Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun, Zhang Poyue's shadow, descends and grasps the third Snow-Slaying Sword with Fang Yun.
• Fang Yun executes Hu Ding, the Silver-Tent Barbarian King, with a single sword strike.
• Hu Mu, realizing the threat, decides to retreat and offers to trade Deer Gate Marquis's life for theirs.
• Fang Yun pursues the fleeing Barbarian Kings, killing Xiang Ba and Xiong Bei.
• Hu Mu and Lang Dan negotiate with Fang Yun, suggesting they stop and discuss terms from a distance.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates immense power and strategic thinking, outsmarting the Barbarian Kings.
• Hu Mu shows cunning and desperation, attempting to negotiate and save his life.
• Deer Gate Marquis is used as a bargaining chip, his life at risk.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and negotiation: Fang Yun's strength allows him to dictate terms, while Hu Mu tries to leverage Deer Gate Marquis's life to gain an advantage.
• The consequences of past actions: Hu Mu's life was spared by Zhang Wankong (Fang Yun's father), but now he faces retribution from Fang Yun.
• The power of literature and poetry: Fang Yun's war poems manifest as powerful swords, showcasing the literary world's might.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and the Barbarian Kings: Fang Yun pursues and eliminates the Barbarian Kings, demonstrating his superiority.
• Fang Yun and Hu Mu: They engage in a tense negotiation, with Hu Mu trying to manipulate the situation and Fang Yun maintaining control.
• Hu Mu and Lang Dan: They work together to flee and negotiate with Fang Yun, showing unity in their desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun confronts the Barbarian Kings Hu Mu and Lang Dan, demanding they surrender Deer Gate Marquis and the city.
• Deer Gate Marquis, captured and desperate, begs for mercy, but Fang Yun refuses to acknowledge their comradeship.
• Hu Mu realizes Fang Yun's true intention: to eliminate Deer Gate Marquis and take over the city.
• Fang Yun uses his superior literary skills to summon a Void Sage's phantom and two powerful True Dragon Ancient Swords, transforming them into dragons.
• Hu Mu attempts to flee, using Deer Gate Marquis as a distraction, but both are killed by the True Dragon Ancient Swords.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Demonstrates his literary prowess and strategic thinking, using his skills to outmaneuver the Barbarian Kings and secure victory.
• Hu Mu: Initially confident and aggressive, Hu Mu becomes desperate and tries to save himself by sacrificing Deer Gate Marquis.
• Deer Gate Marquis: Captured and helpless, he begs for mercy but is ultimately killed by Fang Yun's True Dragon Ancient Sword.

Significant Themes

• The power of literature and literary skills.
• Strategic thinking and maneuvering in battle.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun vs. Hu Mu & Lang Dan: Fang Yun outwits and outmaneuvers the Barbarian Kings, leading to their deaths.
• Hu Mu vs. Deer Gate Marquis: Hu Mu sacrifices Deer Gate Marquis to buy time for his own escape, showing his ruthlessness.
• Fang Yun vs. Deer Gate Marquis: Fang Yun refuses to acknowledge their past comradeship, showing his resolve and lack of mercy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun, using the Pearl River Ancient Sword, transforms it into a dragon and incinerates Barbarian King Hu Mu with a single breath of Dragon Flame.
• The Human Race army pursues and decimates the fleeing Barbarian Race, with Xun Tianling killing all Barbarian Marquises and the Human Race cavalry pursuing the routed enemies.
• Fang Yun seizes the Lake-Containing Shell from Deer Gate Marquis and takes only the Literary Qi Jade.
• Fang Yun orders the army to march through the night and seize Lotus Mountain Pass.
• Wei Changxian accuses Fang Yun of murdering Deer Gate Marquis, but Fang Yun executes him using the same order from Deer Gate Marquis.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his power and authority, earning the respect of the Pearl River Army and instilling fear in the Deer Gate Army.
• Wei Changxian's actions reveal his disloyalty and disregard for military discipline, leading to his execution by Fang Yun.

Significant Themes

• Power and authority: Fang Yun's display of strength solidifies his position as the Pearl River Marquis, while Wei Changxian's disregard for military hierarchy leads to his downfall.
• Loyalty and betrayal: Wei Changxian's actions betray his loyalty to the Human Race and the army, while Fang Yun's actions demonstrate his commitment to his role as the Pearl River Marquis.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and the Pearl River Army: Fang Yun's actions earn him the respect and admiration of the Pearl River Army, solidifying his position as their leader.
• Fang Yun and Wei Changxian: Their interaction highlights the power dynamic between them, with Fang Yun ultimately asserting his authority and executing Wei Changxian.
• Fang Yun and the other Hanlin Academicians: Fang Yun's orders are followed without question by the other Hanlin Academicians, demonstrating their respect for his authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun observes the Myriad-People Literary Platform, considering his next Literary Platform.
• He contemplates various schools and their Literary Platforms, weighing their strengths and weaknesses.
• Fang Yun decides to delay forging his next Literary Platform and focuses on consolidating his Grand Academician realm.
• He plans to continue recording the Emperor Sovereign Canon and History of Ancient Demons, and complete military treatises.
• Fang Yun notices changes in his Literary Palace statue and his enhanced eyesight and insight upon reaching the Investigation of Things Realm.
• He reflects on the cracked Literary Star and its potential impact on the Human Race.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his deep understanding of various schools and their Literary Platforms, showcasing his wisdom and strategic thinking.
• He displays his commitment to learning and record-keeping, indicating his dedication to preserving knowledge.
• Fang Yun's newfound powers in the Investigation of Things Realm highlight his growth as a Grand Academician.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and understanding, represented by Fang Yun's contemplation of different Literary Platforms and his commitment to recording historical and military works.
• The importance of insight and observation, emphasized by Fang Yun's enhanced eyesight and understanding of the Eye of Investigating Things.
• The uncertainty and potential danger of the cracked Literary Star, symbolizing the unknown and its impact on the Human Race.

Character Interactions

• Although there are no direct interactions in this chapter, Fang Yun's internal monologue reveals his thought processes and decisions, providing insight into his character.
• His reflections on the Literary Star hint at his concern for the Human Race's future, suggesting a sense of responsibility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mountain Bearer, an ancient demon, decides to search for a world to bear upon its back to advance to Great Sage and plans to find Fang Yun to retrieve the complete Ancient Demon Inheritance.
• Fang Yun leads the Deer Gate Army and Pearl River Army to Lotus Mountain Pass, defeating the barbarians and reclaiming the pass for the Human Race.
• Fang Yun begins writing "History of the Ancient Demons" and gains deeper understanding of the power of the History Way.

Character Developments

• Mountain Bearer: Decides to find a world to bear upon its back to advance to Great Sage and seeks Fang Yun to retrieve the complete Ancient Demon Inheritance.
• Fang Yun: Advances to Grand Academician, leads the armies to victory, and begins writing "History of the Ancient Demons," deepening his understanding of the History Way.

Significant Themes

• The power of history and historical understanding.
• The strength and influence of the victors in shaping history.
• The pursuit of personal growth and advancement (Mountain Bearer's quest for a world to bear upon its back).

Character Interactions

• Mountain Bearer's internal monologue reveals its plans and motivations.
• Fang Yun interacts with his generals, discussing military strategies and assigning roles.
• Fang Yun's interaction with the Hanlin Academicians and Metropolitan Graduate generals in discussing military affairs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun leads the Pearl River Army back to Pearl City after conquering Lotus Mountain Pass.
• The army returns with the Pearl River Army Banner unfurled, carrying carts of Barbarian Race heads, greeted by emotional residents.
• Fang Yun receives letters of congratulations from various parties, including the Great Scholars' Hall, but no official commendation from the King of Chu.
• Fang Yun consolidates his position as Pearl River Marquis, imprisoning lineage heads and reorganizing the army.
• He plans to recruit fifty thousand elite troops from the Deer Gate Army and incorporate scholars into the new army.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Asserts his authority as Pearl River Marquis, takes decisive action to secure his position, and focuses on strengthening the Pearl River Army.
• Pearl City Residents: Show strong emotional support for the Pearl River Army's victory and Fang Yun's leadership.
• Pearl City Lineages: Face consequences for past actions, with some lineage heads imprisoned and others investigated.

Significant Themes

• Power and Authority: Fang Yun establishes his power and authority as the new Pearl River Marquis, taking control of the city and the army.
• Military Strength: The strength of the Pearl River Army is emphasized, with Fang Yun's focus on reorganizing and expanding it.
• Support and Opposition: The emotional support of Pearl City residents contrasts with the opposition from certain lineages.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Pearl City Residents: The residents show strong support for Fang Yun and the Pearl River Army, with emotional greetings upon their return.
• Fang Yun and Pearl City Lineages: Fang Yun takes action against lineages he deems hostile or disloyal, imprisoning their heads and investigating others.
• Fang Yun and the Court: Despite congratulatory letters, the King of Chu does not issue an official commendation, hinting at potential future conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Deer Gate Marquis's Lineage and Wei Changxian's Lineage demand investigation into their deaths and punishment for the murderer.
• Fang Yun is ordered to return to Jingzhou but refuses, claiming he must stay to prevent a Demon Barbarian counterattack.
• The Chu King sends a joint investigation team to Pearl City, but Fang Yun requests the Great Scholars' Hall to dispatch personnel and invite other nations to supervise.
• Fang Yun publishes an article hinting at the Chu King's collusion with the Barbarian Race, sparking outrage.
• Fang Yun publishes a poem expressing his grief and indignation, which gains widespread sympathy and support.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun (Zhang Longxiang) shows defiance against the Chu King's orders, demonstrating his resolve and strategic thinking.
• The Chu King is revealed to be impulsive and prone to anger, further damaging his image and authority.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle: Fang Yun vs. the Chu King
• Loyalty and betrayal: Fang Yun's loyalty to his people vs. the Chu King's betrayal of his subjects
• The power of words and public opinion: Fang Yun's articles and poem sway public sentiment against the Chu King

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and the Hanlin Academician: Their tense exchange highlights Fang Yun's determination and the Academician's unease.
• Fang Yun and the Great Scholars' Hall: Fang Yun leverages his status as a Grand Academician to invite the Hall's intervention, potentially protecting himself and challenging the Chu King's authority.
• Fang Yun and the public: Fang Yun's poem resonates with the people, drawing their sympathy and support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The King of Chu's harsh treatment of Fang Yun (Zhang Longxiang) sparks outrage in Sage Kong's Literary World and Saint Origin Continent.
• A supervisory delegation led by Hanlin Academicians investigates the Five Barbarians War and the death of the Deer Gate Marquis in Pearl City.
• Fang Yun intensifies the Pearl River Army's training and works on his historical book, 'History of the Ancient Demons.'
• The King of Chu's envoys conclude that Fang Yun's merits and faults cancel each other out, and he receives neither official rank nor reward.
• The King of Chu orders Fang Yun to go to Jingzhou, but Fang Yun refuses, further angering the King and the public.
• The Battle of Bi and Shen at Two Worlds Mountain intensifies, and the King of Chu orders the Pearl River Army and Qishan Army to aid Two Worlds Mountain.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun (Zhang Longxiang) remains steadfast in his duties and focuses on improving his cultivation and writing 'History of the Ancient Demons.'
• The King of Chu shows his arbitrary and unjust nature, further alienating the scholars and people of Sage Kong's Literary World.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between scholars, officials, and monarchs in Sage Kong's Literary World.
• The importance of historical records and their impact on society ('History of the Ancient Demons').
• The consequences of arbitrary and unjust rulings.

Character Interactions

• Scholars from various nations collaborate to criticize the King of Chu's treatment of Fang Yun.
• Fang Yun interacts with the King of Chu through royal decrees, refusing to comply with the King's orders.
• The people of Pearl City and the soldiers of the Pearl River Army grow closer to Fang Yun due to the King of Chu's injustice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The King of Chu grants Fang Yun's army ten days to prepare.
• Fang Yun incorporates the elite of the Deer Gate Army into the new Pearl River Army.
• On July 12, 210,000 Pearl River Army soldiers gather at Pearl City's Literary Academy for an oath-taking ceremony before departing for Two Worlds Mountain.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun shows concern for his soldiers' well-being and understanding of the gravity of their mission.
• Zhang Qingfeng advances to Grand Academician and decides to follow Fang Yun to Two Worlds Mountain.

Significant Themes

• The weight of responsibility and the importance of sacrifice for the greater good.
• The historical significance of the Battle of Two Worlds Mountain and the debt owed to the fallen heroes.
• The distinction between noble and lowly based on one's actions and choices.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun interacts with his soldiers, officials, and citizens, addressing their fears and boosting their morale.
• The soldiers, officials, and citizens respond to Fang Yun's speech, ultimately shouting in unison, "Certain victory!"

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Deer Gate Army soldiers resolve to fight against the Demon Barbarians, choosing to kill more enemies before dying.
• Fang Yun leads the Pearl River Army through a gateway to Sage Kong's Literary World and then to Two Worlds Mountain.
• Fang Yun meets Director Pang Zhong of the Literary World Office, who presents documents for Fang Yun to sign, outlining the army's operations and command structure.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his strategic thinking and caution by thoroughly reading and questioning the documents before signing them.
• The soldiers of the Pearl River Army show increased resolve and determination to fight against the Demon Barbarians.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and Sacrifice: The soldiers accept their duty to fight against the Demon Barbarians, even at the cost of their own lives.
• Caution and Vigilance: Fang Yun's careful examination of the documents highlights the importance of being vigilant in the face of potential deception or unfairness.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Pang Zhong: Fang Yun's thorough reading of the documents contrasts with Pang Zhong's impatience, revealing a power dynamic between them.
• Fang Yun and the Pearl River Army Generals: The generals show deference to Fang Yun, following his lead and supporting his decisions.
• Fang Yun and the Two Worlds Mountain Officials (Qu Tong and Jie Bingzhi): The officials maintain a formal and somewhat condescending attitude toward Fang Yun and his army, reflecting the power dynamics between the Literary World and Two Worlds Mountain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Qingfeng invites Qu Tong and Jie Bingzhi to discuss poetry and essays, aiming to foster a better relationship.
• The group learns about Two Worlds Mountain's layout and history from Jie Bingzhi.
• The Pearl River Army is expected to be sent to the Combat Zone within a month.
• The Qishan Army, led by Gou Bao, arrives, and a tense exchange occurs between Fang Yun and Gou Bao regarding the Qishan Army Banner.

Character Developments

• Zhang Qingfeng shows diplomatic skills by inviting the clerks to discuss literature.
• Qu Tong and Jie Bingzhi display knowledge about Two Worlds Mountain and its history.
• Fang Yun maintains his composure and assertiveness when interacting with Gou Bao.
• Gou Bao reveals that he has also benefited from the Literary Star Rift, implying he has reached the Investigative Realm.

Significant Themes

• Diplomacy and alliance-building (Zhang Qingfeng inviting Qu Tong and Jie Bingzhi).
• Knowledge and understanding of one's surroundings (learning about Two Worlds Mountain).
• Power dynamics and conflict (interaction between Fang Yun and Gou Bao).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Qingfeng and the two clerks (diplomatic, informative).
• Fang Yun and Gou Bao (tense, confrontational, with underlying respect for each other's power).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Yun encounters Gou Bao, who demands the Qishan Army Banner in exchange for wiping clean past grievances.
• Fang Yun refuses, and Gou Bao threatens a Literary Battle at Two Worlds Mountain, staking the Pearl River Army Banner.
• The Pearl River Army arrives at their barracks, learning about the city's layout and the various armies stationed there.
• Fang Yun discovers the vast disparity in military merit between the Literary World Army and other armies.
• The Pearl River Army begins rigorous training, earning a commendation from the Literary World Office.
• The Pearl River Army receives an order to ascend the city wall to fight within three days.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Shows determination and resilience in the face of Gou Bao's threats, focusing on preparing his army for battle.
• Gou Bao: Reveals his arrogant and power-hungry nature, threatening Fang Yun and the Pearl River Army.

Significant Themes

• Preparation vs. Arrogance: Fang Yun's focus on preparing his army contrasts with Gou Bao's overconfidence and threats.
• Disparity in Strength: The vast difference in military merit between the Literary World Army and other armies highlights the challenges the Pearl River Army faces.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun vs. Gou Bao: Their interaction showcases their differing personalities and approaches to conflict.
• Fang Yun and the Pearl River Army: Fang Yun's leadership and determination inspire the Pearl River Army, leading to their commendation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The fourteen armies of the Literary World's seven kingdoms march together towards the war zone.
• They encounter the colossal Two Worlds Mountain wall, which stretches fifty li long and two hundred zhang high, and is considered the true Two Worlds Mountain.
• The armies pass through the military camp district and the workshop district, observing various mechanisms and military equipment.
• They see the Military Merit Register, which lists the top hundred armies in military merit during the Battle of Bi and Shen.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun, the leader of the Pearl River Army, is awestruck by the Two Worlds Mountain wall and feels the determination of the Human Race.
• The officers and soldiers of the Pearl River Army are inspired by the wall and the Military Merit Register, feeling a mix of awe, determination, and concern for their own kingdom's armies.

Significant Themes

• The power and might of the Human Race, represented by the Two Worlds Mountain wall.
• The importance of military merit and recognition, as seen in the Military Merit Register.
• The vast disparity between the strength of armies from different regions.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun interacts with his officers, discussing their observations and feelings about the Two Worlds Mountain wall and the Military Merit Register.
• The officers discuss the rankings on the Military Merit Register, comparing their own kingdom's armies to those from Two Worlds Mountain and other Ancient Lands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qu Tong and Jie Bingzhi lead the Pearl River Army towards Two Worlds City.
• Jie Bingzhi explains the recent battle where the Demon Realm lost 37 Great Demon Kings and Great Barbarian Kings.
• Fang Yun learns about the benefits of entering the Military Merit Register, including access to better weapons, mechanisms, and pensions for soldiers' families.
• On the sixth day, the fourteen Literary World armies prepare to ascend the Boundary Mountain City Wall, but are told they can only observe for the next three days.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: He shows interest in learning about the benefits of the Military Merit Register and the recent battle's details. He also demonstrates skill in operating various mechanisms.
• Jie Bingzhi: He patiently explains the rules and benefits of the Military Merit Register to the Pearl River Army's commanders.

Significant Themes

• The Importance of the Military Merit Register: It offers various benefits, including better weapons, mechanisms, and pensions for soldiers' families.
• The Power Dynamic between the Human Race and the Demon Realm: The Human Race has fewer Great Scholars but powerful mechanisms, while the Demon Realm has more Kings but suffers heavy losses in battles.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Jie Bingzhi: Jie Bingzhi explains the rules and benefits of the Military Merit Register to Fang Yun and the other commanders.
• Fang Yun and the other marshals: Some marshals acknowledge Fang Yun, while others remain indifferent or ignore him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Veterans from various nations arrive at Two Worlds Mountain to train the new recruits.
• Jing Commandery Prince and Shangwu Marquis, leading the Huayang Army and Shangwu Army, respectively, meet with the Qishan Army and Pearl River Army.
• Shangwu Marquis vows to continue fighting in Blood City until the Demon Barbarians retreat.
• Jing Commandery Prince and Shangwu Marquis share their experiences with the Qishan Army, but Gou Bao uses his Literary Guts to prevent the Pearl River Army from listening.
• Fang Yun reports Gou Bao's actions to Two Worlds Mountain, leading to the Qishan Army's military merits being deducted for seven days.
• Gou Bao challenges Fang Yun to a Literary Battle, but Fang Yun proposes a competition in slaying Demon Barbarians instead, with the winner taking both banners and the loser kneeling and donating their property to Two Worlds Mountain.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun (Zhang Longxiang): Shows his integrity and fairness by reporting Gou Bao's actions to Two Worlds Mountain. He also demonstrates his confidence and courage by accepting Gou Bao's challenge and proposing an alternative competition.
• Gou Bao (Qishan Marquis): Reveals his petty and selfish nature by trying to hide information from other armies and challenging Fang Yun to a private Literary Battle. His actions show a lack of concern for the greater good of the Human Race.
• Shangwu Marquis: Shows dedication and selflessness by vowing to continue fighting in Blood City until the Demon Barbarians retreat.
• Jing Commandery Prince: Shows his political acumen by offering to meet with the King of Chu and report on the events at Two Worlds Mountain.

Significant Themes

• Integrity vs. Selfishness: Fang Yun's actions demonstrate his integrity and commitment to the greater good, while Gou Bao's actions show his selfishness and disregard for others.
• Honor and Dishonor: The challenge between Fang Yun and Gou Bao highlights the theme of honor and dishonor in the Literary World, with Fang Yun choosing to compete openly and honorably, while Gou Bao tries to settle the matter privately.
• Duty and Sacrifice: Shangwu Marquis's vow to continue fighting in Blood City demonstrates his sense of duty and willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun vs. Gou Bao: The conflict between Fang Yun and Gou Bao highlights their contrasting personalities and values, with Fang Yun representing integrity and fairness, and Gou Bao representing selfishness and pettiness.
• Fang Yun and the Pearl River Army Commanders: Fang Yun's interactions with his commanders show his leadership and their mutual respect and trust.
• Jing Commandery Prince and Shangwu Marquis: The meeting between these two Grand Academicians shows their mutual respect and understanding, as well as their differing approaches to the war against the Demon Barbarians.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The armies reach the base of the Boundary Mountain City Wall and enter through different gates.
• They climb a two and a half li long staircase, experiencing a fishy, nauseating smell that they're not allowed to block with Literary Qi or Guts.
• Upon reaching the top, they're greeted by a dim, eerie scene with a blood moon in the north, indicating the Demon Realm.
• They witness Demon Barbarian Boulders being hurled onto the wall, causing significant casualties.
• The bloody smell and atmosphere atop the wall are overwhelming, earning it the name "Blood City."

Character Developments

• Fang Yun, the protagonist, experiences the horrors of the battlefield for the first time, understanding the true nature of war.
• Veteran soldiers and officers display resilience and composure in the face of the gruesome scene.
• Recruits, including Licentiates and Academy Students, struggle with the conditions, vomiting due to the smell.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of war and its brutal, dehumanizing effects.
• The stark contrast between the Human Realm and the Demon Realm.
• The power of Literary Qi and Guts, and the rules governing their use.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun observes the reactions of his fellow soldiers, noting the differences between veterans and recruits.
• Qu Tong, a Provincial Graduate, enforces the rule against using Literary Qi or Guts to block the smell, demonstrating his authority and commitment to the rules.
• Fang Yun shares a silent understanding with Qu Tong and Jie Bingzhi, the other Provincial Graduate, as they watch the recruits struggle with the conditions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle at the Boundary Mountain City Wall is intense and ongoing, with demon barbarians scaling the wall and Human Race soldiers defending it.
• Auxiliary troops and Medical School personnel are crucial in managing the battlefield, treating the wounded, and removing corpses.
• A Barbarian Marquis and an Ox Barbarian Commander launch powerful attacks, causing significant casualties among the Human Race soldiers.
• Fang Yun observes the battlefield from atop Walking the Blue Clouds, witnessing the vast expanse of demon barbarian camps and the massive number of demon barbarians approaching the city wall.
• Elephant Demons and bird demons launch a coordinated attack, hurling demon barbarians towards the city wall.
• Literary World Grand Academicians, including Fang Yun, engage in the battle, using their Lip Spears and Tongue Swords to intercept the demon barbarian barrage.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun demonstrates his powerful Lip Spear and Tongue Sword skills, impressing other Grand Academicians.
• The Literary World soldiers show resilience and determination in the face of the gruesome battle, adapting to the environment despite the overwhelming smell of blood and constant vomiting.

Significant Themes

• The relentless and overwhelming nature of the demon barbarian attacks.
• The importance of auxiliary troops and Medical School personnel in maintaining the Human Race's defensive capabilities.
• The resilience and adaptability of the Human Race soldiers in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun observes the battlefield with Jie Bingzhi, who explains the rotating shifts of the Human Race armies.
• Fang Yun interacts with other Literary World Grand Academicians, who recognize him as Zhang Mingzhou and discuss his skills.
• The Human Race soldiers work together to defend the city wall, coordinating their attacks against the demon barbarian onslaught.
• The Elephant Demons and bird demons collaborate in their attack, highlighting the strategic planning and coordination of the demon barbarian forces.

Summary of “Gray Robe”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle at Two Worlds Mountain continues as vast demon barbarian armies attack the city walls.
• The Human Race repels assaults by bird demons and Elephant Demons, suffering around thirty thousand dead and wounded.
• Fang Yun observes that his World-Passing War Poems have dramatically changed the battlefield:
  • Arrow in the Stone kills demons before they reach the walls.
  • Wind-and-Rain Dream Battle freezes the ground and causes enemies to slip.
  • Jade Gate Pass provides powerful defenses.
  • Iron Horse, Ice River, Break Loulan, and other poems weaken or destroy enemy forces.
• Fang Yun realizes that, unlike in earlier battles when demons routinely fought atop the walls, his poems now allow humans to eliminate many attackers before they can climb them. He feels relieved that his literary achievements are genuinely strengthening the Human Race.
• A Hanlin officer orders Fang Yun to withdraw from the main army’s defensive zone, fearing he will take their military credit. Fang Yun complies but recognizes the hostility toward Literary World People.
• The commanders learn that the Literary World Army must fight for three days and rest for only one, while the main forces usually fight shorter shifts and receive longer recovery periods.
• This unequal treatment angers the Literary World commanders, who feel they are being used as expendable soldiers. Qu Tong argues that the hardship is intended to temper them and force them to earn equal respect through military merit.
• Fang Yun redirects their anger toward survival and discipline, reminding them that preserving themselves is the foremost priority. The commanders reaffirm their commitment to his battle drills.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun: Gains confidence in the transformative power of his War Poetry. He sees that his creations have altered military strategy and saved countless lives. He also reveals strong leadership, remaining calm amid discrimination and emphasizing survival, discipline, and earned respect.
• Wang Li: Becomes openly angry at the unfair treatment of the Literary World Army and its grueling schedule. His initial outrage fades into silence when confronted with the entrenched hierarchy.
• Gou Bao: Reminds Wang Li that the Pearl River Army survived partly because of his own sacrifices, undercutting Wang’s boastful confidence.
• Zhang Qingfeng: Voices the broader despair of the Literary World soldiers, asking whether they are merely “human-shaped machines” meant to delay the enemy.
• Jie Bingzhi: Explains the military regulations but appears uncomfortable and unable to justify the unequal burden placed on Literary World People.
• Qu Tong: Displays cynicism and contempt, defending—or at least rationalizing—the harsh treatment as a means of forcing Literary World People to become stronger and prove their worth.
• The Literary World commanders: Shift from anger and humiliation toward renewed determination to follow Fang Yun’s training and survive the coming battle.

Significant Themes

• The power of literature in warfare: Fang Yun’s poems have become practical weapons that reshape battlefield tactics, demonstrating that culture and literary talent can directly determine military victory.
• Prejudice and social inequality: Literary World People are treated as inferior by the established forces and assigned more dangerous duties with less rest.
• Strength as the basis of respect: The chapter explores the harsh belief that equality must be earned through demonstrated power and military achievement rather than shared identity as members of the Human Race.
• Leadership and self-preservation: Fang Yun stresses that survival is essential. Military glory means nothing if the soldiers are destroyed before they can accumulate merit.
• Transformation through hardship: The unequal treatment may be exploitative, but some characters argue that battle will forge the Literary World Army into a force capable of standing alongside the Saint Origin Continent’s armies.
• Collective duty versus individual recognition: Fang Yun’s achievements benefit the entire Human Race, yet established soldiers fear losing military credit, revealing tension between cooperation and rivalry.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun’s observation of the battle is interrupted when a Hanlin orders him away from the main army’s zone, exposing institutional hostility toward him and the Literary World People.
• Wang Li angrily defends the Pearl River Army, while Gou Bao challenges his claims and reminds him of his own contributions.
• The commanders question Jie Bingzhi about the unequal battle rotations. His answers provoke resentment, while Qu Tong intensifies the conflict by defending the policy.
• Zhang Qingfeng articulates the soldiers’ sense of exploitation, prompting the group to confront their low status.
• Fang Yun ends the argument by asserting that superiority should be settled through military merit and reminding everyone to preserve themselves. The commanders respond by affirming that they remember and will follow his drills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The sun sets, and the Literary Star Light intensifies over Two Worlds Mountain.
• The Demon Realm's Blood Moon is replaced by the Silver Moon, indicating night and increased Demon Barbarian strength.
• Demon Barbarian rulers appear on the city wall, and war drums are beaten, signaling an attack.
• Over a thousand Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings advance towards Two Worlds Mountain.
• The Human Race defends the city wall, using Light Iron Poison Arrows and Grand Academicians' attacks to fend off the Demon Barbarian assault.
• Two hundred and twenty-three Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings reach the city wall, causing massive casualties among the Human Race.

Character Developments

• Fang Yun observes the Demon Realm's forces and understands the true threat of Barbarian Kings attacking a city.
• Jie Bingzhi explains the Demon Realm's distinction between day and night, the strength of Demon Barbarian rulers, and the rarity of their attacks.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Human Race and the Demon Realm, particularly the disparity in the number of powerful individuals.
• The desperation of defending against large-scale Demon Barbarian attacks, as seen in the creation of a "Blood City."

Character Interactions

• Fang Yun and Jie Bingzhi discuss the Demon Realm's tactics and the impending attack.
• The Human Race generals express their unease about the Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings' advance.
• The Human Race and Demon Barbarians engage in a fierce battle on the city wall, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Race's initial counterattack against the Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings results in a significant number of casualties on both sides.
• The Human Race's mechanisms, including the Flying Iron Oxen, prove to be a powerful defense, knocking many Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings off the wall.
• Five Peak Demon Kings manage to unleash Sage Aspect Strikes, causing massive destruction on the city wall, but are ultimately contained by the Human Race's Great Scholars.
• A Wolf Demon King secretly unleashes a Sage Aspect Strike, killing 20,000 Human Race soldiers in a single strike.
• The battle continues throughout the night, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Literary World soldiers are forced to sleep on the city wall, vulnerable to any surprise attacks.

Character Developments

• The Human Race's Great Scholars demonstrate their power and importance in defending the city.
• The Craftsmen School scholars show their dedication and resourcefulness in maintaining and repairing the mechanisms.
• The Literary World soldiers display resilience and adaptability, despite the harsh conditions and constant threat of danger.

Significant Themes

• The power of technology and strategy in warfare, as demonstrated by the Human Race's mechanisms.
• The brutal and unforgiving nature of the war between the Human Race and the Demon Realm.
• The importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity, as shown by the Literary World soldiers.

Character Interactions

• The Human Race's scholars, craftsmen, and soldiers work together to defend the city, showcasing the importance of unity and cooperation.
• The Demon Kings and Barbarian Kings interact with each other, demonstrating their fierce determination and willingness to sacrifice for their cause.
• The Human Race soldiers and the Literary World soldiers interact, highlighting the differences in their backgrounds and the challenges they face in working together.