Chapter Summaries

• EDG is the last LPL team standing, facing Samsung in the semifinals.
• The LPL region has lost faith in EDG, but they want to prove themselves and save the region's dignity.
• EDG's training becomes more serious and focused, determined to win.
• The audience's support for EDG is overwhelming, with many hoping EDG can revive their youth and the LPL's glory.
• The semifinals match between EDG and Samsung is highly anticipated, with both teams showing respect for each other.
• EDG bans Lulu, Kennen, and Malzahar, while Samsung bans Jayce, Xayah, and Kalista.
• EDG first-picks Tristana, and Samsung responds with Caitlyn and Jarvan IV.
• EDG picks Janna and Fiora for Xu Cheng, while Samsung picks Camille and Karthus.
• The audience is excited to see Xu Cheng's Fiora and the top lane clash between Fiora and Camille.
• The game begins, with EDG fighting to defend their home honor and Samsung aiming to secure their ticket to the Bird's Nest.

• EDG faces Samsung in the most important match of LPL's S7, with Xu Cheng (Fiora) as their top laner.
• Samsung targets EDG's top lane, aggressively ganking Xu Cheng with their top and jungle duo, leading to First Blood for Samsung.
• Xu Cheng, despite being pressured and behind in levels and items, decides not to recall and continues laning, predicting and countering Samsung's aggressive plays.
• In a crucial moment, Xu Cheng predicts and blocks Samsung's top laner's (Cuvee) E Flash with a perfectly timed W, stunning him and turning the tables, leading to a solo kill on Cuvee.
• Xu Cheng's brilliant play earns him a solo kill, turning the tide of the top lane and boosting EDG's morale.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Samsung targets EDG's top lane, securing First Blood.
• Xu Cheng decides not to recall despite being behind, showing confidence in his ability to turn the lane around.
• Xu Cheng predicts and counters Samsung's aggressive plays, culminating in a solo kill on Cuvee.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng demonstrates his exceptional laning skills and game awareness, turning the tide of the top lane despite being behind.
• Cuvee shows aggression and skill but underestimates Xu Cheng, leading to his solo kill.

Significant Themes

• Aggression vs. Patience: Samsung's aggressive targeting of EDG's top lane contrasts with Xu Cheng's patient and calculated playstyle.
• Prediction and Counterplay: Xu Cheng's ability to predict and counter Samsung's aggressive plays is a key factor in turning the lane around.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Cuvee: Their laning interaction is intense, with Cuvee showing aggression and underestimating Xu Cheng, leading to his solo kill.
• Xu Cheng and Factory Director: The jungler shows concern for Xu Cheng's safety but trusts his decision not to recall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fiora, despite being at a disadvantage and targeted by Samsung's top and jungle, managed to secure a double kill in a turret dive, turning the tables on Samsung's strategy.
• After this play, Fiora gained a significant advantage and began to suppress Camille in the top lane.
• Fiora's laning skill and mechanics were showcased, leaving Camille struggling to keep up.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Fiora) demonstrated exceptional skill, reaction time, and game sense, turning a seemingly hopeless situation into a significant advantage.
• Ambition (Jarvan IV) and Cuvee (Camille) realized the futility of continuing to target Fiora after her double kill and began to focus on farming.

Significant Themes

• The importance of individual skill and game sense in turning around seemingly insurmountable situations.
• The consequences of overconfidence and underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• The dynamic between Xu Cheng and the Samsung top and jungle was one of cat and mouse, with Xu Cheng ultimately outsmarting his opponents.
• The communication between Ambition and Cuvee was shown, with Ambition refusing to help Cuvee after being asked, highlighting the pressure they were under.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG's Xu Cheng (Fiora) dominates the top lane, outplaying Samsung's Cuvee (Camille) by ten minutes, turning the laning situation around.
• EDG secures the top and bottom outer towers, and the mid outer tower is critically damaged.
• Baron Nashor spawns, but neither team contests it due to the threat of Samsung's Karthus.
• EDG destroys Samsung's mid outer turret.
• Samsung initiates a 5v4 fight, but EDG fights back and forces Samsung to retreat.
• EDG pursues but fails to secure kills due to Samsung's counterattack.
• Fiora flanks deep into Samsung's jungle, setting up a potential interception.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Fiora) showcases exceptional laning skill and outplays Cuvee (Camille).
• Samsung's Crown (Karthus) reveals unexpected proficiency and becomes a threat in the mid lane.
• EDG's jungler, Factory Director (Gragas), plays well and supports the team despite the initial targeting of the top lane.

Significant Themes

• Individual skill and laning prowess (Xu Cheng's Fiora vs. Cuvee's Camille)
• Team coordination and adaptability (Samsung's retreat and counterattack)
• The threat of a strong mid laner (Samsung's Crown with Karthus)

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng (Fiora) vs. Cuvee (Camille): Xu Cheng outplays Cuvee in the top lane.
• EDG vs. Samsung: EDG fights Samsung on even terms in a 4v5 situation, showcasing their teamwork and resilience.
• Fiora vs. Samsung: Fiora flanks deep into Samsung's jungle, setting up a potential interception.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG secures the first Baron Nashor, gaining a significant advantage.
• Samsung, despite being short-handed, attempts to secure a crucial kill on EDG's Gragas, using Karthus' and Caitlyn's ultimates.
• Fiora (EDG) interrupts Karthus' ultimate, saving Gragas and the team from a devastating loss.
• EDG secures the Baron Nashor and begins pushing towards Samsung's base.
• Samsung attempts a desperate 5v1 dive on Fiora, but she turns the tables and eliminates four Samsung members, leading to EDG's victory.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (EDG's Fiora) showcases exceptional mechanical skill, hand speed, and game sense, turning the tide of the match.
• Samsung's players demonstrate strong team coordination and awareness, but ultimately fall short against EDG's aggressive plays.

Significant Themes

• The importance of individual skill and clutch plays in high-stakes matches.
• The impact of momentum and mental state on team performance.
• The strategic value of split pushing and objective control.

Character Interactions

• EDG's teammates work together to secure objectives and push lanes, ultimately leading to their victory.
• Samsung's players demonstrate strong team coordination and trust in their support, CoreJJ, but ultimately fall short against EDG's aggression.
• Fiora's aggressive plays and clutch performances inspire her teammates and instill fear in the enemy, turning the tide of the match.

In the second match of the semifinals, EDG faces off against Samsung Galaxy (SSG) with the hopes of securing match point and advancing to the finals at the Bird's Nest. Here's a concise summary:

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG won the first match against SSG, securing a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
• The victory sparked immense excitement and hope among LPL fans, who had previously lost hope after RNG's elimination.
• EDG's members feel the pressure of carrying the hopes of the entire region but are determined to secure match point in the second game.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord) continues to impress with his exceptional gameplay, solidifying his status as the world's number one Top Laner.
• EDG's members grow more confident and united, feeling the weight of their fans' expectations.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and responsibility of carrying the hopes of an entire region.
• The power of perseverance and belief in the face of adversity.
• The impact of a single player's performance on the popularity and future of an esports scene.

Character Interactions

• EDG's members support and encourage each other, both on and off the stage.
• LPL fans and viewers express their excitement and hope through social media, using the hashtag #PleaseEDGGiveUsSomeEffort#.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

+ EDG wins the first match, leading 1-0 in the BO5 series.
+ In the second match, EDG picks Riven for Xu Cheng, aiming for an aggressive early game.
+ EDG attempts a level 1 invade, but Samsung responds quickly, and a skirmish ensues.
+ Riven gets separated from her team and is surrounded by Samsung in their jungle.
+ Riven dodges Thresh's hook and Gragas's knock-up, then interrupts Tristana's jump with a Flash-Q prediction, securing First Blood.

Character Developments

+ Xu Cheng (Murder) shows impressive mechanics and game sense, dodging skillshots and securing a crucial First Blood with Riven.
+ Ruler demonstrates quick reaction time and attempts to kite Riven, but ultimately falls to Xu Cheng's superior hand speed.

Significant Themes

+ Aggressive early game strategy by EDG to gain an advantage.
+ Samsung's quick response and adaptability in the face of EDG's invade.
+ Xu Cheng's mechanical skill and game sense, highlighted by his impressive dodges and Flash-Q prediction.

Character Interactions

+ EDG's team discusses strategies and supports each other during the game.
+ Xu Cheng and Ruler engage in a tense and skillful laning exchange, with Xu Cheng ultimately securing First Blood.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng's Riven secured First Blood with a flashy three-Q play, then escaped a five-on-one situation with micro-movements and precise positioning.
• He returned to Samsung's jungle and killed Gragas, securing a double kill.
• In a mid-game team fight around the Dragon, EDG's Jarvan IV was killed, and Riven was CC'd. Instead of retreating, Xu Cheng's Riven turned and attacked, dealing significant damage to four Samsung members with a single R skill, nearly wiping their team.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's Riven continues to showcase impressive mechanics and game awareness, making bold and successful plays.
• Ambition's Gragas struggles to deal with Xu Cheng's Riven, dying twice in the early game.

Significant Themes

• Xu Cheng's Riven embodies the theme of calculated risk-taking, with his aggressive plays paying off despite the high stakes.
• The match highlights the tension between stability and aggression in competitive play, with EDG's attempts to secure an advantage leading to high-stakes team fights.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's Riven and Ambition's Gragas have tense interactions, with Riven getting the better of Gragas in their early game encounters.
• Xu Cheng's decision to attack instead of retreat in the mid-game team fight surprises and catches Samsung off guard, leading to a near-wipe of their team.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG wins the second game against SSG, securing a 2-0 lead in the BO5 series.
• Xu Cheng's Riven gets a pentakill, melting five Samsung members in a single combo.
• EDG secures the Baron Nashor and pushes to the high ground, leading to a final team fight victory and the destruction of SSG's nexus.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's Riven becomes a dominant force, dealing massive damage and securing crucial kills.
• EDG's teamwork and momentum improve significantly, leading to a decisive victory.

Significant Themes

• The power of individual skill and confidence, as demonstrated by Xu Cheng's Riven.
• The importance of teamwork and momentum in competitive gaming.
• The resilience and determination of professional gamers in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's Riven interacts with SSG's members, ultimately leading to their demise.
• EDG's members work together to secure objectives and win team fights, showcasing their improved teamwork.
• The casters and audience react to the intense gameplay and exciting moments, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of competitive gaming.

Additional Notes

• The pentakill scene is particularly notable, showcasing Riven's burst potential and the visual impact of a clean, one-sided team fight.
• The Guardian Angel item purchased by Xu Cheng's Riven further emphasizes the character's dominance and the team's confidence in their ability to win fights.
• The final team fight and nexus destruction scene highlight the emotional highs and lows of competitive gaming, as well as the resilience and determination of professional gamers.

• EDG wins the second match 2-0 against Samsung, shocking the world.
• Xu Cheng's Riven becomes a legendary operation, influencing the global Top Lane hero ecosystem.
• EDG's members and the LPL region gain renewed hope and confidence.
• The third and final match between EDG and Samsung begins, with EDG leading 2-0. The LPL region eagerly awaits EDG's victory to reach the Bird's Nest.
• The match lineups are set: EDG with Camille, Jarvan IV, Syndra, Caitlyn, and Lulu; Samsung with Maokai, Gragas, Ryze, Tristana, and Rakan.
• The audience and commentators are filled with anticipation and excitement for the final showdown.

• EDG and SSG's lineups were similar to the previous games, with EDG having a strong early game composition and SSG responding with Caitlyn and Lulu.
• EDG's top laner, Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord), played Camille and employed an aggressive, unconventional strategy.
• EDG's coaching staff used Samsung's conservative playstyle against them, baiting them into picking Maokai for the top lane, which EDG knew they could exploit.
• Xu Cheng swapped lanes with EDG's jungler, Factory Director, and invaded Samsung's jungle, killing Ambition's Gragas and securing First Blood and the red buff.
• EDG's other lanes didn't suffer much from this strategy, and they maintained a significant lead throughout the game.
• Xu Cheng's aggressive playstyle, combined with EDG's unique tactics, caught Samsung off guard and gave EDG a substantial advantage.
• EDG went on to win the game, securing their spot in the finals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng's Camille solo kills Ambition's Gragas twice in the jungle.
• EDG secures the first Dragon and destroys Samsung's bottom turret after a team fight.
• EDG is leading by over 3000 gold at 15 minutes.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's Camille plays aggressively, invading Samsung's jungle and securing kills and objectives.
• Ambition's Gragas struggles against Camille's aggressive playstyle.
• EDG's other players, particularly Scout, perform exceptionally well.

Significant Themes

• Aggression and confidence in decision-making (Camille's jungle invasions and solo kills).
• Teamwork and coordination (EDG's successful team fight and objective control).
• The impact of a single player's performance on the team's success (Xu Cheng's Camille carrying EDG).

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's Camille and Ambition's Gragas have a tense, one-sided rivalry, with Camille dominating the early game.
• EDG's players work together to secure objectives and win team fights.
• Samsung's players struggle to adapt to EDG's aggressive playstyle and team fights.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG's early game aggression gains them a significant advantage.
• Samsung decides to stall the game after the early game, leading to a stalemate.
• EDG attempts to push mid lane, but Samsung decides to take the Baron, forcing EDG into a difficult decision.
• Camille successfully steals the Baron, and EDG continues to push, destroying Samsung's mid lane inhibitor.
• EDG attempts to one-push Samsung, but Samsung manages to recall and defend their base.
• Camille continuously interrupts Samsung's recalls, buying time for EDG to destroy Samsung's inhibitors.
• EDG ultimately destroys Samsung's nexus, winning the game 3-0.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Camille) showcases exceptional mechanical skill, awareness, and coordination, becoming the MVP of the game.
• Ambition (Ryze) demonstrates strategic thinking and decisiveness in taking the Baron, but ultimately falls short.
• Cuvee (Maokai) shows impressive survival skills and team fighting ability, but struggles against EDG's aggression.

Significant Themes

• Aggression vs. Defense: EDG's early game aggression puts them ahead, but Samsung's defensive playstyle allows them to stall the game and force EDG into difficult decisions.
• Individual Ability vs. Team Play: EDG's individual skill and coordination allow them to overcome Samsung's macro play and resource trading.
• Risk vs. Reward: Samsung's decision to take the Baron is high-risk, high-reward, but ultimately backfires.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and his teammates display excellent coordination and trust in each other's abilities.
• Ambition and Cuvee show determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
• The casters and audience from various regions react with excitement and disbelief to the intense gameplay and unexpected decisions.

• EDG wins the semi-finals 3-0 against Samsung, securing their spot in the 2017 World Championship Finals at the Bird's Nest.
• Xu Cheng (Murder/Buddha Lord) is hailed as the MVP and hero of the match, with his legendary 1v4 play and Camille push becoming iconic moments.
• EDG's victory is celebrated with euphoria and relief, as they had been underestimated and faced immense pressure going into the match.
• In an interview, Xu Cheng expresses confidence in his abilities and EDG's strength, stating that they can contend with any world-class powerhouse and that China is the strongest region.
• Factory Director (Clearlove7) echoes Xu Cheng's sentiments, stating that EDG's goal is to win the championship in the finals against SKT.
• The chapter highlights the emotional journey of EDG, from being underestimated to becoming regional heroes, and the unity and determination of the team in the face of adversity.

• EDG defeats SSG 3-0 to advance to the World Championship finals at the Bird's Nest, sparking immense excitement and pride in China.
• Xu Cheng's popularity and valuation skyrocket, with Principal Wang offering him a 50 million annual salary to join IG.
• Official media outlets, including Huaxia Net, Huaxia News Net, and central media, publicly congratulate EDG and express support for Chinese esports.
• EDG members celebrate their victory and enjoy the attention, with Xu Cheng finally calling his mother, who teasingly dismisses his achievements.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. EDG defeats SSG 3-0 to advance to the World Championship finals.
2. Xu Cheng's popularity and valuation increase significantly, with Principal Wang offering him a 50 million annual salary.
3. Official media outlets publicly support EDG and Chinese esports.
4. EDG members celebrate their victory and enjoy the attention.
5. Xu Cheng calls his mother, who playfully dismisses his achievements.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng: Becomes a national hero and the face of Chinese esports, gains confidence and pride in his achievements.
• EDG members: Enjoy the attention and celebrate their victory, gaining confidence in their abilities.
• Xu Cheng's mother: Shows pride in her son's achievements but maintains a humble and grounded attitude.

Significant Themes

• Pride and achievement: Xu Cheng and EDG members feel proud of their accomplishments and gain confidence in their abilities.
• Humility and groundedness: Xu Cheng's mother maintains a humble attitude despite her son's success, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and his mother: Xu Cheng calls his mother to share his success, but she playfully dismisses his achievements, highlighting their close and loving relationship.
• EDG members: The team celebrates their victory together, enjoying the attention and supporting each other's success.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG's advancement to the Bird's Nest finals causes a national sensation.
• The internet is flooded with predictions and "Flags" if EDG wins the championship, ranging from humorous to outrageous.
• The public and esports figures express their excitement and anticipation for EDG's upcoming match against SKT.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's parents express their pride and support for their son's achievements.
• EDG members feel the immense pressure and excitement of playing in the Bird's Nest finals.
• Public figures and esports personalities show their support for EDG and the LPL region.

Significant Themes

• The power of national pride and unity in supporting EDG and the LPL region.
• The impact of esports on popular culture and mainstream media.
• The significance of the Bird's Nest finals as a dream destination for professional gamers.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng interacts with his parents, Rita, Xiao Yu, and Xi Ran, revealing his family situation and manipulating their emotions for comedic effect.
• EDG members and public figures express their excitement and anticipation for the Bird's Nest finals through livestreams and social media.

• EDG members are excited and nervous on their way to the Bird's Nest.
• Ai De Zhu gives an inspiring speech, promising houses and cars to the team if they win the championship.
• EDG is greeted by a massive crowd outside the Bird's Nest, causing a brief commotion.
• Inside the Bird's Nest, the atmosphere is electric with Chinese flags and banners filling the stadium.
• Xu Cheng's family arrives at the Bird's Nest with the help of a young lady who is a fan of Xu Cheng.
• The hype for EDG and the match reaches unprecedented levels online, with streamers and platforms showing their support.
• The opening ceremony begins at 3 PM, marking the start of the highly anticipated Grand Finals.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Bird's Nest opening ceremony features a countdown from 10, with each number revealing a signature hero VR projection of a player competing in the finals.
• EDG and SKT make their grand entrance, greeted by thunderous applause and cheers.
• The ceremony includes a VR projection of Fiora lifting the Summoner's Cup, followed by an ancient dragon descending onto the stage.
• Jay Chou performs the S7 theme song, "Hero," live.
• EDG and SKT face off on stage, with the Summoner's Cup between them, symbolizing their impending battle.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Murder) gains immense popularity and support from the audience, surpassing his teammates in cheers and enthusiasm.
• Faker is acknowledged as the reigning champion and a legendary player, with high expectations placed on him.
• Both EDG and SKT members express their determination and desire to win the championship.

Significant Themes

• Legacy and Legend: The ceremony emphasizes the historical significance of the World Finals and the players' pursuit of legendary status.
• Home Advantage: EDG, as the home team, receives overwhelming support from the audience, highlighting the importance of home-field advantage.
• Challenger vs. Champion: The standoff between Xu Cheng and Faker symbolizes the clash between the challenger and the reigning champion.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Faker have a tense, silent standoff on stage, representing the intense rivalry and anticipation between the two teams.
• EDG and SKT members express their resolve and confidence in winning the championship, showcasing their team spirit and unity.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The opening ceremony ignites the audience's passion and fervor.
• EDG and SKT's starting members enter the arena, with EDG wearing national flags and EDG logos on their faces.
• The commentary team, including Wa Wa, Miller, and PDD, wear EDG jerseys and national flags, further stirring the audience.
• EDG and SKT's past achievements and win rates are compared, highlighting SKT's dominance.
• Xu Cheng (Murder) and Li Ge (Faker) are compared as the 'new god' and 'old god', respectively.
• EDG and SKT's bans and picks are revealed, with SKT replicating their comeback lineup from the group stage against EDG.
• EDG picks Gragas Top, surprising the audience, while SKT picks Lee Sin for Peanut, provoking Ming Kai.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Murder) remains calm and determined, supporting Ming Kai after seeing Lee Sin picked.
• Ming Kai (Clearlove7) is emotionally affected by Lee Sin's pick, showing a mix of anger and sadness.

Significant Themes

• The clash of old and new, symbolized by Li Ge (Faker) and Xu Cheng (Murder).
• The weight of expectations and pressure on EDG, playing on their home turf.
• The impact of past history and rivalries on the present match.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Ming Kai share a moment of understanding and support.
• Wa Wa, Miller, and PDD display their excitement and support for EDG.
• The audience and commentators react to the surprising picks and bans, expressing their emotions and predictions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG surprises by picking Gragas for Top Laner, aiming for the late game.
• SKT's lineup is well-rounded, covering all stages of the game.
• EDG's Gragas (Xu Cheng) gets First Blood with a brilliant E-Flash play, interrupting SKT's Lee Sin's fatal Q.
• Xu Cheng builds Dark Seals after First Blood, indicating a high-damage Gragas build.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng shows exceptional awareness and skill in the First Blood play, demonstrating his ability to make crucial decisions under pressure.

Significant Themes

• The tension and pressure of the World Finals.
• The importance of strategic decision-making and adaptability in competitive gaming.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Factory Director (EDG's Jungler) work together to secure First Blood, showcasing teamwork and communication.
• Xu Cheng's aggressive build on Gragas hints at his confidence and trust in his teammates' ability to protect him in the early game.