Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng is approached by Russell, manager of the Steel Scale Club, after defeating Chen Huan.
• Russell invites Lin Sheng to join the club as an instructor, offering high pay.
• Lin Sheng spars with Russell, Madilan, and Xiayin, demonstrating his prowess.
• Lin Sheng is offered a job at the Steel Scale Club.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng: Shows exceptional swordsmanship skills, attracting the attention of the Steel Scale Club.
• Russell: Eager to hire Lin Sheng, exaggerates his abilities to impress Madilan and Xiayin.
• Madilan and Xiayin: Impressed by Lin Sheng's skills, eager to hire him as an instructor.

Significant Themes

• The power of swordsmanship: Lin Sheng's skills attract attention and job offers.
• The allure of wealth: High pay is a significant motivator for Lin Sheng to consider the job offer.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Russell: Russell tries to impress Lin Sheng with the club's facilities and offers high pay.
• Lin Sheng, Russell, Madilan, and Xiayin: The group spars, with Lin Sheng demonstrating his superiority.
• Lin Sheng and his parents: Lin Sheng's parents discuss daily life and family matters, showing concern for their son's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng, carrying the Black Sword, walks towards the manor through a misty, eerie forest.
• He encounters two corpses leaning against a lamppost and discovers a dagger hidden in one of them.
• The Rotten Swordsman, a monster Lin Sheng previously encountered, appears and they engage in a sword fight.
• Lin Sheng, despite his fatigue, manages to outsmart the Rotten Swordsman by tripping it and delivering a powerful blow with the Black Sword, cleaving its head a third of the way through.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates improved swordsmanship, using Ravel's memories to fight the Rotten Swordsman.
• He shows strategic thinking by attempting to trip the monster and uses his physical limits to fuel his determination.
• Lin Sheng gains a deeper understanding of the power and limitations of his sword and his own physical capabilities.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Lin Sheng continues to fight despite his fatigue, demonstrating his determination and will to overcome challenges.
• Adaptation: He uses his wits to outmaneuver the Rotten Swordsman, showing adaptability in the face of a powerful enemy.
• Realism vs. Fantasy: Lin Sheng's expectations of his swordsmanship clash with the reality of his physical limitations, highlighting the theme of the mundane versus the extraordinary.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng's interaction with the Rotten Swordsman is primarily a combat encounter, testing his skills and determination.
• There are no other characters in this chapter, as Lin Sheng is alone in his fight against the monster.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng is attacked by a black thread from the Rotten Swordsman, which transmits memories to him.
• Lin Sheng flees from more Rotten Swordsmen appearing around him.
• He discovers a road with directions to Black Feather City, Ravel Manor, and the Black Swamp.
• After running, Lin Sheng integrates the new memories, which belong to a wandering mercenary with little combat experience but some useful muscle memory.
• Lin Sheng finds himself at a road leading to Black Feather City, which is shrouded in grey mist and has a city gate in the distance.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability in responding to the sudden memory transfer and pursuing Rotten Swordsmen.
• He shows determination in his pursuit of extraordinary power, deciding to explore the Valen Temple despite potential dangers.

Significant Themes

• Memory and Identity: Lin Sheng continues to grapple with the memories of his past life and his current identity.
• Pursuit of Power: Lin Sheng's desire to find extraordinary power drives his decisions and actions.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with no other characters in this chapter, as he is alone throughout the events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng meets Shen Yan and Chen Lin in Rainbow Park to split their earnings from the school book rental business.
• Lin Sheng practices swordsmanship in the park, attracting the attention of a beverage cart girl who shares information about a recent, hushed-up murder case near the park.
• Lin Sheng returns home to study diligently for the upcoming college entrance exam.
• At the Steel Scale Club, Lin Sheng spars with Madilan, and Russell and Xiayin discuss the recent case, revealing that it's not just a robbery-murder but something more serious.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng: Shows dedication to improving his swordsmanship and studying for exams. He also demonstrates maturity and indifference to the political intrigue surrounding the case.
• Shen Yan: Remains Lin Sheng's close friend and business partner, showing loyalty and camaraderie.
• Chen Lin: Introduced as Shen Yan's childhood friend, appears shy and reserved.
• Russell and Xiayin: Display concern for their personal safety due to the recent case, showing a level of maturity and awareness.

Significant Themes

• The importance of hard work and dedication (Lin Sheng's focus on swordsmanship and studying).
• The consequences of political intrigue and corruption (the hushed-up case).
• Friendship and loyalty (Shen Yan and Lin Sheng's partnership).

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Shen Yan: Maintain their close friendship and business partnership.
• Lin Sheng and the beverage cart girl: A brief, one-sided conversation where the girl tries to share information about the case, but Lin Sheng shows little interest.
• Russell, Xiayin, and Lin Sheng: Interact at the Steel Scale Club, discussing the case and their concerns about personal safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng and his students discuss a recent, large-scale incident in the city.
• Lin Sheng spars with Russell, with Lin Sheng easily defeating Russell despite Russell's special forces training.
• Lin Sheng offers to teach self-defense techniques using his swordsmanship.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates his formidable swordsmanship skills, revealing his true strength.
• Russell, Xiayin, and Madilan show their initial disinterest in practical sword techniques, but their enthusiasm is reignited after seeing Lin Sheng's skills.
• Russell's pride is humbled after his repeated defeats by Lin Sheng.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practical skills versus flashy techniques.
• The value of a teacher who can inspire and challenge students.
• The impact of real-world threats on the students' lives.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Russell's sparring match highlights the gap in their skills and Russell's initial overconfidence.
• Xiayin and Madilan's reactions to the sparring match show their growing respect for Lin Sheng.
• Russell's change in attitude after his defeat, from humiliation to excitement, reflects his genuine interest in learning from Lin Sheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng takes the bus home, despite having money, due to his frugal habits.
• He reflects on his sparring session with Russell, analyzing his close-quarters combat technique.
• Lin Sheng finds advertising flyers about adopting a child in his stairwell.
• He helps his father move goods downstairs and receives money for school and pocket change.
• Lin Sheng enters the Black Feather City dream world, where he's attacked by a Rotten Swordsman.
• He runs through the city, eventually finding a directional sign pointing to Ears Square and Black Feather City Hall.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng shows his frugality and responsible nature by helping his father and not asking his sister for money.
• He demonstrates his analytical skills by breaking down his close-quarters combat technique.
• Lin Sheng's determination to improve his family's quality of life is reinforced.

Significant Themes

• Frugality and Responsibility: Lin Sheng's habits and actions reflect his responsible nature and frugality.
• Self-Improvement: Lin Sheng's desire to improve his skills and his family's life is a recurring theme.
• Uncertainty and Danger: The dream world's increasing realism and the danger posed by the Rotten Swordsman highlight the uncertainty and danger Lin Sheng faces.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts briefly with his father, helping him move goods and receiving money.
• There's no significant interaction with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng explores Black Feather City and decides to farm Rotten Swordsmen for memories and strength.
• He encounters and kills several Rotten Swordsmen, gaining memories and information about the city's layout.
• Lin Sheng gets injured and returns to reality due to excessive blood loss. He attends school and later returns to the dream world.
• He organizes the memories and discovers information about the Limit Breaking Method and a high-level warrior, Austen Rein.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng becomes more decisive and strategic in his decisions, prioritizing his safety and strength.
• He demonstrates adaptability in handling unexpected situations, such as dealing with his injury.
• Lin Sheng shows determination in pursuing his goals, even in the face of overwhelming information.

Significant Themes

• Knowledge and Power: Lin Sheng seeks knowledge and memories to increase his power and understanding of the dream world.
• Adaptability: Lin Sheng must adapt to new situations and information, demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness.
• Patience and Persistence: Lin Sheng patiently organizes memories and pursues his goals, showing determination and perseverance.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with Rotten Swordsmen, learning from them and gaining their memories.
• He doesn't encounter any other human characters in this chapter, focusing on his personal growth and exploration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng decides to explore outside Black Feather City instead of entering it.
• He encounters a powerful Rotten Swordsman, unlike any he's faced before, who attacks him.
• Lin Sheng retreats under the relentless assault, eventually reaching the city's jurisdictional boundary marked by a flag.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates his combat prowess and resilience, managing to hold his ground against a formidable opponent.
• He realizes the importance of his mercenary instincts in combat and acknowledges the power of his past self.

Significant Themes

• The theme of survival and adaptability is reinforced as Lin Sheng faces a stronger enemy and must rely on his instincts to survive.
• The boundaries and rules of Black Feather City are further established, suggesting a structured hierarchy among the monsters.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng's encounter with the Rotten Swordsman highlights the hostility and danger posed by the city's inhabitants.
• The Rotten Swordsman's sudden retreat raises questions about the rules governing their behavior, hinting at a deeper understanding of the city's dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng is chased by a Rotten Swordsman and realizes his enhanced stamina and combat instincts.
• He encounters another Rotten Swordsman and engages in a fight, ultimately defeating it but sustaining a fatal wound.
• Lin Sheng dies from his injury and absorbs the memories of the Rotten Swordsman.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates improved physical endurance and combat instincts.
• He shows strategic thinking by using the soil to his advantage in the fight.
• Lin Sheng adapts to the mental strain of dying in the dream, indicating potential growth or immunity.

Significant Themes

• The importance of combat instincts and adaptability in survival.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents and letting guard down.
• The potential for growth and adaptation through repeated experiences.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with the Rotten Swordsmen, showcasing his combat skills and strategic thinking.
• There's no significant interaction with other characters in this chapter.

Brief Overview

Lin Sheng faces another Rotten Swordsman and, despite a hard-fought victory, dies from his injuries. He absorbs the memories of the Rotten Swordsman, revealing no mental strain upon waking up. This suggests potential growth or immunity to the mental effects of dying in the dream.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Huan, a skilled swordsman, trains early in the morning before the upcoming qualifiers for the National Amateur Swordsmanship League.
• Xu Yi, the administrator of the sports center, discovers Chen Huan's early morning practice and expresses concern about her health.
• Lin Sheng, a new student at the Steel Scale Club, arrives to find Russell and Madilan engaged in a playful scuffle.
• Lin Sheng learns about the National Amateur Swordsmanship League and its prize money from his students.

Character Developments

• Chen Huan: Struggles with self-doubt and pressure due to the upcoming competition and the appearance of a new rival, Lin Sheng.
• Xu Yi: Shows concern for Chen Huan's well-being and reports her activities to an unknown individual.
• Lin Sheng: Demonstrates curiosity about the competition and its prize money, showing a practical side to his character.
• Russell and Madilan: Display a playful and close bond, with Russell attempting to kiss Xiayin and Madilan misinterpreting his intentions.
• Xiayin: Shows a calm and collected demeanor, seemingly unfazed by the antics of her colleagues.

Significant Themes

• Competition and pressure: Chen Huan faces pressure due to the upcoming competition and the threat of a new rival.
• Friendship and camaraderie: Russell and Madilan's playful interaction highlights their close bond.
• Practicality and ambition: Lin Sheng's interest in the prize money suggests a practical and ambitious side to his character.

Character Interactions

• Chen Huan and Xu Yi: Their conversation reveals Chen Huan's concerns about the upcoming competition and Xu Yi's protective nature towards her.
• Russell, Madilan, and Xiayin: Their playful interaction showcases the close bond between the three colleagues at the Steel Scale Club.
• Lin Sheng and his students: Lin Sheng's conversation with his students provides him with information about the National Amateur Swordsmanship League and its prize money.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng, Xiayin, Russell, and Madilan discuss the upcoming Swordsmanship Competition. Lin Sheng decides to participate, which excites Russell.
• Lin Sheng begins teaching his unique Black Feather Swordsmanship to his students, starting with the Iron Gate Stance.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng: He gains confidence in his swordsmanship after absorbing the memories of an Elite Rotten Swordsman. He decides to participate in the competition, showing a willingness to test his skills.
• Russell: He shows enthusiasm and eagerness for the competition and Lin Sheng's teachings.
• Xiayin: She displays curiosity and a keen interest in learning new swordsmanship styles.
• Madilan: He remains focused and dedicated to learning, as shown in his previous training.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Learning: Lin Sheng's growth as a swordsman and his students' eagerness to learn new techniques are emphasized.
• Competition: The upcoming Swordsmanship Competition serves as a motivator for Lin Sheng and his students, driving their desire to improve.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with his students, teaching them about Black Feather Swordsmanship and demonstrating his confidence in his abilities.
• Russell, Xiayin, and Madilan interact with Lin Sheng, showing respect and eagerness to learn from him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng doesn't enter the dreamscape for three days, resting exceptionally well each night.
• He practices swordsmanship to integrate and absorb memories of the Rotten Swordsman, gaining a comprehensive system of swordsmanship and learning about the Valen Temple's secret arts and Limit Breaking Method.
• On March 31st, he re-enters the dreamscape, finding it raining and stripping the Rotten Swordsman's clothes and weapons.
• He discovers a key with a vertical pupil symbol, similar to one he saw at Ravel's place, sparking curiosity about an organization or belief system.
• Lin Sheng decides to enter Black Feather City, planning his route and preparing to adapt to his new, heavier sword.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng's physical strength and swordsmanship improve through practice.
• He becomes more strategic, planning his route and preparing for entry into the city.
• His curiosity and determination grow as he learns about the Valen Temple and the potential symbol's significance.

Significant Themes

• The theme of growth and improvement is emphasized through Lin Sheng's physical training and strategic planning.
• The exploration of an unknown world and its secrets continues to be a central theme.
• The idea of hidden organizations or beliefs is introduced, adding depth to the world-building.

Character Interactions

• There are no character interactions in this chapter, as Lin Sheng is alone in the dreamscape.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng enters Black Feather City through a black arched doorway.
• He hears a tolling bell and later encounters a massive, insect-covered monster.
• He hides from the monster and then meets a woman searching for her son, Justin.
• The woman's head suddenly explodes, releasing a swarm of black, sand-like lines that chase Lin Sheng.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates caution, bravery, and quick thinking in the face of danger.
• The woman's desperation and erratic behavior hint at her mental instability.

Significant Themes

• Isolation: Lin Sheng's loneliness in the dreamscape is emphasized by his initial relief at meeting someone who can speak.
• Dangers of the Unknown: The monster and the woman's explosive transformation underscore the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the dreamscape.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with the woman, attempting to help her find Justin, but the encounter turns violent and dangerous.
• The woman's transformation highlights the potential dangers of interacting with inhabitants of the dreamscape.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng encounters a swarm of black threads in Black Feather City, which pursues and attacks him.
• He manages to escape the city just in time, but the expedition ends in failure.
• Lin Sheng resolves to find a safer way to enter the city and obtain the Limit Breaking Method.
• In reality, Lin Sheng wakes up and leaves home, encountering a mysterious woman at his residential complex gate.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates increased determination and resolve in pursuing his goals, even in the face of danger.
• An Xi, Lin Sheng's cousin, begins to question her initial impression of Lin Sheng and shows curiosity about his activities.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perseverance in the face of adversity is reinforced as Lin Sheng vows to try again.
• The contrast between Lin Sheng's ordinary appearance and his extraordinary experiences highlights the theme of appearances being deceiving.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with An Xi briefly before leaving home, showing a casual, familiar relationship.
• Lin Sheng meets an unknown woman at the gate, suggesting potential new connections or developments in his life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng receives news that his father, Lin Zhounian, is in danger.
• Lin Sheng and his companions rush to protect Lin Zhounian.
• A group of men, hired by Chen Tan, approaches Lin Zhounian's shop.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates his protective instincts and calm demeanor under pressure.
• Xiayin shows concern for Lin Sheng's family and takes initiative in alerting him to the danger.
• Madilan displays loyalty and readiness to defend Lin Sheng and his family.

Significant Themes

• Family protection and loyalty.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and his companions work together to protect Lin Zhounian.
• Lin Sheng confronts the men threatening his father, showing no fear despite their size and number.
• Lin Zhounian interacts with neighbors, showing his humble and hardworking nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng asks for directions and is bullied by a group of thugs.
• He fights back, incapacitating them without killing, and plans to let the police handle the aftermath.
• Lin Zhounian is unaware of the incident.
• The thugs are revealed to be part of the White Card Gang.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates his combat prowess and strategic thinking, showing he's capable of handling dangerous situations.
• Xiayin, Russell, and Madilan witness Lin Sheng's skills and are impressed but also frightened by the violence.
• Xiayin, Russell, and Madilan use their connections to try and resolve the situation with the White Card Gang.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: Lin Sheng realizes that having more power and influence could prevent such incidents.
• Consequences of Actions: Lin Sheng understands that his actions in reality have different consequences than in the dream world.
• Adaptability: Lin Sheng adapts to the rules of the real world, accepting that he can't act as freely as in the dream world.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with the thugs, demonstrating his combat skills and strategic planning.
• Xiayin, Russell, and Madilan witness Lin Sheng's actions and are both impressed and frightened.
• Xiayin, Russell, and Madilan use their connections to try and help Lin Sheng, showing their loyalty and respect for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng's students are attacked by the White Card Gang, but the incident is resolved due to Kalien Rafael's influence.
• Lin Sheng meets Russell's uncle, Reni, who warns him about the White Card Gang and appreciates Lin Sheng's abilities.
• In the dream realm, Lin Sheng explores the outskirts of Black Feather City and finds a gap in the city wall, allowing him to potentially enter the city from a different location.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng's physical fitness improves due to consistent training.
• Reni, Russell's uncle, shows appreciation for Lin Sheng's abilities and offers a warning about the White Card Gang.

Significant Themes

• The power of influence and connections (Kalien Rafael's intervention with the White Card Gang).
• The dangers and risks of exploration (Black Feather City's high-risk zones).

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with Reni, Russell's uncle, who offers a warning and expresses appreciation for Lin Sheng's abilities.
• Lin Sheng continues to demonstrate his competence and calm demeanor to his students, earning their respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng navigates Black Feather City in the rain, aiming for the Valen Temple.
• He discovers the Valen Temple, surrounded by a dark yellow metal ring inscribed with mysterious symbols.
• Upon entering the temple, he feels a sense of peace and security.
• Inside the church hall, he finds a gold-edged tome, the Dawn Canon, which contains the Gray Seal Method for cultivating temple knights.
• The book reveals that meditating on different Gray Seals grants different physical improvements, and the process requires a strong spirit and will.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates bravery and determination, charging into the temple despite potential danger.
• He shows curiosity and caution when exploring the temple and interacting with the Dawn Canon.

Significant Themes

• Power and Cultivation: The temple's Gray Seal Method offers a shortcut to physical strength, reflecting the theme of power and its acquisition.
• Responsibility: Anselia's annotations express her concern for the city's chaos and her desire to leave behind a seed for its future, highlighting responsibility and legacy.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with the temple's environment, feeling its aura and experiencing its effects on his body.
• He engages with the Dawn Canon, learning about the Gray Seal Method and Anselia's annotations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng discovers a book in his dream about the Temple's Gray Seals, a cultivation system.
• He successfully records the Gray Seal 'Sanctuary' on his first attempt, contrary to the book's expectations.
• Lin Sheng wakes up and begins practicing the meditation method associated with the Gray Seal.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng's desire for strength and influence grows after the White Card Gang incident.
• He becomes more determined to explore and develop his dream ability.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of strength and power.
• The unexpected ease of Lin Sheng's success with the Gray Seal, hinting at his potential and the mysterious nature of his dream ability.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts briefly with the front desk girl at the Steel Scale Club, showing familiarity.
• He discusses his plan to start a self-defense club with Xiayin, who seems surprised but willing to consider it.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Lin Sheng and his students (Xiayin, Russell, Madilan) discuss the recent trouble with the White Card Gang and its resolution.
• Lin Sheng proposes starting a practical combat training class to rely on their own abilities and gain recognition.
• The group decides to form a partnership, with Lin Sheng as the core due to his combat skills.
• They begin planning the details of the training class, including registration, recruitment, tuition fees, and curriculum.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng: Realizes the importance of relying on their own abilities and decides to start a training class to prove this.
• Xiayin: Becomes more mature and realistic, understanding the practical aspects of running a business.
• Russell: Eager and excited about the idea of starting their own business.
• Madilan: Pragmatic and focused on the details and systems of running the class.

Significant Themes

• Relying on one's own abilities and hard work rather than family influence.
• The importance of practical skills and self-defense in a less stable environment.
• The challenges and considerations of starting a business.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with his students, persuading them to join his plan and discussing the details of the training class.
• Xiayin, Russell, and Madilan interact with each other, discussing the practical aspects of running the class and deciding on the share and dividend system.