Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhi Qi, the caravan leader from Azure River, is impressed by Gao Jing's cigarettes and lighter, and they share a drink of champagne.
• Zhi Qi gifts Gao Jing an Earth-Spirit Cat Soul, a Witchcraft Artifact, which can manifest into a small cat form and is used for sentry and scouting purposes.
• The Earth-Spirit Cat Soul is sealed within a Steel-Soul Stone, which needs to be replaced regularly.
• Zhi Qi hints that the Steel-Soul Stones are a specialty of Wuzhi Abyss City, implying a potential business opportunity or scheme.
• Gao Jing reciprocates Zhi Qi's gift with two bottles of sparkling wine and two cartons of cigarettes, keeping the lighter for himself.

Character Developments

• Zhi Qi: Initially impressed by Gao Jing's items, Zhi Qi regains his composure and offers a gift in return, hinting at a potential business opportunity. He demonstrates shrewdness and guile.
• Gao Jing: Recognizes Zhi Qi's scheme and responds with his own gift, showing that he is not easily outmaneuvered. He displays understanding of business tactics and is not swayed by Zhi Qi's generosity.

Significant Themes

• The theme of guile and cunning in business is prominent, with both Zhi Qi and Gao Jing employing schemes and gifts to gain an advantage.
• The exchange of gifts and hospitality highlights the importance of building relationships and trust in business dealings.

Character Interactions

• Zhi Qi and Gao Jing engage in a subtle game of one-upmanship, with each trying to gain an advantage through gifts and hints at potential business opportunities.
• The maidservants Xiao Dai and Xiao Yun assist Zhi Qi and demonstrate loyalty to him.
• The interaction between Zhi Qi and Gao Jing is characterized by mutual respect and a shared understanding of business tactics, with both parties acknowledging each other's shrewdness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing, a salesman at Golden Radiance Trading, learns not to underestimate people from his experiences.
• He trades with a cunning merchant, Zhi Qi, and gains the Earth-Spirit Cat Soul, a Witchcraft Artifact, at a significant profit.
• Zhi Qi offers Gao Jing another Witchcraft Artifact, Weaver's Bracer, which allows the user to climb and move swiftly like a spider.
• Gao Jing trades five cartons of cigarettes, four bottles of sparkling wine, three crystal glasses, and three lighters for Weaver's Bracer.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing demonstrates his shrewdness and adaptability in business dealings, learning from his experiences and not underestimating his opponents.
• Zhi Qi is revealed to be a cunning merchant who uses his appearance to deceive others, but is shrewd in business.

Significant Themes

• The importance of not underestimating others, as seen through Gao Jing's experiences.
• The value of experience and learning, as Gao Jing gains valuable insights from his trades.
• The art of negotiation and deal-making, as both Gao Jing and Zhi Qi engage in a battle of wits.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Zhi Qi engage in a tense but profitable trade, each trying to outwit the other.
• Gao Jing shows respect for Zhi Qi's shrewdness, not underestimating him despite their age difference.
• Zhi Qi sees Gao Jing as a potential source of profit, trying to sell him more goods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing trades an Earth-Spirit Cat Soul for a Witchcraft Artifact, Weaver's Bracer, from Zhi Qi, a Wuzhi Merchant.
• Gao Jing learns about Wuzhi Abyss City, a large underground city known for its wizards and merchants.
• The old wizard, Shan Tai, warns Gao Jing about relying too much on Witchcraft Artifacts.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing demonstrates his knowledge about diamonds and his shrewdness in dealing with Zhi Qi.
• Shan Tai shows concern for Gao Jing's cultivation and advises him against over-reliance on Witchcraft Artifacts.

Significant Themes

• The value and danger of Witchcraft Artifacts.
• The unique civilization and culture of Wuzhi Abyss City.
• The importance of self-reliance in cultivation, as emphasized by the old wizard.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing outsmarts Zhi Qi in their trade, leading to some tension between them.
• Shan Tai shares his knowledge about Wuzhi Abyss City with Gao Jing and offers him cultivation advice.
• Shan Guo'er shows interest in the Earth-Spirit Cat Soul, demonstrating her curiosity and innocence.

Chapter Summary: “Like a Tiger with Wings”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing demonstrates his growing mastery of the Weaver’s Bracer, a Witchcraft Artifact containing the essence soul of a Golden Wolf Spider.
• Using spider threads, wall-clinging, superhuman leaps, and “aerial drift,” he travels across the mountains and safely descends a thousand-meter cliff.
• He reflects on how the artifact gives him extraordinary freedom of movement, comparing himself to Spider-Man and describing it as being “like a tiger grown wings.”
• Three days after the Azure River City merchant caravan leaves Mountain Stronghold, Gao Jing has settled into a daily routine at the Great Falls:
  • He trains in the Myriad Beasts Battle Art.
  • He practices using the Weaver’s Bracer.
  • Shan Guo’er studies and practices writing in a sandbox nearby.
• Gao Jing discovers and interacts with Nine Apertures, the Earth-Spirit Cat Soul he manifested from a Steel-Soul Stone. The kitten behaves like a real, affectionate cat and can move between material and spiritual forms.
• Gao Jing realizes that the Steel-Soul Stone is being consumed rapidly whenever Nine Apertures is manifested. He hopes diamonds from the Main World might serve as a superior replacement vessel.
• Gao Jing plans to return to the wilderness the following day to hunt and test his improved combat abilities.
• Shan Guo’er asks to accompany him because she is bored and wants to leave the mountain. Gao Jing refuses, warning that the outside world is too dangerous for her, though she agrees to wait for his return.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Becomes increasingly confident and capable with the Weaver’s Bracer. He enjoys the artifact’s mobility and begins preparing to test himself in real combat. His playful side appears in his delight at using the artifact and caring for Nine Apertures, while his protective instincts emerge in his refusal to take Shan Guo’er into danger.
• Shan Guo’er: Continues improving her literacy through writing practice. She also shows growing independence and curiosity, expressing a desire to explore beyond the settlement rather than remain at home.
• Nine Apertures: Is established as a highly useful and affectionate spiritual companion. Unlike the mindless Weaver’s Bracer, it possesses independent awareness, can follow orders, scout, guard, and behave like a loyal pet.
• Ah Huang: Provides comic relief, remaining confused by the kitten riding unnoticed on his neck.

Significant Themes

• Mastery and growth: Gao Jing’s repeated practice transforms the Weaver’s Bracer from a new artifact into a powerful extension of his abilities.
• Freedom versus danger: The artifact allows Gao Jing to move freely through the mountains, but the wilderness remains dangerous, especially for the vulnerable Shan Guo’er.
• Companionship and affection: Nine Apertures offers Gao Jing emotional comfort and companionship despite being an artificial spiritual creation.
• Resource limitations: The rapid consumption of the Steel-Soul Stone highlights the cost of maintaining Nine Apertures and introduces Gao Jing’s search for a better material.
• Training through experience: Gao Jing recognizes that genuine battles and hunting are necessary to strengthen a Totem Warrior, not merely secluded practice.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing gently cares for and pets Nine Apertures, who responds affectionately before returning to its bell-shaped Steel-Soul Stone form.
• Nine Apertures’s playful presence contrasts with Ah Huang’s bewilderment, creating a lighthearted scene.
• Gao Jing and Shan Guo’er maintain a quiet companionship while training and studying near the Great Falls.
• When Shan Guo’er asks to join his hunt, Gao Jing responds protectively, explaining that the wilderness is too dangerous. Their exchange shows his responsibility toward her and her increasing desire for independence.

Summary of the Chapter

• Key plot points: Gao Jing leaves Mountain Stronghold at dawn to train by hunting. He reaches the forest quickly due to his enhanced physique. He easily kills three Velociraptors with his Totem Warrior powers, realizing they are no longer a challenge. The commotion attracts a group of Gulu Goblins, but before a fight begins, the ground shakes from massive approaching footsteps. The goblins flee in terror, and the footsteps stop directly behind Gao Jing, leaving him facing an unknown colossal threat — the chapter ends on a cliffhanger.
• Character developments: Gao Jing chooses not to live a comfortable life but to push himself on the Transcendent path. He embraces danger and hardship to grow stronger. His battle against the Velociraptors confirms his rapid growth and newfound power as a Totem Warrior.
• Significant themes: Self-improvement through struggle; courage and resolve; the price and rewards of pursuing greater power; transcending one’s past limitations.
• Character interactions: Gao Jing fights and easily dispatches three Velociraptors, then confronts a band of goblins. The goblins, however, panic and flee when a larger unknown creature approaches — setting up a tense confrontation with a mysterious being behind Gao Jing.

Summary: “Launch Day Thoughts”

This is an author’s note rather than a story chapter, written by the narrator (the author) on the day of switching to a paid/premium model.

Key points/events

• The author announces the book is going premium.
• He explains his long career (over a decade of writing) and his traditionally slow, “laid-back” update style.
• He reveals his age (pushing fifty) and health issues (high blood pressure), which prevent him from competing with younger writers in update speed.
• He relies entirely on writing for his livelihood and humbly asks readers to subscribe through legitimate channels.
• He promises the book will be very long, at least longer than his previous work.
• Update plan: six chapters on launch day (all saved up, none held back); starting tomorrow, a guaranteed three chapters per day, sustained by subscriptions.

Character developments

• The author presents himself as honest, modest, and under financial pressure, balancing health limitations with professional commitment.

Significant themes

• The real-life economics of web fiction: author survival depends on reader support.
• The tension between health, age, and demanding update schedules.
• Gratitude toward readers as the foundation of a long-running story.

Character interactions

• Direct, personal address to readers: a plea for support, a promise of dedication, and a sincere thank-you.

Chapter Summary: “Crisis Strikes Without Warning! (First Update)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing discovers that the enormous “creature” that frightened away the Gulu Goblins is actually Shan Guo’er, who has secretly followed him into the wilderness.
• Shan Guo’er explains that Ah Huang tracked Gao Jing’s scent and guided her to him. She is dressed as a young hunter, carrying weapons and supplies.
• Gao Jing angrily scolds her for disobeying him and traveling alone, fearing that dangerous beasts could have attacked her.
• His anger frightens Shan Guo’er, who begins to cry. Gao Jing immediately regrets upsetting her and struggles to comfort her.
• He eventually distracts her with a gigantic rainbow lollipop from his storage space. Shan Guo’er stops crying, apologizes for running away, and promises not to do it again.
• Gao Jing insists on escorting her back to the Mountain Stronghold rather than allowing her to return alone. Shan Guo’er carries him and Ah Huang in her wicker basket.
• During the journey, Ah Huang detects danger. Gao Jing spots two filthy, heavily armed Great Wilderness Giants approaching from outside the stronghold’s direction.
• The strangers appear hostile, carrying bloodstained bone clubs, and begin pursuing Shan Guo’er. Gao Jing realizes she is in immediate danger, orders her to run, and leaps from the basket to confront one of the giants.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: His protective feelings toward Shan Guo’er become increasingly clear; he views her almost as a daughter. Although initially furious, his anger quickly gives way to guilt and concern. He demonstrates responsibility by escorting her home and placing himself between her and the approaching attackers.
• Shan Guo’er: Her adventurous and rebellious side is revealed when she leaves the stronghold to find Gao Jing. Despite her powerful nature and confidence, she is emotionally vulnerable when Gao Jing scolds her. She shows maturity by apologizing and promising to obey him.
• Ah Huang: He proves useful and loyal by tracking Gao Jing, accompanying Shan Guo’er, comforting her when she cries, and detecting the approaching threat.
• Shan Yan: Though absent, his prolonged meditative cultivation indirectly contributes to Shan Guo’er’s loneliness and decision to run away.

Significant Themes

• Protective family-like bonds: Gao Jing’s relationship with Shan Guo’er resembles that of a caring father and daughter, despite their enormous difference in size and background.
• The dangers of disobedience and wilderness: Shan Guo’er’s innocent desire for companionship places her in serious danger, emphasizing the unpredictability of the wilderness.
• Emotional reconciliation: The conflict between Gao Jing and Shan Guo’er is resolved through reassurance, affection, and her willingness to acknowledge her mistake.
• Sudden danger: The peaceful, humorous return journey shifts abruptly into suspense when hostile strangers appear, reinforcing the chapter’s title.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing scolds Shan Guo’er for endangering herself, but quickly softens when she begins crying.
• Shan Guo’er initially ignores him after being upset, yet the giant lollipop wins back her attention and affection.
• Ah Huang supports both characters, comforting Shan Guo’er and later warning them of danger.
• Gao Jing and Shan Guo’er share a playful exchange on the journey, with her repeatedly confirming that he is no longer angry.
• The chapter ends with Gao Jing taking a defensive role against two unknown hostile giants, setting up the coming confrontation.

Chapter Summary: “A Desperate Fight Against Giants!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing recalls Shan Yan’s warning that the Great Wilderness contains dangers beyond beasts and Demon Beasts, including hostile tribes, bandits, refugees, and criminal “Outcasts.”
• Two enormous Sinfolk Giants appear and pursue Gao Jing and Shan Guo’er. Gao Jing deduces that they are likely Outcasts because of their openly malicious behavior.
• Knowing he cannot defeat giants many times his size and strength, Gao Jing orders Shan Guo’er to flee to the village for help while he holds the enemies back.
• Shan Guo’er initially refuses to leave him, but Gao Jing uses a forceful Thunderous Lion’s Roar to make her obey. She runs toward the village, promising to return.
• Gao Jing transforms using the Giant Spirit Totem and confronts the giants. He throws a specially made metal javelin into one giant’s chest, wounding him but failing to cause serious damage.
• When the injured giant attacks, Gao Jing uses the Weaver’s Bracer to swing around him with spider silk, avoiding the kick and slashing the giant’s neck with his Mountain-Cleaving Saber.
• He then strikes a sensitive vital area beneath the giant’s beast-hide clothing, temporarily incapacitating him with excruciating pain.
• Realizing that the second giant is still chasing Shan Guo’er, Gao Jing gives pursuit and uses spider silk to launch himself toward the enemy’s back.
• The second giant anticipates the attack, abruptly stops, grabs the silk, and swings a massive club at Gao Jing while he is airborne. Gao Jing cuts the silk and activates Copper Anchor’s power to retreat, narrowly avoiding the attack.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Demonstrates courage, tactical thinking, and self-sacrifice. Although vastly outmatched physically, he relies on specialized equipment, mobility, surprise attacks, and knowledge of weak points. He also shows strong responsibility toward Shan Guo’er, prioritizing her survival over his own.
• Shan Guo’er: Reveals emotional attachment and loyalty to Gao Jing by refusing to abandon him. Despite her fear and tears, she ultimately accepts his judgment and runs for help, showing maturity and trust.
• The Sinfolk Giants: Initially arrogant and dismissive of Gao Jing, treating him as insignificant. After he wounds one of them, they recognize him as a threat. The second giant displays greater caution and combat awareness by turning Gao Jing’s spider silk tactic against him.

Significant Themes

• Courage against overwhelming odds: Gao Jing knowingly confronts enemies far stronger than himself rather than allowing Shan Guo’er to be captured.
• Strategy over brute force: The fight emphasizes agility, equipment, surprise, and precision rather than direct strength.
• Trust and sacrifice: Gao Jing and Shan Guo’er’s interaction highlights mutual concern, while Gao Jing’s command that she flee reflects protective self-sacrifice.
• The dangers of the wilderness: The chapter expands the threat beyond monsters to include hostile people and organized Outcasts.
• Growth through preparation: Gao Jing’s custom-made javelin and combat tools show that he is adapting to the increasing dangers he faces.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Shan Guo’er clash emotionally when she refuses to flee without him. His harsh command forces her to prioritize survival, while her promise to return demonstrates their bond.
• Gao Jing’s first exchange with the giants is based on deception and surprise: he exploits their underestimation of him to wound and temporarily disable one.
• The battle then becomes a tactical contest. Gao Jing uses spider silk to control movement, but the second giant quickly adapts, turning Gao Jing’s own technique into a trap and forcing him to retreat.

Chapter Summary: “Taking Flight”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After returning from the Great World, Gao Jing is unable to feel relieved because Shan Guo’er remains trapped there, being pursued by a twenty-meter-tall Sinfolk Giant. Although time is frozen in the Great World while he remains away, Gao Jing knows the danger will resume when he returns.
• He desperately searches for a way to defeat the giants. His first idea is to obtain powerful modern weapons, but he realizes that acquiring firearms, explosives, artillery, or missiles would be extremely difficult and dangerous, especially within China.
• Gao Jing’s agitation gradually eases after he spends the night with Ji Yu. During their conversation, Ji Yu casually says that she felt as if she were “flying into the sky.”
• The remark inspires Gao Jing to reconsider his strategy. Instead of fighting the giants on the ground, he decides to gain aerial superiority, reasoning that flying fifty meters or more above the ground would keep him largely out of their reach while allowing him to attack freely.
• The next day, Gao Jing visits the Shanghai Flying Club, a high-end flight-training institution connected to Henghui Bank. He examines the “Dreamer,” a single-person jet flying backpack developed in America.
• The Dreamer uses twin turbojet engines, can reach roughly 100 miles per hour, fly as high as 10,000 feet, and remain airborne for about ten minutes, or twenty minutes with an additional fuel pack. Its intelligent control system assists with balance and safety.
• After watching a demonstration, Gao Jing immediately decides that the flying backpack is the solution he needs. He demands to begin training that day, offers double payment for the best instructor, and orders three Dreamers from available stock.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: His concern for Shan Guo’er reveals that his priorities extend beyond his own survival. Initially overwhelmed and impulsive, he gradually regains his composure and applies practical thinking. His shift from seeking weapons to seeking flight demonstrates adaptability and strategic intelligence. His wealth and decisiveness also allow him to act quickly once he identifies a viable solution.
• Ji Yu: She notices Gao Jing’s unusual emotional state but respects his unwillingness to explain it. Her affection and emotional support help calm him, and her innocent description of “flying into the sky” unintentionally provides the breakthrough he needs.
• Zhang Qiang: The flying-club manager recognizes Gao Jing as an exceptionally wealthy VIP and readily accommodates his urgent demands, especially after hearing his request to purchase three flying backpacks.
• Shan Guo’er: Though absent from the chapter’s present action, her peril motivates Gao Jing’s entire search for a solution.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and protection: Gao Jing’s anxiety centers more on Shan Guo’er’s safety than his own, emphasizing his sense of responsibility toward vulnerable companions.
• Adaptation and strategic thinking: Rather than stubbornly pursuing increasingly powerful weapons, Gao Jing changes the battlefield itself by seeking mobility and air superiority.
• Modern technology versus extraordinary threats: The chapter explores how advanced personal technology may allow an ordinary human to confront beings vastly larger and stronger than himself.
• Emotional turmoil and inspiration: Gao Jing’s distress initially clouds his judgment, but human connection and an incidental remark help restore his creativity and focus.
• Wealth as a practical resource: His financial power gives him access to specialized technology, training, and rapid solutions that would otherwise be unavailable.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Ji Yu share an intimate evening during which she senses his distress. Though he does not reveal the truth, her closeness comforts him.
• Ji Yu’s comment about “flying” triggers Gao Jing’s crucial tactical insight, though she is confused and mildly annoyed when he suddenly becomes excited and leaves to research.
• Gao Jing speaks directly with Manager Zhang at the flying club, immediately establishing his urgency and financial capability. Zhang responds by arranging a demonstration and accepting Gao Jing’s demand for immediate training and multiple purchases.

Chapter Summary: “Money Talks”

Key Plot Points and Events

• At the Shanghai Flying Club, Gao Jing completes the Dreamer Type-3 flight simulator training after only three days of study.
• He scores a perfect result on the theoretical exam and achieves 99 points in simulated flight, astonishing his instructor, Chen Zeyu, who required far more time to reach a lower score.
• Gao Jing requests an actual flight the following day. Although Chen worries about the risks, Gao Jing signs a liability waiver, and the club permits him to proceed because of his exceptional abilities and substantial payment.
• During his first real flight, Gao Jing takes off faster than regulations allow but maintains perfect control and quickly performs advanced maneuvers. He completes the training successfully without needing further practice or a license.
• He pays for three Dreamer Type-3 flight backpacks and arranges for them to be delivered to a secluded location, where he stores them in his upgraded storage space.
• Returning to Cloud City, Gao Jing visits an abandoned quarry and collects seven enormous rocks, intending to use them as weapons against the Sinfolk Giant.
• He purchases large quantities of high-energy fuel and two intelligent 100kW diesel generators, preparing to operate and recharge Copper Anchor in the Great World.
• With his equipment and supplies ready, Gao Jing returns to his villa basement, equips the flight backpack, takes the protective talisman from the old wizard, and prepares to travel back to the Great World.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing demonstrates extraordinary intelligence, physical control, and learning ability. He masters both theory and flight operation far beyond normal human standards.
• His confidence grows as he completes actual flight training almost effortlessly, but his preparations also show that he remains cautious and methodical about confronting future dangers.
• Gao Jing increasingly relies on his wealth, enhanced abilities, and upgraded storage space to acquire specialized equipment and weapons.
• Chen Zeyu shifts from reluctant instructor to impressed admirer. Gao Jing’s talent damages his confidence but also gives him a source of pride, since he can claim to have trained such an exceptional student.
• Zhang Qiang, the club manager, recognizes Gao Jing as a highly profitable and valuable customer and warmly invites him to return.

Significant Themes

• Money as power and access: Gao Jing’s wealth allows him to bypass normal training restrictions, obtain rare equipment and fuel, and persuade the club to accommodate his unusual demands.
• Extraordinary ability versus ordinary standards: Gao Jing’s superhuman capabilities make conventional training requirements nearly meaningless.
• Preparation before confrontation: Rather than rushing blindly into danger, Gao Jing gathers aircraft, fuel, generators, protective equipment, and massive stones to maximize his chances against the Sinfolk Giant.
• Modern technology combined with supernatural power: Flight backpacks, generators, and storage-space technology are integrated with talismans and travel between worlds.
• The widening gap between Gao Jing and ordinary people: His abilities and resources leave instructors and staff unable to understand how he can progress so quickly.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zeyu praises Gao Jing’s simulator performance and struggles to understand how he became so skilled in only three days.
• Gao Jing reassures Chen by offering to accept full responsibility for the risks of an actual flight.
• After the successful flight, Gao Jing thanks Chen and Zhang Qiang and announces that he is leaving because he has achieved his goal.
• Zhang Qiang and Chen are left impressed—and somewhat helplessly amused—by Gao Jing’s wealthy, unconventional behavior.
• Gao Jing’s final interaction is with Copper Anchor: holding the old wizard’s protective talisman, he mentally commands it to take him back to the Great World.

Chapter Summary: “Battle the Giants Again! (Fifth Update)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Copper Anchor’s power activates, returning Gao Jing instantly to the Great World just as a Sinfolk Giant attacks him.
• Gao Jing crushes the talisman plaque, activating its protective light. The giant’s bone club is blocked and its force is completely neutralized.
• Using the Dreamer Type-3 Flight Backpack, Gao Jing launches into the air, rises above the giant, and dives down onto his head with tremendous force. The attack kills the giant instantly.
• The second Sinfolk Giant panics and flees after witnessing his companion’s death.
• Gao Jing pursues him from the air and drops several massive boulders from his storage space. However, the moving giant evades every attack by changing directions unpredictably.
• After the boulders are exhausted, the giant arrogantly threatens to return with reinforcements and cook Gao Jing.
• Gao Jing switches tactics. He sprays the giant with high-energy fuel stored in his dimensional storage, then throws down a lit lighter. The resulting fire engulfs and kills the giant.
• Gao Jing cleans up the battlefield, reorganizes his storage space, and removes the unused boulders from the area.
• He considers hiding the corpses and claiming the giants escaped, but decides this could cause the Mountain Giants to search blindly and encounter a larger enemy force. Instead, he leaves the bodies behind as evidence.
• Roughly half an hour later, a group from the Mountain Stronghold arrives. Gao Jing recognizes a familiar, anxious voice—apparently Shan Guo’er’s—and reacts with delight.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing demonstrates major growth in combat strategy. Rather than directly confronting physically superior giants, he uses defensive talisman protection, aerial mobility, stored objects, and incendiary weapons.
• His successful aerial dive proves that the flight backpack and storage space together provide a powerful method for defeating ordinary giants.
• Gao Jing becomes more confident and resourceful after killing the first giant, realizing he no longer has to risk close combat against much stronger opponents.
• His attitude toward mercy hardens. He believes compassion toward the Sinfolk Giants would be meaningless because they would have killed him and Shan Guo’er without hesitation.
• Gao Jing also shows increasing responsibility toward the Mountain Stronghold by considering the broader consequences of how he reports the giants’ deaths.
• The surviving giant shifts from confidence to terror, then briefly regains arrogance before Gao Jing kills him with a new tactic.

Significant Themes

• Intelligence versus brute strength: Gao Jing defeats the giants not through physical power but through planning, technology, and creative use of resources.
• Adaptation and tactical innovation: When the boulder attacks fail, Gao Jing quickly changes to a wide-area fuel-and-fire attack.
• Survival in a cruel world: Gao Jing accepts that protecting himself and those he cares about requires decisiveness rather than sentimental pity.
• Power and technological advantage: The flight backpack, storage space, talisman, and fuel allow a comparatively small human to overcome giant enemies.
• Responsibility and foresight: Gao Jing’s decision to leave the corpses reflects his concern for the Mountain Tribe’s safety and his awareness of possible enemy scouts.
• Escalating danger: The possibility that the giants belong to an Outcast Gang suggests a larger threat beyond this battle.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing directly clashes with both Sinfolk Giants, first countering one’s attack and then killing him through an aerial strike.
• The second giant reacts to Gao Jing with fear, attempts to escape, and later taunts him with a threat to return with reinforcements.
• Gao Jing responds to the threat by abandoning the ineffective boulder tactic and using fuel as an incendiary weapon.
• Gao Jing’s anticipated reunion with the Mountain Giants, especially the familiar voice of Shan Guo’er, provides an emotional contrast to the brutal battle and signals the return of an important relationship.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Shan Guo’er returns with Shan Tai and more than a dozen Mountain Tribe Totem Warriors to rescue Gao Jing.
• The group discovers that Gao Jing has survived and has killed both Outcasts who attacked him—one with a stone pellet and the other by burning him with the help of a Protective Talisman Plaque and a Witchcraft Artifact.
• A warrior finds a jade pendant bearing an unfamiliar totem on one corpse, along with an unmistakable Outcast Brand. This suggests the attackers belonged to an organized Outcast gang rather than acting alone.
• Shan Tai brings Gao Jing, Shan Guo’er, and the pendant back to the stronghold to consult the Witch Chief, Shan Yan.
• Shan Yan warns that Outcasts become especially active before winter and orders the tribe to strengthen defenses:
  • Hunting parties must travel together.
  • Women gathering supplies must be accompanied by warriors.
  • No one should venture too far from the stronghold.
• Gao Jing is also told to remain inside the stronghold temporarily.
• Shan Yan promises to create another Protective Talisman Plaque for Gao Jing.
• Gao Jing asks permission to rent land within the valley and build a home. Shan Yan warmly approves, allowing him to stay as long as he wishes.

2. Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Demonstrates courage and resourcefulness by defeating both Outcasts. He becomes deeply moved by Shan Guo’er’s concern and realizes he has begun to experience a sense of family and belonging again after his grandfather’s death. His request to build a home shows that he now views the Mountain Stronghold as his true base and a place where he can establish roots.
• Shan Guo’er: Her reckless decision to return and summon help indirectly saves Gao Jing. She is frightened and remorseful after being scolded, but her affection and loyalty toward Gao Jing are clear.
• Shan Tai: Though astonished by Gao Jing’s survival and victories, he trusts Gao Jing’s explanation and responds responsibly to the possible threat. His priority is protecting the tribe rather than acting rashly.
• Shan Yan: Acts as a wise and cautious leader. He rebukes Shan Guo’er but quickly comforts her, prioritizes the tribe’s safety, and shows great trust in Gao Jing by accepting that he has personal secrets. His acceptance gives Gao Jing emotional security and confirms Gao Jing’s respected status within the tribe.

3. Significant Themes

• Family and belonging: Gao Jing’s emotional response to Shan Guo’er’s tears emphasizes his longing for familial warmth and his gradual acceptance by the Mountain Tribe.
• Trust and mutual loyalty: Gao Jing protects Shan Guo’er, while she risks herself to get help. Shan Yan trusts Gao Jing without demanding that he reveal all his abilities.
• Home and rootedness: Gao Jing’s desire to build a house symbolizes his transition from an outsider to someone who wants a permanent place within the community.
• Community protection and vigilance: The suspected Outcast gang highlights the fragility of the newly established Mountain Tribe and the importance of cooperation, preparation, and collective defense.
• Respect for privacy: Shan Yan’s willingness to accept Gao Jing’s secrets reinforces the idea that trust can exist without complete knowledge.

4. Character Interactions

• Shan Guo’er tearfully embraces Gao Jing after finding him alive, and Gao Jing comforts her by wiping away her tears and snot.
• Shan Tai questions Gao Jing about the dead Outcasts but accepts his explanation that magical items enabled the victories.
• Shan Yan sternly questions Shan Guo’er about her actions, then softens and sends her away so the adults can discuss the threat.
• Shan Tai and Shan Yan work together to assess the jade pendant and organize the tribe’s defenses.
• Shan Yan thanks Gao Jing for saving Shan Guo’er and offers him further protection through another talisman.
• Gao Jing asks to establish a permanent home, and Shan Yan’s generous approval strengthens their bond and confirms Gao Jing’s acceptance into the Mountain Tribe.

Chapter Summary: “New Home, New Beginning”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Autumn arrives, bringing colder weather and the migration of Barbarian Bulls and Horned Sheep southward. Since the Mountain Tribe cannot follow the animals, winter preparations—especially gathering food and medicinal herbs—become urgent.
• After Gao Jing and Shan Guo’er’s earlier encounter with Outcasts, Shan Tai leads an elite search party to investigate. They find no evidence of a larger Outcast Gang, and the tribe gradually relaxes while maintaining basic defenses.
• Gao Jing remains in Mountain Stronghold and focuses on cultivation. He practices the Myriad Beasts Battle Art, strengthens his body, condenses Totem Power, and stabilizes his Transcendent foundation rather than rushing to advance realms.
• He continues developing the Giant Spirit Totem, hoping eventually to transform into a true giant. Although the transformation’s current benefits remain limited, Gao Jing stays determined and treats gradual progress as worthwhile.
• Gao Jing’s new home in the stronghold is completed. Designed by him and built with the help of many tribe members, it consists of several wooden buildings modeled after a rustic villa, along with a separate structure intended to hold his future generator.
• During a meal, Shan Guo’er asks about Nine Apertures, the Earth-Spirit Cat Soul. Gao Jing conceals the fact that the Steel-Soul Stone sustaining it is being depleted by claiming that it is resting.
• Gao Jing is preparing to return to the Main World to obtain more coarse salt for the tribe and deal with other matters. Before he leaves, Shan Tai invites him to join a hunt for a Sabertooth Tiger, and Gao Jing enthusiastically accepts.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Becomes increasingly integrated into Mountain Stronghold and is now regarded as a genuine member of the tribe. His cultivation becomes more disciplined and stable, and his combat ability improves despite no realm breakthrough. He remains ambitious about mastering the Giant Spirit Totem and continues supporting the tribe through practical contributions.
• Shan Guo’er: Grows close to Gao Jing, bringing him meals, practicing martial arts with him, and sleeping in his home. Their relationship has developed into one resembling family. She is especially attached to Nine Apertures and shows concern when the creature is absent.
• Shan Tai: Continues acting as a protector and leader of the tribe, first investigating the Outcast threat and later inviting Gao Jing to participate in the dangerous Sabertooth Tiger hunt.
• The Mountain Tribe: Fully accepts Gao Jing, repaying his contributions by helping construct his home. The children and adults alike show affection and gratitude toward him.
• Ah Huang: Has grown into a larger, more imposing Mountain Guard Dog and is beginning to show the qualities of a future loyal hunting companion.
• Nine Apertures: Remains absent while resting in the Steel-Soul Stone, creating a hidden concern for Gao Jing and a source of curiosity for Shan Guo’er.

Significant Themes

• Belonging and family: Gao Jing’s new house symbolizes his transformation from outsider to accepted member of the Mountain Tribe. His domestic life with Shan Guo’er reinforces this newfound sense of family.
• Patience and steady growth: Gao Jing emphasizes gradual cultivation, believing that consistent effort is more valuable than dangerous, premature advancement.
• Mutual support and gratitude: Gao Jing helps the tribe with salt, candy, and protection, while the tribe supports him by building his home and caring for him.
• Preparation and survival: The coming winter forces the tribe to balance daily hunting, food storage, medicine gathering, and vigilance against external threats.
• Hidden burdens and secrecy: Gao Jing must conceal the true condition of Nine Apertures and the existence of his Main World resources, showing the tension between his two lives.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing trains under the guidance of the old shaman and Shan Tai, who help him strengthen his foundation.
• The tribe collectively builds Gao Jing’s new home, demonstrating their appreciation and acceptance of him.
• Shan Guo’er serves Gao Jing medicinal meat and broth, feeds Ah Huang, and questions him about Nine Apertures. Their familiar routine reflects their close, familial bond.
• Shan Tai’s invitation to the Sabertooth Tiger hunt gives Gao Jing an opportunity to deepen his relationship with the tribe and observe a major hunting operation.

Chapter Summary: “Hunting Tigers”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mountain Tribe discovers a pack of nine Sabertooth Tigers—one adult male, four females, and four cubs—near its territory.
• Because winter is approaching, Shan Tai decides to hunt the pack for valuable meat, hides, bones, sinews, fangs, blood, and other materials.
• Fresh tiger blood is especially useful for cultivating Totem Power, so Shan Tai invites Gao Jing to witness the hunt and potentially consume the blood immediately after the tigers are killed.
• A hunting party of five Totem Warriors, seven tribal warriors, and numerous Mountain Guard Dogs sets out before nightfall, when the tigers might escape or launch an ambush.
• The dogs track the tigers through their droppings, and the hunters eventually locate the pack.
• The tigers attempt to protect their cubs and intimidate the approaching giants, but Shan Tai orders a coordinated encirclement.
• When the adult male tiger attacks, the warriors throw newly acquired Black-Iron Spears, while Shan Tai personally confronts the leader.
• Shan Tai’s Battle Aura Armor, a manifestation of his High-Tier Totem Warrior strength, allows him to repel the tiger effortlessly, sending it flying and likely breaking its bones.
• The chapter ends with the battle’s outcome essentially decided in the Mountain Tribe’s favor.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing is increasingly accepted as a genuine member of the Mountain Tribe. His inclusion in the hunt demonstrates that the giants recognize him as a One-Point Totem Warrior deserving of tribal privileges.
• Observing the enormous warriors and their powerful totems makes Gao Jing more aware of the gap between himself and the Great Wilderness’s elite fighters.
• This realization strengthens his determination to cultivate the Giant Spirit Totem and eventually close that gap.
• Shan Tai is shown as a capable leader who plans the hunt carefully and commands the warriors with confidence.
• His overwhelming clash with the male tiger reveals the true power of a High-Tier Totem Warrior, especially one strengthened by the “Earth” Bloodline Origin Essence.
• Gao Jing’s admiration for Shan Tai deepens, and he reacts enthusiastically to Shan Tai’s display of power.

Significant Themes

• Strength and hierarchy: The chapter emphasizes the immense difference between ordinary warriors, Low-Tier Totem Warriors, and High-Tier Totem Warriors.
• Adaptation and ambition: Gao Jing’s recognition of his weakness motivates him to train harder rather than remain satisfied with his current status.
• Survival and resourcefulness: The hunt reflects the tribe’s preparation for winter and its dependence on the wilderness for food, medicine, weapons, and clothing.
• Nature and power: Sabertooth Tigers are formidable predators, but coordinated teamwork, superior weapons, and Totem power allow the Mountain Giants to dominate them.
• Tribal belonging: Gao Jing’s participation shows his gradual integration into Mountain Tribe society.

Character Interactions

• Shan Tai and Gao Jing: Shan Tai treats Gao Jing as a recognized tribal member, explains the value of tiger blood, and allows him to accompany the hunt even though he is not expected to fight.
• Gao Jing and the Mountain warriors: Gao Jing watches the giants with awe, studying their physical strength and visible totems while comparing himself to them.
• Shan Tai and the hunting party: Shan Tai directs the group’s pursuit, organizes the battle formation, and gives the command to attack.
• The hunters and the tiger pack: The Mountain Giants use dogs, formation tactics, metal spears, and coordinated flanking to overpower the defensive tiger family.
• Shan Tai and the male tiger: Their direct collision demonstrates the overwhelming superiority of Shan Tai’s Battle Aura Armor and establishes the decisive outcome of the hunt.

Chapter Summary: The Great Wilderness Had No Room for Mercy

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shan Tai and the Mountain Tribe’s warriors finish hunting a pack of Sabertooth Tigers. Shan Tai easily defeats the male tiger, while the warriors kill or severely wound the remaining adults with Black-Iron Spears.
• The two surviving tigresses attempt to flee with their cubs, but the hunters anticipate their escape and kill the adult tigers. The cubs are also killed because the tribe believes they would grow up and seek revenge.
• The warriors collect the male tiger’s blood. Shan Tai gives Gao Jing a bowl, instructing him to drink it while it is fresh.
• The tiger blood produces an intense, fiery energy in Gao Jing’s body. He uses the Totem Primer to refine this power into his Scarlet Python Rune-Seal, greatly strengthening his body and totem power.
• The tribe returns to the Mountain Stronghold, where the Sabertooth Tigers are butchered. Their meat, hides, bones, and other parts are carefully preserved and distributed.
• Shan Tai later gives Gao Jing an exceptionally fine tiger pelt for winter bedding, explaining that the High Shaman approved the gift because Gao Jing has helped the tribe.
• After nearly two months in the stronghold, Gao Jing says goodbye to the old shaman and Shan Guo’er and prepares to return to the Main World.
• He switches from the smaller Pipi Rhino to an adult Pack Beast to transport larger quantities of valuable lumber, including Purple Sandalwood and Little-Leaf Red Sandalwood. He plans to reduce his reliance on Purple Sandalwood sales and develop new sources of wealth.

Character Developments

• Shan Tai demonstrates the overwhelming strength of a High-Tier Totem Warrior, killing the male Sabertooth Tiger almost effortlessly. His treatment of Gao Jing also reveals generosity and growing regard for him.
• Gao Jing becomes more integrated into Mountain Tribe life. He accepts the tribe’s harsh survival logic, abandoning his initial pity for the tiger cubs after learning that surviving tigers would likely seek revenge.
• Gao Jing’s cultivation advances after drinking the tiger blood, giving him a powerful boost of energy and reinforcing his Scarlet Python Rune-Seal.
• His gratitude toward the Mountain Tribe deepens. After receiving the tiger pelt, he resolves to bring better goods back to the tribe rather than merely exchanging coarse salt.
• The Mountain Tribe’s warriors are shown to be disciplined, experienced hunters who work cooperatively and understand the behavior of dangerous beasts.

Significant Themes

• Survival over mercy: The chapter emphasizes that the Great Wilderness is governed by ruthless practicality. Sparing the cubs could endanger the tribe later, so compassion must yield to survival.
• Strength and hierarchy: Shan Tai’s effortless victory highlights the vast gap between ordinary Wild Beasts and powerful Totem Warriors.
• Reciprocity and loyalty: The tiger pelt represents the tribe’s appreciation for Gao Jing’s contributions, while Gao Jing’s desire to return with valuable goods shows his growing sense of obligation toward them.
• Abundance and adaptation: Every part of the tiger is used, reflecting the tribe’s efficient exploitation of scarce or dangerous resources. Gao Jing likewise adapts his trade strategy to the enormous resources of the Great World.
• Community and celebration: The hunt becomes a communal event, with the tribe sharing labor, food, and excitement around the bonfires.

Character Interactions

• Shan Tai commands the hunt and later personally gives Gao Jing tiger blood and a tiger pelt.
• Shan Bao assists Gao Jing by carrying him, retrieving the jar, and collecting the tiger blood for him.
• A tribal warrior explains to Gao Jing why the cubs must be killed, helping him understand the tribe’s harsh customs.
• Gao Jing shares the stronghold’s festive atmosphere with Shan Guo’er and the other children.
• Gao Jing’s farewell to the old shaman and Shan Guo’er marks another step in his growing relationship with the Mountain Tribe before his return to the Main World.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing returns from the Great World and follows his usual readjustment routine: bathing, sleeping, and resting until his body and mind recover.
• He reorganizes his expanded Copper Anchor storage space, moving several hundred tons of valuable Purple Sandalwood and Little-Leaf Red Sandalwood into his garage and basement. He plans to release the wood gradually to avoid disrupting the high-end market.
• Gao Jing carefully optimizes the storage space because storing and retrieving objects consumes both Faith Power and mental energy, with the cost increasing according to an item’s size, weight, quantity, and frequency of movement.
• He examines the bell containing his spirit pet, the Earth-Spirit Cat Soul, now named Nine Apertures. The Steel-Soul Stone sustaining it has shrunk significantly, meaning Nine Apertures can no longer remain manifested for long.
• After feeding himself at a restaurant in Vientiane City, Gao Jing visits a jewelry store. Nine Apertures senses a diamond ring and enthusiastically urges him to buy it.
• Instead of purchasing the ring, Gao Jing asks about loose diamonds and ultimately buys two three-carat stones after negotiating with the store manager. He chooses reasonably priced diamonds because they are temporary necessities and believes he has discovered a much cheaper way to obtain diamonds in the future.

Character Development

• Gao Jing demonstrates growing experience and discipline in managing his repeated travel between worlds, his resources, and his physical condition.
• His planning becomes more methodical, particularly in organizing the Copper Anchor and controlling the effects of mental exhaustion.
• He shows increasing affection and responsibility toward Nine Apertures, recognizing that the spirit pet requires companionship, care, and eventually a better Steel-Soul Stone.
• Gao Jing remains financially cautious despite his wealth. He understands the inflated pricing of diamonds and refuses to overspend on objects he considers temporary supplies.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing interacts warmly with Nine Apertures, allowing the cat soul to manifest, petting it, and responding to its emotional needs.
• Nine Apertures communicates through powerful intentions and repeated meows, demanding the diamond ring and influencing Gao Jing’s purchase.
• The jewelry saleswoman enthusiastically assists Gao Jing, compliments his appearance and taste, and recognizes him as a potentially important customer.
• The store manager takes over the negotiation after learning Gao Jing wants multiple expensive loose diamonds, moving the transaction into a private VIP room.
• Gao Jing bargains with the staff and purchases two diamonds without revealing his true purpose.

Significant Themes

• Resource management and preparation: Gao Jing carefully balances valuable materials, storage capacity, mental energy, and future needs.
• The bond between master and spirit pet: Nine Apertures is not merely a tool; it has desires and emotional needs, requiring affection and long-term care.
• Practicality versus luxury: Although surrounded by expensive goods, Gao Jing views the diamonds as functional consumables rather than status symbols.
• Caution in wealth and commerce: He avoids flooding the sandalwood market and refuses to be overcharged by the jewelry industry, emphasizing patience, strategy, and self-reliance.

Chapter Summary: "A Ghost That Wouldn't Go Away"

Key Plot Points

1. Gao Jing tests the Earth-Spirit Cat Soul Bell: He purchases a 3-carat diamond (over a million yuan, F-color, VG-cut) and conducts an experiment—tossing the diamond into a corner, then commanding the cat spirit Nine Apertures to retrieve it. The cat succeeds instantly.
2. Transferring the cat spirit: Using Zhi Qi's method, Gao Jing presses the worn Steel-Soul Stone against the diamond with Totem Power, successfully transferring Nine Apertures' essence into the new diamond vessel. The cat becomes more vivid and lifelike.
3. Qin Jingye's persistent calls: This is now the fourth call from the Qin Family representative about the Hundred-Fruit Wine (Mountain Ape Wine). Gao Jing finally agrees to a meeting at Dragon-Phoenix Teahouse at 9 AM tomorrow.
4. Strategic counter-move: Gao Jing calls Niu Jinxing, planning to use the Niu Family as a competing channel to sell Mountain Ape Wine—creating competition to keep the Qin Family in check.

Business Strategy Reflections

• Gao Jing deliberately overpaid for the diamond (paying an "intelligence tax") rather than trading cheap cigarettes/liquor to Zhi Qi for Steel-Soul Stones, because he refuses to step into Zhi Qi's trap or destroy the luxury mystique of his goods.
• He establishes a core principle: scarcity = value. Selling items like cabbages would destroy their worth; maintaining "style" is essential for thousand-fold profits.
• He suspects Zhi Qi is using the cigarettes and wine to curry favor with powerful figures, which actually serves Gao Jing's interests.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Shows strategic patience and business acumen. He's willing to spend money freely when necessary but refuses to be exploited. He's measured in dealing with the Qin Family—negotiating first, but ready to turn ruthless if they resort to underhanded tactics.
• Nine Apertures: Successfully upgraded to a new diamond vessel; becomes more real, more connected to Gao Jing (intimacy +10086), and can serve as sentry/scout/guard for his villa.

Significant Themes

• Luxury pricing and "style": The principle that perceived value is more important than actual cost—how branding and scarcity create immense profit margins.
• Maintaining leverage: Refusing to fall into traps laid by others; never letting counterparties dictate terms; using competition to control negotiations.
• Cross-world resource arbitrage: Main World money buys cheap goods that are priceless in the Great World; the intelligence tax is worth paying to preserve strategic advantages.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing & Nine Apertures: Successful bond deepening; Gao Jing promises a bigger diamond home later.
• Gao Jing & Qin Jingye: Tense but civil—Gao Jing ends the constant calls by agreeing to a face-to-face meeting.
• Gao Jing & Niu Jinxing: Brief call setting up a parallel sales channel, demonstrating his plan to outmaneuver the Qin Family through competition.

Chapter Summary: Keep Them at Arm's Length

Key Plot Points

• Qin Jingye, a senior figure of the Jiangnan Qin Family and Jianghai Fund (controlling ¥50B+), waits at Dragon-Phoenix Teahouse to meet Gao Jing
• His purpose is to purchase Gao Jing's Hundred-Fruit Wine (made from Mountain Ape Wine) to help his elderly Third Grand-Aunt, whose health is failing after surgery
• Gao Jing arrives and reveals that Hundred-Fruit Wine will be auctioned—at least ten bottles annually—to handle the growing demand
• The first auction will be held in Shanghai in a few days; Gao Jing promises to notify Qin Jingye of details
• Gao Jing declines Qin Jingye's offer of friendship and future favors, choosing to keep his distance
• A silent confrontation occurs between Gao Jing and Qin Jingye's companion (the man in black), where Gao Jing's aura overwhelms the man

Character Developments

• Gao Jing: Displays shrewdness and careful diplomacy—he remains reserved, avoids entangling himself with powerful families' internal affairs, and uses the auction model both to defuse pressure and maximize profits
• Qin Jingye: Portrayed as surprisingly humble and sincere, motivated by genuine filial piety toward his Third Grand-Aunt; shows restraint and wisdom by avoiding intimidation tactics despite his family's power
• The man in black (Seventh Brother): Initially aggressive and hot-tempered, wanting to use force; is completely cowed by Gao Jing's unseen aura and left shaken and silent

Significant Themes

• Power and restraint: True authority is shown through composure, not aggression
• Filial piety: Qin Jingye's vulnerability stems from gratitude and duty toward his elder
• Strategic distance: Gao Jing's philosophy—avoid unnecessary entanglements with powerful clans; keep dealings transactional and fair
• Fairness as protection: Using auctions is framed as a just solution that also shields the seller from accusations of favoritism

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing and Qin Jingye: Cordial but guarded; Qin Jingye is unexpectedly warm and humble, Gao Jing remains polite but emotionally detached
• Gao Jing and the man in black: A wordless power struggle—Gao Jing's single glance intimidates the man into stillness
• Qin Jingye and his assistant Fu Meiling: A comfortable, informal dynamic; she observes his unusual behavior with surprise
• Qin Jingye and the man in black: An older-brother/younger-brother dynamic; Qin Jingye scolds him for suggesting violence, revealing the family's awareness of its public scrutiny

Chapter Summary: “New Discovery”

Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing drives Ji Yu from their previous meeting toward Shanghai, where they plan to stay at the Jin Mao Grand Hyatt Hotel.
• To keep Ji Yu company during the long trip, Gao Jing unexpectedly brings along Nine Apertures, his intelligent tabby spiritual cat.
• Ji Yu immediately becomes enamored with the kitten, taking selfies with it and posting them to her private circle of friends on Moments.
• Her friends quickly notice that the photo was taken inside a luxury BMW and begin speculating that Ji Yu has found a new boyfriend. Her best friend privately confronts her after learning that she had previously been seen entering Gao Jing’s deep-blue BMW 760Li.
• Ji Yu insists that Gao Jing is only an ordinary friend, though her embarrassment and glances toward him suggest she has complicated feelings about their relationship.
• After arriving in Shanghai, Gao Jing and Ji Yu check into the same Diplomat Suite at the Jin Mao Grand Hyatt. Ji Yu continues playing with Nine Apertures, impressed by its intelligence and obedience.
• Gao Jing realizes that Ji Yu’s popular cat photo may reveal a new way to promote or benefit from Nine Apertures’ unusual qualities. This inspires an important new idea, though the chapter does not yet reveal it.
• Niu Jinxing calls Gao Jing and arranges to meet him at the hotel. Gao Jing is in Shanghai to attend Jia Shang Auction House’s auction, where ten bottles of his Hundred-Fruit Wine will be sold.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing is shown as considerate and increasingly strategic. He brings Nine Apertures to comfort Ji Yu, trusts the cat’s intelligence, and quickly recognizes the commercial or social potential of the attention it receives online.
• Ji Yu appears relaxed and emotionally content after reuniting with Gao Jing. She is still unemployed and has been isolating herself at home, but the trip and Nine Apertures noticeably lift her spirits. Her denial that Gao Jing is her boyfriend reveals embarrassment and possible romantic uncertainty.
• Nine Apertures demonstrates strong intelligence, obedience, and social awareness. It recognizes Gao Jing’s scent on Ji Yu, willingly accepts her affection, and responds to her call immediately.
• Niu Jinxing continues working to maintain his relationship with Gao Jing. He has helped secure the Hundred-Fruit Wine’s place in the auction and remains highly enthusiastic about cooperating with him.

Significant Themes

• Emerging romance and ambiguity: Ji Yu and Gao Jing behave with the familiarity of a couple, while Ji Yu publicly denies that they are romantically involved.
• The power of social attention: A simple photo of Nine Apertures attracts immediate interest, suggesting that online popularity may become valuable to Gao Jing.
• Extraordinary abilities in ordinary life: Nine Apertures’ spiritual intelligence is treated casually, but its unusual behavior could have significant practical consequences.
• Networking and opportunity: Gao Jing’s auction success depends heavily on Niu Jinxing’s connections, emphasizing the importance of relationships and social status.
• Comfort and companionship: Ji Yu’s mood improves through both Gao Jing’s company and her interaction with the kitten.

Character Interactions

• Gao Jing gently encourages Ji Yu to rest and deliberately introduces Nine Apertures as her companion.
• Ji Yu enthusiastically pets, kisses, photographs, and praises Nine Apertures, while the kitten responds favorably to her affection.
• Ji Yu’s best friend teases and interrogates her about Gao Jing, reflecting the close scrutiny within her social circle.
• Gao Jing and Ji Yu exchange warm, understated looks during the drive, hinting at mutual attraction.
• At the hotel, Ji Yu and Nine Apertures quickly form a strong bond, while Gao Jing observes their interaction and begins developing a new plan.
• Gao Jing and Niu Jinxing coordinate their upcoming meeting and the auction of the Hundred-Fruit Wine.

Chapter Summary: “Bigshots Gathered”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Jing reunites with Niu Jinxing, who greets him with his usual exaggerated enthusiasm. Despite Niu’s flamboyant persona, Gao Jing understands that it masks a shrewd and calculating nature.
• Gao introduces Ji Yu as his personal legal counsel. Niu introduces Zhang Ying, Fuli Group’s business manager and his sister-in-law. The four share a relaxed dinner, with Ji Yu and Zhang Ying quickly becoming friendly while Gao and Niu discuss the upcoming Hundred-Fruit Wine auction.
• Gao explains his strategy: use the auction to raise the wine’s reputation and price, turning it into a major long-term source of funding. He is no longer overly concerned about powerful families coveting the wine, believing he can retreat to the Great World and return once he becomes a wizard if necessary.
• The following day, Gao takes Ji Yu shopping for upscale clothes under the excuse of purchasing work attire. She ultimately accompanies him to the auction dressed elegantly.
• At the Global Financial Center, Gao, Ji Yu, Niu, and Zhang attend the reception before the auction. Niu identifies several influential guests, including “Bigshot Fei,” a major entertainment-industry figure, and Wang Baoshi, the wealthy “Nation’s Husband” and founder of Ruby Fund.
• Niu reveals that he has come partly on behalf of his family. If no one else bids on the wine, he will buy it himself. Gao has also promised to sell the Niu Family two bottles at the lowest auction price as repayment for their support.
• The auction begins with a bottle of Hundred-Fruit Wine as the first lot. The auction house gives it an exaggerated but vague description and sets the starting price at 100,000 yuan.
• After an initial silence, bidder No. 39 immediately offers one million yuan, leading many guests to suspect a staged bid. Young Master Zhou then bids two million, proving that the wine is likely genuinely valuable. The bidding continues when someone offers three million yuan.

Character Developments

• Gao Jing becomes more confident and assertive. He is willing to make the Hundred-Fruit Wine publicly desirable rather than hiding indefinitely, reflecting his growing power and willingness to confront major families.
• Niu Jinxing continues to use an exaggerated, jovial persona, but his loyalty and practical support for Gao are clear. His family is prepared to protect Gao’s interests financially, and their earlier tension has been resolved.
• Ji Yu increasingly acts as Gao’s close companion as well as his legal counsel. She accepts his teasing and schemes with resignation, shows interest in high society, and reacts admiringly to celebrity figures.
• Zhang Ying provides a social connection for Ji Yu and quickly forms a friendly rapport with her.
• Niu Jinxing’s family is characterized as powerful, loyal, and strategically supportive, willing to invest in Gao’s product if necessary.

Significant Themes

• Public image versus true identity: Niu’s boisterous behavior is presented as a deliberate mask for a more calculating personality, while the auction’s elegant social atmosphere is also described as a world of people “wearing masks.”
• Power and confidence: Gao’s willingness to expose the wine to elite bidders shows that he is no longer intimidated by powerful families such as the Qin Family.
• Wealth and social influence: The reception illustrates how elite society operates through reputation, connections, celebrity, and displays of status.
• Manufactured prestige: The auction house’s claim that the wine was “handcrafted by a master” highlights how luxury products are packaged and marketed to create value.
• Loyalty and alliances: Niu’s support demonstrates the importance of trusted relationships as Gao expands his influence.

Character Interactions

• Niu greets Gao with an exuberant hug, reinforcing their close friendship and his theatrical personality.
• Gao and Niu discuss the auction privately, with Niu warning Gao about the influential bidders and Gao reassuring him that he is prepared for the risks.
• Ji Yu and Zhang Ying bond during dinner and later attend the auction together with the men.
• Gao takes Ji Yu shopping and playfully manipulates her into accepting luxury clothing, showing their comfortable and teasing relationship.
• Niu points out major figures to Gao, helping him navigate the elite gathering.
• The wealthy guests compete socially in the reception hall, while the first bids on the Hundred-Fruit Wine transform the room’s skepticism into intense interest.