Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue successfully enters the Workshop's central hub using the Devil-Crafted Ball's Spirit Essence Vision.
• He witnesses the chaos and destruction caused by other Chosen Ones, including the presence of the Dragon Offering Society, led by a Rank 8 opponent.
• The core of the Workshop begins to change and adapt due to external stimulation, causing Ji Jue and his companions to be tossed around.
• Ji Jue discovers a hidden passage leading deeper into the core.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue demonstrates his adaptability and quick thinking, deciding to merge with the Workshop's core to understand its workings better.
• Prophet reveals more about Fluid Alchemy and its essence to Ji Jue.

Significant Themes

• The theme of looking down to understand the essence of things, rather than being overwhelmed by appearances and complexity, is emphasized.
• The interconnectedness of all things within the Workshop's core is highlighted, with Ji Jue merging with it to gain a deeper understanding.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and Prophet have a brief but significant conversation about Fluid Alchemy, leading Ji Jue to a crucial realization.
• Ji Jue and Little Cow and Horse work together to navigate the changing environment within the core.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue and his team enter Mercury's workshop, aiming to find Non-Aggression.
• They encounter and defeat a team of Intruders led by Scarface Man.
• Ji Jue and Little An "pick up" a large Time Sand Crystal.
• Ji Jue navigates through the workshop, passing through various sections like the central hub, melting furnaces, and a boiler room.
• He encounters a Five-Legged Deer Head figure singing a melancholic song, later revealed to be one of Mercury's Embers.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue demonstrates his Fluid Alchemy skills and understanding of workshop operation.
• Little An shows his resourcefulness and quick thinking in handling the Time Sand Crystal.
• The Prophet provides guidance and reveals that she is not Mercury, but knows everything within the Rift World.

Significant Themes

• The vastness and hollowness of Mercury's workshop, despite its intricate operation.
• The lingering presence of Mercury's Embers and their melancholic state.
• The importance of understanding the overall picture in Fluid Alchemy.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and Little An work together to secure the Time Sand Crystal and navigate the workshop.
• Ji Jue interacts with the Prophet, seeking answers about Mercury and receiving guidance on Fluid Alchemy.
• Ji Jue encounters one of Mercury's Embers, leading to a tense and frightening moment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue and the Prophet reach the deep well leading to Non-Aggression.
• Ji Jue encounters Mercury's past, including her daughter Gloria, in the form of fragmented phenomena from four hundred years ago.
• The Ether record overflows, causing the past to manifest chaotically.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue: Becomes more determined to find Mercury and understand her past.
• Prophet: Reveals more about Mercury's past and her own nature as a guide and tool.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the remnants of the past.
• The consequences of a Celestial Being's fall and the dangers of uncontrollable Blessing.
• The burden of Mercury's past and her struggle to face it.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and the Prophet: They continue to work together, with the Prophet providing guidance and information about Mercury's past.
• Ji Jue and Mercury's past: Ji Jue encounters Mercury's past self and her daughter, causing him to empathize with Mercury's struggles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue travels through time and arrives in a reflection of Mercury's hometown before its destruction.
• He witnesses Mercury's past, her loss, and her attempt to reclaim what she had lost.
• The Prophet reveals that Mercury's actions led to the disasters in the town, caused by the collapse of the Heavenly Origin Tower.
• Ji Jue learns that the past cannot be changed, and what is lost is gone forever.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue: Realizes the futility of trying to change the past and the importance of the present.
• Mercury: Her past actions and their consequences are revealed, showing her love, regret, and inability to change fate.
• The Prophet: Shows empathy and understanding towards Ji Jue, despite her initial coldness.

Significant Themes

• The inability to change the past and the importance of accepting it.
• The consequences of one's actions and the struggle against fate.
• The value of the present and the need to cherish it.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and The Prophet: They interact and share their thoughts on the past, fate, and the present.
• Ji Jue and Mercury (through her past): Ji Jue witnesses Mercury's past, her loss, and her struggle to reclaim what she had lost.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue revisits Mercury's past and meets a young girl who resembles Mercury, hinting at a possible connection.
• Ji Jue activates the Feigong Creation, causing a massive upheaval in the Riftworld and the core to rise, leading to a new cycle of destruction and rebirth.
• The group returns to find Lou Feng enraged and confrontational.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue gains the Feigong Creation ability, which allows him to control and manipulate the world's creation and destruction.
• The young girl's appearance suggests a potential backstory for Mercury and her connection to Ji Jue.

Significant Themes

• The cyclical nature of time and history, and the inability to change the past.
• The power of creation and destruction, and the consequences of wielding such power.
• The importance of memory and the pain of loss.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue interacts with the young girl, offering her comfort and understanding, revealing his own experiences with loss and longing.
• Lou Feng's hostility towards Ji Jue and the group intensifies upon their return, setting the stage for a potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue obtains the sage's inherited Matrix, Non-Aggression.
• Lou Feng, realizing the importance of Non-Aggression, offers any price to obtain it.
• Ji Jue refuses to negotiate, leading to a confrontation.
• Lou Feng attacks using Spirit Essence Shaping, but Ji Jue counters and neutralizes the attacks.
• Lou Feng uses the Blessing of Incineration to attack, forcing Ji Jue to dodge.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue: Shows offhand mastery of Lou Clan techniques, hints at Non-Aggression's power without revealing it.
• Lou Feng: Desperate to obtain Non-Aggression, becomes more aggressive and less patient.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Lou Feng's desire for Non-Aggression highlights his ambition and willingness to do anything to obtain power.
• Consequences of Actions: Ji Jue's refusal to negotiate leads to a confrontation, showing the consequences of his actions.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and Lou Feng: Their interaction escalates from negotiation to conflict, with Ji Jue maintaining a calm and mocking demeanor, while Lou Feng becomes increasingly desperate and aggressive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lou Feng is shot by an Alchemy Bullet, which Ji Jue identifies as Fluid Alchemy.
• The Homecoming Knights attack Little Cow and Horse, but Little An intervenes and fights back.
• Ji Jue uses his Matrix Feigong to enhance his abilities, turning the tide of the battle.
• Lou Feng is overwhelmed by Ji Jue's attacks and suffers severe injuries.

Character Developments

• Lou Feng's overconfidence leads to his downfall, as he underestimates Ji Jue's capabilities.
• Little An demonstrates his combat prowess and lack of mercy, revealing his upbringing in the An Family.
• Ji Jue shows his strategic thinking and adaptability, using his Matrix to counter Lou Feng's Spirit Essence Shaping.

Significant Themes

• The power of Matrices and their impact on Chosen Ones' abilities.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents.
• The influence of upbringing on one's behavior and morality.

Character Interactions

• Lou Feng and Ji Jue's conflict escalates, leading to a fierce battle.
• Little An and Ji Jue work together to fight off the Homecoming Knights.
• Slan, the captain of the Homecoming Knights, tries to protect Lou Feng but is ultimately unable to stop Ji Jue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter describes the oppressive rule of the Eternal Empire, which controlled everything and had a terrifying power.
• The resistance organization [Mo] had to flee constantly due to the Empire's crackdowns, making it difficult for them to establish workshops or settle in one place.
• [Feigong] is introduced as a technique that allows Craftsmen to manipulate materials and spirit essence directly with their hands, freeing them from the need for workshops and tools.
• Ji Jue, a member of [Mo], uses [Feigong] to counter Lou Feng's spirit essence manipulation abilities, leaving Lou Feng shocked and disoriented.
• Ji Jue and An Ran face off against the Homecoming Knights, with Ji Jue using a six-barreled heavy machine gun to attack the knights from behind.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue demonstrates his proficiency in [Feigong], showing that he can manipulate spirit essence directly with his hands, making him a formidable opponent.
• Lou Feng, initially confident and proud, becomes disoriented and fearful after Ji Jue counters his spirit essence manipulation abilities.
• An Ran continues to fight against the Homecoming Knights, showing his resilience and determination.

Significant Themes

• The oppressive nature of the Eternal Empire and the struggle of the resistance organization [Mo] against it.
• The power of [Feigong] and its potential to free Craftsmen from their reliance on workshops and tools.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of adversity, as shown by Ji Jue's use of the six-barreled heavy machine gun.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and Lou Feng face off against each other, with Ji Jue using [Feigong] to counter Lou Feng's abilities.
• Ji Jue and An Ran work together to fight against the Homecoming Knights, with Ji Jue providing cover fire with the heavy machine gun.
• Lou Feng and Slan communicate through the comms, with Slan advising Lou Feng to be cautious and prioritize his safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lou Feng, the enemy leader, is attacked by a vehicle (Little Cow and Horse) controlled by Ji Jue, equipped with a machine gun and enchanted bullets.
• Little An, Ji Jue's friend, uses a powerful archery technique to attack Lou Feng, coming close to killing him but is stopped by Slan, a Homecoming Knight.
• Ji Jue reveals a temporary workshop, silencing Lou Feng's abilities and matrices, and beats him while demanding the release of Little An.
• The Homecoming Knights surrender their weapons, and Slan is forced to release Little An.
• Ji Jue opens a rift, threatening to leave if his demands are not met.

Character Developments

• Lou Feng is shown to be vulnerable and fearful when faced with Ji Jue's power.
• Little An demonstrates immense skill and bravery, coming close to defeating Lou Feng.
• Ji Jue shows ruthlessness and determination in protecting his friend, using his power and intelligence to outmaneuver the enemy.
• Slan reveals his loyalty to his employer but also his fear of Ji Jue's power and the potential consequences of defying him.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Ji Jue's temporary workshop and Little An's archery technique shift the power balance, allowing Ji Jue to dictate terms.
• Loyalty vs. Self-Preservation: Slan's loyalty to his employer is tested, and he ultimately chooses self-preservation.
• Consequences of Actions: Ji Jue's threat to put bounties on the Homecoming Knights highlights the long-term consequences of their actions.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue vs. Lou Feng: Ji Jue dominates the interaction, using violence and threats to force Lou Feng to comply.
• Ji Jue vs. Slan: Ji Jue's calm and calculated demeanor contrasts with Slan's growing frustration and fear.
• Little An and Ji Jue: Their friendship is shown to be strong, with Ji Jue willing to go to great lengths to protect Little An.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Slan, leader of the Wild Dog Mercenaries, surrenders to Ji Jue after realizing the power of Mercury's legacy and the danger of offending a future Embers master.
• Ji Jue and Little An exchange hostages, with Ji Jue taking Lou Feng and Little An taking Little An.
• Slan decides to leave the grave-robbing business after the encounter.
• Ji Jue and Little An discuss the White Deer Path and the importance of defeating the strong while weak.
• The Workshop's central hub begins to transform rapidly, and the sealed darkness within starts to manifest terrifyingly.

Character Developments

• Slan shows wisdom and self-preservation, choosing to back down rather than face Ji Jue and Mercury's legacy.
• Ji Jue demonstrates his resourcefulness and quick thinking, using Lou Feng's Spiritual Substance items to restrain him.
• Little An reveals his understanding of the White Deer Path and his willingness to sacrifice for his goals.
• Formless, the Dragon Offering Society's Shepherd, is driven mad and weakened after being trapped in the darkness within the central hub.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of challenging the strong.
• The White Deer Path's philosophy of savagery, primitivism, and resistance.
• The terrifying and unpredictable nature of the Rift World's central hub and the darkness within.

Character Interactions

• Slan and Ji Jue engage in a tense standoff, with Slan ultimately surrendering.
• Ji Jue and Little An discuss the White Deer Path and Little An's actions during the battle.
• Ji Jue treats Little An's wounds, revealing the severity of his injuries and the punishment nail in his leg.
• Formless's terrified escape from the darkness highlights the danger and horror within the central hub.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue hears the cries of boiling spirit essence, witnessing a Shepherd's demise.
• A horrifying aura sweeps through the Rift World, instilling fear in Ji Jue.
• The central hub expands, and a monstrous form emerges, identified as Mercury.
• White Owl arrives, kills Formless, and confronts Mercury.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue experiences fear and bewilderment upon encountering Mercury's power.
• White Owl reveals her true strength and identity as a Sage.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of the Mohists' actions and their sacrifices.
• The struggle against oppressive power, represented by the Eternal Empire and Mercury.
• The choices made in the face of despair and the pursuit of a better future.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and the Prophet discuss Mercury's identity.
• White Owl encounters Formless and later confronts Mercury.
• The map communicates with White Owl, revealing Mercury's origins and the Mohists' history.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A colossal creature, Mercury, emerges from the core of the Rift World, reversing time and rebuilding the destroyed town.
• A door to the past appears, but it remains sealed and unreachable.
• The Heavenly Origin Tower collapses, ending the time reversal and causing Mercury to fall into a cycle of endless torment.
• The Prophet commands the Workshop core to rise and imprison Mercury once more, stopping the cycle.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue, a user of Fluid Alchemy and Non-Aggression, witnesses Mercury's power and understands her desperation to return to the past.
• The Prophet, after observing Ji Jue, concludes that he is similar to Mercury in his determination and willingness to make sacrifices.

Significant Themes

• The futility of trying to change the past and the consequences of such obsession.
• The power of love and determination, even in the face of insurmountable odds.
• The cyclical nature of life, destruction, and rebirth.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and the Prophet discuss Mercury's actions and motivations, leading to a deeper understanding of both characters.
• The Prophet's command to stop Mercury's cycle highlights her role as a guide and decision-maker in the story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Workshop, created by Mercury, attacks Mercury herself.
• The Prophet reveals that Mercury has been imprisoned by the Workshop.
• The Rift World's creations, driven by resentment and pain, rise up and bind Mercury.
• The Prophet offers Ji Jue the authority to end the Rift World's suffering.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue struggles with the truth about the Rift World's creations and their fate.
• The Prophet reveals her true nature and role in the Rift World.

Significant Themes

• The cycle of suffering and the desire for an end.
• The nature of existence and the definition of life.
• The responsibility of creators towards their creations.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and the Prophet have a confrontational yet emotional exchange.
• Ji Jue witnesses the creations of the Rift World binding Mercury.
• The Prophet pleads with Ji Jue to end the Rift World's suffering.

Chapter Summary: “When the Dream Wakes”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue fully takes control of the Rift World after the Prophet removes the final seal, becoming its true master through the completed Deus Ex Machina.
• Rather than feeling triumphant, he is overwhelmed by the suffering contained within the Rift World: endless cycles of death, despair, and creation. He realizes that either preserving or ending the current order will involve tragedy.
• Ji Jue enters a dreamlike vision of a train and encounters memories of his mother, whose death remains the source of his deepest regret. He repeatedly tries—and fails—to reach her.
• A mysterious girl catches him and leads him from the nightmare. She gives him flowers, comforts him, and urges him to stop clinging to the past. She places a pendant containing a family photograph around his neck and tells him that the time for farewell has come.
• Returning to reality, Ji Jue accepts that reviving the past or creating a new hell to reach his mother would only perpetuate suffering. He decides to end the cycle instead.
• He fully activates the Deus Ex Machina, merging with the workshop and controlling its Spirit Essence Circuits, runes, blessings, and Formless Hands.
• The sealed broken sword known as the Edge of Transformation awakens. It sheds its rust, transforms into a crown of thorns, and is placed upon Ji Jue’s head.
• The Prophet uses the awakened power at immense personal cost, her body cracking and nearly disintegrating. She declares that all things must end so that new things can be born.
• Through the crown, Ji Jue receives the power and doctrine of Superior Virtue. His consciousness is temporarily overwhelmed as he is forced to perceive the endless cycle of transformation: all new things eventually become old, while change itself continues.
• Ji Jue becomes the vessel of the Divine Marrow of Embers. The souls and creations devoted to the old fire reappear as kindling, empowering him.
• He judges Sage Mercury’s creation to be chaotic, rotten, and evil. His judgment tears apart the Heavenly Origin Tower’s chains, stops the blood rain and mourning songs, and removes the Curtain concealing the true enemy.
• Behind the Curtain, Ji Jue discovers the Nine Evils’ Stagnant Decay Furnace Core—a vast, suffering-filled furnace that endlessly produces aberrations and seeks to corrupt the Sage.
• The cycle binding the Sage to the furnace collapses. The old world and its hellish dream begin to disintegrate as Ji Jue unleashes the Edge of Transformation’s final power: “Sever!”

Character Developments

• Ji Jue: Changes from a conflicted, grief-stricken inheritor into a decisive agent of transformation. He recognizes that longing and regret cannot justify perpetuating suffering and accepts the responsibility of ending the existing world order.
• The Prophet: Reveals her willingness to sacrifice herself to awaken the Edge of Transformation and bring the long dream to an end. Her actions show both exhaustion and firm belief in renewal through destruction.
• The mysterious girl: Acts as a guide and emotional anchor for Ji Jue. She represents acceptance, memory, and the possibility of loving the past without remaining trapped by it.
• Sage Mercury: Is revealed as a figure whose obsession has allowed the cycle of suffering to continue, while also being bound and manipulated by the deeper evil represented by the Stagnant Decay Furnace Core.
• White Owl: Reacts with shock to the awakening of the Edge of Transformation, emphasizing the unprecedented scale and danger of Ji Jue’s transformation.

Significant Themes

• Letting go of the past: Ji Jue must accept that recovering his mother or repeating old memories would only create another form of hell.
• The cost of salvation: Ending suffering requires sacrifice, destruction, and the willingness to bear responsibility for painful choices.
• Transformation versus stagnation: The chapter contrasts Superior Virtue’s endless change with the Nine Evils’ stagnant decay and repetition.
• Memory and longing: Love and remembrance can survive separation and death, but they should inspire forward movement rather than endless fixation.
• The end of cycles: The repeated dream, suffering, and reincarnation-like loop finally collapse as Ji Jue chooses revolution over continuation.
• Creation and destruction: Destruction is presented not as an absolute end, but as the necessary condition for new life and change.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue’s encounter with the girl allows him to confront his grief and reconsider his desire to reach his mother.
• The girl offers him emotional reassurance, flowers, and the pendant, symbolically giving him permission to say goodbye.
• Ji Jue accepts the Prophet’s scepter and later becomes the vessel for the Edge of Transformation, linking their wills and purposes.
• The Prophet sacrifices herself to awaken the weapon and crowns Ji Jue, transferring the burden of ending the old world to him.
• White Owl witnesses the transformation and calls out to the unresponsive “old man,” but cannot intervene against the overwhelming power.
• Ji Jue ultimately confronts the hidden evil behind Sage Mercury and passes judgment on the entire stagnant system, culminating in the command: “Sever!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue witnesses the destruction of the Sage's remains and the collapse of the Rift World.
• He experiences a vision of the earth's history and the girl's journey through time.
• The girl looks back at Mercury, her mother, for one last time.
• Ji Jue falls from the heavens and finds the Prophet, who is near death.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue: He becomes the agent of Transformation, executing the Sage's conclusion. He experiences a transcendent moment, understanding the essence of the Fire of Embers and the Creation Theory. He shows compassion towards the Prophet.
• The Prophet: She accepts her freedom but finds it terrifying. She entrusts her final wishes to Ji Jue before passing away.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and Change: The Sage's remains and the Rift World collapse, symbolizing the end of a cycle and the beginning of change.
• Time and Destiny: The girl's journey through time and her final glance at Mercury highlight the inescapable nature of destiny.
• Freedom and Consequence: The Prophet's acceptance of freedom and her subsequent passing emphasize the consequences of one's actions and the value of freedom.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and the Prophet: Ji Jue shows mercy and compassion towards the Prophet, who entrusts her final wishes to him before passing away.
• The girl and Mercury: The girl's final glance at Mercury highlights their emotional connection and the pain of separation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Rift World collapses, and Ji Jue witnesses the destruction of the Workshop and its creations.
• Ji Jue attempts to escape using the Prophet's authority but fails. The Workshop's recovery system activates, and a mysterious entity absorbs the Rift World's essence before Ji Jue can escape.
• Ji Jue is transported back to the real world, where he finds Xiao Jiu, now a bird, waiting for him.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue accepts Xiao Jiu (now Gloria) and decides to take care of her, despite his initial reluctance.
• Ji Jue learns that Gloria is the first creation not part of the endless cycle, a fact Prophet had kept secret from him.

Significant Themes

• The cycle of life and death, and the possibility of breaking free from it.
• The consequences of meddling in matters beyond one's understanding.
• The theme of responsibility and acceptance, as Ji Jue takes on the role of caring for Gloria.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and Gloria: Despite Ji Jue's initial reluctance, he warms up to Gloria and decides to take care of her, showing his compassion and acceptance.
• Ji Jue and Prophet: Ji Jue feels betrayed by Prophet for leaving Gloria with him without explanation. However, he ultimately accepts the responsibility, showing his growth and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Bearded Old Man (Commander) and White Owl discuss the past and the concept of Mandate of Heaven.
• An unexpected lunar eclipse occurs, hinting at a change in the past.
• Ji Jue returns to the present world and witnesses a meteor shower.
• Political tensions escalate in the present world: Lujius is assassinated, White State declares war on Red Banner, and the Federation opens bidding for military contracts.

Character Developments

• The Commander reflects on the past and the nature of Mandate of Heaven, expressing his belief in the power of individual action against fate.
• Ji Jue, now back in the present, is indifferent to the world's affairs and chooses to sleep instead of engaging with the Rift World connection system.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against fate and predestination.
• The power of individual action and resistance.
• The consequences of past actions on the present.

Character Interactions

• The Commander and White Owl discuss their past and the nature of Mandate of Heaven, revealing their differing views on fate and destiny.
• Ji Jue, in the present, has no interaction with other characters but reflects on his experiences and chooses to ignore the Rift World connection system.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue wakes up to a bustling household and helps his youngest sibling with homework.
• The family has a chaotic breakfast filled with bickering and fighting.
• Ji Jue takes Lu Ling to school on his motorcycle, which now has a cargo bed and an extra wheel.
• He shows off his newly obtained Matrices to Ye Chun and Professor Ye at the Workshop.
• Ji Jue reports his gains from the Rift World to Professor Ye, including Non-Aggression, Embers Blessing, and a truckload of boxes filled with Alchemical Creations.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue has grown more confident and proud of his accomplishments, eager to show them off.
• Lu Ling is more observant and notices the changes to Ji Jue's motorcycle.
• Ye Chun is shocked and disheartened upon seeing Ji Jue's Matrices and learning about his paper.
• Professor Ye is impressed by Ji Jue's gains but also surprised by the quantity of Alchemical Creations.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and homecoming, as seen through Ji Jue's interactions with his siblings and Professor Ye.
• The value of hard work and perseverance, as demonstrated by Ji Jue's accomplishments in the Rift World.
• The theme of competition and one-upmanship, as seen in the interactions between Ji Jue and Ye Chun.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and his siblings have a playful, chaotic dynamic, filled with bickering and teasing.
• Ji Jue and Lu Ling have a close sibling relationship, with Lu Ling being more perceptive and protective of Ji Jue.
• Ji Jue and Ye Chun have a competitive, antagonistic relationship, with each trying to one-up the other.
• Ji Jue and Professor Ye have a mentor-mentee relationship, with Professor Ye guiding and supporting Ji Jue's growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue returns from the riftworld with Mercury's workshop, Blessings, and Fluid Alchemy knowledge.
• He also brings back a metal bird, which is Mercury's final work.
• Professor Ye is shocked by Ji Jue's experiences and gains.
• Ji Jue and Professor Ye have a teaching match in an underground training facility.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue: He has gained extensive knowledge and abilities, including Fluid Alchemy. Despite his reckless actions, he remains humble and respectful towards his teacher.
• Professor Ye: She is impressed by Ji Jue's gains but also concerned about his recklessness. She decides to give him a lesson in Spirit Essence Offense and Defense.

Significant Themes

• Learning and growth: Ji Jue's experiences in the riftworld have allowed him to learn and grow rapidly, even mastering Fluid Alchemy.
• Teacher-student relationship: Professor Ye cares for Ji Jue's well-being and wants to ensure he has the necessary skills to protect himself. Despite her stern demeanor, she shows affection towards her student.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and Professor Ye: Their interaction is a mix of respect and concern. Ji Jue is humble and eager to learn, while Professor Ye is impressed but also worried about his reckless behavior. Their teaching match showcases their dynamic as teacher and student.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Jue, a student, challenges his professor, Ye Xian, to a sparring match.
• Ji Jue uses Fluid Alchemy and Non-Aggression to attack Ye Xian, but she easily blocks and counters his moves.
• Ye Xian uses Disintegration Art to destroy Ji Jue's Spirit Essence Circuit and Fluid Alchemy.
• Ji Jue attempts to restrain Ye Xian using his jacket, but she reveals her Blessing, Mo Xie, which creates an unreachable distance between their Spiritual Substances.

Character Developments

• Ji Jue: Shows improvement in his fighting skills and tactics but still lacks experience and understanding of his opponents' abilities.
• Ye Xian: Demonstrates her mastery in martial arts and understanding of Ji Jue's Blessing, Non-Aggression. She also reveals her Blessing, Mo Xie.

Significant Themes

• Experience and wisdom vs. youthful vigor and ambition.
• The importance of understanding one's opponent and their abilities.
• The concept of real and unreal in combat.

Character Interactions

• Ji Jue and Ye Xian: Their sparring match highlights the vast difference in their skills and experience. Ye Xian serves as a mentor, guiding Ji Jue and helping him understand his limitations and the importance of experience.