Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng's Jayce dominates Letme's The Great Bug in the top lane, causing extreme pressure.
• RNG's Uzi gets a double kill in the bottom lane with Xiang Guo's help.
• EDG's bot lane struggles, and Factory Director decides to help, but Xiang Guo anticipates a counter-gank.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng questions the skill level of LPL's top tier after facing Letme.
• Factory Director shows cunning and strategic thinking, anticipating EDG's moves.
• Letme struggles in the top lane and calls for help multiple times.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and skill gaps in the LPL.
• The importance of strategic thinking and anticipation in competitive gaming.
• The impact of a team's bot lane strength on overall gameplay.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Factory Director have a friendly rivalry, with Factory Director warning Xu Cheng not to pull stunts.
• Xiang Guo and Factory Director are old rivals, with Xiang Guo anticipating Factory Director's moves.
• Letme struggles against Xu Cheng and calls for help from Xiang Guo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Guo (RNG's jungler) uses a daring strategy, squatting on the top lane for two minutes to ambush Factory Director (EDG's jungler).
• Factory Director and Xu Cheng (EDG's mid laner) attempt a gank on Letme (RNG's top laner), but Xiang Guo's ambush turns the tables.
• Little Tiger (EDG's mid laner) attempts to save Factory Director but is too late, and Factory Director is killed.
• Xiang Guo's in-air interrupt with Jayce (Xu Cheng's champion) is a highlight of the game, knocking Jarvan IV (Xiang Guo's champion) out of his EQ.

Character Developments

• Xiang Guo demonstrates his aggressive and bold jungling style, leading to a successful ambush.
• Xu Cheng shows exceptional reaction speed and hand speed, attempting to escape but ultimately failing.
• Factory Director exhibits good game awareness, guessing Xiang Guo's intentions but unable to avoid the ambush.

Significant Themes

• Aggressive vs. defensive playstyles (Xiang Guo vs. Factory Director).
• The importance of game awareness and prediction (Factory Director guessing Xiang Guo's intentions, but ultimately failing to avoid the ambush).
• The role of individual skill and reaction time in high-level play (Xu Cheng's attempt to escape, Xiang Guo's in-air interrupt).

Character Interactions

• Xiang Guo and Letme work together, with Xiang Guo providing the initiative and Letme following up.
• Xu Cheng and Factory Director attempt to coordinate a gank but fail due to Xiang Guo's ambush.
• Little Tiger attempts to save Factory Director but is too late, highlighting the importance of timely support in team fights.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG's top and jungle duo (Xu Cheng's Jayce and Factory Director's Rek'Sai) turn the tide of a 3v2 fight by interrupting RNG's team fight with a mid-air EQ and a TP interrupt, leading to a miraculous comeback.
• Xu Cheng's Jayce, after killing The Great Bug, continues to kite and harass Jarvan IV (Xiang Guo), forcing him to use Flash to escape.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's Jayce showcases exceptional mechanical skill, strategic thinking, and confidence, turning the game around and demonstrating a unique playstyle.
• Xiang Guo's Jarvan IV struggles with his temper and decision-making, ultimately being forced to use Flash to escape Xu Cheng's relentless kiting.

Significant Themes

• The importance of teamwork and coordination in League of Legends.
• The impact of individual skill and strategic thinking on game outcomes.
• The psychological aspect of competitive gaming, with emotions like anger and frustration affecting decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's Jayce and Xiang Guo's Jarvan IV have a tense, one-sided exchange, with Xu Cheng's relentless kiting and harassment pushing Xiang Guo to the brink.
• EDG's players work together to turn the tide of the team fight, with Factory Director holding the line and Scout providing crucial support with a TP interrupt.

Key Plot Points

• Jarvan IV (RNG) flashes to initiate a fight, but Jayce (EDG) forces him to use his flash again.
• EDG's Jayce continues to chase RNG's Jarvan IV, defying conventional strategy.
• EDG gains a significant economic lead after the team fight, with RNG's Taliyah being particularly disadvantaged.
• EDG targets RNG's bottom lane, but RNG's defense is strong, and Uzi's Tristana forces Z Emperor to use his flash.
• Both teams vie for the first tower, with EDG's Jayce pushing in the top lane and RNG focusing on the bottom lane.

Character Developments

• Jayce (EDG) proves to be a formidable top laner, defying expectations and gaining a significant advantage.
• Uzi (RNG) demonstrates his skill and aggression, forcing Z Emperor to use his flash and pushing for the first tower.
• Taliyah (RNG) struggles after using her flash and teleport in consecutive plays, hindering RNG's tempo.

Significant Themes

• Aggression and initiative in top lane matchups.
• The importance of tempo and objective control in the early to mid-game.
• The strategic value of the first tower and the gold it provides.

Character Interactions

• Jayce (EDG) and Jarvan IV (RNG) engage in a tense chase, showcasing their skills and aggression.
• Uzi (RNG) and Z Emperor (EDG) clash in the bottom lane, with Uzi gaining the upper hand and forcing Z Emperor to use his flash.
• EDG and RNG's top and bottom lanes engage in a tug-of-war for the first tower, highlighting the teams' strategic awareness and coordination.

Plot Points and Events

• Jayce (Xu Cheng) Teleports to defend the bottom lane's first tower against RNG's "Big Three Generals" (Little Dog, Xiao Ming, and Mala Xiang Guo).
• Jayce dodges Jarvan IV's (Xiang Guo) EQ combo and knocks him away with his hammer, then deals massive damage to Tristana (Uzi) and Niu Tou (Brother Jujube) with a single QE shot, defending the tower and scattering the enemy team.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Jayce) showcases his exceptional skill, hand speed, reaction time, and game sense, defending the tower against overwhelming odds.
• Mala Xiang Guo (Jarvan IV) is shocked by Xu Cheng's play, demonstrating his professionalism and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• Individual skill and game sense can turn the tide of a team fight or a game.
• Communication and teamwork are crucial in competitive gaming.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Mala Xiang Guo have a tense interaction, with Mala Xiang Guo underestimating Xu Cheng's skill and Xu Cheng proving him wrong.
• The RNG team is caught off guard by Xu Cheng's Teleport and struggles to adapt to his aggressive play.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Jayce, with exceptional skill and prediction, uses a long-range Q-flash-E combo to kill Uzi (RNG Uzi) from a great distance, stunning the audience and commentators.
+ EDG secures a significant economic lead, pushing down RNG's towers and gaining map control.
+ RNG begins to struggle defensively, and EDG's advantage becomes apparent.

Character Developments

+ Xu Cheng (EDG Jayce) demonstrates extraordinary skill and confidence, making a series of impressive plays that turn the tide of the game.
+ Uzi (RNG Uzi) is caught off guard and killed by Xu Cheng's unexpected long-range attack, showing a rare moment of vulnerability.

Significant Themes

+ The clash between the old and new eras of competitive gaming, with EDG representing the remnants of the past and RNG embodying the new guard.
+ The importance of prediction, positioning, and map awareness in high-level competitive play, as exemplified by Xu Cheng's game-changing plays.

Character Interactions

+ Xu Cheng's impressive plays draw praise and astonishment from the commentators and audience.
+ Uzi's unexpected death at the hands of Xu Cheng leads to a moment of bewilderment and shock.

Key Plot Points & Events

• EDG's mid Tier 1 tower falls, widening their economic advantage.
• Both teams contest the Baron Nashor, with EDG having the advantage but RNG managing to stall.
• Jayce (EDG) initiates a fight, hammering Tristana (RNG) and carrying her back to his team, leading to RNG's defeat.

Character Developments

• Murder (EDG's Jayce) proves his ability to initiate team fights, surprising commentators and solidifying his team's victory.
• Uzi (RNG's Tristana) suffers a significant loss after being hammered by Jayce, contributing to RNG's defeat.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic vision control and timing in team fights, as demonstrated by Jayce's hammer engagement.
• The power dynamics between the two teams, with EDG's advantage growing as the game progresses.

Character Interactions

• EDG's players work together to follow up on Jayce's engagement, securing kills and the Baron Nashor.
• RNG's players struggle to defend against EDG's coordinated attack, ultimately leading to their defeat.

Key Plot Points

• EDG wins the first game against RNG, with Xu Cheng (Murder) playing exceptionally well on Jayce.
• EDG loses the second game, tying the series 1-1.
• EDG wins the third game, securing the victory in the Pig Dog War.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Murder) gains recognition and popularity for his outstanding performance on Jayce.
• Factory Director acknowledges Xu Cheng's improvement and encourages him.
• Xu Cheng is humble about his achievements and focuses on winning the next match.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and coordination.
• Overcoming fears and improving performance.
• The importance of experience and time in professional gaming.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng high-fives his teammates after winning the first game.
• Factory Director and Xu Cheng discuss Xu Cheng's lack of initiation in teamfights.
• Abu praises Xu Cheng's performance and offers him a reward, but Xu Cheng declines.
• EDG's coaching staff reviews their strategy with Xu Cheng after the match.
• EDG members banter and joke with each other on their way back to the club.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The 2017 Intercontinental Tournament, a new international League of Legends event, is announced.
• EDG qualifies for the tournament but is worried about the meta changing before it begins.
• The LPL region unites to prepare for the tournament, with teams sharing strategies and training together.
• The tournament begins in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with the LPL teams confident about their chances against the LMS but wary of the LCK.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng continues to refine his Top Core System strategy with EDG.
• Xu Cheng makes new friends and integrates into the LPL family during the training camp.
• Xiang Guo becomes increasingly confident and arrogant about EDG's chances against the LMS.

Significant Themes

• Unity and cooperation within the LPL region for international competition.
• Confidence and arrogance versus humility and caution in facing opponents.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Factory Director discuss Xu Cheng's potential and Factory Director's confidence in him.
• EDG's players laugh and joke together, expressing their confidence and arrogance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• LPL teams and fans united to support their region, posting puzzle pieces that formed an Eastern Dragon.
• LPL's first day at the Intercontinental Tournament was mixed: OMG won against MVP but lost to M17, EDG lost to SSG, and RNG won against AHQ.
• The second day was disastrous: WE, EDG, and RNG lost all their matches, and OMG lost two out of three.

Character Developments

• LPL players and teams felt the weight of regional and national expectations.
• Little Tiger (EDG's mid laner) tried to boost team morale after their losses.

Significant Themes

• Regional pride and pressure.
• Unity and teamwork within the LPL region.
• The struggle of LPL teams against international competition.

Character Interactions

• LPL teams and fans united to support their region.
• LPL players felt pressure from fans and other regions.
• LPL teams and players apologized to each other after their losses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• LPL top laners underperform in the group stage, while other regions' top laners dominate.
• EDG loses two consecutive matches, including an unexpected loss to JT.
• EDG decides to field Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord) in the semifinals against LMS to give him a chance to play in the tournament.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord) remains confident and eager to compete despite not playing in international tournaments.
• EDG's coaching staff feels guilty for not playing Xu Cheng earlier and decides to give him a chance.
• LPL members, especially the players, are under immense psychological pressure due to their poor performance and the hostile environment.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of representing a region in international competition.
• The importance of mental state and confidence in performance.
• The role of support and encouragement from officials and fans.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and EDG's coaching staff understand each other's thoughts without needing to express them verbally.
• LPL host Ren Dong and commentators offer support and encouragement to the LPL members before the semifinals.
• LPL members feel warmth and a strong force from the officials' support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The LPL and LMS semifinals begin, with EDG facing FW in the first BO5 match.
• EDG surprises everyone by picking Darius for Buddha Lord in the top lane.
• FW bans Fiora, indicating they're wary of Murder's Fiora play.
• FW picks Jayce to counter EDG's Darius, expecting an easy top lane victory.

Character Developments

• Buddha Lord is expected to lead EDG to victory, with his aggressive playstyle suiting Darius.
• MMD, FW's top laner, is compared to Letme, suggesting he might not be as strong as expected.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding and countering the opponent's strategies and champions.
• The role of individual ability and team synergy in determining the outcome of matches.

Character Interactions

• EDG's players discuss their strategies and the opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
• The LPL and LMS casters analyze the matchup, with LPL casters expressing surprise at EDG's picks, while LMS casters are confident in FW's victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG and FW face off in a high-stakes match, with the LPL's dignity at stake.
• EDG fields a risky, early-game focused composition, while FW has a more balanced lineup.
• The top lane matchup is Darius vs. Jayce, with Darius at a natural disadvantage.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (EDG's top laner) shows unexpected skill and strategy, catching his opponents off guard.
• MMD (FW's top laner) underestimates Xu Cheng initially but quickly adapts.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of representing a region in international competitions.
• The importance of understanding and countering champion matchups.
• The risk of relying too heavily on early-game advantages.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng outplays MMD in the top lane, catching him off guard and turning the lane around.
• EDG's coaching staff and fans worry about Xu Cheng's unconventional strategy.
• FW's team and hosts discuss the unexpected Darius pick and its implications.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Darius) baits and predicts Jayce's (MMD) Q, leading to a reverse solo-kill.
• Jayce tries to trade and push with minions but is outplayed by Darius's positioning and Bleed stacks.
• Darius predicts and counters Jayce's Q-Flash combo, securing First Blood.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Darius) demonstrates strategic thinking, patience, and precise timing in his plays.
• MMD (Jayce) shows confidence but underestimates Darius, leading to costly mistakes.

Significant Themes

• The importance of patience and strategic thinking in outplaying opponents.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents and overconfidence.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and MMD have a tense and skillful exchange in the top lane, with Xu Cheng ultimately coming out on top.
• Casters and viewers react with excitement and surprise to Darius's outplay and solo-kill.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng's Darius solo kills MMD's Jayce twice in the top lane within two minutes.
• The first kill happens when Darius predicts Jayce's Q with wave control.
• The second kill occurs when Darius uses a backward E to pull Jayce into melee range, activating Bloodrage and securing the kill.
• MMD struggles to farm under turret due to Darius's superior wave control and positioning.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's Darius demonstrates exceptional game sense, wave control, and mechanical skill.
• MMD's Jayce struggles to adapt to Darius's aggressive playstyle and superior wave control.

Significant Themes

• The severe counter relationship between Darius and Jayce is explored, with Darius's early advantage not translating into a significant lead due to Jayce's range.
• The importance of wave control and positioning is highlighted, with Xu Cheng's Darius using it to deny MMD's Jayce farm and limit his movement.

Character Interactions

• The Taiwanese audience reacts strongly to MMD's early deaths, creating a tense atmosphere in the venue.
• Commentators and casters discuss the implications of Darius's early kills and Jayce's struggles to adapt.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Xu Cheng's Darius dominates the top lane, securing two early kills against MMD's Jayce.
• Xu Cheng's aggressive playstyle leads to him camping under Jayce's second tower in less than five minutes.
• FW's jungler, Karsa, and mid laner, LeBlanc, team up to deal with Xu Cheng's Darius in the top lane.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Factory Director) demonstrates exceptional laning skill and aggression on Darius.
• MMD (Ming Kai) struggles to cope with Xu Cheng's aggressive playstyle and becomes increasingly passive.
• Karsa (Radar) showcases his strategic thinking and patience, waiting for the right opportunity to counter Xu Cheng.

Significant Themes

• Aggression vs. Passivity: Xu Cheng's aggressive Darius contrasts with MMD's passive Jayce, leading to a one-sided lane.
• Adaptability: Karsa's ability to adapt and find opportunities to counter Xu Cheng's dominance.
• Teamwork: FW's mid and jungle duo team up to handle Xu Cheng's threat in the top lane.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng (Factory Director) and MMD (Ming Kai): One-sided lane due to Xu Cheng's aggressive playstyle and MMD's passivity.
• Karsa (Radar) and LeBlanc: They team up to counter Xu Cheng's dominance in the top lane, demonstrating strategic communication and coordination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Electric Wolf team (FW) attempts a 3v1 gank on Darius (Xu Cheng) in the top lane.
• Xu Cheng, instead of retreating, engages Jayce (MMD) and fights back against the gank.
• Xu Cheng uses a flash-E combo to pull all three enemy champions into range, dealing significant damage.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng demonstrates exceptional game awareness, strategic thinking, and mechanical skill.
• MMD shows improvement in his gameplay but still struggles with confidence and decision-making.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and quick decision-making in competitive gaming.
• The psychological impact of confidence and fear on gameplay.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's aggressive playstyle contrasts with MMD's more cautious approach.
• The Taiwanese casters and audience react enthusiastically to the Electric Wolf team's gank attempt and Xu Cheng's counterplay.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Darius, playing as EDG, pulls off a shocking 1v3 play on the top lane, killing Jayce, LeBlanc, and Lee Sin in quick succession.
• He predicts and dodges their Flashes, uses his ultimate Guillotine to deal massive damage, and finishes them off with his passive and auto-attacks.
• The play happens around 8 minutes into the game, causing a massive upset and shock to the Taiwanese audience and commentators.

Character Developments

• Darius (Xu Cheng) demonstrates his exceptional game sense, prediction skills, and mechanical prowess, earning the nickname "Buddha Lord" and gaining respect from the Taiwanese audience.
• The Taiwanese audience and commentators are left in awe and disbelief at Darius's play, with some even changing their opinion of him.

Significant Themes

• The theme of unpredictability and surprise is emphasized, as Darius's play catches his opponents and the audience off guard.
• The power of individual skill and game sense is highlighted, as Darius's exceptional abilities allow him to turn the tide of a team fight single-handedly.

Character Interactions

• Darius interacts with his opponents, predicting their movements and responding accordingly, showcasing his understanding of their abilities and playstyles.
• The Taiwanese audience and commentators interact with each other and with Darius, expressing their shock, disbelief, and admiration for his play.

Notable Quotes

• "A cowardly act, I will not tolerate it!" - Darius, before using his ultimate Guillotine to kill Lee Sin.
• "Die by my hand!" - Darius, after killing Lee Sin and before chasing down Karsa.
• "Buddha Lord! Half demon, half Buddha, killing sins and saving the world!!" - A Taiwanese audience member, expressing their shock and admiration for Darius's play.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Xu Cheng (Darius) secures a 1v3 triple kill at 8 minutes, turning the tide of the game.
• EDG pushes their advantage, taking down turrets and objectives, leading to a 5000+ gold advantage by 18 minutes.
• EDG attempts to engage FW at the Baron Nashor pit, but Xu Cheng initiates a reckless, aggressive engage, leading to a 5-for-0 team wipe and Baron Nashor secure.
• EDG ends the game, winning the first match of the semifinals against FW.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng demonstrates his aggressive playstyle and confidence, contrasting with EDG's more cautious approach.
• Xu Cheng's performance draws comparisons to last year's "Little Peanut."

Significant Themes

• Youthful spirit and confidence in the face of adversity.
• The tension between aggressive and cautious playstyles.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng high-fives Factory Director after his triple kill, showing camaraderie.
• EDG's internal communication shows their cautious approach, contrasting with Xu Cheng's aggressive instincts.
• FW's cohesive teamwork is highlighted as they attempt to stall EDG's advance.

Key Plot Points

+ EDG wins against FW in the semifinals, boosting LPL's morale and confidence.
+ EDG's victory also changes the Taiwanese audience's perception of Xu Cheng and the LPL region.
+ LPL advances to the finals after defeating LMS 3-1, setting up a match against LCK.

Character Developments

+ Xu Cheng gains popularity and respect after his impressive performance.
+ The LPL region gains confidence and unity after EDG's victory.

Significant Themes

+ The power of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
+ The impact of a single victory on public perception and morale.

Character Interactions

+ Xu Cheng and Factory Director share a memorable handshake.
+ EDG is surrounded by fans and teammates after their victory, showing camaraderie and support.
+ The LPL region comes together to study for their upcoming matches against LCK.