Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng finds an isolated peak, climbs it, and decides to stay for meditation.
• He sets up a simple shelter and begins seated meditation, attempting to harmonize with the "nature of heaven and earth."
• Over seven days, he experiences various weather conditions and finally makes a breakthrough on the eighth day.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng shows determination and patience in his meditation practice.
• He demonstrates adaptability to different environments and conditions.

Significant Themes

• The harmony between humans and nature.
• The importance of patience and perseverance in spiritual cultivation.
• The concept of "less is more" in terms of material possessions and comforts.

Character Interactions

• There are no character interactions in this chapter, as Zhao Cheng is alone throughout.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng successfully reaches the Swordsman stage, completing the Settlement realm.
• He experiences a violent transformation and evolution on the mental level.
• His physical growth begins, but his body cells are in a state of extreme hunger due to the sudden surge.
• Zhao Cheng replenishes his nutrition with pills and nutrient supplements.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's mental power reaches 15 points, and his mental Refinement Coefficient is 11.8.
• His perception and reaction speed significantly improve.
• He gains confidence in his ability to pass the Human Ballistic Experiment and even challenge Sword Masters.

Significant Themes

• The qualitative change in life that comes with each cultivation stage.
• The power of the mind and spirit in cultivation.
• The importance of nutrition and replenishment during physical growth.

Character Interactions

• Although there are no direct interactions with other characters in this chapter, Zhao Cheng's growth and newfound confidence set the stage for future interactions and challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng enters the simulation world and experiences a significant increase in his swordsmanship proficiency and capabilities.
• He realizes that reaching a certain level cap triggers a qualitative change in his abilities.
• After two simulations, Zhao Cheng gains substantial improvements in his skills and attributes.
• He spends nearly a month on the mountain, isolating himself for intense training, which results in a significant increase in his physical attributes.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's swordsmanship skills and mental prowess grow significantly, reaching the level of a top-tier Swordsman.
• His physical attributes increase dramatically, with his Spirit attribute reaching the peak of 15.0, and other key attributes (Vitality, Strength, Agility, and Constitution) also at high levels.
• Zhao Cheng's Resonance is the only attribute that hasn't reached the top-tier level yet.

Significant Themes

• The importance of hard work and dedication in improving one's skills and abilities.
• The concept of qualitative change or breakthroughs after reaching certain milestones.
• The isolation and focus required for intense training and self-improvement.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with no one during his time on the mountain, focusing solely on his training and self-improvement.
• Back in Qingyuan Middle School, rumors about Zhao Cheng's absence and his potential whereabouts circulate among the students.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Qingyuan Kendo Grand Exam final match between Li Qingmeng and Qin Tailai.
• Zhao Cheng observes the match from the sidelines, reflecting on his growth and the passage of time.
• Li Qingmeng wins the match, but feels unfulfilled due to Zhao Cheng's absence.
• Zhao Cheng reveals himself, causing a stir among the audience.

Character Developments

• Li Qingmeng's Basic Swordsmanship has improved to near LV9, putting her on track to become a Swordsman before 24.
• Zhao Cheng has become a Swordsman, with his Spirit attribute of 15 compensating for his lack of Resonance, making him a top-tier combatant.
• Zhao Cheng's temperament has become simpler and more genuine, reflecting his spiritual cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and personal growth.
• The difference between ordinary people and geniuses (like Zhao Cheng).
• The concept of "Shi" (士) and the change in status upon becoming a Swordsman.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingmeng and Zhao Cheng share a moment of recognition during the match, with Li Qingmeng feeling a strange sensation upon seeing Zhao Cheng.
• Zhao Cheng's presence causes a commotion among the audience, highlighting his influence in Qingyuan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng returns after a month-long absence, sparking various rumors about his whereabouts and activities.
• He is observed to have attained the rank of Swordsman and reached the peak of that stage, displaying an aura of a top-tier Swordsman at just 17 years old.
• Wu Nian announces an urgent match: a graduation duel between Zhao Cheng and an unnamed opponent, hinting at a clash between top-tier Swordsmen.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng: Showcases immense growth in his swordsmanship, reaching the peak of the Swordsman stage, and displays confidence in his abilities.
• Wu Nian: Recognizes Zhao Cheng's growth and agrees to a sparring match, acknowledging Zhao Cheng's readiness for the World Sword Trial.
• Shi Tianyi: Announces the graduation duel, hinting at the exceptional nature of the upcoming match.

Significant Themes

• Genius and Prodigy: Zhao Cheng's rapid growth and exceptional abilities are emphasized, setting him apart from his peers and teachers.
• Mentorship: Wu Nian's role as a teacher and mentor is highlighted, with the graduation duel serving as a rite of passage for Zhao Cheng.
• Anticipation and Uncertainty: The upcoming match between top-tier Swordsmen generates excitement and intrigue among the students and audience.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Wu Nian: Their relationship as student and teacher is strengthened, with Wu Nian acknowledging Zhao Cheng's growth and agreeing to a sparring match.
• Zhao Cheng and the Instructors: The instructors react with surprise and complexity to Zhao Cheng's growth, recognizing his potential as a mythical figure.
• Zhao Cheng and the Students: The students gossip about Zhao Cheng's absence and react with excitement and anticipation to the announcement of his graduation duel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Nian reveals he's a top-tier Swordsman, surprising everyone.
• Zhao Cheng and Wu Nian prepare for a sparring match, using wooden swords for fairness.
• Zhao Cheng's aura transforms into a scorching sun upon drawing his sword, stunning the audience.

Character Developments

• Wu Nian: Shows his true strength and reveals his cautious nature.
• Zhao Cheng: Demonstrates his power and the transformation of his aura into a scorching sun.
• Li Qingmeng: Feels a sense of loss and distance from Zhao Cheng's sudden transformation.

Significant Themes

• The revelation of hidden strengths and secrets.
• The power and presence of top-tier Swordsmen.
• The vastness and distance of one's goals and dreams (symbolized by the sun).

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Wu Nian: Prepare for a sparring match, acknowledging each other's strengths.
• Li Qingmeng and Zhao Cheng: Li Qingmeng feels a sense of loss and distance from Zhao Cheng's transformation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng and Wu Nian's sword battle reaches its peak, with both using their ultimate techniques.
• The wooden swords they use shatter due to the intense force of their clash.
• Wu Nian declares the World Sword Trial will proceed without hindrance and confirms Zhao Cheng's graduation.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng demonstrates his mastery over his sword techniques, pushing his limits and showcasing his growth as a Swordsman.
• Wu Nian acknowledges Zhao Cheng's skills and progress, recognizing him as a formidable opponent.

Significant Themes

• The power and speed of top-tier Swordsman, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the sword path.
• The concept of Resonance, where mental power directly interferes with the flesh, enhancing physical capabilities.
• The refinement of the body and the control of force, leading to the In-Transformation effect.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Wu Nian engage in a intense, evenly matched sword battle, pushing each other to their limits.
• Wu Nian praises Zhao Cheng's skills and declares his graduation, showing respect and recognition for his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Qingyuan Kendo Grand Exam concludes with an awards ceremony, but the students find it dull after witnessing Zhao Cheng's stunning battle.
• Li Qingmeng and Li Huang'er discuss Zhao Cheng's rapid growth and his potential as a top-tier Swordsman.
• Zhao Cheng's parents learn about his achievement through their colleagues, causing a stir at their workplace due to the influence of having a top-tier Swordsman as a son.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng: His status as a top-tier Swordsman is confirmed, and he reaches the pinnacle upon breaking through, demonstrating his extraordinary potential.
• Li Qingmeng: She acknowledges Zhao Cheng's incredible growth and feels a mix of emotions, including pride and a hint of regret for not pursuing their past connection.
• Father Zhao: He learns about his son's achievement and experiences a shift in his colleagues' and superiors' attitudes, demonstrating the influence of having a top-tier Swordsman as a son.

Significant Themes

• The influence of power and achievement: Zhao Cheng's status as a top-tier Swordsman brings significant influence, changing the attitudes of those around him, including his family and colleagues.
• The passage of time and the irrevocability of choices: Once Zhao Cheng steps onto the path of cultivation, his past connections become mere memories, and he focuses on striding boldly toward the future.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingmeng and Li Huang'er: They discuss Zhao Cheng's growth and Li Huang'er jokes about her envy of Li Qingmeng's past connection with Zhao Cheng.
• Father Zhao and his colleagues: Father Zhao learns about his son's achievement through his colleagues, causing a shift in their attitudes and leading to a more amiable work environment for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng is at home, watching a TV program on archaeology while Zhao Xiaoxiang examines his arm.
• Zhao Xiaoxiang pinches Zhao Cheng's arm, surprised by its softness despite his displayed strength.
• Zhao Cheng explains that his body's transformation allows for superior muscle control and impact resistance.
• Zhao Cheng reflects on his path forward, considering the orthodox route of a Sword Master.
• He plans to train various sword techniques to their limits, integrating them into his Four Calamities Heaven-Reaching Sword.
• Zhao Cheng looks forward to the potential of his final sword technique after completing the Furnace-Nurturing Hundred Swords.
• He anticipates reaching level 50 in Basic Swordsmanship soon, which may bring a qualitative change.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng: Shows understanding of his body's transformation and the path to becoming a Sword Master. He plans to train multiple sword techniques to their limits and integrate them into his existing technique.
• Zhao Xiaoxiang: Demonstrates curiosity and insight, comparing Zhao Cheng's body to a corpus cavernosum.

Significant Themes

• The orthodox path vs. Zhao Cheng's unique approach to becoming a Sword Master.
• The integration of multiple sword techniques into one, creating a stronger, personalized technique.
• The qualitative change that may occur upon reaching a certain level in Basic Swordsmanship.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Zhao Xiaoxiang interact, with Zhao Xiaoxiang examining Zhao Cheng's arm and expressing her insights.
• Zhao Cheng shares his thoughts on his path forward with the reader, reflecting on his plans and expectations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng travels to Cloud City to have his Vitality tested for the World Sword Trial exemption.
• The World Sword Trial is an annual grand event, with preliminary rounds spanning a month, and top scholars attaining the Sage Path within thirty years.
• Zhao Dong, Zhao Cheng's cousin, also gets his Vitality tested in Cloud City, aiming to impress his crush.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng: Confident and calm, he doesn't reveal his true strength and accepts the retest without question.
• Zhao Dong: Shows humility and ambition, aiming to improve his Vitality and impress his crush.

Significant Themes

• The importance of the World Sword Trial in the society, reflecting the value of military prowess over academic achievement.
• The perilous nature of the Sword Dao and the risks involved in pursuing it.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with the staff at the Sword Dao Bureau, showing understanding and cooperation when the initial test result seems incorrect.
• Zhao Dong interacts with his classmates, displaying humility and ambition, while also thinking about Zhao Cheng's potential Vitality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng's Vitality reading is astonishingly high (6.5), causing a stir among bureau staff.
• The incident reaches the Director, Han Buyi, who is a successor of the legendary Buyi lineage.
• Han Buyi invites Zhao Cheng for a private conversation.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng: Showcases his extraordinary cognitive abilities and curiosity about physiognomy.
• Han Buyi: Reveals his lineage and expertise in physiognomy, expressing his inability to divine Zhao Cheng's future due to his strength-based destiny.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and free will: Han Buyi discusses how heroes shape their own destiny through strength, challenging the traditional concept of fortune.
• The power of the sword: The Sword Dao path's spiritual aspect is highlighted, demonstrating Zhao Cheng's extraordinary cognitive abilities even at the second realm.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Han Buyi: They meet due to the unusual Vitality reading, leading to a conversation about physiognomy and destiny. Han Buyi expresses his admiration for Zhao Cheng's strength and acknowledges the difficulty in divining his future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng has a conversation with Han Buyi, learning about the essence of fortune-telling and the calculation of national destiny.
• Zhao Dong's class finishes measuring their Vitality, with Zhao Dong scoring 0.9, second-highest in his class.
• News spreads about a 17-year-old with 6.5 Vitality in Cloud City, shocking the Sword Dao Bureau and the public.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng gains insights into the world of cultivation and the true nature of fortune-telling.
• Zhao Dong improves his Vitality to 0.9 through diligent practice but keeps it a secret to maintain his humble image.

Significant Themes

• The allure of power and cultivation.
• The repetitive nature of human nature and the essence of fortune-telling.
• The importance of hard work and dedication, as seen in Zhao Dong's improvement.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Han Buyi have a lengthy conversation about fortune-telling and national destiny.
• Zhao Dong interacts with his classmates, initially being the center of attention but later being overshadowed by the news of the 17-year-old with high Vitality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Dong discovers a photo of Zhao Cheng and realizes his brother's extraordinary status.
• Zhao Cheng qualifies directly for the World Sword Trial semi-finals with a Vitality score of 6.5, causing a stir in the Yanhuang region.
• In the simulated world, Zhao Cheng's Basic Swordsmanship reaches the Extraordinary domain, triggering upgrades to his special effects.

Character Developments

• Zhao Dong gains confidence and recognition from his peers after revealing his brother's identity.
• Zhao Cheng continues to improve his swordsmanship skills, reaching new heights in the simulated world.

Significant Themes

• The power of recognition and status (Zhao Dong's newfound respect from peers).
• The continuous improvement and growth of one's skills (Zhao Cheng's swordsmanship progression).

Character Interactions

• Zhao Dong shares information about Zhao Cheng with his friends, leading to a change in their perception of him.
• Zhao Cheng's actions in the World Sword Trial app attract the attention of others, but he remains focused on his training in the simulated world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng discovers the extraordinary realm of Heavenly Craft in swordsmanship, which involves innovating and breaking new ground.
• He realizes that reaching this realm might not be as difficult as he thought and plans to push his swordsmanship level cap beyond fifty.
• Zhao Cheng calculates that he needs three thousand Source Point for a blueprint and ten thousand Simulation Point for an additional Trait Module slot to reach level sixty.
• He maintains a disciplined daily routine, balancing Source Point and Simulation Point income.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's swordsmanship improves rapidly due to his enhanced learning ability from the Perfect Being.
• His perspective broadens as he absorbs vast amounts of historical and cultural knowledge.
• Zhao Xiaoxiang's confidence in her swordsmanship grows under Zhao Cheng's guidance.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of mastery in swordsmanship, with a focus on innovation and breaking new ground.
• The importance of discipline and routine in personal growth and development.
• The value of knowledge and understanding in shaping one's perspective and insights.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng continues to mentor Zhao Xiaoxiang, feeding her confidence and offering pointers on her sword path.
• Although not explicitly mentioned, Zhao Cheng's interactions with his family are implied to be minimal, as he remains focused on his personal growth and development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng upgrades Void Kalpa to +7, increasing his mental Refinement Coefficient.
• The Ladder of God completes its final transformation, boosting his attributes, notably increasing his Vitality to 6.5 (equivalent to a 60% overall increase).
• Zhao Cheng's Perfect Being special effect upgrades to LV2, enhancing his physical attributes and endurance at the cellular level.
• The World Sword Trial semifinals approach, with Zhao Cheng's Vitality data of 6.5 leading the list, followed by Li Xinghan at 6.4.
• Zhao Cheng's parents experience sudden changes in their social life due to their son's fame.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's strength continues to grow, reaching a level where he could potentially defeat even veteran Swordsmen.
• Zhao Cheng's parents adapt to their newfound social status, enjoying the attention and benefits that come with having a famous son.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Hard Work: Zhao Cheng's rapid growth is a result of both his innate talent and his diligent training.
• Perseverance: Zhao Cheng remains focused on his path, undeterred by the attention and potential risks that come with his success.
• Family and Fame: Zhao Cheng's parents experience the impact of their son's fame on their own lives, highlighting the changes that come with sudden success.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng's parents interact with relatives, friends, and colleagues who seek to connect with them due to Zhao Cheng's fame.
• Zhao Cheng, while aware of the outside world, remains focused on his own training and is not yet actively interacting with the other contestants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng simultaneously improves his Heavenly Craft and Source Resonance, leading to a sublimation of his spirit and a qualitative change in his Essence Aperture and physical body.
• He enters a wondrous state of infinite freedom and ease, followed by a sudden terror.
• Zhao Cheng breaks through to the Martial Overlord stage, manifesting a Spirit Aura, which is a galaxy-like universe, symbolizing his power and reflecting his pursuit of unstoppable destruction.
• He swings his sword, attempting to condense his Spirit Aura into a human shape, showing his formidable potential.
• Zhao Cheng's attributes and physical strength significantly improve due to Source Resonance.
• He decides to challenge Fist King: Annihilation, using a Recovery Potion to replenish his energy.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's spiritual and physical prowess greatly increases, leading to a massive leap in his martial arts level.
• He gains new abilities, such as projecting Qi outward and manifesting a Spirit Aura.
• Zhao Cheng's confidence grows as he prepares to face Fist King: Annihilation again.

Significant Themes

• The theme of growth and improvement is prominent, as Zhao Cheng's powers and abilities increase significantly.
• The connection between the spirit, physical body, and Essence Aperture is explored, with Source Resonance reinforcing these connections.
• The power of Zhao Cheng's Spirit Aura, reflecting his personal pursuit, is a manifestation of his unique identity and strength.

Character Interactions

• Although there are no direct interactions with other characters in this chapter, Zhao Cheng's growth sets the stage for his upcoming confrontation with Fist King: Annihilation, hinting at their impending interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng faces Fist King: Annihilation, a powerful opponent from his past.
• Zhao Cheng uses the Four Calamities Great Annihilation and his enhanced abilities to defeat Fist King: Annihilation.
• After the defeat, Zhao Cheng gains access to the World Map and additional information about "Fire."

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's power and skill have significantly increased, allowing him to overcome a formidable opponent with ease.
• Fist King: Annihilation, though powerful, is shown to be vulnerable and ultimately defeated.

Significant Themes

• The theme of growth and improvement is evident as Zhao Cheng's enhanced abilities allow him to overcome challenges that would have been insurmountable in the past.
• The concept of acknowledgment and status is introduced, with the world now recognizing Zhao Cheng as the true Savior of the Heavenly Mandate.

Character Interactions

• The interaction between Zhao Cheng and Fist King: Annihilation is one of intense combat, with Zhao Cheng demonstrating his superior skill and power.
• The Log system interacts with Zhao Cheng, providing him with updates and new features as a result of his victory and acknowledgment by the world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng discovers he was initially a tourist player and is now officially inducted as the Savior.
• He learns about the 'Fire,' the power of the world's hope, and its relation to the Savior's power.
• Zhao Cheng explores the World Map, finding 121 Martial Kings' locations, including seven King of the Century and one previous Savior.
• He decides to upgrade his 'Fire' to explore a wider map and clear simulations.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's understanding of the game world deepens, and he plans to pioneer a new path using the wisdom of the hundred kings.
• He experiences being a King of the Century through Fist King: Annihilation's simulation, improving his Martial Wisdom.

Significant Themes

• The power of hope and its relation to the Savior's strength.
• The consequences of becoming a King of the Century and the loss of emotions.
• The potential of Zhao Cheng's Martial Wisdom and his plan to gather the wisdom of the hundred kings.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with the game system, exploring the World Map and performing simulations.
• He does not interact with any NPCs or other players in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng arrives in Qing Province, witnessing the commercialization of swordsmanship with fans welcoming competitors.
• He learns about the local swordsmanship scene, including the top competitors and their backgrounds.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng demonstrates his maturity and knowledge of the world, understanding the commercial aspects of swordsmanship.
• The taxi driver reveals his enthusiasm and knowledge about local swordsmanship events.

Significant Themes

• Commercialization of traditional arts and its impact on society.
• The role of the state and great sects in shaping the swordsmanship culture.
• The influence of the three major orthodoxies (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism) on swordsmanship lineages.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts briefly with the taxi driver, who shares his insights on local swordsmanship events.
• Zhao Cheng reflects on the state of swordsmanship in Qing Province and the world at large.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuntian, a prodigy of the Cloud Sky Sword Lineage, has spent two years cultivating the Cloud Sky Sword, a technique that combines multiple sword styles into one.
• Zhao Cheng arrives at Yuntian Pavilion for the World Sword Trial semi-finals, keeping a low profile despite his fame.
• His arrival sparks online speculation about his identity and age.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng has learned to restrain his spirit and energy, making him less noticeable.
• Lin Yuntian has reached the peak of his sword cultivation, grasping the Cloud Sky Sword technique.

Significant Themes

• The advantage of systematic heritage in cultivation, as seen in Lin Yuntian's approach to the Cloud Sky Sword.
• The protection of contestants' private information by the state.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with the staff at Yuntian Pavilion, who recognize him but keep his identity confidential.
• Online speculators and paparazzi react to Zhao Cheng's arrival, sparking gossip and headlines.