Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan, a transmigrator from Earth, joins the Divine Sword Sect as a menial disciple.
• He is assigned to Chenzhong Terrace, responsible for ringing the chen bell to mark the time.
• Li Gan learns the intricacies of his new role from Elder Song, a veteran menial disciple.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Struggles with his mediocre martial arts talent but remains determined to cultivate and improve.
• Elder Song: Patiently teaches Li Gan about his new role and offers guidance on cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of diligence and perseverance in cultivation, even with average talent.
• The hierarchy within the Divine Sword Sect, with menial disciples at the bottom.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Elder Song: Li Gan learns from Elder Song, who treats him kindly and offers encouragement.
• Li Gan and the Chore Hall Deacon: Li Gan feels cheated after being assigned to Chenzhong Terrace despite bribing the deacon.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan, a Menial Disciple, learns about the differences between Menial and Official Disciples, highlighting the latter's superior aptitude and resources.
• Elder Song, a seasoned Bell Ringer, tasks Li Gan with ringing the Mao Bell the next day, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and focus.
• Li Gan successfully rings the Mao Bell at the correct time but is startled by a sudden voice in his mind, causing him to nearly strike the bell twice.
• After ringing the bell, Li Gan sees an illusion and a small screen of light appearing before his eyes, displaying his status and the Chen Bell's details.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Shows ambition but also naivety about the challenges of becoming an Official Disciple. He demonstrates focus and determination while ringing the bell but is easily startled by the unexpected voice.
• Elder Song: Displayed as wise, patient, and experienced. He understands the challenges and perils of ambition and is willing to guide Li Gan, showing concern for his well-being.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Contentment: Elder Song advises Li Gan to know his limits and not aim too high, contrasting with Li Gan's initial ambition to become an Official Disciple.
• Focus and Discipline: The importance of focus and punctuality in ringing the bell is emphasized, reflecting the need for discipline in cultivation and life.
• The Unknown: Li Gan's encounter with the mysterious voice and screen of light hints at the unknown aspects of his new role and the potential secrets of the Divine Sword Sect.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Elder Song: Their interaction shows a mentor-mentee relationship, with Elder Song guiding Li Gan and expressing concern for his well-being, while Li Gan listens attentively and tries to learn from Elder Song.
• Li Gan and the Chen Bell: Li Gan's interaction with the Chen Bell shows his determination and focus, but also his vulnerability when faced with the unexpected.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan activates a system after becoming the Bell Ringer.
• The system reveals that the Chen Bell can be refined to become a higher-grade Sacrificial Tool, granting Li Gan immortality if it doesn't break.
• Li Gan adapts to his new role and routine, ringing the bell daily and practicing martial arts.
• After a month, Li Gan experiences Qi Sensation while practicing the Sword Piercing Fist.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Becomes more comfortable with his role as the Bell Ringer and starts experiencing progress in his martial arts training.
• Elder Song: Reveals hints of a past story but remains evasive.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and patience in martial arts training.
• The power of routine and consistency in achieving goals.
• The importance of mentors and guidance in personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Elder Song: Li Gan grows more casual around Elder Song, and they share conversations about martial arts and Elder Song's past. Elder Song watches over Li Gan's bell-ringing duties.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan successfully stabilizes his Qi Sensation Seed on his first attempt, a rare feat.
• He continues to refine the Chen Bell and practice the Sword Piercing Fist to strengthen his Qi Sensation.
• Li Gan learns that after Internal Breath is strong enough, he can attempt Refining Breath into Force, marking the Internal Force stage.
• On the monthly distribution day, Li Gan receives his Stipend Silver and Contribution Voucher. Elder Song also brings back Exotic Beast Jerky, a rare delicacy.

Character Developments

• Li Gan's Qi Sensation progresses rapidly, indicating his martial arts talent.
• Elder Song shows concern for Li Gan's progress and well-being, demonstrating his mentorship.

Significant Themes

• Martial Arts Cultivation: The chapter details Li Gan's progress in Qi Sensation and Internal Breath, highlighting the stages of martial arts cultivation.
• Mentorship: Elder Song's guidance and care for Li Gan emphasize the importance of mentorship in martial arts cultivation.
• Luck and Timing: Li Gan's missed opportunity to become an Official Disciple due to poor timing is mentioned, underscoring the role of luck in one's path.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Elder Song interact over meals, with Elder Song inquiring about Li Gan's Qi Sensation and sharing news about the Exotic Beast Jerky.
• Li Gan's connection with the Chen Bell deepens, reflecting his growing mastery over it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan enters the Internal Breath stage after practicing the Sword Piercing Fist.
• He experiences increased hunger and fatigue, indicating the consumption of more Qi, blood, and energy.
• Elder Song notices Li Gan's breakthrough and gives him Exotic Beast Jerky to aid his cultivation.
• Li Gan digests the jerky quickly due to the Bell Tower's stimulation, accelerating his Internal Breath growth.
• Elder Song increases Li Gan's Medicinal Meals and plans to provide monthly Exotic Beast Jerky to support his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: He advances to the Internal Breath stage, demonstrating improved cultivation speed and strong digestive abilities.
• Elder Song: He becomes more invested in Li Gan's cultivation, providing better resources and guidance, seeing Li Gan's potential as a future Official Disciple.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Li Gan's progress in Internal Breath represents his advancement in martial arts, while Elder Song's support highlights the importance of guidance and resources in cultivation.
• Mentorship: Elder Song's actions show the significance of a mentor's role in nurturing a disciple's potential, as seen in their growing bond.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Elder Song: Their relationship deepens as Elder Song takes Li Gan under his wing, providing resources and guidance, while Li Gan strives to meet Elder Song's expectations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan practices the Sword Piercing Fist, stimulated by the Chen Bell's sound, making his Internal Breath more active.
• He learns about two methods to transform Internal Breath into Internal Force: passive accumulation and using a Force Transformation Method.
• Li Gan decides to try the first method, aiming to cultivate through all Twelve Standard Meridians with the Chen Bell's assistance.
• On the hundredth day, the Chen Bell levels up after Li Gan strikes it, causing a significant boost in his Internal Breath cultivation and opening several meridians.

Character Developments

• Li Gan becomes more determined to cultivate using the first method, showing his resolve and patience.
• He expresses no desire to go into the city, preferring to focus on his Martial Arts practice, demonstrating his dedication and caution.

Significant Themes

• The importance of diligence and perseverance in cultivation, as seen in Li Gan's decision to try the more difficult method of cultivation.
• The potential dangers and benefits of using a Force Transformation Method, highlighting the risks and rewards of shortcuts in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts with Elder Song, who provides guidance and advice on cultivation methods and reminds him about the Chenxiao Festival.
• Li Gan's interaction with the Chen Bell deepens as he experiences its advancement and the boost it provides to his cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan's Chen Bell upgrades from Mortal Grade to Treasure Grade, changing its upgrade progress and enhancing its effects.
• The Chen Bell now allows Li Gan to create Bell Sound mentally and provides defensive and offensive functions.
• Li Gan discovers that practicing the Sword Piercing Fist near the Chen Bell enhances his cultivation speed and physical growth.
• Li Gan learns about the Combat Ranking List from Chen Yong, a Menial Disciple aiming to become a Ranked Martial Artist.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Realizes the benefits of the Chen Bell's upgrade and starts practicing more frequently, leading to faster cultivation and physical growth. He also becomes more interested in interacting with other disciples.
• Chen Yong: Initially quiet and reserved, he opens up to Li Gan over time, revealing his goal to become a Ranked Martial Artist before leaving the Divine Sword Sect.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Ambition: Both Li Gan and Chen Yong are dedicated to their cultivation, but their ambitions differ. Li Gan aims for the peak, while Chen Yong focuses on becoming a Ranked Martial Artist.
• Hard Work and Perseverance: Chen Yong's relentless physical training embodies this theme, showing that dedication and perseverance can lead to improvement, even without exceptional resources.
• The Path to Success: The Combat Ranking List represents a challenging but possible route for Menial Disciples to change their fate, contrasting with Li Gan's unique path at the Bell Tower.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Chen Yong: Their daily interactions lead to a growing friendship. Li Gan offers guidance to Chen Yong, while Chen Yong shares information about the Combat Ranking List, providing Li Gan with a new perspective on the Divine Sword Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan reveals to Elder Song that he has opened eight standard meridians.
• Elder Song is surprised and realizes Li Gan's Sword Piercing Fist has reached Great Accomplishment.
• Elder Song suggests Li Gan can open all twelve standard meridians naturally without using the Force Transformation Method.
• Li Gan opens the last meridian, the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, and his Internal Breath transforms into Internal Force.
• Li Gan discovers the power of Internal Force by leaving a fist print on a stone stele without injuring his fist.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Proves his exceptional talent and Enlightenment by opening eight standard meridians quickly and reaching Great Accomplishment in Sword Piercing Fist. He opens all twelve standard meridians and transforms his Internal Breath into Internal Force.
• Elder Song: Recognizes Li Gan's potential and provides guidance, suggesting he doesn't need to use the Force Transformation Method.
• Chen Yong: Joins the Combat Ranking List but gets injured. He admires Senior Brother Zhang Mingcan, who took first place and is likely to become an official disciple.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Aptitude: Li Gan's rapid progress highlights his exceptional talent and Enlightenment.
• Natural Cultivation vs. Force Transformation Method: Elder Song discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each approach to cultivating Internal Force.
• Power of Internal Force: Li Gan experiences the power of Internal Force firsthand after transforming his Internal Breath.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Elder Song: They discuss Li Gan's progress and cultivation methods. Elder Song provides guidance and advice.
• Li Gan and Chen Yong: They catch up after not seeing each other for some time. Chen Yong shares his experience in the Combat Ranking List and expresses admiration for Senior Brother Zhang Mingcan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan, a Menial Disciple at the Divine Sword Sect, rings the Chen Bell five times, triggering a peculiar reaction.
• A young man from the Chore Hall informs Li Gan that a woman claiming to be his family member wants to meet him.
• Li Gan meets Song Yingying, who presents a letter from Elder Song, Li Gan's mentor.
• Elder Song's letter reveals that he has a granddaughter, Song Yingying, and suggests betrothing her to Li Gan. It also contains a secret message about the Bell Tower's Hourglass and a warning about the Chore Hall.
• Elder Song is revealed to have died, and Li Gan agrees to look after Song Yingying, deciding to address her as his cousin in public.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Shows concern for Song Yingying's safety and Elder Song's death. He demonstrates caution and understanding of potential risks in the Chore Hall.
• Song Yingying: Initially nervous and uncertain about meeting Li Gan, she shows filial piety and follows Li Gan's lead in addressing each other as cousins.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Caution: Li Gan's wariness of certain people in the Chore Hall and his decision to address Song Yingying as his cousin in public highlight the theme of trust and caution in their interactions.
• Family and Mentorship: The letter from Elder Song emphasizes the importance of family and mentorship, as Li Gan is asked to look after Song Yingying, Elder Song's granddaughter.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Song Yingying: Their initial meeting is cautious and uncertain, but they quickly agree to address each other as cousins to maintain a level of safety and comfort.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan helps Song Yingying with her registration and enrollment.
• Li Gan receives a riddle from Elder Song about an opportunity hidden in the Bell Tower.
• Li Gan discovers a map on an hourglass leading to a location near the Bell Tower.
• Li Gan finds a small box buried underground, containing a parchment.

Character Developments

• Li Gan shows concern for Song Yingying's well-being, suggesting he's considerate and caring.
• Li Gan demonstrates persistence in solving the riddle and finding the opportunity, indicating his determination.
• Li Gan's cultivation improves, opening the first of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity and Persistence: Li Gan's relentless pursuit of the opportunity left by Elder Song highlights the theme of persistence in the face of challenges.
• Cultivation and Growth: Li Gan's continuous cultivation and improvement in his martial arts skills emphasize the importance of consistent effort in personal growth.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Elder Song's riddle and the opportunity he left behind serve as a form of guidance and support for Li Gan, even after his death.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts briefly with Song Yingying, showing a friendly and helpful demeanor.
• Li Gan's internal dialogue reveals his thoughts and feelings about the riddle, the opportunity, and his cultivation progress, providing insight into his character and motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan finds a detailed treasure map and a note from Elder Song inside an hourglass.
• The map leads to a treasure trove left by a powerful Xiantian Martial Artist.
• Elder Song warns Li Gan about the dangers and to keep the map secret.
• Li Gan memorizes the map, destroys it, and buries the remnants to avoid trouble.
• Over half a year passes without incident, and Li Gan continues cultivating.
• A black-bearded old man, Zhao, visits the Bell Tower looking for Elder Song and offers Li Gan a Blood Vitality Pill in exchange for information.

Character Developments

• Li Gan shows maturity and caution, understanding the risks associated with the treasure map and deciding to keep a low profile.
• Li Gan's cultivation base improves to Foundation Establishment (Internal Force), and he opens five out of eight extraordinary meridians.
• Li Gan demonstrates composure and vigilance when dealing with the unknown visitor, Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity and Risk: The treasure map represents a significant opportunity but also carries immense danger.
• Trust and Caution: Li Gan learns to be cautious and not reveal too much, even to those who seem trustworthy, like Zhao.
• Cultivation and Growth: Li Gan's cultivation base improves, and he gets closer to opening the crucial Ren and Du Meridians.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts with Zhao, the steward of the Chore Hall, for the first time. Zhao tries to buy Li Gan's loyalty with a Blood Vitality Pill, hinting at potential future interactions and intrigue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan receives only one Blood Vitality Pill from Steward Zhao, which he finds stingy and unexpected.
• Li Gan maintains a regular schedule, cultivating in the Bell Tower and raising crops on the mountain.
• Chen Yong informs Li Gan that his cousin, Song Yingying, is close to Yi Zhong, a senior Menial Disciple.
• Li Gan learns about the Black Market within the Divine Sword Sect, where he plans to buy Blood Vitality Pills.
• In the Black Market, Li Gan discovers that Blood Vitality Pills are sold in bottles of twelve for ten Contribution Points each.

Character Developments

• Li Gan remains dedicated to his cultivation and daily routine, showing patience and determination.
• Chen Yong proves to be reliable and helpful, assisting Li Gan with information and accompanying him to the Black Market.
• Steward Zhao is revealed to be stingy, giving Li Gan only one Blood Vitality Pill.
• The stall owner in the Black Market is likely a Ranked Martial Artist, showing sharp eyes and indifference.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Patience: Li Gan's dedication to his cultivation routine and his willingness to wait for the right moment to act.
• Trust and Loyalty: Chen Yong's loyalty to Li Gan, demonstrated by his assistance and accompaniment.
• Materialism vs Spiritualism: The value placed on Contribution Points and Blood Vitality Pills, contrasting with Li Gan's focus on cultivation and personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Chen Yong: Their friendship deepens as Chen Yong assists Li Gan and accompanies him to the Black Market.
• Li Gan and the Stall Owner: Their interaction highlights the stall owner's sharp eyes and indifference, as well as Li Gan's cautiousness when inspecting the Blood Vitality Pills.
• Li Gan and Steward Zhao: Their interaction reveals Steward Zhao's stinginess and Li Gan's disappointment in the number of Blood Vitality Pills received.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan spends 10 Contribution Points to buy a bottle of Blood Vitality Pills at the Black Market, aiming to speed up his cultivation progress.
• He meets Deacon Li, an Official Disciple, who facilitates the Contribution Point transfer for the transaction.
• Li Gan discovers that someone has been secretly entering the Bell Tower in his absence.
• He starts taking Blood Vitality Pills daily to hasten his breakthrough to the Internal Qi level.
• On the sixth day, Li Gan successfully breaks through and cultivates Internal Qi.

Character Developments

• Li Gan shows determination and resourcefulness in pursuing his cultivation goals, even spending his Contribution Points on Medicinal Pills instead of Martial Arts manuals.
• Chen Yong, Li Gan's friend, shows concern for Li Gan's cultivation progress and warns him about the potential drawbacks of relying on Medicinal Pills.
• Deacon Li is introduced as an Official Disciple who facilitates transactions at the Black Market, hinting at the tacit approval of the Divine Sword Sect's upper ranks for the Black Market's existence.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Progress: Li Gan's eagerness to improve his cultivation level and become a Ranked Martial Artist is a central theme, highlighting the importance of personal growth and self-defense in the sect.
• Risk and Dependence: The use of Medicinal Pills to aid cultivation carries risks, such as pill dependence, which could hinder future progress. This theme explores the potential consequences of taking shortcuts in cultivation.
• Trust and Security: Li Gan's discovery that someone has been entering the Bell Tower in his absence raises questions about trust and security within the sect, suggesting that not everyone may have pure intentions.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Chen Yong's conversation at the Black Market reveals their differing views on the use of Medicinal Pills for cultivation, with Chen Yong expressing caution and Li Gan showing determination.
• Li Gan's interactions with the stall owner and Deacon Li at the Black Market highlight the transactional nature of the Black Market and the presence of Official Disciples facilitating these transactions.
• Li Gan's discovery of the intruder in the Bell Tower hints at potential future interactions with this mysterious person, which could lead to conflict or alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan discovers he can generate Internal Qi, which he can manipulate to create Sword Qi.
• He realizes the limitations of his current Internal Qi and the need for better cultivation techniques.
• Li Gan spends two years as a Menial Disciple, with his Cultivation Base reaching the Postnatal Realm First Layer.
• He considers taking the Inner Disciple assessment but decides against it, preferring to stay at the Bell Tower.
• Li Gan expects changes when his Sword Piercing Fist reaches perfection.
• Chen Yong asks Li Gan to join the Combat Ranking List, but Li Gan declines due to his duty at the Bell Tower.

Character Developments

• Li Gan becomes a Ranked Martial Artist and gains the ability to use Internal Qi and Sword Qi.
• He realizes the importance of better cultivation techniques and martial arts for his growth.
• Li Gan shows responsibility and dedication to his duty at the Bell Tower, even declining opportunities for personal growth.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Li Gan's struggle to improve his cultivation base and martial arts skills.
• Responsibility vs. Ambition: Li Gan's commitment to his duty at the Bell Tower versus his desire for personal growth and opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Chen Yong discuss the upcoming Combat Ranking List, with Chen Yong encouraging Li Gan to participate, but Li Gan declines due to his duty at the Bell Tower.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan's Sword Piercing Fist reaches Perfection, enhancing his cultivation efficiency and combat ability.
• He begins developing a Sword Art from Sword Piercing Fist and acquires a Short Sword as a weapon.
• One night, a Ranked Martial Artist, later revealed to be Steward Zhao from the Chore Hall, attempts to assassinate Li Gan.
• Li Gan uses the Chen Bell's soundwave attack to temporarily incapacitate Steward Zhao, then counterattacks and kills him.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Achieves Perfection in Sword Piercing Fist, enhancing his cultivation and combat skills. He also starts developing a Sword Art and demonstrates quick thinking and calmness under pressure during the assassination attempt.
• Steward Zhao: Revealed to be the assassin, driven by greed and desperation to find the hidden treasure. His underestimation of Li Gan leads to his demise.

Significant Themes

• The power of Perfection: Even ordinary Martial Arts can become extraordinary when cultivated to their utmost limit.
• Greed and desperation: Steward Zhao's actions are driven by his desire for the hidden treasure and his desperation to find it, leading to his downfall.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan vs. Steward Zhao: A tense and deadly confrontation, with Li Gan using his quick thinking and the Chen Bell's power to counterkill Steward Zhao.
• Li Gan and Steward Zhao's relationship: From Steward Zhao's perspective, Li Gan is a target to be interrogated and eliminated. From Li Gan's perspective, Steward Zhao is a threat to be neutralized.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan disposes of Steward Zhao's body and cleans up the scene.
• He decides not to cultivate the Bright Jade Palm technique due to its traceability and requirement for special ointment.
• The Chore Hall sends someone to investigate Steward Zhao's disappearance, but they don't suspect Li Gan.
• Yi Zhong, the top Menial Disciple, visits Li Gan, revealing he knows about Song Yingying's (Chu Yingying) true identity and her grandfather's legacy.

Character Developments

• Li Gan becomes more cautious and low-key after killing Steward Zhao.
• Yi Zhong is revealed to be manipulative and ambitious, using his relationship with Song Yingying to investigate the Treasure Map.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and resources within the Divine Sword Sect.
• The dangers of trusting the wrong people, as seen through Yi Zhong's manipulation of Song Yingying.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Yi Zhong: Li Gan is wary of Yi Zhong's intentions, while Yi Zhong tries to persuade Li Gan to work together to uncover the Treasure Map.
• Li Gan and Song Yingying: Although not directly interacting in this chapter, Li Gan is concerned about Song Yingying's safety and the potential danger she's put herself in by revealing information to Yi Zhong.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan refuses to hand over the Treasure Map to Senior Brother Yi Zhong, who threatens him with the involvement of a significant figure from the inner sect.
• Li Gan decides to take the re-examination to become an Official Disciple, seeking protection and status.
• He visits the Gatekeeper Old Man, Zhou Buping, behind the Chore Hall and asks to take the re-examination.
• Zhou Buping, impressed by Li Gan's cultivation progress, offers to take him as a Personal Disciple.
• Li Gan accepts Zhou Buping as his Master and requests to continue cultivating at the Bell Tower.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Shows stubbornness and determination in protecting the Treasure Map. He takes the initiative to seek a Master to improve his status and security within the sect.
• Yi Zhong: Reveals his connection to a significant figure in the inner sect, pressuring Li Gan to hand over the Treasure Map.
• Zhou Buping: Recognizes Li Gan's exceptional comprehension and offers to take him as a Personal Disciple, showing his willingness to nurture talent.

Significant Themes

• Status and Protection: Li Gan seeks to become an Official Disciple and take a Master to gain protection and status within the sect, highlighting the importance of these factors in the Divine Sword Sect's hierarchy.
• Cultivation and Comprehension: Li Gan's rapid progress in cultivating a basic fist technique to the Perfection realm showcases his high comprehension, which impresses Zhou Buping and leads to him taking Li Gan as a disciple.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Yi Zhong: Their interaction reveals the power dynamics between Menial Disciples and the pressure Li Gan faces due to the Treasure Map.
• Li Gan and Zhou Buping: Their interaction leads to Li Gan taking Zhou Buping as his Master, granting him the status of an Official Disciple and the protection of a Master.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan becomes an official disciple of the Divine Sword Sect and takes on a master, Zhou Buping.
• Zhou Buping gives Li Gan the Heartless Sword Art, an advanced cultivation technique.
• Li Gan struggles to understand the Heartless Sword Art but begins practicing it under Zhou Buping's guidance.
• Li Gan receives monthly provisions and a Treasure Sword from Zhou Buping.
• Li Gan starts practicing the Heartless Sword Art and discovers its significant benefits compared to the Sword Piercing Fist.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Shows dedication and determination in understanding and practicing the Heartless Sword Art. He also discovers the advantages of internal cultivation techniques.
• Zhou Buping: Demonstrates his role as a master by providing guidance, resources, and support to Li Gan.

Significant Themes

• The power and importance of internal cultivation techniques compared to basic martial arts.
• The benefits of having a master for guidance and support in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Zhou Buping: Zhou Buping guides Li Gan in understanding the Heartless Sword Art and provides him with resources and support. Li Gan shows eagerness to learn and practice under Zhou Buping's guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Linjian City, under Divine Sword Sect's influence, has a restaurant where Senior Brother Yan meets Yi Zhong, a Menial Disciple.
• Senior Brother Yan reveals that Li Gan has become an Official Disciple, shocking Yi Zhong.
• Yi Zhong learns that Senior Brother Yan won't support him anymore, causing him to feel betrayed and decide to return home.
• Li Gan, now an Official Disciple, practices the Heartless Sword Art and Technique under Master Zhou's guidance.
• Li Gan discovers that practicing the internal cultivation technique while performing the sword technique increases progress.
• Li Gan's cultivation base reaches the 2nd Layer of the Postnatal Realm.
• Yi Zhong leaves the mountain, giving up his Menial Disciple status.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Becomes an Official Disciple, masters the basics of the Heartless Sword Art, and progresses in his cultivation.
• Yi Zhong: Loses Senior Brother Yan's support, feels betrayed, and decides to return home, giving up his Menial Disciple status.
• Senior Brother Yan: Shows his indifference and lack of support for Yi Zhong once he's no longer useful.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The relationship between Menial and Official Disciples, and the influence of Senior Brother Yan.
• Cultivation Progress: The importance of understanding and coordinating different aspects of cultivation (internal technique and martial technique).
• Betrayal and Consequences: Yi Zhong's feelings of betrayal and the consequences of his actions.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Master Zhou: Li Gan learns about Secret Techniques and the unique aspects of the Heartless Sword Art from his master.
• Senior Brother Yan and Yi Zhong: Their interaction shows the power imbalance and lack of support from Senior Brother Yan.
• Li Gan and Chen Yong: Chen Yong shares news about Yi Zhong's departure, showing Li Gan's new connections within the sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan's cultivation life returns to tranquility after becoming an official disciple.
• He practices the Heartless Sword Technique daily, making significant progress.
• The Chen Bell is set to upgrade in seven days.
• Li Gan learns about the upcoming Combat Ranking List but decides not to participate.
• Zhou Buping tells Li Gan about the Sword Tomb, a place where True Disciples can perceive Sword Intent Imprints and have a chance to be acknowledged by a divine sword. This time, Official Disciples are also allowed to enter, but only once.
• Li Gan decides to wait until he becomes a True Disciple before entering the Sword Tomb.

Character Developments

• Li Gan's cultivation base has reached the fifth layer of the Postnatal Realm, and his Heartless Sword Art has reached the Minor Accomplishment stage.
• Chen Yong, a Menial Disciple friend of Li Gan, has been transferred to a better job and plans to participate in the Combat Ranking List.
• Zhou Buping, Li Gan's master, reveals that he has not seen the highest level of Sword Dao, where one is not constrained by objects.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation and progression in martial arts.
• The value of opportunities and making wise decisions.
• The concept of a sword cultivator's path and the role of a powerful sword.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Chen Yong discuss the Combat Ranking List and Chen Yong's job transfer.
• Li Gan and Zhou Buping discuss the Sword Tomb and the highest level of Sword Dao.