Chapter Summaries

Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu, a transmigrator, joins the Firewood Gang to collect monthly fees from woodcutters in Cloud Dragon County.
• He and Luo Tao, another outer member, collect fees from 137 households in one day, impressing Wang Jin, a true member of the Firewood Gang.
• Wang Jin gives them tokens to begin body tempering at the gang headquarters.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu: Shows resourcefulness and determination in collecting fees and joining the Firewood Gang to cultivate as a martial practitioner.
• Luo Tao: Initially aggressive, he shows respect and obedience to Wang Jin and Shen Mu.
• Wang Jin: Recognizes Shen Mu and Luo Tao's efforts and supports their cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Ambition: Shen Mu's desire to become a martial practitioner drives him to join the Firewood Gang.
• Monopolization and Exploitation: The Firewood Gang's control over woodcutting in the county allows them to profit from the common folk.
• Hierarchy and Power Dynamics: The Firewood Gang has a clear hierarchy, with true members like Wang Jin holding more power than outer members like Shen Mu and Luo Tao.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao: They work together to collect fees, with Shen Mu showing leadership and Luo Tao following his lead.
• Shen Mu and Wang Jin: Wang Jin recognizes Shen Mu's efforts and supports his cultivation, showing a mentor-like attitude.
• Shen Mu and the woodcutter youth: The youth's resentment towards Shen Mu highlights the power imbalance between the Firewood Gang and the common folk.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao, members of the Firewood Gang, go to a restaurant and discuss their aspirations to become real members.
• A sudden attack occurs, narrowly missing Shen Mu, revealing a fierce battle between two graded martial artists nearby.
• Shen Mu and Luo Tao leave the scene, discussing the recent increase in martial artist conflicts in Cloud Dragon County, which they attribute to the pursuit of a manual called the Extreme Profound Scripture.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu: Shows quick reflexes and concern for Luo Tao's safety. He aspires to become a martial artist and is impressed by the power of graded martial artists.
• Luo Tao: Demonstrates quick thinking and bravery by warning Shen Mu about the incoming attack. He is eager to become a martial artist and live a luxurious life.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Aspiration: Both Shen Mu and Luo Tao aspire to become martial artists and improve their lives.
• Power and Danger: The scene of the graded martial artists' battle highlights the power and danger of martial arts, emphasizing the risks of getting involved in such conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao: Their friendship is evident as they look out for each other's safety. They share their aspirations and discuss the recent events in Cloud Dragon County.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao discuss the Extreme Profound Scripture, a legendary martial arts manual.
• Shen Mu decides to avoid potential conflicts and returns home early.
• Shen Mu observes the ancient tree in his mind, trying to understand its purpose.
• The next morning, Shen Mu and Luo Tao head to the Firewood Gang headquarters to learn body tempering.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu shows wisdom and caution, avoiding potential dangers and seeking to understand his unique ability.
• Luo Tao displays curiosity and ambition, dreaming of becoming a ranked martial artist.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Extreme Profound Scripture, symbolizing the double-edged sword of great power.
• The contrast between ordinary people and martial artists, highlighting the vast gap between their lives and abilities.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao's friendship grows as they share their thoughts and plans.
• Shen Mu and Luo Tao interact with the Firewood Gang guards, showing respect and gratitude.

Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao join the Firewood Gang's peripheral members for body tempering.
• They are given one jin of unranked beast meat to aid in the process.
• Mao Shouzhuo, their instructor, teaches them the fundamentals of body tempering, including internal cultivation and external practice.
• The process involves stance training, sandbag carrying, running laps, rock hugging, sparring, and practicing the Army-Breaking Saber Technique.
• Mao Shouzhuo demonstrates the strength of the first level of Boiling Blood by shattering a rock with a single punch.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu discovers changes in the ancient tree in his mind after consuming the beast meat, hinting at its potential role in his cultivation.
• Mao Shouzhuo shows his strength and knowledge as an instructor, instilling fear and respect in the peripheral members.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and hard work in cultivation, as seen in the grueling body tempering process.
• The value of beast meat as a resource for cultivators in the body tempering stage.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao are assigned to the same squad, but their interactions are not detailed in this chapter.
• Mao Shouzhuo interacts with the peripheral members, teaching them and demonstrating his strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu discovers his accelerated digestion rate for beast meat, which will speed up his progress to the first stage of Boiling Blood.
• Shen Mu decides to sell his house to fund his cultivation, entrusting the brokerage to find a buyer.
• A curfew is imposed in Cloud Dragon County due to increased martial artist activity.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu shows determination and resourcefulness in pursuing his cultivation goals, even selling his house to fund it.
• The shopkeeper and his assistant at the brokerage discuss the challenges and costs of becoming a martial artist.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of martial arts and the costs associated with it.
• The growing chaos and danger in Cloud Dragon County due to increased martial artist activity.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with the shop assistant at the brokerage, who helps him list his house for sale.
• The shopkeeper and his assistant discuss their views on martial arts and the challenges of becoming a martial artist.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu starts body tempering daily, digesting monster meat with the Martial Dao Tree's help.
• The Firewood Gang announces a curfew due to increased martial artist activity.
• The gang offers a job to harvest Origin Mulberry, paying five taels of silver per month.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu remains focused on his body tempering goal, refusing to be distracted by the Origin Mulberry job.
• Luo Tao considers the job but ultimately follows Shen Mu's decision not to join.

Significant Themes

• The importance of dedication and hard work in achieving one's goals.
• The temptation of immediate profits versus long-term plans.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao discuss the Origin Mulberry job, with Shen Mu advising Luo Tao not to join.
• Shen Mu's family, his second uncle, and second aunt, visit him, hinting at potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu, having merged with his predecessor's memories, meets his predecessor's second uncle, Shen Hong, and his wife, Li Ling.
• Shen Hong and Li Ling visit Shen Mu, expressing interest in buying his house for 80 taels, but refuse to pay the full amount upfront.
• Shen Mu suspects their intentions and refuses their offer.
• Shen Hong and Li Ling leave, discussing potential ways to acquire the house, including Shen Mu's accidental death.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu: Shows maturity and wisdom beyond his 18 years, understanding the true nature of his relatives and refusing to be manipulated.
• Shen Hong and Li Ling: Display their greed and lack of scruples, attempting to take advantage of Shen Mu and his situation.

Significant Themes

• Greed and corruption: Shen Hong and Li Ling exemplify the corrupting influence of power and money, exploiting their position and Shen Mu's vulnerability.
• Family and inheritance: The sixty taels of silver represent Shen Mu's father's pension, highlighting the importance of family legacy and the struggle to preserve it.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu vs. Shen Hong and Li Ling: Shen Mu remains steadfast and unyielding in the face of his relatives' attempts to manipulate and deceive him.
• Shen Hong and Li Ling: Their interaction reveals their shared greed and willingness to exploit others for personal gain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu sells his house to a mysterious, mute martial artist named Gu Cang.
• He transfers the property deed at the government office, receiving 57 taels of silver.
• Shen Mu buries most of his silver in secret locations to avoid theft.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates practical wisdom by burying his silver to prevent theft.
• Gu Cang, the buyer, is revealed to be a mute martial artist with a mysterious background.

Significant Themes

• The importance of owning a home within the city walls.
• The value of martial arts and the desire to practice them.
• The dangers of carrying large sums of money and the need for caution.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with the agency clerk, who facilitates the house sale.
• He meets Gu Cang, the buyer, though they have minimal interaction due to Gu Cang's muteness.
• Shen Mu seeks advice from the waiter about Gu Cang's background but receives no concrete information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu completes digesting the beast meat, ready to buy more.
• He books a room at Cloud Sky Inn for a month to continue training.
• Shen Hong and Li Ling try to seize the property deed from Shen Mu, but Gu Cang intervenes.
• Shen Hong's right ankle is broken by Gu Cang's hidden attack.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu: Continues his training, showing determination and focus.
• Shen Hong: Attempts to take advantage of Shen Mu, but suffers a setback.
• Li Ling: Shows cunning and manipulative tendencies.
• Gu Cang: Reveals his strength as an Entered-Grade martial artist, helping Shen Mu without his knowledge.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between family members over inheritance.
• The determination and dedication required for martial arts training.
• The hidden dangers and power dynamics in the martial world.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao: Share insights on body tempering, showing camaraderie.
• Shen Mu and Gu Cang: Unknowingly form an alliance as Gu Cang protects Shen Mu.
• Shen Hong and Li Ling: Their scheming and manipulation are foiled, leading to a setback for Shen Hong.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu successfully reaches the first level of Boiling Blood in just a month.
• Mao Shouzhuo tests Shen Mu's new power by throwing a stone at him.
• Shen Mu decides to accompany Luo Tao to collect firewood money the next day.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu: Advances to the first level of Boiling Blood, gains recognition and better treatment from Mao Shouzhuo.
• Luo Tao: Feels conflicted about Shen Mu's rapid progress but remains determined to improve.

Significant Themes

• The importance of diligence and perseverance in cultivation (Shen Mu's rapid progress).
• The impact of power dynamics on social interactions (Shen Mu's improved treatment after reaching Boiling Blood).

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Mao Shouzhuo: Mao Shouzhuo treats Shen Mu more respectfully after he reaches Boiling Blood.
• Shen Mu and Luo Tao: Luo Tao feels a mix of envy and determination towards Shen Mu's progress. Shen Mu offers to help Luo Tao collect firewood money.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu and Luo Tao collect firewood fees on Yunxiang Street, completing their task in just two hours due to Shen Mu's newfound strength.
• Shen Mu invites Wang Jin to a banquet to express his gratitude for Wang's support.
• Wang Jin reveals that Shen Mu, having reached the first level of Boiling Blood, must choose one of the Firewood Gang's three halls to join: Beast Hunting Hall, Yuan Mulberry Hall, or Firewood Hall.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates increased confidence and strength, completing his task quickly and efficiently.
• Wang Jin shows wisdom and experience, guiding Shen Mu about the Firewood Gang's halls and their respective responsibilities and risks.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Strength: Shen Mu's cultivation progress allows him to complete his tasks more efficiently and instills confidence in him.
• Risk vs. Reward: Wang Jin highlights the high risks and rewards of the Beast Hunting Hall, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary risks.
• Loyalty and Friendship: Shen Mu's gesture of hosting a banquet for Wang Jin strengthens their bond, and Wang Jin reciprocates by providing valuable information.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Wang Jin's interaction deepens their friendship, with Wang Jin acting as a mentor to Shen Mu.
• Shen Mu and Luo Tao work together efficiently, showcasing their camaraderie and teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu learns about the three halls of the Firewood Gang: Yuan Mulberry Hall, Beast Hunting Hall, and Firewood Hall.
• The Yuan Mulberry Hall guards a thousand acres of Yuan Mulberry fields, producing valuable Origin Mulberry Fruits, which are used to make Origin Mulberry Tea.
• Guarding the fields is dangerous due to potential theft by martial arts apprentices from other schools.
• Wang Jin reveals that Shen Mu only needs to guard ten acres and can call for help if he encounters thieves.
• Wang Jin shares his struggle with reaching the second level of Boiling Blood, having hit a bottleneck after five years.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu gains a deeper understanding of the Firewood Gang and its halls, helping him make an informed decision about his future.
• Wang Jin shows kindness and invests in a potential friendship with Shen Mu, hoping for future assistance with his son's cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of making informed decisions based on accurate information.
• The struggle and setbacks in cultivation, represented by Wang Jin's bottleneck.
• The value of repaying kindness and building relationships, as demonstrated by Shen Mu's gratitude and Wang Jin's investment.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Wang Jin's conversation reveals the internal workings of the Firewood Gang and the challenges of cultivation.
• Their interaction highlights the importance of reciprocity and building relationships, with Wang Jin investing in Shen Mu's potential.
• Wang Jin's sharing of his cultivation struggles fosters a sense of shared sorrow and understanding between him and Shen Mu.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu joins the Firewood Gang and pays respects to their ancestors.
• He registers and receives his duties, including a monthly salary and martial arts to practice.
• Shen Mu chooses to join the Yuan Mulberry Hall and is assigned to guard the Origin Mulberry Field.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates his potential by advancing to the Boiling Blood Stage quickly, attracting attention from higher-ups in the Firewood Gang.
• Mao Shouzhuo, a Firewood Gang member, shows Shen Mu favor and helps him navigate the gang's hierarchy.
• Qin Yu, a deacon of the Yuan Mulberry Hall, takes notice of Shen Mu's potential and welcomes him into the hall.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and brotherhood among gang members.
• The importance of martial cultivation and potential in the Firewood Gang.
• The hierarchy and duties within the Firewood Gang and Yuan Mulberry Hall.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with Mao Shouzhuo, who guides him through the Firewood Gang's processes and shows him favor.
• Shen Mu meets Qin Yu, a deacon of the Yuan Mulberry Hall, who is impressed by his potential and welcomes him into the hall.
• Shen Mu says goodbye to Luo Tao and Wang Jin before leaving for the Origin Mulberry Field.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Emerald Cloud Valley is the location of the Firewood Gang's Origin Mulberry fields, crucial for raising Origin Silkworms.
+ Shen Mu arrives at the valley and meets Hong Jingcheng, the deacon in charge of his sector, who is entertaining a prostitute.
+ Shen Mu is given five signal arrows to use if thieves appear in his guarded area.

Character Developments

+ Shen Mu demonstrates adaptability and discretion by not mentioning Hong Jingcheng's activities, earning the deacon's trust.
+ Hong Jingcheng shows his ruthless nature, considering killing Shen Mu to prevent him from spreading information about the prostitute.

Significant Themes

+ The temptation of wealth and power leads to corruption and moral decay among the Firewood Gang members.
+ Adaptability and discretion are crucial for survival in a dangerous environment.

Character Interactions

+ Shen Mu and the guard who leads him to Hong Jingcheng's residence have a brief but significant interaction, with Shen Mu showing understanding and discretion.
+ Hong Jingcheng and Shen Mu have a tense meeting, with Hong Jingcheng initially considering killing Shen Mu but ultimately deciding to observe his behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu arrives at his assigned Origin Mulberry Field, a serene and peaceful place.
• He discovers a bamboo shed with a long saber and messages left by previous guards.
• Shen Mu studies the Body Tempering Formula and Army-Breaking Saber Technique manuals.
• He begins practicing the Army-Breaking Saber Technique, finding it exhausting but effective.
• Shen Mu observes an anomaly on his Martial Dao Tree, indicating progress and a new function related to martial techniques.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu shows appreciation for the legacies left by his predecessors, feeling a connection to them.
• He demonstrates determination and dedication to his cultivation, spending hours practicing the Army-Breaking Saber Technique.
• Shen Mu exhibits curiosity and analytical thinking when trying to understand the new function of his Martial Dao Tree.

Significant Themes

• Legacy and Continuity: The messages and saber left by previous guards highlight the theme of passing on knowledge and experiences, ensuring the path is not lonely.
• Cultivation and Growth: Shen Mu's dedication to practicing the Army-Breaking Saber Technique emphasizes the importance of consistent effort in cultivation.
• Discovery and Understanding: The anomaly on Shen Mu's Martial Dao Tree represents the theme of discovering new aspects of one's cultivation path and seeking to understand them.

Character Interactions

• Although there are no direct interactions with other characters in this chapter, Shen Mu's connection with his predecessors is established through their messages and the saber they left behind.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu, after a month of intense training, has reached the first level of the Boiling Blood Stage and is now guarding an Origin Mulberry field in Emerald Cloud Valley.
• He meets Zhang Bohan, a gang member managing peripheral members picking Origin Mulberry leaves, who offers him Origin Mulberry Wine.
• Shen Mu learns that gang members guarding mulberry fields earn more and can continue refining their cultivation, unlike peripheral members who only pick leaves for a small salary.
• Shen Mu decides to pick ripe Origin Mulberry Fruits to steep wine himself, considering it a hidden perk of his assignment.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu: He has improved his cultivation significantly in a short time, demonstrating exceptional dedication and hard work. He also shows practicality and adaptability in deciding to pick Origin Mulberry Fruits for himself.
• Zhang Bohan: He is friendly and helpful, offering Shen Mu wine and advice. He is also shocked by Shen Mu's rapid progress and has his outlook on life challenged.

Significant Themes

• Hard Work and Dedication: Shen Mu's rapid progress is attributed to his relentless effort, emphasizing the importance of hard work in cultivation.
• Perseverance vs. Short-term Gains: The peripheral members who gave up body tempering to pick leaves for money regret their decision when they see Shen Mu's progress, highlighting the theme of sticking to long-term goals despite immediate gains.
• Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Shen Mu demonstrates this when he decides to pick Origin Mulberry Fruits for himself, turning a potential obstacle into an opportunity.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Zhang Bohan: They form a friendly rapport, with Zhang Bohan offering Shen Mu wine and advice, and Shen Mu seeking Zhang Bohan's help to buy Origin Mulberry Wine.
• Shen Mu and the peripheral members: The members are in awe of Shen Mu's progress and regret their decision to give up body tempering, creating a dynamic of admiration and envy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu rises early to practice the Army-Breaking Saber Technique and observes his Martial Dao Tree's progress.
• He leaves Emerald Cloud Valley to buy supplies (strong liquor, Red-Armored Ox meat, salt) and is followed by Hong Jingcheng and Wei Bo.
• Hong Jingcheng and Wei Bo plan to confront Shen Mu about his purchases and reveal their own scheme to him.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates discipline and dedication to his training and plans for advancement.
• Hong Jingcheng shows cunning and manipulative tendencies, while Wei Bo exhibits more straightforward thinking.

Significant Themes

• The importance of secrecy and trust in criminal activities.
• The value of beast meat in nourishing one's blood energy and the methods used to preserve it.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu is unaware of being followed by Hong Jingcheng and Wei Bo.
• Hong Jingcheng and Wei Bo discuss their plans to confront Shen Mu and reveal their scheme, showing a shift in their initial assessment of Shen Mu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu, a new guard at Emerald Cloud Valley, plans to pick Origin Mulberry Fruit at midnight to brew wine and advance his cultivation.
• Wei Bo, another guard, arrives at Shen Mu's shed at midnight, summoning him to meet Deacon Hong, Hong Jingcheng.
• Shen Mu meets with Hong Jingcheng and other guards, who ask if he's heard of the "Origin Cicada."

Character Developments

• Shen Mu: Shows caution and wariness, plans to advance his cultivation using stolen resources.
• Hong Jingcheng: Mysterious and secretive, summons Shen Mu and other guards for an unknown purpose.
• Wei Bo: Loyal to Hong Jingcheng, acts as a messenger between him and Shen Mu.

Significant Themes

• Caution and wariness: Shen Mu's guarded nature and the guards' vigilance.
• Ambition: Shen Mu's desire to advance his cultivation and Hong Jingcheng's mysterious gathering.
• Secrecy: The late-night meeting and the mention of the "Origin Cicada."

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Wei Bo: Wei Bo summons Shen Mu to meet Hong Jingcheng.
• Shen Mu and Hong Jingcheng: Hong Jingcheng asks Shen Mu about the "Origin Cicada."
• The guards: They gather at Hong Jingcheng's summons, showing loyalty and curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu learns about the Origin Cicadas and their high value from Guo Jinchuan and Hong Jingcheng.
• Hong Jingcheng reveals his plan to capture Origin Cicadas with the help of other guards to sell to a Market Master for profit.
• The group discusses the distribution of earnings, with Hong Jingcheng taking 50% and the rest being split equally among the participants.
• Hong Jingcheng warns the group about the dangers of consuming the Origin Cicadas and the importance of keeping the secret.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu shows curiosity and caution in learning about the secret of the Origin Cicadas.
• Hong Jingcheng demonstrates leadership and cunning in organizing the Origin Cicada capture and profit distribution.
• Guo Jinchuan and Wei Bo show camaraderie and support for Hong Jingcheng's plan.

Significant Themes

• Greed and the desire for profit drive the characters' actions.
• The dangers of keeping secrets and the consequences of betrayal are emphasized.
• The power dynamics within the group are established, with Hong Jingcheng holding the most influence.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu interacts with Guo Jinchuan, Hong Jingcheng, and Wei Bo, learning about the Origin Cicadas and the capture plan.
• The group discusses and agrees on the profit distribution and the importance of secrecy.
• Hong Jingcheng warns the group about the dangers of consuming the Origin Cicadas and the importance of keeping the secret, emphasizing his authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Mu begins his nightly task of harvesting Origin Mulberry Fruit and searching for Origin Cicadas.
• He captures five Origin Cicadas and over thirty catties of Origin Mulberry Fruit.
• The guards gather at Zhou Xuan's shed, and Shen Mu shares his findings with Hong Jingcheng.
• They form teams of two to search the Origin Mulberry Fields, with Shen Mu paired with Wei Bo.
• The group begins their operation, with Hong Jingcheng releasing sleeping incense into the guards' sheds, allowing the others to safely capture Origin Cicadas.
• Shen Mu and Wei Bo are assigned a section of the field, finding eight and eleven Origin Cicadas respectively.
• A signal arrow is shot, indicating an unexpected event.

Character Developments

• Shen Mu demonstrates his resourcefulness and adaptability in capturing Origin Cicadas.
• Wei Bo shows better luck in finding Origin Cicadas than Shen Mu.
• Hong Jingcheng exhibits leadership and strategic planning in organizing the operation.

Significant Themes

• The value of Origin Cicadas and their potential use in cultivation.
• The challenges and risks of capturing Origin Cicadas at night.
• The delicate balance between protecting the Origin Mulberry Fields and exploiting their resources.

Character Interactions

• Shen Mu and Hong Jingcheng share information and collaborate on the operation.
• Shen Mu and Wei Bo work together to search for Origin Cicadas, comparing their findings.
• The guards under Hong Jingcheng display camaraderie and teamwork in their mission.