Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun asks Ao Huang about the Dragon Race treasure in the Bloodmang Ancient Land.
• Ao Huang reveals that a fragment of the Dragon-Slaying Saber, one of the Dragon Race's three greatest divine artifacts, is suspected to be in the Bloodmang Ancient Land.
• Fang Yun decides to search for the fragment after returning from the Three Valleys Battle.
• Ao Huang decides to return to the Dragon Palace to cultivate and prepare for advancement to Dragon King.
• Fang Yun is sent to the Ban Gu Aristocratic Clan in the Jing Kingdom Capital using the Sacred Academy's divine art of Literary Qi transference.
• Ban Liang, the Ban Family's patriarch, welcomes Fang Yun and invites him to rest and discuss matters.

Character Developments

• Ao Huang's strength has reached the peak of Dragon Marquis, and he plans to advance to Dragon King.
• Fang Yun shows concern for his loved ones' safety and asks Ao Huang to look after them if he dies in the Three Valleys Battle.
• Ban Liang is portrayed as a humble and courteous Great Scholar, eager to welcome Fang Yun to the Ban Family.

Significant Themes

• The power and significance of the Dragon Race's divine artifacts.
• The importance of family and loved ones, as shown in Fang Yun's concern for their safety.
• The politeness and hospitality of the Ban Family, reflecting their status and influence.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Ao Huang discuss the Dragon-Slaying Saber fragment and Ao Huang's plans to advance to Dragon King.
• Fang Yun and Ban Liang engage in polite conversation, with Ban Liang inviting Fang Yun to rest and discuss matters at the Ban Family.
• The Ban Family members show deference to Fang Yun as the Void Sage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The first test of the Confucian Sage mobile game begins.
• Ban Liang, the head of the Ban Family, meets with Fang Yun to discuss Fang Yun becoming a retainer reader for the Ban Family.
• Ban Liang offers Fang Yun a Sacred Book projection and asks for minimal responsibilities in exchange for Fang Yun's support.
• Fang Yun declines the offer but agrees to help the Ban Family defend Jing Kingdom.
• Ban Liang agrees to send fifty thousand elite soldiers and fund one hundred and fifty thousand new recruits for Jing Kingdom.
• Fang Yun enters the Ban Gu Literary World and arrives at the Ban Family residence within the Sacred Academy.
• He is informed that the gateway to the Three Valleys Ancient Land will open soon, and he should wait at the War Hall.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his strategic thinking and independence by declining Ban Liang's offer, showing he won't be easily swayed by promises of power.
• Ban Liang shows generosity and understanding by accepting Fang Yun's terms and agreeing to support Jing Kingdom.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Independence: Fang Yun values independence and strategic alliances, refusing to be tied down by promises of power.
• Power Dynamics: The offer of a Sacred Book projection highlights the power dynamics between clans and scholars.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Ban Liang: They discuss the possibility of Fang Yun becoming a retainer reader for the Ban Family, leading to an agreement on supporting Jing Kingdom.
• Fang Yun and Sacred Academy Students: They discuss the upcoming Three Valleys Battle, expressing their excitement and confidence in Fang Yun's victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun arrives at the War Hall for the Three Valleys Battle.
• He is greeted by scholars, Grand Academicians, and the Green-Robed Dragon King, Ao Qingyue.
• The group visits the Literary Treasure Vault, where participants choose their Literary Treasures.
• Fang Yun examines his Literary Palace and Literary Hearts, finding that his Swift Writing is on the verge of advancing to Sacred Grade.
• Ao Qingyue prepares to grant Fang Yun the Dragon Sage's Star Position in a simplified peerage-granting ceremony.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his calm and composed demeanor, showing no signs of arrogance despite his status as a Void Sage and the recipient of a powerful Star Position.
• Ao Qingyue, now a Dragon King, shows respect and admiration for Fang Yun, acknowledging his contributions to the Dragon Race.

Significant Themes

• The power and significance of Literary Treasures, which embody the essence of scholars' lives and work.
• The importance of the Three Valleys Battle to the fate of the Human Race and the Demon Barbarians.
• The friendship and mutual respect between Fang Yun and the Dragon Race, transcending racial boundaries.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun interacts with various scholars, Grand Academicians, and Ao Qingyue, maintaining a respectful and dignified demeanor throughout.
• Ao Qingyue shows deference to Fang Yun, recognizing his achievements and the favor he has brought to the Dragon Race.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ao Qingyue confers the title of Literary Star Dragon Noble on Fang Yun.
• The conferment spreads news among the Water Race of all worlds.
• Fang Yun experiences intense pain and gains a Water Race Gazetteer.
• Fang Yun discovers changes in his Literary Palace and body.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun gains a new title, increasing his status and power.
• Ao Qingyue feels guilty for not knowing the danger of conferring a Dragon Peerage.

Significant Themes

• The majesty and decline of the Dragon Race.
• The power and knowledge gained from the Dragon Peerage.

Character Interactions

• Ao Qingyue and Fang Yun interact, with Ao Qingyue expressing concern for Fang Yun's well-being.
• Grand Academician Guo suggests testing Fang Yun's new powers in the Literary Battle Arena.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun agrees to demonstrate his Third Realm battle poem, Wind-and-Rain Dream Battle, in the Sacred Academy's Literary Battle Arena.
• The poem summons over a thousand aquatic demons, including some familiar to the Grand Academicians, demonstrating its power to control and summon Water Race demons.
• Ao Qingyue bestows the Eastern Sea Dragon Sage's Dragon Sage Star Position upon Fang Yun, which significantly enhances his power and forms a Second Saint Star Position due to the Literary Star Dragon Noble's influence.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun shows maturity and understanding by agreeing to the demonstration and acknowledging the power of the Dragon Sage Star Position.
• Ao Qingyue displays his pride in Fang Yun's accomplishments and the Dragon Sage Star Position's power.

Significant Themes

• The power of literary battle poems and Star Positions is emphasized, highlighting the importance of literary prowess and its applications in battle.
• The theme of growth and enhancement is present, as Fang Yun's Literary Star Dragon Noble enhances the Dragon Sage Star Position, and Fang Yun himself gains more power and understanding.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun interacts with the Grand Academicians, who watch his demonstration with anticipation and awe.
• Ao Qingyue interacts with Fang Yun, expressing pride in his accomplishments and providing information about the Dragon Gate Ascension ceremony.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Three Valleys Ancient Land's gate opens on the eighth day of the tenth month.
• Fang Yun and the other participants enter the gate, experiencing a disorienting journey before arriving at the Three Valleys Ancient Land.
• They find themselves in a strange, red-earth land with weaker gravity and poisonous air, requiring them to use Literary Qi for breathing.
• They reach a platform that serves as the gate to the Three Valleys Ancient Land, guarded by twelve Great Scholars.
• Upon entering the gate, they experience a forceful, disorienting journey before awakening in the Three Valleys Ancient Land, where the air is fresh and vital energy is more concentrated, making War Poetry more powerful.
• The group sets off towards the Three Valleys Battlefield, with Grand Academician Guo warning them about the dangers, particularly at Cloudmist Canyon.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his quick thinking and adaptability by being the first to awaken and change into clean clothes.
• The Provincial Graduates show their vulnerability, taking longer to recover and requiring medical treatment.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and Resilience: Characters must adapt to the new environment, using Literary Qi for breathing and coping with the weaker gravity.
• Danger and Vigilance: The journey to the Three Valleys Battlefield is fraught with danger, requiring constant vigilance and preparedness.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Grand Academician Guo interact, with Guo carrying Fang Yun on his cloud path and warning him about the dangers ahead.
• The group works together, with four Grand Academicians maintaining vigilance around the main group as they advance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun and a group of Grand Academicians enter the Three Valleys Ancient Land, a ruined alien training ground, to retrieve the Shadowvoid Divine Liquid.
• They encounter a dense mist filled with deadly Strange Wind vortices, and Grand Academician Guo declares a 'Death Ladder' to prioritize the safety of key members.
• Upon entering Battlefield Canyon, they discover a large number of Demon Barbarians, including a Queen Bee Demon King and many Corpse Demon Kings, blocking their path from both sides.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates strategic thinking and quick decision-making, understanding the Demon Barbarians' plan and urging the group to break through the enemy lines.
• Grand Academician Guo shows leadership and concern for the group's safety, providing crucial information and support to Fang Yun.

Significant Themes

• Survival and sacrifice for the greater good, as exemplified by the 'Death Ladder' concept.
• The cruel and unforgiving nature of the war against the Demon Barbarians.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Grand Academician Guo work together, with Guo providing support and guidance, and Fang Yun making crucial strategic decisions.
• The group of Grand Academicians relies on each other for survival, with each member playing a vital role in their collective mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demon Barbarians split into two forces to encircle and annihilate the human scholars, prioritizing the death of Fang Yun over obtaining the Shadowvoid Divine Liquid.
• Mo Ming, a Grand Academician, holds off the Demon Barbarians from behind using his powerful defensive Literary Arts, creating a city of immense power and sacrificing his lifespan to strengthen it.
• The remaining humans charge forward, using their Literary Arts to attack the Demon Barbarians. Despite their power, the Demon Barbarians are difficult to kill due to their regenerative abilities.
• A Queen Bee Demon King begins creating Bee Demon Marquises, posing a significant threat.
• Two figures appear ahead: a White Dragon King and, more ominously, a Demon King that poses a grave threat to the Human Race.

Character Developments

• Mo Ming demonstrates his selflessness and power, sacrificing his lifespan to protect his comrades.
• Fang Yun, though not directly involved in the battle, shows concern and awareness of the impending threats.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Mo Ming's sacrifice highlights the theme of selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Power and Limitations: The Grand Academicians' power is immense, yet they struggle against the Demon Barbarians' regenerative abilities, emphasizing the limits of their strength.
• Threat and Fear: The appearance of the White Dragon King and the Demon King behind it instills fear and foreshadows greater threats.

Character Interactions

• Mo Ming and Grand Academician Guo interact briefly, wagering on Mo Ming's ability to hold off the Demon Barbarians.
• The Grand Academicians work together to attack the Demon Barbarians, showcasing their unity and teamwork.
• Fang Yun and the others observe the Grand Academicians' battle, learning about their power and limitations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demon King Mingqi, a seemingly weak but powerful bird demon, appears with the Sea-Calming Dragon King, aiming to stop Fang Yun from using Imperial Poetry and seeking revenge for the Western Sea Dragon Sage.
• Fang Yun and Grand Academician Guo lead a group of scholars attempting to break through the Demon Barbarian encirclement to reach Mo Ming's Mohist School city.
• Demon King Mingqi uses its Bewitching Cry, which can pierce through any defensive power except Literary Guts, to hinder the scholars' advance.
• Fang Yun decides to confront Demon King Mingqi, composing an Instant Poem to counter its attack.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his confidence and determination in facing the Demon King Mingqi, revealing his peak Second Realm Literary Guts.
• Grand Academician Guo shows his knowledge of the Human Race and Dragon Race's secret affairs, providing crucial information to Fang Yun.
• Demon King Mingqi displays its arrogance and power, retreating and using its minions as shields while preparing its Bewitching Cry.

Significant Themes

• The power of Literary Guts and Instant Poems in countering demonic abilities.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding of one's enemies in strategic decision-making.
• The determination and resolve of the scholars in the face of overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Grand Academician Guo work together, with Grand Academician Guo providing information and guidance, and Fang Yun taking the lead in confronting Demon King Mingqi.
• The scholars unite under Fang Yun and Grand Academician Guo's leadership, attempting to break through the Demon Barbarian encirclement.
• Demon King Mingqi interacts with its minions, using them as shields and preparing to use its Bewitching Cry against the scholars.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle begins with Mingqi's Bewitching Cry, but it's neutralized by the power of Literary Guts and the Sage Page's Turning Void into Reality.
• Han Wencong uses Jade-Blooded Loyalty to create a powerful prison, trapping Demon Barbarians for two breaths, allowing the Human Race to break through their lines.
• Mo Ming holds back vast numbers of Demon Barbarians single-handedly at the rear.
• Demon King Ming Le's power is temporarily sealed by the sound of the Emperor Bell and Lord Chime.
• The Sea-Calming Dragon King, Ao Cang, refuses to kill Fang Yun despite Ming Le's urging.
• Tiger Baleful, a Demon King of the Ancestral God Clan, threatens Fang Yun and the scholars, saying that only Fang Yun should be killed.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Shows resilience and determination in the face of threats.
• Han Wencong: Sacrifices his life to create a powerful prison, demonstrating his loyalty and bravery.
• Ming Le: Becomes desperate and resorts to threats to eliminate Fang Yun.
• Ao Cang (Sea-Calming Dragon King): Stands by his principles and refuses to kill Fang Yun, even when pressured by Ming Le.

Significant Themes

• The power of Literary Guts and the Human Race's literary heritage.
• Loyalty and sacrifice, as demonstrated by Han Wencong.
• The struggle between personal principles and external pressure, seen in Ao Cang's decision.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun vs. Demon Kings: Fang Yun is targeted by various Demon Kings, who try to eliminate him.
• Han Wencong vs. Demon Barbarians: Han Wencong's sacrifice allows the Human Race to break through the Demon Barbarian lines.
• Ming Le vs. Ao Cang: Ming Le tries to manipulate Ao Cang into killing Fang Yun, but Ao Cang refuses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demon Kings pursue the fleeing scholars, with the scholars' speed being slower in short bursts despite their advantage in long-distance travel.
• Grand Academician Guo and Hanlin Academician Peng Zouzhao defend Void Sage Fang Yun, emphasizing his importance and the need for his protection.
• The Demon Kings use Ancestral God shadows and secret arts to attack the scholars, with the scholars using various abilities and Sage Pages to defend.
• The scholars' formation is breached, and they are forced to turn back to defend, with Grand Academicians ordering others to join the fight.
• The Demon Barbarians catch up repeatedly, and the scholars decide to split into groups, with some continuing forward and others staying behind to hold off the Demon Barbarians.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun's determination grows as he realizes the gravity of the situation and the importance of reaching the Three Valleys Battlefield.
• Grand Academician Guo demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking in commanding the scholars' defense.
• Hanlin Academician Peng Zouzhao shows unwavering support for Fang Yun and the need to protect him.
• The Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings display their formidable power and tactics, highlighting the Demon Realm's overwhelming strength.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Human Race and the Demon Realm, with the Demon Realm possessing vast numbers and overwhelming strength.
• The importance of Void Sage Fang Yun and the need to protect him, as he holds the key to the Human Race's survival.
• The scholars' determination to fight and sacrifice themselves for the greater good, hoping to buy time for Fang Yun and the others to reach the battlefield.

Character Interactions

• Grand Academician Guo and Hanlin Academician Peng Zouzhao work together to defend and protect Fang Yun, demonstrating their unity and resolve.
• The Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings interact, showing their coordination and formidable teamwork in attacking the scholars.
• The scholars interact, with some staying behind to defend while others continue forward, highlighting their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Race's fleeing party faces attrition, with six members losing their qualifications to continue.
• The remaining six, including Fang Yun, decide to make a final stand against the pursuing Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings.
• Two Grand Academicians, Zong Jibing and Guo, remain behind to buy time for the others.
• Fang Yun and the remaining two Hanlin Academicians, Kong Mingji and Peng Zouzhao, prepare to use three consecutive Immortal Crane Chants to reach the Three Valleys Battlefield.
• Grand Academician Guo reveals a strategic plan to use Peng Zouzhao's sudden advancement to Grand Academician as a surprise attack against the Demon Barbarians.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Demonstrates determination and resolve to continue fighting and reach the Three Valleys Battlefield.
• Zong Jibing: Accepts his fate and expresses his support for Fang Yun, reflecting growth and understanding.
• Peng Zouzhao: Shows understanding and acceptance of Grand Academician Guo's strategic plan, displaying courage and loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Characters accept their fate and make sacrifices for the greater good, echoing Qiu Chongshan's past actions.
• Strategy and Tactics: Grand Academician Guo employs a strategic plan to maximize their chances against the Demon Barbarians.
• Determination: Characters display unwavering determination to continue fighting and reach their goal.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Zong Jibing: Share a moment of understanding and respect, with Zong Jibing acknowledging Fang Yun's capabilities.
• Grand Academician Guo and Peng Zouzhao: Guo reveals his strategic plan to Peng Zouzhao, who accepts it without question, demonstrating trust and loyalty.
• Fang Yun, Kong Mingji, and Peng Zouzhao: The three prepare to work together to reach the Three Valleys Battlefield, showing unity and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grand Academician Guo writes another Swift Movement Battle Poem, sending Fang Yun, Peng Zouzhao, and Kongming Ji on battle-poem immortal cranes.
• Guo turns back to face the pursuing demon barbarian kings.
• The demon barbarian kings catch up, with only 43 remaining, their numbers and strength significantly reduced.
• The Sea-Calming Dragon King refuses to act, fearing the Eastern Sea Dragon Sage's retribution.
• Hu Lan, Lang Po, and She Hu, three demon kings of the Ancestral God Clan, use a lifespending technique to temporarily boost their speed and power, chasing after the immortal cranes.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Realizes the weight of his mission and the sacrifices made for him. Vows to live on and avenge his comrades.
• Grand Academician Guo: Sacrifices himself to give Fang Yun and the others a chance to escape. His final words emphasize the importance of Fang Yun's mission and the need for him to live on.
• Peng Zouzhao: Reveals his personal struggles and unwillingness to die, but ultimately accepts his fate to protect the Human Race. He becomes a Grand Academician and sacrifices himself to slow down the demon kings' pursuit.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Characters willingly give up their lives to protect others and the Human Race.
• Determination: Fang Yun's resolve to live on and fight against the demon barbarians.
• Unwillingness vs. Acceptance: Peng Zouzhao's internal struggle and eventual acceptance of his fate.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Grand Academician Guo: Guo comforts Fang Yun and emphasizes the importance of his mission.
• Fang Yun and Peng Zouzhao: Peng Zouzhao shares his personal story and expresses his faith in Fang Yun's ability to protect the Human Race.
• Demon Kings: The demon kings argue and make decisions based on their self-interest, leading to the Ancestral God Clan demon kings using a lifespending technique.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun, carried by an Immortal Crane, enters the Three Valleys Battlefield, a vast plaza leading to the first valley.
• He witnesses the defeat of three Demon Kings from the Ancestral God Clan by the combined might of the Grand Academicians.
• Fang Yun vows to avenge the fallen Grand Academicians and honor their sacrifice by defeating the Demon Race.
• He learns about the Bloodmang Ancient Land and decides to go there to find fragments of the Dragon-Slaying Saber and hunt demon barbarians.
• Fang Yun reaches the first valley, where he encounters nine demons (three Demon Marquises, three Demon Marshals, and three Demon Generals).

Character Developments

• Fang Yun's resolve strengthens after witnessing the Grand Academicians' sacrifice. He becomes more determined to defeat the Demon Race.
• He decides to maintain a state of Dual-Mindedness to continuously read and learn within the Strange Book World.

Significant Themes

• Revolution and Struggle: Fang Yun understands the true meaning of revolution, realizing that it's not just a dinner party but a serious and challenging endeavor.
• Revenge and Atonement: Fang Yun's desire for revenge against the Demon Race drives his actions, and he feels a responsibility to honor the fallen Grand Academicians.
• Learning and Growth: Fang Yun's decision to continuously read and learn reflects his commitment to personal growth and improvement.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun interacts with the nine demons, taunting them to provoke a response and force them into the Three Valleys Battle.
• The demons, in turn, express their desire to teach Fang Yun a lesson and their disdain for the Human Race, revealing their arrogance and underestimation of Fang Yun's capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun, a human, challenges nine demon generals to a battle of life and death in the Three Valleys Battlefield.
• The demons agree, driven by anger and humiliation at Fang Yun's taunts.
• Fang Yun faces the first demon general, an elephant Demon General, who is confident in his Ancestral God bloodline.
• The Myriad Heavens Axe and Myriad Worlds Hammer, divine artifacts of the Ancient Demon Clan, collide, indicating an important event or figure in the arena.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his confidence and ruthlessness, using taunts to provoke the demons into agreeing to a life-and-death battle.
• The demons reveal their internal contradictions and infighting, even arguing over the order of their battle against Fang Yun.

Significant Themes

• The importance of bloodlines and ancestry among the Demon Race.
• The power dynamics and rivalries between different races and factions.
• The use of provocation and psychological warfare in combat.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun taunts and provokes the nine demons, leading to their agreement to a life-and-death battle.
• The demons argue among themselves about the order of their battle against Fang Yun, revealing their internal tensions and insecurities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun enters an inner arena for a battle to the death with Demon Generals.
• He defeats three Demon Generals in succession using his literary prowess and combat skills.
• After each victory, Fang Yun calmly says "Next," unnerving the remaining Demon Generals.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his strategic thinking, combat prowess, and composure under pressure.
• The Demon Generals show fear and uncertainty, losing their initial confidence and composure.

Significant Themes

• The power of literary arts and strategic thinking in combat.
• The importance of composure and mental fortitude in high-stakes situations.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun faces off against three Demon Generals, each with unique abilities and tactics.
• The Demon Race outside the arena watches in shock and anxiety as their Generals fall.
• Fang Yun remains calm and collected throughout the battles, contrasting with the growing unease of the Demon Generals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun's True Dragon Ancient Sword's power is discussed among the demons, with theories revolving around Dragon Peerage and layered powers.
• Six demons strategize against Fang Yun, concluding he's nearly on par with an Ancestral God Clan Metropolitan Graduate.
• A Giant Lizard Demon Marshal sacrifices his lifespan for temporary power boost and attacks Fang Yun.
• Fang Yun defeats the Giant Lizard Demon Marshal in three swift sword strikes, demonstrating his ruthlessness and precision.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Shows increased ruthlessness and precision in combat, hinting at a change in his character.
• Giant Lizard Demon Marshal: Sacrifices his lifespan for power, showcasing desperation and fear of Fang Yun.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy among races (Human, Demon, Dragon, Ancestral God Clan).
• The cost of power and its consequences (Giant Lizard Demon Marshal's lifespan sacrifice).
• Ruthlessness and precision in combat (Fang Yun's three sword strikes).

Character Interactions

• Demons strategize together, revealing their fears and insecurities about facing Fang Yun.
• Fang Yun and the Giant Lizard Demon Marshal face off, showcasing their power and determination.

Chapter Summary: “Mowing Down”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun continues through the Ancient Demon training ground, defeating Demon Marshals with overwhelming ease.
• Xiong Shi, a bear Demon Marshal with Ancestral God bloodline, charges Fang Yun while covering itself in armor formed from vitality, blood, and killing intent. Fang Yun kills it with three strikes of the True Dragon Ancient Sword, severing its leg, cutting it in half, and decapitating it.
• Ying Lu, an eagle Demon Marshal, attempts to avoid Fang Yun by flying two hundred zhang above the arena. Fang Yun challenges it to descend, but instead uses Sword Chant to launch the True Dragon Ancient Sword into the sky, killing Ying Lu in four breaths.
• After six consecutive victories, Fang Yun’s confidence and killing momentum solidify into an intimidating bearing resembling the essence of Might Shaking Mountains and Rivers. The Demon Marquises watching become frightened, realizing that Fang Yun’s growing aura may give him an advantage even against stronger opponents.
• The three Demon Marquises—Gui Ao, Mingqi, and Lang Chi—enter the Third Valley, a battlefield intended for Demon Marquises. They rely on their superior status and special powers, including Mingqi’s ability to damage Literary Guts and the others’ powerful Heavenly Aspect abilities.
• Mingqi volunteers to sacrifice its life and unleash the strongest form of Mingqi’s Bewitching Cry, hoping to cripple Fang Yun’s Literary Guts before the others fight him.
• In the Third Valley, Fang Yun stands directly beneath the Arena Master’s Viewing Stand, an ancient and majestic structure filled with lingering sage intent. This positioning signifies that Fang Yun is treated as the host while the Demon Marquises are challengers, giving the battle an unusual symbolic significance.
• Mingqi unleashes the Blood Flute and sacrifices its life to produce Mingqi’s Bewitching Cry. Fang Yun remains completely unaffected.
• Fang Yun reveals that his Literary Guts reached Second Realm Great Accomplishment long ago, making Mingqi’s strongest attack useless. Mingqi dies in despair and hatred as its sacrificial power consumes its body.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Displays absolute composure, growing confidence, and increasingly overwhelming momentum. He relies almost exclusively on Sword Chant and the True Dragon Ancient Sword, demonstrating that he has been deliberately conserving strength. His revelation about the advanced state of his Literary Guts shows that he possesses defenses even the Demon Race did not anticipate.
• Xiong Shi: Despite its pride, noble bloodline, and immense physical power, it becomes instinctively terrified by Fang Yun’s calm confidence. Its defeat emphasizes the vast gap between Fang Yun and ordinary Demon Marshals.
• Ying Lu: Uses caution and evasion rather than direct combat, attempting to exploit distance. This strategy fails when Fang Yun’s sword reaches it effortlessly.
• Gui Ao and Lang Chi: Initially confident because they are Demon Marquises with powerful Heavenly Aspect abilities, but they gradually recognize Fang Yun as a psychological threat. They are forced to encourage one another to resist the fear created by his growing momentum.
• Mingqi: Seeks revenge for the humiliation suffered by its clan and the criticism directed at Ming Le. It sacrifices itself in a desperate attempt to defeat Fang Yun, but its confidence collapses when its secret weapon proves ineffective.

Significant Themes

• Momentum and psychological dominance: Fang Yun’s consecutive victories build an aura of invincibility. His opponents begin to lose courage before fighting him, showing how reputation and bearing can become weapons.
• Confidence as power: Fang Yun’s calm certainty strengthens with every victory, approaching the legendary bearing of figures who remain undefeated among their peers.
• Hidden strength and miscalculation: The Demon Race underestimates Fang Yun’s Literary Guts and assumes that Mingqi’s Bewitching Cry can cripple him. Their failure demonstrates the danger of relying on incomplete information.
• Honor, hierarchy, and ancient authority: The Arena Master’s Viewing Stand represents the prestige of the ancient Demon training ground and the authority of the Half-Sages who once watched there. Fang Yun’s position beneath it symbolically casts him as the host of the battle.
• Sacrifice and desperation: Mingqi’s willingness to die reflects the Demon Race’s determination to eliminate Fang Yun, but also shows how desperation can lead to a futile final attack.

Character Interactions

• Gui Ao and the other Demon Marquises discuss Fang Yun’s rising momentum and warn that allowing him to continue winning will make him increasingly dangerous.
• Fang Yun taunts Ying Lu into descending, though Ying Lu refuses and challenges him to attack from the air; Fang Yun answers by killing it remotely.
• The Demon Marquises reassure one another that Fang Yun, as only a Metropolitan Graduate, should not be able to defeat them, despite their growing fear.
• Mingqi declares its intent to sacrifice itself for the Demon Race, earning promises of honor and memorialization from Gui Ao and Lang Chi.
• During their confrontation, Mingqi boasts about its Blood Flute and Bewitching Cry. Fang Yun calmly reveals that his Literary Guts have already reached a level that completely nullifies the attack, shattering Mingqi’s final hope.

Summary of "Third Valley" Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gui Ao and Lang Chi watch Fang Yun's battle against Mingqi Demon Marquis.
• Gui Ao enters the arena, revealing his powerful Demon Marquis form and his descent from Baxia.
• Gui Ao summons the Baxia Ancestral Spirit Colossus, a massive turtle leg descending from the sky.
• Fang Yun activates the Demon Ancestor Star Position, summoning a frost giant ape phantom.
• Gui Ao prepares to use a Sage Aspect Strike, a powerful attack capable of destroying a large area.
• Fang Yun activates the Dragon Sage Star Position, summoning an azure dragon phantom that merges with his Literary Palace's dragon.

Character Developments

• Gui Ao: Reveals his powerful lineage and heritage, demonstrating confidence and arrogance.
• Fang Yun: Shows determination and resourcefulness, using his Literary Star Dragon Noble's powers to their fullest.
• Lang Chi: Retreats from the arena, showing concern for his safety but also determination to face Gui Ao if necessary.

Significant Themes

• Power and lineage: The chapter emphasizes the power of lineage and heritage, with both Gui Ao and Fang Yun relying on their bloodlines and inheritances.
• Preparation and strategy: Fang Yun's careful preparation and strategic use of his powers contrast with Gui Ao's overconfidence.
• The Era of All Emperors: The impending Era of All Emperors is mentioned, hinting at the larger conflict and stakes involved in the battles.

Character Interactions

• Gui Ao and Lang Chi: Gui Ao expresses disdain for Lang Chi, claiming that he wanted to face Fang Yun early to claim the highest honor.
• Fang Yun and Gui Ao: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with Gui Ao taunting Fang Yun and Fang Yun remaining focused on preparing for battle.
• Fang Yun and his Literary Palace's dragon: The dragon from Fang Yun's Literary Palace merges with the Eastern Sea Dragon Sage's phantom, suggesting a deeper connection between Fang Yun and his Literary Palace.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun uses the Dragon Sage Star Position, merging with the Eastern Sea Dragon Sage's power, gaining a bird's-eye view.
• Gui Ao, shocked by Fang Yun's control over the Eastern Sea Dragon Sage's phantom, attacks with the Sage Aspect Strike using the Baxia Colossus.
• Fang Yun defends using battle poems and Literary Guts, but is severely injured. He survives due to dragon-hide inner armor.
• Gui Ao's Ancestral Spirit Colossus explodes, leaving him mortally wounded. Fang Yun kills him with the True Dragon Ancient Sword.
• Fang Yun faces the ninth opponent, a giant wolf Demon Marquis, Lang Chi, who is amused by Fang Yun's attempts to stall for time.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his strategic thinking and resilience, surviving a powerful attack and eliminating a formidable opponent.
• Gui Ao's overconfidence leads to his downfall, highlighting the dangers of underestimating one's enemies.
• Lang Chi reveals the Demon Race's efforts to imitate the Human Race's educational system, suggesting their growing intelligence and competitiveness.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Fang Yun's ability to control the Eastern Sea Dragon Sage's phantom showcases the power of Dragon Peerage and the Dragon Sage Star Position.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Fang Yun's survival despite severe injuries emphasizes his ability to adapt and endure.
• Intelligence and Strategy: Lang Chi's revelation about the Demon Race's imitation of the Human Race's educational system underscores the importance of intelligence and strategy in warfare.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun vs. Gui Ao: Their battle highlights their respective strengths and weaknesses, with Gui Ao's overconfidence proving fatal.
• Fang Yun vs. Lang Chi: Their interaction reveals Lang Chi's amusement at Fang Yun's attempts to stall for time, showing Lang Chi's confidence in his own abilities.
• Fang Yun and the Demon Race: The revelation about the Demon Race's imitation of the Human Race's educational system hints at potential future conflicts and alliances.