Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu and Cui Boxuan follow a leading Demon to a wasteland where they find imprisoned souls.
• The Demons give Lin Mu three hours to solve a riddle or they will be killed.
• Lin Mu discovers that the undead they encountered earlier were Mental Bodies created by the Demons.
• They find a group of undead who lead them to the City Lord's Mansion, where they find Archives revealing the city's history and strange occurrences.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates maturity and wisdom beyond his age, impressing Du Zian and Lei Yong.
• Cui Boxuan shows curiosity and eagerness to learn from Lin Mu.

Significant Themes

• The power of observation and deduction, as Lin Mu uses clues to uncover the Demons' true intentions.
• The consequences of tyranny and oppression, as hinted at in the city's history.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu and Cui Boxuan work together, with Lin Mu taking the lead in questioning and deducing, while Cui Boxuan asks questions and learns from Lin Mu.
• The undead souls cooperate with Lin Mu, providing him with information and leading him to the Archives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu discovers clues in the City Lord's Mansion and Jia Mansion, leading him to uncover the truth about New Land City.
• He learns that the city is actually a Ghost City, and the Undead are vengeful ghosts from a past upheaval.
• The city has undergone two upheavals, with the current City Lord seizing power from his predecessor.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates his investigative skills and uses his Mental Power to uncover hidden clues.
• Cui Boxuan follows Lin Mu, showing curiosity and fear when he learns about the ghostly nature of the Undead.

Significant Themes

• The cyclical nature of power and corruption in governance.
• The consequences of past actions and the lingering effects of unresolved issues.
• The blurred line between the living and the dead, and the evolution of ghosts into entities.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu interacts with the Undead, questioning them to gather information.
• Lin Mu and Cui Boxuan work together, with Cui Boxuan following Lin Mu's lead and showing fear when learning about the ghosts.
• The Undead share their knowledge of the city's history with Lin Mu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu enters New Land City and discovers its true nature: a ghost city with residents transformed into Demons.
• He finds letters revealing a conspiracy by the city's wealthy merchants and the new city lord to exploit and control the city.
• Lin Mu solves the riddle of the city's backstory and triggers a change, clearing the stage.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates exceptional deductive skills, investigation abilities, and combat prowess.
• Cui Boxuan shows strength in combat but lacks investigative skills.

Significant Themes

• The power of investigation and deduction in uncovering the truth.
• The consequences of exploitation and corruption.
• The struggle between the living and the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu and Cui Boxuan form a temporary alliance: Lin Mu investigates and solves the mystery, while Cui Boxuan handles the Demons.
• Lin Mu's performance impresses the Examiners, with Du Zian recognizing his unique approach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu and Cui Boxuan successfully complete the second stage by finding the Demons' weakness and defeating them.
• They receive high scores and proceed to the third stage, a jungle filled with Fierce Beasts and Demons.
• Lin Mu spends several days reviewing and mastering mental-type knowledge, preparing for the third stage.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates his intelligence by deciphering the hints in the second stage and his dedication by studying mental-type knowledge.
• Cui Boxuan shows his eagerness to test his strength against Lin Mu in the next stage.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mental cultivation and its complexity.
• The need for continuous growth and improvement to face the challenges in this world.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu and Cui Boxuan work together to defeat the Demons, showcasing their teamwork and mutual respect.
• Lin Mu shares his understanding of the second stage with Cui Boxuan, displaying his willingness to help others.
• Lin Mu interacts with Bai Mo and Qian Mu, expressing his happiness for their success in the second stage.

Key Plot Points

• The third level of the Martial Arts Exam involves competing for 'Immortal Stones,' which are revealed to be unusual and potentially dangerous.
• The first examinee to find an Immortal Stone is attacked by others, setting off a chaotic fight.
• The Immortal Stone is revealed to be a Demon Stone with the power to bewitch the mind, causing examinees to fight to the death for it.
• Lin Mu observes this for two days, seeing over a hundred students eliminated due to the stone's influence.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu remains cautious and observant, trusting Bai Mo's warning about the Immortal Stones.
• The examinees are shown to be easily influenced by the Demon Stone, losing rationality and fighting each other.

Significant Themes

• Appearances can be deceiving; the Immortal Stones are not what they seem.
• Greed and desire can lead to irrational behavior and harm.
• The academy uses this exam to teach students about the dangers of being fooled by appearances and the importance of caution.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu observes the other examinees from a distance, not engaging with them until he decides to take down the Demon Stone.
• The examinees fight each other over the Immortal Stone, showing the corrupting influence of the Demon Stone's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu successfully subdues an Immortal Stone by resisting its Mental Attacks and using his Mental Power to control it.
• The Immortal Stone, now under Lin Mu's control, offers to serve him to avoid destruction.
• Lin Mu encounters a group of martial artists fighting over an Immortal Stone. He witnesses Lu Tingchun losing his Immortal Stone to them.
• Several martial artists attempt to attack Lin Mu, but he easily defeats them, revealing his Second-Order Martial Artist status.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates his Mental Power and combat skills, proving himself a formidable opponent.
• Lu Tingchun shows determination but lacks the strength to keep his Immortal Stone.
• The other martial artists display their greed and lack of unity, focusing on individual gain.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power: Lin Mu's strength allows him to subdue the Immortal Stone and defeat his opponents.
• Greed and ambition: The other martial artists prioritize their own gain over unity and cooperation.
• Cunning and adaptability: Lin Mu uses his intelligence to subdue the Immortal Stone and outmaneuver his opponents.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu interacts with the Immortal Stone, subduing it and forming a connection.
• Lin Mu encounters several martial artists who attempt to attack him but are easily defeated.
• Lin Mu witnesses Lu Tingchun's struggle and the other martial artists' greed, demonstrating his awareness of the situation around him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Mo and others flee with Immortal Stones, pursued by powerful figures.
• Lin Mu protects Bai Mo, scaring off pursuers with his strength.
• Qian Mu is bullied by Ye Fengmian of the Ye Family, who demands another Immortal Stone from him.

Character Developments

• Bai Mo shows her resourcefulness and determination in protecting the Immortal Stones.
• Lin Mu demonstrates his formidable strength and ruthlessness, earning Bai Mo's admiration.
• Qian Mu shows reluctance to back down but ultimately yields to the Ye Family's threats.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power dynamics in the Martial Arts world.
• The unfairness and privileges of the Eight Great Families.
• The ruthlessness and desperation in the pursuit of Immortal Stones.

Character Interactions

• Bai Mo and Lin Mu: Bai Mo develops feelings for Lin Mu, who protects her. Their interaction shows a growing bond.
• Qian Mu and Ye Fengmian: Qian Mu's interaction with Ye Fengmian highlights the power imbalance and ruthlessness in the Martial Arts Exam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu intervenes when Ye Fengmian bullies Qian Mu, leading to a duel between them.
• Lin Mu, a Second-Order Martial Artist, defeats Ye Fengmian, a top-30 Martial Arts Exam contender, in a short time.
• Lin Mu offers the defeated group a chance to apologize later in the academy.
• Lin Mu sells the acquired Immortal Stones to others for thirty million each, ensuring they can activate the Immortal Ladder.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu: Demonstrates exceptional combat skills, a Gold Grade Movement Technique, and a calm demeanor even against a powerful opponent. He shows concern for his friend Qian Mu and uses the situation to help others.
• Ye Fengmian: Shows arrogance and underestimates his opponent, leading to his defeat. He's unwilling to accept his loss but eventually complies.
• Qian Mu: Realizes the growing gap between him and Lin Mu. He decides to use this incident to motivate himself for future growth.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: Lin Mu's actions are driven by his desire to protect Qian Mu, showing the importance of friendship in his life.
• Power Dynamics: The scene highlights the power dynamics among Martial Artists, with Lin Mu's strength allowing him to dictate terms to Ye Fengmian and his group.
• Ambition: Qian Mu's decision to use this incident as motivation for future growth underscores the ambition and drive of Martial Artists.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu and Ye Fengmian: Their interaction is marked by Lin Mu's calm composure and Ye Fengmian's growing frustration and unwillingness.
• Lin Mu and Qian Mu: Their friendship is reinforced as Lin Mu steps in to help Qian Mu, and Qian Mu expresses gratitude and determination to improve.
• Lin Mu and the Crowd: Lin Mu's interaction with the crowd shows his business acumen and willingness to help others for a price.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu auctions the Immortal Stones he obtained, starting the bidding at thirty million each. The prices escalate, with the last one selling for eighty million.
• Lin Mu earns several hundred million from the auctions.
• The group reaches the Immortal Ladder, a towering, mysterious structure with no visible support, surrounded by Immortal Qi.
• Cui Boxuan, the highest-ranked contender, appears and challenges Lin Mu, expressing his intention to outperform him on the Immortal Ladder.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates his business acumen and negotiation skills by auctioning the Immortal Stones, earning a substantial amount of money.
• Cui Boxuan reveals his confidence and pride as the top genius of the Martial Arts Exam, determined to prove his superiority over Lin Mu.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and Power: The Martial Arts Exam reveals the correlation between financial power and strength, with rich contenders able to hire help and buy resources.
• Competition and Rivalry: The interaction between Lin Mu and Cui Boxuan highlights the competitive nature of the exam and the desire for recognition and superiority among the contenders.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu and Cui Boxuan: Their interaction is marked by tension and rivalry, with Cui Boxuan challenging Lin Mu's perceived arrogance and Lin Mu remaining calm and unperturbed.
• Lin Mu and the other contenders: Lin Mu interacts briefly with the contenders who bought Immortal Stones from him, expressing his intention to help them secure a spot on the Immortal Ladder.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Martial Arts Exam concludes, and the Immortal Ladder appears, leading to enlightenment for those who obtain an Immortal Stone.
• Climbing the Immortal Ladder triggers Mental Attacks and reveals a Mountain of Corpses and Sea of Blood illusion.
• Lin Mu faces Walking Corpses that, upon defeat, impose their emotional memories on him.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates resilience and mental fortitude, facing and resisting the emotional onslaught from the Walking Corpses' memories.
• Other characters like Cui Boxuan, Lu Zhipeng, and Wen Jinwen also face the Immortal Ladder's challenges but are not detailed in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Mental fortitude and willpower are crucial for Martial Artists, especially those who aim to fight Demons and protect their nation.
• The exam is not just about physical prowess but also about withstanding mental trials and emotional fluctuations.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu interacts with the Walking Corpses, experiencing their memories and emotions, but there's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter.
• Other characters are mentioned briefly, but their interactions are not the focus of this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu kills Walking Corpses on the Immortal Ladder, drawing attention from examiners outside due to the emotional impact of the corpses' memories.
• Lin Mu comprehends a Secret Art, "Observer's Sight," which allows him to view things from a bystander's perspective and make rational judgments.
• He continues to climb, killing more Walking Corpses and honing his new Secret Art, eventually entering a Mind Flow State.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates exceptional mental fortitude and calmness under pressure, proving himself a formidable competitor.
• Other trainees struggle to keep up with Lin Mu, questioning their own abilities and his background.

Significant Themes

• The power of mental resilience and detachment in overcoming emotional challenges.
• The benefits of repeated focus and practice (Mind Flow State).
• The impact of one's background and abilities on self-perception and competition.

Character Interactions

• Examiners discuss Lin Mu's unusual calmness and ability to resist the Walking Corpses' memories, speculating about his methods and Mental Strength.
• Trainees following Lin Mu struggle to keep up, questioning their own abilities and Lin Mu's background.
• Lu Zhipeng, Wen Jinwen, and Cui Boxuan express disbelief at Lin Mu's progress and the potential impact on their reputations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu climbs the Immortal Ladder, defeating all Walking Corpses on each floor, a rare feat last seen a hundred years ago.
• He reaches the final floor where he faces a Middle-Aged Man, a figure that appears only at the top, with a Blood Qi Value of 12.
• Lin Mu and the Middle-Aged Man engage in a fierce battle, with Lin Mu using his movement technique to find his opponent's weaknesses.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates exceptional strength, skill, and combat experience, comparable to a nationally renowned figure from a hundred years ago.
• The examiners acknowledge Lin Mu's potential but note that he's still lacking compared to prodigies from top-tier academies.

Significant Themes

• The path of martial arts is arduous and full of challenges, with the difficulty increasing the further one goes.
• Talent and effort are not enough to guarantee success; other factors like fortune and family background also play significant roles.
• The Martial Arts Exam is a chance for commoners to reverse their fate, but those with top-tier backgrounds and talent don't participate in it.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu interacts with the Middle-Aged Man, who expresses that Lin Mu shouldn't have come this far and can't possibly defeat him.
• The examiners discuss Lin Mu's performance, acknowledging his potential but also noting the gap between him and prodigies from top academies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu faces a middle-aged man in the final layer of the Immortal Ladder.
• The man's blade technique is terrifying, and he admires Lin Mu's skill.
• After being defeated, the man's memories and blade technique insights flood into Lin Mu's mind.
• Lin Mu sits to comprehend these insights, gaining significant efficiency in his blade technique.
• He eventually comprehends a Tier 3 blade technique, Blood Tiger Three Slashes, to Major Achievement (20%).

Character Developments

• Lin Mu's blade technique and movement technique improve significantly.
• He comprehends a new Tier 3 blade technique, demonstrating his rapid growth.
• Other challengers like Cui Boxuan, Lu Zhipeng, and Wen Jinwen arrive later, realizing the vast gap between Lin Mu's achievements and theirs.

Significant Themes

• The power of inherited memories and insights in martial arts growth.
• The vast differences in talent and dedication among martial artists.
• The relentless pursuit of growth and improvement in the face of challenges.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu briefly interacts with the middle-aged man, who admires his skill before passing on his memories and insights.
• Cui Boxuan, Lu Zhipeng, and Wen Jinwen arrive later, acknowledging Lin Mu's superior performance but maintaining their determination to catch up.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu completes the Immortal Ladder trial and receives his scores.
• He discovers he has learned a Martial Skill, the Blood Tiger Three Slashes, at the Mastery level.
• The examiners announce the scores and rankings for the Martial Arts Exam, with Lin Mu taking first place with 763 points.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates exceptional talent and dedication, achieving a perfect score and bonus points in the Martial Arts Exam.
• Cui Boxuan, despite being a strong candidate, scores significantly lower than Lin Mu, highlighting the gap between them.

Significant Themes

• Talent vs. Effort: Lin Mu's performance showcases that while talent is crucial, dedication and hard work can lead to extraordinary results.
• Humility and Self-Awareness: Lin Mu remains calm and collected despite his impressive score, understanding that the exam is just a starting point.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu interacts briefly with an old examiner who explains the memory erasure process.
• The examiners discuss Lin Mu's performance, expressing admiration and surprise.
• Fellow examinees react with shock, jealousy, and awe to Lin Mu's score, highlighting the impact of his achievement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The top 150 Martial Arts Exam candidates are gathered by Chief Examiner Du Zian.
• Du Zian explains the rules and structure of Sacred Origin Martial School.
• Students receive booklets detailing the school's layout, facilities, and notable figures.
• They board a luxurious Cloud Shuttle for a three-hour journey to the school.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu is shown to be focused on improving his blade technique, even during the journey.
• Du Zian is revealed to be a Seventh Tier Martial Artist and a skilled formation master.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation and skill development in the Martial Arts world.
• The vast resources and opportunities available at Sacred Origin Martial School.
• The disparity in wealth and power among Martial Artists.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu interacts briefly with Bai Mo and his friends, who express their admiration for his Martial Arts Exam performance.
• Du Zian interacts with the students, providing information and answering questions, but doesn't disturb Lin Mu's cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu and Bai Mo chat, drawing the attention of Cui Family disciples and Ye Fengmian, who hold grudges against Lin Mu.
• Lin Mu receives guidance from Du Zian on his blade technique, leading to a breakthrough.
• Lin Mu's Blade Technique reaches Gold Grade, and he gains a significant boost in overall combat power.
• The Cloud Shuttle arrives at River City, and the group reaches the entrance of the academy.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu: Shows maturity and calmness in the face of potential trouble. He makes significant progress in his blade technique, reaching Gold Grade.
• Bai Mo: Expresses her willingness to help Lin Mu if trouble arises.
• Du Zian: Offers guidance to Lin Mu, helping him achieve a breakthrough in his blade technique.
• Cui Family disciples and Ye Fengmian: Hold grudges against Lin Mu and feel unsettled by his progress.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Hard Work: Lin Mu's rapid progress highlights the theme of exceptional talent combined with hard work.
• Enmity and Rivalry: The grudges held by Cui Family disciples and Ye Fengmian against Lin Mu emphasize the theme of enmity and rivalry.
• Mentorship: Du Zian's guidance to Lin Mu underscores the importance of mentorship in cultivation and growth.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu and Bai Mo: They chat and share a friendly bond, with Bai Mo expressing her willingness to help Lin Mu.
• Lin Mu and Du Zian: Du Zian offers guidance to Lin Mu, leading to a breakthrough in his blade technique.
• Cui Family disciples and Ye Fengmian: They hold grudges against Lin Mu and discuss their desire for revenge once they enter the academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group sees a terrifying scene at the academy, indicating an internal problem.
• Du Zian and Lei Yong enter the academy to investigate, discovering an evil aura.
• Lin Mu realizes the danger and decides to focus on becoming stronger.
• The group takes shelter in an underground base, where they will stay for a few days due to the academy's ongoing cleanup.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu reflects on the world's dangers and resolves to work harder to become stronger.
• Du Zian, as a Formation master, leads the investigation and shows his expertise in Formations.
• Bai Mo demonstrates her knowledge about demons and their regenerative abilities.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of the world, even within seemingly safe environments like the academy.
• The importance of becoming stronger to face challenges and live in peace.
• The gap between Martial Artists and ordinary people, and the hardships faced by the latter.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu and Bai Mo discuss the academy's situation and the potential threat, showcasing their curiosity and knowledge.
• Du Zian addresses the group, providing information and arrangements for their temporary stay in the shelter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Zian reveals that humanity has never truly defeated the Demons; they only retreated to recover.
• He shows images of Demons' brutal attacks on humans, instilling fear and awareness of the threat.
• Du Zian emphasizes the need to become strong to face the Demons and potential invasions by Foreign Races.
• After an hour, instructors take over, dividing students into groups for personalized training.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu: Shows mental fortitude and resolve in the face of the Demon threat, immediately resuming his training.
• Other Students: Display varying reactions to the shocking images, ranging from fear to determination.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Awareness: Students are made aware of the true threat Demons pose, instilling fear but also driving their desire to become stronger.
• Cultivation and Growth: The difficulty of cultivation is emphasized, with the goal of raising Blood Qi Value by 0.5 in a few days set for Lin Mu.

Character Interactions

• Du Zian and the Students: Du Zian shares crucial information about the Demon threat, impacting the students' perspectives and driving their resolve.
• Peng Xueyao and her Group: Peng Xueyao, an instructor, interacts with her group of ten students, setting personalized goals and training plans for each.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu and the others begin training at Sacred Origin Martial School under Peng Xueyao's guidance.
• They officially enter the school, which is luxurious and filled with powerful martial artists.
• Lin Mu receives rewards for his first-place ranking in the Martial Arts Exam, including an identity card with points and Exchange Vouchers for a Four-stage Martial Skill and a complete Breathing Technique.
• Lin Mu receives congratulatory calls from Wang Tao, Bai Fan, and others.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates humility despite his achievements.
• Wang Tao and Bai Fan show appreciation for Lin Mu's accomplishments and offer support.
• The Duan Family, who had previously offended Lin Mu, becomes cautious due to his achievements and plans revenge against his father, but they are swiftly dealt with by unknown assailants.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of Sacred Origin Martial School.
• The value of cultivation resources and the disparity between Li City and the school.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent, as seen with the Duan Family.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu interacts with Wang Tao, Bai Fan, and others over the phone, solidifying his connections with them.
• The Duan Family discusses and plots against Lin Mu's father, only to face severe repercussions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mu visits the Sacred Scripture Repository, finding a vast collection of Martial Skills and techniques.
• He discovers the 'Dragon Flame Saber Art', a Fourth Stage saber technique that suits his current needs.
• Lin Mu encounters Su Yucheng, a Second Young Master of the Su Family and a direct recommended student, who mocks Lin Mu's choice of technique.
• Upon returning to his residence, Lin Mu finds a group of students waiting to challenge him due to his top score in the Martial Arts Exam.

Character Developments

• Lin Mu demonstrates his calm and composed demeanor, showing no fear or respect for Su Yucheng's status as a senior student.
• Su Yucheng is revealed to be a Yin-Yang Person, which is considered ugly and undesirable in this society.
• The group of students waiting for Lin Mu shows their eagerness to challenge him and prove their strength, indicating their competitive nature and desire for recognition.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and cultivation in this society, where one's status and respect are determined by their martial prowess.
• The competitive nature of the students, who are eager to prove themselves and maintain their school's or family's reputation.
• The prejudice against Yin-Yang People, who are considered inferior due to their appearance.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mu and Su Yucheng's interaction is filled with tension and disdain, with Lin Mu showing no fear of Su Yucheng's status or cultivation level.
• The group of students waiting for Lin Mu shows their eagerness to challenge him, indicating their desire for recognition and strength.
• The bystanders watching the scene show curiosity and anticipation for the upcoming conflict, indicating their interest in witnessing a show of strength.