Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ruyue, a renowned Grandmaster, is set to discuss the Dao at the Imperial Examination Hall, an event that garners significant attention and anticipation.
• The discussion is special as it marks Jiang Ruyue's entry into White Deer Academy, making it a historic event.
• Lin Su, unexpectedly, attends the event, drawing attention and speculation about his intentions.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ruyue is portrayed as a highly respected and sought-after figure in the Literary World, ready to take on a significant role at White Deer Academy.
• Lin Su's presence at the event suggests a shift in his stance or alliances, hinting at potential changes in his character arc.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and politics within the Literary World are highlighted, with factions and rivalries coming to the fore.
• The theme of opportunity and timing is emphasized, with characters seizing or missing chances to advance their positions or careers.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su's unexpected appearance sparks curiosity and unease among the attendees, particularly among those who have had previous conflicts with him, such as He Yun Kai and Moyuan.
• Qiu Zixiu's interaction with Lin Su hints at a competitive dynamic between them, reflecting the cutthroat nature of the Literary World.
• The hosts of the event, including Su Changhe and Deng Luohe, demonstrate respect and deference towards Jiang Ruyue, underscoring his status and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su attends the Imperial Examination Hall's Dao Discussion Arena, where Jiang Ruyue is discoursing on filial piety.
• Jiang Ruyue's discourse is flawless and persuasive, creating Azure Lotuses on the stage and gaining widespread approval.
• Lin Su disrupts the discussion, questioning Jiang Ruyue's extreme interpretation of filial piety, citing an incident involving his eldest disciple.
• Lin Su is expelled from the Imperial Examination Hall but vows to set up his own Dao Discussion Stage outside.

Character Developments

• Lin Su: Shows audacity and concern for the pure land of the Sacred Path, willing to disrupt the proceedings to correct what he sees as a biased interpretation of filial piety.
• Jiang Ruyue: Maintains composure despite Lin Su's disruption but grows increasingly angry and defensive.
• Su Changhe: As the moderator, tries to maintain order but ultimately expels Lin Su to prevent further disruption.

Significant Themes

• The importance of correct interpretation and practice of the Sacred Path's principles.
• The consequences of biased or extreme interpretations of these principles.
• The tension between personal grievances and the greater good in public discourse.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su vs. Jiang Ruyue: Lin Su challenges Jiang Ruyue's interpretation of filial piety, leading to a tense confrontation.
• Lin Su vs. Su Changhe: Lin Su is expelled from the Imperial Examination Hall by Su Changhe, leading to Lin Su's vow to set up his own Dao Discussion Stage.
• Lin Su's disciples (Zhang Haoran, Qiu Mochi, Huo Qi): Publicly support Lin Su's actions, further escalating the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su publicly announces a debate on filial piety, audible to the entire city.
• He defines filial piety as "serving parents well," elaborating on three levels: propriety, joy, and peace.
• His discourse challenges conventional views on filial piety, emphasizing parents' genuine happiness and peace of mind.
• A contest for the Dao ensues between Lin Su and Jiang Ruyue, with Lin Su gaining the upper hand.
• Court officials secretly support Jiang Ruyue with their Literary Qi, but it's ineffective against Lin Su's advancing Dao Realm.

Character Developments

• Lin Su: Proves his literary prowess and understanding of the Sacred Path, gaining widespread respect and admiration.
• Jiang Ruyue: Struggles to keep up with Lin Su's debate, facing the threat of losing his unblemished debate record.
• Su Changhe: Realizes the mistake in refusing Lin Su's debate at the Imperial Examination Hall, causing him deep regret and shame.

Significant Themes

• Filial piety: Lin Su challenges traditional views, emphasizing the importance of parents' happiness and peace of mind.
• Power dynamics: The court officials' secret support for Jiang Ruyue highlights the political undercurrents at play.
• Public opinion: Lin Su's debate resonates with the common people, demonstrating the power of public sentiment.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su vs. Jiang Ruyue: The debate between these two literary masters escalates into a contest for the Dao, with Lin Su clearly ahead.
• Court officials vs. Lin Su: Secretly support Jiang Ruyue, attempting to maintain their chosen candidate's reputation and avoid a public defeat.
• Scholars and citizens vs. Lin Su's debate: The vast majority of people in the city are entranced by Lin Su's discourse, demonstrating its widespread appeal and impact.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su's Dao Discussion on filial piety results in the manifestation of the legendary Nine-Ranked Dao Lotus, defeating Jiang Ruyue and causing a stir in the world.
• Moyuan, the Acting Dean of White Deer Academy, is forced to retreat due to Jiang Ruyue's poor performance, preventing the announcement of his appointment.
• Chen Geng receives an invitation to discuss the Dao at the Hanlin Academy.

Character Developments

• Lin Su: Demonstrates his prowess in Dao Discussion, pushing filial piety into a new realm and inspiring the people. He understands the general trend but is determined to challenge it.
• Jiang Ruyue: Experiences a devastating defeat, leading to a mental breakdown. His lifelong ambitions and accumulated Literary Fame are lost.
• Moyuan: Realizes the severity of Jiang Ruyue's defeat and the potential consequences for the Sacred Hall. She retreats to avoid becoming a laughingstock.
• Chen Geng: Receives an invitation to discuss the Dao at the Hanlin Academy, potentially paving the way for his entry into White Deer Academy.

Significant Themes

• The power of filial piety and its relevance to modern thinking, compassion, and family ethics.
• The consequences of obsession and stubbornness in one's Dao.
• The importance of understanding and navigating the general trend of the world.
• The potential for personal growth and change, as seen in Lin Su's development.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Moyuan: Their interaction reveals their differing views on the general trend of the world and sets the stage for future conflict.
• Lin Su and Jiang Ruyue: Their Dao Discussion highlights the contrast between Lin Su's innovative approach to filial piety and Jiang Ruyue's obsession.
• Chen Geng and Zhang Juzheng: Their conversation reveals the potential for Chen Geng's entry into White Deer Academy and the importance of understanding the prevailing trend.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su and his companions are at Hongyun Pavilion when they receive news of Chen Geng's debate at the Hanlin Academy.
• They decide to watch the debate from a nearby restaurant instead of attending.
• Ji Wen and Ruan Bin arrive at the same restaurant, but Lin Su's group refuses to give up their room, leading to a tense standoff.
• Chen Geng's debate begins on the Half Dao Stage, indicating he wants a wider audience.

Character Developments

• Lin Su continues to show his disdain for the Imperial Examination Hall and the Hanlin Academy, further alienating himself from the establishment.
• Ji Wen and Ruan Bin show their authority and willingness to confront Lin Su, hinting at their growing power and ambition.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different factions in the Capital City, with Lin Su challenging the established order.
• The manipulation of events for personal gain, as seen in Chen Geng's decision to debate immediately after Jiang Ruyue's failure.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and his companions continue to display their camaraderie and support for each other.
• Lin Su and Ji Wen's interaction hints at an underlying tension and potential conflict between them.
• Chen Geng's decision to debate on the Half Dao Stage is a response to Lin Su's earlier public debate, showing a shift in his strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Geng's discourse on the history of Great Cang's founding, highlighting the role of the Literary Way, ignites passion and excitement in the city.
• Lin Su composes a timeless poem, "On Hearing Grand Scholar Chen Discuss History," which has a profound impact on the audience and is recognized as a Heart-Protecting Poem.
• The poem achieves timelessness, and Lin Su is bestowed the Literary Treasure 'Azure Robe' by the Azure Lotus.

Character Developments

• Chen Geng: His discourse increases his chances of entering the White Deer Academy and the Imperial Court due to its impact and the subsequent poem.
• Lin Su: He demonstrates his poetic prowess and strategic thinking, using Jiang Ruyue's failure and Chen Geng's success to influence the Sacred Hall's decision.
• An unnamed sickly young master: He is intrigued by Lin Su's poem and its reference to his origins.

Significant Themes

• The power of history and the Literary Way in inspiring and uniting people.
• The impact of poetry on society and its ability to influence decisions.
• The strategic use of events to achieve desired outcomes.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Chen Geng: Although they haven't met, Lin Su's poem significantly boosts Chen Geng's prospects.
• Lin Su and the sickly young master: They indirectly interact through Lin Su's poem, which references the young master's origins.
• Zhang Juzheng and Zhou Zhang: They discuss Chen Geng's chances of entering the Imperial Court, increasing from 30% to 40% after Lin Su's poem.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su and his companions are invited to Tian Yin Fang by Liu Tianyin, the most exclusive music house in the Capital City.
• They enter Tian Yin Fang and are captivated by Liu Tianyin's zither performance.
• Lin Su meets Liu Tianyin privately, and they discuss fate and karma.
• Lin Su tears the Fate Paper, symbolizing his defiance of Liu Tianyin's prophecy.
• Lin Su leaves Tian Yin Fang, determined not to return.
• He heads towards the Confucian Temple to make a move that could increase Chen Geng's chances of entering White Deer Academy to over 50%.

Character Developments

• Lin Su: Shows defiance and nonchalance towards Liu Tianyin's prophecy, demonstrating his strong will and belief in his own path.
• Liu Tianyin: Struggles with her anger and the flaw in her prophecy, showing a hint of vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Free Will: Lin Su's actions challenge the idea that his fate is predetermined, instead asserting his own agency.
• Consequences of Actions: Both Lin Su and Liu Tianyin acknowledge that their actions can have far-reaching consequences, though they interpret this differently.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Liu Tianyin: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Lin Su mocking Liu Tianyin's prophecy and Liu Tianyin struggling to maintain her composure.
• Lin Su and his companions: Though not present in this chapter, their unity and support for each other are implied, as they are invited together and Lin Su acts on their behalf.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su, the First Grandmaster of Azure Lotus, visits the Confucian Temple, where he meets the Night Watchman.
• Lin Su requests a recommendation letter from the Night Watchman to appoint Chen Geng as the Dean of White Deer Academy.
• The Night Watchman reveals that Lin Su, as a Constant Walker, can write his own recommendation order.
• Lin Su uses his Constant Walker power to recommend Chen Geng as the Dean of White Deer Academy, causing a stir in the Capital City.

Character Developments

• Lin Su: Realizes the extent of his powers as a Constant Walker and decides to use them to appoint Chen Geng as the Dean of White Deer Academy.
• The Night Watchman: Reveals that Lin Su can write his own recommendation order and hints at the internal disputes within the Sacred Hall.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics within the Sacred Hall and the Capital City.
• The struggle for legitimacy and orthodoxy in the literary and academic world.
• The consequences of upsetting the established order.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and the Night Watchman: Lin Su seeks the Night Watchman's help, and the Night Watchman reveals Lin Su's powers as a Constant Walker.
• Lin Su and the Capital City populace: Lin Su's recommendation order causes a stir in the Capital City, with various factions reacting to the news.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with Lin Su at West Mountain Villa, where a group of women are adapting "Dream of the Red Chamber" into an opera, with a focus on the song "Grave of Flowers Chant."
• Lin Su agrees to compose music for the song and plays the flute while Xie Xiaoyan sings.
• Bi Xuanji secretly informs Lin Su about a crisis in Dark Fragrance: the Heavenly Spirit Sect has wiped out Dark Fragrance's Vermilion Bird Hall, killing over 300 members, including the hall head, Ren Junqiu.

Character Developments

• Lin Su: Maintains his calm and composure even after learning about the tragedy, showing his determination to avenge Dark Fragrance.
• Bi Xuanji: Deeply saddened by the loss of her confidant and the destruction of a Dark Fragrance hall, she shows concern for her brother's safety and the potential risks of retaliation.
• Xie Xiaoyan: Demonstrates her skill in singing "Grave of Flowers Chant" and her competitive nature when challenged by other women.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Lin Su's group and the Heavenly Spirit Sect, with the latter's actions highlighting their growing threat.
• The consequences of retaliation and the risks involved in covert operations, as illustrated by the Heavenly Spirit Sect's soul-searching secret technique.
• The importance of Lin Su's people and his resolve to protect them, even in the face of powerful adversaries.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su interacts with the group of women, agreeing to compose music for "Grave of Flowers Chant" and playing the flute while Xie Xiaoyan sings.
• Bi Xuanji secretly informs Lin Su about the crisis in Dark Fragrance, showing her trust in him and her concern for her brother's safety.
• The women at West Mountain Villa argue over the adaptation of "Dream of the Red Chamber," demonstrating their competitive nature and desire to outdo one another.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji discuss using the Imperial Seal to eliminate the Heavenly Spirit Sect masters, as they can't be killed by force.
• Lin Su plans to frame the Heavenly Spirit Sect for assassinating the Crown Prince, so the Emperor must act against them.
• Lin Su gives Bi Xuanji the Literary Treasure "Azure Robe" to protect her, which she'll use to lure Ruan Bin out.
• The Heavenly Spirit Sect masters discuss their plans in the Cang River Courtyard, revealing their true intentions and the Sect's strategy.

Character Developments

• Bi Xuanji: Realizes Lin Su's feelings for her and accepts the Azure Robe, understanding its significance and her role in Lin Su's plan.
• Lin Su: Shows his care for Bi Xuanji by giving her the Azure Robe and entrusting her with a crucial task.
• Ruan Bin: Reveals his eagerness to kill the Crown Prince, showing his ambition and impatience.
• The Fourth Elder: Demonstrates his wisdom and understanding of the Sect's true goals, revealing the Sect's strategy to Ruan Bin.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between the imperial family and cultivation sects.
• The use of strategy and manipulation to achieve goals.
• The importance of loyalty and understanding one's role within an organization.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji: Share a moment of intimacy as Lin Su gives Bi Xuanji the Azure Robe, deepening their bond.
• Ruan Bin and the Fourth Elder: Discuss their plans, with Ruan Bin revealing his ambition and the Fourth Elder showing his wisdom and understanding of the Sect's true goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruan Bin, the Holy Son of the Heavenly Spirit Sect, understands the sect's true intentions: they plan to cooperate with the Great Cang Emperor to eliminate Lin Su and gain control over Great Cang's cultivation world.
• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji set a trap for Ruan Bin using the Literary Way Power, luring him into a Literary Way blockade.
• Ruan Bin activates his Divine Domain, but Lin Su counters with his Demonic Gate, instantly annihilating Ruan Bin's primordial spirit.

Character Developments

• Ruan Bin: Realizes the Heavenly Spirit Sect's true intentions and becomes overconfident, leading to his demise.
• Lin Su: Demonstrates his prowess in the Literary Way and his Demonic Gate's power, killing Ruan Bin in one move.
• Bi Xuanji: Witnesses Lin Su's true strength and is shocked by the power of his Demonic Gate.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Imperial Family, the Heavenly Spirit Sect, and Lin Su.
• The use of Literary Way Power and Divine Domains in battle.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji: They work together to set a trap for Ruan Bin, with Lin Su ultimately killing him.
• Ruan Bin and Lin Su: Their battle showcases the difference in power between a Heavenly Phenomenon Manifestation cultivator and a Literary Path cultivator with a powerful Divine Domain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su reveals he knows the 'Spirit Splitting Technique' and suspects Wenxin Pavilion's involvement with Heavenly Spirit Sect.
• Bi Xuanji, the actual controller of Dark Fragrance, is shocked by Lin Su's revelations and his plan to frame Heavenly Spirit Sect for the Crown Prince's murder.
• Lin Su uses the Spirit Splitting Technique to control Ruan Bin's body, allowing him to experience the Heavenly Phenomenon Manifestation Realm's cultivation level and True Essence circulation.
• Lin Su decides to kill the Crown Prince, despite the high risks involved.

Character Developments

• Lin Su demonstrates his exceptional intelligence and strategic thinking, orchestrating a complex plan to eliminate the Crown Prince and frame Heavenly Spirit Sect.
• Bi Xuanji shows concern and caution regarding Wenxin Pavilion's potential involvement with Heavenly Spirit Sect.
• Ruan Bin's body is possessed by Lin Su's primordial spirit, making him an unwitting pawn in Lin Su's scheme.
• The Crown Prince is shown to be weary from political struggles, particularly with the Third Prince and the recent return of the Second Prince, Ji Wen.

Significant Themes

• Scheming and strategic planning: Lin Su's intricate plot to kill the Crown Prince and frame Heavenly Spirit Sect highlights the importance of strategic thinking and planning in the political and cultivation worlds.
• Risk and consequence: Lin Su is aware of the high risks involved in killing the Crown Prince but is determined to proceed, emphasizing the theme of risk-taking and its potential consequences.
• Power dynamics: The struggle for succession between the Crown Prince, Third Prince, and Second Prince, as well as the involvement of various sects and factions, underscores the complex power dynamics at play in the imperial court and cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji: They discuss the Spirit Splitting Technique, Wenxin Pavilion, and Lin Su's plan to kill the Crown Prince, with Bi Xuanji expressing concern and shock.
• Lin Su and Ruan Bin: Lin Su uses the Spirit Splitting Technique to possess Ruan Bin's body, allowing him to experience the Heavenly Phenomenon Manifestation Realm's cultivation level.
• The Crown Prince and Qiu Zixiu: The Crown Prince awaits Qiu Zixiu's arrival to discuss urgent matters, highlighting their close relationship and Qiu Zixiu's role as a trusted advisor.

Plot Points and Events

• Qiu Zixiu, a talented official, visits the Crown Prince late at night, but it's revealed to be Lin Su in disguise.
• Lin Su assassinates the Crown Prince, using a technique that disregards his own safety.
• The Crown Prince's Imperial Seal and personal maidservant counterattack, gravely injuring Lin Su.
• News of the assassination spreads, causing a commotion in the capital.
• His Majesty arrives at the scene and identifies the assassin as Ruan Bin, Holy Son of the Heavenly Spirit Sect.
• The Heavenly Spirit Sect's Cang Mountain Villa is sealed, and all members are ordered to be arrested.

Character Developments

• Lin Su demonstrates his ruthlessness and disregard for his own life in carrying out the assassination.
• Bi Xuanji shows concern for Lin Su's well-being, indicating her growing affection for him.
• His Majesty displays composure and decisiveness in the face of the Crown Prince's death, ordering the arrest of the Heavenly Spirit Sect.

Significant Themes

• Power struggles and political intrigue within the imperial court.
• The consequences of actions and the ripple effects they have on the world.
• The ruthlessness and determination required for political assassinations.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and the Crown Prince: Their interaction is brief but intense, leading to the Crown Prince's death.
• His Majesty and the ministers: They gather at the scene, witnessing the aftermath of the assassination and discussing the response.
• The Heavenly Spirit Sect elders and the Imperial Guard: The elders are shocked by the accusation and consider their options, while the Imperial Guard moves to arrest them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Imperial Seal's power is activated, locking the cultivation of two Heavenly Spirit Sect elders.
• Duan Xingtian imprisons the elders in the Heavenly Prison, where they confess under the Literary Way Cleansing of the Heart that they did not instruct Ruan Bin to assassinate the Crown Prince.
• The Emperor awaits in the Hall of Political Virtue, determined to uncover the truth behind the Crown Prince's murder.
• The Emperor summons the Third Prince (Prince Ping) and the Second Prince (Prince Li'an) to the palace, where they are subjected to the Literary Way Cleansing of the Heart. Neither is found responsible for the assassination.

Character Developments

• The Emperor: Struggles with the sudden death of the Crown Prince, grapples with the political implications, and seeks the truth behind the assassination.
• The Third Prince (Prince Ping): Panics upon learning of the Crown Prince's death but is advised by his strategist, Du Qing, to remain calm and await the Emperor's summons.
• The Second Prince (Prince Li'an): Arrives at Prince Ping's estate with his strategist, Du Jin, to discuss the situation and shifts the blame onto the Heavenly Spirit Sect.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: The Emperor's struggle to maintain power and control over his sons and the court.
• Manipulation and strategy: The Emperor's use of imperial strategy to control his sons and the political landscape.
• Loyalty and betrayal: The Emperor's expectation of loyalty from his sons and the potential betrayal by the Third Prince or the Heavenly Spirit Sect.

Character Interactions

• The Emperor and the Third Prince (Prince Ping): The Emperor summons Prince Ping to the palace, where he is subjected to the Literary Way Cleansing of the Heart to determine his involvement in the Crown Prince's assassination.
• The Third Prince (Prince Ping) and his strategist, Du Qing: Prince Ping seeks Du Qing's advice on how to handle the situation, and Du Qing advises him to remain calm and await the Emperor's summons.
• The Second Prince (Prince Li'an) and his strategist, Du Jin: Prince Li'an arrives at Prince Ping's estate with Du Jin, and they discuss the situation and decide to shift the blame onto the Heavenly Spirit Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Emperor interrogates the Heavenly Spirit Elders and clears the Third and Second Princes of any involvement in the Crown Prince's assassination.
• The Emperor decides to hold the Heavenly Spirit Elders in the Heavenly Prison, awaiting Ruan Jue Lun's response.
• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji have breakfast together at Banshanju, discussing the recent events.

Character Developments

• The Emperor shows strategic thinking and calmness, using the interrogation as a means to appease the court officials and strengthen his position.
• Lin Su demonstrates his ability to predict political events and his understanding of the Hidden Dragon Sect.
• Bi Xuanji shows her cooking skills and her intelligence network's efficiency in gathering information.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and succession in the Great Cang Kingdom.
• The complex relationship between the Great Cang Kingdom and the Heavenly Spirit Sect.
• The hidden influence of the Hidden Dragon Sect on the Great Cang Kingdom's politics.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji's relationship deepens as they share a meal and discuss political matters.
• The Emperor and the old scholar (presumably the Sect Master of the Hidden Dragon) have a silent exchange, revealing the old scholar's disappointment in the Emperor's hesitation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji discuss the Heavenly Spirit Elders imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison. Lin Su reveals his intention to have someone else deal with them.
• Lin Su identifies Su Rong, the Saintess of Medicine King Mountain, as the one to carry out this task, as she has a personal grudge against the Heavenly Spirit Sect.
• Lin Su visits Su Rong at Yuebin Inn, where he discusses the recent events, including the Crown Prince's murder and the Heavenly Spirit Sect's actions.
• Lin Su hints that the Heavenly Spirit Elders might not be released from the Heavenly Prison, implying that Medicine King Mountain might take matters into their own hands.

Character Developments

• Lin Su: He demonstrates his strategic prowess by orchestrating a grand plan to influence the Literary Way in the capital city. He also shows his manipulative side by involving Su Rong in his scheme without her full awareness.
• Su Rong: She experiences a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement about Lin Su's strategies to shock over the Crown Prince's murder and worry about Medicine King Mountain's stability. She also displays her determination to protect her sect and seek revenge against the Heavenly Spirit Sect.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and strategy: Lin Su uses his intelligence and foresight to manipulate events and people to his advantage.
• Revenge and retribution: Both Lin Su and Su Rong are driven by desires for revenge, though their targets and methods differ.
• Power dynamics: The chapter explores the power struggles between different sects and factions, as well as the influence of the imperial court on these dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Bi Xuanji: Their interaction reveals Lin Su's plans and Bi Xuanji's concern for her sister's feelings.
• Lin Su and Su Rong: Their conversation is filled with hidden meanings and subtle manipulations, as Lin Su feeds Su Rong information to sway her actions while appearing to be an ally.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su learns that the Heavenly Spirit Sect is behind the Great Elder's death and decides to take advantage of their cultivation seal in the Heavenly Prison.
• Lin Su visits Green Willow Villa and learns that Chen Geng's entry into the White Deer Academy is hindered by the Hall of Knowing, which supports Jiang Ruyue.
• Lin Su and Zhang Haoran decide to visit the White Deer Academy to understand the situation better.

Character Developments

• Su Rong, the Saintess of Medicine King Mountain, vows to take advantage of the Heavenly Spirit Sect's cultivation seal in the Heavenly Prison.
• Lin Su shows concern for Chen Geng's entry into the White Deer Academy and is determined to help him.
• Zhang Haoran is excited about returning to his alma mater and supports Lin Su's decision to visit the White Deer Academy.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: The Hall of Knowing is used as a scapegoat by His Majesty to maintain his stance while appearing neutral.
• The influence of public opinion: The entire city hopes for Chen Geng's entry into the White Deer Academy, but the Elder Council remains impervious to external pressure.
• The complexity of decision-making: Lin Su understands that changing the Hall of Knowing's stance won't be easy, but he's determined to at least understand the situation better.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Zhang Haoran discuss the situation regarding Chen Geng's entry into the White Deer Academy and decide to visit the academy together.
• Lin Su and Zhang Haoran share their excitement about the visit, with Zhang Haoran hoping for a Literary Battle with the Hall of Knowing, while Lin Su has a more pragmatic approach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su and Zhang Haoran arrive at White Deer Academy and are blocked by the doorkeepers, who demand a recommendation token for entry.
• Lin Su threatens to initiate another Literary Battle if the head of the Hall of Knowing, Elder Ding, doesn't come out to meet him.
• The doorkeepers are expelled from White Deer Academy, and Lin Su is escorted into the Hall of Knowing by three elders.
• Lin Su's visit is seen as a potential threat by the Hall of Knowing, as he could initiate a Literary Battle to force Chen Geng's appointment as Dean.

Character Developments

• Lin Su demonstrates assertiveness and authority, willing to challenge White Deer Academy's rules to push for Chen Geng's appointment.
• Zhang Haoran realizes that Lin Su's actions could be a solution to Chen Geng's appointment issue.
• Mo Ming, the acting Dean, understands that Lin Su's actions could threaten the Sacred Hall's authority and the stability of the Nine Countries and Thirteen Provinces.
• Jiang Ruyue, the previous favorite for the Dean position, has secluded himself after his Literary Heart was tarnished in a debate with Lin Su.

Significant Themes

• Authority and respect in the literary world.
• The political maneuvering and influence of the Hall of Knowing.
• The struggle for power and influence within White Deer Academy and the Sacred Hall.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and the doorkeepers: Lin Su asserts his authority and threatens the doorkeepers, leading to their expulsion.
• Lin Su and the elders of the Hall of Knowing: Lin Su is polite and respectful, understanding the importance of the Hall of Knowing's position.
• Mo Ming and Mo Wen: Mo Ming discusses the implications of Lin Su's actions with her sister, Mo Wen, and decides to let the Elder Council make the final decision on the Dean's selection.
• Lin Su and Zhang Haoran: Zhang Haoran realizes that Lin Su's actions could be a solution to Chen Geng's appointment issue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su and Zhang Haoran visit the Hall of Knowing to advocate for Chen Geng as the new Dean of White Deer Academy.
• Ding Daye, the chief seat, proposes a chess game to decide the support for Chen Geng, with Lin Su playing against him.
• Lin Su is drawn into a magical chessboard, revealing a hidden Literary Realm where Ding Daye plans to kill him.

Character Developments

• Lin Su demonstrates his sharp intellect and calm demeanor even in dire situations.
• Ding Daye shows his cunning and ruthlessness, using a Quasi-Sage Treasure to trap Lin Su.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the literary world.
• The use of Literary Realms and treasures as weapons.
• The theme of resilience and adaptability, reflected in Lin Su's comparison to bamboo.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Ding Daye's chess game turns into a deadly confrontation.
• Zhang Haoran, Elder Li, and Elder Zhou remain outside, unaware of Lin Su's predicament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Su reveals he knows Ding Daye's true identity as a Hidden Dragon.
• Ding Daye attempts to kill Lin Su, but Lin Su reveals he can't be killed.
• An assassin sent by the Hall of Knowing attempts to kill Lin Su's physical body, but Lin Su uses the Military Strategy "Borrowing a Knife to Kill" to make the assassin kill Ding Daye instead.
• Lin Su destroys the Qingzhu Chessboard from the outside, freeing his Primordial Spirit.
• The Hall of Knowing submits a recommendation letter for Chen Geng to enter White Deer Academy.
• Lin Su and Zhang Haoran leave, and Moyuan and Mo Wen investigate Ding Daye's death.

Character Developments

• Lin Su demonstrates his strategic prowess and calmness under pressure, revealing he has two Primordial Spirits.
• Ding Daye's true identity as a Hidden Dragon is revealed, showing his ambition and cunning.
• Moyuan shows her wisdom and insight, understanding the true events behind Ding Daye's death.

Significant Themes

• The power of strategy and foresight in overcoming adversity.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
• The sanctity of the Literary Way and the potential for it to be corrupted.

Character Interactions

• Lin Su and Ding Daye's chess game turns into a deadly contest of wits.
• Lin Su and Zhang Haoran work together to expose the Hall of Knowing's plot.
• Moyuan and Mo Wen investigate Ding Daye's death, revealing the truth behind the assassination.