Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shan Xu, riding his limited-edition, high-performance motorcycle, heads to Chuan City to watch his daughter's competition.
• He encounters a traffic checkpoint and tries to evade it, but a Si Kou officer, Xu Jian, pursues him.
• A high-speed chase ensues, with Shan Xu attempting various maneuvers to shake off Xu Jian, but failing.
• Xu Jian uses a 'True Qi Suppressing Handgun' to disrupt Shan Xu's motorcycle, causing it to crash. Shan Xu is then arrested.
• Later, Shan Juanjuan is informed that her father is at the Si Kou office, awaiting a fine.

Character Developments

• Shan Xu: Initially portrayed as carefree and confident, his arrest highlights his vulnerability and the consequences of his actions.
• Xu Jian: Demonstrates professionalism and skill in pursuing and apprehending Shan Xu.
• Shan Juanjuan: Shows concern and surprise upon learning about her father's arrest.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of evading authority and breaking rules (Shan Xu's arrest).
• The use of advanced technology to counter powerful individuals (Xu Jian's 'True Qi Suppressing Handgun').

Character Interactions

• Shan Xu and Xu Jian: Their high-speed chase and eventual confrontation highlight the power dynamic between a lawbreaker and a law enforcement officer.
• Shan Juanjuan and the Si Kou officer: Their brief interaction underscores the impact of Shan Xu's actions on his family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shan Juanjuan, a successful Heavenly Barrier Martial Artist, bails out her unreliable father, Shan Xu, from the Si Kou Office after he's caught driving without a license.
• Shan Xu is sentenced to study traffic rules at the Si Kou Office for 15 days instead of detention, and his motorcycle is confiscated.
• Shan Juanjuan reveals she's been managing the household since she and her sister were young due to their father's unreliability.

Character Developments

• Shan Juanjuan: Grows from a carefree young girl to a responsible adult, managing the household and her career. She's confident in her martial arts abilities but struggles with her father's unreliability.
• Shan Xu: Despite his unreliability, he's proud of his daughter's achievements. He's set in his ways, finds learning difficult, and is embarrassed by his daughter bailing him out. He expresses a desire to hold grandchildren, showing a shift in his priorities.

Significant Themes

• Reliability vs Unreliability: Shan Juanjuan's perception of her father changes from reliable to unreliable as she grows up. This influences her behavior and responsibilities.
• Aging and Life Changes: Shan Xu's desire for grandchildren and his changing priorities reflect his growing age and the passage of time.
• Education and Learning: Shan Xu's struggle with learning traffic rules highlights the challenges of adapting to new ways of life.

Character Interactions

• Shan Juanjuan and Shan Xu: Their dynamic is marked by love, frustration, and mutual understanding. Shan Juanjuan is annoyed by her father's unreliability but cares for him deeply, while Shan Xu is proud of his daughter but struggles with his own limitations.
• Shan Juanjuan and the Si Kou Office Director: Their interaction shows the director's willingness to give Shan Juanjuan face due to their university connection, but he still imposes necessary penalties on Shan Xu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shan Xu arrives at the competition venue and meets Shi Feizhe, who is disguised.
• They discuss the changes in Jianghu and the people's attitudes towards the New Jianghu.
• Shi Feizhe expresses his puzzlement over people's tendency to worship gods and superstitions.
• Shan Xu and Shi Feizhe discuss the simplicity of worshipping gods and the people's desire for an easy life.
• Shi Feizhe contemplates retirement due to the growing discontent and misunderstandings about the New Jianghu.

Character Developments

• Shan Xu: Remains a practical and straightforward Jianghu person, offering insights into the people's mindset.
• Shi Feizhe: Struggles with the complexities of the New Jianghu, feeling tired and disillusioned, contemplates retirement.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the Old and New Jianghu, and the people's attitudes towards change.
• The tension between idealism and realism, as seen in Shi Feizhe's vision for the New Jianghu and the people's desire for an easy life.
• The consequences of rapid development and the struggle to maintain progress.

Character Interactions

• Shan Xu and Shi Feizhe: Their conversation reveals their differing perspectives on the New Jianghu and the people's mindset. Shan Xu's practicality contrasts with Shi Feizhe's idealism, leading to a moment of understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Feizhe, considered the "emperor" of the New Jianghu, contemplates retirement after realizing the slow progress of social change.
• The National Workers' Skills Competition, also known as the Number One Under Heaven Martial Dao Competition, begins. The first event is the Divine Strength Competition, where athletes move heavy stones within a set time.

Character Developments

• Shi Feizhe: Reflects on his life and decides to retire to travel the world, having dedicated the first half of his life to the Jianghu.
• Shan Xu: Initially thought Shi Feizhe was a fool for trying to change the Jianghu but now acknowledges his achievements. He's more interested in seeing martial arts fights than the competition.

Significant Themes

• The evolution of society and the slow progress of social change.
• The shift in the purpose of martial arts from combat to productivity and its impact on the Jianghu.
• The contrast between the old and new Jianghu, with the latter focusing more on production and less on violence.

Character Interactions

• Shi Feizhe and Shan Xu: They discuss Shi Feizhe's retirement plans and watch the competition together. Shan Xu expresses his preference for martial arts fights over the current competition, while Shi Feizhe explains the significance of the competition in the context of the New Jianghu's focus on productivity.
• The athletes: They compete in moving heavy stones, demonstrating their strength and endurance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Feizhe and Shan Xu attend a competition where martial artists showcase their skills in various technological feats like welding, heat transfer, and artificial starch synthesis, rather than traditional combat.
• Shan Juanjuan, Shan Xu's daughter, participates in the Artificial Starch Synthesis event, aiming to produce the most starch to win.

Character Developments

• Shan Xu struggles to understand and accept the modern Jianghu's focus on technology over martial arts combat, feeling nostalgic for the past.
• Shi Feizhe remains confident in his influence on the Jianghu's transformation and believes in the potential of these technological advancements.

Significant Themes

• The evolution of the Jianghu: The shift from traditional martial arts and combat to technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs.
• Father-daughter relationship: Shan Xu's pride in his daughter's achievements and his desire to support her, despite not fully understanding her field.

Character Interactions

• Shi Feizhe and Shan Xu's friendly banter and mutual understanding, despite their differing views on the Jianghu's transformation.
• Shan Juanjuan's mentor encourages her, highlighting the importance of family support in her endeavors.
• Shan Xu cheers for his daughter, inadvertently causing her to nearly falter in her concentration during the competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Feizhe, the leader of the Jianghu Reform Committee, decides to retire after watching the Staff Competition.
• He informs Guan Shan, his deputy, of his decision, citing his age and the need for younger generations to take over.
• Shi Feizhe and Guan Shan have a heated discussion about the future of the Jianghu, with Shi Feizhe insisting on his principles and Guan Shan advocating for adaptation.
• Shi Feizhe eventually retires, and a meeting is held to discuss his successor as Chairman.

Character Developments

• Shi Feizhe: He feels mentally tired and decides to retire, acknowledging that the Jianghu is now the responsibility of the younger generations. He is willing to step back and let others lead, but remains firm in his principles.
• Guan Shan: He is initially surprised by Shi Feizhe's retirement announcement but later understands that Shi Feizhe is serious. He respects Shi Feizhe's decision and begins to consider his own role in the future of the Jianghu.

Significant Themes

• Leadership Transition: The chapter explores the transition of power and responsibility from the older generation to the younger ones, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
• Adaptation vs. Principles: The debate between Shi Feizhe and Guan Shan reflects the tension between adhering to core principles and adapting to changing circumstances.
• The Future of the Jianghu: The retirement of Shi Feizhe marks a new phase in the Jianghu's history, raising questions about its future direction and the role of its leaders.

Character Interactions

• Shi Feizhe and Guan Shan: Their conversation reveals their differing views on the Jianghu's future, with Shi Feizhe being more set in his ways and Guan Shan being more open to change. Despite their disagreement, they maintain a deep respect for each other.
• The Jianghu Reform Committee: The meeting held after Shi Feizhe's retirement announcement showcases the dynamics among the committee members as they discuss his successor, highlighting their individual ambitions, calculations, and ideas.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Feizhe attends Shan Xu's funeral, who died of old age at 110.
• Shi Feizhe meets Hua Taiping, a young man who offers him a ride.
• They discuss the changes in Jianghu and the differences between their generations.

Character Developments

• Shi Feizhe: Reflects on his past and the changes in Jianghu, shows wisdom and understanding of life.
• Hua Taiping: Struggles with the competitiveness and injustice of his generation, expresses frustration with his job.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change in Jianghu.
• The differences between older and younger generations.
• The struggle for success and the cost of ambition.

Character Interactions

• Shi Feizhe and Hua Taiping: They bond over their shared experiences and observations, with Shi Feizhe offering wisdom and understanding to Hua Taiping.
• Shi Feizhe and Shan Xu (flashback): Shi Feizhe remembers Shan Xu's kindness and his eventual peaceful death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author expresses frustration with previous works due to unblocked chapters and missing paragraphs.
• A new book, "Dreaming for Ten Thousand Years," is announced.
• The book's synopsis introduces a world created by an almighty Cat God in a drunken dream.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments are shown in this chapter as it's primarily an announcement.

Significant Themes

• The theme of reality vs. illusion/dream is introduced, which will likely be a central theme in the book.
• The author's struggle with their work and the impact of external factors on their writing.

Character Interactions

• A brief interaction between Shi Fei and an unknown entity (presumably the Cat God) is shown, with Shi Fei initially skeptical of the world being a dream.

Title: Author's Note

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author reflects on the completion of the novel.
• The novel's word count fell short of the author's expectation.
• The author acknowledges imperfections in the story's development, turn, and conclusion.
• The novel received more subscriptions than the author anticipated.

Character Developments

• The author's self-awareness and reflection on their writing skills grow throughout the note.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and difficulties of novel writing.
• The importance of storytelling and engaging readers.
• The author's self-evaluation of their writing abilities and areas for improvement.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with readers through the note, expressing gratitude and sharing their experiences.

Brief Reference

• The author completes the novel and reflects on its shortcomings and successes.
• They acknowledge their struggles with writing and plan to improve for future works.
• The novel receives more positive feedback than expected, and the author thanks the readers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author announces their new book, titled "Not Abstract, Not Cultivating Immortality," which is currently in the signing process.
• The initial theme was cyberpunk or a futuristic city setting, but the author struggled with it, finding it difficult to write and not smooth enough.
• The author wrote over 20,000 characters but felt something was amiss, with their editor, friends, and group members also expressing dissatisfaction.
• On the 16th of August, the author had a sudden inspiration and decided to write a cultivation-themed story instead.

Character Developments

• The author reflects on their writing process and preferences, expressing a desire to write stories that make them happy.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between writing what one is expected to write (cyberpunk) and writing what one wants to write (cultivation).
• The importance of writing stories that bring joy and happiness.

Character Interactions

• The author's editor, friends, and group members provide feedback on the initial draft, contributing to the author's decision to change the theme.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Guan Fu, a character from Xu Shun's novel, confronts Xu Shun about writing his story without consent.
• Xu Shun, initially stubborn about continuing the novel, changes his mind after Guan Fu hits him twice.
• Xu Shun decides not to write the novel anymore, understanding Guan Fu's desire for autonomy.

Character Developments

• Guan Fu: Shows his determination to control his own story, demonstrating strength and restraint.
• Xu Shun: Realizes the importance of respecting others' autonomy and the impact of his actions on others.

Significant Themes

• Autonomy and Control: Both Guan Fu and Xu Shun grapple with the idea of control over one's own story and life.
• Respect and Empathy: Xu Shun learns to empathize with Guan Fu and respect his wishes, understanding that he wouldn't want to be manipulated himself.

Character Interactions

• Guan Fu and Xu Shun: Their interaction is tense initially, with Guan Fu threatening and hitting Xu Shun. However, it leads to a mutual understanding and respect, with Xu Shun deciding not to write the novel anymore.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Guan Fu, a character from Xu Shun's novel, appears in reality, seeking freedom and acknowledging Xu Shun as the creator of the Jianghu.
• Xu Shun deletes the draft of his novel and decides not to continue writing it, choosing to respect Guan Fu's wish for freedom.
• Xu Shun posts an explanation for the hiatus to his readers, citing Guan Fu as the reason for stopping the story.
• Guan Fu visits Xu Shun and offers to help him with anything he needs, and they agree to become friends, with Guan Fu promising to share stories of the Jianghu.
• Xu Shun watches the sunset from his "Sunshine Room," gazing at the golden "City of Gold" and wondering about the lives of those who live there.

Character Developments

• Guan Fu: Evolves from anger and disappointment towards Xu Shun to acknowledging and respecting him as the creator of the Jianghu. He also becomes more accepting of his role as a character in a novel.
• Xu Shun: Realizes the significance of his novel and the Jianghu it represents. He decides to respect Guan Fu's wish for freedom and chooses not to continue writing the story, demonstrating a growth in empathy and understanding.

Significant Themes

• Freedom vs. Control: The struggle between Guan Fu's desire for freedom and Xu Shun's role as the creator and controller of his story.
• The Power of Creation: Xu Shun's realization of the impact his creation has on the world and the lives of those within it.
• The Jianghu: The world of chivalry and heroism that Xu Shun created, which comes to life and influences both Guan Fu and Xu Shun.

Character Interactions

• Guan Fu and Xu Shun: Their relationship evolves from one of conflict and misunderstanding to one of respect and friendship, as they come to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives.
• Xu Shun and the "City of Gold": Xu Shun's fascination with the "City of Gold" reflects his curiosity and longing for the world he created and the lives within it.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Xi Bian Mo, a cyborg, is reading a novel on his eye-screen when the author abruptly stops writing it due to mysterious reasons.
• Xi Bian Mo's partner, David Fuyi, is devastated to learn that his favorite singer, Lan Ling, is actually a woman.
• They receive a call from their manager, Pandit, who informs them about their poor attendance and the subsequent salary deduction.

Character Developments

• Xi Bian Mo: Shows frustration with the novel's abrupt ending and concern for his partner's well-being.
• David Fuyi: Displays obsession with Lan Ling's gender and naivety about the singer's true identity.
• Pandit: Demonstrates strictness and lack of empathy towards his subordinates' work conditions.

Significant Themes

• The impact of technology on society (cyborgs, AI, digital models).
• The importance of honesty and authenticity (Lan Ling's true gender, Pandit's lack of understanding).
• The struggle of artists and creators (the novel's abrupt ending).

Character Interactions

• Xi Bian Mo and David Fuyi: Show camaraderie and mutual understanding despite their differences.
• Xi Bian Mo and Pandit: Display a professional relationship with underlying tension due to Pandit's strict policies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The company orders Xi Bian Mo and David Fuyi to capture a Class 2 individual on Sunshine Avenue at the Peak of No Light, a location far from their jurisdiction, to increase profits.
• Xi Bian Mo hacks the company's attendance system to avoid clocking in.
• Xu Shun, a writer, reads negative comments on his discontinued story, including one from a user affiliated with a strange online society.

Character Developments

• Xi Bian Mo is shown to be skilled with electronics and has a laid-back attitude towards his job, prioritizing personal gains over company profits.
• David Fuyi is portrayed as reckless and carefree, spending money on electronic toys and suggesting they find a place to relax before their mission.
• Xu Shun is determined to continue writing to make a living, despite negative feedback, and decides to start a new Xianxia story.

Significant Themes

• Corporate Greed: The company's focus on profits and bonuses at the expense of employee well-being and proper business conduct is highlighted.
• Online Communities and Toxicity: The presence of strange online societies and their toxic behavior towards others is explored.
• Resilience and Perseverance: Xu Shun's decision to continue writing despite negative feedback shows his determination and resilience.

Character Interactions

• Xi Bian Mo and David Fuyi have a casual, almost familial dynamic, with Xi Bian Mo taking the lead and David Fuyi being more carefree and reckless.
• Xu Shun, as a writer, interacts with his readers through their comments, showing his determination to continue writing despite their negativity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Shun, disillusioned with Xianxia dramas' predictable romance, reflects on his past failed confession and the current state of relationships.
• He receives an unexpected visit from Jiu Bai, a representative of the Great Electronic Sound Temple, who claims Xu Shun is a "fated one" and must join the temple to become a Shramana protector.
• Xu Shun faints after Jiu Bai uses a low-frequency Buddhist sound impact, and Jiu Bai prepares to take him away.

Character Developments

• Xu Shun: Reflects on his past experiences with love and relationships, showing a degree of cynicism and disillusionment. He is initially bewildered and resistant to Jiu Bai's claims but ultimately faints before he can express his refusal.
• Jiu Bai: Introduced as a representative of the Great Electronic Sound Temple, he possesses Level 2 authority, which allows him to override Chang Le Mansion's security protocols. He is assertive and persistent in his mission to recruit Xu Shun.

Significant Themes

• Love and Relationships: Xu Shun's reflections on his past confession and the current state of relationships highlight the theme of love and its complexities in a world where people can have relationships with AI models.
• Authority and Power: Jiu Bai's possession of Level 2 authority allows him to override security protocols and take Xu Shun against his will, raising questions about the use and abuse of power.

Character Interactions

• Xu Shun and Jiu Bai: Their interaction is brief but tense, with Jiu Bai asserting his authority and Xu Shun initially resisting but ultimately unable to prevent his abduction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiu Bai, a Bhikkhu of Ma He Wen Company, captures Xu Shun, a second-class human (awakened Aberrant), and puts him in a special bag for transport.
• At Xu Shun's doorway, Jiu Bai encounters Xi Bian Mo and David Fuyi, who are there to capture Xu Shun for their company. They decide not to engage in a fight and let Jiu Bai leave.
• After Jiu Bai leaves, Xi Bian Mo and David Fuyi enter Xu Shun's house to gather evidence of their presence. David Fuyi hears laughter and feels a powerful fluctuation, indicating an altered human's ability eruption.
• They find Jiu Bai's body twisted and broken in the corridor, killed by an unknown force. Xu Shun emerges from the bag, suggesting he might be the culprit.

Character Developments

• Jiu Bai: Shows professionalism and strength as a Bhikkhu but is ultimately overpowered by Xu Shun.
• Xi Bian Mo and David Fuyi: Display caution and strategic thinking, choosing not to fight Jiu Bai to avoid unnecessary risks. David Fuyi demonstrates heightened perception, sensing Xu Shun's ability eruption.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for control and dominance between different companies and their agents, reflected in the encounter between Jiu Bai, Xi Bian Mo, and David Fuyi.
• The Unknown: The mysterious and powerful abilities of altered humans, represented by Xu Shun's sudden emergence and the destruction of Jiu Bai.

Character Interactions

• Jiu Bai vs. Xi Bian Mo and David Fuyi: They show mutual respect and understanding as working individuals, choosing not to engage in a fight.
• Xu Shun vs. Jiu Bai: Xu Shun's awakened ability overpowers Jiu Bai, leading to his death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An anti-theft door from Wang Lie Feng's past suddenly appears in his cave dwelling on the Barbaric Continent.
• The door opens by itself two days after Wang Lie Feng feels like he's been slapped twice.
• Wang Lie Feng enters the door and finds himself in a strange, futuristic world.
• He discovers Xu Shun, unconscious and in a bag, and learns that he, Wang Lie Feng, is a character in a novel written by Xu Shun.
• Wang Lie Feng kills the lightbulb man, Jiu Bai, and confronts Xu Shun.
• Xu Shun recognizes Wang Lie Feng as the protagonist of his novel and tries to reason with him.
• Wang Lie Feng pauses his attack when he senses danger, and Xu Shun reveals there are others looking for him.
• Wang Lie Feng asks Xu Shun if he was beaten two days ago, hinting at a connection between them.

Character Developments

• Wang Lie Feng: Initially puzzled and curious about the door, he becomes angry and frustrated when he realizes he can't kill Xu Shun due to an unknown connection.
• Xu Shun: Recognizes Wang Lie Feng and tries to reason with him, revealing that he knows about the others looking for him.
• Xi Bian Mo: Watches the scene warily, calculating his chances against Xu Shun, who he believes has an unknown powerful ability.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and awareness (Xu Shun recognizing Wang Lie Feng and understanding the situation).
• The consequences of one's actions (Wang Lie Feng's inability to kill Xu Shun due to his past actions).
• The struggle between old and new powers (Wang Lie Feng's barbaric world vs. Xu Shun and Xi Bian Mo's futuristic world).

Character Interactions

• Wang Lie Feng and Xu Shun: Wang Lie Feng initially intends to kill Xu Shun but pauses his attack due to an unknown danger.
• Wang Lie Feng and Jiu Bai: Wang Lie Feng kills Jiu Bai without hesitation.
• Xu Shun and Xi Bian Mo: Xi Bian Mo watches Xu Shun warily, calculating his chances against him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xi Bian Mo, the mission target, finds Xu Shun alive, changing his mission objective.
• Xi Bian Mo lies about being from Naiman Moore Express Company to avoid death.
• Wang Lie Feng, a character from the Great Electronic Sound Temple, attacks Xi Bian Mo but is stopped by Xu Shun.
• Xu Shun discovers that physical harm to himself affects Wang Lie Feng, giving him leverage.
• David Fuyi, another character, is found unconscious in Xu Shun's room.

Character Developments

• Xi Bian Mo: Initially aggressive, he becomes submissive when faced with death, revealing his survival instinct.
• Wang Lie Feng: Shows frustration and impulsiveness, but also fear of death, which Xu Shun exploits.
• Xu Shun: Demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability, using his understanding of his characters to control Wang Lie Feng.
• David Fuyi: Remains unconscious, indicating potential vulnerability or manipulation.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Xu Shun's discovery of his influence over his characters shifts the power balance.
• Survival Instinct: Xi Bian Mo's and Wang Lie Feng's actions highlight their desire to survive.
• Manipulation and Control: Xu Shun's use of his characters' fears and vulnerabilities to maintain control.

Character Interactions

• Xu Shun and Wang Lie Feng: Xu Shun asserts dominance over Wang Lie Feng, who initially resists but ultimately complies.
• Xu Shun and Xi Bian Mo: Xu Shun uses Xi Bian Mo's fear of death to extract information.
• Wang Lie Feng and Xi Bian Mo: Wang Lie Feng toys with Xi Bian Mo, venting his frustration.