Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu and Shi Lei inspect the Plain Fortress, a border fortress protecting the Great Zhou from potential Green Skin invasions.
• Zhou Xu considers the need to maintain the fortress's defenses despite the waning Green Skin threat, due to the proximity of the Copper Furnace Fortress and the uncertainty surrounding its ruler, Otto Copper Furnace.
• Shi Lei leaves abruptly to attend to military affairs, leaving Zhou Xu with a Personal Soldier.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates his strategic thinking and concern for the Great Zhou's borders, considering both internal and external threats.
• Shi Lei shows his dedication to his duties, even to the point of leaving Zhou Xu to attend to military affairs, highlighting his straightforward and blunt nature.

Significant Themes

• Defense and Strategy: Zhou Xu's contemplation on maintaining the fortress's defenses despite the reduced Green Skin threat highlights the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances.
• Trust and Delegation: Zhou Xu's trust in Shi Lei's abilities allows him to delegate tasks, showcasing the importance of trust in leadership and decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Shi Lei's interaction demonstrates their comfortable and trusting relationship, with Shi Lei's bluntness contrasting with Zhou Xu's more diplomatic approach.
• Zhou Xu's interaction with the Personal Soldier left behind by Shi Lei shows his awareness of the soldier's discomfort and his ability to read the room, despite his initial amusement at Shi Lei's departure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the State Religion's Grand Cathedral in Yuan City, New North District, which serves as an integrated municipal complex and a religious facility.
• Emperor Zhou Xu visits the cathedral for the first time, exploring its history and functions.
• The cathedral's stained-glass windows depict the historical events of Great Zhou, evoking emotional reflection in Zhou Xu.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu gains a new understanding of Kong Daqian's talent and his role in the development of the State Religion.
• Zhou Xu approves the expansion of the State Religion's influence through small chapels and their services.

Significant Themes

• Faith and Perseverance: The State Religion's cathedral serves as a symbol of faith that helps the people endure harsh living conditions.
• Integration of Religion and State: The State Religion's Grand Cathedral combines religious functions with practical services for the people.
• Propaganda and Ideology: The cathedral's worship services and 'Emperor's Gift' distributions aim to propagate patriotic ideology and increase loyalty.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu interacts with Kong Daqian, a key staff member of the State Religion, through memories of their past discussions.
• Zhou Xu approves the expansion of the State Religion's influence, demonstrating his support for its work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu, disguised, investigates Yuan City, finding it peaceful and united under the State Religion.
• Storytellers disseminate government decrees and news smoothly in taverns and tea houses.
• Zhou Xu and his group leave the New North District, passing through Shanguan City.
• They travel through improved roads towards Anling City, then Green Forest City, and finally Green Forest Port.
• Zhou Xu observes the start of railway track-laying connecting the New South District to the New North District.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates his investigative skills and understanding of the importance of infrastructure development (roads, railways).
• Shi Lei, Zhou Xu's Personal Soldier, shows loyalty and understanding of Zhou Xu's intentions.

Significant Themes

• Unity and peace under the State Religion.
• The importance of infrastructure (roads, railways) for development and defense.
• The challenges and priorities of regional development.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Shi Lei interact briefly, with Shi Lei understanding and agreeing with Zhou Xu's decisions without question.
• Zhou Xu's observations and decisions reflect his role as a leader and decision-maker, with minimal interaction with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu returns to the Imperial Palace after a journey by ship, eager to resume work.
• He convenes with Huo Qubing and Li Bowen in the Hall of Diligent Governance to discuss state affairs.
• Zhou Xu learns about the successful relocation of the Wood Elf tribe to Qingshui Mountain and the vacated basin forest.
• He decides to establish Qingshui Town in the basin forest to alleviate population pressure around Green Forest Port.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates his workaholic nature and dedication to his duties, showing no signs of fatigue after an hour of reports.
• Li Bowen shows competence in his role, remembering to report the Wood Elf relocation matter.

Significant Themes

• Urban Development: Zhou Xu's plans for Qingshui Town reflect his long-term vision for the empire's infrastructure and economy.
• Efficiency: The emperor's focus on streamlining processes and reducing waste, as seen in his decision to build Qingshui Town to alleviate commuting issues.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu interacts with Huo Qubing and Li Bowen, showing familiarity and trust in their work.
• Zhou Xu's decision-making process is shown, with Li Bowen providing relevant information and the emperor making strategic choices based on that input.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu visits the Firearm Research and Development Project Team on the second day of his return to the Imperial Palace.
• He overhears a heated argument between two researchers about the optimal length of a rifle barrel.
• Zhou Xu witnesses a demonstration of two different rifle prototypes, one with an excessively long barrel and another more balanced design.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates his practical understanding and leadership by assessing the rifles and providing clear guidance to the researchers.
• Qin Fen, the consultant, feels overwhelmed by the technical debates and wishes to resign but is unable to due to Zhou Xu's appointment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of balance and practicality in design and development, as seen in Zhou Xu's critique of the overly long barrel.
• The struggle between innovation and tradition, represented by the two researchers' differing views on rifle design.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu interacts with the researchers, providing feedback and guidance on their work.
• Qin Fen seeks help from Huo Qubing and Li Bowen to resign from his consultant position but is unable to due to Zhou Xu's involvement.
• The two researchers argue their points, ultimately deferring to Zhou Xu's judgment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu, the emperor, inspects a matchlock gun demonstration by a researcher.
• The researcher explains and demonstrates the loading and firing process of the matchlock gun.
• Zhou Xu tries the matchlock gun and hits the target, expressing satisfaction with its performance.
• Zhou Xu decides to halt Heavy Individual Crossbow production and shift resources to matchlock gun mass production.

Character Developments

• The researcher shows professionalism and humility in his demonstration and explanation of the matchlock gun.
• Zhou Xu demonstrates adaptability and open-mindedness in considering new military technology.

Significant Themes

• The transition from cold weapons to firearms, lowering the barrier to entry for soldiers.
• The importance of technological advancements in warfare.
• The emperor's role in decision-making and strategic planning.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu interacts with the researcher, asking questions and learning about the matchlock gun's operation and manufacturing.
• The researcher demonstrates respect and deference to Zhou Xu, addressing him as "Your Majesty" and patiently explaining the gun's mechanics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu decides to produce a batch of Matchlock Guns after halting Heavy Individual Crossbow production.
• Zhou Xu hands over M1891 Rifle blueprints to Qin Fen, making Qin Fen reconsider resigning.
• The Green Skins, led by Bloodthirsty, are cornered and plan a night attack on the allied forces.
• The allied forces, led by Baron and Li Ce, prepare countermeasures for the Green Skin night attack.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu shows strategic thinking by allocating resources for Matchlock Gun production and understanding the importance of practical testing.
• Qin Fen's interest in the M1891 Rifle blueprints makes him reconsider resigning from his technical consultant position.
• Bloodthirsty, now the Green Skin Emperor, feels desperate and makes the decision to launch a night attack.
• Baron, the Dwarf First Prince, has reached the Vajra Realm and becomes a formidable force in night operations.
• Li Ce demonstrates strategic planning by positioning the Great Zhou forces and deploying the Centaur mercenaries.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practical testing and actual use in discovering problems and improving technology.
• The desperation and strategic decisions made under pressure by both Bloodthirsty and Li Ce.
• The development of the allied forces' tactics and strategies, including the use of night operations and countermeasures.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Qin Fen discuss the M1891 Rifle blueprints and Qin Fen's role as a technical consultant.
• Bloodthirsty and Baron interact through their respective night operations strategies, with Baron's Vajra Realm cultivation posing a significant threat to the Green Skins.
• Li Ce interacts with Zhuo Ge, relaying orders for the Centaur troops' deployment during the Green Skin night attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Great Zhou's Undead Centaur and Wolf Cavalry charge into battle, led by Diak and Lex, respectively.
• The Holy Roland Empire's forces struggle against the Green Skins' strategy of hiding their Vajra Realm powerhouses to inflict maximum casualties on the coalition forces.
• Holy Roland I decides to prioritize converting Vajra Realm combatants into Undead but laments the lack of Green Skin Vajra Realm powerhouses to target.
• The Green Skins wait for the Holy Roland elite forces to suffer significant losses before launching a coordinated counterattack.

Character Developments

• Diak and Lex demonstrate their leadership and ferocity in battle.
• Holy Roland I shows envy of the Great Zhou's organized Undead forces and determination to deny the Green Skins any advantage.
• Li Ce maintains a supportive role, refusing to intervene further to help the Holy Roland army.
• Marshal Adolf recognizes the need to intervene but waits until the Green Skins' elite forces have suffered significant losses.

Significant Themes

• The strategic use of Undead forces and their advantages in battle.
• The Green Skins' desperate struggle for survival and their willingness to take more enemies down with them.
• The importance of high-end combat forces in turning the tide of battle.

Character Interactions

• Diak and Lex lead their respective cavalry forces in a coordinated charge.
• Holy Roland I and Marshal Adolf discuss strategy and decide to prioritize converting Vajra Realm combatants into Undead.
• Li Ce and Marshal Adolf have opposing views on intervention, with Li Ce refusing to help further and Marshal Adolf reluctantly intervening.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Green Skins' Vajra Realm experts scatter to find openings and take enemies down.
• Holy Roland I, despite his injuries, engages the enemy, killing one Vajra Realm Green Skin expert with ease.
• Yalveth, Queen of Mistila City, intercepts Holy Roland I, slowing him down.
• The battlefield matches up, with Great Zhou's forces engaging two peak Vajra Realm Green Skin experts.
• Holy Roland I laments that Great Zhou has gained more peak Vajra Realm corpses than his empire.

Character Developments

• Holy Roland I demonstrates his formidable strength, killing a Vajra Realm expert with a single strike.
• Yalveth shows her skill and determination, intercepting Holy Roland I.
• Xie Liancheng and Zhou Chongshan work together, engaging a peak Vajra Realm Bloodthirsty Great King.
• Lex, the Centaur chief, joins Great Zhou and faces the peak Vajra Realm Slaughter Great King.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in strength between realms (Vertical and Horizontal Realm vs. Vajra Realm).
• The strategic importance of high-end combat strength, as seen in the competition for peak Vajra Realm corpses.
• The preservation of reputation and prestige, as Holy Roland I maintains his dignity despite setbacks.

Character Interactions

• Holy Roland I and Yalveth have a brief, tense exchange.
• Xie Liancheng and Zhou Chongshan work together against a peak Vajra Realm expert.
• Lex joins forces with Great Zhou, facing another peak Vajra Realm expert.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Holy Roland I joins the battle, killing two Vajra Realm Green Skins.
• He faces internal injuries from previous battles, which are exacerbated by his actions.
• The Bloodthirsty Great King and Slaughter Great King fight against Holy Roland Empire's forces.
• The Blood Hand Great King, now a Vajra Realm Undead, joins the battle, targeting the Slaughter Great King.
• The Slaughter Great King is defeated, and the Blood Hand turns his attention to the Bloodthirsty Great King.
• Holy Roland I retreats from the battlefield, leaving the final stages of the war to his allies.

Character Developments

• Holy Roland I demonstrates his strength and speed, but also shows vulnerability due to his injuries.
• The Blood Hand Great King reveals his new form as a Vajra Realm Undead and seeks revenge on his archenemy, the Bloodthirsty Great King.
• Xie Liancheng and Zhou Chongshan face challenges against the Bloodthirsty Great King but hold their ground.
• Lex, a Silver three-star Martial Artist, struggles against the Slaughter Great King but ultimately contributes to his defeat.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of Holy Roland I's actions on his health.
• The power dynamics between the Holy Roland Empire and the Green Skin forces.
• The transformation of the Blood Hand Great King into an Undead and his impact on the battlefield.
• The importance of teamwork and strategic planning in warfare.

Character Interactions

• Holy Roland I and the Green Skin forces (he kills two Vajra Realm Green Skins).
• Holy Roland I and Marshal Adolf (he delegates the rest of the battle to Adolf).
• The Blood Hand Great King and the Slaughter Great King (the Blood Hand kills the Slaughter Great King).
• The Blood Hand Great King and the Bloodthirsty Great King (they engage in a fierce battle).
• Xie Liancheng, Zhou Chongshan, and Lex (they work together to besiege the Bloodthirsty Great King).

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle between top-tier combatants ends swiftly, but the Green Skin army's lack of reaction doesn't hinder their advance due to their single-minded nature.
• The allied forces' advantage from winning the top-tier duel is negated by the Green Skins' night vision and determination to fight to the death.
• The Smith Republic's troops are heavily depleted, while Great Zhou and the Female Warrior Tribe hold their ground but are not actively pushing forward.
• The Dwarf troops, led by the First Prince Baron, step in to stabilize the situation but face immense pressure due to the Green Skins' overwhelming numbers.
• The Holy Roland army suffers heavy casualties, and the generals consider retreating, but Marshal Adolf points out the impossibility due to the nighttime setting.

Character Developments

• The Green Skin army demonstrates resilience and determination, fighting despite heavy losses and the defeat of their top-tier combatants.
• The First Prince Baron shows bravery and determination, rallying the Dwarf troops to hold back the Green Skin advance.
• Marshal Adolf displays pragmatic thinking, prioritizing the army's survival over face-saving measures.

Significant Themes

• The impact of night vision on the battlefield, highlighting the Green Skins' advantage.
• The resilience and determination of both armies, leading to heavy casualties and a stalemate.
• The importance of strategic retreat and the difficulty of retreating in certain situations.

Character Interactions

• The Dwarf troops and the Holy Roland army work together to hold the line but face immense pressure from the Green Skin army.
• The Female Warrior Tribe supports Great Zhou's troops, acting as guards and providing cover.
• Marshal Adolf and the Holy Roland generals discuss the possibility of retreat, with Marshal Adolf pointing out the impossibility due to the nighttime setting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Marshal Adolf discovers that Great Zhou's Undead forces are absorbing Undead Energy from the battlefield to maintain their strength, challenging the conventional understanding of Undead units.
• The Undead forces fight through the night and into the next day, continuously absorbing and consuming Undead Energy, leading to strength improvements for some officers.
• The Green Skin troops retreat at dawn, scattering in all directions, making pursuit difficult. Peter's Rakshasa Republican Party forces decide to withdraw from further mopping-up operations.

Character Developments

• Marshal Adolf: Realizes the true potential of Great Zhou's Undead forces and their ability to create a self-sustaining energy cycle, elevating their value.
• Peter: Recognizes the rise of Great Zhou and decides to withdraw his forces to focus on the alliance with Great Zhou, rather than competing with Fisher for the Holy Roland Empire's favor.

Significant Themes

• The 'undying' nature of Undead units is explored, revealing their ability to absorb energy from the battlefield, challenging previous perceptions.
• Strategic alliances and political maneuvering are highlighted, with Peter shifting his focus from the Holy Roland Empire to Great Zhou.

Character Interactions

• Marshal Adolf tests his theory about Undead energy absorption on his officers, leading to strength improvements.
• Peter interacts with other representatives at the post-battle meeting, announcing his decision to withdraw his forces and offering diplomatic excuses for his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author wakes up in the middle of the night due to persistent coughing, which has been ongoing for nearly half a month.
• The coughing worsens, keeping the author awake all night.
• The next day, the author feels unwell with a headache, loss of appetite, and nausea. They manage to eat only a cucumber and a pear.
• The author wakes up again in the middle of the night with a cold, ice-cold hands and feet, and an unbearable headache.
• The author decides to take two days off to rest, acknowledging the seriousness of their condition.

Character Developments

• The author's health deteriorates, indicating a worsening illness.
• The author demonstrates self-awareness and responsibility by recognizing the severity of their condition and taking time off to recover.

Significant Themes

• Health and Illness: The chapter revolves around the author's declining health, highlighting the theme of illness and its impact on daily life.
• Responsibility: The author takes responsibility for their health by taking time off to recover, showing a sense of duty towards their well-being.

Character Interactions

• The author does not interact with any other characters in this chapter, as it is a personal notice about their health.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Peter, leader of the Rakshasa Republican Party, decides to leave the allied forces due to heavy losses and the promise of aid from Great Zhou and the Holy Roland Empire.
• Fisher, leader of the Smith Party, also decides to leave the allied forces, fearing that Peter might take advantage of his absence to seize his territory.
• Marshal Adolf of the Holy Roland Empire attempts to buy the Vajra Realm Green Skin corpse from the Female Warrior Tribe but is informed that it has already been given to Great Zhou.
• Yalveth, Queen of the Female Warrior Tribe, reveals that Great Zhou has agreed to help her tribe transform their warriors into Undead, despite knowing that these Undead will obey Great Zhou's commands.

Character Developments

• Peter shows decisiveness and relief in leaving the allied forces, indicating a change in his strategic thinking.
• Fisher displays a mix of relief and concern when Peter leaves, showing his competitive nature and desire to protect his interests.
• Marshal Adolf demonstrates his cunning by trying to sow discord between Great Zhou and the Female Warrior Tribe, but Yalveth remains indifferent.

Significant Themes

• The theme of strategic alliances and their fragility is explored as Peter and Fisher leave the allied forces for their own reasons.
• The theme of resource acquisition and control is highlighted as Marshal Adolf tries to buy the Vajra Realm Green Skin corpse.
• The theme of power dynamics is shown in Yalveth's indifference to Marshal Adolf's attempts to sow discord, indicating her confidence in her alliance with Great Zhou.

Character Interactions

• Peter and Fisher's interaction shows a shift in their relationship, from Peter clinging to Fisher to both leaders leaving the allied forces for their own reasons.
• Marshal Adolf's interaction with Yalveth reveals the tense relationship between the Holy Roland Empire and the Female Warrior Tribe, as well as Yalveth's indifference to Marshal Adolf's attempts to sow discord.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Female Warrior Tribe, tempted by the Undead's strength, starts converting their fallen warriors with Yalveth's lead and Li Ce's approval.
• Marshal Adolf, after failing to secure the Female Warrior Tribe's corpses, arrives at the Dwarf camp but finds Baron absent.
• Baron, aware of Marshal Adolf's visit, leaves instructions and meets him later, avoiding any potential conflict.

Character Developments

• Yalveth: Becomes more determined to convert her tribe's fallen warriors into Undead.
• Marshal Adolf: Realizes the potential isolation of the Holy Roland Empire in future conflicts and seeks to maintain good relations with the Dwarves.
• Baron: Demonstrates diplomatic acumen by handling Marshal Adolf's visit tactfully and maintaining a neutral stance between the Holy Roland Empire and Great Zhou.

Significant Themes

• Alliance dynamics and potential future conflicts among the factions.
• The strategic importance of the Undead conversion process and its impact on the war's balance of power.

Character Interactions

• Yalveth and Li Ce: Yalveth convinces Li Ce to allow the conversion of the Female Warrior Tribe's fallen warriors into Undead.
• Marshal Adolf and Baron: Baron skillfully handles Marshal Adolf's visit, maintaining a neutral stance between the Holy Roland Empire and Great Zhou, and avoiding potential diplomatic issues.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Baron visits Great Zhou's camp to investigate the Undead troops.
• Baron agrees to trade captured corpses equally between Great Zhou and the Holy Roland Empire.
• News reaches Black Moon City about Baron's neutrality, Li Ce's Undead troops' progress, and the Centaur tribe's surrender to Great Zhou.

Character Developments

• Baron demonstrates maturity and rationality in his political decisions.
• Zhou Xu shows strategic thinking and trust in Li Ce's judgment.
• Lex leads the Centaur tribe to surrender to Great Zhou, showing courage and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• The value and ethics of using Undead troops in warfare.
• The importance of diplomatic relations and alliances in political strategy.
• The challenges and opportunities of cultural exchange and integration (seen through the Centaur tribe's perspective).

Character Interactions

• Baron and Marshal Adolf discuss spoils of war, with Baron maintaining neutrality.
• Zhou Xu reads Li Ce's report, appreciating Li Ce's strategic insights and the progress of the Undead troops.
• The Centaur tribe interacts with Great Zhou soldiers, experiencing their culture and hospitality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Centaurs, after two days of rest, are led to the train station behind the fortress.
• They explore a nearby marketplace, set up for the Female Warrior Tribe, where they encounter Human vendors for the first time without hostility.
• The Centaurs are overwhelmed by the vendors' enthusiasm and receive free gifts, including chili powder, tea leaves, white sugar, and flatbreads.
• They witness the arrival of a train, a Steel Beast, which they will take for the rest of their journey.

Character Developments

• The Centaurs, particularly the young ones, experience cultural shock and learn about Human interaction beyond wariness and fear.
• The vendors, particularly the chili powder seller, show genuine warmth and enthusiasm towards the newcomers.

Significant Themes

• Cultural Exchange: The Centaurs encounter a different side of Human culture, challenging their preconceived notions.
• Hospitality vs. Wariness: The vendors' warm welcome contrasts with the Centaurs' previous experiences with Humans.

Character Interactions

• The young Centaur leading the group interacts with the chili powder vendor, experiencing a new kind of Human interaction.
• The Centaur Soldiers from Great Zhou intervene, facilitating the interaction between the Centaurs and the vendors.
• The vendors enthusiastically interact with the Centaurs, treating them as honored guests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Centaurs witness a steam train for the first time, comparing it to the Holy Roland Empire of the past.
• The train carries supplies for the Northeast Fortress and transports the centaurs to their destination.
• During the three-day journey, centaurs experience the impact of modern technology, with the train's speed shattering their worldview.
• Upon arrival at Grassland City, they are to proceed to Wild Horse City without a city tour.

Character Developments

• Centaurs: Initially dumbfounded and awestruck by the train, they gradually adapt to the experience, finding it boring after the initial shock. They also enjoy the food provided during the journey, which boosts their spirits.
• Great Zhou Soldier: Shows kindness and patience in guiding the centaurs, laughing genuinely at their reactions and ensuring they are comfortable.

Significant Themes

• Impact of technology and modernization on traditional cultures (centaurs' worldview is shattered by the train).
• Efficiency and speed of modern transportation (train journey vs. cavalry unit's forced march).
• Hospitality and kindness (Great Zhou Soldier's treatment of centaurs).

Character Interactions

• Centaurs interact with each other, sharing their amazement and discussing the train's speed.
• A young centaur asks the Great Zhou Soldier if he can eat the provided flatbread, showing his initial hesitation and embarrassment, but later enjoys it wholeheartedly.
• The Great Zhou Soldier laughs kindly at the young centaur's reaction to the flatbread and ensures the centaurs are comfortable during the journey.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Centaurs, after disembarking from the train, enjoy galloping across the grasslands.
• They encounter a flock of sheep and learn about Great Zhou's working dogs, which protect the sheep instead of attacking them.
• The group then sees a pack of wolves, led by the white wolf Bai Ling, which are part of the 'Wolf Pack Patrol Team' working for Great Zhou.

Character Developments

• The Centaurs, though excited by the grasslands, show restraint and follow the Great Zhou soldiers' instructions.
• Bai Ling, the white wolf, is introduced as the Wolf King and leader of the 'Wolf Pack Patrol Team'.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the Centaurs' nomadic hunting lifestyle and Great Zhou's domestication and control of animals.
• The establishment and benefits of the 'Wolf Pack Patrol Team' as a symbol of Great Zhou's power and control.

Character Interactions

• The Centaurs interact with the Great Zhou soldiers, learning about their culture and practices.
• The Centaurs observe the working dogs and wolves, marveling at the unusual behavior of the working dogs and the organization of the wolf pack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Centaurs arrive at Wild Horse City, where they are welcomed by a tribal elder.
• They proceed to the State Religion center to register their identities, causing a sudden influx of people that the local population registration clerks struggle to handle.
• The next day, Zhou Xu receives a report about the successful registration of the Centaurs and reviews their talents.

Character Developments

• The Centaurs show excitement and relief upon returning to their tribal lands.
• Zhou Xu demonstrates his understanding of the Centaurs' situation and the importance of their talents.

Significant Themes

• The importance of identity registration and documentation in the society.
• The value of talents and their potential in strengthening the military.

Character Interactions

• The Centaur elder from Wild Horse City welcomes the arriving Centaurs, expressing excitement and relief.
• The population registration clerks, Lee and Brother Wang, initially struggle with the sudden influx of Centaurs but eventually manage to complete their registration with assistance.
• Zhou Xu reviews the talents of the registered Centaurs, appreciating their potential.