Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu discovers two top-tier, five-star Talents in the Smith Republic: Wei Qing and Grey Ant (later renamed Joan).
• Zhou Xu arranges for Joan to attend school and become a follower, changing her name to Joan.
• Zhou Xu travels to the Smith Republic for the United Nations conference, meeting with Fisher, Peter, and Consul Nalga.
• Nalga invites Zhou Xu for a banquet to discuss cooperation and gauge his intentions regarding the United Nations.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates his strategic thinking and political acumen in dealing with Nalga.
• Nalga shows his cunning and diplomatic skills in trying to form an alliance with Zhou Xu.

Significant Themes

• Alliance formation and political maneuvering among nations.
• The importance of Talents and their strategic value.
• The power dynamics between different factions within the Smith Republic.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Nalga engage in a subtle power play, each trying to read the other's intentions.
• Zhou Xu, Yalveth, Fisher, Peter, and Nalga attend a banquet together, discussing potential alliances and the upcoming United Nations conference.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalga, the Smith Republic's leader, reveals his understanding of maintaining balance in the United Nations for long-term peace.
• Zhou Xu and Nalga agree to stand together against Great Zhou in the upcoming United Nations meeting.
• Zhou Xu reassures Peter and Fisher that their trade cooperation remains unaffected by the United Nations stance.
• Zhou Xu and Nalga discuss governance, with Zhou Xu impressing Nalga with his insights.

Character Developments

• Nalga shows his political acumen and willingness to play both sides to maintain balance and his country's interests.
• Zhou Xu demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of international relations.
• Peter and Fisher show their concern for their trade cooperation with Great Zhou.

Significant Themes

• Balance of power: Nalga emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance among the United Nations members to prevent any one nation from becoming too powerful.
• Diplomacy and deception: Both Nalga and Zhou Xu engage in diplomatic discussions while potentially harboring hidden agendas.
• Trade and cooperation: Peter and Fisher's focus on their trade cooperation with Great Zhou highlights the importance of economic ties in international relations.

Character Interactions

• Nalga and Zhou Xu: They engage in a diplomatic dance, testing each other's intentions and reaching an understanding about their stances in the United Nations.
• Zhou Xu and Yalveth: Zhou Xu shares his thoughts on the situation with Yalveth, revealing his strategic thinking and reassuring her about the potential outcomes.
• Peter and Fisher: Their concern for their trade cooperation with Great Zhou shows their shared interest in maintaining that relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu plans to go into seclusion but is visited by Peter and Fisher.
• Peter seeks assurance about Great Zhou's stance within the United Nations.
• Zhou Xu reveals the development of a Matchlock Gun prototype, but admits it's not yet stable.
• Peter requests more Individual Crossbows, and Zhou Xu discusses the issue of children in the immigration batch.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu maintains his composure and calmness while dealing with Peter's concerns.
• Peter shows desperation and ingratiation, willing to set aside his dignity to secure more Individual Crossbows.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Zhou Xu and Peter, with Zhou Xu holding the upper hand due to his magical abilities.
• The importance of labor and the distinction between adult and child labor.
• The long-term perspective of Zhou Xu's decisions, considering future benefits rather than immediate gains.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Peter: Zhou Xu maintains a calm and collected demeanor, while Peter shows desperation and ingratiation, trying to secure more Individual Crossbows.
• Zhou Xu's mention of the children in the immigration batch serves as a reminder of his long-term perspective and a subtle warning to Peter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu, the Great Zhou Emperor, sells another batch of Individual Crossbows to Peter, the Rakshasa Republican Party's Councilor, at the same price, strengthening their Crossbow Soldier Units.
• Fisher, the Smith Republic's Councilor, arrives and expresses concern about the growing power of the Rakshasa Republican Party's Crossbow Soldier Units.
• Zhou Xu reveals that he sold the crossbows to Peter in exchange for slaves, which Fisher also plans to use as a bargaining chip.
• The United Nations conference begins with representatives from the Smith Republic, Great Zhou, Holy Roland Empire, and Copper Furnace Fortress in attendance.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates his strategic thinking and business acumen by selling to the highest bidder and not favoring Fisher, despite Fisher's initial attempt to secure preferential treatment.
• Fisher shows his ambition and willingness to compete with Peter, planning to use slaves and resources to outbid him in the next auction.
• Peter is portrayed as decisive and willing to invest in the Rakshasa Republican Party's military strength.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances between nations.
• The value of resources and labor in political and economic transactions.
• The consequences of ambition and competition among leaders.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu interacts with Fisher and Peter, selling them Individual Crossbows and discussing terms.
• Fisher interacts with Zhou Xu, probing about his deal with Peter and expressing concern about the Rakshasa Republican Party's growing power.
• Nalga, the Smith Republic's representative, chairs the United Nations conference, marking the beginning of official diplomatic interactions among the nations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The United Nations conference aims to finalize various agreements.
• Holy Roland I presents a pre-drafted document with fair, self-serving, and contentious terms.
• The conference ends with a vote; Baron, the King of Copper Furnace Fortress, holds the deciding vote.
• The conference lasts seven days, with each faction having numerous ideas, leading to disputes and delays.
• The final United Nations Agreement is confirmed, with 14 articles, including military action restrictions, embassy establishment, and the possibility of adding new articles.

Character Developments

• Holy Roland I reveals his desire for power and control within the United Nations, aiming to establish a one-man rule.
• Zhou Xu maintains a peaceful stance, preferring development over war, and keeps his intentions hidden.
• Baron, though new to his role, maintains Copper Furnace Fortress's neutrality, voting once for each side to avoid taking a clear stance.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances within the United Nations.
• The importance of development over immediate conflict.
• The struggle between maintaining neutrality and choosing sides.

Character Interactions

• Holy Roland I and Zhou Xu have opposing views on the United Nations' purpose, leading to tension but no direct confrontation.
• Baron's decision-making process is influenced by the pressure from Holy Roland I and the desire to maintain neutrality.
• Nalga, Fisher, and Peter of the Smith Republic maintain a close alliance with the Holy Roland Empire, while Copper Furnace Fortress remains neutral.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu returns to Black Moon City after a month, finding minimal work accumulated due to the absence of major events.
• The second railway project in the southern region has begun.
• A new batch of twenty thousand immigrants is expected to arrive, with fewer underage children due to Zhou Xu's intervention.
• Zhou Xu considers the development of Great Zhou's mountainous regions, planning to send laborers to build mountain roads and establish self-sufficient resource systems.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates his strategic thinking and long-term planning, focusing on sustainable development and self-sufficiency.
• Song Jinyu, the Minister of Finance, shows understanding and support for Zhou Xu's plans, indicating adaptability and trust in the emperor's decisions.

Significant Themes

• Sustainable development and long-term planning.
• Self-sufficiency and resource management.
• The impact of immigration on a country's population and society.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu consults with relevant departments to discuss the development of the mountainous regions, showing collaborative leadership.
• Song Jinyu and Zhou Xu interact, displaying mutual understanding and support for each other's decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu discusses setting up branch schools in mountainous regions with Kong Daqian and the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education.
• Zhou Xu decides not to relocate mountain residents due to their small scale and the existing construction.
• The Population Registration Bureau registers a batch of over twenty thousand people, with only two being three-star individuals.
• Wang Dong, the Minister of Education, breaks through to become an Extraordinary Mage due to his continuous work and the use of True Word Spells.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu: Shows strategic thinking in deciding not to relocate mountain residents and in categorizing True Word Masters into Combat and Functional types.
• Wang Dong: Breaks through to become an Extraordinary Mage due to his continuous work and use of True Word Spells, but lacks compatibility with combat-focused True Words.

Significant Themes

• Education and Development: The importance of education, especially ideological education, in developing remote regions like the mountainous areas.
• Categorization of True Word Masters: Zhou Xu's new discovery and categorization of True Word Masters into Combat and Functional types based on their abilities and compatibility with True Words.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Kong Daqian/Deputy Minister: Discuss educational plans for mountainous regions.
• Zhou Xu and Wang Dong: Zhou Xu considers Wang Dong's new role as an Extraordinary Mage and his lack of compatibility with combat-focused True Words.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The story begins with the arrival of spring in Black Moon City, which is known for its prolonged rainy season.
• King Zhou Xu of the Great Zhou is planning the establishment of embassies in other nations following the United Nations conference.
• He meets with Li Bowen, his minister, to discuss suitable locations for the embassies, emphasizing the need to balance secrecy and courtesy.
• Zhou Xu later meets with Ye Jinghong, the head of the Investigative Department, to discuss the deployment of spies under the guise of diplomatic relations.
• The chapter ends with Zhou Xu discussing the phase-out of crossbows in the military and the sale of the remaining individual crossbows to the Rakshasa Republican Party.

Character Developments

• King Zhou Xu: He is shown to be a meticulous and strategic ruler, carefully planning diplomatic moves and military upgrades. He is also aware of the importance of maintaining secrecy and timing his revelations wisely.
• Li Bowen: As the minister, he demonstrates his competence by presenting well-considered locations for the embassies, showing his understanding of the delicate balance required in such matters.
• Ye Jinghong: As the head of the Investigative Department, he shows confidence and capability in handling the spy deployment, indicating that he has been preparing for this for a long time.
• Qin Fen: Initially shown to be disinterested in his work, he perks up immediately when Zhou Xu mentions the Steam Warship development project, indicating his passion and dedication to this particular area.

Significant Themes

• Diplomacy and Espionage: The chapter highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy and espionage, with embassies serving as both diplomatic outposts and potential spy bases.
• Military Upgrades and Secrecy: Zhou Xu's focus on upgrading the military's weaponry and maintaining secrecy about these upgrades underscores the importance of military strength and strategic timing in geopolitics.
• Trust and Delegation: Zhou Xu's trust in his ministers, as seen in his discussions with Li Bowen and Ye Jinghong, shows the importance of delegation and competent subordinates in effective governance.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Li Bowen: Their interaction shows a smooth working relationship, with Li Bowen presenting well-thought-out plans and Zhou Xu making decisions based on his minister's recommendations.
• Zhou Xu and Ye Jinghong: Their interaction is brief but efficient, with Ye Jinghong showing confidence in his preparations and Zhou Xu expressing his satisfaction and giving clear instructions.
• Zhou Xu and Qin Fen: Their interaction is playful yet effective, with Zhou Xu using Qin Fen's enthusiasm for the Steam Warship project to motivate him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen, now more at ease in his work, understands Zhou Xu's desire to develop Steam Warships, influenced by international politics and Great Zhou's domestic situation.
• Zhou Xu reveals his intention to explore overseas while developing Steam Warships, using it as an opportunity to find his lost belongings.
• Zhou Xu tasks Qin Fen with developing cannons for the Steam Warships, knowing Qin Fen can't refuse.
• Fisher successfully bids for eight hundred Individual Crossbows and ten thousand Slaves, further expanding his Crossbow Soldier Unit.
• Peter, frustrated by Fisher's growing power and the devaluation of Slaves, writes to Zhou Xu for help.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen becomes more comfortable in his role, understanding Zhou Xu's magnanimity.
• Zhou Xu shows strategic thinking, using Steam Warship development as a cover for his personal search.
• Fisher demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in expanding his Crossbow Soldier Unit.
• Peter shows desperation, seeking Zhou Xu's favor as his situation worsens.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle between Fisher and Peter reflects the shifting power dynamics in their political landscape.
• Technological Advancement: The development of Steam Warships and cannons highlights the progress of technology and its impact on warfare.
• International Relations: The formation of the United Nations and the focus on internal development rather than open war emphasize the importance of diplomatic relations.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and Zhou Xu: Qin Fen's understanding of Zhou Xu's character leads to a more relaxed work dynamic between them.
• Fisher and Peter: The rivalry between Fisher and Peter intensifies, with Fisher gaining the upper hand in their power struggle.
• Zhou Xu and Peter: Zhou Xu's manipulation of Peter's desperation sets the stage for potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu offers Peter Three-bow Ballistas and City Defense Crossbows due to their previous transactions, as Individual Crossbows are out of stock.
• Peter and Gilt decide to purchase both, focusing on defense first with City Defense Crossbows and planning for a potential counterattack with Three-bow Ballistas.
• Zhou Xu hints at the devaluation of labor, implying that more labor will be needed for future trades, indirectly pressuring Peter to shift focus to resources.

Character Developments

• Peter shows strategic thinking and adaptability, understanding the shift in power dynamics and the need to adjust his approach.
• Gilt demonstrates resolute determination, prioritizing the Rakshasa Republican Party's survival and long-term endurance within the Smith Republic.
• Zhou Xu exhibits cunning and long-term planning, using the devaluation of labor to encourage Peter to switch to resource-based trades.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The balance of power shifts as Fisher's actions devalue labor, affecting Peter's trading strategies.
• Adaptability: Characters must adapt to changing circumstances, such as Peter's shift in focus from labor to resources.
• Resource Management: The importance of resources as a hard currency is emphasized, with copper and iron being particularly valuable.

Character Interactions

• Peter and Gilt work together, with Gilt providing military insight and Peter making the final decision on purchases.
• Zhou Xu and Peter maintain a cordial business relationship, with Zhou Xu subtly manipulating the trade dynamics.
• The arrival of diplomatic delegations from the Female Warrior Tribe and Copper Furnace Fortress hints at potential future interactions and alliances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wojin, the Dwarf Prince and King Baron's brother, arrives in Great Zhou as a diplomat, potentially serving as a hostage to reassure Great Zhou of Copper Furnace Fortress's neutrality.
• The Smith Republic and the Holy Roland Empire send diplomatic delegations to Great Zhou, with their members experiencing culture shock upon seeing Great Zhou's steam trains.
• The Imperial Palace hosts banquets for each arriving diplomatic delegation, totaling four within a few months.

Character Developments

• King Zhou Xu: Recognizes Baron's strategic move in sending Wojin to Great Zhou and develops a higher opinion of Baron.
• Baron (King of Copper Furnace Fortress): Demonstrates political acumen by using Wojin as a diplomatic tool to reassure Great Zhou.
• Wojin (Dwarf Prince): Arrives in Great Zhou, potentially marking a shift in his political stance or role.

Significant Themes

• Diplomacy and international relations: The arrival of diplomatic delegations highlights the importance of diplomatic relations and the use of diplomatic tools (like Wojin) to maintain balance and reassure allies.
• Culture shock and technological advancement: The reaction of foreign delegations to Great Zhou's steam trains underscores the impact of technological advancements on perception and power dynamics.

Character Interactions

• King Zhou Xu and Huo Qubing: The King consults with his minister, Huo Qubing, about the implications of Wojin's arrival, demonstrating their working relationship.
• Various diplomatic delegations and Great Zhou: The interactions between the delegations and Great Zhou officials reflect the dynamics of international relations and the awe-inspiring power of Great Zhou's technology.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the increased night patrols in the Great Zhou due to the influx of foreign populations and embassies.
• A guard captain notices a suspicious dark-skinned figure outside a courtyard wall and, with his exceptional night vision, leads his team to apprehend the person, who turns out to be a representative from the Smith Republic.
• The guards beat the representative, and the incident is witnessed by surveillance personnel from the Investigative Department.

Character Developments

• The guard captain demonstrates his exceptional night vision and leadership skills, earning respect from his team and potential notice from the Investigative Department.
• The representative from the Smith Republic is shown to be involved in suspicious activities and is later beaten by the guards.

Significant Themes

• The theme of foreign influence and its impact on local security and order is introduced.
• The importance of vigilance and surveillance, especially at night, is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• The guard captain and his team work together to apprehend the suspicious figure, showing camaraderie and trust in their captain's abilities.
• The representative from the Smith Republic and the guard captain interact, with the captain initially unaware of the representative's identity and the representative putting on a grand act upon arrival at the hospital.
• The surveillance personnel from the Investigative Department observe the incident, discussing the guard captain's potential as a talent for surveillance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Smith Republic's diplomats repeatedly intrude into Great Zhou's restricted areas, leading to a confrontation with guards.
• Zhou Xu, the leader of Great Zhou, discusses the incident with Ye Jinghong, his chief of intelligence.
• A guard captain, who has exceptional night vision due to Zhou Xu's 'Evolutionary Leader' Talent, is recommended for transfer to the Investigative Department.
• Zhou Xu asks about the Holy Roland Empire's embassy, suspecting they might be planning something covertly.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu shows his leadership and strategic thinking, prioritizing Great Zhou's interests and being cautious about potential threats.
• Ye Jinghong demonstrates his loyalty, honesty, and competence in handling intelligence matters.
• The guard captain shows potential and is recognized for his unique ability.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: Zhou Xu's 'Evolutionary Leader' Talent benefits those who are loyal to him, highlighting the importance of loyalty in his governance.
• Vigilance: Zhou Xu and Ye Jinghong remain cautious about potential threats, even when the situation seems calm.
• Talent recognition: Zhou Xu values and recognizes talent, as seen in his decision to transfer the guard captain to the Investigative Department.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Ye Jinghong: They have a close working relationship, with Ye Jinghong reporting directly to Zhou Xu and seeking his permission for personnel transfers.
• Zhou Xu and the guard captain: Zhou Xu indirectly acknowledges the guard captain's talent and potential, approving his transfer to the Investigative Department.
• Zhou Xu and the Smith Republic's diplomats: Zhou Xu is annoyed by their repeated intrusions but doesn't overreact, showing confidence in Great Zhou's strength and position.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu suspects the Holy Roland Empire of espionage due to their silence.
• Zhou Xu releases news of Great Zhou's arms trade with the Smith Republic to gauge interest from other allied nations.
• Zhou Xu receives the Female Warrior Tribe's Enchanted Weapon, the Blazing Blade (Imitation), for research.
• Zhou Xu absorbs the Enchantment True Word from the Blazing Blade and begins to study it.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu remains vigilant about potential espionage, showing his strategic thinking and caution.
• Zhou Xu demonstrates his determination to advance Great Zhou's technology, even in the face of potential threats from other nations.
• Zhou Xu's absorption and study of the Enchantment True Word indicate his continuous pursuit of knowledge and power.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and Trust: Zhou Xu's suspicion of the Holy Roland Empire contrasts with his trust in the Female Warrior Tribe, highlighting the importance of trust in alliances.
• Power and Development: Zhou Xu's focus on advancing Great Zhou's technology and military strength underscores the theme of power and development in the context of international relations.
• Knowledge and Growth: Zhou Xu's absorption and study of the Enchantment True Word emphasize the importance of knowledge and continuous learning for personal growth and national advancement.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu's interaction with his Personal Soldier shows his focus and determination, as he immediately goes to study the Blazing Blade after his nap.
• Zhou Xu's thoughts about the Holy Roland Empire and the Female Warrior Tribe highlight the complex dynamics of his alliances and suspicions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu, after a long period of meditation and recovery, is in peak condition and begins studying a new Enchantment True Word, 'Blazing Blade'.
• A shipment of matchlock guns, sent by Zhou Xu, arrives at Volcano Island, the furthest territory of Great Zhou from the capital.
• The Great Zhou Navy, led by White Butcher, begins intensive training with the matchlock guns, aiming to expand overseas once they master their use.
• His Majesty orders the conversion of all crossbow soldier units into firearm units and intensifies their training for reconnaissance missions.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu: Shows significant progress in his research of True Words, demonstrating efficiency and expertise in analyzing 'Blazing Blade', which shares underlying code with his 'Flame Attack'.
• Lin Youshu: Rises from a private to the adjutant of the Volcano Island Military Commander, White Butcher, and is promoted to Lieutenant.
• White Butcher: Becomes excited about the prospect of Great Zhou's overseas expansion, leading his troops in intense matchlock gun training.

Significant Themes

• Preparation for War: The matchlock guns' arrival and the subsequent training indicate Great Zhou's preparation for overseas expansion.
• Technological Advancement: The introduction of matchlock guns signifies a shift in weaponry, reflecting the characters' adaptability to new technology.
• Patience and Endurance: White Butcher's patience in waiting for the right moment to expand overseas highlights the theme of enduring for a greater purpose.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu's research on 'Blazing Blade' is mentioned but not explicitly shown in interaction with other characters.
• Lin Youshu interacts with White Butcher, assisting in the delivery and inventory of the matchlock guns.
• White Butcher interacts with his troops, overseeing their training and expressing his excitement about the upcoming expansion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Great Zhou Navy, led by White Butcher, begins a maritime exploration mission, starting with a one-month exploration around Volcano Island.
• The Smith Republic's envoy is severely beaten in Great Zhou, leading to diplomatic tension.
• Great Zhou sends military equipment to the Rakshasa Republican Party, provoking the Smith Republic.
• Fisher, the Smith Republic's leader, tries to apologize and purchase military equipment from Great Zhou but faces rejection.
• Peter, the Rakshasa Republican Party leader, successfully buys more military equipment from Great Zhou, strengthening his position.
• Fisher, realizing his predicament, decides to send a generous gift to Great Zhou to appease them.

Character Developments

• White Butcher shows his strategic thinking and concern for his soldiers' well-being by planning a gradual adaptation to extended sea exploration.
• Fisher's cunning and political maneuvering backfire, leading him to realize the futility of his actions against Great Zhou.
• Peter demonstrates his political acumen by aligning with Great Zhou and strengthening his military, making strategic gains.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between nations, with Great Zhou emerging as the dominant force.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in leadership, as shown by White Butcher.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents, as experienced by Fisher.

Character Interactions

• White Butcher interacts with his Navy soldiers, showing concern for their well-being and capability.
• Zhou Xu interacts with Fisher and Peter, playing them against each other to maintain Great Zhou's advantage.
• Fisher and Peter interact through diplomatic and military means, with Peter gaining the upper hand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu accepts Fisher's apology and gifts, maintaining the United Nations' stability.
• Peter decides to align with Great Zhou due to its good character and credibility.
• Roland V, the Holy Roland Empire's emperor, learns about the arms trade between Great Zhou and the Smith Republic.
• Roland V expresses interest in purchasing arms and equipment from Great Zhou but is annoyed by the Grand Emperor's occasional interference in political affairs.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates political maturity by accepting Fisher's apology, maintaining diplomatic harmony.
• Peter shows strategic thinking by choosing to align with Great Zhou for its reliability.
• Roland V exhibits political acumen by understanding the distinction between stance and trade, and by wanting to purchase arms from Great Zhou. However, he also shows frustration with the Grand Emperor's intermittent interference.

Significant Themes

• Diplomacy and Alliances: Characters navigate political landscapes, forming alliances and maintaining diplomatic relations for mutual benefit.
• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and influence is evident between Zhou Xu and Fisher, and between Roland V and the Grand Emperor.
• Trade and Economy: The arms trade between nations highlights the importance of economic factors in political decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Fisher: Zhou Xu accepts Fisher's apology, maintaining diplomatic relations.
• Peter and Gilt: They discuss aligning with Great Zhou, showing unity in their decision-making process.
• Roland V and his assisting minister: Roland V orders the minister to write a letter to the Zhou Emperor, expressing interest in purchasing arms. The minister shows hesitation, leading to a brief exchange highlighting Roland V's annoyance with the Grand Emperor's interference.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu receives news from the Holy Roland Empire, initiating a trade proposal for military equipment.
• Zhou Xu tasks Kong Daqian with negotiating the deal, aiming to acquire Mithril and Necromancer Bone covertly.
• The first round of negotiations fails, with the Holy Roland Empire not agreeing to Zhou Xu's Mithril demand.
• Roland V, upon receiving the report, agrees to trade Mithril but sets a reserve price, awaiting further negotiations.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu demonstrates strategic thinking and diplomatic acumen, using the trade to secure valuable resources for Great Zhou.
• Kong Daqian shows adeptness in negotiations, understanding Zhou Xu's intentions and focusing on Mithril to conceal their true target.
• Roland V exhibits pragmatic decision-making, valuing the trade's benefits to the Holy Roland Empire over hoarding Mithril.

Significant Themes

• Diplomacy and Trade: Both nations use diplomatic channels to engage in trade, seeking mutual benefits.
• Resource Acquisition: Each side aims to secure valuable resources (Mithril and Necromancer Bone) through the trade.
• Strategic Thinking: Zhou Xu and Roland V both display strategic thinking, considering long-term gains and losses.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu and Kong Daqian work together, with Zhou Xu setting the objectives and Kong Daqian executing the negotiations.
• Zhou Xu and Roland V, though not directly interacting, engage in a diplomatic dance, each seeking to gain more from the trade.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Great Zhou and the Holy Roland Empire engage in negotiations, with Zhou Xu leading for Great Zhou.
• Great Zhou's primary interest is in Necromancer Bone and Immutable Stone, while the Holy Roland Empire wants to reduce Mithril expenditure.
• The Holy Roland Empire has an excess of Necromancer Bone due to its limited uses.
• Kong Daqian, representing Great Zhou, initially expresses disinterest in Necromancer Bone to test the Holy Roland Empire's knowledge about its true value.
• After several rounds of negotiation, a deal is struck: Great Zhou receives 5 high-grade, 20 mid-grade, and 300 low-grade Necromancer Bone, along with other common resources, in exchange for military equipment.
• The Holy Roland Empire agrees to ship the resources, and Great Zhou promises to deliver the military equipment.

Character Developments

• Kong Daqian demonstrates strategic thinking and patience during negotiations, ultimately securing a favorable deal for Great Zhou.
• Zhou Xu, though not present, shows satisfaction with the outcome, indicating trust in Kong Daqian's negotiation skills.

Significant Themes

• Resource allocation and trade between nations.
• The value of rare resources and their strategic importance.
• The art of negotiation and diplomacy.
• The limited uses of Necromancer Bone and its potential significance in Great Zhou's undead forces.

Character Interactions

• Kong Daqian interacts with the Holy Roland Empire's negotiators, using a combination of disinterest and persistence to secure the deal.
• Zhou Xu and Kong Daqian maintain communication, with Zhou Xu delegating the negotiation to Kong Daqian and later reviewing the outcome.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xu's research on the "Enchantment True Word" for the Blazing Blade nears completion.
• He successfully deciphers the Enchantment True Word after enduring mental shock and backlash.
• Zhou Xu infuses the Enchantment True Word into Yalveth's sword, revitalizing the Blazing Blade.
• He summons Minister of the Forging Department, Li Gan, and General Xie Liancheng to the palace.
• Zhou Xu demonstrates the Blazing Blade's power on the training grounds, cutting a wooden target in two.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xu shows resilience and determination in deciphering the Enchantment True Word, despite the challenges and backlash.
• His understanding of "Flame Attack" aids his research, indirectly reducing the difficulty.
• General Xie Liancheng is revealed to be on leave, spending time with his family, and ready for deployment when needed.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty and importance of deciphering Enchantment True Words for elite equipment.
• The power and visual effect of the Blazing Blade.
• The need for testing elite equipment in actual combat to confirm its effectiveness.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xu interacts with Li Gan and Xie Liancheng, summoning them to witness the Blazing Blade's power.
• Zhou Xu demonstrates the Blazing Blade's power on the training grounds, with Li Gan and Xie Liancheng observing.