Chapter Summary: "Feast"

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mountain Tribe holds a grand feast with bonfires, a roasted Barbarian Bull, and over 700 tribe members gathered in celebration
• The feast is held specifically to welcome Gao Jing's return to the stronghold
• Old Wizard Shan Yan publicly introduces Gao Jing and announces that he brought the tribe a full jar of fine salt
• Gao Jing discovers that the Copper Anchor shows no reaction to the Mountain Giants' gratitude—no Faith Power is absorbed, which confuses and depresses him
• The celebration features war drums, traditional Giant dances, and ancient ancestral songs

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Becomes emotionally moved by the Giants' songs and dances, feeling his blood "boil" with the primal atmosphere. He gets drunk on Mountain Ape Wine and passes out, showing a moment of relaxation and letting down his guard
• Shan Guo'er: Demonstrates her close bond with the old Wizard, who lovingly gives her his portion of meat
• Old Wizard Shan Yan: Shows his authority as tribal leader while displaying warmth and care toward Shan Guo'er

Significant Themes

• Community and Belonging: Gao Jing, an outsider, is welcomed into the tribe as a valued friend
• Reciprocity: The Giants respond to Gao Jing's salt gift with wholehearted friendship and gratitude
• Giant Culture: The feast showcases tribal customs—dancing, singing, drumming, and the importance of salt as a vital resource
• Gao Jing's Internal Conflict: His disappointment over the Copper Anchor's silence hints at his larger goals and the difficulties of gaining power in the Great World

Character Interactions

• Old Wizard Shan Yan publicly honors Gao Jing, legitimizing his place in the tribe
• Shan Guo'er holds Gao Jing up for the crowd to see—a reminder of their size disparity and his "small person" status
• The tribe members shift from curiosity and doubt to genuine warmth after learning of Gao Jing's contribution
• Old Wizard Shan Yan displays fatherly affection for Shan Guo'er, underscoring their close relationship
• Gao Jing shares the feast with the Giants, eating roasted meat and drinking wine offered by the old Wizard

Summary: Chronicle of the Great Wilderness — Chapter 1

Key Plot Points

• Gao Jing wakes up in the Mountain Giants' stronghold (his temporary home in the Great World), having inexplicably gotten drunk the night before on low-alcohol Fruit Wine despite previously downing nearly three bottles of 53% Moutai without effect.
• He finds Shan Guo'er (the little giant girl) asleep on the wooden table, having been tasked by her grandfather to watch over him.
• The old Wizard (Shan Guo'er's grandfather) arrives and asks how long Gao Jing plans to stay. Gao Jing requests to continue studying Chronicle of the Great Wilderness under him, and the Wizard readily agrees.
• Gao Jing secretly has an unstated purpose for remaining in the stronghold—something he cannot yet reveal for fear of violating a taboo and jeopardizing the friendship he has built.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Dedicated to deepening his understanding of the Great World through studying the Chronicle, though he knows memorization isn't mastery. He is cautious and strategic about his true motives, treating the old Wizard with sincere respect as his teacher.
• Shan Guo'er: Obedient to her grandfather's instruction to be polite to Gao Jing, she restrains her usual pranks—yet clearly still delights in candy (which Gao Jing worries will cause cavities). She cares for him in her own way.
• Old Wizard: Shows warmth and friendship, not standing on ceremony with Gao Jing—indicating their relationship has become genuinely close.

Significant Themes

• Cross-species friendship and trust: A human and Mountain Giants building genuine bonds across cultural barriers.
• Etiquette and hierarchy: The class system of the Great Wilderness Humans ("two lowers and two uppers"—Your Excellency, Sir, My Lord, Your Highness) and the cultural importance of respectful address.
• Knowledge and learning: The value of understanding a civilization's foundational texts, with an elder passing wisdom to a newcomer.
• Caution and secrets: Gao Jing's hidden agenda, held back out of respect for taboo.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Shan Guo'er: A playful morning exchange—she almost pranks him but stops, proudly citing her grandfather's orders. She mentions being paid in candy to care for him, and he warns her about cavities; she boasts that the Wizard can cure anything.
• Gao Jing & Old Wizard: A warm, humble teacher-student exchange. Gao Jing lowers his body in a bow, and the Wizard willingly serves as his tutor for as long as he wishes to stay.
• Shan Guo'er & Old Wizard: Affectionate grandfather-granddaughter dynamic; he checks that she behaved and sends her to brush her teeth.

Summary of Chapter: "Chronicle of the Great Wilderness (Part 2)"

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing has spent five days in the Great World, studying under the old Wizard and reading the Chronicle of the Great Wilderness.
• The chronicle recounts 30,000 years of human history: from early civilization (tools, writing, villages) to the creation of Totem Runes and the rise of Totem Warriors/Wizards.
• Environmental upheaval caused beasts to grow larger and more dangerous, threatening human extinction. Some humans hid underground (becoming the Ancient Remnant People), while others remained aboveground and evolved into Giants through new totems.
• Gao Jing reflects on the constant danger from Wild Beasts and Demon Beasts, particularly Demon Beasts with innate "Divine Abilities," which are humanity's greatest enemies.
• Gao Jing asks the old Wizard if he can become a Totem Wizard.
• The old Wizard explains that Abyss Remnants (like Gao Jing) can become wizards if they possess the right bloodline aptitude: the Source Essence of "spirit" (required for wizards) plus any one of fire, wind, water, or earth. Without "spirit" but with one element, one can be a Totem Warrior; with none, one cannot gain Transcendent powers.
• The old Wizard offers to test Gao Jing using a rune tablet, making Gao Jing intensely nervous about the outcome.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Shows deep respect and determination. He is anxious about his future, hoping to gain power and longevity as a wizard. His study of history connects him emotionally to the struggles of the Great Wilderness Humans.
• Old Wizard (Shan Yan): Acts as a mentor, patient and wise. He is willing to guide Gao Jing but is clear about the strict requirements for wizardry.

3. Significant Themes

• Survival and Evolution: The history of the Great Wilderness is one of humans adapting to ever-growing threats from beasts and environmental change.
• Bloodline and Aptitude: Transcendent power is hereditary and selective, determining one's place in society.
• Hope and Fear: Gao Jing's journey hinges on whether he possesses the rare source essences, making the testing scene a turning point.

4. Character Interactions

• Gao Jing bows to the old Wizard, thanking him for guidance.
• The old Wizard demonstrably traces totem runes (fire, wind, water, earth, spirit) to explain the Five Great Bloodline Essences.
• The old Wizard gives Gao Jing the rune tablet and instructs him to drip blood onto it for the aptitude test, setting up the next event.

Summary of "Don't Celebrate Too Soon"

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• The Blood Test: Gao Jing cuts his finger and lets a drop of blood fall onto a rune tablet. The tablet absorbs it, then emits a fiery crimson sphere and a milky-white sphere that merge into a taiji-like pattern before vanishing.
• Dual Source Essence Revealed: The old Wizard Chief announces that Gao Jing's bloodline possesses the Source Essence of "fire" and "spirit".
• The Reality Check: The Wizard warns Gao Jing not to celebrate too soon, explaining that Abyss Remnants like him have far lower chances of successfully cultivating into a Wizard.
• The Path Forward: The Wizard explains that Wizards must first build a strong body through warrior training; otherwise, consuming Life Origin Force will shorten their lifespan. Gao Jing must first become a qualified warrior (and later Totem Warrior) before pursuing Wizardry.
• Gift of a Martial Tome: The Wizard gives Gao Jing a copy of the Great Wilderness Battle Record, revealing he bought it wholesale for 15 Shell Coins (noting his earlier expensive lesson with the Chronicle).
• The Teacher Assignment: The Wizard assigns Shan Guo'er—a young girl—to be Gao Jing's instructor in the martial tome.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Eager and determined. His initial nervousness transforms into overwhelming joy when he learns he has dual Source Essence, then into sobered resolve when warned of the difficulties. He remains firmly committed ("even if there were only a one-percent chance, he was willing to put in one hundred percent effort"). He is also internally humorous, joking about "winning a Mercedes-Benz but getting a Benben" and mentally mocking the Wizard's wholesale purchase.
• The Old Wizard: Cautious and experienced. He tempers Gao Jing's joy with practical warnings. He is generous (gives the book and arranges training) yet shrewd (bought the tome wholesale). He serves as a mentor figure, clearly invested in Gao Jing's development.

3. Significant Themes

• Cost and Sacrifice: Power (Wizardry) comes at a price—Life Origin Force—so a strong body is essential. Gao Jing acknowledges the potential cost but has "no regrets."
• Delayed Gratification: The excitement of discovery is immediately tempered by a harsh reality check. Gao Jing's path is not a shortcut but a long, grinding road from warrior to Totem Warrior to Wizard.
• Mentorship and Guidance: The Wizard provides not just knowledge but also a structured path forward, emphasizing the importance of proper instruction.
• Humility and Expectation Management: The chapter contrasts Gao Jing's lofty dreams with the humble, difficult beginning he must accept.

4. Character Interactions

• Wizard and Gao Jing: A mentor-student dynamic. The Wizard tests Gao Jing, delivers news mixed with warnings, guides him through the necessary steps, and provides resources. Gao Jing is respectful and grateful despite his inner jokes.
• Gao Jing's Internal Reaction: He experiences a rollercoaster of emotions—nervousness, joy, disappointment, renewed determination, and muted amusement at the Wizard's penny-pinching.
• Foreshadowing: The Wizard's choice of Shan Guo'er as instructor sets up a comedic and likely challenging dynamic for future chapters.

Summary: "The Hardest Hardships"

Key Plot Points & Events

• Gao Jing is roused from sleep by Shan Guo'er, who announces she's been tasked by her grandfather (the old Wizard) to supervise his training in the Great Wilderness Battle Record.
• She leads him to a hidden valley beyond the forest—a secluded paradise enclosed by three towering peaks, featuring a massive two-to-three-thousand-meter waterfall and a flat, carved boulder used as a training ground.
• Shan Guo'er explains the Battle Record: 36 battle forms (12 body-strengthening, 24 breath-cultivation) divided into three levels—Body Tempering, Bone Tempering, and Blood Ignition—before one can awaken Totem Power.
• Gao Jing spends the morning training the first form, "Eagle Spread," under her strict (and merciless) tutelage, suffering sprains and exhaustion.
• Thanks to his post-transformation physique, his injuries heal almost instantly, and by noon he successfully completes the form with proper breathing.
• Afterward, Shan Guo'er stares at him with a strange, dumbfounded expression, as if wanting to say something—but she holds back.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Demonstrates intense determination ("Only by enduring the bitterest hardships could one rise above others"). His enhanced recovery speed allows rapid progress, completing his first battle form in a single morning. His embarrassment at being outdone by a child fuels his grit.
• Shan Guo'er: Reveals her competence as a disciplined, meticulous "little teacher." Her hidden reaction suggests she's genuinely surprised by Gao Jing's unprecedented progress (implied to be abnormal for a beginner), hinting at future plot significance.
• Shan Guo'er's backstory: Two years of practice, currently at Bone Tempering; expected to complete it in three more years and attempt Bloodline Ignition at age ten—an exceptional talent unmatched in her tribe.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance through hardship: The chapter's central message—growth requires pushing through pain and humiliation.
• The gap between knowledge and practice: Gao Jing understands theory but is humbled by the physical difficulty of a form that even a child can demonstrate.
• Mastery through incremental refinement: The Battle Record's philosophy of discarding dross and preserving essence over generations of practice.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Shan Guo'er: Her imperious, scolding tone contrasts with her genuine care (seen with the puppy). Their dynamic is playful yet serious—she treats him with no leniency despite their friendship, while he endures out of respect and self-discipline.
• Shan Guo'er & Ah Huang (the puppy): Tender, affectionate moment as she carefully prepares his resting spot, showcasing her gentle side outside of training.
• Gao Jing's inner conflict: Shame at being outperformed by a five-year-old drives him to persist, revealing his pride as both a weakness and motivation.

Summary: "Father and Daughter"

Key Plot Points

• Gao Jing completes the "Eagle Spread" battle form for the third time, training under the guidance of the old Wizard
• Shan Cha'er delivers lunch; the food is special medicinal meat and broth, designed to replenish qi and blood for practitioners of the Great Wilderness Battle Record
• Gao Jing learns he must eat this bitter medicinal meat daily to avoid harming his body through cultivation
• He also applies a rank-smelling medicinal oil after training, which soothes his muscles and bones until his bloodline ignites
• A violent thunderstorm strikes at night, startling Gao Jing awake and frightening Shan Guo'er, who seeks shelter in his hut
• Gao Jing comforts her by offering to tell a story

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Shows adaptability and discipline, pushing through the unpleasant taste of medicinal food and committing fully to his training regimen; reveals a nurturing, protective side when comforting Shan Guo'er
• Shan Guo'er: Demonstrates generosity (sharing candy with Shan Cha'er) and hidden vulnerability — despite her capable demeanor, she is still a young child afraid of thunder who seeks comfort from Gao Jing

Significant Themes

• Father-daughter bond: Gao Jing explicitly feels like a father caring for a daughter, a relationship that emerges organically
• Discipline and sacrifice: Strength requires enduring unpleasantness (bitter medicine, burning oil) — the cost of power
• Community and generosity: The sharing of candy reflects the small tribe's close-knit values
• Comfort amid chaos: Shelter and companionship during the storm symbolize safety and human warmth

Character Interactions

• Shan Guo'er & Shan Cha'er: Warm friendship; Shan Guo'er gives her a rare peanut candy, warning her to hide it from other children
• Gao Jing & Shan Guo'er: A core dynamic shift — she cares for his meals, he protects her fears; they share food and the night together
• Shan Guo'er & the little yellow dog: Her constant companion, fed alongside them, adding to the homey atmosphere

Summary: War God of Ten-Mile Slope (Chapter)

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing reads Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" to Shan Guo'er, translating it into Great Wilderness Script; she falls asleep peacefully despite the storm outside
• Gao Jing reflects on Shan Guo'er's tragic past—her parents were killed by Demon Beasts during migration; the old Wizard Shan Yan is not her biological grandfather, merely her caretaker
• Gao Jing enters a period of intense, relentless cultivation of the Great Wilderness Battle Record, training daily at a waterfall site he names "Ten-Mile Slope," vowing to become its War God
• He masters multiple battle forms (Eagle Spread, Bear Slap, Tiger Pounce, Elephant Stomp, Wolf Run, Leopard Burst, Snake Coil, Python Bind, Lion's Roar), gaining superhuman abilities: lifting hundreds of kilograms, leaping 3–4 meters vertically and 7–8 meters horizontally
• The old Wizard confronts Gao Jing about his frantic pace; Gao Jing admits his fear of weakness and his need for power to protect himself in the Main World (concerns over the possessed-video incident and future business ventures attracting dangerous attention)
• The old Wizard reveals Gao Jing has already broken through to the Bone-Tempering Stage in under a month—astonishingly fast. He laments Gao Jing's "Ancient Remnant Race" heritage but Gao Jing is secretly overjoyed, realizing he is a genius

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Opens his heart emotionally through his bond with Shan Guo'er, realizing he wants a daughter like her someday. Becomes obsessive and desperate in training, driven by fear. Gains confidence upon discovering his natural talent
• Shan Guo'er: Revealed as an orphan adopted by Shan Yan; deeply innocent and captivated by stories; her loneliness mirrors Gao Jing's
• Old Wizard Shan Yan: Perceptive and genuinely concerned; recognizes Gao Jing's talent but is constrained by racial assumptions about the Ancient Remnant Race

3. Significant Themes

• Found family: Two lonely people (Gao Jing and Shan Guo'er) unconsciously fill each other's emotional voids; the "door to his heart" opens for Gao Jing
• Fear as motivation: Gao Jing's desperate training stems from real-world vulnerabilities—no status, no protection, risk of predation by the powerful
• The pursuit of power: Strength as a survival necessity, not mere ambition; self-reliance over reliance on external safeguards
• Growth and self-discovery: The realization that Gao Jing is a genius recontextualizes his journey; hard work meets natural aptitude

4. Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Shan Guo'er: A warm, paternal dynamic; storytelling as comfort and bonding; his gentle gesture of stroking her hair conveys tenderness and pity
• Gao Jing & Old Wizard: A mentor–student confrontation; the Wizard's concern prompts Gao Jing to articulate his deepest fears; the Wizard's pride in his progress is mixed with pity for his race
• Internal conflict: Gao Jing's unspoken fears about the Main World (the bilibili video incident, future purple sandalwood business drawing unwanted attention) shape his decision to prioritize obtaining "transcendent power" above all else

Key Plot Points & Events

• Gao Jing continues intense cultivation at Ten-Mile Slope, completing the last five battle forms of the Great Wilderness Battle Record over three days.
• On the fourth day, he performs all 36 forms for the first time, causing bone-shaking tremors followed by deep comfort—a sign of progress in the Bone-Tempering Stage.
• On the sixth day, he discovers the Copper Anchor's Silver Scales have dropped from 4 to 3 without any transmission. He realizes one Silver Scale is consumed per month spent in the Great World, shattering his plan to stay until he ignites his bloodline.
• Fearing he may run out of time, Gao Jing decides to return to the Main World early, while still being able to continue cultivating with the battle forms and resources.
• He tells Shan Guo'er he will go home in two days, promising to bring back more candy.
• He requests timber, medicinal meat, bone marrow, and a boiling recipe from the old Wizard for his return. The old Wizard agrees, suggests trading salt, and gives Gao Jing a Protective Talisman Plaque.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Remains disciplined and hardworking even after discovering his talent; pragmatic in adjusting plans when surprised by the anchor's consumption; deeply grateful for help and mindful of relationships.
• Shan Guo'er: Innocent and trusting; she sees Gao Jing's departure as a happy expectation of sweets rather than a farewell.
• Old Wizard: Generous and supportive, providing both practical resources and a protective charm despite his limited means.

Significant Themes

• Time as a resource: Gao Jing's plans are derailed by the hidden cost of staying in another world.
• Diligence and preparation: Mastery of battle forms lets Gao Jing continue cultivating even after leaving.
• Gratitude and trust: The exchange of gifts and promises strengthens bonds.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Shan Guo'er: Lighthearted conversation about fish and candy; they make a pinky promise, showing their close, caring friendship.
• Gao Jing & Old Wizard: Formal but warm negotiation; Gao Jing respectfully requests resources, and the old Wizard provides them along with the talisman, cementing a trust-based relationship.

Summary: First Transaction (Part 1)

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing returns to the Main World after spending a full month in the Great World, feeling mentally fatigued
• He inspects the warehouse's upgraded security system (new locks, cameras, remote monitoring) before leaving
• Back home, he gives himself a crew cut, showers, and sleeps until evening
• He goes to the Nine Dragons Grand Hotel buffet, but this time eats only seafood—he's sick of meat after a month of bitter medicinal meat and greasy marrow oil
• At a café on the hotel's top floor, he calls Niu Jinxing ("Brother Big Ox") to offer him a large batch of Purple Sandalwood (Little-Leaf Red Sandalwood)
• He sends photos; Niu Jinxing is extremely interested and agrees to come to the provincial capital (Cloud City) in two days
• Gao Jing reveals he has over 60 cubic meters (70+ tons) of high-quality Purple Sandalwood, potentially worth ~70 million yuan
• He mentally assesses the risks of the deal (whether Niu Jinxing could be tempted to rob him) and concludes he's protected by his Bone Tempering-level strength, the Great Wilderness Battle Technique, and the old wizard's Protective Talisman Plaque
• He spends the next day resting; on the third morning, Niu Jinxing calls to say he's en route to Cloud City

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Demonstrates caution and thoroughness (checks security, plans risk mitigation). Shows adaptability (switches from meat to seafood). He's pragmatic about trust—he likes Niu Jinxing but doesn't fully trust him, recalling past losses from being less vigilant
• Niu Jinxing: Confirmed as enthusiastic, decisive, and prosperous (works at Jiangnan Fuli Group, a "local tycoon"); he acts quickly on the deal

3. Significant Themes

• Caution vs. trust in business: Gao Jing balances building a working relationship with protecting himself; he consciously considers worst-case scenarios
• Transformation through hardship: His month of bitter training in the Great World has changed his habits and mindset (e.g., his aversion to meat)
• Wealth and risk: The high-stakes nature of a ~70-million-yuan private transaction; the need for self-protection capability alongside wealth
• Reintegration: The contrast between the Great World's harsh living and Main World comforts; the "unfamiliarity" returning home

4. Character Interactions

• Gao Jing ↔ Niu Jinxing (phone): Warm and polite conversation. Niu is excited and eager ("!!!!!!!!"), immediately commits to traveling for the deal; Gao Jing tests him by asking if he can buy all 60+ cubic meters, and Niu agrees without hesitation
• Gao Jing ↔ hotel staff: The barbecue chef recognizes Gao Jing from his previous gluttonous visit; two girls add him on WeChat (minor fluff)
• Author's note (meta): The author pushes back at negative reviewers, asking readers who dislike the book to simply stop reading rather than spamming the review section

5. Cliffhanger / Setup

• The chapter ends with Niu Jinxing calling to say he's already on his way, setting up the actual face-to-face transaction in the next part.

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Jinxing arrives in the provincial capital with a seven-person entourage—four bodyguards, a chief appraiser (Mr. Chen), a business manager (Ms. Zhang), and his personal secretary (Wu Lingling).
• He meets Gao Jing at the Yunshang Grand Hotel for a major deal involving tens of millions.
• Gao Jing hosts an elaborate meal, though his funds are nearly exhausted (he still owes Boss Ma’s family 200,000).
• Gao Jing brings a homemade ceramic bottle of Mountain Ape Wine—a rare, potent fruit wine from the other world—sealed with a premium sandalwood stopper.
• Niu Jinxing drinks a full cup too quickly, gets flushed, and acknowledges the wine’s power. Gao Jing gifts him the bottle.
• Manager Zhang worries that Niu Jinxing’s growing friendliness toward Gao Jing will weaken their negotiating position.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Displays strategic hospitality; uses the exotic wine to build rapport while concealing his own financial desperation. Appears confident and resourceful.
• Niu Jinxing: Brash and proud (acts on instinct when challenged), but appreciates quality and becomes more warmly disposed toward Gao Jing.
• Manager Zhang: Pragmatic and observant; concerned about business leverage being eroded by personal goodwill.

3. Significant Themes

• Appearances vs. reality: Gao Jing’s outward generosity masks his near-broke state; the crude ceramic bottle contrasts with its precious contents and stopper.
• Business vs. personal ties: Sharing food/drink softens negotiation dynamics, as noted by Manager Zhang.
• Cross-world advantage: Gao Jing leverages otherworldly resources (Mountain Ape Wine) to gain credibility and favor in the main world.

4. Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Niu Jinxing exchange friendly, brotherly banter; Niu tests the wine’s strength and is impressed.
• Introductions establish each entourage member’s role, reinforcing the formality and scale of the transaction.
• Manager Zhang’s internal reaction highlights the tension between personal rapport and business caution.

Key plot points/events

• During the business meal, Niu Jinxing drinks a second cup of Gao Jing's fruit wine, gets completely drunk, clings to the bottle, and is carried off to rest. The planned afternoon negotiations are postponed.
• Zhang Ying apologizes and hints that she would like some fruit wine, but Gao Jing does not offer her any.
• Gao Jing reflects that Niu Jinxing's drunken behavior suggests he has no ill intentions, while Zhang Ying remains harder to read.
• The next morning, Niu Jinxing calls enthusiastically and says he will take the entire batch if the quality is good.
• At the warehouse, Niu Jinxing brings an appraiser named Chen, who spends over an hour inspecting the purple sandalwood and confirms it is top-grade.
• Gao Jing quotes his price — “one hundred” (100 million in context) — and Niu Jinxing immediately accepts, shaking his hand on the deal.

Character developments

• Gao Jing comes across as shrewd, cautious, and confident: he deliberately used the wine to test Niu Jinxing's character, and he is unfazed by the huge transaction.
• Niu Jinxing is boisterous, impulsive, and apparently sincere, wearing his emotions openly and trusting Gao Jing's pricing.
• Zhang Ying is professional and observant, but her true motivations remain unclear.
• Appraiser Chen is meticulous and competent, earning trust through his thorough inspection.

Significant themes

• Trust and risk in high-stakes private deals.
• The value of testing people before doing business.
• Wealth and opportunity changing Gao Jing's circumstances.
• The contrast between outward bluff and genuine judgment.

Character interactions

• Gao Jing and Niu Jinxing share friendly, brotherly banter, with Niu repeatedly praising Gao Jing.
• Zhang Ying politely tries to get a bottle of fruit wine but is gently rebuffed by Gao Jing.
• Chen's detailed inspection is the practical bridge between friendship and finalizing the deal.

True Fragrance — Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• Gao Jing completes his first major business deal: selling 72.915 tons of top-grade Purple Sandalwood to Niu Jinxing (representing Fuli Group) for 73 million RMB — Niu Jinxing rounded up the price per ton from 1 million.
• The transaction process includes: double-weighing on both parties' scales, transfer via Henghui Bank (Hong Kong Island), and loading of the wood into three box trucks provided by Fuli.
• Gao Jing immediately pays off his debts to Boss Ma's family, leaving his old life of borrowing (Huabei) behind — now debt-free with tens of millions in his account.
• In the Hummer afterward, Niu Jinxing defends the deal to Zhang Ying, explaining that Gao Jing could have demanded even 1.2 million per ton and Fuli would still have had to accept, given the scarcity of top-grade Purple Sandalwood.
• Zhang Ying confiscates the bottle of wine Gao Jing gave Niu Jinxing as her "compensation for hard work."
• The chapter ends with Niu Jinxing reviewing a background-check file on Gao Jing — his origins appear perfectly ordinary, yet his conduct in the negotiation makes him seem "unfathomable," creating an unresolved mystery.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Transitions from debt-ridden to wealthy in one stroke. Handles his first massive deal with calm confidence and generosity (waives the fraction when Niu Jinxing rounds up), showing business maturity beyond his apparent experience.
• Niu Jinxing: Demonstrates sharp business insight beneath his jovial "bald-headed" persona. He consciously chose goodwill over squeezing the price, understanding the long-term value of a good relationship and the genuine worth of the timber. Also shows a more playful, human side when his wine is stolen.
• Zhang Ying: Initially frustrated at Niu Jinxing's perceived softness in negotiation, but privately concedes the logic of his reasoning. Her "coquettish" snatching of the wine reveals a more personal, less purely business-driven side. She also felt remarkable physical benefits after drinking the Fruit Wine the previous day (refreshed and invigorated).
• The surnamed Chen appraiser: Remains diplomatically neutral, silently validating Niu Jinxing's judgment without contradicting Zhang Ying.

3. Significant Themes

• Scarcity and value: Purple Sandalwood's extreme scarcity (one growth ring per five years, centuries needed to mature, India's export ban) makes it a generational asset worth far more than its immediate price.
• Business trust vs. hardball negotiation: Niu Jinxing's choice to accept Gao Jing's price without heavy bargaining reflects a philosophy that goodwill and reliability outweigh short-term savings.
• Appearances vs. reality: Gao Jing's file shows an ordinary man, but his behavior suggests hidden depth — a recurring mystery theme.
• Transformation through opportunity: A single deal can completely change one's circumstances (debt to wealth overnight).

4. Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Niu Jinxing: Effortless, mutually respectful negotiation; handshakes and pleasantries despite the massive sum involved — a relationship built on trust and instant rapport.
• Niu Jinxing & Zhang Ying: Playful banter with underlying tension; he calls her "sister-in-law," she scolds him for his softness in negotiation, then playfully steals his wine.
• Niu Jinxing & appraiser Chen: A knowing exchange; Chen's silent cough communicates his agreement with Niu Jinxing's logic without openly siding against Zhang Ying.
• Gao Jing's internal arc: The "taut string" in his heart loosens after the deal completes — his outward calm masked real pressure throughout his first major transaction.

Chapter Summary: Buying a Car

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Bank call: Gao Jing receives a call from a Henghui Bank VIP service specialist trying to sell him wealth management products after he deposited 73 million yuan. He politely declines.
2. House hunting begins: Back in his cramped rented room (which he's lived in for 4 years), Gao Jing uses his laptop to search for property on Cloud City Property Network, prioritizing a safe, quiet, spacious place to cultivate his combat skills.
3. Minglan Grand View: He selects a high-end villa development beside Minglan Lake, contacts property consultant Chen Ya via WeChat, and schedules a viewing for the next morning after confirming his 70 million yuan in funds.
4. Car shopping: Gao Jing takes a taxi to Baoyi Motors (the BMW flagship 4S store) and directly asks about an M760Li—the V12 flagship 7 Series—requesting a test drive.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing is pragmatic and clear about his priorities: house first, then car.
• He shows financial restraint—declining investment plans because his money "doesn't need investing to preserve its value."
• His preference for the BMW M760Li reveals his values: comfort, practicality, and presence over flashy sports cars.
• Despite his wealth, he still inhabits his old rented room, highlighting his grounding and lack of ostentation.

Significant Themes

• Sudden wealth and priorities: The classic question—what to do with newfound money—answered through house and car purchases.
• The Chinese obsession with property ownership: Deeply ingrained desire to own real estate, even among the wealthy.
• Social class and treatment: Wealth changes how others treat him (eager salespeople, prioritized bank service).
• Preparation for a larger goal: Buying property isn't just comfort—it's infrastructure for cultivating his combat skills and igniting his bloodline.

Character Interactions

• Henghui Bank specialist: Pleasant but transactional; he easily sees through her sales pitch and notes she offers no meaningful perks.
• Chen Ya (property consultant): Professional exchange via WeChat; requires proof of funds, which Gao Jing satisfies with a blunt "Is 70 million enough?"
• BMW salesperson: Immediately recognizes his "wealthy, handsome" aura and treats him with noticeable enthusiasm; he cuts straight to business about the M760Li.

Chapter Summary: "Buy a House"

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• Gao Jing test-drives a BMW M760Li (worth 2.58 million RMB) at Baoyi Motors, where he is granted an exception to the usual appointment rule due to his impressive appearance and status.
• He instantly decides to buy the car, paying the full amount in one lump sum. The dealership throws in insurance, maintenance, and a "premium gift package."
• The manager shows him auspicious number plates (e.g., 8888, 6666) for extra cost, but Gao Jing dislikes their ostentatiousness. He instead picks a novelty plate reading "Jiang A.760L1" (using the number "1" instead of a banned letter "I") for 180,000 RMB after a brief negotiation.
• Gao Jing stays at a hotel that night instead of returning to his rental in the urban village, for fear of damaging the new car.
• The next morning, he visits Minglan Grand View, a luxury development near Minglan Lake. After touring five villas, he chooses a detached villa with 380 m² of floor space, a 100 m² basement, a 150 m² private garden, and a fully furnished light-luxury European interior (with top international brands).
• He buys the villa immediately, leaving the property consultant, Chen Ya, stunned by his decisiveness.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing is now fully embracing his newfound wealth: confident, decisive, and unfazed by high prices.
• He shows a preference for substance and privacy over flashy show: he rejects fancy repeating number plates, chooses a slightly remote villa (farthest from the lake) for seclusion, and dislikes attention from neighbors.
• His past as "old Gao Jing" is contrasted with his current privilege, highlighting how wealth changes how others treat him.

3. Significant Themes

• Wealth changes perception and treatment: dealership staff and property salespeople show exaggerated friendliness, break rules, and offer special perks to appease a rich customer.
• Instant gratification and status purchase: Gao Jing buys a car and a house without haggling, reflecting the power of liquid wealth and a "take it if I like it" attitude.
• Pragmatism vs. ostentation: Although he spends freely, Gao Jing avoids clichéd status symbols (like "8888" plates) and values practical comfort and privacy.

4. Character Interactions

• Female BMW salesperson: Becomes exceedingly friendly and flirtatious (e.g., pressing her legs together), impressed by Gao Jing's wealth and manners.
• Middle-aged BMW manager: Shows Gao Jing special treatment, then attempts to upsell him on expensive number plates; Gao Jing sees through the trick and negotiates a price, and the manager pretends to ask his boss before conceding.
• Property consultant Chen Ya: Warmly greets Gao Jing, accompanies him on a full villa tour, and is overwhelmed by his instant purchase—her favorability toward him rises to "MAX level." Gao Jing, for his part, notices her looks but remains focused on the property.
  The chapter serves as a wish-fulfillment montage of buying a dream car and dream home, cementing Gao Jing's new status while subtly reminding the reader that wealth brings convenience, yet he still chooses practicality over pure luxury show.

Summary: "Fulfilling an Old Wish"

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing signs a purchase contract for a 380-square-meter villa at Minglan Grand View, priced at 96,800 yuan/sq m for a total of 36.784 million yuan, with a 5% full-payment discount (nearly 35 million paid), plus high-standard renovations, a garden and basement, three years of property management, and Bosch appliances.
• His purchase combined with the BMW M760Li from the previous day spends over half of his rosewood earnings, yet he feels surprisingly calm—a confidence he attributes to Great World.
• He declines Chen Ya's dinner invitation but asks her to oversee the villa's cleaning, appliance installation, and other preparations; she agrees willingly.
• The next morning, Gao Jing visits his grandfather's grave in a cemetery on the eastern outskirts, cleans it thoroughly, sets out flowers, fruit, and incense, kowtows three times, and burns paper money and gold ingots.
• Backstory revealed: his grandfather sold their home to pay for Gao Jing's treatment, regretted it deeply, and died without peace—a lasting pain for Gao Jing, who worked relentlessly after graduation to repay debts and save for a home.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Shows refined taste and skill (excellent calligraphy from a family tradition of scholarship). He is composed and unexcited despite a massive purchase, indicating growth in wealth and confidence. His visit to the grave reveals deep filial devotion and emotional vulnerability; he remains focused on fulfilling his grandfather's unspoken wish for him to own a home.
• Chen Ya: Professional and admiring, she makes a direct romantic advance by inviting Gao Jing to dinner. Though politely rejected, she remains gracious and eager to build a friendship, showing pragmatism and social ambition.

3. Significant Themes

• Filial piety and ancestral reverence: The chapter centers on honoring a deceased grandfather and fulfilling the old wish of providing a family home.
• The meaning of wealth: Material success is achieved, yet Gao Jing feels little excitement—the real emotional weight lies in settling an old debt of the heart.
• Social mobility and class: From a struggling scholar-family descendant to a villa owner, with his calligraphy now "worth ten thousand times" what it once was.
• Impermanence and regret: The grandfather's death and lost house illustrate life's unpredictability; Gao Jing's grief is tinged with the wish that his grandfather could have lived to see better days.

4. Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Chen Ya: Warm, professional, and lightly flirtatious. She praises his handwriting genuinely, tries to secure a dinner date, and accepts his favor with enthusiasm; he maintains polite distance but shows trust by delegating the villa supervision to her.
• Gao Jing & his grandfather (through memory and ritual): A one-sided but emotionally charged interaction—he cleans the grave, makes offerings, kowtows, burns spirit money, and silently tells his grandfather he has bought a "huge, huge villa," seeking to give the departed soul peace.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing receives a call from Chen Ya, informing him that his new villa is ready to move into.
• He visits his former landlady to hand over the rental house and bids farewell to the urban village.
• Gao Jing takes Chen Ya to dinner at the Grand Hyatt Restaurant to thank her for her help in preparing the villa.
• After dinner, he drops Chen Ya off at her home, declining her invitation to come upstairs.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing shows maturity and respect by visiting his former landlady and thanking her, despite his new wealth. He also demonstrates consideration for Chen Ya by treating her to a luxurious dinner and ensuring she gets home safely.
• Chen Ya reveals her materialistic side, enjoying the expensive dinner and considering Gao Jing a potential partner, but ultimately accepts his rejection gracefully.

Significant Themes

• The theme of change is evident as Gao Jing moves from his humble urban village home to a luxurious villa, and his interactions with his former landlady highlight the contrast between his past and present lives.
• The chapter also explores the dynamics of wealth and power, with Gao Jing's newfound wealth affording him opportunities and experiences he previously lacked.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing's interaction with his former landlady showcases his respect and appreciation for her, despite her gruff exterior.
• His dinner with Chen Ya demonstrates his gratitude for her help and his awareness of her expectations, as he treats her to an expensive meal but ultimately declines her advances.
• Chen Ya's behavior towards Gao Jing reveals her materialistic nature and her willingness to pursue a relationship with him based on his wealth.

Summary: "A Small Favor" (Chapter)

Key Plot Points

• Song Xue has a terrible day: she mixes up a work order, gets scolded by her boss, and works overtime
• The Confrontation: After leaving the subway, Zheng Xing'an (a wealthy heir she despises) ambushes her with a staged roadside confession—complete with roses, a kneeling proposal, and hired accomplices who surround her, chanting "Get together!" while onlookers record the scene
• Song Xue is trapped and humiliated; she threatens to call the police
• The Rescue: Gao Jing happens to drive by in his new BMW M760Li, recognizes Song Xue (a friend of a friend from a prior gathering), and offers her a ride, letting her escape
• Zheng Xing'an is humiliated: he realizes Song Xue's rescuer drives a car far more expensive than his, then gets fined 100 yuan for littering by a red-armband enforcement woman after trampling his roses in anger
• Gao Jing drives Song Xue home to Xiyuan Residential Complex (a coincidence—Chen Ya lives there too) and then returns to his new luxury home, Minglan Grand View
• The chapter ends with Gao Jing's true priority: he's set up power cables and a voltage regulator in the basement, determined to figure out how to charge his magical Copper Anchor

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Shows a strong moral compass—he hates men who pressure women under the banner of "I like you," calls such behavior hooliganism, and acts decisively to help. His motivations are partly altruistic (she's a friend's friend, he dislikes Zheng Xing'an) and partly practical (he hopes to earn a bit of "Faith Power" from the good deed)
• Zheng Xing'an: Established as an entitled, manipulative, and cheap rich playboy (he "broke up with Nana" on a whim, stages public pressure tactics, drives an ordinary BMW 320Li, and had planned the entire scene)
• Song Xue: Hardworking, mild-mannered office worker who has an especially unlucky day; she's flustered by public confrontation but composed after escaping

Significant Themes

• Consent vs. coercion in romance: The chapter directly critiques "persistent wolf" pursuit tactics—the idea that relentless public pressure can force affection is condemned, not romanticized
• Class and wealth dynamics: Zheng Xing'an's mid-tier BMW versus Gao Jing's M760Li reinforces a social hierarchy; wealth itself is neutral, but how it's wielded matters
• Karma / small kindnesses: Zheng Xing'an gets immediately punished (trampled roses, public shaming, a fine), while Gao Jing's "small favor" is framed as part of his broader cultivation of Faith Power through good deeds
• The mundane vs. the supernatural: Gao Jing's luxurious new home matters far less to him than his secret project—charging the Copper Anchor—rooting the magical system in everyday practicalities

Character Interactions

• Song Xue & Zheng Xing'an: Adversarial; he pressures, she recoils with disgust and fear
• Song Xue & Gao Jing: Brief and polite; she's grateful and reserved, he's calm and matter-of-fact. There's no romantic tension—just a clean rescue
• Zheng Xing'an & his accomplices: They're paid sycophants; after his humiliation, they silently flip him off, revealing their loyalty is transactional
• Zheng Xing'an & the enforcement woman: Comic comeuppance—she catches him littering the trampled roses and fines him on the spot
• Gao Jing's internal monologue: Establishes his philosophy—relationships require mutual consent—and his habit of treating even small good deeds as opportunities for spiritual gain

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing becomes desperate to find a way to recharge the Copper Anchor, as his trips to the Great World deplete its Silver Scales.
• He attempts various methods to recharge it, including solar energy, fire, and refrigeration, but fails.
• Gao Jing decides to try electricity, fearing potential consequences but seeing no other option.
• When he applies 100V, the third Copper Scale on the anchor glows faintly, responding to the electricity.
• Gao Jing increases the voltage to 250V, and the third Copper Scale's glow becomes bright, indicating successful charging.
• Over the next few days, Gao Jing supervises the installation of a dedicated 100kW power line for his villa to speed up the charging process.
• The third Copper Scale is fully charged, turning into a Silver Scale, and the fourth Copper Scale begins flashing, ready for charging.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing's desperation and determination to find a way to recharge the Copper Anchor grow as he realizes the urgency of the situation.
• He becomes more resourceful and willing to take risks, even when facing potential consequences.
• Gao Jing's persistence and patience are tested as he waits for the Copper Anchor to charge, showing his resolve to return to the Great World.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and patience in achieving goals, even when facing uncertainty and setbacks.
• The consequences of one's actions and the need to take responsibility for them, as seen in Gao Jing's determination to find a solution to his problem.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing interacts with the property management office to have a dedicated power line installed, demonstrating his resourcefulness and willingness to spend money to achieve his goals.
• There are no other significant character interactions in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Jinxing (Fat Ox) is summoned by his father to dinner at the family residence.
• The family discusses Niu Jinxing's recent business deal involving Purple Sandalwood.
• Old Master Niu expresses concern about Niu Jinxing's involvement with a mysterious Southeast Asian family behind the deal.
• The family praises a bottle of wine given by Zhang Ying (Niu Jinxing's sister-in-law), which Niu Jinxing had originally received from Gao Jing.
• Old Master Niu tasks Niu Jinxing to obtain another bottle of the same wine.

Character Developments

• Niu Jinxing: Despite his reckless behavior outside, he is respectful and obedient to his parents, particularly his mother. He is also determined to prove himself to his family.
• Old Master Niu: He is imposing, wise, and concerned about his family's safety and reputation. He is also proud and expects filial piety from his children.
• Zhang Ying: She is filial, kind, and speaks up for Niu Jinxing when he is unfairly criticized.

Significant Themes

• Filial piety: The importance of respect and obedience to one's parents is emphasized throughout the chapter.
• Business and family: The Niu Family's business dealings are intertwined with their family dynamics and personal relationships.
• Reputation and safety: Old Master Niu is cautious about the family's involvement with external powers to maintain their peace and safety.

Character Interactions

• Niu Jinxing and Old Master Niu: Their interaction highlights the complex father-son relationship, with Old Master Niu being stern and demanding, while Niu Jinxing is eager to please him.
• Niu Jinxing and Zhang Ying: They share a moment of understanding and support, with Zhang Ying defending Niu Jinxing when he is criticized.
• The Niu Family: The family dynamics are shown through their dinner gathering, with each member expressing their thoughts and opinions on Niu Jinxing's recent business deal.

Summary: "Different from Days Gone By"

Key Plot Points

• Gao Jing prepares "Great Medicine," a medicinal stew from the Great World, used to recover after training the Great Wilderness Battle Record.
• Niu Jinxing calls, asking about the next Purple Sandalwood shipment and offering a higher price (1.2 million per ton), but his real goal is to obtain more Mountain Ape Wine—the fruit wine Gao Jing gave him previously.
• Gao Jing realizes the wine's market potential and considers it a new source of income, while deciding to keep Niu Jinxing waiting to preserve leverage.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing has grown physically (87 kg, heartbeat ~35 bpm) and mentally, now valuing strategic control over quick profit. He no longer feels the need to please others and understands the power of scarcity.
• Niu Jinxing shows growing dependence on Gao Jing, willing to pay more and even beg for the wine, indicating a shift in their power dynamic.

Significant Themes

• Personal transformation — Gao Jing is no longer the same man; his ambitions now center on true strength rather than just money.
• Resource control and scarcity — limiting supply maintains value and gives Gao Jing leverage.
• Strategic patience — not rushing to meet demands, letting anticipation build.

Character Interactions

• The phone call drives the chapter. Niu Jinxing is eager, offering price increases and favors; Gao Jing remains calm, tactful, and non-committal, maintaining his mystique by attributing goods to a "friend." The reversal in their relationship is clear—Gao Jing now holds the advantageous position.