Chapter Summaries

Plot Points and Events

• The assessments for the five towers have ended, with the Forging Sword Tower taking the most recruits (seven).
• Li Mu and his group are promoted to household servants, receiving new tokens, white robes, a sword, and increased pay.
• They meet the Third Manor Lord in the inner courtyard's main hall, where they perform a half-kneeling salute and receive his instruction.
• Li Mu is assigned a detached house by Zhao Tuo, who also informs him about the rules and duties of a household servant.

Character Developments

• Li Mu: Realizes the vast gap between him and the Third Manor Lord, understanding that he is still weak.
• Zhao Tuo: Shows his willingness to help Li Mu in exchange for silver, revealing his greedy nature.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Third Manor Lord's strength and status are emphasized, highlighting the power dynamics within the manor.
• Corruption: Zhao Tuo's acceptance of bribes suggests corruption among the lower-level staff.
• Ambition: Li Mu's ambition is shown through his eagerness to participate in sword shipments and his desire to become a formal disciple.

Character Interactions

• Leng Shuangyu vs. Ye Wanqing: The two stewards' rivalry is evident during the meeting with the Third Manor Lord.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo: Li Mu bribes Zhao Tuo to secure a good lodging, and Zhao Tuo provides Li Mu with useful information in exchange.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu enjoys a good night's sleep and observes female laundry slaves at Spirit Ravine Peak.
• He has breakfast with other household guards and discusses the benefits of their new position.
• Li Mu and Hui Zhen begin their duty guarding Myriad Swords Tower.
• Li Mu reads the "Azure River Chronicle of Villains" and learns about various notorious figures, including Mountain-Holding Vulture and the Third Manor Lord.
• He speculates about the feud between Hidden Sword Manor and Tyrant Blade Manor, and the possible involvement of the Third Manor Lord.

Character Developments

• Li Mu shows curiosity and analytical skills as he reads about villains and ponders their motivations.
• Hui Zhen is depicted as diligent and eager to learn, standing straight on duty.

Significant Themes

• The dangerous and unpredictable nature of the martial world.
• The power dynamics and rivalries between different forces in Azure River.
• The consequences of past actions and their impact on present circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Hui Zhen discuss their new duties and the advantages of being household guards.
• Li Mu shares his thoughts about the villains he's read about with the implied reader, but not with any other characters in the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu encounters Li Lanqiao, Meng Ling, and Qi Zhun, who express regret for not trying harder to secure a spot among the manor servants.
• Meng Ling warns Li Mu about Fan Rong's grudge and strange behavior.
• Li Mu purchases Blood-Nourishing Powder and Blood-Activating Powder, which significantly increases his vitality and blood.
• Li Mu reaches mastery in Dripping Water Swordsmanship and records it on the Sword-Inquiring Platform, increasing his Sword Dao Talent to Green grade.

Character Developments

• Li Mu's hunger and desire for wealth become more apparent as he realizes the importance of potent medicines for martial training.
• Meng Ling shows kindness by warning Li Mu about Fan Rong.
• Doctor Xing reveals that he sees some of his past self in Li Mu, gifting him Blood-Activating Powder.
• Zhao Tuo offers to take Li Mu on a hunting trip once he breaks through the vitality-and-blood barrier.

Significant Themes

• The importance of wealth and resources in martial training and advancement.
• The consequences of not pushing oneself to the limit, as seen through the regret of Li Lanqiao, Meng Ling, and Qi Zhun.
• The value of genuine survival knowledge, such as the map of the area around Hidden Sword Manor marked with dangerous locations.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu interacts with several former competitors, revealing their envy and regret.
• Meng Ling warns Li Mu about Fan Rong, showing concern for his safety.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo discuss hunting for extra money and make a deal for a future trip together.
• Doctor Xing gifts Li Mu Blood-Activating Powder, recognizing his potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Li Mu successfully reflects a clone of his mastery-level Dripping Water Swordsmanship and defeats it, pushing his swordsmanship to the 'Pinnacle' level.
+ The Sword-Reflecting Stone evolves into the Sword-Storage Pool, allowing Li Mu to store a strand of white sword qi that can break through qi and blood shackles.
+ Li Mu intervenes in a confrontation between Fan Rong and Meng Ling, saving Meng Ling from being assaulted by Fan Rong.

Character Developments

+ Li Mu: Shows growth in his swordsmanship, reaching the 'Pinnacle' level, and gains a new tool for breaking through qi and blood shackles.
+ Fan Rong: Reveals his true nature, attempting to rape Meng Ling and showing a willingness to use dark means to gain power.
+ Meng Ling: Stands up to Fan Rong, refusing to be with him despite his status as a household retainer.

Significant Themes

+ The power of reflection and practice in improving swordsmanship.
+ The consequences of betraying one's true self and the people who trust them.

Character Interactions

+ Li Mu and Fan Rong: Li Mu becomes an enemy of Fan Rong after saving Meng Ling and injuring Fan Rong.
+ Meng Ling and Fan Rong: Their relationship deteriorates as Fan Rong's true nature is revealed, and Meng Ling rejects him.
+ Li Mu and Meng Ling: Li Mu saves Meng Ling from Fan Rong, and they have a brief, unspoken understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fan Rong, a new servant, suddenly becomes powerful and violent after worshipping a wooden Buddha statue.
• Li Mu, another servant, engages in a fierce battle with Fan Rong, ultimately killing him.
• Li Mu is injured and poisoned by Fan Rong's attack, requiring Steward Leng Shuangyu's intervention.
• Leng Shuangyu rewards Li Mu for his actions, including a green-grade sword manual.

Character Developments

• Fan Rong: Transforms from a seemingly ordinary servant into a powerful, violent individual after being influenced by the wooden Buddha statue.
• Li Mu: Demonstrates significant combat prowess and quick thinking, managing to defeat Fan Rong despite the latter's sudden power surge.
• Leng Shuangyu: Shows concern for Li Mu's well-being and rewards him for his actions, hinting at her authority and knowledge of the situation.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and worship, as seen through the influence of the wooden Buddha statue on Fan Rong.
• The consequences of sudden, unnatural power gain, as demonstrated by Fan Rong's transformation and eventual demise.
• The importance of quick thinking and adaptability in combat, as shown by Li Mu's ability to counter Fan Rong's unexpected moves.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Fan Rong: Their interaction is marked by conflict and danger, culminating in a fierce battle that ends with Fan Rong's death.
• Li Mu and Leng Shuangyu: Their interaction is professional, with Leng Shuangyu showing concern for Li Mu's well-being and rewarding him for his actions, while Li Mu follows her instructions and asks for clarification on the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A newly promoted servant, Li Mu, kills a fellow servant who had secretly become a believer of the forbidden Sacred Buddha Temple.
• The Third Manor Lord, Ye Wei, suspects Li Mu might be concealing his true abilities and has the potential to become a sword grandmaster.
• Li Mu receives a reward for his deed: a high-grade sword, Black Frost, and a copied manual of the Water-Questioning Sword Manual.

Character Developments

• Li Mu: Shows exceptional swordsmanship, potentially concealing his true abilities. He is rewarded for his actions but remains cautious and low-key.
• Ye Wei (Third Manor Lord): Recognizes Li Mu's potential and decides to keep an eye on him without disturbing him.

Significant Themes

• Talent vs. Hard Work: Li Mu's potential is recognized, but he knows that talent alone is not enough; he needs to train and improve.
• Secrecy and Caution: Li Mu understands the dangers of revealing his true strength too early and chooses to lie low.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Ye Wei: Though they haven't met yet, Ye Wei is intrigued by Li Mu's potential, and Li Mu is aware of Ye Wei's interest in him.
• Li Mu and Leng Shuangyu: Li Mu successfully deceives Leng Shuangyu about his true strength, and she rewards him accordingly.

Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu learns the basics of two sword arts, Dripping Water Swordsmanship (white-grade) and Water-Questioning Sword Manual (green-grade), using Clear Sword Eyes.
• Li Mu meets the requirements for cultivating the Water-Questioning Sword Manual and begins practicing the first form, Thunder-Hearing Tide Severance.
• Li Mu's vitality and blood increase due to sword practice and the consumption of Red-Scaled Python meat.
• Cao A-Man leaves Myriad Swords Tower for Forging Sword Tower.
• Zhao Tuo offers Li Mu a maidservant, Meng Ling, to attend to him, but Li Mu declines and asks Meng Ling to deliver a letter instead.

Character Developments

• Li Mu: Shows dedication to sword practice, accepts Meng Ling's request to deliver a letter, and demonstrates understanding of cause and effect.
• Meng Ling: Shows concern for her younger brother, offers to serve Li Mu, and delivers a letter to him.

Significant Themes

• The importance of hard work and dedication in cultivation (Li Mu's relentless sword practice).
• The concept of cause and effect (Li Mu helping Meng Ling deliver a letter).

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo: Zhao Tuo shows concern for Li Mu's well-being and offers him a maidservant, while Li Mu accepts Zhao Tuo's advice to meet more people.
• Li Mu and Meng Ling: Li Mu agrees to deliver a letter for Meng Ling in exchange for a small fee and asks her to wash his clothes, showing understanding of cause and effect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cao A-Man arrives at Forging Sword Tower and learns about their unique Iron-Forging Aperture-Piercing Method, which can speed up cultivation for those with strong constitutions.
• Li Mu is visited by Night Watch Tower guards investigating a "flying thief" incident, which is actually a cover for the death of a Sacred Buddha Temple follower in the manor. Li Mu reveals that he was the one who killed the follower.

Character Developments

• Cao A-Man: Shows eagerness to improve his cultivation speed and surpass Li Mu.
• Li Mu: Demonstrates generosity and willingness to befriend others, as seen with the Night Watch Tower guards. He also shows curiosity and concern about the mysterious Sacred Buddha Temple.
• Xing Yuanjia and Tian Zeyi: They warm up to Li Mu after seeing his valuable sword and meat, and share information about Sacred Buddha Temple.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strong foundations and constitutions in cultivation (highlighted by the Iron-Forging Aperture-Piercing Method).
• The dangers and mysteries of the world, as exemplified by Sacred Buddha Temple.
• The value of friendships and alliances in the martial world.

Character Interactions

• Cao A-Man and Liu Yi: Liu Yi tries to motivate Cao A-Man by comparing him to Li Mu and offering rewards.
• Li Mu and the Night Watch Tower guards (Xing Yuanjia and Tian Zeyi): They initially approach Li Mu with authority, but their attitude changes after seeing his valuable possessions. They share information about Sacred Buddha Temple and offer friendship.
• Li Mu and himself: Li Mu reflects on the dangers of the world and the need to improve his cultivation speed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu learns about the Sacred Buddha Temple from Hui Zhen, who seems uninformed about it.
• They discuss the recent events, including Fan Rong's death and Cao A-Man's departure.
• Li Mu records the first form of the Water-Questioning Sword Manual, increasing his Sword Dao talent to 100.
• Li Mu decides to use a strand of sword qi to break through his qi and blood bottleneck.

Character Developments

• Li Mu: Shows determination to improve his talent and break through his cultivation bottleneck. He's willing to use the precious sword qi for this purpose.
• Hui Zhen: Shows loyalty and support for Li Mu, offering him his share of exotic beast meat to help him improve faster.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Persistence: Li Mu's resolve to improve his talent and break through his limitations, despite his poor innate physique and talent.
• Loyalty and Friendship: Hui Zhen's unwavering support for Li Mu, highlighting the bond between the two characters.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Hui Zhen discuss their situations, share their concerns, and express their support for each other.
• Li Mu's decision to use the sword qi to break through his bottleneck shows his commitment to improving himself, which could indirectly help Hui Zhen as well.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu breaks through the first blood and qi barrier, becoming a true martial artist.
• He experiences physical changes, with his arms growing stronger and muscles forming all over his body.
• Li Mu decides to leave the estate to see the world, planning to follow Cao A-Man and pretend his strength improvement is due to bitter training and resources.

Character Developments

• Li Mu: Shows determination and focus in his training, successfully breaking through the first blood and qi barrier. He also demonstrates adaptability and calmness in social situations.
• Meng Ling: Shows concern for Li Mu's well-being, trying to help him in any way she can.
• Tian Zeyi: Feels envious of Li Mu's reward and wants to test his sword dao talent.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and hard work in martial arts training.
• The desire for recognition and validation in one's abilities.
• The impact of social status and background on opportunities and treatment.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Meng Ling: Meng Ling shows concern for Li Mu's injured arms, while Li Mu reassures her that he's fine.
• Li Mu and Tian Zeyi: Tian Zeyi challenges Li Mu to a swordsmanship competition to test his talent, with Li Mu accepting the challenge.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo: Zhao Tuo shows protective instincts towards Li Mu, wanting to ensure his safety during the competition with Tian Zeyi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu and Tian Zeyi engage in a sparring match, with Tian Zeyi initially underestimating Li Mu.
• Li Mu surprises everyone by holding his own against Tian Zeyi, who is at major accomplishment in Dripping Water Swordsmanship.
• Li Mu seizes an opening and wins the match, revealing that he has reached minor accomplishment in just three months.

Character Developments

• Li Mu: Proves his exceptional talent in swordsmanship, reaching minor accomplishment in three months. Shows humility in victory.
• Tian Zeyi: Realizes Li Mu's true strength, feels admiration, and acknowledges Li Mu's potential. Reveals his own dissatisfaction with his innate aptitude and resentment towards Liu Yi of Forging Sword Tower.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation: Tian Zeyi underestimates Li Mu's abilities, leading to his defeat.
• Potential vs. Aptitude: The importance of one's innate foundation and talent in martial arts is discussed, with Li Mu's potential being praised despite his ordinary foundation.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Tian Zeyi: Initially, Tian Zeyi underestimates Li Mu, leading to a competitive sparring match. After Li Mu's victory, Tian Zeyi acknowledges Li Mu's talent and expresses admiration.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo: Zhao Tuo is impressed by Li Mu's progress and sees potential in him, encouraging him to work hard for the year-end martial exhibition.
• Li Mu and the others (Guan Gu, Jiao Yang, Hui Zhen): The others present are surprised by Li Mu's skill and become more welcoming towards him. They express their willingness to spar with him in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu and others share martial contest experiences.
• Zhao Tuo tells Zhao Meng about Li Mu's talent, leading to Zhao Meng teaching Li Mu the Water-Questioning Sword Manual.
• Cao A-Man returns, boasting about his progress and inviting Li Mu to spar, but Li Mu declines.
• Cao A-Man leaves for Azure River City with the sword-transport convoy, unaware of nearby bandits.

Character Developments

• Li Mu: Continues to improve his swordsmanship, nearing completion of the second form of the Water-Questioning Sword Manual, and is close to breaking through the first blood and qi barrier.
• Cao A-Man: Grows arrogant and confident after breaking through the first blood and qi barrier, looking down on Li Mu.
• Zhao Meng: Recognizes Li Mu's potential and teaches him the Water-Questioning Sword Manual, showing favoritism.

Significant Themes

• Talent and recognition: Li Mu's hidden talent is recognized by Zhao Meng, while Cao A-Man's progress is celebrated in Forging Sword Tower.
• Competition and rivalry: Cao A-Man's boasting and Li Mu's refusal to spar highlight the competitive nature of the servants' lives.
• Cultivation and growth: Li Mu's steady progress in swordsmanship and blood and qi accumulation demonstrate the importance of dedicated practice.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Zhao Meng: Zhao Meng teaches Li Mu the Water-Questioning Sword Manual, showing a mentor-like attitude.
• Li Mu and Cao A-Man: Cao A-Man tries to provoke Li Mu into sparring, but Li Mu remains calm and collected, showing no desire to compete.
• Cao A-Man and Forging Sword Tower servants: Cao A-Man boasts about his progress to his new peers, basking in their admiration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu reads a book about Jiangnan Commandery and Azure River County's sects, learning about Sword Pavilion's history and dominance.
• Mountain-Holding Vulture's Third Chief, Zhong Lingchuan, raids and seizes a sword transport convoy, causing significant casualties.
• Cao A-Man, a household servant who recently broke through to the second barrier, loses an arm during the raid and is expelled from the manor after receiving compensation.

Character Developments

• Li Mu: Realizes the importance of strength and the dangers of the jianghu; feels unease about facing Mountain-Holding Vulture in the future.
• Cao A-Man: Experiences a rapid rise and fall, becoming crippled and expelled from the manor; his dejected departure serves as a cautionary tale for Li Mu.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and power in the jianghu.
• The harsh reality of life in the jianghu, where the weak are easily discarded.
• The dangers of complacency and overconfidence in the face of risks.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Hui Zhen discuss the recent events and the changing dynamics between Hidden Sword Manor and Mountain-Holding Vulture.
• Li Mu witnesses Cao A-Man's expulsion from the manor, reflecting on the impermanence of fortune in the jianghu.
• Xing Yuanjia and Tian Zeyi, household servants tasked with escorting the wounded men out of the manor, show Li Mu a brief moment of warmth before resuming their cold, merciless demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• News of the sword transport ambush spreads, revealing minimal casualties among Hidden Sword Manor's martial instructors and disciples.
• Zhao Meng visits Li Mu, providing details about the casualties and the manor's response to increase requirements for future sword transport candidates.
• Li Mu receives a list of new recruits from other towers to keep an eye on, including Liu Wuyou, Di Shuang, and Zhong Dingyan.
• Li Mu decides not to participate in the sword transport to Azure River City due to the increased risks.

Character Developments

• Li Mu's reputation grows among the household servants, attracting envy and admiration.
• Meng Ling becomes more concerned about Li Mu's well-being and safety.
• Li Mu masters the second move of the Water-Questioning Sword Manual and decides to record it to improve his talent.

Significant Themes

• The importance of talent and strength in Hidden Sword Manor.
• The dangers and rewards of sword transport missions.
• The growing competition and political intrigue among the household servants.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Zhao Meng discuss the recent events and the list of new recruits to watch.
• Li Mu and Meng Ling discuss the sword transport to Azure River City and her desire to repay Li Mu's kindness.
• Li Mu reflects on his growth and the changes in his surroundings due to increased strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu completes the Water-Questioning Sword Manual, increasing his Sword Dao talent to 150.
• He realizes he can't borrow books from the Sword Canon Tower due to his low status.
• Li Mu invites Guan Gu and others to spar to improve his practical combat skills before a hunt.
• Zhao Tuo emerges from seclusion, having broken through to the second threshold.
• Li Mu receives a detailed map from Meng Ling for his hunt at Black Camel Ridge.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo set out for the hunt.

Character Developments

• Li Mu's Sword Dao talent increases significantly, and he masters the first two moves of the Water-Questioning Sword Manual.
• Zhao Tuo breaks through to the second threshold, demonstrating increased strength.
• Meng Ling shows her gratitude to Li Mu by providing a detailed map for his hunt.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mastering low-tier techniques to accumulate talent and speed up cultivation.
• The value of practical combat experience and sparring to improve skills.
• The role of guidance and assistance from martial arts techniques in opening apertures and raising blood and vitality.
• The need for patience and preparation in martial arts progress.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu spars with Guan Gu and others to improve his skills.
• Li Mu receives guidance from Zhao Tuo, who agrees to take him hunting.
• Li Mu receives a map from Meng Ling, showing her gratitude and trust in him.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo set out together for the hunt, demonstrating their growing bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Yi hires the Hunter Gang to injure or cripple two Hidden Sword Manor servants at Black Camel Ridge.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo go hunting at Black Camel Ridge and encounter a pack of Black Mountain Wolves, including their king.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo fight the wolf pack, with Li Mu focusing on the smaller wolves and Zhao Tuo facing the Black Mountain Wolf King.

Character Developments

• Liu Yi: Shows his cunning and ruthlessness by hiring the Hunter Gang to target Hidden Sword Manor servants.
• Li Mu: Demonstrates his growth as a martial artist by handling the smaller wolves with ease and facing the Black Mountain Wolf King.
• Zhao Tuo: Proves his skill and experience by holding his own against the powerful Black Mountain Wolf King.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and challenges of hunting in the wild.
• The importance of teamwork and strategy in combat.
• The ruthlessness and cunning of some characters in the martial world.

Character Interactions

• Liu Yi and the Hunter Gang: Liu Yi hires the Hunter Gang to carry out a dangerous task, showing his willingness to use others for his own gain.
• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo: The two work together to take down the Black Mountain Wolf King and its pack, showcasing their teamwork and trust in each other's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo encounter a formidable Black Mountain Wolf King and its pups while hunting.
• Zhao Tuo is injured and struggles against the wolf king's swift and savage attacks.
• Li Mu saves Zhao Tuo by using the peak-level sword force 'Dripping Water Pierces Stone' to kill the wolf king.
• The Hunter Gang, led by Zhao Tuo's old friend Zhou Dayuan, arrives and reveals that a bounty has been placed on Li Mu and Zhao Tuo.
• The Hunter Gang helps clean up and prepares a feast for Li Mu and Zhao Tuo.

Character Developments

• Li Mu demonstrates exceptional swordsmanship and saves Zhao Tuo, revealing his first-stage martial artist status.
• Zhao Tuo shows regret for not focusing more on his martial arts practice and acknowledges Li Mu's prowess.
• Zhou Dayuan is revealed to be a friend of Zhao Tuo and a skilled hunter, leading the Hunter Gang.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and brotherhood, as shown between Zhao Tuo and Zhou Dayuan, and later between Li Mu and the Hunter Gang.
• The dangers of martial arts and the consequences of drawing attention, as seen with the bounty on Li Mu and Zhao Tuo.
• The importance of preparation and skill, as demonstrated by Li Mu's ability to save Zhao Tuo and the Hunter Gang's knowledge of the bounty.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo work together to defeat the Black Mountain Wolf King, with Li Mu saving Zhao Tuo's life.
• Zhao Tuo and Zhou Dayuan reunite, showing their deep friendship and brotherhood.
• Li Mu integrates with the Hunter Gang, demonstrating his adaptability and sociability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo successfully hunt a Black Mountain Wolf King and several smaller wolves.
• They sell the wolf king's meat, bones, and hide to Zhou Dayuan, earning seventy taels of silver.
• Zhou Dayuan reveals that the Mountain-Holding Vulture gang's chief has a demon beast mount and may have consumed a demon core, posing a threat to Azure River City.
• Liu Yi is suspected to be the one who tried to kill Li Mu and Zhao Tuo during their hunt.

Character Developments

• Li Mu demonstrates his growing understanding of great medicines and their value.
• Zhao Tuo shows his loyalty and concern for Li Mu, feeling guilty for putting him in danger.
• Zhou Dayuan reveals his resourcefulness and connections in the city, as well as his loyalty to his gang leader.
• Liu Yi is established as a formidable enemy, with deep-seated resentment towards the Zhao brothers.

Significant Themes

• The power of connections and networks in survival and success, as seen in Zhou Dayuan's knowledge of the market and Liu Yi's influence.
• The dangers of the wild and the importance of alliances, as experienced by Li Mu and Zhao Tuo.
• The growing threat of demon beasts and demon cores, hinting at the darker side of the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo's bond deepens after facing danger together, leading to mutual respect and trust.
• Zhao Tuo and Zhou Dayuan's friendship is highlighted, with Zhou Dayuan willing to help Zhao Tuo despite his initial reluctance.
• The enmity between the Zhao brothers and Liu Yi is further emphasized, with Liu Yi's actions putting Li Mu in danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo return from Black Camel Ridge with a large haul of exotic beast meat, attracting attention and envy from other servants.
• Li Mu's first hunting trip gains him recognition and raises his standing among the Myriad Swords Tower servants.
• Liu Yi, enraged by Li Mu and Zhao Tuo's survival and successful hunt, vents his frustration on his nephew, Liu Wuyou.
• The sword-delivery slots are decided, with Li Mu initially selected but later replaced due to concerns about his low qi and blood. Liu Wuyou, Liu Yi's nephew, takes Li Mu's slot.
• Zhao Meng decides to go into seclusion to break through, leaving Zhao Tuo to handle the remaining matters and protect Li Mu.

Character Developments

• Li Mu gains recognition and respect from his peers after his successful hunting trip.
• Zhao Tuo demonstrates his loyalty and closeness to Li Mu by recounting their battle and emphasizing their brotherhood.
• Liu Yi's frustration and anger grow due to his failed attempts to cripple Li Mu and Zhao Tuo, leading him to lash out at Liu Wuyou.
• Zhao Meng shows concern for Li Mu's safety and progress, emphasizing the importance of gradual cultivation and avoiding damage to one's foundation.
• Leng Shuangyu, the manager of the Myriad Swords Tower, stands up for Li Mu and challenges the decision to remove him from the sword-delivery list.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and opportunities of hunting in the wilderness.
• The importance of gradual cultivation and avoiding damage to one's foundation.
• The power dynamics and politics within the Myriad Swords Manor, with the Forging Sword Tower's influence and the Myriad Swords Tower's struggle to maintain its position.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu and Zhao Tuo's brotherly bond strengthens after their shared experience in the wilderness.
• Liu Yi's frustration and anger towards his nephew, Liu Wuyou, for not meeting his expectations.
• Zhao Meng's concern and support for Li Mu, as well as his trust in Zhao Tuo to protect Li Mu while he is in seclusion.
• Leng Shuangyu's support for Li Mu and her challenge to the Forging Sword Tower's decision to remove him from the sword-delivery list.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mu continues to cultivate and improve his swordsmanship, reaching proficiency in the Water-Questioning Sword Manual and learning the fourth form, Dream Spring Tiger Run.
• He gains insight into the importance of speed and powerful qi and blood in martial arts.
• Li Mu's talent reaches the blue grade, allowing him to learn third-tier sword manuals.
• The convoy departs for Azure River City, with Li Mu and Zhao Tuo as part of the group.

Character Developments

• Li Mu's strength and talent increase significantly, placing him among the above-average newcomers in the four towers.
• He becomes more aware of the world's complexities and the secrets surrounding demons and the Sacred Buddha Temple.
• Zhao Tuo shows concern for Li Mu's safety and provides guidance for his trip to Azure River City.
• Bu Zheng, a Myriad Swords Tower servant, expresses envy of Li Mu's luck and struggle with his own cultivation progress.

Significant Themes

• The importance of speed and powerful qi and blood in martial arts.
• The disparity between the privileged and the struggling common people.
• The allure of Azure River City and the opportunities it offers.

Character Interactions

• Li Mu spars with Guan Gu and Jiao Yang, impressing them with his skill and insight.
• He interacts with Zhao Tuo, who shares advice and expresses brotherly concern.
• Li Mu meets Bu Zheng, a fellow servant with whom he shares cultivation experiences and commiserates about their circumstances.
• The convoy members share stories and jokes to pass the time on their journey.