Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Sixth Mountain Lord is selecting mountain guardians, drawing cultivators from various backgrounds to Lin'an Prefecture.
• The Mountain Lord opens the mountain, creating a sunlit path leading to the entrance, which coincidentally aligns with the Lin family's carriage.
• Lin Zhuifeng, Lin Qingyin, and An Le arrive at the foot of the mountain. An Le, unrecognized, stands silently beside the Lin siblings.
• Zhong Shun Chao (Zhong family), Ye Chong (Ye family), and Luo Qingchen (Qingzhou) declare their intention to become mountain guardians, demonstrating their powerful auras.

Character Developments

• An Le: Unrecognized, he feels exhilarated and joyful amidst the cultivators, sensing the Time Qi around them.
• Luo Qingchen: Confident in his cultivation, he sees An Le as a weakling and underestimates him.
• Zhong Shun Chao and Ye Chong: Both display their formidable Qi and Blood, suppressing the atmosphere at the foot of the mountain.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The competition for the mountain guardian position highlights the power dynamics among the cultivators, with each contender showcasing their strength.
• Opportunity and Chance: The opening of the mountain represents an opportunity for cultivators to advance their status and cultivation, emphasizing the importance of seizing chances when they arise.

Character Interactions

• Luo Qingchen and Qin Qianqiu: They discuss the potential mountain guardians, with Qin Qianqiu expressing his hopes for Luo Qingchen's success.
• An Le and Cultivators: An Le observes the cultivators gathered, sensing the Time Qi around them, but goes unnoticed by the others.
• Zhong Shun Chao, Ye Chong, and Luo Qingchen: The three powerful cultivators declare their intention to become mountain guardians, creating a tense atmosphere at the foot of the mountain.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Qingchen, a renowned genius, arrives to compete for the Mountain Guardian position, raising the stakes.
• The Sixth Mountain Lord sends down an Ink-Colored Azure Blade, which slices through the mist and rain, bypassing Luo Qingchen and heading towards the foot of the mountain.
• The blade hovers before An Le, who catches it with his Bamboo Sword's sword energy, and is carried up to the ninety layers of Green Mountain.

Character Developments

• Luo Qingchen's confidence is shaken when the sword doesn't choose him.
• An Le remains composed and confident, ultimately being chosen by the sword.

Significant Themes

• Talent and destiny: The sword chooses An Le, who is less renowned but more aligned with the Sixth Mountain Lord's affinity.
• Affinity and suitability: The Sixth Mountain Lord values the candidate's suitability to Green Mountain's sword cultivation over their fame or power.

Character Interactions

• Luo Qingchen and An Le's silent exchange of gazes hints at their mutual awareness and potential rivalry.
• The cultivators at the foot of the mountain watch the events unfold, their expectations shifting from Luo Qingchen to An Le.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le soars into the sky on a sword, catching the attention of the Sixth Mountain Lord.
• Luo Qingchen is overlooked, causing him to question his abilities and understanding of the Dao.
• An Le is invited to become a Mountain Guardian but declines, choosing to pursue the more challenging path of opening a mountain gate on the Sacred Mountain.
• Madam Hua offers An Le a Minor Sacred Token for protection on his journey.

Character Developments

• An Le demonstrates his ambition and determination, declining the offer to become a Mountain Guardian to pursue a more challenging path.
• Luo Qingchen experiences self-doubt and a crisis in his understanding of the Dao after being overlooked by the Sixth Mountain Lord.
• Madam Hua shows admiration for An Le's ambition and supports his decision.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination: An Le's refusal to settle for the easier path highlights his ambition and resolve.
• The path of the cultivator: An Le's decision to pursue the more challenging route reflects the arduous journey of cultivation and self-improvement.
• The Dao and self-understanding: Luo Qingchen's crisis in understanding the Dao after being overlooked by the Sixth Mountain Lord.

Character Interactions

• An Le and the Sixth Mountain Lord: The Mountain Lord recognizes An Le's potential and invites him to become a Mountain Guardian, but An Le declines.
• An Le and Madam Hua: Madam Hua supports An Le's decision and offers him a Minor Sacred Token for protection.
• Luo Qingchen and An Le: Luo Qingchen's jealousy and self-doubt are stirred by An Le's selection over him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Academy of Literature's history and current state are discussed, with Confucianism being the prominent ideology.
• Zhao Huangting and Wang Banshan (Third Master) discuss An Le's potential and the upcoming competition for the Sixth Mountain Lord's position.
• Madam Hua requests a Minor Saint Token for An Le from the Sixth Mountain Lord.
• An Le decides to ascend the Sixth Mountain to retrieve the Ink-Colored Azure Blade and obtain the Minor Saint Token, declining the Mountain Guardian position.

Character Developments

• Zhao Huangting: Shows high regard for An Le's potential, hoping he will become the Seventh Mountain Lord and 'chop' the Yuan Meng Emperor.
• Wang Banshan (Third Master): Acknowledges An Le's talent and believes he might not choose to be a Mountain Guardian.
• An Le: Demonstrates resolve and ambition by choosing to climb the Sixth Mountain for the Minor Saint Token instead of becoming a Mountain Guardian.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Potential: Characters discuss An Le's potential and ambition, with Zhao Huangting hoping he will achieve greatness.
• Cultivation and Competition: The competition for the Sixth Mountain Lord's position highlights the intense nature of cultivation and the struggle for power and recognition.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Huangting and Wang Banshan: Discuss An Le's prospects and the upcoming competition, revealing their insights and expectations.
• An Le and the Sixth Mountain Lord: The Mountain Lord offers An Le the choice between becoming a Mountain Guardian or attempting to obtain the Minor Saint Token.
• An Le and Madam Hua: Madam Hua supports An Le's decision to climb the Sixth Mountain, showing her faith in his abilities.

Plot Points and Events

• An Le, having refused to become a Mountain Guardian, climbs the Sixth Mountain of Sacred Mountain for the Minor Sacred Token.
• The mountain's sword qi and pressure increase as he ascends, making it difficult for him to progress.
• Many cultivators follow An Le, hoping to seize the opportunity and obtain the token.
• An Le enters the Fetal Respiration state and visualizes the Sword Waterfall Diagram, absorbing sword qi from the rain.
• He practices the Five Animals on the steps, forging Spirit Bones imbued with sword qi and gathering a sword pool.
• An Le easily ascends the 300 steps and retrieves the Ink-Colored Azure Blade (Minor Sacred Token) from the peach tree.

Character Developments

• An Le demonstrates his determination and courage in pursuing the path of cultivation.
• He showcases his unique talent by absorbing sword qi, practicing the Five Animals, and forging Spirit Bones simultaneously.
• Other cultivators, like Zhong Shun Chao, Ye Chong, and Luo Qingchen, struggle to ascend the mountain, revealing their limitations.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity and Fate: An Le believes that if he is fated to obtain the Minor Sacred Token, no one can take it away from him.
• Perseverance and Determination: An Le's unyielding spirit and resolve are highlighted as he faces challenges and obstacles.
• Talent and Potential: An Le's unique abilities and potential are recognized by other cultivators, making them reassess their initial impressions of him.

Character Interactions

• An Le's actions inspire and challenge other cultivators, causing them to reevaluate their own abilities and determination.
• The young girl who follows An Le watches him closely, impressed by his actions and potential.
• Zhong Shun Chao, Ye Chong, and Luo Qingchen struggle to keep up with An Le, ultimately failing to reach the Minor Sacred Token before him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le successfully draws the Ink Pool sword, obtaining the Sixth Mountain's Minor Sacred Token.
• He faces no further challenges as the other cultivators descend the mountain.
• The Sixth Mountain Lord and Madam Hua descend, acknowledging An Le's talent and granting him access to the mountain's sword qi for tempering.
• Ye Wenxi, a Minor Saint Ranking cultivator, watches An Le and leaves after a brief interaction.
• The Sixth Mountain Lord and Madam Hua depart, with Madam Hua advising An Le to return to Lin'an with Zhuifeng and Ninth Sister.

Character Developments

• An Le: Proves his exceptional talent in swordsmanship, gains the Ink Pool sword, and receives recognition from the Sixth Mountain Lord and Madam Hua.
• Sixth Mountain Lord: Admires An Le's talent but regrets he won't be his Mountain Guardian. Offers An Le access to the mountain's sword qi for refinement.
• Madam Hua: Acknowledges An Le's talent and advises him to improve his cultivation to converse with the Sacred Master.
• Ye Wenxi: Shows interest in An Le as a new contender on the Minor Saint Ranking.

Significant Themes

• Talent and opportunity: An Le's talent is recognized, but he also needs to seize opportunities to grow stronger.
• Regret and acceptance: The Sixth Mountain Lord regrets not having An Le as his Mountain Guardian but accepts it.
• Competition and growth: An Le's success sparks interest from other cultivators, setting the stage for future competition and growth.

Character Interactions

• An Le and the Sixth Mountain Lord: The Mountain Lord admires An Le's talent but regrets not having him as his Mountain Guardian. He offers An Le access to the mountain's sword qi.
• An Le and Madam Hua: Madam Hua acknowledges An Le's talent and advises him to improve his cultivation.
• An Le and Ye Wenxi: Ye Wenxi watches An Le and leaves after a brief interaction, showing interest in him as a new contender on the Minor Saint Ranking.

Plot Points and Events

• An Le returns to Lin'an with Lin Zhuifeng and Lin Qingyin.
• He meets his mentor, an elder, who reveals that obtaining the Minor Sacred Token lists An Le on a ranking (Minor Saint Ranking) and that challenges are needed to improve rank, with only two failures allowed.
• An Le discovers a sword control technique within the Minor Sacred Token, which allows him to manipulate swords remotely.

Character Developments

• An Le's cultivation has improved, and he's obtained the Ink Pool sword and the Minor Sacred Token.
• He's determined to advance on the Minor Saint Ranking and achieve the top position in the imperial examinations.
• An Le's mentor encourages him to remain humble and avoid complacency.

Significant Themes

• The power and responsibility that come with obtaining the Minor Sacred Token.
• The importance of humility and determination in cultivation and growth.
• The potential of all things to contain sword qi, as revealed by the sword control technique.

Character Interactions

• An Le interacts with Lin Zhuifeng and Lin Qingyin on the journey back to Lin'an.
• He meets with his mentor, who provides guidance and advice.
• An Le's interaction with the Minor Sacred Token reveals the sword control technique.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le uses Years Essence to glimpse Ye Wenxi's past, witnessing her killing twenty-seven enemies in a battle, revealing her strength and resolve.
• An Le obtains the 'Self-forgetting' Dao Fruit from the Years Essence.
• Qin Qianqiu, son of the Prime Minister, wants An Le killed due to the feud between the Qin and Lin Manors, but Luo Qingchen refuses.

Character Developments

• An Le is shaken by Ye Wenxi's past and her strength, feeling pressure from her as a potential opponent on the Minor Saint Ranking.
• Qin Qianqiu's attitude towards An Le shifts from indifference to importance, seeing him as a threat.
• Luo Qingchen is disappointed and discouraged, but maintains his composure.

Significant Themes

• Talent and potential: An Le's rapid growth and achievements highlight his exceptional talent, while Luo Qingchen's decline emphasizes the transience of brilliance.
• Feud and rivalry: The conflict between the Qin and Lin Manors underscores the theme of long-standing grudges and power struggles.
• Strength and resolve: Ye Wenxi's past reveals her determination and capability, contrasting with her gentle demeanor.

Character Interactions

• An Le and Ye Wenxi: Though not directly interacting, An Le's curiosity about Ye Wenxi grows after witnessing her past, setting the stage for potential future interactions.
• Qin Qianqiu and Luo Qingchen: Their conversation highlights Qin Qianqiu's discontent with Luo Qingchen's performance and his growing interest in An Le as a threat.
• An Le and the Lin'an Prefecture: An Le's actions and achievements stir the city, with his name and artwork circulating widely, drawing attention and admiration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le, now known as "Great Master An" due to his ink bamboo painting, visits West Lake and overhears scholars discussing his work.
• He meets Lin Manor's young masters at the Training Hall, who invite him to the Temple of Martial Arts for the Spring Martial Examination.
• An Le teaches Lin Qingyin still life sketching at the Tianbo Water Pavilion.
• Madam Hua's maid, Xi Xiang, informs An Le that Lin Fourth Master will tell him about the Minor Saint Ranking.

Character Developments

• An Le remains humble despite his newfound fame, continuing his daily life and work at the Lin Manor.
• Lin Manor young masters show respect and admiration for An Le, inviting him to the martial examination and sharing their plans to reforge the manor's glory.
• Lin Qingyin demonstrates diligence and enthusiasm in learning painting from An Le.
• Lin Fourth Master shows interest in An Le's painting skills, asking if he can paint other subjects besides bamboo.

Significant Themes

• Humility and modesty in the face of success (An Le).
• Respect and admiration for talent (Lin Manor young masters).
• Learning and growth (Lin Qingyin).
• Artistic versatility (Lin Fourth Master's question to An Le).

Character Interactions

• An Le interacts with scholars at West Lake, who praise his ink bamboo painting.
• An Le meets Lin Manor young masters at the Training Hall, engaging in conversation and drawing Time Qi from them.
• An Le teaches Lin Qingyin still life sketching at the Tianbo Water Pavilion.
• An Le meets Lin Fourth Master at Qingfeng Courtyard, where Lin Fourth Master expresses interest in An Le's painting skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fourth Master Lin asks An Le to paint his favorite horse, a Daoli Horse, as a memento before sending it away.
• An Le agrees and decides to paint the horse in a freehand style on raw Xuan paper, capturing its wild and untamed nature.
• An Le paints the horse, and upon completion, he achieves an Eighth-grade Spirit Refining Portrait.

Character Developments

• An Le gains confidence in his painting skills and decides to paint the Daoli Horse in a unique style.
• Fourth Master Lin shows his love for horses and his reluctance to send away his favorite Daoli Horse.

Significant Themes

• The theme of freedom and restraint is explored through the Daoli Horse and Fourth Master Lin's feelings.
• The power of art to capture the spirit and essence of a subject is demonstrated through An Le's painting.

Character Interactions

• An Le and Fourth Master Lin interact, with Fourth Master Lin expressing his desire to have An Le paint his horse, and An Le agreeing.
• Xi Xiang, Fourth Master Lin's servant, watches the painting process but does not actively participate in the interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le completes a painting of a galloping horse, which is praised as an Eighth-grade Spirit Refining Portrait by Fourth Master Lin.
• An Le's painting nourishes both his sword and spirit, bringing him closer to the next realm of transcendence.
• Fourth Master Lin gives An Le a booklet containing the latest Minor Saint Ranking, where An Le is ranked nineteenth.

Character Developments

• An Le's painting skills improve with his increased Spirit Refinement cultivation, allowing him to create a high-level painting.
• Fourth Master Lin's admiration for An Le grows, leading him to offer assistance in the future.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of perfection in art and cultivation.
• The importance of mentorship and guidance, as seen in Fourth Master Lin's support of An Le.

Character Interactions

• An Le and Fourth Master Lin share a moment of mutual respect and understanding after An Le completes the horse painting.
• An Le and Young Master Qin have a brief encounter at the end of the chapter, foreshadowing potential interactions in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le meets Qin Qianqiu, who invites him to a banquet at the Drunken Dragon Pavilion, but An Le declines.
• Qin Qianqiu tries to poach An Le from the Lin Manor to the Qin Manor, offering him teachers, pills, and other benefits.
• An Le refuses, citing his promise to the Lin Manor and his gratitude for their help.
• Qin Qianqiu and Wang Qinhe discuss their plans against An Le, mentioning his possession of Demonic Qi and his potential threat.
• An Le encounters the burly coachman, Zhushan, who challenges him to a duel.

Character Developments

• An Le demonstrates his composure and fearlessness in the face of Qin Qianqiu's pressure, showing his growth and confidence.
• Qin Qianqiu reveals his arrogance and prejudice, looking down on An Le due to his humble background and lack of powerful backing.
• Wang Qinhe expresses his intention to eliminate An Le as a potential threat, highlighting his cunning and ruthlessness.
• Zhushan shows respect and solemnity towards An Le, indicating a change in his perception of the young man.

Significant Themes

• Arrogance and prejudice: Qin Qianqiu's disdain for An Le due to his humble origins and lack of powerful connections.
• Gratitude and loyalty: An Le's refusal to join the Qin Manor out of gratitude for the Lin Manor's help.
• Power dynamics: The struggle between the Lin and Qin Manors, and the potential threats posed by An Le's talent and achievements.

Character Interactions

• An Le and Qin Qianqiu: Qin Qianqiu tries to poach An Le, but An Le declines, showing his loyalty to the Lin Manor.
• Qin Qianqiu and Wang Qinhe: They discuss their plans against An Le, highlighting their alliance and shared goals.
• An Le and Zhushan: Zhushan challenges An Le to a duel, showing a change in his perception of the young man and his respect for his achievements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le is ambushed by Luo Qingchen's coachman, Zhushan, who was sent by Qin Qianqiu to kill An Le.
• An Le understands Zhushan's predicament and respects his loyalty but refuses to hold back.
• Qin Qianqiu and Wang Qinhe watch the battle from a distance, planning to use Zhushan to kill An Le or provoke Luo Qingchen into killing An Le, thus eliminating both threats.
• Madam Hua and Li You'an return to Lin'an, delaying Qin Qianqiu's attempt to assassinate An Le.

Character Developments

• An Le demonstrates understanding and compassion towards Zhushan's situation but remains determined to protect himself.
• Qin Qianqiu shows his ruthlessness and willingness to manipulate others for his gain.
• Madam Hua and Li You'an display their power and influence, easily deterring an assassin sent by Qin Qianqiu.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Betrayal: Zhushan's loyalty to Luo Qingchen conflicts with his actions, as he is forced to kill An Le. Qin Qianqiu's betrayal of trust is evident in his manipulation of Zhushan.
• Power and Influence: The power dynamics between the Lin Manor, Qin Manor, and other factions are evident in their attempts to control or eliminate An Le.
• Revenge and Retribution: An Le's calm acceptance of Zhushan's attack hints at his willingness to face potential revenge from Luo Qingchen, while Qin Qianqiu's actions may lead to retribution from Madam Hua or Li You'an.

Character Interactions

• An Le and Zhushan: An Le understands Zhushan's plight but remains resolved to defend himself. Zhushan, despite his guilt, attacks An Le out of loyalty to Luo Qingchen.
• Qin Qianqiu and Wang Qinhe: They collaborate to eliminate An Le, demonstrating their shared ambition and ruthlessness.
• Madam Hua and Li You'an: They work together to protect An Le, showcasing their united front against Qin Qianqiu's schemes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le, wielding the Ink Pool and a tattered bamboo sword, faces Casting Mountain (Zhu Shan), a Body Forging martial artist.
• Casting Mountain underestimates the bamboo sword, focusing on the Ink Pool.
• An Le uses the Ink Pool's sword qi, merging it with the spirit of galloping horses from his calligraphy, creating a powerful strike.
• Zhu Shan, despite being pierced by the Ink Pool, gets close to An Le and lands a saber blow, but An Le's bamboo sword's Collapsing Sword Force defeats him.
• Zhu Shan dies, regretting his actions but understanding he had no choice due to Qin Qianqiu's orders.

Character Developments

• An Le demonstrates his mastery over the Ink Pool and the bamboo sword, showcasing his skill and mental prowess.
• Zhu Shan reveals his loyalty to his master and his regret for his actions, highlighting his complex character.

Significant Themes

• The insignificance of individuals in the face of powerful forces (like mayflies).
• The consequences of one's actions and the lack of choices for those in lower positions.

Character Interactions

• An Le and Zhu Shan's battle showcases their skills and resolve, with An Le's victory highlighting his superiority.
• Zhu Shan's death scene reveals his loyalty and regret, contrasting with An Le's melancholic acceptance of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Qingchen leaves Qingzhou manor, assuming Zhushan is absent.
• Zhushan is found dead, killed by An Le to give Luo Qingchen a chance to escape.
• Luo Qingchen arrives, grieves for Zhushan, and decides to avenge him.
• Qin Qianqiu and Wang Qinhe watch from a distance, with Wang Qinhe sending his saber as a greeting to An Le.
• Luo Qingchen severs his Dao Heart, deciding to no longer seek the Great Dao, and attacks Qin Qianqiu.

Character Developments

• Luo Qingchen: Struggles with guilt over Zhushan's death, decides to avenge him, and severs his Dao Heart, giving up his pursuit of the Great Dao.
• An Le: Shows compassion by killing Zhushan to help Luo Qingchen, remains calm and composed throughout the events.
• Qin Qianqiu: Shows indifference to Zhushan's death, feels threatened by An Le's talent.
• Wang Qinhe: Recognizes An Le's threat, looks forward to challenging him, sends his saber as a greeting.

Significant Themes

• Guilt and Redemption: Luo Qingchen feels guilty for Zhushan's death and seeks redemption by avenging him.
• Pursuit of the Dao: Luo Qingchen gives up his pursuit of the Great Dao after severing his Dao Heart, focusing on personal satisfaction instead.
• Threat and Response: Qin Qianqiu and Wang Qinhe feel threatened by An Le's talent and respond accordingly.

Character Interactions

• Luo Qingchen and Zhushan: Luo Qingchen mourns Zhushan's death and decides to avenge him.
• An Le and Luo Qingchen: An Le and Luo Qingchen acknowledge each other's strengths and agree to a future battle.
• Qin Qianqiu and Wang Qinhe: Qin Qianqiu suggests eliminating An Le, but Wang Qinhe looks forward to challenging him.
• Wang Qinhe and An Le: Wang Qinhe sends his saber as a greeting to An Le, who catches it effortlessly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Qingchen severs his Dao Heart, renounces his pursuit of the Great Dao, and decides to live life to the fullest.
• Enraged by the death of his coachman, Luo Qingchen attacks Qin Qianqiu, the young master of Prime Minister Qin's manor, using the Dragon Spine Saber.
• Luo Qingchen's attack is initially blocked by Qin Qianqiu's protective treasure, the Vajra Bell, and the Primordial Spirit of a guardian expert. However, Li You'an intervenes, allowing Luo Qingchen to severely injure Qin Qianqiu.
• Luo Qingchen leaves Lin'an Prefecture, carrying his coachman's corpse, with Li You'an sending him off and offering him a position in his army.
• An Le returns to the courtyard, only to find Li You'an and the old man from the Imperial Ancestral Temple waiting for him.

Character Developments

• Luo Qingchen: Severing his Dao Heart, Luo Qingchen accepts his mortality and decides to live life fully. His actions display courage and determination, and he gains respect from An Le.
• An Le: An Le witnesses Luo Qingchen's actions and is awestruck by his courage. He also shows respect for Luo Qingchen's decision and understanding of his actions.
• Qin Qianqiu: Qin Qianqiu's arrogance and entitlement are exposed as he underestimates Luo Qingchen and suffers severe injuries.
• Li You'an: Li You'an's legendary status is confirmed as he blocks half of Lin'an with his sword energy. He shows interest in Luo Qingchen and offers him a position in his army.

Significant Themes

• Courage and Determination: Luo Qingchen's actions highlight the theme of courage in the face of adversity and determination to live life on one's terms.
• Consequences of Actions: Qin Qianqiu's actions lead to severe consequences, illustrating the theme of reaping what one sows.
• Legacy and Reputation: Li You'an's legendary status and Luo Qingchen's past fame in Qingzhou emphasize the enduring impact of one's actions and reputation.

Character Interactions

• Luo Qingchen and An Le: The two share a moment of respect and understanding, with Luo Qingchen saluting An Le before leaving Lin'an.
• Luo Qingchen and Qin Qianqiu: Their interaction highlights the power dynamics between them, with Luo Qingchen's actions challenging Qin Qianqiu's authority.
• Li You'an and Luo Qingchen: Li You'an's intervention and offer to Luo Qingchen suggest a potential mentor-mentee relationship or alliance.
• An Le and Li You'an: An Le's surprise at finding Li You'an at the courtyard hints at an upcoming interaction between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Qingchen carries Zhushan's corpse away, and Qin Qianqiu is humiliated, becoming a laughingstock in Lin'an.
• Lin'an is in chaos as officials search for the intruders, but An Le remains unaffected.
• Hua Jiebing returns with Li You'an, signaling a potential turning point in the conflict between the Lin and Qin Manors over the Calm the Waves sword.
• An Le hosts Li You'an and the old man from the Imperial Ancestral Temple, discussing swordsmanship and the Sacred Master.
• Li You'an reveals his swordsmanship, Thousand Times, and advises An Le on his comprehension of Sword Qi is Near.
• The old man expresses his desire to cross the Canglang River and seek guidance from the Yuan Emperor.
• An Le practices the Five Animals and approaches the third realm of Spirit Refinement.

Character Developments

• An Le: Shows maturity and understanding of power dynamics, admitting his lack of strength and the need for caution. He also demonstrates his talent in swordsmanship and painting.
• Li You'an: Reveals his legendary status and swordsmanship, Thousand Times. He also shows concern for the future of Lin'an and the Great Zhao's aspirations.
• The old man from the Imperial Ancestral Temple: Expresses his discontent with the current state of Lin'an and his desire to cross the Canglang River. He also shows interest in An Le's potential as a successor to Green Mountain.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the limits of human lifespan and cultivation.
• The erosion of ambition and valor by prosperity and indulgence.
• The importance of maintaining one's spirit and unyielding nature in the face of adversity.
• The pursuit of strength and the understanding of power dynamics.

Character Interactions

• An Le, Li You'an, and the old man from the Imperial Ancestral Temple discuss swordsmanship, the Sacred Master, and the future of Lin'an.
• Li You'an and the old man discuss the state of Lin'an, the Great Zhao's aspirations, and the need to cross the Canglang River.
• An Le practices the Five Animals, reflecting his dedication to improving his martial prowess.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Author discusses the challenges faced this year, with two books performing poorly.
• The current book is a "second beginning" with a changed theme, written in a new style that's difficult to maintain.
• The book's performance improved gradually, reaching around 120,000 characters with nearly 3,000 subscriptions.
• The book is nearing its end, with only a few days left on the new book list.

Character Developments

• The author, Old Li, shows resilience despite facing challenges and setbacks.
• Old Li expresses a strong desire to write the book well and hopes readers enjoy it.

Significant Themes

• The struggle and resilience of an author in the face of adversity.
• The importance of reader support and engagement in the success of a book.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with the readers, expressing gratitude and asking for their support through subscriptions, votes, and reviews.
• The editor is mentioned, having suggested a change in the book's theme.

Brief Reference

• Author discusses book's struggles, progress, and asks for reader support.
• Book nearing completion, with improved performance and limited time on new book list.
• Author expresses determination to write well and thanks readers.

Plot Points & Events

• An Le breaks through to the Transcendence realm in Spirit Refinement, condensing a sword furnace in his Niwan Palace.
• He spends the night painting to stabilize his new realm and solidify his sword furnace.
• In Lin'an, Madam Hua, Li You'an, and the Long-browed Elder admire An Le's Galloping Horse Painting at Fourth Master Lin's manor.

Character Developments

• An Le: Advances to the Transcendence realm in Spirit Refinement, gains better control over his mind and swords, and makes significant progress in Body Forging.
• Madam Hua: Shows genuine appreciation for An Le's talent and hopes his ambition remains untainted by Lin'an's influences.

Significant Themes

• Talent and ambition: An Le's exceptional talent is recognized, but Madam Hua worries about his ambition being affected by Lin'an's influences.
• Cultivation progress: An Le's advancements in Spirit Refinement and Body Forging are highlighted, contrasting with Qin Qianqiu's slow progress.

Character Interactions

• An Le and Madam Hua: Though not directly interacting, Madam Hua's thoughts about An Le reveal her concern for his future.
• Fourth Master Lin and Zhao Huangting: Fourth Master Lin reluctantly lends Zhao Huangting the Galloping Horse Painting, knowing it might not return.
• Li You'an and Madam Hua: Li You'an suggests An Le could help retrieve Calm the Waves during the Palace Examination, but Madam Hua expresses concern about the potential dangers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Le spends the night painting to calm his sword furnace, then heads to West Lake.
• He encounters Captain Huang Xian, who expresses concern for An Le's safety due to recent cultivator disputes.
• At West Lake, An Le meets Scholar Liu Yue and witnesses Fairy Yun Rou's arrival on a flower boat.
• Fairy Yun Rou's maidservant invites An Le aboard, revealing that Fairy Yun Rou's master had a pleasant conversation with An Le.
• An Le declines the invitation, citing prior engagements, and leaves for the Lin Manor.
• At the Lin Manor, An Le is informed that there are guests visiting and is directed to the Tianbo Water Pavilion.
• In the water pavilion, An Le meets Madam Ye, Ye Chong, Ye Wenxi, and another girl, along with Lin Qingyin and Lin Zhuifeng.

Character Developments

• An Le: Achieves Spirit Refinement Transcendence, becomes more energetic and handsome, and gains the ability to draw more Time Qi from targets.
• Fairy Yun Rou: Reappears at West Lake, invites An Le aboard her flower boat, and reveals that she knows about An Le's conversation with her master.
• Captain Huang Xian: Shows concern for An Le's safety, indicating that the security in Lin'an Prefecture will be stricter due to the upcoming Spring Imperial Examination.
• Scholar Liu Yue: Recognizes An Le as Great Master An, the renowned ink bamboo painter, and is surprised when An Le declines Fairy Yun Rou's invitation.

Significant Themes

• The allure and unattainability of Fairy Yun Rou, symbolizing the unattainable ideal in life.
• The importance of self-control and prioritizing one's goals, as seen in An Le's decision to decline Fairy Yun Rou's invitation due to his commitments at the Lin Manor.

Character Interactions

• An Le and Captain Huang Xian: Huang Xian expresses concern for An Le's safety, and they exchange pleasantries.
• An Le and Scholar Liu Yue: They meet at West Lake, and Liu Yue is surprised to learn that An Le is the renowned Great Master An.
• An Le and Fairy Yun Rou: An Le declines Fairy Yun Rou's invitation, but she hints at their past connection through her master.
• An Le and the Lin Manor guests: An Le meets Madam Ye, Ye Chong, Ye Wenxi, and another girl at the Lin Manor, indicating the growing connections and alliances within Lin'an Prefecture's elite society.