise Longevity] dungeon.
• He accidentally bumps into Yan Bao, Xiao Ran's disciple, in the city.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun: Despite his past experience with Xiao Ran, he doesn't harbor much hatred. He's calm and collected, with a warm smile.
• Xiao Ran: She is portrayed as an elegant lady but is revealed to be a violent, two-faced NPC who enjoys torturing enemies.
• Yan Bao: She is the guild leader of the Yan Alliance Guild and Xiao Ran's disciple. Her favorability was maxed out by Xiao Ran, causing a stir in the forums.

Significant Themes

• The duality of NPCs and the complexity of human nature.
• The impact of maxing out NPC favorability on gameplay and player behavior.
• The coexistence and tension between the Righteous Path and the Demonic Path in Tian Chen.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun recognizes Xiao Ran but decides not to approach her.
• Lu Xun remembers his past encounter with Xiao Ran and Yan Bao's favorability maxing event.
• Lu Xun accidentally meets Yan Bao in the city, smiling warmly at her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Bao, the president of Yan Alliance Guild, arrives early at Green Ridge City, captivated by its realism.
• She encounters Lu Xun (Purple Prince), who intentionally reveals his face and guides her towards Xiao Ran.
• Yan Bao follows Lu Xun's guidance and meets Xiao Ran, feeling an instant connection.

Character Developments

• Yan Bao: Realizes she's not immune to attractive NPCs, develops feelings for Xiao Ran.
• Lu Xun (Purple Prince): Shows his face to Yan Bao, guiding her towards Xiao Ran as part of his plan to manipulate both for his benefit.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: Lu Xun's true intentions are hidden behind his attractive facade.
• Manipulation and Guidance: Lu Xun manipulates Yan Bao to further his own goals.
• Love at First Sight: Yan Bao's immediate attraction to Xiao Ran.

Character Interactions

• Yan Bao & Lu Xun: Yan Bao is captivated by Lu Xun's appearance, but he manipulates her without reciprocating her interest.
• Yan Bao & Xiao Ran: Yan Bao feels an instant connection with Xiao Ran, potentially setting up a romantic relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun, after playing matchmaker, returns to Lai Fu Inn, leaving the fate of the two women to their karmic entanglement.
• Mo Guanjie triggers a quest, "Corpse Qi," involving zombies outside Green Ridge City.
• Lu Xun receives a prompt to accept the quest, indicating a potential hidden plot.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun shows interest in freeloading off hidden quests and is excited about the potential of Mo Guanjie's quest.
• Mo Guanjie, after dying in his first attempt, seeks help from Lu Xun to complete the quest, demonstrating his resourcefulness.

Significant Themes

• Karmic Entanglement: The fates of the two women are left to their karmic entanglement, suggesting the theme of destiny and free will.
• Hidden Quests: The quest triggered by Mo Guanjie hints at the theme of hidden paths and rewards in the game world.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Mo Guanjie's interaction shows Lu Xun's willingness to help Mo Guanjie, indicating a mentor-mentee relationship.
• Lu Xun's thoughts reveal his strategic thinking and desire to exploit hidden quests for personal gain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author's new book, "This Account is Toxic," is about to be officially published.
• The book has been performing well, with consistent support from readers, including rewards, votes, and recommendations.
• The author expresses gratitude to their editor, Xiao Yuan, and readers who have supported the book.
• The author announces an extra update plan, with additional chapters based on specific milestones (first orders, monthly tickets, etc.).
• The author aims to achieve high first-day sales and secure a spot on the new book monthly ticket list.

Character Developments

• The author reflects on their past works and expresses nervousness about venturing into a new genre.
• The author shows appreciation and gratitude towards their editor and readers, demonstrating a strong connection with their audience.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and appreciation for readers' support.
• The importance of a book's launch in determining its future success.
• The author's ambition and motivation to improve their work and achieve higher goals.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with their editor, Xiao Yuan, who has provided constant encouragement and support.
• The author addresses their readers directly, expressing gratitude and outlining their plans for extra updates based on reader engagement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mo Guanjie triggers a hidden task, [Corpse Qi Task], which is unusually difficult for his level.
• Lu Xun accompanies Mo Guanjie to complete the task, expecting to delve deeper than just freeloading.
• Mo Guanjie encounters a group of Half-Corpse monsters and struggles to fight them alone.
• Lu Xun intervenes, using his powerful Sword Qi to defeat the monsters in a stylish manner.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun shows his expertise and nonchalance in battle, revealing his powerful skills.
• Mo Guanjie's lack of combat skills and awareness is highlighted, but he's excited to record Lu Xun's actions for the forum.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Lu Xun and Mo Guanjie are established, with Lu Xun taking the lead and Mo Guanjie following.
• The game's mechanics, such as monster realism and pain adjustment, are touched upon.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Mo Guanjie's dynamic is established, with Lu Xun acting as a mentor figure and Mo Guanjie looking up to him.
• Lu Xun uses Mo Guanjie as bait to explore the task, showing a strategic and pragmatic side to his character.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xun effortlessly defeats five Half-Corpse, leaving Mo Guanjie impressed by his skill and artistic conception.
• Lu Xun uses Mo Guanjie as bait to attract more Half-Corpse but finds none.
• They reach a fork in the road, and the Sword Sheath guides Lu Xun to the right path.
• They encounter a dense, strange fog, and Lu Xun enters it, leaving Mo Guanjie outside.
• Inside the fog, Lu Xun finds a small, upright black coffin, which the Sword Sheath is drawn to.

Character Developments

• Lu Xun demonstrates his powerful combat skills and strategic thinking, using Mo Guanjie as bait without putting him in real danger.
• Mo Guanjie shows awe and respect for Lu Xun's abilities and is willing to follow his commands.
• The Sword Sheath reveals its intelligence and ability to communicate, guiding Lu Xun and showing interest in the coffin.

Significant Themes

• The theme of guidance and following one's path is emphasized through the Sword Sheath's actions.
• The fog represents uncertainty and danger, contrasting with Lu Xun's confidence and skill.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xun and Mo Guanjie: Lu Xun uses Mo Guanjie as bait, showing a level of trust and understanding of his capabilities. Mo Guanjie follows Lu Xun's orders without question.
• Lu Xun and the Sword Sheath: The Sword Sheath guides Lu Xun, showing a level of intelligence and independence, and Lu Xun trusts its judgment.