Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing returns from the Great World and feels an invisible barrier in his own world.
• He indulges in a seafood feast and sleeps well, making the feeling disappear.
• Gao Jing deletes his only video on Bilibili, "Three-Year Animation Graduation Project," and cancels his account.
• He uses the last of his Faith Power to activate the Soul-Nourishing Pearl, strengthening his spirit and breaking through to a Transcendent level.
• Gao Jing seals the Copper Anchor in a safe and logs into Sailfish Live, ready to farm Faith Power using his wealth.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing's spirit and soul strengthen, allowing him to match his Transcendent body.
• He becomes more determined to control his own fate and not be influenced by the Copper Anchor.

Significant Themes

• Control: Gao Jing's desire to control his own fate and not be influenced by external forces, particularly the Copper Anchor.
• Power: The power of money (Faith Power) and the power of the spirit (Transcendent level).
• Choice: Gao Jing's choice to use the Soul-Nourishing Pearl to strengthen his spirit and break the Copper Anchor's influence.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing interacts with his past self through his actions with the Bilibili video and the Copper Anchor.
• He also interacts with the old wizard who gifted him the Soul-Nourishing Pearl, fulfilling his promise to the old wizard by farming Faith Power in his own way.

Chapter Summary: "Not Playing Anymore"

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing returns to Sailfish Live (a streaming platform) for the first time in ages, specifically to farm Faith Power.
• He enters Mu Yu's livestream and finds her being crushed in a streamer PK battle (score 629 vs 10,700). She's forcing a smile.
• Gao Jing sends 5 Super Rockets (10,000 Fish Fins), bringing her close; then 5 more, overtaking the opponent (20,629 vs 10,705). He then drops 10 more while requesting she sing Your Answer, securing her victory.
• He leaves without waiting for her to finish singing.
• Gao Jing then goes on a massive spending spree: he systematically visits low-popularity streamers currently losing PK battles across the entertainment section, gifting them Super Rockets to help them turn the tables. This continues past midnight until all his Fish Fins (1 million total) are gone.
• The platform is shaken — his ID "g93" floods the system notifications and becomes a legend that night.
• After logging off, Gao Jing evaluates the results: the Faith Power gained was only "passable" and barely enough to use the Copper Anchor's storage space again.
• Disgusted by the platform's culture, he decides he will never play this way again and begins formulating a "bigger" plan for gaining Faith Power.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Demonstrates his wealth and decisiveness, but also his strategic mindset — he treats the spending as an investment, not entertainment. He is sharply analytical, sees through the hollow flattery of the crowd, and feels disgust at the culture of envy and greed. He's willing to abandon a successful method immediately once it proves inefficient. His final line ("I will not play anymore") mirrors a wuxia hero retiring from the martial world.
• Mu Yu: Recalled warmly from earlier chapters. She's a struggling streamer who has never forgotten Gao Jing's previous kindness; seeing him again nearly makes her cry. His support gives her a genuine emotional boost, not just financial help.

3. Significant Themes

• The emptiness of livestream tipping culture: Spectators shout "Big bro, 666!" while inwardly mocking the spender as a fool; envy and resentment fill the chat. Money creates no genuine connection or respect.
• Faith Power vs. hollow praise: True Faith Power can't be bought with money or manufactured by screens of flattery — only real gratitude (like Mu Yu's) generates it.
• The cruelty of platform PK systems: Weak streamers get bullied, and "big brothers" abandon their favorites when challenged by someone richer.
• Cost-effectiveness as a philosophy: Gao Jing judges everything by efficiency; when the return rate drops, he walks away without hesitation.
• Cyclical disillusionment: Gao Jing's exit echoes his earlier departure from the platform — he keeps returning only for practical purposes, never for pleasure.

4. Character Interactions

• Mu Yu & Gao Jing: Mu Yu's face lights up when she sees "Brother G" — she's like a drowning person grabbing a lifeline. Gao Jing replies only "Mm," sends rockets, requests a song, and leaves mid-song — cold on the surface, but he just gave her a huge win.
• Gao Jing vs. the opposing streamer & her "big brothers": The opposing streamer initially acts smug and coquettish, then turns green with envy as her score is overturned. Her "big brothers" refuse to compete against Gao Jing's overwhelming momentum.
• Gao Jing & the broader community: He acts as an anonymous benefactor to dozens of losing streamers, but is regarded by spectators as a "sucker" and "wastrel" — the irony being that he's actually the sharpest person in the room.

Note: The author's afterword mentions this chapter ties back to a foreshadowing from Chapter 6, and reminds readers this is the same "g93" who previously gifted Mu Yu five Super Rockets.

Summary: "A Small Goal"

Key Plot Points

• Niu Jinxing travels from Beiyang to the provincial capital for a scheduled Purple Sandalwood transaction with Gao Jing at the decoration market warehouse.
• Gao Jing sells 100 tons of Premium Purple Sandalwood to Fuli Furniture at 1.2 million yuan per ton—a total of 120 million yuan. (He has roughly 190 tons in storage, holding back the rest for future buyers.)
• Niu Jinxing proposes purchasing all of Gao Jing's goods at 10% above market price; Gao Jing politely declines, citing limited supply and his inability to commit to a single buyer.
• The deal closes smoothly; Gao Jing receives payment via Henghui Bank and achieves "a small goal" (100 million yuan).
• Over lunch, Niu Jinxing explains why he travels with a Hummer and four bodyguards: his second brother died in an incident years ago while on a business trip, and he mentions the tragedy of his "poor sister-in-law."

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Demonstrates strategic business sense—refusing to rely on one buyer to avoid being controlled, choosing to drip-feed supply to maximize market advantage. He's also perceptive, noticing Niu Jinxing's odd travel habits.
• Niu Jinxing: Reveals a layered character—boisterous and enthusiastic on the surface, but carrying past trauma. His preference for the comfortable BMW over the Hummer suggests weariness with his security-driven lifestyle.

Significant Themes

• Business strategy and independence: The tension between partnership loyalty and self-protection; Gao Jing's refusal to be tied to a single channel.
• Trust and friendship: The warm rapport between the two men, with Niu Jinxing's eagerness to secure priority access reflecting trust in Gao Jing.
• Appearances vs. reality: Niu Jinxing's tough exterior hides a tragic past; Gao Jing's unchanged appearance conceals his growing depth and power (noted by Niu Jinxing: "like a vast, boundless sea").

Character Interactions

• Niu Jinxing greets Gao Jing with an effusive hug, noting Gao Jing seems fundamentally changed—more unfathomable than before.
• Chen Zongsheng gives Gao Jing a thumbs-up ("generous and honorable"), his admiration backed by sincere excitement over the timber's quality.
• Gao Jing and Niu Jinxing bond over cigarettes and tea, establishing a friendly, informal tone.
• Niu Jinxing chooses to ride in Gao Jing's BMW instead of his Hummer, leading to a rare moment of vulnerability and personal disclosure.

Summary: “Sugar-Coated Bullets”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Third meeting between Gao Jing and Niu Jinxing. They dine at Guangfu House, drinking Feitian Moutai, after a significant business deal worth over one hundred million involving Gao Jing’s Purple Sandalwood.
• Gao Jing receives a phone call from Henghui Bank’s VIP service specialist. The bank, now confident in his financial stability, offers him an Earl Platinum Card — their top-tier credit card below the Centurion Card — with high-end travel and lifestyle benefits (annual fee 18,000). Gao Jing accepts the card but again refuses all wealth-management product pitches.
• Niu Jinxing warns Gao Jing about bank wealth-management traps. He recounts a friend who invested 20 million in a Henghui Bank plan, lost everything, and even owed the bank 15 million due to hidden clauses in an English contract he couldn’t read.
• Gao Jing gifts Niu Jinxing a bottle of Hundred-Fruit Wine (a cover name for extremely rare Mountain Ape Wine, two jin in a luxury clay bottle). Niu Jinxing is overjoyed — this was his main goal for the trip, since his parents had been nagging him for it.
• Niu Jinxing asks if there is more wine; Gao Jing firmly says no. Niu Jinxing resolves to drink the Moutai instead and schemes about how to get a taste of the Hundred-Fruit Wine at home (perhaps by kneeling before his father for a drop).

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Pragmatic, wary, and generous on his own terms. He sees the bank’s card offer as a “sugar-coated bullet” — accepting the perks but deflecting their sales attempts. He establishes a clear principle: Mountain Ape Wine will never be sold, only gifted to select people.
• Niu Jinxing: Demonstrates deep trust in Gao Jing by riding alone in his car despite family tragic precedents involving relatives. He is emotional, loyal, filial, and easily impressed by the wine’s branding. His business savvy coexists with gullibility toward luxury packaging.
• The bank specialist: Shows growing eagerness to court Gao Jing — an “enthusiastic sugar-coated” approach that Gao Jing keeps neutralized.

3. Significant Themes

• Sugar-coated bullets / traps: Banks use perks and charm to lure customers into dangerous financial products; Gao Jing accepts the sweet coating but fires the bullet back by refusing the investments.
• Trust and friendship: Niu Jinxing’s willingness to be alone with Gao Jing highlights rare, hard-won trust in a world of hidden motives.
• Value and scarcity: Gao Jing’s refusal to sell Mountain Ape Wine reinforces that true value is controlled by the giver, not the buyer.
• Warnings about financial exploitation: Niu Jinxing’s friend’s story illustrates how contracts, language barriers, and aggressive sales can ruin the unwary.

4. Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Niu Jinxing: Warm and brotherly — toasts, mutual respect, and humor. Niu is effusive, Gao is calm and composed.
• Gao Jing and the bank specialist: Tense but polite; Gao neutralizes her pitch with vague responses.
• Niu Jinxing’s narration: A cautionary voice that strengthens the theme of distrust toward financial institutions, while his emotional reaction to the wine adds comic relief.

Chapter Summary: "Misunderstanding"

Key Plot Points & Events

1. Gao Jing's Advancement: Having recently stepped into the Transcendent realm as an initial-stage Totem Warrior, Gao Jing's body and spirit are now far beyond ordinary human limits—he drinks four bottles of Flying Mao liquor without any effect.
2. Dinner with Niu Jinxing: Gao Jing drinks Niu Jinxing and his two bodyguards under the table, pays the bill, and sends them to a nearby hotel.
3. Second Dinner in Yintai City: Gao Jing meets Zhang Hongyuan and Zhu Lili at Buxi Buxi Hotpot (Yintai City is known for its dining, more developed than Vientiane City). The restaurant is packed; Zhu Lili had secured the table early.
4. Job Offer Declined: Zhang Hongyuan mentions workplace struggles under Golden Radiance's new management. Gao Jing offers him a job if he wants to quit, but Zhang Hongyuan reveals he's adapted and may be promoted by year's end—a subtle rejection of Gao Jing's offer.
5. Author's Note: The chapter concludes with a meta-note about the novel's premium (paid) release scheduled for the 8th of next month.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: No longer in urgent cultivation mode after advancing; adopts a "tension and relaxation" philosophy—endure hardship when needed, enjoy life when possible. He now looks like a distinguished young elite from a wealthy family. He has no interest in pursuing romance, being wholly focused on transcending life itself.
• Zhang Hongyuan: Still an ordinary person adapting to workplace pressure. He initially struggled with new company rules but has now settled in, with a possible promotion looming. Remains loyal to his girlfriend Zhu Lili.
• Zhu Lili: Sharp-eyed and perceptive; notices Gao Jing's transformation (clothes, bearing, overall quality) immediately. She plays matchmaker for her friend Song Xue but also worries Gao Jing's improved status might leave Song Xue hurt—she's crafted a melodramatic scenario in her head.

Significant Themes

• The Gap Between Transcendent and Mortal: Gao Jing's physical immunity to alcohol and his elevated bearing visibly set him apart from his ordinary friends.
• Balance in Cultivation: Working hard is for living better; one must alternate between tension and relaxation to give life meaning.
• Friendships Across Different Paths: Old friendships persist even as Gao Jing's life trajectory diverges dramatically from his former peers.
• Class/Status Perception: Zhu Lili's view of Gao Jing shifts from "tall, handsome, and poor" to "tall, handsome, and rich," reflecting how material appearance shapes social perception.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Niu Jinxing: Short scene—Gao Jing drinks Niu under the table, demonstrating his superhuman constitution.
• Gao Jing & Zhang Hongyuan / Zhu Lili: Casual, warm reunion. Zhang Hongyuan jokes that Gao Jing must have been "kept by a rich older woman." Zhu Lili teases him back. The couple's dynamic is playful—Zhang Hongyuan's "survival instinct" kicks in when Zhu Lili implies he'd want the same.
• Zhu Lili & Gao Jing (about Song Xue): Zhu Lili asks if Gao Jing and Song Xue are seeing each other, revealing Song Xue had asked for Gao Jing's number. Gao Jing clarifies nothing happened between them. Zhu Lili inadvertently hints she'd been imagining a potential heartbreak drama.
• Gao Jing & Zhang Hongyuan: Gao Jing's job offer is a quiet test of their connection—he's now in a position to help his old friend, but Zhang Hongyuan politely declines by announcing his own career prospects.

Chapter Summary: "Fate"

Key Plot Points

• Gao Jing feels increasingly pressed for time; his transcendence path and two-world trading business demand attention simultaneously
• He plans to establish a trading company in the provincial capital to delegate trivial matters (like buying candy) and free up time for cultivation and Faith Power farming
• Over dinner, Gao Jing tests the waters about hiring Zhang Hongyuan to run the company, but Zhu Lili rejects the offer on Zhang's behalf before he can respond
• Gao Jing accepts this gracefully—a "forcibly twisted melon is never sweet"—though he privately notes Zhang would have been a solid (if not exceptional) choice
• After parting with the couple, Gao Jing heads to Old Times Bar on Lake West Old Street instead of going home
• The bartender recognizes him; Gao Jing drinks whiskey and contemplates Faith Power farming and Copper Anchor upgrades
• He dismisses becoming a sports star (blood tests would expose his transformed vitality; he doesn't want spotlight/paparazzi)
• The beautiful woman from his previous visit appears and sits beside him; they acknowledge the "fate" of their reunion
• They finish their drinks and leave together again

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Maturing as a strategist—recognizes he can't do everything alone, weighs risks (sports path permanently closed), and accepts practical disappointments without grudge. His charisma/otherworldly aura continues to draw women to him
• Zhang Hongyuan: Torn between friendship/loyalty and career pragmatism; lets his girlfriend decide for him
• Zhu Lili: Protective, practical; prioritizes Zhang's stable position at Golden Radiance (which has a formidable new owner) over Gao Jing's uncertain offer

Significant Themes

• Fate (定数/缘分): Recurring motif—Gao Jing and Zhang Hongyuan "lacked the fate" for partnership; Gao Jing and the woman's reunion is framed as kismet
• Time as currency: Gao Jing's core problem is the finite hours in a day; delegation becomes necessary
• The burden of secrets: Gao Jing's hidden two-world secret makes hiring help genuinely difficult—he needs competence and discreetness
• Practicality vs. friendship: Zhu Lili's intervention shows how career logic overrides personal connections

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing ↔ Zhang Hongyuan & Zhu Lili: Hotpot dinner with Corona beer; warm but awkward undertone; Zhu Lili shuts down the job offer; they part amicably; Gao Jing pays
• Zhang & Zhu Lili: She rewards his restraint with affection ("I'll reward you when we get back")—she's clearly the decision-maker in the relationship
• Gao Jing ↔ Bartender: Familiar banter; the bartender (envious of Gao Jing's previous success with the beauty) serves him Scotch whisky
• Gao Jing ↔ The woman: Charged eye contact, mutual recognition, wordless mutual understanding; her inner monologue reveals she'd been drawn back to Old Times hoping to see him again, and she knows she's "a moth flying into fire" but cannot resist

PS: Author requests votes, noting recommendation votes were "miserable" that day.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yu wakes up in an unfamiliar hotel room after a one-night stand with Gao Jing.
• They have breakfast together, and Gao Jing invites Ji Yu to accompany him to Shanghai for business.
• Ji Yu agrees, and they meet the next day to travel together.

Character Developments

• Ji Yu: Initially hesitant and embarrassed, she becomes more open and comfortable around Gao Jing. She's professional and independent, deciding to help Gao Jing without expecting payment.
• Gao Jing: He's respectful and considerate, understanding that their one-night stand doesn't obligate Ji Yu to help him. He's open about his business and appreciates Ji Yu's company.

Significant Themes

• Mutual respect and consent in relationships.
• The importance of professionalism and independence in Ji Yu's character.
• The exploration of new connections and opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Ji Yu's interaction is cordial and friendly, with both parties being open and honest. They share personal details and find common ground in their past, leading to a comfortable dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing and Ji Yu travel to Shanghai in Gao Jing's BMW.
• Ji Yu recognizes Gao Jing from their elementary school days, but can't recall specifics.
• Gao Jing receives a call from Qin Jingye of Jianghai Fund, who knows about the Hundred-Fruit Wine and wants to purchase it.
• Gao Jing and Ji Yu arrive at the Jin Mao Grand Hyatt Hotel in Lujiazui, checking into a Diplomat Suite.
• Ji Yu asks Gao Jing to hold her while looking at the city view.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Shows confidence and calmness when dealing with Qin Jingye's call, indicating he's not easily intimidated. He also shows care for Ji Yu by covering her with a blanket while she sleeps.
• Ji Yu: Reveals her past suitors and her preference for being single. She also shows vulnerability when asking Gao Jing to hold her.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Gao Jing's calm response to Qin Jingye's call suggests he's not intimidated by the Qin Family's power, hinting at his growing confidence and strength.
• Connection and distance: Ji Yu's recognition of Gao Jing but inability to remember specifics, and her later request for a hug, explore themes of connection and emotional distance.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Ji Yu: Their conversation in the car reveals their shared past and Ji Yu's confidence in her own desirability. Their dynamic shifts when Ji Yu asks Gao Jing to hold her, suggesting a growing emotional connection.

1. Key Plot Points / Events

• Gao Jing, refreshed from a bath, calls Niu Jinxing (“Big Ox”) about a situation: Qin Jingye of Jianghai Fund—affiliated with the influential Jiangnan Qin lineage—has contacted Gao Jing to buy Hundred-Fruit Wine.
• Niu Jinxing insists he never leaked Gao Jing’s information and promises to investigate. Gao Jing, though uneasy, trusts him and waits.
• Niu Jinxing calls back with an awkward apology: the leak came from his own mother, Madam Niu. She bragged about Hundred-Fruit Wine to her mahjong sisters, one of whom has a marriage connection to the Qin Family.
• Niu Jinxing, acting on his father’s instruction, offers to take full responsibility if the Qin Family causes trouble.
• Gao Jing accepts the apology but reflects that his own mistake was introducing Mountain Ape Wine to Niu Jinxing in the first place, unaware how powerful its effects were on ordinary people. He resolves to handle any future Qin Family moves calmly.
• Later, Gao Jing and Ji Yu share an intimate dinner in his hotel suite, toasting and enjoying the Shanghai night view.
• When Ji Yu asks about the business trip, Gao Jing jokingly says “Bilibili Mining Unlimited Company,” then gives her a printed document he had prepared.
• Ji Yu reads it, chokes on her champagne in shock, and asks, “Are you serious?” Gao Jing confirms, then stands up, saying he’s going to “work out”—implying a romantic/sexual follow-up.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Pragmatic and composed under pressure; doesn’t panic over the Qin Family’s interest. Shows self-awareness by admitting his own role in the leak. With Ji Yu, he is playful, affectionate, and clearly in control of the mood.
• Niu Jinxing: Genuinely apologetic and loyal; investigates quickly, owns the mistake, and offers to shield Gao Jing. His willingness to take blame is also shaped by his father’s authority.
• Ji Yu: Warm, relaxed, and newly intimate with Gao Jing; curious about his affairs, but more invested in their personal connection. Her shocked reaction to the document highlights her genuine surprise at whatever Gao Jing is planning.

3. Significant Themes

• Trust and information leaks: The danger of secrets spreading through family/social networks, even unintentionally.
• Actions and consequences: Madam Niu’s boasting creates a problem for everyone; Gao Jing’s earlier gift of Mountain Ape Wine backfires.
• Loyalty and face: Niu Jinxing prioritizes reputation and brotherhood, and his family takes the matter seriously to preserve honor.
• Blending business and romance: Gao Jing keeps professional concerns separate from his private time with Ji Yu, but ultimately shares something important with her.
• Humor and intimacy: The chapter ends on a lighthearted, flirtatious note, balancing the earlier tension.

4. Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Niu Jinxing: Two phone calls—first tense, then apologetic. Niu Jinxing is sincere in making amends; Gao Jing is measured and non-confrontational.
• Gao Jing & Ji Yu: Intimate, playful dinner conversation. Gao Jing teases her with a fake company name, then delivers a real document that shocks her. Their dynamic shifts from casual to suggestive as he “works out.”

Summary: Chapter — "I'm Serious!"

Key Plot Points & Events

1. Gao Jing takes Ji Yu shopping in Shanghai as "work clothes" for an upcoming business negotiation, buying her Chanel and Cacharel items (over 100k yuan) with his Henghui Bank Earl Platinum Card.
2. Ji Yu remains dazed by the spending; back at the Jinmao Grand Hyatt, she impulsively throws herself at Gao Jing, and they spend the night together (leaving her sore the next morning).
3. The next day, they meet two senior executives and two assistants from Shanghai Huanyu Digital (Bilibili's parent company) for negotiations.
4. Gao Jing presents a Henghui Bank asset certificate proving cash savings exceeding 100 million yuan, stating he wants to prove his cooperation is serious.
5. His proposal shocks the executives: he wants to do something on Bilibili but will never use his real identity for commercial endorsement, marketing, or promotion; all generated income will be donated to charity; and Bilibili must never disclose his true identity.
6. The executives cannot immediately answer and ask for time to discuss internally.
7. Bilibili later responds positively, and after two more days of detailed negotiations, a formal cooperation agreement is signed.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Demonstrates extreme wealth, confidence, and decisiveness. His mysterious proposal reveals a pattern — he wants to engage in public-facing activity while strictly maintaining anonymity and donating all profits, suggesting hidden motivations beyond money.
• Ji Yu: Becomes increasingly attracted to Gao Jing despite worrying she will fall for him. She transitions from skepticism (thinking the proposal was a joke) to supporting him as his legal adviser and assistant during negotiations.

Significant Themes

• Mystery and Hidden Purpose: Gao Jing's unusual terms (full anonymity, complete charitable donation) raise questions about his true motives.
• Wealth as Display & Seduction: Gao Jing's lavish spending and financial power serve both practical business purposes and romantic effect.
• The Business of Influence: The chapter explores how a newcomer can leverage capital to enter platforms like Bilibili on their own terms.
• Genuine vs. Feigned Seriousness: The chapter title highlights the recurring tension between appearances (Gao Jing's casual attitude) and actual intent (his serious, carefully structured offer).

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Ji Yu: Intimate and playful — Gao Jing treats her generously while she grows emotionally vulnerable; their professional partnership deepens alongside their personal relationship.
• Gao Jing & Huanyu Executives: He remains calm and composed while the executives are repeatedly bewildered; they move from skepticism to acceptance, eventually agreeing to his unconventional proposal.
• Ji Yu & Executives: She handles the initial paperwork, acting as the professional intermediary who legitimizes Gao Jing's offer.

Summary: "One Stone Stirred a Thousand Waves!"

1. Key Plot Points

• Shao Haoyu, a fourth-year student at Star City Media College, boots up his computer and logs into Bilibili (a major Chinese video platform).
• He discovers a massive promotional event: a new content creator named "High Mountain" is giving away 1 million premium memberships, 100 gaming laptops, 300 flagship phones, 1,000 smartwatches, and Bilibili merch — worth an estimated 148 million yuan retail.
• The rules: any user who follows, likes, and shares High Mountain's first video enters a prize draw. Three draws are scheduled for September 3rd, 6th, and 9th.
• High Mountain's debut video is a polished 60-second promo showing a mysterious man from behind, overlooking Shanghai's Lujiazui skyline. His tagline: "I am High Mountain, an idler."
• Followers explode: 1M → 5M → 10M → 20M → 30M in less than a day, shattering Bilibili's all-time record (previously 11M in 6 years). By September 3rd, he hits 35M followers.
• The event goes viral, trending on Weibo; High Mountain's verified Weibo account gains 1M followers.
• Foreshadowing: Shao Haoyu notices a deleted video from his favorites — a stunning CG animation graduation project titled Three-Year Animation Graduation Project — whose creator never replied to him and has now deleted the account entirely. (This later connects to the protagonist's backstory.)

2. Character Developments

• Shao Haoyu: An ordinary Bilibili user and small-time creator, about to enter a corporate internship. Casual, skeptical of his own luck (jokes about never getting good loot), but generous enough to give "two coins" as a tribute to the rich creator.
• High Mountain: A mysterious, ultra-wealthy, tech-savvy figure whose face is hidden. Presents himself as a laid-back "idler," yet executes a flawlessly engineered marketing campaign. Clearly a central enigma for the story.

3. Significant Themes

• The power of capital: Money as the fastest engine for fame — "the power of money sweeps all before it."
• Internet spectacle & record-breaking hype: How a single event can create an unprecedented online phenomenon.
• Mystery and foreshadowing: The deleted CG video hints at a deeper connection between High Mountain and Shao Haoyu (possibly the same person or linked to him).
• Classic "coming-of-age" web novel setup: Ordinary student witnesses the rise of a legendary figure, unaware of his own hidden potential.

4. Character Interactions

• Shao Haoyu primarily interacts indirectly with the phenomenon: he watches the video, follows/likes/shares, pays "two coins," and feels awe.
• His only sustained prior relationship mentioned is with a "senior" (upperclassman) whose company he'll intern at; the senior was equally stunned by the deleted CG video.
• Narratively, he's the reader's "everyman" lens into the spectacle — the ordinary person watching a legend unfold from afar, with a subtle thread teasing his own connection to it.

Summary: Chapter "When Water Flows, a Channel Forms"

Key Plot Points & Events

• Setting: Gao Jing is in a luxury suite at the Shanghai Jin Mao Grand Hyatt with Ji Yu, who has been stationed at Bilibili HQ as his personal representative since late last month.
• Social Media Expansion: Gao Jing has acquired verified accounts across major platforms (Weibo, QuickVoice, Sailfish) using money to buy out existing accounts. His Weibo now has 2 million followers. He is also a strategic partner and permanent LV9 premium member on Bilibili, though he signed an agreement barring commercial endorsements.
• The Giveaway Campaign: At 7:30 PM, the first round of Bilibili giveaways goes live: 300,000 annual memberships, 30 laptops, 100 smartphones, etc. This triggers a massive surge of Faith Power into Gao Jing's Copper Anchor.
• Copper Anchor Upgrade (Second): The artifact upgrades—no new functions, but storage expands tenfold from 100 to 1,000 cubic meters. The "deep pool" of Faith Power becomes a "small lake." Gao Jing plans to use this expanded space to deliver large quantities of salt to the Mountain Tribe (the giants), fulfilling his promise to Shan Yan and Shan Guo'er.
• Strategic Realization: Gao Jing knows this tactic has diminishing returns—he can probably exploit Bilibili only once or twice more, so he'll need new methods for future upgrades.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Shows strategic savvy and pragmatism (buying accounts, negotiating partnerships). He is generous and grateful toward Ji Yu, even declining to lie to her about his motives. He remains committed to his promises to the Mountain Tribe and is consciously aware of the limits of any single strategy.
• Ji Yu: Proves her competence as a negotiator, having saved Gao Jing millions in dealings with Huanyu Digital. She is playful, coquettish, and curious about Gao Jing's secrecy, but respects his boundaries.

Significant Themes

• Faith Power as currency: Positive emotions (joy, gratitude, admiration) from generous acts translate into spiritual resources.
• Money as a tool: Wealth solves problems (account ownership, platform access) but can't be used recklessly forever.
• Youthful audiences as strategic value: Bilibili's loyal, young user base (16–30, mostly students) is more emotionally responsive than older platforms behind a paywall.
• The limits of a single strategy: Success breeds complacency; the same trick won't work indefinitely.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Ji Yu: Intimate, teasing dynamic—she sits on his lap, questions his extravagant spending, and hints at a reward for her work. He offers her anything she wants; she whispers a suggestion, then playfully evades. The chapter ends with implied sexual intimacy.
• Off-screen / referenced: Gao Jing met with Huanyu Digital's CEO and COO at lunch; Ji Yu handled negotiations with Huanyu and Bilibili; ongoing commitments to Shan Yan and Shan Guo'er of the Mountain Tribe are reiterated.

Chapter Summary: Myriad Beasts Battle Art

Key Plot Points

• Gao Jing returns from Shanghai (Demon Capital) with Senior Ji Yu after a food tour of top restaurants
• He gives Ji Yu a bank card (password: 888888) as compensation for past and future help, clarifying it has no other meaning; she initially hesitates but accepts after he explains it's payment for work she'll do for him
• His collaboration with Bilibili has officially concluded, with his follower count exceeding 47 million
• Gao Jing returns to his villa at Minglan Grand View to continue his cultivation routine
• He prepares and consumes a refined Great Medicine (beast meat and concentrated medicinal broth, upgraded from his earlier Body/Bone Tempering batches)
• He practices the Myriad Beasts Battle Art (twelve forms from the Totem Primer) in his basement, which tempers his physique and transforms nourishment into Totem Power
• He condenses new power into the Scarlet Python Rune-Seal on his heart
• The chapter ends with the seventh Copper Scale on the Copper Anchor flickering continuously

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Displays generosity and consideration toward Ji Yu while maintaining clear boundaries; shows significant growth in Faith Power reserves and cultivation level; independently cultivating the advanced Myriad Beasts Battle Art shows his high comprehension; he has achieved the third upgrade of the Copper Anchor, gaining a 1,000 cubic meter storage space and a deep pool of Faith Power
• Ji Yu: Shows vulnerability and pride when offered money, but quickly warms up when Gao Jing frames it as fair compensation; demonstrates affection through a kiss and playful teasing

Significant Themes

• Faith Power and reward for generosity: Gao Jing's massive Bilibili spending (annual premium memberships and gifts) yielded enormous Faith Power returns
• Self-improvement through discipline: The cultivation chapter shows the importance of consistent practice, diet (consuming beast flesh), and endurance training
• Balancing relationships and cultivation: Gao Jing maintains normal social interactions while pursuing powerful cultivation goals
• Mutual benefit in relationships: He frames money as fair compensation, not charity or control

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Ji Yu: Affectionate banter during farewell; Ji Yu playfully blames him for her weight gain; she initially feels hurt/embarrassed by the bank card but is won over by his sincerity; she kisses him before leaving with "Goodbye, dear junior!"
• Gao Jing (solo): Internal focus on cultivation, meditation, and refining his body and totem power

Notable Details

• The Copper Anchor has now formed a closer soul connection with Gao Jing, and can be mentally perceived clearly
• His physical training leaves him swollen, skin crimson, with the Giant Spirit Totem and Heavenly Elephant appearing on his back
• The Great Medicine recipe has evolved—now using ferocious Wild Beast meat instead of regular beast meat
• The flickering seventh Copper Scale hints at further advancements to come

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing returns from the Main World with supplies, including 1000 tons of coarse salt, 20 tons of tobacco leaves, and candy for Shan Guo'er.
• He faces a new problem: the Giant Rhino Packbeast's wicker baskets cannot hold all the supplies, so he has to put some back into his storage space.
• Upon arriving at the Mountain Stronghold, he shares the supplies with the tribe, and the candy with Shan Guo'er and the wild little brats.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing shows resourcefulness and responsibility in solving the tribe's salt shortage problem and bringing back more supplies.
• Shan Guo'er displays her love for candy and generosity in sharing it with her friends.

Significant Themes

• Resourcefulness and Responsibility: Gao Jing demonstrates his ability to find solutions to problems and his commitment to helping the tribe.
• Generosity and Sharing: Shan Guo'er shares her candy with her friends, showing her kindness and consideration for others.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing interacts positively with Shan Guo'er, bringing her favorite candy and introducing her to new varieties.
• The Mountain Tribe giants, including Shan Hu and Shan Yan, show appreciation for Gao Jing's efforts in bringing supplies to the tribe.
• Shan Guo'er shares her candy with the wild little brats, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the children.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mountain Tribe holds a feast to celebrate the end of dangerous tiger hunts, thanks to Gao Jing's salt.
• Shan Tai, the tribe's strongest warrior, thanks Gao Jing and offers him a drink, marking a new level of acceptance.
• The next day, Shan Tai begins guiding Gao Jing in warrior cultivation.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Becomes more accepted and respected by the Mountain Tribe, leading to a deeper bond with Shan Tai and the tribe.
• Shan Tai: Demonstrates his strength and knowledge, showing his dedication to guiding Gao Jing.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Acceptance: Gao Jing's relationship with the Mountain Tribe deepens, crossing racial barriers.
• Cultivation and Growth: Shan Tai's guidance helps Gao Jing advance in his warrior cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Shan Tai: Their bond strengthens as Shan Tai takes Gao Jing under his wing to teach him warrior cultivation.
• Gao Jing and Shan Guo'er: The little girl continues to show affection towards Gao Jing, waking him up and accompanying him to meet Shan Tai.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing continues practicing the Myriad Beasts Battle Art and makes significant progress under Shan Tai's guidance.
• He discovers he can transform into a giant form using his Totem Power, with a duration of over half an hour.
• The caravan from Azure River City arrives at Mountain Stronghold, bringing supplies and salt for trade.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing's cultivation advances rapidly, and he gains a deeper understanding of totem power.
• Shan Tai is revealed to have a complex relationship with Qing Lan, a female rider from the Azure River Tribe.

Significant Themes

• The power of totem cultivation and its potential for transformation.
• The importance of trade and supplies for the survival of the Mountain Tribe.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing interacts with Shan Guo'er, who informs him about the caravan's arrival.
• Shan Tai greets Qing Lan, a female rider from the Azure River Tribe, revealing a hint of nervousness or discomfort.
• The people of Mountain Stronghold gather to welcome the caravan, showing their excitement for the trade event.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A caravan from Azure River City arrives at the Mountain Stronghold, led by a Spirit Energy Puppet (a mech-like giant).
• The Mountain Tribe prepares to trade with the caravan, with Gao Jing participating.
• The old wizard, Shan Yan, shares information about Azure River City and the caravan's leader, Qing Kui.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing expresses his desire to learn about the outside world and prepare for future adventures.
• Shan Yan reveals his displeasure with the Qing River Caravan's past business practices and his intention to enforce rules during the trade.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Mountain Tribe and the Azure River Tribe.
• The importance of self-sufficiency and independence for the Mountain Tribe.
• The potential exploitation in trade relations.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Shan Yan discuss the caravan's arrival and the upcoming trade.
• Shan Yan shares his knowledge and insights about the outside world with Gao Jing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Qing River Caravan and the Mountain Tribe prepare to trade at the Mountain Stronghold.
• Gao Jing reveals his identity as a citizen of Huaxia to the Spirit Energy Puppet, Zhi Qi.
• The old shaman, Shan Yan, and Zhi Qi negotiate the trade terms, with Shan Yan initially refusing to accept the proposed exchange rate.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing demonstrates his confidence and pride in his identity as a citizen of Huaxia.
• Old shaman Shan Yan shows his shrewdness and confidence in negotiations, using a strong counteroffer to pressure Zhi Qi.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between tribes and the importance of resources, specifically Saltstone.
• The cultural exchange and recognition of different identities and origins.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing interacts with the Spirit Energy Puppet, Zhi Qi, revealing his identity and challenging Zhi Qi's knowledge of the world.
• Old shaman Shan Yan interacts with Zhi Qi, using a bold counteroffer to drive the negotiation process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Azure River Caravan arrives at the Mountain Tribe, led by a spirit energy puppet named Zhi Qi and a young knight, Qing Feng.
• Shan Yan, the chief shaman of the Mountain Tribe, refuses the caravan's initial trade terms.
• Qing Feng threatens the Mountain Tribe, leading to a tense standoff.
• Shan Yan intimidates Qing Feng, demonstrating the power of a mage.
• The Mountain Tribe and the Azure River Caravan reach a new agreement for trade.
• Shan Yan introduces Gao Jing to Zhi Qi, revealing that Zhi Qi is an Ancient Remnant Race member like Gao Jing.

Character Developments

• Shan Yan: Shows his power and status as a mage, protecting his tribe and ensuring they get fair trade terms.
• Qing Feng: Initially arrogant and disrespectful, he is humbled by Shan Yan's display of power.
• Gao Jing: Observes the trade negotiations, gaining insight into the dynamics between the tribes and the caravan. He also learns about Zhi Qi's true identity.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Mountain Tribe's reliance on the Azure River Caravan for trade and the caravan's use of their power to dictate terms.
• Respect and Dignity: The Mountain Tribe's refusal to be disrespected and their willingness to stand up to the caravan.
• Ancient Remnant Races: The revelation that Zhi Qi is an Ancient Remnant Race member like Gao Jing.

Character Interactions

• Shan Yan vs. Qing Feng: A tense standoff where Shan Yan asserts his power and dominance.
• Shan Yan and Zhi Qi: They negotiate a fair trade agreement, showing mutual respect.
• Gao Jing and Zhi Qi: They are introduced by Shan Yan, with Gao Jing showing interest in Zhi Qi's true identity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing discovers Zhi Qi's true form hidden inside the Spirit Energy Puppet.
• Zhi Qi, an obese member of the Ancient Remnant Race, meets Gao Jing and offers him a greeting gift of one of his handmaidens.
• Gao Jing shares a cigarette with Zhi Qi, who enjoys it and praises its quality.

Character Developments

• Zhi Qi: Revealed to be a cunning and generous leader, he offers Gao Jing a gift and accepts Gao Jing's cigarette, showing interest in its quality.
• Gao Jing: Demonstrates his salesman skills by offering Zhi Qi a cigarette, showing his adaptability and resourcefulness in different situations.

Significant Themes

• Cultural Exchange: Gao Jing introduces Zhi Qi to modern smoking habits, while Zhi Qi offers Gao Jing a gift from his own culture.
• First Impressions: Both characters make positive first impressions on each other, leading to a friendly interaction.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Zhi Qi: They establish a friendly rapport, with Gao Jing acting as a mentor figure, teaching Zhi Qi how to smoke, and Zhi Qi offering Gao Jing a gift. Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and curiosity.