Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng's (RNG's top laner) performance in the Intercontinental Tournament gains him immense popularity and anticipation for his duels with top LCK players.
• LCK teams, confident in their dominance, treat the LPL and LMS teams lightly and focus on sightseeing and having fun rather than serious training.
• KT coach's arrogant interview statement about not taking LPL or LMS seriously causes a stir.
• LPL fans travel to Kaohsiung to support their teams in the Grand Finals.
• The 2017 Asia Challenge Grand Finals between LPL and LCK begins.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng gains recognition and popularity for his performance.
• LCK teams remain confident and arrogant about their dominance.
• LPL fans show unwavering support for their teams despite past failures.

Significant Themes

• The LCK's dominance in international tournaments and their underestimation of other regions.
• The LPL fans' resilience and hope despite past disappointments.
• The pressure and expectations on the LPL teams to perform well in the Grand Finals.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's interactions with other top laners, particularly his call-out to MMD (MMD's own father).
• LCK teams' interactions, showing their confidence and lack of concern for their LPL and LMS opponents.
• LPL fans' interactions, expressing their support and hope for their teams.

Key Plot Points and Events

• RNG defeats SSG and WE crushes SKT in the Intercontinental Tournament finals, leading the LPL region 2-0 against the LCK.
• OMG, the weakest LPL team, is fielded for the third match against KT, the strongest LCK team, to secure a 3-0 sweep.
• MVP, the LCK's fourth seed, unexpectedly plays against OMG and wins, setting up a final match between EDG and KT.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (EDG's jungler) and his teammates face their former teammates (Deft, Pwan, Mata, and Smeb) on KT, adding personal stakes to the match.
• The LPL region's players and fans rally behind EDG, boosting their morale and confidence.

Significant Themes

• The rivalry between the LPL and LCK regions, with the LPL seeking to prove themselves against the dominant LCK.
• The personal connections and history between EDG and KT players, adding emotional weight to the final match.

Character Interactions

• EDG and RNG members discuss strategies and morale-boost each other before the final match.
• LPL fans and commentators express their support for EDG and the LPL region.

Key Plot Points & Events

• EDG and KT enter the arena for the crucial fourth game.
• Commentators discuss the importance of this match for both teams and the LPL region.
• EDG bans Rek'Sai, EZreal, and Thresh, while KT bans Camille, Tristana, and Fiora.
• EDG picks Camille for Xu Cheng, and KT picks Fiora for Smeb, setting up a top lane showdown.
• The rest of the lineups are finalized: EDG with Syndra mid, Ashe and Rakan bot; KT with Taliyah mid, Tristana and Niu Tou bot.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord) is seen as a strong top laner, but faces immense pressure against Smeb.
• Smeb is introduced as a legendary LCK top laner, known for his skill and carry potential on champions like Fiora.

Significant Themes

• The psychological pressure and lane pressure Xu Cheng faces against Smeb.
• The importance of this match for both teams and the LPL region.
• The LPL's desire to win the championship after many years of international tournament failures.

Character Interactions

• Commentators Wa Wa and Miller discuss the match's importance and clasp hands in support of EDG.
• Commentators discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both teams and their lineups.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng faces off against Smeb in the top lane.
• Both players show aggressive playstyles, with neither gaining a clear advantage initially.
• Xu Cheng demonstrates exceptional laning skills, matching Smeb's precision and even dodging a crucial Q from Fiora.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng shows growth in his mental fortitude, staying excited rather than nervous on the big stage.
• Smeb's serious and focused demeanor is revealed as he faces Xu Cheng.
• The Factory Director expresses concern about Xu Cheng's pressure in the game.

Significant Themes

• The importance of early-game advantage in international tournaments.
• The difference in skill between the two teams is highlighted by their similar compositions.
• The pressure and excitement of facing a strong opponent on the big stage.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Smeb show mutual respect and intense competition in their top lane exchange.
• The Factory Director and the EDG team express concern for Xu Cheng's mental state.
• The casters discuss the match, with some favoring Smeb and others acknowledging Xu Cheng's skill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Smeb (Fiora) attempts to kill Xu Cheng (Camille) at level 1 but fails.
• Xu Cheng dodges Fiora's Q and Auto Attack Flash using prediction and precise positioning.
• Fiora is eventually killed by Xu Cheng, securing First Blood.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng demonstrates exceptional skill and game sense, outplaying Smeb.
• Smeb shows resilience and quick thinking, trying to counter-kill Xu Cheng after realizing his mistake.

Significant Themes

• The importance of prediction, positioning, and game sense in outplaying opponents.
• The impact of a single mistake in the early game and the potential for a snowball effect.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Smeb have a tense and skillful exchange, with Xu Cheng ultimately coming out on top.
• The casters and audience are left in awe of Xu Cheng's skills and the intensity of the exchange.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Camille) outplays Smeb (Fiora) in the top lane, dodging Fiora's Q and kicking her, stunning the audience and commentators.
• Smeb, enraged, tries to chase but is blocked by a minion and misses another Q.
• Camille kicks Fiora again on her way back, further outplaying Smeb.
• Top lane becomes a chaotic training ground for both junglers, with EDG and KT junglers frequently ganking.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Camille) demonstrates exceptional laning skills, outplaying Smeb and gaining an advantage.
• Smeb (Fiora) initially underestimates Xu Cheng but becomes more focused and determined after the outplays.

Significant Themes

• The importance of laning skills and outplaying opponents.
• The chaos and unpredictability of the early game in competitive League of Legends.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Smeb have a tense and competitive interaction in the top lane, with Xu Cheng outplaying Smeb multiple times.
• Mr. Dai provokes Smeb, leading to Smeb becoming more determined to beat Xu Cheng.

Key Plot Points

• The LCK commentator acknowledges Murder's strength, marking a shift in their attitude towards him.
• EDG's bottom lane is overwhelmed by KT's Deft and Mata.
• A 3v3 team fight occurs in the bottom lane, with neither team gaining a significant advantage.
• Xu Cheng (Murder) makes a controversial decision to TP down to the bottom lane after the fight, aiming to kill the low-health Tristana.

Character Developments

• The LCK commentator shows respect for Murder's skills.
• Xu Cheng demonstrates aggressive and calculated play, making a high-risk decision to kill the enemy ADC.

Significant Themes

• Aggression and calculated risk-taking in professional gaming.
• The importance of bottom lane dominance in the game's early stages.

Character Interactions

• The LCK commentator and Miss Jin Mina discuss Murder's playstyle and the potential outcome of his decision.
• Xu Cheng communicates with Factory Director, asking for support in his risky play.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Camille) attempts a gank in KT's jungle.
• He is surrounded by three KT players (Jarvan IV, Niu Tou, and Tristana).
• Camille predicts and dodges Niu Tou's WQ with her first E, then uses her second E to kick Tristana out of the air, killing her.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng demonstrates exceptional game awareness, prediction, and mechanical skill.
• Deft (Tristana) shows quick reflexes and strategic thinking, attempting to flee but ultimately falling to Camille's skill and prediction.

Significant Themes

• The importance of game awareness and prediction in outplaying opponents.
• The risk and reward of aggressive plays, with Camille's successful gank leading to a triple kill but also putting her in a dangerous situation.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Deft's interaction highlights their respective skills and decision-making, with Camille's superior prediction and execution leading to Tristana's death.
• Mata (Niu Tou) and Deft's teamwork is showcased, with Mata attempting to interrupt Camille's E and Deft trying to flee, but both are ultimately outplayed.

Key Plot Points/Events

• Xu Cheng (Camille) kills Tristana (Tristana) in a dramatic, unexpected manner, shocking the audience and casters.
• Xu Cheng dodges Jarvan IV's EQ (Jarvan IV) multiple times, demonstrating exceptional prediction skills.
• EDG secures a crucial victory in the match, thanks to Xu Cheng's outstanding performance.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng showcases his incredible talent and skill, leaving a strong impression on the audience and casters.
• The other players, both on EDG and KT, react with disbelief and awe to Xu Cheng's plays.

Significant Themes

• Talent and skill: Xu Cheng's extraordinary abilities are the focus of this chapter, highlighting his unique talent.
• Unpredictability: Xu Cheng's actions catch everyone off guard, emphasizing the element of surprise in competitive gaming.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng interacts with the audience and casters through his impressive plays, drawing their attention and admiration.
• The players on both EDG and KT react to Xu Cheng's actions, expressing their shock and awe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG gains an advantage but struggles to convert it into a guaranteed victory against KT.
• Both teams clash near the Baron pit multiple times, with EDG securing the Baron vision.
• At 20 minutes, both teams gather at the Baron pit, with EDG having a slight advantage due to pushing KT's mid lane turret.
• KT decides to retreat, but Mr. Dai (Tristana) finds an opportunity to turn the tide by targeting EDG's key members, starting with Xu Cheng (Camille) and Factory Director (Gragas).

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Camille) maintains a significant advantage in his lane but struggles in team fights due to his ultimate not being ready.
• Factory Director (Gragas) dies quickly under Tristana's powerful burst damage.
• Mr. Dai (Tristana) showcases his aggressive playstyle and clutch performance, turning the tide for KT.

Significant Themes

• The importance of converting advantages into victories in competitive gaming.
• The role of clutch plays and individual skill in determining the outcome of matches.
• The strategic decision-making process in team games.

Character Interactions

• EDG and KT clash repeatedly near the Baron pit, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage.
• Mr. Dai (Tristana) targets EDG's key members, leading to a disastrous team fight for EDG.
• KT's team chat explodes with excitement and praise for Mr. Dai's clutch play.

Key Plot Points

• EDG's Buddha Lord is heavily targeted and struggles.
• KT's Deft and Pawn coordinate perfectly to remove EDG's Camille.
• EDG's Meiko dies protecting Z Emperor, and EDG is left with three players on the front line.
• KT nearly wipes EDG, but Xu Cheng (Murder) arrives just in time.

Character Developments

• Deft and Pawn showcase excellent teamwork.
• Meiko demonstrates selflessness by sacrificing himself to protect Z Emperor.
• Xu Cheng (Murder) proves his individual ability and clutch potential.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork vs. Individual Ability: KT's teamwork nearly wins them the game, but Xu Cheng's individual skill turns the tide.
• Sacrifice: Meiko's sacrifice inspires Z Emperor to fight harder.

Character Interactions

• Deft and Pawn's coordination leads to EDG's disadvantage.
• Meiko's sacrifice for Z Emperor strengthens their bond.
• Xu Cheng's arrival gives EDG hope and turns the battle around.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG's Camille (Xu Cheng) turns the tide of the game with a quadra kill, including taking down KT's jungler and mid-laner, and then killing the last player, Mata, for a quadra kill.
• EDG secures the Baron Nashor buff and pushes to destroy KT's mid lane inhibitor turret.
• KT's players attempt to defend their base but are wiped out by EDG, securing the championship.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's Camille showcases exceptional skill and aggression, becoming the game's MVP and turning the tide for EDG.
• Zet, EDG's ADC, has a brief interaction with Xu Cheng, who praises his final arrow, boosting Zet's confidence.

Significant Themes

• The power of individual skill and determination in turning around a game (Xu Cheng's Camille).
• The importance of teamwork and communication in securing victory (EDG's coordinated push and team fights).

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Zet have a brief exchange, with Xu Cheng praising Zet's arrow, boosting his confidence.
• EDG's teammates celebrate and express their excitement in the team voice chat after their comeback victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG (LPL) defeats KT (LCK) 3-1 in the finals of the Intercontinental Tournament.
• LPL wins the championship, marking their strongest performance in an international tournament.
• The LPL audience and commentators react with disbelief and excitement to the victory.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Player Murder) gains global fame and recognition for his performance in the tournament.
• Ming Kai, the Factory Director, expresses his desire to take Xu Cheng to the World Championship (S Tournament) in the future.

Significant Themes

• The journey of LPL from underdog to champion.
• The importance of the World Championship (S Tournament) in the esports scene.
• The emotional impact of LPL's victory on the audience, commentators, and officials.

Character Interactions

• EDG members embrace and celebrate together after their victory.
• Members of other LPL teams (RNG, WE, OMG) and the coaching staff congratulate EDG.
• Xu Cheng looks back at the Kaohsiung Arena with longing and determination, inspired by Ming Kai's words about the World Championship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Intercontinental Tournament concludes with EDG's upset victory, bringing significant attention and fame to Xu Cheng.
• EDG faces pressure to qualify for the S7 World Championship, with Xu Cheng seen as their hope for success.
• The LPL Summer Split playoffs, serving as the World Finals Qualifiers, begin on August 22nd.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's fame and popularity significantly increase after his impressive performance in the Intercontinental Tournament.
• EDG's members, including Z Emperor, show improvement and are in good form, aiming to qualify for the S7.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations that come with increased fame and success.
• The importance of international competitions in boosting a player's career and the team's reputation.
• The anticipation and excitement surrounding the S7 World Championship.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng receives support and encouragement from friends, fans, and commentators after his impressive performance.
• EDG members are united and determined to qualify for the S7, with Xu Cheng seen as their key to success.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG struggles in the S7 group stage, losing their first three matches.
• AHQ, C9, and SKT defeat EDG in the opening matches.
• EDG's Lucian pick in the first three games is heavily criticized.
• EDG faces elimination after three consecutive losses.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng volunteers to play in the second round to save EDG from elimination.
• Ming Kai, EDG's coach and Xu Cheng's mentor, is emotionally devastated by EDG's losses.
• The EDG members are under immense pressure and face harsh criticism from the audience and media.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations of playing in the S7 group stage, especially as the number one seed.
• The impact of public opinion and criticism on players' mental states.
• The struggle between adhering to a team's strategy and making changes based on external pressure.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Ming Kai's mentor-mentee relationship is tested as EDG faces elimination.
• The EDG members discuss and decide whether to let Xu Cheng play in the second round.
• The audience and media criticize EDG's performance and question their decision not to play Xu Cheng.

• EDG's second round of group stage matches begins, with Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord) playing as their top laner.
• EDG fans and LPL viewers express high expectations and hopes for Xu Cheng's performance.
• EDG's starting lineup for the second round is announced, causing a stir online with the hashtag #BuddhaLordIsPlaying# trending third on the list.
• Xu Cheng receives encouragement and support from fans, including a banner that reads: "Good luck to player Murder's S Tournament debut! EDG group stage victory! Win or lose, we will always wait for you, wait for the top lane carry meta! You will always be EDG's best top laner!"
• Factory Director expresses his intention to retire if EDG loses, but Xu Cheng reassures him that they will win.
• EDG bans Lulu, Galio, and Kalista, while C9 bans Janna, Caitlyn, and blind monk.
• EDG picks Riven for Xu Cheng to play, surprising the audience and casters alike.
• C9 picks Jayce to counter Riven, with the expectation that EDG will focus their strategy around the top lane.
• Miller expresses his hope that Xu Cheng will be the hero who saves EDG and the LPL.
• The match begins, with the audience cheering for EDG.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The novel is about to be published.
• The author reflects on their writing process and the importance of reader feedback.
• The author discusses their approach to writing important matches and events, and promises to address pacing concerns in the future.
• The author shares their personal connection to the S7 tournament and their plans to write about the S8 tournament.
• The author announces a massive update on launch day (10 chapters, 30,000 words) and guarantees daily updates of at least 10,000 words.

Character Developments

• The author's personal background is revealed (full-time writer, recently married).
• The author's dedication and passion for writing are emphasized.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reader feedback and support.
• The author's personal connection to the story and the events it covers.
• The author's commitment to their work and their readers.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with their readers through this chapter, addressing their concerns and expressing gratitude for their support.
• The author mentions their peers and other authors, expressing a sense of community and shared experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ EDG, with Xu Cheng as their Top Laner, plays without regrets, ignoring the meta and picking their best champions.
+ Xu Cheng's Riven solo kills C9's Impact's Jayce in the top lane, marking EDG's first kill and a significant morale boost.

Character Developments

+ Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord) demonstrates his exceptional mechanical skills and strategic thinking, boosting EDG's confidence and morale.
+ Impact (Da Mu) is caught off guard by Xu Cheng's play, highlighting the importance of individual skill and adaptability.

Significant Themes

+ The power of individual skill and adaptability in overcoming meta disadvantages.
+ The importance of playing to one's strengths and not being constrained by conventional wisdom.

Character Interactions

+ Xu Cheng's Riven vs. Impact's Jayce: Xu Cheng's quick thinking, precise positioning, and lightning-fast reflexes allow him to outplay Impact and secure a solo kill.
+ EDG team chat: Xu Cheng declines Factory Director's offer to help, showing confidence in his ability to handle the lane.

Notable Quotes

+ "Let's go, let's go, I'm the core this game, listen to me, no playing anything else, just kill!" - Xu Cheng, hyping up his team.
+ "Buddha Lord's execution this wave was full of detail!!!" - Miller, praising Xu Cheng's play.
+ "Just this wave, Riven solo killed Da Mu! A solo kill in the laning phase right from the start!! Top Core! Why don't other people dare to play it?" - Wa Wa, highlighting the significance of Xu Cheng's solo kill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Riven) secures First Blood against Da Mu (Jayce) in the top lane.
• Xu Cheng's aggressive playstyle surprises viewers and commentators.
• C9's Jungler, Contractz (Jarvan IV), ganks top lane, trapping Xu Cheng between Jayce and Jarvan IV.
• C9 attempts a tower dive on EDG's top outer turret to kill Xu Cheng.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's playstyle evolves, becoming more aggressive and extreme.
• Da Mu struggles to adapt to Xu Cheng's new playstyle.
• Contractz demonstrates his experience and strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• Aggression and its consequences.
• The importance of strategic decision-making in League of Legends.
• The impact of a player's personal growth and evolution on their gameplay.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng vs. Da Mu: Xu Cheng's aggressive Riven pressures Da Mu's Jayce.
• Xu Cheng vs. Contractz: Xu Cheng's retreat is cut off by Contractz's Jarvan IV.
• EDG vs. C9: Both teams show strategic awareness, with C9 attempting a tower dive and EDG trying to find an opportunity on Bot Lane.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• C9 attempts a turret dive on EDG's top lane with Jarvan IV and Jayce.
• Xu Cheng's Riven outplays them by predicting Jarvan IV's EQ and stunning the minions, causing Jarvan IV to walk into the turret and die.
• Riven then chases Jayce and kills him in a close-range duel, securing a Double Kill and Killing Spree.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's Riven showcases exceptional game sense, prediction skills, and mechanical prowess, earning the admiration of the audience and casters.
• C9's Contractz and Impact learn the hard way about underestimating their opponent and the dangers of overconfidence.

Significant Themes

• The importance of game sense, prediction, and adaptability in outplaying opponents.
• The impact of individual skill and performance on team morale and crowd support.
• The risks and rewards of aggressive play and decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's Riven demonstrates dominance and fearlessness in his interactions with C9's Contractz and Impact, earning the respect of his own team and the audience.
• C9's Contractz and Impact show frustration and disbelief at their losses, highlighting the psychological impact of being outplayed by a formidable opponent.