Chapter Summaries

Zhang Tie returns to the Castle of Black Iron after a month and discovers a new fruit, the Fruit of Redemption, which can increase his strength by 71.5 kilograms once mature. This fruit is a result of the gratitude of the Golden Unicorn Beetles he saved, and it hints at the activation of unactivated genes within his body through redemption. Zhang Tie decides to consume the Fruit of Radiance first to improve his mental power, followed by the Judgment Fruit. After consuming the Fruit of Radiance, his mental power increases significantly. He then consumes the Judgment Fruit, which allows him to learn the Divine Rune Binding Technique, capable of temporarily blocking and severing the connection between a target's brain and body.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie visits the only private library in Brapet, the Grant Library, to seek knowledge.
• He learns that reading on the fourth floor (Pre-Cataclysm Human Relics section) costs two gold coins per day, granting access to books on the fourth, third, and second floors.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's desire for knowledge grows as he seeks answers to his questions and inspirations.
• He feels useful again after discovering the potential of his Binding Technique skill.

Significant Themes

• The high cost and scarcity of knowledge in the post-Cataclysm era.
• The value and power of knowledge and learning.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts briefly with the landlords (Mr. and Mrs. Green) and another tenant (a young couple with a child) in the morning.
• He also interacts with the library staff, particularly an old man who assists him with the book retrieval process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie buys a book on mental calculation and visits a library on the fourth floor, where he spends two gold coins to read rare books.
• He discovers he can read and remember information at an accelerated rate due to his increased mental power.
• Zhang Tie learns about DNA, "junk genes," and a hypothesis about a twelve-helix DNA structure from 'Code of the Gods.'
• In 'Eastern Occult Phenomena,' he finds a story about healing through releasing life, which he understands as the Way of Cause and Effect.
• 'The Message from Water' explains how human consciousness can influence water crystals.
• Zhang Tie understands the source of the Fruit of Redemption and the value of knowledge.
• He learns about Rune Refiners and the internet from before the Great Cataclysm.
• Zhang Tie has an epiphany about his body's regenerative abilities after seeing a picture of earthworms.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's mental power improves, allowing him to read and remember information quickly.
• He gains a deeper understanding of various concepts, including DNA, the Way of Cause and Effect, and the power of human consciousness.
• Zhang Tie realizes the value of knowledge and the importance of reading.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and learning.
• The value of different things to different people.
• The Way of Cause and Effect and the influence of human consciousness on the environment.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with library staff, but no significant interpersonal relationships are developed in this chapter.
• Zhang Tie's thoughts and realizations are the primary focus of the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A drunk woman, mistaking Zhang Tie's door for hers, vomits on him before passing out.
• Zhang Tie, despite his initial anger, helps the woman into his apartment and takes care of her.
• The next morning, the woman wakes up embarrassed and apologetic, repeatedly rushing in and out of the apartment.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: Shows kindness and patience towards the drunk woman, demonstrating his gentlemanly side.
• The Woman (unnamed): Exhibits embarrassment and apologetic behavior upon waking up in a strange place.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Compassion: Zhang Tie's actions towards the woman show his compassionate nature.
• Embarrassment and Apologies: The woman's repeated apologies and embarrassed behavior highlight her remorse and good intentions.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the Woman: Their interaction is brief but shows Zhang Tie's kindness and the woman's apologetic nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie arrives in Tokanis and travels to Chefu village on foot.
• He meets Harry, an old farmer from Chefu, who offers him a ride on his ox cart.
• Zhang Tie learns that many families in Chefu and surrounding villages raise earthworms for chicken and duck feed.
• Zhang Tie arrives at Chefu and sees Harry's earthworm pit.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: Shows his determination to save the earthworms, activates his "Cave Savage Survival Mode" to convince locals, and demonstrates his compassion and patience.
• Harry: Initially curious and hesitant about Zhang Tie's intentions, he becomes more open and willing to sell his earthworms after learning about Zhang Tie's devotion to the Grapis Sect.

Significant Themes

• The value of life and nature: Zhang Tie's reverence for the earthworms and his belief in the Grapis Sect's teachings highlight the theme of the intrinsic value of all life and nature.
• The power of compassion and understanding: Zhang Tie's compassion and patience help him connect with Harry and gain his trust.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Harry: Their interaction begins with curiosity and caution but evolves into mutual understanding and trust, with Harry eventually willing to sell his earthworms to Zhang Tie.
• Zhang Tie and the villagers: His arrival in Chefu draws the attention of the villagers, who are initially curious and speculative about his presence.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie buys earthworms from Old Harry to release them into the wild, believing they have a purpose in creation.
• He meets Hannah, Old Harry's granddaughter, who becomes interested in him.
• Zhang Tie returns to his lodging and finds two ripe Fruits of Redemption on the Little Tree.
• He consumes the "Gratitude of the Earthworm" fruit, which increases his physical recovery rate by 13%.
• Zhang Tie decides to stay in Chefu village for a few months to fully recover before deciding his next move.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: He shows generosity and respect for life, gaining the villagers' favor. He also experiences enlightenment about wealth and value. He decides to stay in Chefu to fully recover, showing patience and long-term thinking.
• Hannah: She becomes interested in Zhang Tie, showing curiosity and attraction towards him.

Significant Themes

• The value of life and creation beyond monetary measurement.
• Patience and long-term thinking in achieving goals.
• The interconnectedness of life and the importance of respecting all forms of life.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with Old Harry and his family, gaining their favor and trust.
• Zhang Tie meets Hannah, who shows interest in him.
• Zhang Tie interacts with the villagers, who become eager to sell him their earthworms.

Summary of "The Most Popular Person in Chefu"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie, now discharged from the hospital, resumes his affair with Hannah in the straw piles outside Chefu village.
• Zhang Tie encounters Old Harry, Hannah's brother, who is looking for her, and lies about not having seen her.
• On his way back to Tokanis town, Zhang Tie witnesses a man attempting to assault a woman, Linda, on the stairs of their apartment building. He intervenes and drives the man away.
• Later that night, a massive explosion occurs in Brapet, awakening Zhang Tie. He witnesses the explosion and the subsequent air-raid sirens.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: He continues his affair with Hannah, displaying a sense of guilt and caution. He also shows bravery and chivalry when intervening to help Linda.
• Hannah: She maintains her affair with Zhang Tie, showing eagerness for their meetings. She also displays a bit of cunning, asking Zhang Tie to buy her brewer's yeast as a pretext to meet him.
• Linda: She is a mature woman who initially resists the man's advances but eventually gives in to his threats. She is later saved by Zhang Tie.
• The man (unnamed): He is a middle-aged, wealthy man who uses his power to coerce women into sexual relationships. He is cowardly and easily defeated by Zhang Tie.

Significant Themes

• Lust and desire: The affair between Zhang Tie and Hannah, as well as the attempted assault on Linda, highlight the theme of lust and desire.
• Power dynamics: The man's attempt to coerce Linda, and his subsequent defeat at Zhang Tie's hands, illustrate the theme of power dynamics and how they can be used or abused.
• Guilt and deception: Zhang Tie feels guilty about his affair with Hannah and lies to her brother, showing the theme of guilt and deception.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Hannah: Their affair continues, with Hannah initiating their meetings and Zhang Tie feeling guilty about their relationship.
• Zhang Tie and Linda: They have a brief but significant interaction when Zhang Tie saves Linda from the man's assault. This interaction leads to a shift in Linda's perception of Zhang Tie.
• The man and Linda: Their interaction highlights the power dynamics between them, with the man using his power to coerce Linda into a sexual relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter discusses the history of explosives and their loss and rediscovery after the Great Cataclysm.
• It presents various theories about why explosives stopped working, including the String Variation Theory and the Mysterious Particle Theory.
• The chapter reveals that pre-Cataclysm humans were deceived by the Devil Race using "science," leading to humanity's near-extinction.
• Zhang Tie learns about different theories explaining the changes in the world, including the Spacetime Density Theory.
• An explosion occurs in Brapet, marking the beginning of war-related chaos in the city.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's knowledge and understanding of the world expand as he learns about these theories.
• Zhang Tie feels a growing sense of crisis as war approaches Brapet.

Significant Themes

• The limitations of human knowledge and science.
• The manipulation of humanity by the Devil Race.
• The impact of the Great Cataclysm and the Star of God on the world.
• The value and rarity of explosives in the current era.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie learns from his teacher and Tang De about the different theories explaining the changes in the world.
• Zhang Tie observes the tense atmosphere in Brapet as soldiers question the locals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie arrives at the logistics base and learns about the airship explosion and the potential threat of escaped enemy saboteurs.
• The Imperial Order Review Committee's secret police, led by Major Franka, arrive to investigate the incident.
• Major Franka deduces that the escaped saboteurs likely fled north towards Brapet, not south towards the front lines.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie shows concern for his subordinates' well-being and demonstrates his ability to handle complex situations.
• Major Franka of the Imperial Order Review Committee is introduced as a ruthless, intelligent, and somewhat disturbing character, with a penchant for tasting human brains to discern drugs used on the deceased.

Significant Themes

• The ruthless nature of war and the consequences of retaliation between nations.
• The power and rarity of alchemists, particularly those capable of manufacturing explosives.
• The tension and mistrust between different branches of the military and law enforcement.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Second Lieutenant Piping: Zhang Tie shows a friendly and approachable demeanor, while Piping is cooperative and well-informed.
• Major Franka and the 21st Division officers: Franka is dismissive and condescending towards the military officers, while they are resentful of his interference and disdainful of his methods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Brapet is attacked by a disguised Heaven-Class war airship from the Sun God Dynasty, causing 116 casualties.
• The Iron Horn Legion Logistics Department issues a bulletin revealing the attack and offering a 2,000 gold coin reward for information leading to the capture of Sun God Dynasty saboteurs.
• Zhang Tie learns about the lucrative "nuances" of his position as the Ninth Equipment Division's Section Chief, involving the refurbishment and resale of functional but officially scrapped military parts and vehicles.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie discovers the profit-driven nature of his new position and learns valuable lessons about management, teamwork, and practical skills.
• Zhang Tie integrates well with the Ninth Equipment Division due to his humble and respectful attitude towards those with more knowledge.

Significant Themes

• The theme of profit and corruption is further explored, with Zhang Tie learning about the gray income generated by the Ninth Equipment Division.
• The importance of practical skills and hands-on learning is emphasized as Zhang Tie picks up vehicle maintenance skills in a single afternoon.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts positively with the officers and soldiers of the Ninth Equipment Division, earning their respect and camaraderie.
• Zhang Tie's reputation as "Lieutenant Mummy" precedes him, leading to a friendly reception from the division's members.
• Two Sun God Dynasty agents target Zhang Tie, planning to test him as a potential victim for their sabotage activities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie's life in Bula Pei is peaceful and uneventful, with no signs of danger.
• He continues his affair with Hanna, giving her a pair of gold bracelets and promising to find her a house to rent in Qifuri.
• Hanna reveals she knows about Zhang Tie's attraction to mature women, possibly an elder or teacher figure from his past.
• Zhang Tie decides to rent a house in Qifuri to save time traveling between the city and the village.
• On his way back to Tokanis Town, Zhang Tie is ambushed and drugged by unknown assailants.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: He enjoys his peaceful life in Bula Pei, focusing on his relationship with Hanna and his earthworm business. He also reflects on his preferences and desires regarding women.
• Hanna: She becomes more open and playful in her relationship with Zhang Tie, enjoying their physical intimacy and Zhang Tie's treatment of her as a mature woman. She also asks Zhang Tie for a unique gift.

Significant Themes

• The pleasure and pain of physical intimacy.
• The exploration of personal desires and preferences.
• The unexpected danger lurking even in peaceful times.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Hanna: Their relationship deepens, with Hanna provoking Zhang Tie's hidden desires and Zhang Tie enjoying their physical intimacy.
• Zhang Tie and the unknown assailants: Zhang Tie is ambushed and drugged, leading to an unknown crisis.

Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie is kidnapped and held captive by a group of Sun God Dynasty agents disguised as Norman Empire soldiers.
• They intend to use Zhang Tie's identity to infiltrate Brapet's Comprehensive Logistics Support Base and cause chaos, making their escape easier.
• Zhang Tie pretends to cooperate, changing into his officer uniform while subtly gathering information about his captors.

Character Development

• Zhang Tie demonstrates resilience, calmness, and cunning under duress, using his captors' underestimation of him to his advantage.
• The leader of the Sun God Dynasty agents shows shrewdness and psychological manipulation skills, trying to sway Zhang Tie's loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Zhang Tie's captors underestimate him, leading to their downfall, while Zhang Tie uses their trust to gain crucial information.
• Loyalty and betrayal: The Sun God Dynasty agents try to sway Zhang Tie's loyalty, but he remains steadfast in his resolve.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the leader of the Sun God Dynasty agents, feigning cooperation while gathering information.
• Zhang Tie's captors underestimate him, leading to a tense standoff as they wait for Zhang Tie to make his move.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie uses the Binding Technique on twelve infiltrators from the Sun God Dynasty, immobilizing them.
• Zhang Tie kills the infiltrators to prevent them from revealing his secret.
• Zhang Tie encounters two soldiers and a sentry at the winery. He uses the Binding Technique to immobilize them and kills them to avoid detection.
• Zhang Tie escapes the winery without noticing he's been watched.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his cunning and ruthlessness in dealing with the infiltrators and soldiers.
• Zhang Tie shows his ability to adapt and make decisions under pressure.
• An unknown white-haired man in a black trench coat and blood-red gloves is introduced, watching Zhang Tie's actions from a distance.

Significant Themes

• The theme of unexpected consequences and entanglements is highlighted as Zhang Tie's actions inadvertently draw the attention of the white-haired man.
• The theme of survival and self-preservation is emphasized as Zhang Tie chooses to eliminate threats rather than risk exposure.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the infiltrators and soldiers, using deception and surprise to gain the upper hand.
• Zhang Tie's actions are observed by the white-haired man, setting the stage for potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie, after a harrowing night, returns to his residence in Brapet.
• He decides to move to Chefu the day after tomorrow to focus on healing and strengthening himself.
• Upon returning, he learns that a group of thugs, led by a man named Bais, are waiting for him at Green's house, intending to harm him and Linda.
• Zhang Tie, accompanied by 21st Division soldiers, confronts the thugs. They are quickly subdued, and Bais is captured.
• Zhang Tie threatens Bais, counting to ten to give him a chance to explain why he shouldn't be killed.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's resolve to strengthen himself has been reinforced after the recent life-threatening events.
• Bais, the man who has been harassing Linda, shows his cowardice and desperation when faced with Zhang Tie's threat.

Significant Themes

• Strength and survival: Zhang Tie's determination to increase his strength to ensure his survival.
• Power dynamics: The shift in power dynamics between Zhang Tie and Bais, with Bais now at Zhang Tie's mercy.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Green: Green warns Zhang Tie about the thugs waiting for him, showing his concern for Zhang Tie's safety.
• Zhang Tie and Bais: Their interaction highlights Bais's cowardice and Zhang Tie's cold determination to protect those he cares about.
• Zhang Tie and the 21st Division soldiers: The soldiers follow Zhang Tie's orders without question, demonstrating their loyalty and respect for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie, now an Imperial officer, confronts a group of thugs led by Bilis, who were harassing Linda, a woman living above him.
• Zhang Tie counts down from one to nine, instilling fear in Bilis and his men.
• Bilis reveals he was trying to exploit a debt owed to Linda's family to force her into submission.
• Zhang Tie spares Bilis' life on the condition that he eats the contract and breaks the legs of his companions using an iron rod.
• The thugs clean up the scene and leave, with Bilis being ostracized by his former companions.
• Zhang Tie returns to his residence and practices his Fruit of Redemption, Abacus Mental Calculation, and meditation.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: He has grown more ruthless and decisive, showing no hesitation in handling the thugs. He also demonstrates a newfound ability to read and understand complex situations quickly, as seen in his analysis of the contract.
• Bilis: He transitions from a confident and aggressive thug to a desperate and terrified man, willing to do anything to save his life.
• The thugs: They go from being a cohesive group to a scattered mess, turning against Bilis after he breaks their legs.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Zhang Tie's status as an Imperial officer and his Iron-Blood Medal grant him authority and respect, allowing him to command the soldiers and instill fear in the thugs.
• Ruthlessness vs. mercy: Zhang Tie shows a willingness to be ruthless when necessary but also displays mercy when he spares Bilis' life after hearing about his children.
• The consequences of one's actions: Bilis' actions lead to the disintegration of his group and his own ostracization, demonstrating the karmic nature of his actions.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Bilis: Their interaction is one of power and fear, with Bilis cowering before Zhang Tie's cold and unyielding demeanor.
• Zhang Tie and the soldiers: They show respect and admiration for Zhang Tie, acknowledging his merits on the battlefield.
• The thugs and Bilis: The thugs turn against Bilis after he breaks their legs, highlighting the transient nature of their loyalty.

Chapter Ten: Thugs and Followers - Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bilis, a Brapet hoodlum, seeks Zhang Tie's protection after realizing the danger he's in due to the previous night's events.
• Zhang Tie takes Bilis under his wing and orders him to retrieve the promised money from Bais, the instigator, and use it to compensate and recruit the injured hoodlums.
• Zhang Tie decides to gather a group of subordinates to handle small tasks and watch his back in Brapet.
• The city remains tense with a high military presence due to the ongoing search for infiltrators.

Character Developments

• Bilis: From a reckless hoodlum to a cautious and obedient follower of Zhang Tie.
• Zhang Tie: Realizes the importance of having subordinates and takes steps to gather a group of loyal men.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the shift in Zhang Tie's perception of money and influence.
• The harsh reality of life for the lower class, as seen through the lives of the hoodlums.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Bilis: Zhang Tie takes a dominant, almost fatherly role, while Bilis is submissive and eager to please.
• Zhang Tie and the technical sergeants: They interact as equals, with the sergeants sharing their knowledge freely due to Zhang Tie's eagerness to learn.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie explores Brapet's nightlife, noting its unique culture of philandering and open relationships.
• He reflects on the Iron Horn Legion's headquarters being in Brapet, speculating it might be for convenient access to women.
• Zhang Tie encounters a group of flirtatious women but resists the temptation.
• He enters a women's clothing store to buy a gift for Hannah and runs into Linda, the female tenant, and Mr. Bais, her former landlord.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: Shows self-control in resisting temptation, feels awkward and embarrassed in Linda's presence.
• Linda: Shows gratitude towards Zhang Tie, feels awkward and embarrassed in Zhang Tie's presence.

Significant Themes

• The unique culture and values of Brapet, contrasting with those of Black Flame City.
• The theme of temptation and self-control.
• The awkwardness and ambiguity that can arise from unexpected encounters.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the flirtatious women: He resists their advances, showing self-control.
• Zhang Tie and Linda: They feel awkward and embarrassed in each other's presence, with an undercurrent of ambiguity due to their previous encounter and Mr. Bais's insinuations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie buys clothes for Hannah and, at the proprietress Linda's insistence, doesn't pay.
• Linda shares her backstory: her family's brewery went bankrupt due to war-induced debt, her fiancé left her, and she's now struggling to pay off debts while running a small shop.
• Zhang Tie and Linda have a drink together; Linda invites Zhang Tie to her place, but he declines.
• Major Franka, investigating Zhang Tie, discovers unusual aspects of his past and becomes intrigued.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie shows empathy and understanding towards Linda's situation, choosing not to take advantage of her vulnerability.
• Linda opens up to Zhang Tie about her past, showing trust and vulnerability.
• Major Franka becomes fixated on uncovering Zhang Tie's secret, driven by ambition and a desire for power.

Significant Themes

• The impact of war on ordinary people's lives.
• The struggle between vulnerability and strength in the face of adversity.
• The allure of power and the lengths one might go to obtain it.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Linda's relationship deepens as they share personal stories.
• Zhang Tie's interaction with Major Franka is tense and unknowingly adversarial, setting the stage for future conflict.
• Zhang Tie's kindness towards Linda contrasts with her fiancé's abandonment, highlighting themes of loyalty and betrayal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie moves to Chefu village, staying with Hannah's family.
• He hires locals to help with earthworm releases, increasing the scale and speed.
• Zhang Tie consumes a Fruit of Redemption and experiences a significant recovery in his physical injuries.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: Becomes more proactive in his recovery process, hires locals to help, and experiences a significant improvement in his physical condition.
• Hannah: Gains confidence and becomes more open about her relationship with Zhang Tie, even visiting him in the middle of the night.

Significant Themes

• Recovery and healing: Zhang Tie's focus on regaining his physical strength and health.
• Relationships: Zhang Tie and Hannah's growing intimacy and the acceptance of their relationship by her family.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Hannah: Their relationship deepens, with Hannah visiting Zhang Tie's room in the middle of the night, dressed provocatively.
• Zhang Tie and Hannah's family: Zhang Tie is welcomed into the family, with Old Harry's initial suspicions fading due to Zhang Tie's polite and respectful behavior.

Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie continues to buy earthworms from Chefu villagers, hiring more people each day until he buys from every household on the fifth day.
• On the fifth day, Zhang Tie feels a surge of joy and clarity, and briefly experiences seeing the world as if it were daytime at night.
• After returning home, Zhang Tie has a sumptuous dinner with Hannah's family, with Hannah teasing him under the table.
• Zhang Tie enters the Castle of Black Iron and consumes the golden Fruit of Redemption, fully recovering and evolving into a Primary Recovery Body.

Character Development

• Zhang Tie's actions bring prosperity to Chefu village, making him well-liked by the villagers.
• Zhang Tie's interactions with Hannah's family reveal him to be easygoing and approachable, even when his clothes are torn by their dog.
• Zhang Tie's relationship with Hannah deepens, with her teasing him under the table during dinner.

Significant Themes

• The power of nature and earthworms, which Zhang Tie harnesses to heal and evolve.
• The importance of community and helping others, as seen in Zhang Tie's actions in Chefu village.
• The theme of growth and evolution, both physically and metaphorically, as Zhang Tie gains a new body and experiences personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts positively with the villagers, hiring them and buying their earthworms, which improves his relationship with them.
• Zhang Tie's relationship with Hannah's family grows stronger, with them treating him as part of the family.
• Zhang Tie's playful interactions with Hannah, such as her teasing him under the table, deepen their bond.