Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun explains the Martial Temple Literary Platform, revealing its immense power and the vast military merit required to forge it.
• The Barbarian Race prepares for battle, with Lang Lu's incarnation, a Half-Sage, arriving.
• Lang Lu's incarnation displays his power and influence, affecting the Human Race's perception of him.
• Lang Lu's incarnation offers Fang Yun a chance to defect, and Fang Yun responds with a challenge.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his deep understanding of the School of War's Sacred Way and military merit, proving his worth as a leader.
• Lang Lu's incarnation showcases the power and influence of a Half-Sage, manipulating the Human Race's perception and offering a glimpse into the nature of Sainthood.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Sacred Way and its influence on individuals and races.
• The manipulation of perception and emotion by powerful beings.
• The importance of military merit and experience in achieving greatness.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and the Great Scholars discuss the Martial Temple Literary Platform and the impending battle.
• Lang Lu's incarnation interacts with the Barbarian Race, demonstrating his influence and power.
• Fang Yun and Lang Lu's incarnation exchange words, with Lang Lu offering Fang Yun a chance to defect and Fang Yun responding with a challenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lang Lu, a Barbarian Emperor and incarnation of the Half-Sage Lang Lu, appears, demanding to know about the Comet Corridor and the Ten Cold Ancient Land.
• Fang Yun refuses to divulge information, leading to a tense standoff.
• Lang Lu offers to spare Fang Yun's life and withdraw troops if he retrieves the Soul-Suppressing Corridor from the Ten Cold Ancient Land using a secret technique.
• Fang Yun refuses, stating he would rather destroy the corridor than hand it over.
• Lang Lu asks about Mountain Bearer and the Demon Emperor, hinting at a possible confrontation in Burial Saint Valley.
• Fang Yun suggests a great oath: Lang Lu withdraws troops, and he will enter Burial Saint Valley.

Character Developments

• Lang Lu: Shows his power and influence, but also reveals a desire for information and a willingness to negotiate.
• Fang Yun: Demonstrates unwavering resolve, strategic thinking, and knowledge of ancient secrets, earning respect from nearby scholars.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and negotiations between the Human Race and Demon Realm.
• The value of ancient secrets and artifacts, such as the Soul-Suppressing Corridor and the Void Realm Flower.
• The potential for conflict between powerful individuals, like the Demon Emperor and Mountain Bearer.

Character Interactions

• Lang Lu and Fang Yun: Engage in a tense, strategic conversation, with Lang Lu trying to intimidate and persuade Fang Yun, while Fang Yun remains resolute and evasive.
• Fang Yun and nearby scholars: Fang Yun earns their admiration for his composure and eloquence in the face of Lang Lu's incarnation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lang Lu, a Half-Sage of the Demon Realm, confronts Fang Yun, revealing his true purpose: to prevent human scholars from entering Burial Saint Valley.
• Lang Lu demonstrates his power by raising a massive sandstorm, but Chen Guanhai, another Half-Sage, intervenes and stops it.
• Chen Guanhai's incarnation appears, using his power to kill several million Demon Barbarians without moving.
• Lang Lu and Chen Guanhai engage in a verbal exchange before Lang Lu decides to fight Chen Guanhai.

Character Developments

• Lang Lu: Initially portrayed as arrogant and overbearing, Lang Lu shows a more unrestrained side after some of his Sacred Way power is driven away by Chen Guanhai.
• Chen Guanhai: Displaying immense power and a calm demeanor, Chen Guanhai shows no signs of concern or urgency, even when facing Lang Lu's threats.
• Fang Yun: Observant and respectful, Fang Yun shows a keen interest in learning from the Half-Sages' interactions to benefit his future contact with the Sacred Way.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The chapter emphasizes the vast difference in power between Half-Sages and other characters, with Half-Sages capable of killing thousands without effort.
• Calm vs. Arrogance: Chen Guanhai's calm and collected demeanor contrasts with Lang Lu's initial arrogance, highlighting the different ways powerful figures can conduct themselves.
• The Sacred Way: The Half-Sages' interactions hint at the mysteries and intricacies of the Sacred Way, a path of power and enlightenment.

Character Interactions

• Lang Lu and Chen Guanhai: Their exchange showcases their long-standing rivalry and differing personalities, with Lang Lu's frustration at Chen Guanhai's unruffled demeanor driving his desire to fight.
• Chen Guanhai and the people: Chen Guanhai's appearance brings relief and hope to the people of Ning'an City, with women in particular being drawn to his aura.
• Fang Yun and the Half-Sages: Fang Yun observes the Half-Sages' interactions, seeking to learn from their actions and words to further his own understanding of the Sacred Way.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lang Lu and Guanhai, as incarnations, create colossal Star Walls using starlight, forming an independent space for their battle.
• Lang Lu's incarnation orders the Barbarian Race to attack Ning'an City, while Guanhai's incarnation defends it.
• Fang Yun, commanding the Human Race army, faces a hundred Barbarian Kings single-handedly, using his True Dragon Ancient Sword to hold them at bay.

Character Developments

• Lang Lu's incarnation demonstrates his immense power and cruelty, ordering the destruction of Ning'an City.
• Guanhai's incarnation shows his protective nature, defending Ning'an City and its inhabitants.
• Fang Yun exhibits his confidence and skill, facing a formidable force of Barbarian Kings without fear.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Lang Lu's incarnation uses his power to cause destruction, while Guanhai's incarnation uses his to protect.
• Courage and confidence: Fang Yun demonstrates his courage and faith in his abilities when facing overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Lang Lu and Guanhai: Their incarnations face off, with Lang Lu ordering the attack and Guanhai defending.
• Fang Yun and the Barbarian Kings: Fang Yun holds his ground against a hundred Barbarian Kings, using his True Dragon Ancient Sword to keep them at bay.
• Fang Yun and Zhang Poyue: Zhang Poyue expresses concern for Fang Yun's safety, while Fang Yun remains confident in his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demon Barbarian army's offensive slows when they sense the True Dragon Ancient Sword's power waning.
• Fang Yun's Martial Temple Literary Platform empowers the Human Race army, strengthening them while the barbarians remain unchanged.
• A hundred Barbarian Kings hesitate to attack Fang Yun, fearing his True Dragon Ancient Sword's power.
• A Wolf Barbarian King attempts to strike Fang Yun with a Sage Aspect Strike, but Fang Yun's sword cuts through it and beheads the Barbarian King.
• The remaining Barbarian Kings retreat, and a Great Barbarian King, Lang Lie, threatens them into action.
• Eight Barbarian Kings launch simultaneous Sage Aspect Strikes against Fang Yun.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his immense power and control over the True Dragon Ancient Sword, instilling fear in the Barbarian Kings.
• Lang Lie, the Little Prince, reveals his aggressive nature and desire to kill Fang Yun.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between the Human Race and Demon Barbarians.
• The fear and awe inspired by Fang Yun's strength.
• The Demon Barbarians' reliance on absolute numbers and power.

Character Interactions

• The Barbarian Kings hesitate and fear each other's judgment, leading to inaction.
• Lang Lie threatens and pressures the Barbarian Kings into action.
• Fang Yun's power intimidates the Barbarian Kings, leading them to underestimate their own strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The True Dragon Ancient Sword faces the Eightfold Sage Aspect Strike, which threatens to shatter it and harm Fang Yun.
• The sword's golden dragon phantom swells to a mile in length, and it withstands the strike, surprising the Demon Barbarian kings.
• The True Dragon Ancient Sword sweeps across the battlefield, killing all eighty-eight Barbarian Kings in a single slash, demonstrating its immense power.
• Guanhai's incarnation and Lang Lu's incarnation clash, with Lang Lu's incarnation attempting to kill Guanhai but being thwarted by Guanhai's use of war poetry to create a mountain range and Great Wall.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun's Literary Guts face a severe threat, but the True Dragon Ancient Sword's power is revealed to be extraordinary.
• Liu Shan and the other scholars are astonished by the sword's might.
• Guanhai's incarnation demonstrates his power and wisdom, using war poetry to defend against Lang Lu's incarnation's attack.

Significant Themes

• The power of the True Dragon Ancient Sword and its significance to Fang Yun.
• The clash between the Human Race's Great Scholars and the Demon Realm's Half-Sage Incarnations.
• The use of war poetry as a defensive measure by Guanhai's incarnation.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun's Literary Guts are threatened, leading to the True Dragon Ancient Sword's display of power.
• Liu Shan and the other scholars witness the sword's might and are amazed.
• Guanhai's incarnation and Lang Lu's incarnation engage in a battle of wits and power, with Guanhai using his war poetry to defend against Lang Lu's attacks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lang Lu Incarnation splits into sixty-four identical giant silver wolves, overwhelming Guanhai Incarnation.
• Guanhai Incarnation summons the Chongsi Sacred Brush, a projection of a Half-Sage Literary Treasure, to combat Lang Lu Incarnation.
• The battle between the two incarnations lasts for half an hour, with Guanhai Incarnation defending and Lang Lu Incarnation attacking.
• Lang Lu Incarnation uses the power of the Ancestral God Clan, Lone Star Accompanying the Moon, to temporarily boost his strength, threatening Ning'an City.

Character Developments

• Lang Lu Incarnation becomes increasingly aggressive and impatient during the battle.
• Guanhai Incarnation demonstrates his mastery of Great-Scholar War Poetry, defending against Lang Lu's attacks.
• Fang Yun learns valuable combat strategies by observing the battle between the two incarnations.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Human Race and the Demon Barbarians.
• The use of Literary Treasures and Sacred Powers in battle.
• The importance of patience and strategy in combat.

Character Interactions

• Guanhai Incarnation and Lang Lu Incarnation engage in a fierce battle, with Guanhai focusing on defense and Lang Lu on offense.
• Fang Yun observes and learns from the battle, while other Great Scholars watch intently but struggle to comprehend the high-level combat.
• The Barbarian Kings and Human Race Grand Academicians take a break from fighting, focusing on the Half-Sage Incarnations' battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A battle between Guanhai's avatar and Lang Lu's avatar unfolds in the sky, with Lang Lu attacking at the speed of Twenty Resonances, and Guanhai's avatar evolving Half-Sage Literary Qi into a blazing sun.
• The Barbarian Race launches an unprecedented attack on Ning'an City, with five hundred Barbarian Kings appearing outside each wall, led by Lang Yuan and supported by Lang Chi.
• The Human Race struggles to defend Ning'an City, but the Barbarian Kings' power and numbers overwhelm them. Fang Yun is forced to recall the True Dragon Ancient Sword to prevent it from shattering.
• Guanhai's avatar and Lang Lu's avatar's battle ends, with Guanhai's avatar severely wounded and Lang Lu's avatar victorious.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Stands his ground despite the dire situation, refusing to admit defeat or retreat. He shows regret towards Liu Shan's ingratitude and displays killing intent when provoked.
• Liu Shan: Remains calm and composed during the battle, criticizing Fang Yun's decisions and threatening to impeach him if the city falls. He shows no fear when faced with Fang Yun's killing intent.
• Guanhai's Avatar: Demonstrates immense power but is ultimately defeated by Lang Lu's avatar, suffering severe wounds.
• Lang Lu's Avatar: Proves to be a formidable opponent, defeating Guanhai's avatar and absorbing its power.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The battle between the Human Race and the Barbarian Race highlights the importance of power and numbers in warfare.
• Leadership and Responsibility: Fang Yun and Liu Shan's differing views on the battle's outcome reflect their understanding of leadership and responsibility.
• Victory and Defeat: The transient nature of victory and defeat is illustrated through Guanhai's avatar's loss and Lang Lu's avatar's gain.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun vs. Liu Shan: Their tense exchange showcases their differing views on the battle's strategy and outcome, with Liu Shan criticizing Fang Yun's decisions and Fang Yun showing regret and killing intent.
• Guanhai's Avatar vs. Lang Lu's Avatar: Their battle demonstrates the power and resilience of both avatars, with Lang Lu ultimately emerging victorious.
• Niu Shan and Lang Yuan: Niu Shan's retreat upon Fang Yun's command is met with Lang Yuan's scornful smile, highlighting the Barbarian Emperor's confidence in his forces' victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist apologizes for anticipated irregular updates due to ongoing medical treatment and health issues.
• They commit to maintaining updates but acknowledge potential instability.
• No significant plot events occur in this chapter.

Character Developments

• The protagonist expresses regret for potential disruptions in updates, showing responsibility and consideration for readers.
• They demonstrate resilience in facing health challenges, committing to exercise to strengthen their immunity.

Significant Themes

• Health and Well-being: The protagonist's focus on their health and treatment highlights the importance of self-care and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Responsibility and Communication: The protagonist feels responsible for keeping readers informed about potential update disruptions, emphasizing the value of open communication.

Character Interactions

• Lao Huo, a character mentioned but not present in this chapter, receives a salutation from the protagonist, indicating a level of familiarity and respect between them. However, the context of their relationship is not explored in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle between Chen Guanhai's and Lang Lu's incarnations ends abruptly with Guanhai's incarnation shattering, signifying his defeat.
• Lang Lu's incarnation gives Chen Guanhai a quarter-hour ultimatum to appear, threatening to raze Ning'an City if he doesn't.
• The Human Race's morale plummets, and they struggle to maintain their defense against the demon barbarians.
• A young soldier goes mad and charges at the enemy, highlighting the despair among the human forces.
• Liu Shan suggests a retreat, using his Literary Qi to spread despair and chaos among the human forces.

Character Developments

• Chen Guanhai's defeat shatters the hope and morale of the Human Race.
• Lang Lu's incarnation demonstrates his overwhelming power and confidence.
• Liu Shan shows his manipulative nature, attempting to push the Human Race into despair and retreat.
• Zhang Poyue reveals his deep hatred for Liu Shan and his determination to protect Jing Kingdom.

Significant Themes

• Despair and hope: The Human Race's hope is dashed with Chen Guanhai's defeat, leading to widespread despair. However, the theme of hope is not entirely extinguished, as seen in the soldiers' determination to fight on.
• Power dynamics: The battle between the Half-Sages highlights the vast power gap between them, emphasizing the importance of strength in this world.
• Manipulation and control: Liu Shan's actions demonstrate the power of words and manipulation, showing how one can influence the course of events.

Character Interactions

• The interaction between Lang Lu's incarnation and Chen Guanhai's incarnation is brief but impactful, with Lang Lu's overwhelming power leading to Guanhai's quick defeat.
• Liu Shan's interaction with the human forces shows his manipulative nature, as he attempts to push them into retreat and despair.
• Zhang Poyue's interaction with Liu Shan reveals his deep-seated hatred and determination to protect his kingdom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jing Kingdom's situation is dire, and Liu Shan bears the responsibility.
• Liu Shan reveals he's a Dao Bearer, demonstrating power surpassing Chen Guanhai's avatar.
• Fang Yun challenges Liu Shan, asking him to cover the retreat, but Liu Shan refuses.
• Fang Yun proposes a wager: if he can drive back ten million Barbarians with a War Poem, Liu Shan must massage his legs and remove his boots. If Fang Yun loses, he'll face the consequences.

Character Developments

• Liu Shan shows his true colors as a Half-Sage and a traitor to Jing Kingdom.
• Fang Yun displays his courage, determination, and willingness to sacrifice for Jing Kingdom.
• The scholars show concern and anxiety for Fang Yun's decision.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Liu Shan's betrayal contrasts with Fang Yun's loyalty.
• Sacrifice: Fang Yun is willing to sacrifice himself for Jing Kingdom.
• Power dynamics: Liu Shan's power as a Half-Sage is challenged by Fang Yun's determination.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Liu Shan engage in a tense standoff, with Liu Shan refusing to help defend Jing Kingdom.
• Fang Yun challenges Liu Shan, leading to a wager that could cost Fang Yun his life.
• The scholars express concern and anxiety for Fang Yun's decision, showing their support and respect for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Race's eagle demons, including Ying Cang, scout above Ning'an City.
• The Human Race's morale is low as they realize they've already lost half the battle due to Guanhai's incarnation's defeat.
• Liu Shan provokes Fang Yun, suggesting he should surrender or die to save Ning'an and the Jing Kingdom.
• Niu Shan attempts to challenge Lang Lu's incarnation but is severely injured.
• Lang Yuan, the Barbarian Emperor, arrives, causing widespread panic among the Human Race.
• Fang Yun borrows the Temple of Sages' power to temporarily raise his Literary Rank and begins writing a poem.

Character Developments

• Niu Shan shows bravery and determination but is severely injured and unable to continue fighting.
• Fang Yun remains calm and composed despite the dire situation, preparing to write a poem that could potentially turn the tide.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different realms and races.
• The importance of Literary Rank and power in the Myriad Worlds.
• The theme of surrender and sacrifice for the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Liu Shan provokes Fang Yun, trying to force him into a corner.
• Niu Shan and Lang Lu's incarnation have a one-sided battle, showcasing the vast difference in power between them.
• Fang Yun and Lang Yuan engage in a verbal exchange, with Lang Yuan taunting Fang Yun while Fang Yun remains composed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun writes a powerful ci poem, "Three Farewells to the Barbarian Emperor," using the Jing Kingdom's National Fortune and the Temple of Sages' Literary Qi.
• The poem summons the Sword of the Realm, an ancient artifact of the Jing Kingdom, which enhances the poem's power.
• The poem's completion results in the appearance of the Jing Kingdom's Army Soul, a manifestation of the nation's collective will and power.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his literary prowess and ambition by writing a poem that targets the Demon Realm's mightiest sage and seeks to destroy the entire barbarian race.
• Lang Yuan, the Barbarian Emperor, becomes increasingly fearful of the poem's power and urges Lang Lu's incarnation to act.

Significant Themes

• The power of literature and art to inspire and mobilize people and nations.
• The clash between human and barbarian civilizations.
• Ambition and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun's poem directly challenges Lang Lu and the barbarian race, leading to Lang Yuan's panic and plea for Lang Lu's intervention.
• The scholars of Ning'an City react with enthusiasm and admiration to Fang Yun's poem, highlighting the power of literary works to inspire and unite people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun temporarily advances to Great Scholar and writes a war poem.
• The poem attracts the attention of Jing Kingdom's three greatest powers: National Fortune, Temple of Sages Literary Qi, and Army Soul.
• Fang Yun's poem is enhanced by three Literary Heart Fish, doubling its power and granting it special abilities.
• A war poem of Sun Quan appears, initially thought to be an ordinary monarch war poem, but it manifests a Literary Star, a phenomenon usually associated with Half-Sages or Sages.
• Sun Quan draws a bow and shoots an arrow at Sirius, Lang Lu's incarnation, and Lang Yuan, causing the Barbarian Race to flee in disarray.
• Lang Lu's incarnation attempts to attack but is blocked by the Chen Family Great Scholar and a sword from beyond the azure heavens.
• The Wolf-Shooting Arrow is launched, causing the sun to rise in the north and blinding all demon barbarians below the rank of Barbarian Commander.
• The arrow flies through the Barbarian Race, killing all below the demon barbarian kings and burning the kings themselves.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his prowess as a temporary Great Scholar, writing a powerful war poem that turns the tide of the battle.
• Sun Quan's war poem manifests a Literary Star, hinting at Fang Yun's extraordinary power or connection to the Literary Star.
• Lang Lu's incarnation and Lang Yuan are humiliated and forced to flee, showing their vulnerability despite their power.

Significant Themes

• The power of literature and poetry in the world of the story.
• The fear and respect commanded by the Literary Star, a symbol of the Human Race's power and resilience.
• The vulnerability of even powerful beings in the face of overwhelming force.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun's poem interacts with the powers of Jing Kingdom, enhancing its strength and capabilities.
• Sun Quan's war poem interacts with Fang Yun, drawing power from him and manifesting a Literary Star.
• Lang Lu's incarnation and Lang Yuan interact with the Wolf-Shooting Arrow, being forced to flee and ultimately humiliated.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Wolf-Shooting Arrow annihilates the Barbarian Race army north of Ning'an City, including Lang Lu Incarnation.
• The Human Race army pursues the fleeing Barbarians, leading to a one-sided slaughter.
• The Human Race Great Scholars praise Fang Yun's ci poem, "Gazing Northwest, Shooting the Heavenly Wolf."
• Liu Shan, the Left Prime Minister, is forced to fulfill his promise and pound Fang Yun's leg and remove his boot.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Proves himself as a formidable force with his ci poem, gaining respect and admiration from the Human Race Great Scholars.
• Liu Shan: Loses face and prestige due to his broken promise, leading to a significant blow to his literary reputation.

Significant Themes

• The power of literature and poetry in the cultivation world.
• The consequences of broken promises and oaths.
• The dynamics of power and respect within the Human Race hierarchy.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and the Human Race Great Scholars: They express their admiration and respect for Fang Yun's literary prowess.
• Liu Shan and Fang Yun: Liu Shan is forced to fulfill his promise, leading to a tense and humiliating interaction.
• Liu Shan and Ao Huang: Ao Huang's arrival adds to Liu Shan's humiliation, as he threatens to record and screen the event in Kong City.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Shan removes Fang Yun's boots after the battle, symbolizing his victory and dominance.
• Ao Huang, upset about missing the chance to remove the boots, decides to kill Demon Barbarians for fun.
• Fang Yun orders a pursuit of the fleeing Barbarians and sends letters to other armies for support.
• The Human Race suffers minimal casualties and achieves a significant victory, with over 100 million Barbarian casualties.
• The Jing Kingdom gains substantial military merit and benefits, elevating its national strength.
• Fang Yun vows to pursue the Barbarians for 10,000 miles, retake Shuofang City, and never let Hu steeds cross the Yin Mountain.
• The Jing Kingdom scholars and soldiers are inspired and motivated by Fang Yun's declaration.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Proves himself as a capable and influential leader, earning immense respect and admiration from the Jing Kingdom people. His military prowess and strategic thinking are further solidified.
• Liu Shan: Demonstrates his cunning and opportunism by removing Fang Yun's boots, symbolizing his victory and dominance.
• Ao Huang: Shows his impulsive and aggressive nature by deciding to kill Demon Barbarians on a whim.
• Jing Kingdom Scholars and Soldiers: Gain renewed confidence and motivation after the victory, eager to follow Fang Yun's lead and retake Shuofang City.

Significant Themes

• Victory and Defeat: The battle's outcome highlights the consequences of victory and defeat, with the Human Race experiencing minimal losses and the Barbarians suffering catastrophic casualties.
• Merit and Rewards: The distribution of military merit and rewards emphasizes the importance of individual contributions to the war effort and the nation's development.
• National Strength and Ambition: The Jing Kingdom's elevation in national strength inspires its people to strive for further expansion and development, setting their sights on retaking Shuofang City.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Liu Shan: Their interaction showcases Liu Shan's opportunism and Fang Yun's dominance, with Liu Shan removing Fang Yun's boots to claim victory.
• Fang Yun and the Jing Kingdom Scholars/Soldiers: Fang Yun's leadership and declaration inspire the Jing Kingdom people, fostering a sense of unity and determination to pursue the Barbarians and retake Shuofang City.
• Ao Huang and the Barbarians: Ao Huang's impulsive decision to kill Demon Barbarians highlights the Barbarians' disarray and lack of cohesion after their defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun orders a one-day pursuit of the retreating Demon Barbarians and plans a full-scale attack on Shuofang City the next day.
• The Empress Dowager announces her departure for the capital, and Fang Yun arranges for the officials to see her off.
• Fang Yun promotes Zhao Hongzhuang to Official Metropolitan Graduate and Military Suppression Director, a significant move that acknowledges her contributions and breaks gender barriers in the Human Race's bureaucratic system.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his growing influence and authority, acting as the de facto ruler of Jing Kingdom and making decisions without opposition from other officials.
• Zhao Hongzhuang's dedication and hard work are recognized, leading to her unprecedented promotion, which also signifies her growing importance in Jing Kingdom's politics.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the concentration of authority in Fang Yun's hands, reflecting his growing influence and the lack of resistance from other officials.
• Gender roles and barriers in the Human Race's bureaucratic system, challenged by Zhao Hongzhuang's promotion to an official position traditionally held by men.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Zhang Poyue discuss the handling of Liu Shan and the potential dangers in Burial Saint Valley, showcasing their trust and understanding of each other's intentions.
• Fang Yun promotes Zhao Hongzhuang, demonstrating his recognition of her contributions and his willingness to challenge gender norms within the bureaucracy, while Zhao Hongzhuang expresses her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun continues to promote Zhao Hongzhuang, making her Chief Administrator of the Garrison.
• Great Scholars visit Fang Yun to protest Zhao's promotion, arguing it violates ritual law.
• Fang Yun defends his actions, stating that old laws should be replaced if they hinder progress.
• He refuses to confirm or deny aiming to open the Imperial Examination to women.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Stands firm in his belief in gender equality and progress, showing diplomatic skill in handling the Great Scholars' protest.
• Tian Songshi: Leads the Great Scholars in questioning Fang Yun, representing the conservative faction.

Significant Themes

• Progress vs. Tradition: Fang Yun advocates for progress and change, while the Great Scholars cling to traditional ritual law.
• Gender Equality: Fang Yun's promotion of Zhao Hongzhuang highlights his belief in women's capabilities and rights.
• Humanity and Morality: Fang Yun emphasizes the importance of not harming the innocent, using it as a foundational moral principle.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun vs. Great Scholars: Fang Yun engages in a diplomatic debate with the Great Scholars, maintaining his position while acknowledging their concerns.
• Fang Yun and Tian Songshi: Tian, as the eldest and most respected scholar, challenges Fang Yun directly, but their interaction remains respectful.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun, the Void Sage, argues for the human race's self-preservation by exterminating the Demon Realm and for women's rights to be equal to men's.
• He uses the analogy of Liu Shan and his son taking concubines to illustrate that more is not always better, and that the same resources spent on intelligent women could benefit the human race more.
• Fang Yun offers to bear all expenses for educating women, challenging the Great Scholars to accept his proposal.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Demonstrates strong conviction in his beliefs, using persuasive arguments and personal sacrifice to advocate for women's rights and the human race's survival.
• The Great Scholars: Initially resistant to Fang Yun's ideas, they gradually come to accept his perspective, showing growth and willingness to adapt their views.

Significant Themes

• Equality: Fang Yun argues for equal rights for women and the importance of considering the human race as a whole, rather than prioritizing individual or gender-based interests.
• Self-preservation: The human race must prioritize its survival, which includes exterminating the Demon Realm and educating women to contribute to their defense.
• Progress: Fang Yun envisions a future where women have equal opportunities, and he is willing to sacrifice the present to achieve this goal.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun vs. The Great Scholars: Fang Yun challenges the Great Scholars' traditional views on women's roles, ultimately convincing them to consider his perspective.
• Jiang Hechuan, Zhou Junhu, and Tian Songshi: These Great Scholars publicly support Fang Yun's ideas, demonstrating their willingness to adapt and accept change.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun creates several powerful poems, including Enemy-Blocking Poems and an Enemy-Slaying Poem, contributing significantly to the Human Race's defense.
• Zhao Hongzhuang's appointment as an Official Metropolitan Graduate sparks a heated debate on the Discourse Ranking about women's eligibility for the Imperial Examination.
• The Ritual Hall, Eastern Sage Pavilion, Hall of Punishment, and numerous Sage Aristocratic Clans publicly oppose women participating in the Imperial Examination.
• Qing and Gu Kingdoms condemn Zhao Hongzhuang, Fang Yun, and Jing Kingdom, with the Discourse Ranking overwhelmingly supporting the opposition to women taking the Imperial Examination.
• Fang Yun and his army reach Shuofang City, unaware of the storm brewing back home.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Continues to create powerful poems to aid the Human Race, but faces backlash due to his support for Zhao Hongzhuang.
• Zhao Hongzhuang: Becomes a controversial figure as the first woman appointed as an Official Metropolitan Graduate, facing harsh criticism and attacks.
• Liu Shan: Seizes the opportunity to oppose Fang Yun and Zhao Hongzhuang, submitting memorials to impeach Fang Yun.

Significant Themes

• Gender equality and women's rights: The debate centers around whether women should be allowed to take the Imperial Examination and hold official positions.
• Power dynamics: The conflict highlights the power struggle between Fang Yun, the Sage Aristocratic Clans, and the Sacred Academy.
• Public opinion and its influence: The Discourse Ranking's overwhelming support for the opposition to women in the Imperial Examination puts pressure on Jing Kingdom and Fang Yun.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Zhao Hongzhuang: Their relationship and support for each other become the focal point of the controversy, with many scholars attacking Zhao Hongzhuang to indirectly criticize Fang Yun.
• Fang Yun and the Sage Aristocratic Clans: The clans openly oppose Fang Yun's support for Zhao Hongzhuang, leading to a power struggle between them.
• Liu Shan and Fang Yun: Liu Shan takes advantage of the situation to attack Fang Yun, submitting memorials to impeach him.