Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Tieshan, the fortress commander, approves a mission request from Wang Dewen and Wang Ming, who want to kill a Fourth-Rank Magic Beast for an actual-combat assessment.
• Li Zhengyang, now a sergeant major, is assigned to lead their mission.
• Li Zhengyang takes them to a Fifth-Rank Magic Beast, an Abyssal Giant Lizard, instead of a Fourth-Rank one.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang has transformed physically and in rank, now serving as a sergeant major in the Northern Frontier Military Region.
• Wang Dewen and Wang Ming are revealed to be uncle and nephew, with Wang Ming's right arm meridians severely damaged.
• Wang Dewen is desperate to secure Wang Ming's future, even if it means risking their lives.

Significant Themes

• The theme of retribution is evident as Li Zhengyang, the victim of Wang Dewen and Wang Ming's schemes, now holds power over them.
• The desperation for success and status is shown through Wang Dewen's actions.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang's casual yet threatening demeanor towards Wang Dewen and Wang Ming highlights the power imbalance between them.
• Wang Dewen's attempts to reason with Li Zhengyang are met with indifference, emphasizing Li Zhengyang's control over the situation.
• Wang Ming's fear and Wang Dewen's desperation are evident in their interactions with Li Zhengyang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang, Wang Dewen, and Wang Ming are left behind in the collapse zone.
• A Fifth-Rank Magic Beast, an Abyssal Giant Lizard, emerges.
• Li Zhengyang kills Wang Dewen and cripples Wang Ming, leaving him to be eaten by the lizard.
• Li Zhengyang fights and defeats the Abyssal Giant Lizard, obtaining its Beast Core and materials.
• He returns to the fortress alone.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang: He shows no mercy to Wang Dewen and Wang Ming, revealing his cold and calculating nature. His strength is demonstrated as he single-handedly takes down a Fifth-Rank Magic Beast.
• Wang Dewen & Wang Ming: Their greed and underestimation of the danger lead to their deaths. Wang Ming's attempt to save his uncle backfires, resulting in his own demise.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Li Zhengyang's actions are driven by a desire to avenge his past humiliation and near-death experience at the hands of Wang Dewen and Wang Ming.
• Strength vs. Weakness: The power dynamics between Li Zhengyang and the Wangs are highlighted, with Li Zhengyang's strength allowing him to dictate the outcome.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang vs. Wang Dewen & Wang Ming: Li Zhengyang's indifference and coldness contrast with the Wangs' desperation and fear. Their interactions highlight the power imbalance and Li Zhengyang's intention to exact revenge.
• Li Zhengyang vs. Abyssal Giant Lizard: Li Zhengyang's combat skills and strength are showcased in his battle against the powerful Magic Beast.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang arrives at Fortress No. 7 with the bodies of Wang Dewen and Wang Ming, two men he was tasked to guide.
• He reports their deaths due to a Fifth-Rank Abyssal Giant Lizard, despite carrying recommendation letters from the Military Region Logistics Department.
• The pilot confirms Li Zhengyang killed the giant lizard single-handedly.
• Li Zhengyang sells the materials from the Rift Scorpion nest and the Abyssal Giant Lizard's Beast Core, earning 3 million, bringing his total to 7 million.
• He uses the money to recharge his system, breaking through to the First-Rank Martial King Realm.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang: Proves his combat prowess by killing a peak Fifth-Rank Magic Beast and a nest of Fourth-Rank Rift Scorpions. He also demonstrates his ruthlessness in handling Wang Dewen and Wang Ming, who were sent to assess him.
• Song Qing: Shows concern for the safety of the personnel under her command and is furious at Li Zhengyang's report of the deaths.
• Han Tieshan: The fortress commander, who is initially stern but later protects Li Zhengyang from potential backlash due to the deaths of Wang Dewen and Wang Ming.

Significant Themes

• Power and strength: Li Zhengyang's ability to defeat powerful Magic Beasts showcases his growing power, which is further emphasized by his breakthrough to the Martial King Realm.
• Ruthlessness and survival: Li Zhengyang's actions towards Wang Dewen and Wang Ming highlight the harsh and unforgiving nature of the world he inhabits.
• Bureaucracy and corruption: The Military Region Logistics Department's actions are portrayed negatively, with their attempts to assess Li Zhengyang resulting in tragedy.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang and Song Qing: There's tension between them due to the deaths of Wang Dewen and Wang Ming, with Song Qing being angry and Li Zhengyang indifferent.
• Li Zhengyang and Han Tieshan: Although they don't interact directly, Han Tieshan's decision to protect Li Zhengyang from potential repercussions shows he values Li Zhengyang's strength.
• Li Zhengyang and Old Ma: Their interaction is brief but shows Old Ma's respect for Li Zhengyang's combat prowess and the value of the materials he brings.

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang, a new arrival at Fortress No. 7, reports for duty at the command headquarters.
• He enters a high-level combat conference, causing a stir due to his blood-stained and disheveled appearance.
• It's revealed that he single-handedly cleared the Northern Wilderness Rift Zone, killing 36 Fourth-Rank Rift Scorpions and a peak Fifth-Rank Abyssal Giant Lizard in just five hours.
• He is questioned about the deaths of two military guests under his watch, to which he responds concisely, taking full responsibility.
• Han Tieshan, the commander, decides to close the case and assigns Li Zhengyang to First Battalion, under Zhao Meng's command.

2. Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang: He demonstrates immense strength and confidence, displaying the aura of a Martial King despite being only 20 years old. He shows no remorse for the deaths of the military guests, indicating a strong sense of self and duty.
• Han Tieshan: He shows wisdom and decisiveness in handling the situation, understanding the potential danger of Li Zhengyang's power and assigning him to a battalion to keep an eye on him.
• Zhao Meng: He initially displays hostility towards Li Zhengyang but is later cowed by Li Zhengyang's power, showing a lack of courage and backbone.
• Song Qing: She shows concern for the dead guests but is overruled by Han Tieshan's decision.

3. Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter highlights the power dynamics within the fortress, with Li Zhengyang's arrival disrupting the status quo.
• Duty and Responsibility: Li Zhengyang's actions raise questions about duty and responsibility, with Han Tieshan ultimately deciding that Li Zhengyang's mission was more important than the lives lost.
• Genius and Madness: Li Zhengyang's rapid rise in power and his disregard for the consequences of his actions suggest a genius bordering on madness.

4. Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang vs. Zhao Meng: Their interaction highlights Li Zhengyang's power and Zhao Meng's lack of courage.
• Li Zhengyang vs. Han Tieshan: Their interaction shows Han Tieshan's wisdom and decisiveness, and Li Zhengyang's respect for authority.
• Song Qing vs. Han Tieshan: Their interaction shows the power imbalance between them, with Han Tieshan's decision overruling Song Qing's concerns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Tieshan assigns Li Zhengyang to Zhao Meng's First Battalion (Thornhead Battalion), causing tension due to Li's reputation and Zhao's humiliation.
• Li Zhengyang meets the unruly First Battalion, where he silently assesses them, and Wang Hu, a platoon commander, challenges him.
• Li Zhengyang swiftly defeats Wang Hu with a single touch, demonstrating his power and establishing his authority.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang shows his calm, unruffled demeanor and immense power, proving he's not to be underestimated.
• Zhao Meng struggles with his pride and fear, trying to maintain his authority while dealing with Li Zhengyang's assignment.
• Wang Hu, a fierce lieutenant, is shown to be no match for Li Zhengyang's speed and strength.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for authority between Li Zhengyang and Zhao Meng, as well as within the First Battalion.
• The tension between Li Zhengyang's reputation and the reality of his capabilities.
• The challenge of integrating a new, powerful force (Li Zhengyang) into an established, unruly group (First Battalion).

Character Interactions

• Han Tieshan and Song Qing discuss Li Zhengyang's assignment, revealing their differing views on his potential.
• Li Zhengyang and Zhao Meng have a tense interaction, with Zhao Meng trying to maintain his dignity while Li Zhengyang shows no deference.
• Li Zhengyang and Wang Hu's confrontation demonstrates Li's power and Wang Hu's underestimation of him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang, the new deputy battalion commander, subdues Wang Hu, the First Battalion's ace and an Eighth-Rank Martial Sect powerhouse, with a single hand, demonstrating his immense strength.
• Li Zhengyang announces three rules: unconditional obedience to his orders, doubled training, and a 20% share of mission spoils for himself.
• The soldiers object to the third rule, leading to a challenge where Li Zhengyang offers to take on the entire battalion. If he can't be touched, his share increases to 40%.
• The soldiers accept the challenge, but Li Zhengyang easily defeats all of them using only his Cloud-Shocking Steps movement technique, not even drawing his weapon.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang: Proves his immense strength and establishes his authority over the First Battalion. His calm and confident demeanor intimidates the soldiers and earns their respect.
• Wang Hu: Initially arrogant and defiant, he is humiliated by Li Zhengyang and later participates in the challenge, only to be defeated.
• Zhao Meng: Realizes Li Zhengyang's true strength and understands why he was sent to his battalion. He becomes more cooperative and supportive of Li Zhengyang.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Li Zhengyang's physical prowess and martial skills are the primary factors that establish his authority and command respect.
• Respect and Obedience: Li Zhengyang demands unconditional obedience from his soldiers, and they eventually concede to his strength and leadership.
• Challenge and Dominance: Li Zhengyang's challenge and subsequent victory over the entire battalion solidify his dominance and ensure his orders will be followed.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang vs. Wang Hu: Li Zhengyang demonstrates his power and dominance by subduing Wang Hu, the battalion's ace, with a single hand.
• Li Zhengyang vs. First Battalion: Li Zhengyang challenges the entire battalion and defeats them all, showcasing his immense strength and skill, and earning their respect.
• Li Zhengyang and Zhao Meng: Zhao Meng initially questions Li Zhengyang's methods but later supports him after witnessing his strength and understanding his purpose in the battalion.

Li Zhengyang single-handedly defeats the entire Thornhead Battalion in ten minutes, leaving both soldiers and Battalion Commander Zhao Meng in shock. This display of overwhelming strength earns him their total respect and loyalty—Wang Hu and the others swear to follow him unconditionally. Li Zhengyang then establishes a clear rule: soldiers keep 40% of any mission spoils, and they may sell him valuable personal finds separately. He requests quiet quarters and the fortress mission list, then immediately focuses on an S-Rank mission: investigating abnormal energy fluctuations at Blackwind Pass, with a base reward of three million yuan and possible dangers above Sixth-Rank enemies.
Realizing he has zero money, Li Zhengyang attempts to sell his newly acquired Earth Dragon Essence and Origin-Consolidating Pills back to the military region. Commander Xiao Ding approves the 1.6 million yuan payment but lets Li keep the items, framing it as a loan and a strategic investment in young talent. Xiao also personally warns him that Blackwind Pass is extremely dangerous. After receiving the funds, Li Zhengyang recharges his system.
Character developments: Li Zhengyang reveals his pragmatic, profit-driven mindset and fearless confidence; he earns respect through raw power and fairness. Xiao Ding is shown as a shrewd, generous mentor figure. The soldiers evolve from pride to awed loyalty.
Themes: strength as ultimate proof, the power of financial resources and exchange, mentorship/investment in talent, and calculated risk-taking.
Key interactions: Li’s domination wins over Zhao Meng and the battalion; Wang Hu’s public surrender sets the tone; the late-night negotiation with Zhang Yuan/Xiao Ding highlights the military’s backing and Li’s unconventional approach to funding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang breaks through to the Second-Rank Martial King realm.
• He leaves Fortress No. 7 alone, using his newfound ability to fly.
• Upon reaching Blackwind Pass, he encounters a Spatial Rift spewing black storms and chaotic energy.
• He discovers a horde of Demonic Beasts, led by a Sixth-Rank Peak Bone-Spike Demon Ape and a Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, attacking him.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang advances in his cultivation, demonstrating increased power and confidence.
• The Demonic Beasts' leaders exhibit their strength and aggression, positioning them as formidable foes.

Significant Themes

• Power and Cultivation: Li Zhengyang's advancement highlights the importance of cultivation in the story's world.
• Danger and Exploration: The Blackwind Pass and the Spatial Rift represent the dangers and mysteries Li Zhengyang must confront and unravel.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang's departure from Fortress No. 7 is witnessed by Zhao Meng and Wang Hu, who express admiration for his newfound abilities.
• The confrontation between Li Zhengyang and the Demonic Beasts' leaders sets the stage for intense conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang faces a Sixth-Rank Peak Bone-Spike Demon Ape and defeats it in a single move using his Indestructible Golden Body and Dragon-Gallbladder Golden Spear.
• A swarm of Fifth-Rank Demonic Beasts attacks Li Zhengyang, which he fends off while collecting their Beast Cores.
• The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox attacks Li Zhengyang with an illusion technique and Fox Fire, but he withstands it and kills the fox.
• Li Zhengyang discovers a Martial Emperor-level Demonic Beast (Dragon form, Dark Gold Scale Armor) emerging from the expanding Spatial Rift in Blackwind Pass.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang demonstrates his immense strength and skill, defeating powerful Demonic Beasts with ease.
• He shows resourcefulness by collecting valuable materials from the Demonic Beasts he kills.
• Li Zhengyang's calm and strategic thinking is evident when he decides not to fight the Martial Emperor-level Demonic Beast head-on and instead contacts Fortress No. 7 for help.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between humans and Demonic Beasts.
• The value of resources and materials in the cultivation world.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in combat.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang interacts with the Demonic Beasts, demonstrating his dominance and strength.
• He communicates with Song Qing and Han Tieshan from Fortress No. 7, providing them with crucial information about the Martial Emperor-level Demonic Beast.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Martial Emperor Rank Demonic Beast, a Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor, is about to break through the spatial barrier near Fortress No. 7.
• Li Zhengyang, a Second-Rank Martial King, is trapped and cannot retreat due to the beast's will-lock.
• Han Tieshan, Li Zhengyang's commander, tries to request military support but knows it's unlikely to arrive in time.
• Li Zhengyang asks Han Tieshan to transfer money into his account, which he uses to recharge his Blood-Qi, leading to a realm breakthrough from Second-Rank to Sixth-Grade Martial King.
• Li Zhengyang decides to attack the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor instead of retreating or defending.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang demonstrates extraordinary calm and quick thinking under extreme pressure, even displaying a hint of madness in his desperate plan.
• Han Tieshan shows concern for Li Zhengyang's safety and is willing to follow his plan, despite finding it crazy.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and Desperate Measures: Li Zhengyang's situation is dire, leading him to take extreme, unconventional actions.
• Power and Hierarchy: The vast difference in power between Li Zhengyang and the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor is emphasized, highlighting the brutal nature of their world.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang and Han Tieshan have a tense, urgent conversation. Despite Han Tieshan's initial shock and disbelief, he supports Li Zhengyang's plan.
• Li Zhengyang's actions, especially his decision to attack the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor, are met with disbelief and concern from Han Tieshan, who calls him a "madman."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang discovers a tiny scratch on the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor's reverse scale, its weak point.
• He attacks with the Dragon-Gallbladder Golden Spear, causing the dragon to lose a drop of blood.
• The enraged dragon attempts to strike Li Zhengyang with its tail, but he dodges and bites the dragon's wound, drinking its blood.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang demonstrates exceptional courage, determination, and resourcefulness, pushing his limits to wound the dragon and ultimately drinking its blood.
• The Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor shows pride, anger, and underestimation of Li Zhengyang's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and will: Li Zhengyang's unyielding spirit allows him to overcome immense odds and wound the dragon.
• The danger of underestimation: The dragon underestimates Li Zhengyang, leading to its injury and surprise.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang and the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor: Their interaction is one of conflict, with Li Zhengyang defying the dragon's expectations and pushing its limits.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang drinks a drop of Dragon Blood, nearly killing him but also providing immense power.
• He bites off a piece of the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor's flesh, consuming it raw, and becomes a "container" for the dragon's Origin Source energy.
• The dragon attempts to reclaim Li Zhengyang and the absorbed energy, but a powerful voice from the east intervenes.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang demonstrates incredible daring, desperation, and cunning by biting off and consuming a piece of the dragon's flesh, using himself as bait to buy time for Fortress No. 7.
• The Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor shows surprise, fury, and eventually, a desire to reclaim its lost Origin Source energy.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and ingenuity in the face of insurmountable odds.
• The power and danger of consuming powerful entities, as seen with Li Zhengyang's absorption of the dragon's blood and flesh.
• The theme of reclaiming lost power, as exhibited by the dragon's attempt to retrieve its Origin Source energy from Li Zhengyang.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang and the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor engage in a one-sided battle, with Li Zhengyang using himself as bait to outsmart the dragon.
• The voice from the east intervenes, indicating the arrival of a powerful entity that could potentially challenge the dragon.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A powerful, otherworldly voice stops the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor's attack on Li Zhengyang.
• The Thunder Venerable, Lei Qianjue, appears and strikes down the Dragon Emperor with a single Lightning Sword, creating a massive crater.
• Li Zhengyang survives the blast but is critically injured and unstable due to the Dragon Essence within him.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang, despite his injuries, demonstrates remarkable resilience by maintaining a balance with the Emperor-Rank Dragon Essence in his body.
• Lei Qianjue shows his immense power and indifference, casually defeating the Dragon Emperor and saving Li Zhengyang.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in power between Martial Venerables and lower ranks is emphasized, with Lei Qianjue's single strike defeating the Dragon Emperor.
• The theme of resilience is shown through Li Zhengyang's survival and his body's unusual ability to balance the Dragon Essence.

Character Interactions

• Lei Qianjue interacts with the Dark-Gold Dragon Emperor, defeating it with ease and displaying his power and indifference.
• Lei Qianjue interacts with Li Zhengyang, saving him and acknowledging his unusual resilience, showing a hint of approval.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang, severely injured after swallowing the Dragon Emperor's Source, is in a critical condition at the First Highest-Authority Medical Center.
• Medical experts conclude that his body is being destroyed by the Dragon Essence while attempting to rebuild itself, creating an unsolvable vicious cycle that will kill him within 48 hours.
• Lei Qianjue suggests using the Marrow-Washing Pool to stimulate Li Zhengyang's will and help him control the Dragon Essence, despite the extreme risk and pain involved.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang: Unconscious and on the brink of death, but his heroic actions have earned him respect and efforts to save him.
• Han Tieshan: Desperate to save Li Zhengyang, willing to take risks and make tough decisions.
• Lei Qianjue: Calm and wise, he offers a risky but potentially life-saving solution, demonstrating his understanding of cultivation and Li Zhengyang's situation.
• Wang Zongren: Yanhuang's foremost expert in life morphology, he provides medical insights but is helpless to save Li Zhengyang.

Significant Themes

• The power of will and determination in the face of extreme adversity.
• The risks and potential rewards of pushing one's limits in cultivation.
• The responsibility of leaders to make tough decisions for the sake of their subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Han Tieshan and Lei Qianjue discuss Li Zhengyang's condition and potential solutions, with Han Tieshan seeking Lei Qianjue's expertise and ultimately agreeing to his risky plan.
• Wang Zongren provides medical insights but is unable to offer a solution, highlighting the limitations of modern medicine in the face of cultivation-related injuries.
• The medical team's helplessness contrasts with Lei Qianjue's calm and confident demeanor, emphasizing his unique perspective and abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang is placed in the Marrow-Washing Pool No. 1 for treatment, bypassing all safety protocols.
• Upon entering the pool, an explosion occurs, and the pool's energy begins to fluctuate dangerously.
• Li Zhengyang's body struggles to absorb the Marrow-Washing Divine Elixir and the Dragon Essence within him.
• The system within Li Zhengyang activates and initiates an 'Origin Conversion' function, converting the Dragon Essence into Blood-Qi Value.
• Li Zhengyang's body undergoes rapid regeneration and improvement, absorbing a significant amount of the pool's energy.
• After 16 hours, Li Zhengyang successfully breaks through to the Martial Emperor realm.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang: Survives the initial explosion and the struggle between the Divine Elixir and Dragon Essence. He successfully converts the Dragon Essence into Blood-Qi Value, enabling his body's regeneration and ultimately leading to his breakthrough to the Martial Emperor realm.
• Han Tieshan: Waits anxiously by the pool for Li Zhengyang's condition to improve. He is overjoyed when he learns that Li Zhengyang has broken through to the Martial Emperor realm.
• Lei Qianjue: Observes Li Zhengyang's condition without interfering. He confirms that Li Zhengyang is absorbing the pool's energy and later reveals that Li Zhengyang has broken through to the Martial Emperor realm.
• Wang Zongren: Monitors Li Zhengyang's vital signs and provides updates on his condition. He is astonished by Li Zhengyang's rapid recovery and eventual breakthrough.

Significant Themes

• Survival and Perseverance: Li Zhengyang's body struggles to absorb the Divine Elixir and Dragon Essence, demonstrating his resilience and will to survive.
• Transformation and Growth: Li Zhengyang's body undergoes rapid regeneration and improvement, highlighting the theme of transformation and growth.
• Power and Responsibility: The Marrow-Washing Pool's energy is meant for ten Martial Kings, but Li Zhengyang absorbs a significant portion of it, raising questions about the responsible use of power.

Character Interactions

• Han Tieshan and Wang Zongren: Han Tieshan relies on Wang Zongren's expertise to monitor Li Zhengyang's condition. Wang Zongren provides regular updates, and Han Tieshan grows increasingly anxious and hopeful as Li Zhengyang's condition improves.
• Lei Qianjue and Han Tieshan: Lei Qianjue observes Li Zhengyang's condition without interfering. He confirms Li Zhengyang's absorption of the pool's energy and later reveals that Li Zhengyang has broken through to the Martial Emperor realm, causing Han Tieshan to be overjoyed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang wakes up after seven days in the Marrow-Washing Pool.
• The Dragon Emperor's Source within him has been completely absorbed, and his own life energy has significantly increased.
• He asks about the usage fee for the Marrow-Washing Pool, expressing concern about his bonus.
• Lei Qianjue informs him that the Military Department will cover the fee.
• Li Zhengyang asks about his phone and Space Ring, which were destroyed and stored respectively.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang: He has broken through to Martial Emperor First Rank, demonstrating increased power and confidence. He also shows a practical side, being concerned about his bonus and personal belongings.
• Han Tieshan: He shows relief and emotion upon Li Zhengyang's awakening but is speechless and exasperated by Li Zhengyang's first question about the bill.
• Lei Qianjue: He maintains a calm and authoritative demeanor, handling the situation with Li Zhengyang and showing concern for his well-being.

Significant Themes

• Power and advancement: Li Zhengyang's breakthrough to Martial Emperor highlights the theme of power and growth.
• Practicality vs. idealism: Li Zhengyang's immediate concern about the bill and his belongings contrasts with the emotional relief of those around him.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang and Han Tieshan: Their interaction is filled with tension and humor, with Han Tieshan being exasperated by Li Zhengyang's practical concerns.
• Li Zhengyang and Lei Qianjue: Lei Qianjue shows a more personal side, expressing concern for Li Zhengyang's well-being and inviting him for a discussion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lei Qianjue takes Li Zhengyang to see the Nine-Heavens Darksteel and World-Sealing Stone Bastion, which has stood for nearly a hundred years, separating Great Xia's current territory (one-tenth of the original land) from the lost ancestral land.
• Li Zhengyang learns that the wall is not a perfect barrier; Demonic Beasts are deliberately let in for training purposes, with their numbers, ranks, and distribution areas precisely calculated.
• Lei Qianjue reveals that the recovery of lost territory is slow due to a lack of high-level experts, and the Army-Breaker Bureau, with one thousand active personnel, is dedicated to reclaiming land outside the wall.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang shows curiosity and initiative in understanding the world beyond the wall and the Army-Breaker Bureau's mission.
• Lei Qianjue demonstrates pride in Great Xia's history and the wall's construction, and he shows understanding and support for Li Zhengyang's eagerness to join the Army-Breaker Bureau.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and resources between the Human Race and Demonic Beasts.
• The importance of real combat experience for Martial Warriors.
• The sacrifice and dedication required to reclaim lost territory and protect the Human Race.

Character Interactions

• Lei Qianjue serves as a mentor figure, guiding Li Zhengyang and providing him with crucial information about the world beyond the wall.
• Li Zhengyang shows respect and eagerness to learn from Lei Qianjue, while also displaying his ambition and desire to contribute to the Army-Breaker Bureau's mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lei Qianjue brings Li Zhengyang to the Army-Breaker Bureau, a highly advanced and well-equipped base.
• Li Zhengyang is introduced to the base's facilities, including the Command Center, Equipment Department, and registration office.
• He learns about the Army-Breaker Bureau's standard issue A-Rank equipment and the internal marketplace accessible through a Tactical Watch.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang: Shows curiosity and adaptability to the advanced technology and resources of the Army-Breaker Bureau. He also reveals his true cultivation level, causing surprise among the base's personnel.
• Lei Qianjue: Briefly appears, showing his authority and influence within the Army-Breaker Bureau by personally bringing Li Zhengyang and approving his registration.
• Zhao Yi: Acts as Li Zhengyang's guide, providing information about the base and its facilities. He shows initial disbelief at Li Zhengyang's cultivation level but accepts it after confirmation.

Significant Themes

• Advanced technology and resources: The Army-Breaker Bureau is depicted as having highly advanced equipment and facilities, highlighting the disparity in resources between different factions.
• Cultivation level and age: Li Zhengyang's young age and high cultivation level are emphasized, challenging the expectations of those around him.

Character Interactions

• Lei Qianjue and Li Zhengyang: Lei Qianjue brings Li Zhengyang to the base and leaves him in Zhao Yi's care, showing trust in Li Zhengyang's abilities.
• Li Zhengyang and Zhao Yi: Zhao Yi guides Li Zhengyang through the base, providing information and assistance. Their interaction highlights the initial disbelief and eventual acceptance of Li Zhengyang's cultivation level.
• Li Zhengyang and the female soldier: The female soldier at the registration office shows initial disbelief at Li Zhengyang's cultivation level, highlighting the shock it causes among those who learn about it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang visits the marketplace and can't afford any equipment.
• He goes to the Equipment Department to collect his free weapon.
• He chooses an incomplete, half-finished spear designed by the late Xu Zhushan, which the system identifies as an SS-Rank weapon when completed.
• Li Zhengyang is assigned a villa and learns about tomorrow's mission outside the wall.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang demonstrates his practicality and decisiveness in choosing a weapon with potential despite its current incomplete state.
• Zhao Yi shows concern for Li Zhengyang's choices but respects his decision-making as a Martial Emperor.

Significant Themes

• The value of potential and long-term investment is highlighted through Li Zhengyang's choice of weapon.
• The importance of practicality and adaptability is emphasized as Li Zhengyang prepares for his first mission outside the wall.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang interacts with Zhao Yi, who serves as a guide and offers advice without being overbearing.
• Li Zhengyang meets Old Zheng and Little Zhou at the Equipment Department, learning about the spear's history and completing the registration process.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhengyang, a First-Rank Martial Emperor, joins a squad led by Zhao Yi to scavenge beyond the wall.
• The squad's mission is to scout and clear out a new settlement of Sixth-Rank Demonic Beasts in the C7 Zone.
• They encounter three Darkrock Beasts, which take them nearly half an hour to defeat, with only two Beast Cores obtained.
• Li Zhengyang suggests hunting alone and separates from the squad.

Character Developments

• Li Zhengyang demonstrates his strength and efficiency as a Martial Emperor, contrasting with the squad's slower pace.
• Zhao Yi shows understanding and acceptance of Li Zhengyang's decision to hunt alone, recognizing his potential.

Significant Themes

• Efficiency vs. Safety: Li Zhengyang's solo hunting represents efficiency, while the squad's teamwork prioritizes safety and shared rewards.
• Adaptation: Li Zhengyang quickly adapts to the chaotic spiritual energy outside the wall, showcasing his strength.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhengyang and Zhao Yi: Zhao Yi recognizes Li Zhengyang's potential and allows him to hunt alone, showing trust in his abilities.
• Li Zhengyang and the Squad: The squad members initially express skepticism about Li Zhengyang's abilities, but Zhao Yi's decision to let him hunt alone hints at their acceptance of his strength.