Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen returns from field training, having improved his Vitality Value.
• He is to participate in the practical combat assessment for the martial arts academy entrance exam.
• He draws a Mutated Iron-Armored Rhino, a Peak First Rank exotic beast, as his opponent, causing concern and disbelief among the candidates and examiners.

Character Developments

• Lin Qingxue shows genuine concern for Song Chen's safety, revealing her caring nature.
• Song Chen demonstrates confidence and calmness in the face of danger, hinting at his hidden strength.

Significant Themes

• The theme of luck and its role in one's life is introduced, with Song Chen's seemingly terrible luck in drawing the Iron-Armored Rhino.
• The theme of facing challenges head-on is also present, as Song Chen chooses to confront the powerful beast instead of giving up.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qingxue and Song Chen's interaction shows their growing bond, with Lin Qingxue expressing worry and Song Chen reassuring her.
• The examiners and other candidates react with surprise and concern to Song Chen's draw, highlighting the beast's reputation and the perceived danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen faces and defeats an Iron-Armored Rhino in the martial arts exam, passing with a decisive kill.
• He meets Lin Qingxue, who is shocked by his strength and reveals she had been worried about him.
• Song Chen collects his Martial Artist Badge and heads to the Mission Hall to take on hunting missions.

Character Developments

• Song Chen demonstrates his strength and determination, proving he can handle himself in combat.
• Lin Qingxue shows concern for Song Chen's well-being and is relieved to see him strong.

Significant Themes

• The importance of one's abilities and confidence in facing challenges.
• The growth and development of a martial artist.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen and Lin Qingxue reconnect after the exam, with Lin Qingxue expressing her relief and anger at his deception about his strength.
• Song Chen interacts with other martial artists at the Mission Hall, showing interest in hunting missions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen learns about a peak Fifth Rank Beast King, about to break through to Sixth Rank, near Evergreen City ruins.
• The Beast King's guards, Fourth Rank mutated beasts, nearly wiped out an elite squad led by a Third Rank martial artist.
• Anning City's Garrison Command plans to hold out until reinforcements arrive, as they can't fight the Beast King alone.

Character Developments

• Song Chen becomes more determined to grow stronger after learning about the impending threat.
• The middle-aged man warns Song Chen about the danger outside the city and advises him to wait before taking missions.

Significant Themes

• The fragility of human life and society in the face of powerful mutated beasts.
• The importance of growth and self-improvement for survival.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen interacts with a middle-aged Second Rank martial artist who warns him about the current situation outside the city.
• Song Chen meets the Fierce Tiger Squad, with whom he will take missions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen joins a hunting team led by Captain Lei to clear out low-rank mutated beasts and prevent a potential beast tide led by the Beast King.
• The team's first mission takes them to the ruins north of Evergreen City, where they encounter Mutated Cats, Mutated Wild Dogs, and other First Rank mutated beasts.
• Song Chen demonstrates exceptional combat skills by swiftly and efficiently eliminating multiple First Rank mutated beasts.

Character Developments

• Song Chen: Proves himself to be an exceptional martial artist, capable of swiftly and efficiently defeating multiple First Rank mutated beasts. He shows initiative and a tendency to take the lead in combat.
• Captain Lei: Initially skeptical of Song Chen's capabilities due to his youth and recent badge acquisition, Captain Lei becomes impressed by Song Chen's skills and decisiveness.
• Zhang Lie: Recognizes Song Chen's abilities and shows a mix of admiration and surprise. He becomes more accepting of Song Chen's presence on the team.

Significant Themes

• Proving Oneself: Song Chen must prove his worth to his new team, which he does through his exceptional combat skills.
• Team Dynamics: The team begins to form and establish their roles, with Song Chen quickly taking on a more prominent position.
• Survival: The mission's purpose is to clear out mutated beasts to lighten the potential pressure on Anning City, emphasizing the theme of survival.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen and Captain Lei: Their initial interaction shows Captain Lei's skepticism, which is later replaced by admiration after witnessing Song Chen's combat prowess.
• Song Chen and Zhang Lie: Zhang Lie initially examines Song Chen like a rare animal but later shows acceptance and admiration for his skills.
• Song Chen and the Team: Song Chen's actions impress the team, and they begin to accept him as a capable member.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen kills over a hundred First Rank beasts in five days during field training, astonishing his squad.
• The Fierce Tiger Squad, led by Song Chen, slaughters nearly a hundred First Rank mutant beasts in a single afternoon.
• Song Chen purchases and consumes twenty bottles of Spirit Blood Serum, increasing his Vitality Value from 2.2 to 4.5.

Character Developments

• Song Chen demonstrates his incredible strength and killing efficiency, earning respect from his squadmates.
• Captain Lei recognizes Song Chen's potential and expresses gratitude for his protection of the squad.
• Song Chen's physical appearance and aura change after increasing his Vitality Value, noticeable to his squadmates.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and power in the post-apocalyptic world.
• The concept of 'killing value' and its role in character progression.
• The camaraderie and mutual respect among squad members.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen and Captain Lei: Acknowledgment of Song Chen's strength and Captain Lei's appreciation of his actions.
• Song Chen and the Fierce Tiger Squad: The squad members witness Song Chen's prowess and express admiration and amazement.
• Zhang Lie, Zhao Hu, Wang Hai, and others: They react to Song Chen's physical changes, with Wang Hai accurately assessing his increased Vitality Value.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen decides to act alone after his strength increases.
• He encounters a six-man squad being attacked by a Second-Rank Mutated Black Bear.
• Song Chen single-handedly kills the Black Bear, saving the squad.
• He leaves after giving healing pills to the injured and taking the Life Crystal Core.

Character Developments

• Song Chen demonstrates his prowess, killing a Second-Rank beast effortlessly.
• The Iron Blood Squad members witness Song Chen's strength and are deeply impressed.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Song Chen's increasing strength allows him to take on more dangerous missions alone.
• Altruism vs. Self-Interest: Song Chen risks his life to save the squad, showing selflessness.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen saves the Iron Blood Squad from certain death.
• The squad members express gratitude and awe towards Song Chen.
• Song Chen remains humble and unassuming, declining the squad's offer of repayment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen spends ten days hunting mutant beasts in the Wilderness, improving his combat skills and abilities.
• He earns a nickname, "Sky Thunder Blade," due to his lightning-fast blade technique and ability to defeat multiple mutant beasts at once.
• Song Chen saves a squad from a pack of Mutated Wolves, demonstrating his mastery of the Blood War Blade Technique.
• He encounters Zheng Cheng's squad and saves them from a Second Rank wolf pack, leaving a lasting impression on Zheng Cheng.

Character Developments

• Song Chen's strength and Killing Value skyrocket as he hunts more powerful mutant beasts.
• He reaches the peak of First Rank and is close to advancing to Second Rank.
• Song Chen becomes a legendary figure among low-rank warriors outside Evergreen City.

Significant Themes

• Power and Strength: Song Chen's relentless hunting and training reflect his desire for power and strength.
• Legacy and Reputation: His actions earn him a nickname and a reputation, becoming a legend among low-rank warriors.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen interacts minimally with others, focusing solely on his mission.
• He saves multiple squads, leaving a lasting impression on their members, particularly Zheng Cheng.
• The camp staff grow accustomed to Song Chen's bloody returns, showing a mix of awe and numbness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen upgrades his Lightning Ability to B-rank, evolving it into Space-Splitting Lightning.
• He discovers he can imbue his blade with lightning, enhancing its destructive power.
• An airship, carrying a sixth-rank Grandmaster, arrives in Anning City, signifying a resolution to the Beast King crisis.
• Martial law is lifted, indicating the Beast King has fled, and the city returns to normal.

Character Developments

• Song Chen's power grows significantly with the upgrade of his Lightning Ability, boosting his confidence.
• The Grandmaster's arrival shows the higher-ups' involvement and commitment to resolving the crisis.

Significant Themes

• Power and Growth: Song Chen's upgrade emphasizes his continuous growth and increasing strength.
• Authority and Protection: The Grandmaster's appearance highlights the role of higher authorities in maintaining order and safety.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen interacts with Old Wang, a fellow martial artist, to learn about the martial law lift and the Grandmaster's arrival.
• The exchange between them reveals the general sentiment of relief among the citizens and martial artists.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen returns to the city after his training, worried about his parents' safety.
• He sells his collected mutant beast materials and Crystal Cores at the Martial Artist trading market, earning 13 million yuan.
• He returns home, surprising his parents with his improved strength and the substantial amount of money.

Character Developments

• Song Chen: Shows maturity and responsibility by returning to protect his parents and using his earnings to improve their living conditions.
• Song Zhengye: Realizes that his son has grown up and become more responsible.
• Li Xiuying: Shows maternal concern for her son's well-being and is touched by his thoughtfulness.

Significant Themes

• Family responsibility and love: Song Chen prioritizes his parents' safety and well-being, demonstrating his love and responsibility towards them.
• Financial independence and security: Song Chen's earnings provide him and his family with financial stability and the opportunity to improve their living conditions.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen and his parents: Their reunion is filled with emotion, as they catch up and discuss their future plans together.
• Song Chen and the stall owner: They engage in a business transaction, with the stall owner showing kindness and respect towards Song Chen due to his reputation as Sky Thunder Blade.
• Song Chen and the medicinal materials merchant: They conduct a quick and straightforward business transaction, with the merchant eager to purchase Song Chen's goods at a premium.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen's relatives discover his wealth and flock to his house.
• He is introduced to several young women by his relatives, who encourage him to consider marriage.
• Song Chen escapes the chaos and decides to look for a new house with his parents in the Inner City.

Character Developments

• Song Chen: Becomes more assertive and stands up for himself against his relatives' matchmaking efforts. He also shows consideration for his mother's feelings.
• Li Xiuying: Reveals a shrewd side, allowing the matchmaking to happen to boost her family's status, but ultimately supports Song Chen's decision.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and social status: The sudden change in Song Chen's fortune brings attention and expectations from his relatives.
• Family dynamics: The interactions between Song Chen, his parents, and his relatives highlight the complex relationships and expectations within families.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen and his relatives: The relatives' behavior showcases their opportunism and the pressure they put on Song Chen to marry and maintain his new status.
• Song Chen and his parents: Song Chen's parents support him in his decision to look for a new house, and Li Xiuying shows understanding and acceptance of her son's wishes regarding marriage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen and his parents visit a real estate office to look at properties.
• Song Chen expresses interest in the most expensive unit, surprising the saleswoman.
• The manager informs Song Chen about martial arts hall residential complexes, which offer free housing and better security.
• Song Chen decides not to buy the property and instead considers joining the Divine Dragon Martial Hall.

Character Developments

• Song Chen demonstrates his growth and maturity by considering his parents' safety and well-being, even when they're not present.
• Li Xiuying shows concern for her son's safety and feels like a burden due to their financial situation.
• Song Zhengye expresses pride in his son's ability to handle things independently.

Significant Themes

• Safety and Security: Song Chen prioritizes his family's safety, leading him to consider joining a martial arts hall for better protection.
• Financial Status: The family's financial situation impacts their housing choices and Li Xiuying's self-esteem.
• Growth and Independence: Song Chen's actions showcase his growth and newfound independence, allowing his parents to enjoy their time without worrying about him.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen interacts with the real estate saleswoman and manager, initially being underestimated due to his appearance but later impressing them with his serious intent and financial capability.
• Song Chen, Li Xiuying, and Song Zhengye discuss their plans, with Song Chen encouraging his parents to go on a trip while he handles his business.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen arrives at Divine Dragon Martial Hall to join but is told to return in over twenty days due to it not being recruitment season.
• He insists on joining immediately, claiming to be very strong, and releases a trace of his killing intent, impressing the guards.
• Wang Tieshan, a Peak Second Rank martial artist and administrator of the hall, is informed and challenges Song Chen to a fight. If Song Chen wins, he can join immediately.

Character Developments

• Song Chen: Shows confidence in his strength and killing intent, agreeing to fight Wang Tieshan without hesitation.
• Wang Tieshan: Initially amused by Song Chen's confidence, he becomes more serious after seeing Song Chen's determination to fight.
• Li Wei: Recognizes Song Chen in the crowd and cheers for him, revealing her disdain for Wang Tieshan's strict training methods.

Significant Themes

• Strength and confidence: Song Chen's belief in his abilities and willingness to prove them.
• Killing intent: The aura accumulated from facing life and death situations, particularly in combat with alien beasts.
• Rules and exceptions: The martial hall's rules and the possibility of bending them based on exceptional circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen and the guards: Song Chen's killing intent impresses the guards, leading to Wang Tieshan's involvement.
• Song Chen and Wang Tieshan: They agree to a fight to determine Song Chen's eligibility to join the martial hall immediately.
• Li Wei and Song Chen: Li Wei recognizes Song Chen and cheers for him, showing support and familiarity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen challenges Wang Tieshan, a Peak Second Rank martial artist, to a duel.
• Wang Tieshan initially offers Song Chen three free moves, but Song Chen declines.
• The duel begins, with Song Chen's sword speed and power surprising Wang Tieshan.
• The fight ends in a draw, with both parties retreating three steps simultaneously.
• The Divine Dragon Martial Hall's Hall Master offers Song Chen a position as a core member.

Character Developments

• Song Chen demonstrates exceptional swordsmanship skill and confidence, earning respect from Wang Tieshan and the Hall Master.
• Wang Tieshan initially underestimates Song Chen but comes to acknowledge his strength.
• The Hall Master shows interest in Song Chen's potential and offers him a position in the Divine Dragon Martial Hall.

Significant Themes

• The importance of self-confidence and belief in one's abilities.
• The recognition of skill and talent, regardless of age or rank.
• The value of humility and respect, as shown by Song Chen's decision to give Wang Tieshan an out.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen and Wang Tieshan's duel showcases their respective skills and mutual respect.
• The Hall Master's interaction with Song Chen highlights his admiration for the young man's talent and potential.
• The martial artists in the stands react with surprise and awe at Song Chen's performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students discuss Song Chen's impressive performance in the mock exam and field training.
• Their homeroom teacher, Li Guohua, reveals that Song Chen has joined Divine Dragon Martial Hall as a core member.
• Song Chen's current Vitality Value is reported to be 9.6, close to Second Rank, and he has awakened a Lightning Ability.
• He has also trained a C-grade combat skill to the Mastery Realm and defeated a Peak Second Rank martial artist.

Character Developments

• Song Chen: His cultivation speed and abilities have skyrocketed, making him one of the most outstanding young martial artists in Anning City.
• Lin Qingxue: Realizes the extent of Song Chen's abilities and is left in shock and awe.
• Classmates: Struggle to accept and process Song Chen's sudden rise to prominence.

Significant Themes

• Rise to Power: Song Chen's rapid growth and recognition challenge the status quo and expectations of his peers.
• Recognition: Song Chen's abilities are finally acknowledged and celebrated, both by his peers and the larger martial arts community.
• Disbelief and Acceptance: The students grapple with the reality of Song Chen's achievements, struggling to reconcile their previous perceptions with his new status.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qingxue and Song Chen: Their dynamic shifts as Lin Qingxue comes to terms with Song Chen's incredible growth. She had previously encouraged him, but now she is left in awe of his accomplishments.
• Song Chen and Classmates: The students' attitudes towards Song Chen change dramatically as they learn about his achievements. They go from mocking him to admiring and envying him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen is taken to his new residence in the Divine Dragon Martial Hall's residential compound.
• The house is a three-story building with a large cultivation room on the top floor.
• Song Chen decides to leave the city for special training before the Martial Arts College Entrance Exam.

Character Developments

• Song Chen: He is now a core member of the Divine Dragon Martial Hall, which brings him respect and deference from others. He is determined to improve his strength before the exam.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Status: Song Chen's new status as a core member of the martial hall brings him respect and privilege, highlighting the importance of strength and power in this world.
• Preparation: Song Chen is focused on improving his skills before the crucial Martial Arts College Entrance Exam, emphasizing the theme of preparation and hard work.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen interacts with the old man who shows him his new residence, demonstrating the respect given to core members.
• Song Chen speaks with his parents over the phone, reassuring them about the new house and his plans for special training.
• Song Chen encounters martial artists in the city who recognize him and show deference due to his new status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Evergreen City has been selected as a site for the Great Xia Martial Arts College Entrance Exam.
• The city is now sealed off, preventing anyone from entering until the exam is over.
• Song Chen decides to find another place for special training and heads to Vast Wild Mountain, two hundred kilometers away.
• He encounters and battles various mutated beasts, including a Mid-Second Rank Mutated Wild Boar and a Peak Second Rank Mutated Lynx.

Character Developments

• Song Chen demonstrates his determination and adaptability by quickly changing his plans and heading to Vast Wild Mountain for training.
• He shows his combat skills and endurance by fighting numerous mutated beasts over five hours.

Significant Themes

• The danger and rewards of the Wilderness: Vast Wild Mountain offers abundant mutated beasts but is also more perilous than the outskirts of Evergreen City.
• The importance of adaptability: Song Chen must adjust his plans due to the college entrance exam and finds a new location for training.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen interacts briefly with a security guard who warns him about the dangers of Vast Wild Mountain.
• Song Chen battles various mutated beasts, showcasing his combat skills and survival instincts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen decides to spend the night in the wilderness for the first time, aiming to break through to Tier Two.
• He finds a safe spot in an ancient tree hollow and consumes 100 bottles of Spiritual Energy Blood Tonic.
• He successfully breaks through to Tier Two, enhancing his Vitality and Spiritual Power.
• Two days later, he encounters a squad of five Tier Two martial artists in the jungle.

Character Developments

• Song Chen demonstrates adaptability and courage by spending the night in the wilderness and facing mutated beasts.
• He shows determination and strategic thinking in his decision to break through to Tier Two.
• He improves his stealth skills, merging with the environment to avoid detection.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and Growth: Song Chen's ability to adapt to his environment and grow stronger is a central theme.
• Risk and Reward: He takes risks to gain more power, showcasing the theme of risk-taking for potential rewards.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen interacts with a squad of five Tier Two martial artists, though it's a brief encounter without direct communication.
• This interaction hints at the larger world and potential future encounters with other powerful individuals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A five-person team, led by a captain, enters Vast Wild Mountain searching for the relics of Ye Tiejian, a peak Fourth Rank martial artist who died there years ago.
• They find a cliff where Ye Tiejian supposedly fell, and descend into a valley using ropes, with Song Chen following them.
• They are attacked by a pack of Mutated Mountain Demons but manage to defeat them after a fierce battle.
• They discover a cave leading to an underground karst cavern where Ye Tiejian's skeleton lies, along with his relics: a battle blade, armor, and an iron box.

Character Developments

• Song Chen demonstrates his stealth and tracking skills, following the team without being detected.
• The captain and his team show their combat skills and teamwork in battling the Mountain Demons.
• The captain displays greed and disrespect towards Ye Tiejian's remains.

Significant Themes

• Greed: The team's primary motivation is to find and sell Ye Tiejian's relics for profit.
• Respect for the past: Song Chen, unlike the team, seems to have some respect for Ye Tiejian's legacy.
• Danger and opportunity: Song Chen faces danger by following the team but also sees an opportunity for gain.

Character Interactions

• The captain and his team work together in battle but also show signs of competition and greed when dividing the loot.
• Song Chen observes the team from a distance, learning their strengths and weaknesses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A five-man team, led by a captain, discovers a hidden treasure in a karst cave.
• The team's short man secretly poisons the captain and his comrades using a toxin on a Mountain Demon's claw.
• The short man and a tall, thin man reveal their betrayal, killing the captain and his team.
• Song Chen, hidden nearby, witnesses the betrayal and kills the two traitors.
• Song Chen retrieves a battle blade, armor, and an iron box from the scene.
• He buries the skeleton of the original owner, Ye Tiejian, and takes the items with him.
• Song Chen tries to open the iron box but fails due to its advanced lock mechanism.

Character Developments

• The short man and the tall, thin man are revealed as traitors, prioritizing their own gain over loyalty to their team.
• Song Chen demonstrates his combat skills and cunning, taking out two Tier 2 martial artists with ease.
• Song Chen shows respect and gratitude towards Ye Tiejian, burying him and vowing to honor his legacy.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and infighting within teams or groups.
• The value of loyalty and trust among comrades.
• The importance of respecting the dead and honoring their legacy.

Character Interactions

• The captain and his team initially work together but are ultimately betrayed by two of their own.
• Song Chen interacts with the deceased Ye Tiejian by burying him and vowing to honor his name.
• Song Chen's internal monologue reveals his thoughts and plans, showcasing his cunning and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Chen upgrades his blade technique to the Grandmaster Realm, gaining a deeper understanding and control over his moves.
• He encounters a Third Rank Mutated Black Bear and suffers a severe beating, learning the hard way about the vast gap between ranks.
• Over seven days, he relentlessly hunts mutated beasts, accumulating Killing Value, and upgrades his system to unlock B-Grade products.
• He purchases and learns the B-Grade battle skill 'Wings of Gale' and the B-Grade ability 'Eye of True Sight'.
• On the ninth day, he increases his Vitality Value using B-Grade Spirit Energy Essence and prepares to return to Anning City for the Martial Arts College Entrance Exam.

Character Development

• Song Chen's blade technique improves significantly, allowing him to understand and execute moves at a grandmaster level.
• He gains a better understanding of the power dynamics between ranks, learning humility and caution.
• His determination and resilience are demonstrated as he continues to push his limits despite setbacks.
• He becomes more strategic, focusing on upgrading his system and acquiring useful skills and abilities.

Significant Themes

• The theme of continuous improvement is emphasized as Song Chen upgrades his skills and abilities.
• The dangers and challenges of the wild are explored, highlighting the importance of caution and adaptability.
• The power dynamics between ranks are a central theme, illustrating the vast differences between levels of strength.

Character Interactions

• Song Chen primarily interacts with mutated beasts, learning from and overcoming their unique challenges.
• There are no significant human interactions in this chapter.