Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng faces a group of Martial Artists in a life-or-death battle.
• He instinctively uses Red Dog's martial wisdom and techniques, including Seven Revolutions of the Mad Dragon: Sky-Tearing, Earth-Splitting, and Void-Severing.
• Zhao Cheng's body reacts with Battle Blood and Hyper-Sense, and he can summon the Void Kalpa.
• He discovers and absorbs the concept of Essence Apertures.
• The Sword Nurturing Technique's proficiency increases rapidly.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's combat skills and understanding of martial arts grow rapidly as he absorbs Red Dog's wisdom.
• The Martial Artists show their desperation and ruthlessness in the face of death.

Significant Themes

• The power of martial arts and the transformation of one's body.
• The ruthlessness and desperation of survival in the wasteland.
• The absorption and integration of martial wisdom.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng vs. the Martial Artists: A brutal, one-sided battle.
• The Devil King Army watches the fight, unaware of their impending fate.
• No significant interactions between characters; the focus is on Zhao Cheng's battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Red Dog (Zhao Cheng) cultivates the Heaven-Robbing Tyrant Body martial art, appreciatively given to him by the Heaven-Robbing General.
• Zhao Cheng goes on a rampage, defeating all the Martial Artists sent by the Devil King Army to capture him, and then attacks the Devil King Army itself, killing many and routing the rest.
• He consumes Ash to enhance his strength and speed during the fight, lasting for over fifty minutes.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng (Red Dog) becomes stronger and more proficient in his Battle Blood and techniques.
• The Devil King Army members show fear and cowardice when faced with Zhao Cheng's power.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and the fear it instills in others.
• The futility of trying to save a past era.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with the Devil King Army members, either defeating them or instilling fear in them.
• A child in the Green Wilds Settlement mistakes Zhao Cheng for a legendary savior, but Zhao Cheng denies this role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng returns from the wasteland to his bedroom, finding his Sword Nurturing Technique proficiency significantly increased due to absorbing Red Dog's martial wisdom.
• He enters the second simulation, where his extraordinary sword talent and new martial wisdom inspire him to create a new technique, Secret Sword: Thunderclap.
• Zhao Cheng successfully masters this Secret Sword, which can only be created by a Swordsman, and decides to use it against Red Dog and the Pain-Striver in his remaining simulation time.
• He kills Red Dog, earning 2 Simulation Points and a White Treasure Chest, and nearly defeats the Pain-Striver but runs out of time.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's Sword Nurturing Technique proficiency increases dramatically, and he gains the Martial Wisdom: Glimmer effect, significantly boosting his mental purity and martial learning abilities.
• He creates his first Secret Sword, Thunderclap, demonstrating his growing prowess as a Swordsman.

Significant Themes

• The importance of martial wisdom and experience in advancing one's skills, as seen in Zhao Cheng's rapid progress after absorbing Red Dog's knowledge.
• The distinction between learning another's technique and creating one's own Secret Sword, highlighting the personal growth and understanding required for true mastery.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with the simulated versions of Red Dog and the Pain-Striver, ultimately defeating Red Dog and nearly defeating the Pain-Striver.
• In reality, Zhao Cheng interacts with a White Treasure Chest obtained from his simulations, pondering his recent luck.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng opens a White Treasure Chest and receives a Fist Maniac's Diary (Gray).
• The diary details the life of a man who grew up in a settlement's Pigeon Cages, became a Slave, and later escaped to learn martial arts.
• He steals techniques by processing corpses, becomes strong, and joins a thug group to learn more techniques.
• He eventually joins the Devil King Army and meets the Heaven-Robbing General, who influences him greatly.

Character Developments

• The diary's author starts as a weak, abused child, becomes a Slave, then a martial arts enthusiast, and finally a feared warrior in the Devil King Army.
• Zhao Cheng, the character reading the diary, reflects on his own luck and becomes intrigued by the diary's contents.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest and the struggle for power in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world.
• The pursuit of strength and martial arts as a means to change one's fate.
• The influence of mentors and role models on personal growth and development.

Character Interactions

• The diary's author interacts with various characters throughout his life, including other Slaves, administrators, thugs, and ultimately, the Heaven-Robbing General.
• Zhao Cheng, as the reader, interacts with the diary's contents, reflecting on his own experiences and drawing parallels with the diary's author.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Red Dog, masters various martial arts and eventually creates his own, Seven Revolutions of the Mad Dragon.
• He is tasked by the Heaven-Robbing General to build the Holy Tower, leading to intense battles and personal growth.
• After the deaths of the Heaven-Robbing General and Demon Fist King, Li Fu, a senior disciple of the Black Tiger Sect, cripples Red Dog's martial arts and leaves him to suffer.
• Red Dog's diary ends with him reflecting on his life and awaiting death.

Character Developments

• Red Dog evolves from a slave to nearly becoming a Martial Overlord, demonstrating resilience and determination.
• Li Fu is revealed to be a powerful figure, one of the Thirteen Heavenly Generals, showing strategic insight and foresight.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and its consequences.
• The true strength of an expert lies beyond physical power.
• The cycle of life, suffering, and death in the martial world.

Character Interactions

• Red Dog interacts with the Heaven-Robbing General, who passes on the Heaven-Robbing True Qi and tasks him with building the Holy Tower.
• Li Fu cripples Red Dog's martial arts, leaving him to suffer, demonstrating his understanding of human psychology.
• Red Dog reflects on his life and interactions with others, ultimately accepting his fate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng notices physical changes due to Coward's Savior, improving his body's coordination and swordsmanship proficiency.
• Zhou Yu mentions the upcoming Kendo Grand Exam, a public event showcasing the school's top swordsmen.
• Zhao Cheng reflects on his past fantasies and current capabilities, realizing he no longer craves the spotlight.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng: Gains self-awareness about his strength and no longer seeks validation from others. Maintains his humorous and carefree demeanor with friends.
• Zhou Yu: Stands up for himself, jokingly asserting his status as the debtor despite Zhao Cheng's teasing.

Significant Themes

• The impermanence of life and personal growth.
• The importance of self-awareness and humility in the face of strength.
• The role of public events like the Kendo Grand Exam in inspiring and reminding students of their potential.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Zhou Yu's friendly banter highlights their camaraderie and shared humor, with Zhao Cheng teasing Zhou Yu about his debt and Zhou Yu playfully standing up for himself.
• Other students discuss Zhao Cheng's noticeable physical changes, indicating his growing presence and influence at school.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng, an ordinary student by day, is the "Savior" fighting to save the world at night.
• He reflects on his motivations and realizes he's driven by self-interest rather than altruism.
• The final exams end, and Zhao Cheng opens a White Treasure Chest, obtaining a Gray Fist Despairer's Diary and Starfire Ash.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng understands his character archetype better and accepts that he's not a typical anime protagonist or superhero.
• He ponders his future life and teaching aspirations.

Significant Themes

• Self-interest vs. altruism: Zhao Cheng explores his motivations for saving the world.
• The power of fist techniques: The Fist Despairer's diary details the protagonist's growth and struggles with martial arts.
• Loss and grief: The Fist Despairer's diary reveals the tragic loss of his wife.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng observes his classmates during a lecture, finding the calm atmosphere enjoyable.
• He thinks about his future interactions with students as a teacher.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Sheng, after months of agony, remembers his past and embraces his "Ultimate Good" nature, leading him to comprehend the Black Heaven Realm, a path of absolute destruction.
• He rapidly advances through martial arts realms, transcending Yuan Nourishing and condensing his Qi spirit, approaching the Martial Overlord realm.
• Wu Sheng seeks revenge on the Zhengshang Company boss, torturing and killing him and his family, and discovers the extent of evil in the world.
• He cleanses Moyun City, storming the Public Security Bureau, and burns it down, shaking the Federation but avoiding pursuit.
• Wu Sheng meets a Mara General, who reveals that the Grand President intends to cleanse the world, regretting that it's too late.

Character Developments

• Wu Sheng: Embraces his Ultimate Good nature, becomes consumed by revenge and evil, and accepts his impending death. He becomes a powerful force for destruction.
• Mara General: Reveals the Grand President's plan to cleanse the world and expresses regret for its tardiness.

Significant Themes

• The duality of good and evil: Wu Sheng's Ultimate Good nature leads him to Ultimate Evil, highlighting the thin line between the two.
• The corrupting influence of power: Wu Sheng's rapid advancement and newfound abilities lead him to act with impunity and disregard for life.
• The inevitability of fate: Wu Sheng's actions and the Grand President's plans suggest that certain events are unavoidable.

Character Interactions

• Wu Sheng and the Zhengshang Company boss: Wu Sheng tortures and kills the boss and his family, revealing his newfound power and cruelty.
• Wu Sheng and the Mara General: The General reveals the Grand President's plans and expresses regret, leading Wu Sheng to reflect on his actions and the world's fate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng descends into Wu Sheng's body before his wife's death.
• He discovers Wu Sheng's mental world has a strange power of light.
• Zhao Cheng closes Wu Sheng's wife's eyes and fights off security guards.
• He uses the Big Dipper Nine Heavens fist technique and destroys his Essence Apertures to boost power.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng shows interest in Wu Sheng's unique mental world.
• He demonstrates his flexible moral compass and willingness to fight against injustice.
• Zhao Cheng proves his martial arts prowess and strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• The power of a Person of Supreme Goodness's mental world.
• The consequences of crossing Zhao Cheng's line.
• The potential of Essence Apertures and their destruction.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with security guards, showing no mercy.
• He indirectly confronts the company boss, who watches from above.
• Zhao Cheng's actions are driven by his interest and sense of justice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng uses the secret technique 'Seven Star Reincarnation' to temporarily boost his power by damaging his Essence Aperture.
• He activates this technique by piercing seven points on his chest, triggering a chain reaction of Essence Aperture collapse.
• Zhao Cheng briefly breaks through a major realm, gaining Qi and enhanced physical abilities.
• He scales a building and confronts a middle-aged man and his two Yuan Nourishing bodyguards on the eighth floor.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng demonstrates his determination and willpower by enduring intense pain from the secret technique.
• He showcases his adaptability and quick learning by improving his fist techniques during the fight.
• The middle-aged man reveals his cowardice by attempting to flee when faced with danger.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Zhao Cheng sacrifices his lifespan to gain temporary power, highlighting the theme of sacrifice for greater strength.
• Adaptability: Zhao Cheng's ability to quickly learn and adapt new techniques during combat is emphasized.
• Power Dynamics: The difference in power between Zhao Cheng and the bodyguards, despite their higher realm, underscores the theme of power dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng faces off against two Yuan Nourishing bodyguards, demonstrating his superior strength and skill.
• The middle-aged man's bodyguards prioritize their own safety over their employer's, showing their lack of loyalty.
• Zhao Cheng's fight with the bodyguards serves as a learning experience for him, allowing him to improve his techniques.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng swiftly defeats a bodyguard and kills a middle-aged man, who was a powerful figure in Moyun City.
• Zhao Cheng's Panel updates, showing he has gained the acknowledgment of Wu Sheng, purified the power of Starfire Ash, and ignited the Initial Fire (Color).
• Zhao Cheng spends the remaining hour exploring Moyun City before returning to the Heavenly Phoenix Pavilion.
• At the pavilion, he meets the aged Sun Ming, who was once a legendary figure.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng displays his formidable strength and lack of mercy, yet also shows a sense of justice.
• Sun Ming, once a renowned fighter, has grown old and mellowed, reflecting on his past glories and regrets.

Significant Themes

• Time: The passage of time is emphasized, with Zhao Cheng experiencing a fleeting moment while decades have passed for others.
• Justice vs. Interest: Zhao Cheng's actions raise questions about whether his sense of justice is genuine or driven by personal interest.
• Youth and Age: The contrast between the youthful, vibrant Heavenly Phoenix Pavilion and the aged Sun Ming highlights the inevitable passage of time.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Sun Ming meet for the first time, with Zhao Cheng expressing curiosity about Sun Ming's past.
• Sun Ming, despite his age and wisdom, is still affected by his past, showing a hint of regret and nostalgia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Kendo Grand Exam is held in Hall No. 2, a modern venue with better facilities than in the past.
• Zhao Cheng reminisces about the early years of the exam, recalling the changes in the venue and his own experiences.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng reflects on his past self, acknowledging his growth and changes over time.
• Zhou Yu shares memories of his past, revealing his early popularity and his father's influence on his behavior.
• An unnamed girl sitting next to Zhao Cheng feels awkward and out of place due to his and Zhou Yu's conversation.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change: Zhao Cheng and Zhou Yu reminisce about their past, highlighting the changes in the venue and their own personalities.
• The impact of societal expectations: Zhou Yu's father's influence on his behavior and Zhao Cheng's realization of his past friendships with girls.
• Social dynamics and alienation: The unnamed girl's discomfort and the students' instinctive repulsion towards "big shots" like Zhao Cheng.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Zhou Yu share a friendly bond, reminiscing about their past and laughing together.
• The unnamed girl feels awkward and constrained due to Zhao Cheng and Zhou Yu's conversation, highlighting the distance between her and them.
• The students in the hall show a mix of curiosity and apprehension towards Zhao Cheng, with many gazes shifting away when they make eye contact.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Kendo Grand Exam begins with 900 matches in the first round, ten matches happening simultaneously, each lasting under five minutes.
• Zhao Cheng's match is number 677, scheduled for the afternoon.
• The exam is organized by grade level, with each class selecting ten students to compete.
• The Kendo Class competition, held separately, begins after the grade-wide exams, with randomly drawn matchups and one match at a time.
• Zhao Cheng's match against Teng Zhou is the 33rd of the Kendo Class competition.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng reflects on his past and the impermanence of youth as he experiences the crowd cheering for him, a moment he once fantasized about.
• Zhao Xiaoxiang improves her swordsmanship but doesn't make it into the top ten of her grade, setting goals for the next semester's Grand Exam.

Significant Themes

• The power of hard work and dedication in kendo, transcending natural talent.
• The impermanence of youth and the inability to reclaim lost time.
• The intense and uplifting atmosphere of competition, showcasing exceptional skill and inspiring others.

Character Interactions

• The students and Swordsmen referees interact during the exam, with Swordsmen handling the intense proctoring with ease.
• The crowd cheers for Zhao Cheng as he takes the stage for his match against Teng Zhou, reflecting his status as the top swordsman in his class.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Zhao Cheng's swordsmanship reaches new heights, defeating opponents with a single strike.
+ The Kendo Grand Exam concludes, with Zhao Cheng winning first place and the Kendo Class receiving a trophy.
+ Zhao Cheng's popularity grows, and he is now referred to as "little brother" on the school forum.

Character Developments

+ Zhao Cheng's swordsmanship continues to improve, demonstrating exceptional control and precision.
+ Wu Nian, Zhao Cheng's teacher, expresses pride in his student's progress and believes he has the potential to become a Sword Saint.

Significant Themes

+ The importance of building a solid foundation in cultivation and the consequences of rushing one's progress.
+ The essence of the Way of the Sword, which is about deciding victory or defeat in a single strike.

Character Interactions

+ Zhao Cheng's matches impress the instructors, who discuss his potential and share their own experiences.
+ The audience is awestruck by Zhao Cheng's swordsmanship, leading to increased popularity and recognition on the school forum.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng travels to Tianmen City by high-speed train after the Kendo Grand Exam.
• His Panel shows he's in an overloaded state (Quietude: 110%), surpassing the 100% completion mark.
• He discovers that his mental Refinement Coefficient has reached 3.0, and his Basic Swordsmanship is at level 20.
• New special effects 'Overclock' and 'Resonance' appear, enhancing his abilities.
• Zhao Cheng decides not to rush becoming a Swordsman, focusing on consolidating his foundation.
• He plans to pursue two systems (Swordsmanship and Acupoint) in parallel to quickly gain Starfire Embers.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's mental and physical abilities improve significantly due to his high Refinement Coefficient and new special effects.
• He demonstrates self-control and strategic thinking by choosing not to rush his advancement to a Swordsman.
• Zhao Cheng shows adaptability and resourcefulness in planning to pursue two systems simultaneously.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a solid foundation before rushing advancements.
• The benefits of parallel progress in different systems.
• The value of patience and strategic planning in long-term growth.

Character Interactions

• None in this chapter; it's focused on Zhao Cheng's internal developments and plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng, having absorbed Red Dog's and Wu Sheng's martial wisdom, creates a new sword technique, 'Four Calamities Heaven-Reaching Sword', after two days of simulations.
• The sword technique is currently blue-quality and requires conversion to be imprinted on Zhao Cheng's body.
• Zhao Cheng travels to Tianmen for the Tianmen Youth Cup, where he encounters a group mistaking him for a celebrity named Wang Zhongjing.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's martial wisdom reaches the level of a Martial Master in the Acupoint System and creates a new sword technique, demonstrating his growth and adaptability.
• The driver reveals his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sword leagues, showcasing his passion and insider knowledge.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Zhao Cheng's continuous learning and improvement, both in the Acupoint System and swordsmanship, highlight his dedication to growth and mastery.
• Fame and Recognition: The confusion at the station, where people mistake Zhao Cheng for Wang Zhongjing, touches on the theme of fame and recognition, which Zhao Cheng seems uninterested in.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and the Girl on the Train: The girl asks for Zhao Cheng's contact information, showing a friendly interaction, though Zhao Cheng doesn't understand her motive.
• Zhao Cheng and the Driver: The driver shares his knowledge and enthusiasm about the sword leagues with Zhao Cheng, showing a friendly and informative interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng travels to Tianmen for the Youth Cup competition to earn money.
• He chooses the Youth Cup due to its low trouble and high prize money.
• He plans to visit the competition venue to familiarize himself with the location.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng remains humble and focused on his goals, showing no arrogance despite his strength.
• He demonstrates awareness of his surroundings and the ability to filter out unnecessary information.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between the strong and the weak, and the ease with which the strong can make money.
• The contrast between Zhao Cheng's humble background and his current potential.
• The influence of the Panel on Zhao Cheng's growth and perspective.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with a livestreaming girl who tries to get his contact information for a bet, but he declines due to her disrespectful behavior.
• He shows no interest in frivolous interactions, focusing solely on his competition preparations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng explores Tianmen City and encounters Yan Sisi, who offers to show him around but he declines.
• A reporter interviews Zhao Cheng, and he honestly states that he doesn't think the favorite to win, Wang Zhongjing, will likely win the championship.
• Wang Zhongjing's arrival causes a commotion, and the reporter leaves to cover the event.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng shows adaptability to his newfound popularity and remains humble and honest.
• Yan Sisi is portrayed as outgoing, blunt, and honest, with a change of heart regarding her interest in Wang Zhongjing after meeting Zhao Cheng.

Significant Themes

• The power of first impressions and initial encounters.
• The impact of honesty and bluntness in communication.
• The dynamics of fan culture and celebrity worship.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng and Yan Sisi reunite and catch up briefly, with Yan Sisi showing interest in Zhao Cheng.
• Zhao Cheng interacts with a reporter, answering her questions honestly and straightforwardly.
• Yan Sisi and her friends discuss their feelings about Wang Zhongjing and Zhao Cheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng, unaware of his online fame, feels lonely in an unfamiliar city.
• He reaches Basic Swordsmanship level 20, gaining new insights.
• He opens a Treasure Chest, obtaining a Starfire Ember, which can enhance his swordsmanship or grant him a journey with potential benefits.
• Zhao Cheng decides to wait for the Pain-Striver's diary before using the Ember.
• He spends Simulation Points on high-value pills and potions to improve his attributes.
• He practices his Four Calamities Heaven-Reaching Sword, reaching 100% conversion, and begins slaying monsters.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's physical body improves due to his Perfect Being trait and swordsmanship practice.
• His Spirit attribute significantly increases due to Coward's Savior and Void Kalpa.
• Zhao Cheng shows restraint in using the Starfire Ember, displaying strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty of increasing attributes as they get higher.
• The value of patience and strategic decision-making in resource management.
• The importance of practice and dedication in skill improvement.

Character Interactions

• None in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Cheng continues farming monsters to improve his skills and gather resources.
• He successfully passes the preliminaries and enters the main tournament of the Tianmen Youth Cup.
• Zhao Cheng's popularity grows due to his abstract fighting style and invincibility, leading to memes and online discussions.
• The organizers recognize Zhao Cheng's potential and try to build a relationship with him, while some local enterprises and clubs offer investments or contracts.

Character Developments

• Zhao Cheng's strength and mental resistance improve as he faces stronger monsters.
• He remains humble and focused on his path, rejecting offers from enterprises and clubs.
• Wang Zhongjing, another contestant, is introduced as a handsome swordsman with around level thirteen sword skill.

Significant Themes

• The importance of continuous improvement and hard work (Zhao Cheng's monster farming and tournament journey).
• The impact of popularity and fame on an individual (Zhao Cheng's rise to internet fame).
• The temptation of external offers and the importance of staying true to one's path (Zhao Cheng's rejection of investments and contracts).

Character Interactions

• Zhao Cheng interacts with various monsters, improving his skills and gathering resources.
• He has no significant interactions with other contestants before the final, as they are easily defeated by him.
• Zhao Cheng meets Wang Zhongjing in the final, but their interaction is not detailed in this chapter.