Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng arrives at EDG and meets his new teammates and management.
• He is introduced to the club's history and trophies, with a notable gap in international achievements.
• Factory Director expresses hope that Xu Cheng's arrival will bring change.
• Xu Cheng undergoes a talent test and rating process.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng: Shows understanding and respect for EDG's history and Factory Director's past achievements.
• Factory Director: Expresses high hopes for Xu Cheng and shows eagerness to integrate him into the team.

Significant Themes

• The weight of expectations and pressure on Xu Cheng.
• EDG's history and past achievements, particularly the lack of international success.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Factory Director: They interact with caution and respect, with Factory Director showing pride in EDG's history and hope for Xu Cheng's arrival.
• Xu Cheng and his new teammates: They watch Xu Cheng's talent test with curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG's management is concerned about Xu Cheng's late debut in the Summer Split, fearing he won't get enough playtime to develop.
• Xu Cheng's test results show exceptional talent, rated S-rank by professional clubs.
• EDG's tryouts reveal Xu Cheng's immense individual ability but also his difficulty in adapting to the team's playstyle.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng: Shows incredible talent but struggles to adapt to EDG's team playstyle.
• Factory Director: Initially dejected about EDG's performance, becomes optimistic after seeing Xu Cheng's test results.
• Nofe (Coach): Recognizes the clash between Xu Cheng's playstyle and EDG's, expressing concern about their compatibility.

Significant Themes

• Talent vs. Teamwork: Xu Cheng's exceptional individual ability contrasts with EDG's team-oriented playstyle.
• Adaptation: Xu Cheng struggles to adapt to EDG's tactics, while EDG finds it challenging to accommodate his unique style.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and EDG teammates: Initial cooperation is awkward due to Xu Cheng's unorthodox playstyle.
• Factory Director and Nofe: Discuss Xu Cheng's potential and the challenges he presents to EDG's team dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng is announced as the starting top laner for EDG's next match.
• EDG fans express concern and disappointment about Xu Cheng's debut due to his rookie status.
• Xu Cheng and EDG team members arrive at the competition venue, where Xu Cheng sees a small group of fans supporting him, who are actually Factory Director's fans.
• Xu Cheng feels a surge of determination and desire to perform on the professional stage.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng: Shows nervousness but also determination as he prepares for his debut match.
• Factory Director: Shows support and kindness towards Xu Cheng, helping him feel more at ease.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between internet hype and reality.
• The desire to perform and win on the professional stage.
• The importance of support and kindness among teammates.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Factory Director: Factory Director comforts and encourages Xu Cheng, helping him feel more confident.
• Xu Cheng and EDG fans: Xu Cheng sees a group of fans supporting him, but they are actually Factory Director's fans, highlighting the contrast between internet support and real-life fans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG faces DAN, a newly promoted team, in a crucial match for EDG's ranking.
• Xu Cheng (Data Monster/Grandmaster) makes his LPL debut with EDG.
• EDG bans DAN's key champions, while DAN focuses on countering EDG's strengths.
• EDG picks Fiora for Xu Cheng's debut, surprising the casters and audience.
• DAN counters with Jayce and Jarvan IV, aiming to snowball the top lane.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng shows confidence and ambition by picking Fiora for his debut.
• DAN demonstrates strategic prowess by targeting EDG's strengths and Xu Cheng's debut.
• EDG shows faith in Xu Cheng's abilities by allowing him to pick a carry-focused champion.

Significant Themes

• New beginnings and the challenges that come with them (Xu Cheng's debut, DAN's promotion to LPL).
• The psychological impact of meta champions and past performances (Fiora, Jayce).
• The importance of strategic adaptability and targeting opponents' weaknesses.

Character Interactions

• Wa Wa, Miller, and Rita discuss the match, teams, and Xu Cheng's debut.
• EDG members express confidence in Xu Cheng and support his aggressive pick.
• Meiko encourages Xu Cheng to teach DAN a lesson and proves his worth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG vs. DAN match begins; EDG's lineup is Fiora top, Sejuani jungle, Syndra mid, Xayah + Niu Tou bot; DAN's lineup is Jayce top, Jarvan IV jungle, Ahri mid, Tristana + Thresh bot.
• The match is considered a "top lane life-or-death battle" due to the chosen champions.
• Xu Cheng (EDG's Murder) plays Fiora against Mo Yu (DAN's Moya) who plays Jayce.
• Xu Cheng successfully baits and solo kills Mo Yu's Jayce in the early game, securing First Blood for EDG.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Murder) demonstrates exceptional skill and strategic thinking by baiting and outplaying Mo Yu's Jayce.
• Mo Yu (Moya) shows overconfidence and underestimates Xu Cheng's Fiora, leading to his early defeat.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding champion matchups and utilizing their strengths and weaknesses.
• The significance of patience, positioning, and timing in outplaying opponents.
• The impact of overconfidence and underestimation in competitive gaming.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng (Murder) and Mo Yu (Moya) have a tense interaction in the top lane, with Xu Cheng ultimately outplaying Mo Yu.
• Commentators and audience members react with surprise and bewilderment to Xu Cheng's early solo kill on Mo Yu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng's Fiora solo kills Jayce in the top lane during the first wave.
• Xu Cheng intentionally tanks minion waves and engages Jayce in a close combat trade, nearly dying but successfully retreating.
• Jayce is forced to recall due to low health, leaving Fiora with a significant advantage.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Murder) demonstrates exceptional skill, confidence, and aggression in his top lane play.
• Mo Yu (Inkfish) shows frustration and struggle against Xu Cheng's unconventional playstyle.

Significant Themes

• Xu Cheng's aggressive and unconventional playstyle, which challenges traditional top lane strategies.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to an opponent's playstyle.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Mo Yu have a tense and competitive interaction in the top lane, with Xu Cheng's aggressive play putting Mo Yu on the back foot.
• The casters and audience are bewildered and impressed by Xu Cheng's unique playstyle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mo Yu (EDG's top laner) is forced to recall less than two minutes after his TP landed due to Fiora's pressure, causing a stir among the casters and audience.
• A team fight breaks out accidentally in the river, with both mid laners and top laners joining. EDG wins the team fight but doesn't secure any kills.

Character Developments

• Mo Yu struggles to adapt to Xu Cheng's aggressive playstyle and seeks help from his jungler.
• Xu Cheng expresses frustration with Jayce's lack of respect for his skills.

Significant Themes

• The importance of minion wave experience in the top lane.
• The difference in skill and experience between professional and secondary league players.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Factory Director (Xu Cheng's teammate) have a brief exchange about Xu Cheng's frustration with Jayce's skills.
• Mo Yu seeks help from his jungler due to his struggle against Xu Cheng.
• Both mid laners and top laners join the team fight, showcasing their teamwork and awareness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Fiora) decides to invade DAN's jungle alone after a team fight, despite being outnumbered.
• He uses precise positioning and vision blocking to avoid detection by DAN's Ahri and Jarvan IV.
• Xu Cheng successfully kills the low-health Jarvan IV, catching DAN off guard.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng demonstrates exceptional game sense, precise positioning, and unique strategies.
• DAN's players, especially Fishball, show confusion and surprise at Xu Cheng's unexpected move.

Significant Themes

• The importance of precise positioning and game sense in competitive League of Legends.
• The element of surprise and unconventional strategies in professional gaming.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's aggressive and calculated playstyle contrasts with the Factory Director's cautious approach.
• DAN's players, particularly Fishball and Jarvan IV, interact with Xu Cheng's Fiora, leading to Jarvan IV's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Murder) pulls off a daring counter-kill in the jungle, securing a kill on the enemy jungler (Fishball) with precise vision control.
• Ahri (DAN's mid laner) attempts to retaliate and kill Fiora (Murder's mid laner) but underestimates Fiora's ability to turn the tables.
• Fiora levels up at a crucial moment, allowing her to execute a swift and deadly combo, turning the tables on Ahri and securing a double kill.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng demonstrates exceptional game sense, individual skill, and confidence, playing aggressively and taking calculated risks.
• Fiora shows remarkable reflexes, hand speed, and mechanical skill, executing a near-instantaneous combo to reverse the situation.

Significant Themes

• The theme of individual heroism and aggressive playstyle is emphasized through Xu Cheng's performance.
• The importance of leveling up and timing in League of Legends is highlighted by Fiora's timely level increase.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Fiora work together to secure kills and objectives, showcasing teamwork despite being in separate lanes.
• Ahri underestimates Fiora and pays the price, demonstrating the dangers of overconfidence in competitive gaming.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Fiora) gets a double kill against Ahri, triggering a "Double kill!!" and "Murder, this rookie player..." reactions.
• EDG secures a significant advantage in the top lane, with DAN slightly behind.
• EDG's team voice chat remains silent after Xu Cheng's play, causing him to misunderstand and apologize.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng demonstrates exceptional skill and confidence in his first professional debut, leaving a deep impression on everyone.
• Factory Director (EDG's coach) realizes Xu Cheng's potential as a "super player born for the stage" and plans to reevaluate his career path.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations of playing in a professional league.
• The importance of adaptability and learning from mistakes in competitive gaming.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng apologizes to Factory Director for his aggressive playstyle, thinking he has disappointed him.
• Factory Director scolds Xu Cheng for not considering the risks of his playstyle and emphasizes the need for self-reflection and growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng's performance in his first professional match is criticized by the Factory Director for his habit of engaging when enemies have low HP.
• Xu Cheng decides to control this habit and uses the current match's advantage to practice self-restraint.
• Xu Cheng's unusual behavior in the game—letting enemies go when he could kill them—causes a stir among viewers and commentators.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng: Struggles with his habit of engaging when enemies have low HP, decides to control it, and experiments with restraint in the match.
• Factory Director: Criticizes Xu Cheng's habit and emphasizes the need to control it for future matches.

Significant Themes

• Self-control and restraint in the face of temptation.
• The contrast between Xu Cheng's past aggressive playstyle and his newfound self-control.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and the Factory Director: The director criticizes Xu Cheng's habit, and Xu Cheng decides to control it.
• Xu Cheng and DAN's AD (Qiu Qiu): Xu Cheng lets Qiu Qiu go multiple times, causing Qiu Qiu to become a devoted fan of Xu Cheng's "Buddha" persona.

Key Plot Points

• Fiora (Xu Cheng) kills Qiu Qiu (DAN QiuQiu) in a surprising move, enraging DAN's team.
• DAN's team surrounds Fiora, but she dodges three of their crucial skills in a remarkable display.
• EDG wins the game after a team fight, securing the Baron and pushing mid.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Fiora) showcases exceptional skill and calmness under pressure, challenging DAN's team.
• Qiu Qiu (DAN QiuQiu) is killed by Xu Cheng, leading to his disillusionment about Xu Cheng's "Amida Buddha" persona.

Significant Themes

• The unexpected and unpredictable nature of competitive gaming.
• The importance of adaptability and quick thinking in high-pressure situations.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Qiu Qiu's interaction highlights the latter's disillusionment and the former's unorthodox playstyle.
• DAN's team's reaction to Xu Cheng's skill dodging showcases their frustration and disbelief.
• EDG's commentators react with humor and amazement to Xu Cheng's performance.

• EDG wins the first match of the BO3, with Xu Cheng (Murder) performing exceptionally well in his debut.
• Xu Cheng earns the title of 'Future Warrior' and gains popularity among fans.
• Xu Cheng is invited for a post-match interview, hosted by his sister Yu Shuang, which makes him nervous about their first face-to-face interaction since his identity reveal.
• Abu warns Xu Cheng about EDG's dating policy and offers to help if Xu Cheng has any romantic interests.
• Xu Cheng is led onto the interview stage, feeling anxious about his conversation with Yu Shuang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng's debut match with EDG ends in victory.
• Xu Cheng's post-match interview with Yu Shuang focuses on his thoughts on the match, his opponents, and the LPL top lane environment.
• Xu Cheng is surprised by the attention and questions directed at him during the interview.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng remains calm and confident throughout the interview, showing no signs of nervousness.
• Yu Shuang is taken aback by Xu Cheng's popularity and professionalism during the interview.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations placed on rookie players in the LPL.
• The focus on Xu Cheng's potential to influence the LPL top lane environment.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Yu Shuang interact professionally during the interview, with Yu Shuang showing some friendly teasing.
• Xu Cheng is surprised to see Rita, Tuozijie, and others after the interview, and quickly leaves to avoid them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord) debuts in a professional esports match, playing exceptionally well and drawing attention.
• EDG's management is surprised by the official LPL league's focus on Xu Cheng after the match.
• Abu reveals that the officials are planning to "deify" Xu Cheng, similar to how they've promoted other star players like Uzi and the Factory Director.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng: Shows exceptional skills in his debut match, drawing attention and praise from fans and officials.
• Ming Kai (Factory Director): Reflects on his past glory and worries about Xu Cheng's future, questioning if the attention is a good thing.

Significant Themes

• The impact of official promotion and "deification" on a player's career.
• The pressure and expectations that come with sudden fame and attention.

Character Interactions

• Ming Kai seeks out Abu for information about Xu Cheng's situation.
• Abu shares his excitement about Xu Cheng's potential "deification" with Ming Kai.

Key Plot Points

• Xu Cheng's popularity skyrockets after being officially recognized as one of LPL's top five top laners.
• This recognition causes controversy and backlash, with many fans and experts disagreeing with his inclusion.
• EDG decides to build a new system around Xu Cheng, making him the core of the team, which is unprecedented for a rookie.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng faces external controversy and criticism due to his sudden popularity.
• Factory Director Ming Kai feels responsible for Xu Cheng's future and decides to support him despite the risks.
• EDG's coaching staff and players begin to adapt to a new system centered around Xu Cheng.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and challenges that come with sudden fame and recognition.
• The importance of supporting and nurturing young talent despite potential risks.
• The difficulty of adapting to new systems and playstyles in competitive gaming.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Meiko discuss Xu Cheng's rapidly growing fan base.
• EDG's coaching staff and players discuss and prepare for the new system centered around Xu Cheng.
• Factory Director Ming Kai expresses his determination to support Xu Cheng's future in the LPL.

• EDG decides to have Xu Cheng play in the upcoming match against RNG to capitalize on the hype surrounding the "Top Five Top Laners" debate.
• The atmosphere outside the venue is explosive, with most fans supporting RNG and Uzi, leaving EDG players, especially Xu Cheng, stunned.
• EDG players, particularly Factory Director (Ming Kai), feel the shift in popularity and the decline of EDG's era.
• The match begins, and the official livestream chat is dominated by RNG fans, with many trash-talking EDG and Xu Cheng.
• Rita, an LPL commentator, is excitedly supporting Xu Cheng in the backstage commentators' lounge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG vs RNG match in LPL 2017 Summer Split.
• EDG bans RNG's signature heroes, and RNG doesn't ban Xu Cheng's (Murder) Fiora.
• EDG first picks Rek'Sai, then surprises everyone by picking Jayce for Xu Cheng.
• RNG's lineup is Four Protect One, while EDG's is Four Protect One focused on Jayce.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Murder) is given significant trust and importance by EDG, being placed as the Top Core.
• Letme feels overlooked and questions why Xu Cheng gets special treatment.

Significant Themes

• Trust and expectations placed on a new player (Xu Cheng).
• The dynamics of team strategies and roles, with EDG's lineup heavily focused on Xu Cheng's Jayce.

Character Interactions

• Commentators Guan Ze Yuan, Zhi Huan, and Ji De discuss the match and EDG's tactics.
• Letme expresses his discontent about not being the focus of RNG's strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Letme, a top laner for EDG, is frustrated and envious of Xu Cheng's (Murder) treatment and attention.
• EDG's strategy focuses on protecting Xu Cheng, while RNG chooses The Great Bug to counter this strategy.
• In the first wave, Xu Cheng solo-kills Letme's The Great Bug, gaining First Blood.

Character Developments

• Letme feels overlooked and jealous of Xu Cheng's role and treatment.
• Xu Cheng demonstrates his skill and confidence, predicting Letme's moves and securing a kill.

Significant Themes

• The dynamics of team strategy and counter-strategies.
• The impact of individual skill and confidence on gameplay.

Character Interactions

• Letme and Xu Cheng's interaction highlights Letme's frustration and Xu Cheng's dominance.
• EDG's team dynamic shows their trust and focus on Xu Cheng's role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Jayce) secures a solo kill on Letme (Cho'Gath) at level 1, boosting EDG fans' morale but having minimal impact on the game due to its early timing.
• Xu Cheng's aggressive laning style with Jayce puts immense pressure on Letme, who struggles to keep up.
• Letme gets repeatedly poked and harassed by Xu Cheng, leading to a significant health disadvantage.
• Factory Director's Rek'Sai starts ganking top lane, further pressuring Letme and preventing him from farming.

Character Developments

• Letme struggles to adapt to Xu Cheng's aggressive playstyle and the pressure from constant harassment.
• Xu Cheng demonstrates his ability to maintain aggressive pressure while efficiently last-hitting minions.
• Factory Director shows dedication to ganking and supporting the top lane.

Significant Themes

• Aggressive laning and its impact on the opponent's mentality and performance.
• The importance of adaptability in facing different playstyles.
• The role of the jungler in supporting and carrying the top laner.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng vs. Letme: Xu Cheng's aggressive Jayce puts immense pressure on Letme's Cho'Gath, leading to Letme's struggle and eventual disadvantage.
• Letme vs. Xiang Guo: Letme seeks support from Xiang Guo but receives mockery instead, highlighting the lack of team cohesion.
• Letme vs. Factory Director: Letme faces constant pressure from Factory Director's ganks, further hindering his ability to farm and recover.