Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun realizes the vastness of the learning task ahead (9999 books) and the time constraint, feeling overwhelmed.
• He decides to thoroughly master the Thousand Character Classic before moving on, reviewing it multiple times.
• Xu Kun memorizes the Thousand Character Classic and expresses his commitment to high standards in learning.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates resilience and determination in the face of a daunting task, showing his commitment to learning and growth.
• The Tree Sage shows patience and understanding, guiding Xu Kun and acknowledging his progress.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a solid foundation in learning.
• The value of thorough understanding and mastery before moving on to new knowledge.
• The human race's philosophy of being low-key in life but high-key in work.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and the Tree Sage: Xu Kun seeks guidance from the Tree Sage, who patiently teaches him and acknowledges his progress.
• Xu Kun and himself: Xu Kun reflects on his learning process and sets high standards for himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun learns about the Instant Millennium Formation at Qufu Academy, which speeds up his learning process.
• He finds learning the Hundred Family Surnames easier than the Thousand Character Classic due to his prior knowledge.
• Xu Kun begins reading the Three Character Classic, which records major events of the past millennium.
• He finishes the first stage's ten enlightenment primers, including The Golden Lotus, which deeply affects him.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun becomes more focused and diligent in his studies, transforming into a "learning machine."
• He gains a broader perspective and understanding of the world through reading.
• After reading The Golden Lotus, Xu Kun falls into self-doubt and introspection about his role in the Human Race.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and learning.
• The complexity and contradiction of human nature.
• The impact of literature on personal growth and worldview.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and Tree Sage maintain a good teacher-student relationship, with Tree Sage guiding and lecturing Xu Kun.
• Xu Kun's internal struggle is not addressed by Tree Sage, allowing him to process his thoughts independently.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun wakes up from a trance induced by Li Yian, who was trying to teach him using her soul.
• The Tree Sage intervenes, trapping Li Yian in a tree prison and preventing external interference in Xu Kun's studies.
• Xu Kun is given a written assessment for the first stage, with questions ranging from multiple-choice to essay questions, all focused on the ten books he's read.
• Xu Kun completes the assessment in a short time, achieving a perfect score.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates exceptional learning ability and comprehension skills, completing a challenging assessment with ease.
• Li Yian, despite her initial enthusiasm, is trapped and put to sleep by the Tree Sage.
• The Tree Sage reveals his strict and unyielding stance on learning, showing no mercy in his assessment of Xu Kun.

Significant Themes

• The importance of focused, dedicated learning and the dangers of external distractions.
• The challenges and rewards of mastering complex knowledge.
• The role of a teacher or guide in facilitating learning.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and the Tree Sage: The Tree Sage acts as a stern teacher, assessing Xu Kun's progress and providing guidance.
• Xu Kun and Li Yian: Li Yian's attempt to teach Xu Kun backfires, leading to her temporary imprisonment by the Tree Sage.
• Xu Kun and the Qufu Academy: Xu Kun's perfect score on the assessment gains the approval of the secret realm's master, indicating his mastery of the first stage of learning.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun completes the first stage trial assessment of Apricot Altar - Qufu Academy with a perfect score, skipping F-Rank and E-Rank stages, and obtaining an SS-Rank Secret Realm · Apricot Altar - Qufu Academy D-Rank rating.
• He receives rewards including E-Rank, D-Rank, and C-Rank Skill Slot Advancement Scrolls, experience boost, and a C-Rank Job Change Certificate.
• Xu Kun is given 30 books he was supposed to study for the skipped ranks, but he decides to review them to fill in any gaps in his knowledge.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates his intelligence and hard work by mastering the Thousand Character Classic, which helps him deduce other characters and complete the high-difficulty assessment.
• Tree Sage, the executor of the secret realm, acknowledges Xu Kun's abilities and allows him to review the 30 books at his own pace.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a solid foundation in learning (represented by the Thousand Character Classic).
• The value of knowledge and continuous learning, even when the immediate goal is achieved (Xu Kun reviewing the 30 books).
• The concept of time dilation in learning and its relation to real-world time.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with Tree Sage, asking about the assessment's difficulty and the time spent in the secret realm.
• Tree Sage acknowledges Xu Kun's abilities and allows him to proceed at his own pace, showing a level of respect and understanding for the student's learning method.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun completes the first stage of reading 40 books in 3 days (3,000 times time dilation).
• He learns that the Instant Millennium Formation's time dilation increases by 10% for each stage, with a maximum of 15,000 times.
• Xu Kun starts the second stage of learning, with 9679 books to read, marking the transition from elementary to middle school level.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun's reading speed and comprehension improve significantly.
• He learns to ask Tree Sage for guidance and uses the knowledge gained to deepen his understanding.
• Xu Kun constructs a timeline in his mind to connect and assimilate the knowledge he has learned.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a solid foundation in learning (comparable to the first major stage of learning in Xu Kun's analogy).
• The concept of omniscience and omnipotence as the ultimate goal of learning (SSS-level rating).
• The vastness and complexity of knowledge, requiring a systematic and expansive approach.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with Tree Sage, asking for guidance and discussing his learning progress.
• Xu Kun's learning environment changes, reflecting his progression to the next stage, with new books and younger companions appearing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun enters Qufu Academy and finds books outlining various skills like alchemy, forging, herbalism, and combat.
• He initially finds the books too basic for his skill level, as he's already proficient in forging A-grade weapons under Ou Yezi's tutelage.
• Tree Sage provides more advanced forging books, which Xu Kun finds helpful but still lacking in practical innovation.
• Xu Kun completes reading all 40 books in three days, excluding advanced forging books.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun gains a deeper understanding of various skills' theoretical aspects, complementing his practical expertise.
• Tree Sage demonstrates adaptability in providing appropriate learning materials based on Xu Kun's skill level.

Significant Themes

• The importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
• The limitations of theoretical learning in comparison to personalized, expert guidance.
• The uniqueness of Xu Kun's abilities and learning pace.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with Tree Sage, who assesses his learning progress and provides relevant books.
• Xu Kun's internal dialogue reflects his thoughts on the books' content and his own skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun completes the C-Rank trial with a perfect score, earning rewards including skill scrolls and experience points.
• The Tree Sage suggests Xu Kun skip to the A-Rank trial, offering all 280 books from the A and B stages for him to study simultaneously.
• Xu Kun begins his new round of reading, facing challenges like more profound knowledge and texts in various races' languages.
• He identifies and corrects numerous errors in the texts, surpassing the efforts of several generations, and even aids the Tree Sage in his understanding.
• After completing his reading, Xu Kun decides to take the A-Rank trial exam, aiming to strengthen his weaker knowledge areas.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates his exceptional learning abilities and dedication, tackling challenging knowledge and correcting errors in texts.
• The Tree Sage shows astonishment and respect for Xu Kun's progress and contributions, even benefiting from his insights.

Significant Themes

• The importance of continuous learning and improvement.
• The value of identifying and correcting mistakes in knowledge acquisition.
• The concept of challenging one's weaknesses to grow stronger.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with the Tree Sage, seeking guidance and discussing their findings in the texts.
• The Tree Sage serves as an instructor, offering challenges and praise for Xu Kun's progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun faces the A-level assessment, which integrates knowledge from A, B, and C stages, containing 10,000 questions, all reasoning and application type.
• The first question is an alchemy video of refining a B or C-grade pill, with a task to identify the pill, diagnose the failure, and perform a successful operation in a virtual space with limited resources.
• Xu Kun struggles to find the problem in the video, eventually realizing the issue lies in the temperature control during the pill formation stage.

Character Development

• Xu Kun demonstrates his analytical skills and determination, showing growth as he tackles the challenging assessment.
• Tree Sage guides Xu Kun, providing hints and encouragement, revealing his wisdom and patience.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming Challenges: Xu Kun faces an overwhelming task, reflecting the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Learning Through Failure: Xu Kun learns from his mistakes and failed attempts, highlighting the importance of trial and error in growth.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and Tree Sage interact with Xu Kun seeking guidance and Tree Sage offering hints and encouragement.
• Xu Kun's internal dialogue reflects his thought process, revealing his determination and frustration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun finds himself in a familiar yet strange place, which turns out to be a simulation of a past alchemy attempt by Li Dongbi.
• Xu Kun attempts to refine the Jade Cinnamon Cardamom Pill, a B-grade pill, using an ordinary furnace and fire, as an apprentice alchemist.
• He fails in his first attempt due to not adjusting the fire temperature when adding the White Jade Cardamom.
• Despite correcting his mistake, he fails again as the pills turn from crystal clear to withered yellow after forming.
• Xu Kun struggles to identify the problem and considers that his failure might be due to bad luck.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates his dedication and persistence in alchemy, but also shows vulnerability in the face of unexpected failures.
• Li Dongbi is introduced as a promising alchemist and Xu Kun's Hongjing martial nephew's personal disciple.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and unpredictability of alchemy.
• The role of luck and perseverance in achieving success.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to different situations.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with Tree Sage, who provides guidance and information about the simulation and the subject of the question, Li Dongbi.
• Xu Kun reflects on his failures and considers the possibility of luck influencing his success in alchemy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun discovers that the problem in his pill refining lies in the poor thermal insulation of his mortal pill furnace, causing the temperature to remain high even after removing the furnace from the fire.
• He realizes that the temperature of the pill furnace is still affecting the delicate Jade Cinnamon Cardamom Pill even at the moment of pill formation.
• Xu Kun decides to take a risk and change the conventional pill refining process to solve the problem.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates adaptability and ingenuity by identifying the problem and devising a solution despite the limitations of the virtual space.
• Tree Sage acknowledges Xu Kun's ability to break away from the generalization in books and adapt to changing conditions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability in alchemy and problem-solving.
• The dangers of blindly following instructions without considering the specific context.
• The role of ingenuity and risk-taking in overcoming challenges.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with Tree Sage, seeking guidance and validation for his solution to the problem.
• Xu Kun's determination and creativity are tested and affirmed by Tree Sage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun takes the Grade A stage assessment, with questions tailored to his strengths and weaknesses.
• He faces challenging forging questions, including data analysis, practical problem-solving, and theoretical calculations.
• Xu Kun spends two and a half years in the assessment, with a time dilation of ten thousand times, equating to two hours in the real world.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates dedication and perseverance in tackling difficult questions, growing in skill and wisdom.
• He learns to focus on his strengths and not be discouraged by his weaknesses.

Significant Themes

• Specialization vs. generalization in education and skill development.
• The importance of immersive, focused effort in achieving success.
• The concept of time dilation and its impact on personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with the Tree Sage, who provides guidance and assesses his progress.
• Xu Kun's dedication to his studies is highlighted, showing his determination and resilience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun completes the A-level stage assessment at the Qufu Academy, receiving rewards including skill slot advancements, experience boost, and job change certificates.
• He learns that he has created several blueprints and formulas during his studies, which can be materialized upon leaving the academy.
• Xu Kun is reunited with Li Yian, who had been trapped in a tree prison. Despite her flirtatious advances, he remains focused on his studies.
• Xu Kun discovers several scandalous books written by his Uncle Yang, which he decides to keep.
• The Tree Sage informs Xu Kun that the next S-level stage will be different from previous learning processes, and he can choose which subject to study first.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates remarkable self-control and focus on his studies, even when tempted by Li Yian.
• The Tree Sage shows a more casual and open-minded side, discussing sensitive topics with Xu Kun and encouraging him to follow his heart.
• Uncle Yang is revealed to have a secretive, imaginative side, having written several scandalous books.

Significant Themes

• Self-Control and Focus: Xu Kun's ability to maintain his composure and dedication to his studies, even when faced with temptation, highlights his strong willpower and focus.
• The Role of Imagination: The Tree Sage's mention of Yang Jian's vivid imagination and the materialization of his imaginings raises questions about the power of the mind and its creations.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and Li Yian: Despite Li Yian's flirtatious behavior, Xu Kun remains unmoved, prioritizing his studies over personal desires.
• Xu Kun and the Tree Sage: The Tree Sage provides guidance and encouragement to Xu Kun, showing a more relaxed and understanding side.
• Xu Kun and Uncle Yang (implied): Xu Kun discovers his uncle's secret writings, leading to a humorous and knowing exchange between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun is overwhelmed by the sheer number of subjects and books in Qufu Academy's library.
• He learns that the academy's collection amounts to hundreds of thousands of books, even after streamlining and organizing.
• Xu Kun discovers that the number of books required for the SSS-level trial rating can be met by choosing any subjects he wants to study.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun: Realizes the vastness of knowledge and the importance of choosing subjects wisely for his path to sainthood.

Significant Themes

• The importance of choosing one's path and specializing in it.
• The vastness and depth of knowledge in Qufu Academy.
• The concept of gradual learning and assessment based on one's chosen path.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with Tree Sage, who guides him through the process of selecting subjects and understanding the academy's assessment system.
• Xu Kun's thoughts are compared to those of a university student choosing a major, highlighting the relatable aspect of his situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun learns that the cultivation method book he received wasn't originally from Qufu Academy.
• He can choose a subject to study, but only books of that subject will be included in his assessment.
• Xu Kun selects subjects based on his current needs and interests, totaling over 6,000 books.
• He hesitates to choose the 'Dao of Formations' due to its high difficulty and potential rewards.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun shows maturity in choosing subjects that will benefit him in the secret realm and his future cultivation.
• Li Yian exhibits her playful and curious nature, eager to read books she enjoys.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between difficulty and reward in cultivation and learning.
• The importance of choosing the right path for personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with Tree Sage, seeking information and clarification about the subjects and books.
• Li Yian playfully interacts with Xu Kun, expressing her excitement about reading books she likes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun and Li Yian explore the library's miscellaneous books section.
• They discover the 'Biological Sexology' category, containing books on bloodline inheritance, reproductive types, and methods of 'Yin Devouring Yang'.
• Xu Kun hesitates to study this subject due to its explicit content, but Li Yian encourages him, even offering to study with him.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun: Struggles with his desire to study the controversial subject but ultimately decides to include it in his reading list.
• Li Yian: Teases and encourages Xu Kun to study 'Biological Sexology', revealing her interest in experiencing worldly pleasures despite being a ghost.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of controversial and explicit knowledge.
• The tension between desire and responsibility.
• The consequences of delayed gratification.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and Li Yian: Their dynamic shifts from a teacher-student relationship to a more flirtatious one, with Li Yian taking the lead in their interactions.
• Xu Kun and Tree Sage: The tree provides information about the 'Biological Sexology' category but doesn't intervene in Xu Kun's decision-making process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A year has passed, and Xu Kun is deeply immersed in his studies, neglecting his appearance.
• Li Yian, bored, tries to seduce Xu Kun but fails, leading to her frustration.
• Xu Kun, having finished reading most of the fire-type books, starts studying biological sexology.
• Xu Kun discovers flaws in the Succubus race's Yin Devouring Art and teaches Li Yian the correct methods.
• After 18 years at Qufu Academy, Xu Kun is ready for the S-rank assessment.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun: He has matured and developed a calm, restrained temperament. He has also become more eloquent and confident in his studies.
• Li Yian: She becomes frustrated and desperate due to her unrequited feelings for Xu Kun. She also learns from Xu Kun about the correct methods of sexology.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time: The chapter emphasizes how time flies quickly, with Xu Kun aging from a child to a mature man in just 18 years.
• The pursuit of knowledge: Xu Kun's dedication to his studies is a central theme, showing the importance of perseverance and hard work.
• The consequences of unrequited love: Li Yian's frustration highlights the emotional toll of unrequited love.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and Li Yian: Their interactions are filled with tension due to Li Yian's unrequited love and Xu Kun's focus on his studies. Despite this, they maintain a friendly relationship.
• Xu Kun and Tree Sage: Xu Kun respects and trusts Tree Sage's guidance, leading to his growth and readiness for the S-rank assessment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun takes the S-grade stage assessment, consisting of theoretical and practical questions from various subjects.
• He successfully completes all questions, including setting up an F-grade formation and refining Sunlight Divine Water.
• The final question involves refining Sunlight Divine Water, which Xu Kun approaches by temporarily banishing his Heavenly Flames and using the Samadhi True Fire as a peacemaker.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun demonstrates his all-around abilities and dedication to his studies, completing the challenging assessment.
• Li Yian, after her dreams come true with Xu Kun, becomes more affectionate and less confident in her abilities.
• Tree Sage acknowledges Xu Kun's genius and recognizes his perfect performance in the assessment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practical application in learning and growth.
• The challenges and rewards of all-around development.
• The trust and loyalty between attribute Seeds and their cultivator.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and Li Yian's relationship deepens, with Li Yian becoming more affectionate and dependent on Xu Kun.
• Xu Kun interacts with Tree Sage, who serves as an examiner and acknowledges Xu Kun's achievements.
• Xu Kun's attribute Seeds, particularly the Heavenly Flames and Samadhi True Fire, play a role in his refining process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun attempts to refine the Sunlight Divine Water using the Samadhi True Fire, but the fire absorbs the water instead, causing internal chaos.
• Xu Kun discovers Li Shanchang's Classic of Waterways, learning about the Ice Sage's transformation from water to ice.
• Xu Kun uses the Wolf God Mystic Ice to suppress the restless golden-red flame and absorbs it, meeting the requirement to refine the SSS-Rank Ice Seed, Heaven's Burial.
• Xu Kun refines Heaven's Burial, causing a significant disturbance in Qufu Academy.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun: Struggles with controlling the Samadhi True Fire after it absorbs the Sunlight Divine Water. He learns about Li Shanchang's transformation and absorbs the Wolf God Mystic Ice to refine Heaven's Burial.
• Samadhi True Fire: Becomes restless and absorbs the Sunlight Divine Water, causing internal chaos in Xu Kun's body. It assists in accelerating the absorption of the Wolf God Mystic Ice.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice and loss: Xu Kun learns about Li Shanchang's transformation, emphasizing the necessity of sacrifice to achieve certain goals.
• Control and chaos: Xu Kun struggles to control the Samadhi True Fire after it absorbs the Sunlight Divine Water, highlighting the theme of control versus chaos.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun interacts with the Samadhi True Fire, trying to control it after it absorbs the Sunlight Divine Water. He also interacts with the two Celestial Fires, which return to him before he loses consciousness.
• Xu Kun's internal struggle with the restless golden-red flame and his eventual absorption of the Wolf God Mystic Ice can be seen as an interaction between his conscious self and the chaotic power within him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun attempts to refine the Sunlight Divine Water and Heaven's Burial, risking his life.
• He successfully refines both, awakening his True Dragon bloodline and gaining new powers.
• Xu Kun passes the S-Rank assessment and receives rewards.
• The Samadhi True Fire and Sunlight Divine Water fuse, creating a new SSS-Rank water seed, Samadhi Divine Water - Golden Sun.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun: Successfully refines two powerful seeds, awakens his True Dragon bloodline, and gains new skills and attributes. He also gains a new form, a Dragon Body.
• Samadhi True Fire: Fuses with the Sunlight Divine Water, creating a new water seed and losing its independent form.

Significant Themes

• Risk and reward: Xu Kun's risky decision to refine the Sunlight Divine Water and Heaven's Burial results in significant power-ups.
• Transformation: Xu Kun's physical body and powers undergo significant transformations, and the Samadhi True Fire changes form.
• Fusion: The fusion of the Samadhi True Fire and Sunlight Divine Water creates a new entity.

Character Interactions

• Xu Kun and the Tree Sage: The Tree Sage expresses concern about Xu Kun's risky actions, but Confucius's phantom reassures it that Xu Kun's potential will be stimulated.
• Xu Kun and the Two Great Heavenly Flames: After being banished, the Two Great Heavenly Flames want to return to Xu Kun but can't due to his control by Heaven's Burial. They return after Xu Kun's successful refinement of the Sunlight Divine Water and Heaven's Burial.
• Xu Kun and the Six Ding Divine Fire: The Six Ding Divine Fire is surprised and disapproves of the fusion of the Samadhi True Fire and Sunlight Divine Water.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Kun obtains the complete Cloud Dispelling Palm technique, an SSS-rank Water-Type Combination Palm Technique with 12 powerful forms, including a Forbidden Spell, [Bleak and Dismal Clouds].
• Xu Kun also gains two SS-rank Water Department skills: Cloud Tracing Phantom (Agility Skill) and Void Cloud Force (Cultivation Technique).
• Xu Kun expresses excitement about potentially obtaining an SSS-rank Divine Ability Skill from an SSS-rank mission.

Character Developments

• Xu Kun's character is further established as powerful, strategic, and durable, with new skills enhancing his survivability and mobility.
• Xu Kun's excitement and ambition grow as he considers the possibility of obtaining an SSS-rank Divine Ability Skill.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Xu Kun's acquisition of powerful skills fuels his ambition and desire for more strength.
• Durability and Survivability: Xu Kun's new skills emphasize his ability to withstand and recover from damage, highlighting the theme of resilience.

Character Interactions

• Although not present in this chapter, Xu Kun's interactions with other characters are implied, as his new skills will likely impact his future encounters and battles.