Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie discovers a prison beneath Profound Void Palace, filled with identical Foolish Daoists and Mad Daoists.
• He encounters Heretical Daoist, a level 36 BOSS, imprisoned and bound with talismans.
• Heretical Daoist offers to teach Xiao Jie the Supreme Great Dao, starting with the Humanity Chapter.
• Another player, Cicada Under Tree (Daoist), arrives, interrupting their conversation.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie: Shows curiosity and eagerness to learn powerful techniques, remains cautious and strategic.
• Heretical Daoist: Reveals his imprisonment and offers to teach Xiao Jie his powerful Dao, but his claims are exaggerated.
• Cicada Under Tree (Daoist): Shows respect towards Heretical Daoist, indicating a prior relationship.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and knowledge, even from questionable sources.
• The allure of unorthodox paths in cultivation, with rapid progress but hidden dangers.
• The deception and manipulation used by powerful figures to achieve their goals.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and Heretical Daoist: Xiao Jie is wary but intrigued by Heretical Daoist's offer, while Heretical Daoist tries to impress and manipulate Xiao Jie.
• Xiao Jie and Cicada Under Tree (Daoist): Xiao Jie remains hidden, while Cicada Under Tree interacts with Heretical Daoist, unaware of Xiao Jie's presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cicada Under Tree (Xiao Jie) visits the Heretical Daoist to learn more about the Way of the Sage.
• Bright Moon True Person, the other head of Profound Void Palace, arrives and interrogates the Heretical Daoist.
• The Heretical Daoist reveals that his clones (Mad and Foolish Daoists) have their own personalities and self-awareness.
• Bright Moon True Person suggests that the Heretical Daoist might be a clone himself and attempts to prove it by killing a Mad Daoist.

Character Developments

• Cicada Under Tree (Xiao Jie): Shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about the Way of the Sage.
• Heretical Daoist: Reveals more about his clones and expresses doubt about his own identity.
• Bright Moon True Person: Demonstrates his intelligence and determination to uncover the truth behind the Heretical Daoist.

Significant Themes

• Identity and reality: The Heretical Daoist's existence as a clone is called into question, raising themes of identity, self-awareness, and the nature of reality.
• Power dynamics: The interaction between the Heretical Daoist and Bright Moon True Person highlights the power struggle between them and the potential consequences of defying authority.

Character Interactions

• Cicada Under Tree and the Heretical Daoist: Xiao Jie seeks knowledge from the Heretical Daoist, who is willing to teach him.
• The Heretical Daoist and Bright Moon True Person: The two engage in a tense exchange, with Bright Moon True Person attempting to uncover the truth about the Heretical Daoist's identity while the Heretical Daoist remains defiant.
• Mad and Foolish Daoists: They display their unique personalities and interactions, adding humor and depth to the scene.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heretical Daoist reveals he might not be the original body, but an Avatar with a mission.
• Bright Moon True Person kills Feng Yilang, suspecting him of being a replacement host.
• Heretical Daoist's final words hint at a successor, but it's unclear who.

Character Developments

• Heretical Daoist: Struggles with his identity, ultimately accepts his role as an Avatar.
• Feng Yilang: Develops independent consciousness, becomes a normal person, but is eventually killed by Bright Moon True Person.
• Xiao Jie: Witnesses the events in the dungeon, learns about the Humanity Chapter, and considers his own potential as a successor.
• Cicada Under Tree: Learns the Truth Words Chapter, discusses the possibility of becoming immortal with Xiao Jie.

Significant Themes

• Identity and self-discovery: Heretical Daoist struggles with his identity as an Avatar, while Xiao Jie considers his potential as a successor.
• The power of words and knowledge: The Humanity Chapter is hinted to be a powerful and mysterious text, while the Truth Words Chapter grants Cicada Under Tree two powerful spells.
• The consequences of deception: Feng Yilang's deception leads to his death, while Bright Moon True Person's suspicion and ruthlessness are highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and Cicada Under Tree: Share their experiences, discuss the possibility of becoming immortal, and add each other as friends.
• Heretical Daoist and Bright Moon True Person: Engage in a tense negotiation, with Bright Moon True Person ultimately killing the Heretical Daoist.
• Feng Yilang and Bright Moon True Person: Feng Yilang is killed by Bright Moon True Person due to suspicion of being a replacement host.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie discovers that the scroll he found is a volume of the Nameless Daoist Scripture, which can increase Comprehension and grant a bonus Talent.
• He struggles to understand the classical Chinese text and decides to find someone to help translate it.
• He meets Wen Tian Wuji (Chen Tianwen) offline at his luxurious villa, where he sees the Mystic Gate Escape Technique in action.
• Chen Tianwen agrees to help Xiao Jie understand the Humanity Chapter.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie shows caution and wariness when meeting other players offline but decides to trust Chen Tianwen due to his high level and previous help.
• Chen Tianwen reveals his real name and shows Xiao Jie his impressive villa and powerful skills, establishing his status as a high-level, knowledgeable, and wealthy player.

Significant Themes

• The underlying logic of human society (Dao of Humanity) is the central theme of the Humanity Chapter.
• The value of knowledge, skills, and wealth in both the game and real life is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and Chen Tianwen interact for the first time offline, with Xiao Jie seeking Chen Tianwen's help to understand the Humanity Chapter.
• They establish a friendly rapport, with Chen Tianwen offering to explain the chapter's contents directly rather than providing a written translation.
• Xiao Jie is impressed by Chen Tianwen's wealth and powerful skills, while Chen Tianwen shows consideration for Xiao Jie's understanding of the complex material.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Tianwen explains the four levels of human cognition: foolish, knowledgeable (intellectuals), opportunistic, and wise.
• He uses examples like belief in God and Confucian Filial Piety to illustrate how these groups view and interact with societal norms and traditions.
• Xiao Jie and Chen Tianwen discuss the origins and purposes of different traditional cultures and religious beliefs, with Xiao Jie arguing that Chinese civilization is more rational and mature.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie: Becomes more intellectually curious and starts questioning societal norms. He begins to understand the underlying logic of human society and the 'Way of Man.'
• Chen Tianwen: Shows his wisdom and understanding of human society. He guides Xiao Jie towards understanding the 'Way' but remains humble about his own comprehension.

Significant Themes

• The 'Way of Man': Understanding and manipulating human society and its norms for personal gain or control.
• The differences in cognition and perception among different groups in society.
• The role of stories, reasoning, and benefits in controlling and influencing people.
• The origins and purposes of traditional cultures and religious beliefs.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and Chen Tianwen engage in a philosophical debate, with Chen Tianwen acting as the mentor and Xiao Jie as the eager student.
• Their conversation reveals their respective levels of understanding and wisdom, with Xiao Jie showing potential for great wisdom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie encounters Gallant and Unmatched, a level 30 player with a red name, who asks Xiao Jie to buy him supplies.
• Xiao Jie is ambushed by Under Heaven Society, led by Cloud Soaring Swordsman, while returning from purchasing supplies.
• Xiao Jie uses his advanced Light Body Technique to escape, but Cloud Soaring Swordsman and Feng Buping pursue him on warhorses.
• Xiao Jie messages Gallant and Unmatched for help while being chased.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie demonstrates his resourcefulness and quick thinking in escaping a dangerous situation.
• Gallant and Unmatched shows chivalry and willingness to help Xiao Jie, despite being red-named.

Significant Themes

• Trust and camaraderie among players.
• The importance of preparation and vigilance in the game.
• The impact of level differences and equipment on combat.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and Gallant and Unmatched form a temporary alliance due to mutual respect and need.
• Xiao Jie and Under Heaven Society engage in a chase, highlighting the tension and danger between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie meets Gallant and Unmatched, who agrees to help him against the Under Heaven Society.
• The Under Heaven Society arrives with reinforcements, including a Magic Class player.
• Gallant and Unmatched fights against the Society members, while Xiao Jie handles a Spearman and a Swordsman.
• Xiao Jie uses his skills and items to defeat his opponents, showcasing his combat prowess.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie: Proves himself to be a formidable fighter despite his low level, using his skills, items, and strategy to defeat higher-level opponents.
• Gallant and Unmatched: Demonstrates his confidence and strength as a high-level character, taking on multiple opponents at once.
• Under Heaven Society Members: Show their cowardice and lack of unity in the face of Gallant and Unmatched's challenge.

Significant Themes

• Confidence vs. Caution: Gallant and Unmatched's confidence leads him to take on multiple opponents, while Xiao Jie's caution allows him to strategize and use his resources wisely.
• Teamwork vs. Individualism: The Under Heaven Society members lack teamwork and coordination, allowing Xiao Jie and Gallant and Unmatched to exploit their weaknesses.
• Adaptability: Xiao Jie adapts to different situations and opponents, using various skills and weapons to gain the upper hand.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and Gallant and Unmatched: They work together to fight against the Under Heaven Society, with Gallant and Unmatched taking on the main force while Xiao Jie handles specific targets.
• Xiao Jie and Under Heaven Society Members: Xiao Jie demonstrates his combat skills and resourcefulness against the Society members, proving himself to be a formidable opponent despite his low level.
• Gallant and Unmatched and Under Heaven Society Members: Gallant and Unmatched's confidence and strength intimidate the Society members, causing them to hesitate and lose their nerve.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie and his party encounter Under Heaven Society members and engage in a battle, killing most of them.
• Xiao Jie learns that two enemies escaped, including Cloud Soaring Swordsman, whom he plans to deal with later.
• Gallant and Unmatched decide to part ways with Xiao Jie due to the pursuit by the Dragon Soaring Knights.
• Xiao Jie decides to hide in Monkey Valley to grind White Ape's favorability, practice the Gale Blade Technique, and potentially learn an Advanced Martial Skill.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie: He becomes more accepting of killing in the game, understanding that it's a world without legal constraints. He also feels a sense of exhilaration from his victories.
• Gallant and Unmatched: They remain calm and pragmatic about the consequences of their actions, prioritizing survival and self-preservation.
• Cloud Soaring Swordsman: Though not physically present, his reputation as a formidable opponent grows, adding a new threat for Xiao Jie.

Significant Themes

• The ruthless nature of the martial world without legal constraints.
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of self-preservation.
• The thrill and exhilaration of victory and power.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and Gallant/Unmatched: They form a temporary alliance, fight together, and share their thoughts on the game and its rules. They part ways amicably, planning to meet again.
• Xiao Jie and Cloud Soaring Swordsman: Though they haven't directly interacted, Xiao Jie vows to deal with him personally for his role in Brother Ramen's death and for escaping the battle.
• Xiao Jie and Big Bear: Big Bear remains loyal and follows Xiao Jie, showing no signs of deserting him despite the dangers they face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie travels cautiously, avoiding Under Heaven Society, and reaches Monkey Mountain.
• He meets the Woodcutter, who asks for help finding his lost monkey, Mao Mao.
• Xiao Jie enters Monkey Valley, seeking the old white ape's protection.
• He uses the 'Worldly Wisdom' talent to increase the ape's favorability, allowing him to stay.
• Xiao Jie practices his Gale Blade Technique and spars with the old white ape.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie shows caution and resourcefulness in evading his enemies.
• The old white ape reveals his past as a fugitive, showing empathy for Xiao Jie's situation.
• The Woodcutter demonstrates his loyalty and desperation in finding Mao Mao.

Significant Themes

• Fugitivity and Protection: Xiao Jie seeks refuge in Monkey Valley, mirroring the old white ape's past.
• Trust and Betrayal: Xiao Jie's experience with Gallant and Unmatched highlights the theme of trusting strangers.
• Practice and Improvement: Xiao Jie's dedication to practicing his blade technique emphasizes the importance of diligent effort.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and the Old White Ape: Their interaction shows mutual respect and understanding, with the ape eventually agreeing to help Xiao Jie.
• Xiao Jie and the Woodcutter: The Woodcutter's desperation and Xiao Jie's willingness to help create a bond between them.
• Xiao Jie and Under Heaven Society: Xiao Jie's caution and evasion show his awareness of the threat they pose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie spars with White Ape, who uses an overpowered blade technique.
• Xiao Jie discovers that White Ape dislikes anything related to the woodcutter and suspects a connection to Mao Mao.
• Xiao Jie finds Tree Tumor Monsters in Monkey Valley and decides to farm them for experience and to practice his blade technique.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie: Realizes the vast difference in skill between him and White Ape, decides to learn White Ape's blade technique to avenge his brother.
• White Ape: Reveals a desolate expression when Xiao Jie offers to help with his troubles, implying a deep-seated issue.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of martial arts skill and improvement.
• The relationship between Xiao Jie and White Ape, with Xiao Jie seeking guidance and White Ape being reluctant to teach.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and White Ape: Xiao Jie spars with White Ape, learns about White Ape's sensitivity to firewood-related topics, and decides to learn White Ape's blade technique.
• Xiao Jie and Old Monkey: Old Monkey leads Xiao Jie to the Tree Tumor Monsters and encourages him to clear them out for practice and to honor the King (White Ape).

Key Plot Points

+ Xiao Jie finds a broken Firewood Knife in the Willow Tree Demon's corpse, which was previously used by the White Ape.
+ Xiao Jie meets the Great Savage Ape, who asks him to pick a Mysterious Crimson Fruit in exchange for information about the White Ape.
+ Xiao Jie climbs the dangerous peak, picks three Crimson Spirit Fruits, and increases his comprehension by 1 point.
+ Xiao Jie reads books to the White Ape, who grows bored and asks for a story about monkeys.

Character Developments

+ Xiao Jie: Shows curiosity and initiative in investigating the White Ape's identity and raising its favorability.
+ White Ape: Reveals boredom and disinterest in the monkeys and humans around it, as well as a fascination with human stories.
+ Great Savage Ape: Shows resentment towards the White Ape and offers information in exchange for a Mysterious Crimson Fruit.

Significant Themes

+ Curiosity and investigation: Xiao Jie's desire to uncover the White Ape's identity drives the plot forward.
+ Boredom and entertainment: The White Ape's boredom and desire for interesting stories highlight its complex personality.
+ Information exchange: The Great Savage Ape offers information in exchange for a fruit, emphasizing the value of knowledge and secrets.

Character Interactions

+ Xiao Jie and the White Ape: Xiao Jie tries to raise the White Ape's favorability through gifts and stories, while the White Ape is initially dismissive but later shows interest in Xiao Jie's tale.
+ Xiao Jie and the Great Savage Ape: Xiao Jie accepts the Great Savage Ape's quest to pick a Mysterious Crimson Fruit in exchange for information about the White Ape.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie narrates the story of Journey to the West to the Nameless White Ape.
• The story captivates the White Ape, who becomes deeply absorbed and emotional.
• Xiao Jie uses the story to gain the White Ape's favor, promising to continue the tale after clearing out Tree Tumor Monsters.
• Xiao Jie fights and clears multiple waves of Tree Tumor Monsters, gaining experience and leveling up his skills.
• He returns to continue the story, pausing at cliffhangers to maintain the White Ape's interest and engagement.

Character Developments

• The Nameless White Ape: Becomes increasingly invested in the story, relating to the protagonist Sun Wukong. Reflects on his own life and desires immortality. Reveals hidden thoughts and clues about his past.
• Xiao Jie: Uses the story to manipulate the White Ape's favor, aiming to max it out. Shows strategic thinking and patience in his plan.

Significant Themes

• The charm and universality of storytelling, captivating even the Nameless White Ape.
• The desire for immortality and a meaningful life, as reflected by the White Ape's reaction to the story.
• The power of names and identity, as seen in the White Ape's interest in Sun Wukong's name and status.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and the Nameless White Ape: Xiao Jie uses the story to engage and manipulate the White Ape, while the White Ape becomes increasingly invested in the tale and reveals personal thoughts and desires.
• The Nameless White Ape and Sun Wukong: The White Ape identifies with Sun Wukong, admiring his adventures and power, and wishes to emulate him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Jade Emperor offers Sun Wukong amnesty and a position in the Heavenly Court, which Sun Wukong refuses.
• Sun Wukong rebels and declares himself the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.
• Xiao Jie trains the Gale Blade Technique to LV10 and seeks advice on achieving Sudden Enlightenment.
• Xiao Jie analyzes the Dragon Soaring Knights' motives and advises Gallant and Unmatched on handling them.
• Xiao Jie trains the Gale Blade Technique to comprehend its ultimate meaning, "Gale Sweeping Clouds."

Character Developments

• Sun Wukong's character is further established as rebellious and ambitious.
• Xiao Jie demonstrates analytical skills and understanding of game mechanics.
• Gallant and Unmatched shows a romantic idealist/chuunibyou personality.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and rebellion against authority (Sun Wukong).
• Understanding underlying logic and motives (Xiao Jie's analysis of Dragon Soaring Knights).
• Personal growth and achievement (Xiao Jie's Sudden Enlightenment).

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and Sun Wukong: Xiao Jie learns about Sun Wukong's story and changes his name to "Blade Saint."
• Xiao Jie and Gallant and Unmatched: They discuss the Dragon Soaring Knights' motives and Xiao Jie's Sudden Enlightenment.
• Xiao Jie and the Tree Tumor Monsters: Xiao Jie fights them to comprehend the ultimate meaning of the Gale Blade Technique.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie learns the intermediate blade technique, Gale Sweeping Clouds, from the White Ape.
• He uses the skill to defeat a group of Tree Tumor Monsters.
• Xiao Jie tells the story of Sun Wukong from Journey to the West to the White Ape, increasing his favorability.
• The White Ape's favorability reaches 100%, granting Xiao Jie the bond [Invaluable Friendship].
• The White Ape reveals that Xiao Jie can learn his blade technique but must first complete a task.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie demonstrates his understanding of skills and their potential, showing growth in his gameplay strategy.
• The White Ape shows emotional depth, reacting strongly to the story of Sun Wukong and revealing a past connection to it.
• Xiao Jie shows patience and understanding in dealing with the White Ape's emotional state.

Significant Themes

• The power of storytelling and its impact on listeners.
• The consequences of hubris and underestimating one's opponents, as seen in the story of Sun Wukong.
• The importance of understanding and respecting the past, as shown by the White Ape's reaction to the story.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and the White Ape's interaction deepens as Xiao Jie tells the story, leading to increased favorability.
• The White Ape reveals more about itself and its past to Xiao Jie, showing trust in him.
• Xiao Jie shows respect and understanding towards the White Ape, further strengthening their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie follows the White Ape up a treacherous mountain.
• The White Ape shares a story about Mao Mao, his past, and his desire to change his fate.
• Xiao Jie learns about Mao Mao's journey to find an Immortal who could help him control his own fate.
• Xiao Jie is tasked with finding two Immortals on the mountain peak and asking them a question on behalf of the White Ape.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie: Xiao Jie demonstrates determination and curiosity, showing willingness to help the White Ape despite the danger involved.
• White Ape (Mao Mao): The White Ape reveals his past as Mao Mao, a monkey who sought to change his fate. He shows wisdom and patience in guiding Xiao Jie.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Control: The White Ape's past and his current situation raise questions about fate and one's ability to control it.
• Growth and Transformation: Mao Mao's journey from a helpless monkey to the White Ape Saber Saint illustrates the theme of growth and transformation.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and the White Ape: Their interaction shows a growing bond of trust and mutual respect. The White Ape guides Xiao Jie, while Xiao Jie shows eagerness to help the White Ape.
• Mao Mao and the Woodcutter: Their past interaction highlights the theme of abuse of power and the desire for freedom and control over one's life.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie accepts a quest from the White Ape to ask two immortals about the Ape's fate.
• He enters the 'Forgetful River,' encountering strange, eerie figures, and finally reaches the immortals' peak.
• The immortals, after being fed by Xiao Jie, agree to help him.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie demonstrates his resourcefulness and courage in navigating the 'Forgetful River' and dealing with the immortals.
• The White Ape's backstory is revealed, showing his struggle with identity and belonging.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for identity and belonging.
• The pursuit of immortality and enlightenment.
• The power of food and hospitality in gaining favor and assistance.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie interacts with various eerie figures in the 'Forgetful River,' demonstrating his caution and determination.
• He interacts with the two immortals, using food and wine to gain their favor and ask for their help.
• Xiao Jie considers the White Ape's situation and decides to ask the immortals about immortality instead of the Ape's fate, showing his strategic thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie meets two Immortals who reveal that becoming an Immortal is difficult and the path is cut off due to a great calamity five hundred years ago.
• He asks for guidance on how to gain power, and the Immortals offer three paths: Daoist arts, shamanic sorcery, or the Ancient Qi Refining Technique.
• Xiao Jie chooses the Ancient Qi Refining Technique, hoping for a chance at immortality.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie demonstrates ambition and strategic thinking, choosing the path with the slimmest chance of success but potentially the greatest reward.
• The Immortals show wisdom and understanding, offering guidance but not making the choice for Xiao Jie.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty and rarity of becoming an Immortal.
• The importance of making informed choices and taking calculated risks.
• The value of different paths to power and enlightenment.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie interacts with the two Immortals, showing respect and deference while also demonstrating his determination and ambition.
• The Immortals interact with Xiao Jie, showing patience and understanding as they guide him towards a choice that suits his goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie returns from the immortals and finds the White Ape waiting.
• The White Ape asks Xiao Jie about the immortals' advice, and Xiao Jie persuades him to accept the Phantom Spirit Pearl to transform into a human.
• The White Ape teaches Xiao Jie the Illusory Extinction Divine Saber, a Peerless Divine Skill.
• Xiao Jie learns that the Forgetful River causes time to pass faster outside than inside, and decides to train there to master the saber technique.

Character Developments

• The White Ape: Struggles with his identity and confusion, eventually accepts Xiao Jie's help to transform into a human.
• Xiao Jie: Becomes more determined and willing to make sacrifices to learn powerful skills, such as giving up the Phantom Spirit Pearl.

Significant Themes

• Identity and belonging: The White Ape's struggle to find his place in the world.
• Time and aging: The consequences of spending time in the Forgetful River.
• Sacrifice: Xiao Jie's willingness to give up the Phantom Spirit Pearl to learn the Illusory Extinction Divine Saber.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie and the White Ape: Their bond grows stronger as they help each other, with Xiao Jie acting as a younger brother to the White Ape.
• Xiao Jie and the immortals: Xiao Jie learns valuable information from the immortals, which he uses to help the White Ape.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie spends seven hours raising his Illusory Extinction Divine Saber to LV3, gaining the skill Phantom Without Trace.
• He enters the Forgetful River, where he spends four days raising his saber to LV10 and gains insight into its profound meaning.
• After leaving the Forgetful River, he discovers he has aged three or four years.
• He contacts his friends and learns that Under Heaven Society is still in Howling Wind City.
• He challenges Cloud Soaring Swordsman to a duel to the death the next day at noon in Howling Wind City plaza.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jie's character is further defined by his determination to master his divine technique and face his enemies head-on.
• Cloud Soaring Swordsman's arrogance and impulsiveness are highlighted as he agrees to the duel without considering the possibility of a trap.

Significant Themes

• The theme of time is emphasized, with Xiao Jie's aging in the Forgetful River and his realization of the power of time's passage in his new skill.
• The theme of facing one's fears and confronting enemies head-on is also prominent, as Xiao Jie challenges Cloud Soaring Swordsman to a duel.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jie interacts with his friends I Want to Become Immortal, Gallant and Unmatched, and Cloud Soaring Swordsman, updating them on his situation and challenging Cloud Soaring Swordsman to a duel.
• Cloud Soaring Swordsman interacts with Dominating the World, reporting the duel challenge and receiving guidance on how to handle it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Jie and Yuan Bai prepare to leave Monkey Valley, but the monkeys plead for Yuan Bai to stay, fearing the Great Savage Ape's bullying.
• Yuan Bai decides to deal with the Great Savage Ape and enters the wooden hut. He reveals that he will give his old master a "Mao Mao" and renames the Great Savage Ape as such.
• Xiao Jie and Yuan Bai, with the renamed Great Savage Ape (now called Mao Mao), leave Monkey Valley. Yuan Bai stops when he sees the Woodcutter and lets Xiao Jie deliver Mao Mao alone.
• Xiao Jie gives Mao Mao to the Woodcutter, who accepts it as the lost monkey. The Woodcutter rewards Xiao Jie with the combat skill [One Cut Two Pieces] and its advanced effect [Void Rend Flash].
• Xiao Jie and Yuan Bai decide to leave together, with Yuan Bai expressing interest in experiencing human life.

Character Developments

• Yuan Bai shows compassion towards the monkeys and decides to deal with the Great Savage Ape to protect them.
• Yuan Bai reveals a mix of love and hate towards the Woodcutter, choosing not to face him directly.
• The Great Savage Ape, now renamed Mao Mao, shows excitement at the prospect of practicing knife techniques, hinting at its eagerness to learn and grow stronger.

Significant Themes

• The theme of responsibility and protection is shown through Yuan Bai's decision to deal with the Great Savage Ape to safeguard the monkeys.
• The theme of facing one's past is explored through Yuan Bai's avoidance of the Woodcutter, symbolizing his unwillingness to confront his history.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Bai and Xiao Jie work together to deal with the Great Savage Ape and leave Monkey Valley.
• Yuan Bai and the Woodcutter have an unspoken interaction, with Yuan Bai choosing not to approach the Woodcutter directly.
• The monkeys in Monkey Valley interact with Yuan Bai, pleading for him to stay and protect them from the Great Savage Ape.