Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Tenfold Earth Fluctuation Slash”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold becomes discouraged after developing the Shadow Profound Truth, realizing that his research into increasing speed unexpectedly led him to discover how to make wind cast shadows. Nevertheless, he recognizes it as part of the Wind Law and sees its potential for creating numerous illusions useful for escape.
• By July of Yulan Calendar Year 1, Arnold has advanced to the ninth rank, requiring only about two and a half years to progress from the eighth rank. His rapid cultivation is attributed to his successful fusion with wind elemental essence, which increases spiritual force even faster than earth elemental essence.
• Arnold continues researching his ultimate technique, attempting to combine Gravity Law with Earthquake Sacred Armor to improve Gravity Prison. He concludes that warriors may be better suited than mages to directly express laws through battle-qi and physical strength.
• Turning his attention to Earth Fluctuation, Arnold studies how to multiply the vibration waves within his attacks. He realizes that his previous technique, Earth Rend, is essentially a single vibration wave.
• He renames the technique Earth Fluctuation Slash, naming each version according to the number of vibration waves it contains: First Layer, Second Layer, and so on.
• Arnold destroys the trees around his secluded training valley while repeatedly testing the technique. Even trees that appear unharmed are internally damaged and collapse from the slightest touch.
• After moving to another valley, a struggling warrior accidentally shatters one of the damaged trees. Inspired by the incident, the warrior begins training more diligently and eventually achieves success of his own.
• Arnold quickly masters two and three vibration waves, but increasing the number from four through ten takes three months of increasingly difficult research. He ultimately completes the Tenfold Earth Fluctuation Slash.
• In late autumn, Arnold ends his secluded experimentation and visits Yale before leaving for the Magnolia Empire.

Character Development

• Arnold continues to demonstrate extraordinary cultivation speed and a highly inventive approach to the laws. He is now a twenty-year-old ninth-rank Archmage, though he remains modest and refuses to overestimate himself.
• His research becomes more systematic: rather than abandoning incomplete ideas, he sets them aside until he finds a clearer direction, eventually transforming Earth Rend into a stronger, layered technique.
• Arnold’s goal shifts from isolated experimentation to practical combat. He plans to travel, challenge powerful experts, and use real battles to break through into the Saint Domain.
• Yale remains supportive and sociable, visiting Arnold and encouraging him to participate in social gatherings. He is amazed by Arnold’s advancement and shares news about Linley and their other companions.
• A nameless low-level warrior is indirectly influenced by Arnold’s training. Discovering the hidden power in Arnold’s damaged trees motivates him to work harder and eventually achieve personal success.

Significant Themes

• Persistent cultivation and experimentation: Arnold advances by repeatedly testing, refining, and renaming techniques rather than relying solely on established methods.
• Different paths to understanding power: The chapter contrasts mages, who must create spells to express their insights, with warriors, who can use battle-qi and strength to manifest laws more directly.
• Humility amid exceptional talent: Despite his unprecedented advancement, Arnold insists that reaching the ninth rank is not enough and that only entering the Saint Domain will make him truly comparable to great experts.
• Indirect influence: Arnold’s training unintentionally inspires another warrior, showing how strength and dedication can affect others even without direct interaction.
• Preparation for greater challenges: The completion of the Tenfold Earth Fluctuation Slash marks the end of one stage of Arnold’s growth and the beginning of his search for real combat experience.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Yale discuss Arnold’s breakthrough, his astonishing cultivation speed, and Linley’s increasing strength as an awakened Dragonblood Warrior.
• Yale praises Arnold but also acknowledges that Linley’s combat power is greater than his rank suggests. Arnold responds modestly, emphasizing that Linley’s reputation is deserved.
• The two express concern over Linley’s continued conflict with the Radiant Church and hope that Linley reaches the Saint Domain soon enough to survive encounters with Saint Domain experts.
• Yale advises Arnold to find George after reaching the Magnolia Empire, since its large mage population and magical culture may provide valuable opportunities.
• Their warm farewell ends with Arnold beginning his journey toward the Magnolia Empire, seeking stronger opponents and the breakthrough to the Saint Domain.

Chapter Summary: “The Youth’s Ambition”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Magnolia Empire is introduced as the oldest empire on the Yulan Continent. Although it once unified the continent, repeated conflicts have reduced it to one of four major empires. It remains the continent’s strongest economic power and a center of magical education.
• A merchant caravan traveling from the O’Brien Empire toward the Magnolia Empire stops near the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
• Pitero, a young man with exceptionally poor magical talent, practices refining magical power despite his family’s discouragement. His uncle, Teren, a powerful Fifth-level Warrior, mocks and scolds him for continuing to pursue magic.
• Arnold emerges from the Magical Beast Mountain Range accompanied by the Red-Eyed Black Dragon. Arnold wears a mage’s robe but also carries a sword, suggesting that he practices both magic and battle qi.
• The presence of Red-Eyed’s dragon might frightens the caravan’s horses and alarms the guards. Arnold orders the dragon to suppress his aura, then pays thirty gold coins to join the caravan traveling toward the Magnolia Empire.
• Arnold and Red-Eyed continue their journey after Arnold’s separation from Yale. Arnold had traveled into the mountain range specifically to find the Red-Eyed Black Dragon and establish a Master-Servant Contract with him.
• Red-Eyed’s small size is explained as a special ability of his mutant Black Dragon bloodline. Although he can shrink far more than ordinary dragons, his pride leads him to remain approximately three meters tall.
• Arnold demonstrates his speed by using the Wind Escape Technique to reach the carriage almost instantaneously. Teren is impressed and intimidated, while Pitero becomes fascinated by Arnold’s strength.
• Teren offers Arnold wine and begins speaking with him. Pitero watches anxiously, regretting that he did not think to approach Arnold first, and starts hoping that Arnold might become his master.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Presents himself as a powerful but understated mage who is comfortable traveling with ordinary people. His sword, speed, and dragon companion reveal that his abilities extend beyond conventional magic. He also shows authority over Red-Eyed, who obeys him despite his proud nature.
• Pitero: Despite possessing the weakest magical talent imaginable—low-grade wind and fire affinities and only eight times ordinary spiritual force—he refuses to abandon magic. Meeting Arnold awakens a stronger sense of ambition and the hope of finding a powerful mentor.
• Teren: A Fifth-level Warrior who looks down on Pitero’s magical aspirations. However, Arnold’s strength immediately changes his attitude, causing him to become respectful and eager to please.
• Red-Eyed Black Dragon: Remains proud and intimidating even after shrinking himself and suppressing his dragon might. His unusual ability to alter his size highlights his mutant lineage and distinguishes him from ordinary dragons.

Significant Themes

• Ambition despite limitations: Pitero’s persistence shows that determination can survive even when natural talent is poor.
• The influence of powerful role models: Arnold’s arrival transforms Pitero’s vague desire to study magic into a concrete ambition to become stronger and seek a master.
• Power and social status: Teren treats Pitero harshly because of their difference in strength, but immediately becomes deferential toward Arnold, demonstrating how power determines respect.
• Hidden strength and identity: Arnold appears to be merely a traveling mage, yet his speed, sword, and dragon companion reveal that he is far more formidable than he initially seems.
• Pride and obedience: Red-Eyed’s reluctance to shrink further contrasts with his obedience to Arnold, emphasizing both his dragon pride and the authority of their contract.

Character Interactions

• Teren repeatedly criticizes Pitero’s decision to continue practicing magic, while Pitero responds submissively because Teren is much stronger.
• Pitero diverts Teren’s attention when Arnold appears, unintentionally leading both of them to notice the mysterious mage and his dragon.
• The caravan guards negotiate Arnold’s passage, accepting his payment despite their initial fear.
• Teren cautiously welcomes Arnold by offering him wine, and Arnold’s acceptance leads to a friendly conversation.
• Pitero observes their interaction from the side, becoming increasingly frustrated that he cannot enter the conversation or present himself to Arnold as a potential student.

Chapter Summary: “Intercept and Kill”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold, Teren, and Pitero discuss Pitero’s limited magical talent and stronger potential as a warrior. Arnold defends Pitero’s decision to pursue magic, arguing that personal interest is as important as natural ability.
• Pitero asks Arnold for magical guidance. Although Arnold plans to leave the caravan once it reaches a town in the Yulan Continent, he agrees to teach Pitero occasionally during the journey.
• The caravan resumes traveling toward the Magnolia Empire along a dangerous road near the Magical Beast Mountain Range, where magical beasts and bandits are common threats.
• After several peaceful days, Arnold senses approximately one hundred people approaching the caravan from several hundred meters away. He correctly identifies them as likely bandits and alerts Pitero.
• Pitero wakes Teren, who informs the caravan’s guards. Although some initially doubt the warning, mercenary leader Dolong trusts Arnold’s judgment and prepares the guards for battle.
• The approaching bandits are led by Doli, a Seventh-level Upper Warrior known as “Skinny Monkey Doli,” a nickname he despises. Doli demands two hundred thousand gold coins—twice the caravan’s entire escort payment—or threatens to attack.
• Dolong refuses to submit and orders the mercenaries to fight. The battle begins, with the bandits charging, archers firing, and Dolong confronting Doli.
• Unexpectedly, another warrior intercepts Dolong. After their first exchange, Dolong realizes the newcomer is also an Eighth-level Lower Warrior, creating a serious disadvantage for the caravan because no other mercenary appears capable of matching Doli.

Character Developments

• Arnold demonstrates compassion and sound judgment by defending Pitero’s personal ambitions despite his poor magical talent. He also reveals exceptional sensitivity to his surroundings through wind-element comprehension, detecting the bandits long before anyone else.
• Pitero becomes more devoted to Arnold and more hopeful about improving his magic. His diligence is emphasized, as he meditates despite his low elemental affinities and difficult rate of advancement. He also acts promptly and responsibly when Arnold warns him of the approaching danger.
• Teren shows respect for Arnold’s wisdom and accepts his guidance. His experience as a veteran mercenary allows him to react quickly once alerted.
• Dolong is established as a capable and experienced mercenary leader. Though initially willing to negotiate, he refuses Doli’s unreasonable demand and confidently organizes the caravan’s defense.
• Doli is portrayed as aggressive, proud, and sensitive about his past. His anger over the nickname “Skinny Monkey” reveals an enduring resentment from being bullied when he was younger.

Significant Themes

• Talent versus personal interest: Arnold argues that natural ability alone does not determine success; genuine interest and dedication are essential, as shown by Pitero’s persistence.
• Mentorship and encouragement: Arnold’s willingness to guide Pitero gives the young mage hope and reinforces Arnold’s kind-hearted nature.
• Preparation and vigilance: Arnold’s perception and Dolong’s readiness prevent the caravan from being caught completely by surprise.
• Power and hidden danger: Doli’s demand and the appearance of an additional high-level warrior suggest that the bandits possess unexpected strength and may have planned the ambush carefully.
• Determination despite disadvantage: Pitero’s continued training and Dolong’s refusal to surrender reflect the characters’ resolve when facing unfavorable circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Teren debate Pitero’s choice to study magic, with Arnold respectfully defending him.
• Pitero seeks Arnold’s mentorship, strengthening their developing relationship.
• Arnold warns Pitero of the approaching bandits, and Pitero relays the information to Teren.
• Teren informs Dolong and the other mercenaries, showing the caravan’s chain of trust and cooperation.
• Dolong and Doli exchange threats before the conflict begins, with Doli attempting intimidation and Dolong responding defiantly.
• During the opening clash, Dolong is unexpectedly confronted by a powerful warrior other than Doli, raising the danger of the battle.

Chapter Summary: The Might of the Greater Gravity Spell

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold joins the battle against the bandits after Teren leaves to assist the mercenaries.
• He casts a massively amplified Greater Gravity Spell over a fifty-meter radius, affecting only the bandits.
• The spell crushes roughly half the bandits to death and immobilizes the survivors, including an Eighth-level Warrior who had been evenly matched with the mercenary captain, Dolong.
• Taking advantage of the bandits’ helplessness, the mercenaries kill them all.
• The mercenary corps suffers only one serious injury and several minor ones, avoiding the heavy casualties they would otherwise have faced.
• Dolong thanks Arnold and orders Teren and Pitero to show Arnold greater respect.
• That night, the mercenaries debate Arnold’s strength. They conclude that his gravity magic must exceed the power of a Ninth-level spell and speculate that he may be a Saint Domain Magus.
• Arnold overhears their discussion. Though pleased by the admiration, he becomes serious because he knows he is not truly at the Saint Domain level.
• Arnold observes Pitero’s meditation and notices that Pitero is unconsciously attracting earth elements despite claiming to lack earth-element affinity.
• Arnold has Pitero meditate while focusing exclusively on earth elements. Pitero discovers that he possesses an unusually strong affinity for earth magic, even greater than his affinity for wind magic.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Becomes increasingly fond of displaying his power and enjoys the admiration his spell earns. However, he remains aware of the vast gap between his abilities and true Saint Domain power, showing humility and caution beneath his confidence.
• Dolong: Develops greater respect and gratitude toward Arnold after witnessing how decisively Arnold saves the mercenary corps.
• Pitero: Is impressed and excited by Arnold’s strength but tries to appear disciplined by cultivating nearby. His discovery of his exceptional earth affinity marks a major potential change in his magical development.
• Mercenaries: Their view of Arnold shifts from respect to awe and even fear as they begin treating him as a possible Saint Domain expert.
• Old Blackhead: Provides the most logical analysis of Arnold’s spell, though he privately doubts that someone so young could truly be a Saint Domain Magus.

Significant Themes

• Power and perception: Arnold’s spell is strong enough to make experienced warriors misjudge his actual level, demonstrating how easily overwhelming power creates legends.
• Humility versus pride: Arnold enjoys showing off but understands that he is not yet comparable to a true Saint Domain expert.
• Hidden potential: Pitero’s unexpected earth affinity suggests that people may possess talents they have never recognized or developed.
• Respect earned through action: Arnold gains the mercenaries’ loyalty and admiration by directly preventing severe casualties.
• The limits of knowledge: The mercenaries use established magical theory to assess Arnold, but his unusual abilities fall outside what they understand.

Character Interactions

• Arnold commands Dolong to finish the immobilized bandits, and Dolong immediately follows his instruction.
• Dolong later thanks Arnold personally and tells Teren and Pitero to treat him respectfully.
• The mercenaries argue over Arnold’s rank, with Tuo De proposing that he is at least a Ninth-level Archmage and Old Blackhead suggesting he must be a Saint Domain Magus.
• Arnold silently listens to their conversation from a distance, amused by their admiration but concerned by their mistaken conclusion.
• Arnold notices something unusual in Pitero’s cultivation, interrupts his meditation, and guides him toward testing his earth-element affinity.
• Pitero follows Arnold’s instructions and discovers a remarkable abundance of earth elements around him, revealing a potentially powerful new path of development.

Chapter Summary: “I’m of the Don’t-Listen School”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pitero discovers, under Arnold’s guidance, that he possesses the highest-grade earth-element affinity, in addition to his wind and fire affinities.
• Arnold suggests that Pitero’s earlier magic aptitude test was falsified. Pitero realizes that Young Master Ruxi likely bribed the testing priest to conceal his earth affinity, preventing him from entering a magic academy.
• Arnold humorously refuses to hear the full story behind Pitero and Ruxi’s grudge, calling himself part of the “don’t-listen school” and telling Pitero to take revenge after becoming powerful.
• Pitero asks Arnold to accept him as a disciple. Arnold does not agree, instead questioning what benefit Pitero could offer him and advising him to consider his options.
• While waiting, Pitero reflects on his past and decides that Arnold is likely far more powerful than ordinary academy instructors—possibly a Ninth-level Archmage.
• Pitero begins meditating with earth elements and discovers that he can refine them roughly ten times faster than wind or fire elements.

Character Developments

• Pitero: Experiences shock, regret, and renewed hope after learning the truth about his aptitude. His determination to become Arnold’s disciple grows stronger, and he begins to recognize his own extraordinary potential. His resentment toward Ruxi is confirmed, but his immediate focus shifts toward cultivation and personal advancement.
• Arnold: Demonstrates sharp insight into Pitero’s past and magical talent. He remains detached and pragmatic, refusing to be drawn into emotional backstory while still giving Pitero valuable guidance. His refusal to immediately accept Pitero as a disciple establishes that he expects a disciple to provide meaningful value.
• Young Master Ruxi: Though absent, he is revealed through Pitero’s memories as someone who manipulated and deceived Pitero, possibly to suppress a potential rival or preserve control over him.

Significant Themes

• Deception and injustice: Pitero’s opportunities were deliberately restricted by someone he trusted, showing how social status and corruption can determine a person’s fate.
• Hidden potential: Pitero’s true talent was concealed for years, emphasizing that ability may remain unnoticed without proper guidance or honest evaluation.
• Self-determination and revenge: Pitero moves from passively accepting his assigned future to actively pursuing magical power and the possibility of confronting Ruxi.
• Mentorship and opportunity: Arnold’s brief instruction transforms Pitero’s understanding of his future, while his reluctance to accept Pitero emphasizes that opportunities must be earned and seized.
• Pragmatism versus emotion: Arnold avoids Pitero’s complicated personal history, focusing instead on cultivation, talent, and practical benefits.

Character Interactions

• Arnold confirms Pitero’s earth affinity and explains the likely fraud behind his original aptitude test.
• Pitero tries to tell Arnold about his history with Ruxi, but Arnold interrupts him with comedic bluntness and urges him to become strong before seeking revenge.
• Pitero formally kowtows and asks to become Arnold’s disciple. Arnold neither accepts nor rejects him outright, instead challenging him to consider what he can offer.
• Although Arnold ignores him afterward, Pitero interprets Arnold’s power and instruction as proof that he would be a superior teacher to academy instructors, strengthening Pitero’s resolve to win his approval.

Chapter Summary: “Taking Pitero as a Disciple”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The caravan continues from the O’Brien Empire into the Magnolia Empire. After Arnold’s earlier display of power, the caravan members avoid disturbing him, though some still express their gratitude.
• Arnold remains on the open wagon, enjoying the wine offered by Pitero. During the journey, he advises Pitero on first-rank wind spells and teaches him several earth-element spells.
• Pitero grows increasingly eager to become Arnold’s disciple, while Teren notices his efforts and advises him to demonstrate more than merely possessing strong earth-element affinity.
• Inspired by Teren’s advice and Arnold’s earlier statement about seizing opportunities, Pitero studies two earth spells—Shattering Stone and Earthshaking Art—in depth.
• After comparing the spells for several days, Pitero presents his understanding to Arnold:
  • Shattering Stone creates physical matter through magic power and earth elements.
  • Earthshaking Art relies primarily on spiritual force to draw out a unique vibrational power within the earth.
• Arnold approves of Pitero’s analysis, explaining that insight and reflection are as important as magical talent.
• Impressed by Pitero’s willingness to think deeply about magic, Arnold accepts him as a disciple. Pitero gratefully bows nine times and begins calling him “Revered Master.”
• Arnold does not immediately teach Pitero further because the caravan is not a suitable place for demonstrations. The Red-Eyed Black Dragon observes indifferently and continues sleeping.

Character Developments

• Pitero evolves from an eager but shallow student into someone capable of independently analyzing magical principles. His persistence, humility, and intellectual curiosity earn Arnold’s approval.
• Arnold shifts from being a distant and unwilling mentor to formally accepting Pitero as a disciple. However, his decision is motivated largely by personal fondness rather than necessity or obligation.
• Teren acts as a practical adviser. Though he previously criticized Pitero, he recognizes Arnold’s favorable treatment of him and offers the crucial advice that helps Pitero win acceptance.
• Dolong and the caravan members remain intimidated by Arnold and avoid interfering with him after witnessing his power.
• The Red-Eyed Black Dragon remains detached, silently watching events without taking part.

Significant Themes

• Insight versus talent: Natural magical affinity is valuable, but true advancement requires understanding, reflection, and the ability to examine the essence of spells.
• Learning through comparison: Pitero improves by analyzing the similarities and differences between two spells rather than merely memorizing or casting them.
• Seizing opportunities: Pitero learns that potential opportunities must be actively pursued, not passively awaited.
• Mentorship and recognition: Arnold accepts Pitero only after the young mage demonstrates independent thought, showing that genuine intellectual effort earns respect.
• Humility and persistence: Pitero’s willingness to study diligently and accept guidance contrasts with his earlier lack of understanding.

Important Character Interactions

• Teren confronts Pitero about his ambition to become Arnold’s disciple and urges him to prove his understanding of magic.
• Pitero presents his spell analysis to Arnold, who confirms and expands upon his observations.
• Arnold emphasizes that continued deep thinking is necessary and formally accepts Pitero as his disciple.
• Pitero’s respectful submission and immediate adoption of the title “Revered Master” reinforce the new teacher-student relationship.

Chapter Summary: “Visiting an Eighth-level Magus”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold and Pitero arrive at Jade City, a heavily fortified border city of the Magnolia Empire.
• Arnold leaves the caravan and has the Red-Eyed Black Dragon remain outside the city to avoid attracting attention.
• Seeking fellow high-level mages with whom to discuss magic, Arnold visits the city lord.
• The city lord initially doubts that the extremely young Arnold is truly a Ninth-level Archmage. Arnold proves his identity by casting the Ninth-level Wind Shadow Spell, creating nine simultaneous afterimages.
• Arnold explains that he wants introductions to Eighth-level Magi in the Magnolia Empire, having previously lived in the Holy Alliance and recently settled in the O’Brien Empire.
• The city lord tells him about several Eighth-level Magi in Jade City: Lei Ming, Nordman, Doya, and Lan Xin. Doya is currently away, leaving three likely contacts.
• Arnold declines the city lord’s offer to stay at his residence and instead rents an ordinary inn room.
• Arnold continues training Pitero, teaching him first- through fifth-level earth-element spells. Pitero discovers an affinity for earth magic and focuses on strengthening both his magical and spiritual power.
• The following morning, Arnold visits Nordman, an earth-element Eighth-level Magus. Nordman welcomes him and comments on Arnold’s remarkable youth and power.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Demonstrates confidence, humility, and overwhelming magical ability. He remains polite despite others’ disbelief and actively seeks intellectual and magical exchange rather than prestige or authority.
• Pitero: Begins specializing in earth-element magic after discovering his affinity. His training becomes more focused, with Arnold directly guiding his spell development and cultivation.
• The city lord: Initially suspicious of Arnold but quickly becomes respectful after witnessing his spell. He remains cautious about Arnold’s true intentions and plans to judge them through his actions.
• Nordman: Introduced as a powerful earth-element Magus who appears friendly and welcoming. His comments reveal awareness of other young talents, particularly Dixie.

Significant Themes

• Power versus appearance: Arnold’s youthful appearance causes others to underestimate him, but his mastery of a Ninth-level spell immediately confirms his identity.
• Humility amid greatness: Arnold possesses extraordinary strength but avoids arrogance, repeatedly downplaying praise and presenting his visit as a simple exchange of magical knowledge.
• Pursuit of knowledge: The chapter emphasizes Arnold’s desire to learn from and debate other high-level mages, showing that magical progress comes through interaction and shared understanding.
• Training and mentorship: Arnold’s instruction of Pitero highlights the importance of discovering one’s elemental affinity and building both magical power and spiritual strength.
• Caution and trust: The city lord and his steward question Arnold’s motives, illustrating the suspicion surrounding a powerful foreign mage entering a border city.

Important Character Interactions

• Arnold proves his identity to the city lord through the Wind Shadow Spell after being mistaken for a follower.
• The city lord provides Arnold with information about Jade City’s Eighth-level Magi and offers him hospitality.
• Arnold refuses to stay at the city lord’s residence, maintaining his independence.
• Arnold guides Pitero’s magical education and helps him identify his earth-element affinity.
• Nordman welcomes Arnold and compares his extraordinary advancement with that of other young mages, setting up a likely discussion or exchange of magic between them.

Chapter Summary: “Magic Exchange”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nordman initially doubts Arnold’s claim of being a Ninth-level Archmage, but Arnold’s profound understanding of earth magic quickly convinces him.
• Arnold and Nordman exchange magical insights for two days and two nights. Nordman feels humbled by Arnold’s knowledge and regrets meeting him so late in life.
• Arnold leaves Jade City after several days because it has few suitable high-level mages with whom he can exchange ideas.
• During the next three months, Arnold travels toward the Magnolia Empire’s imperial capital, visiting powerful wind- and earth-element Grand Magi to discuss magic. He patiently exchanges knowledge even with less accomplished mages and experiments with new spells whenever an insight inspires him.
• Reaching the central Yulan Continent, Arnold boards a deliberately slowed riverboat along the Magnolia River toward Dolan City.
• His disciple Pitero continues cultivating earth-element magic and reaches the peak of the First-level Mage rank, nearing a breakthrough to the Second level.
• Inspired by the Magnolia River and philosophical teachings about water’s softness, humility, flexibility, and power, Arnold steps onto the river and remains standing on its surface for three days and nights.
• Arnold gradually merges his understanding of water with his magical comprehension. He eventually sinks beneath the river, alarming the sailors, but Pitero explains that Arnold is deliberately cultivating rather than drowning.

Character Developments

• Arnold: His reputation as a Ninth-level Archmage is reinforced through his exceptional magical insight. He demonstrates humility and intellectual curiosity by learning from many different mages, regardless of their relative strength. His reflection on water leads him toward a new form of magical comprehension, similar to his mastery of earth and wind techniques.
• Nordman: He becomes deeply impressed by Arnold and recognizes the limitations of his own understanding. His admiration is mixed with regret that he encountered Arnold so late.
• Pitero: He makes steady progress in earth-element cultivation, reaching the threshold of a Second-level Mage. His calm confidence in Arnold’s abilities also shows his growing trust and familiarity with his master.
• Captain and sailors: They begin bewildered by Arnold’s ability to stand on the water, then speculate humorously about whether he is practicing an ultimate technique. Their confusion turns to alarm when Arnold disappears beneath the river.

Significant Themes

• The value of exchanging knowledge: Magical growth comes not only from personal cultivation but also from absorbing the experiences and insights of others.
• Humility and lifelong learning: Arnold, despite being far more powerful than most of the mages he visits, remains willing to discuss magic with them patiently.
• Softness overcoming strength: The river inspires Arnold to contemplate water as flexible, formless, humble, and capable of overcoming hard substances.
• Unity with nature: Arnold’s cultivation involves merging with the principles of the elements rather than merely manipulating them. His study of water becomes an intuitive, almost spiritual experience.
• Different paths to understanding: The chapter emphasizes that each mage may comprehend magic differently, and even weaker practitioners can provide useful inspiration.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Nordman engage in an extended, mutually beneficial exchange about earth magic, though Nordman ultimately feels that Arnold has taught him more than he has taught Arnold.
• Arnold meets numerous high-level wind- and earth-element mages during his journey, exchanging ideas with them and using their perspectives to refine his own understanding.
• Pitero observes Arnold’s cultivation from the riverboat and reassures the captain that his master is safe.
• The captain and sailors discuss Arnold’s strange behavior, revealing their awe and lack of understanding regarding high-level magic.

Chapter Summary: “Beirut Appears”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold remains submerged in the Magnolia River for five days, merging so completely with the water that fish pass by him without noticing.
• On the sixth day, he rises from the river and stands on its surface. Water then gathers around him, first forming a towering column and eventually transforming into a large hemispherical enclosure.
• While inside the water sphere, Arnold unconsciously absorbs water-elemental essence and begins refining it into magical power. His meditation allows him to comprehend the Water of All Things and gain an initial understanding of the Water Element Technique.
• The riverboat continues traveling while the captain, sailors, and Pitero watch Arnold’s astonishing transformation. Pitero remains especially focused on him rather than meditating himself.
• In the Dark Forest, Beirut recalls his past: his theft of the Four Divine Beasts’ corpses and Sovereign Sparks from the Light Sovereign, Augusta, ten thousand years earlier. Though now an immensely powerful Sovereign, Beirut remains confined to the Yulan Continent because he cannot oppose Augusta directly.
• Beirut detects Arnold’s rapidly increasing spiritual energy and visits him invisibly. He recognizes that Arnold has entered a state of enlightenment and is approaching the Saint Domain.
• Beirut observes that Arnold had never previously cultivated water magic, yet his earlier Earth Escape Art and Wind Escape Technique gave him a foundation for understanding the similar Water Element Technique.
• Arnold’s spiritual energy increases at an extraordinary rate, reaching the peak of the Ninth-level Arch Magus in only a few days. After another half day, it surpasses its limit, enters the Saint Domain, and causes his soul to transform.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Experiences a major breakthrough in magical comprehension and cultivation. He learns to merge with water elemental essence, begins mastering the Water Element Technique, and advances from the Ninth-level Arch Magus realm into the Saint Domain.
• Beirut: Is presented as a powerful but constrained Sovereign. His past conflict with Augusta explains his frustration and isolation, while his brief inspection of Arnold shows his immense perception and knowledge.
• Pitero: Becomes increasingly attentive to Arnold’s progress, watching him closely instead of meditating.
• Captain and sailors: Serve as witnesses to Arnold’s supernatural transformation, though they remain unaware of Beirut’s presence.

Significant Themes

• Enlightenment through unity with nature: Arnold’s breakthrough occurs because he merges with the river and comprehends the nature of water directly.
• Rapid growth and exceptional talent: Arnold’s advancement demonstrates his extraordinary potential, even though Beirut has encountered greater geniuses across countless planes.
• The relationship between different elemental techniques: Arnold’s earlier earth- and wind-based abilities provide the foundation for his understanding of water magic.
• Power and limitation: Beirut possesses overwhelming strength but is still restricted by his conflict with Augusta, showing that great power does not guarantee freedom.
• Hidden greatness: Arnold’s transformation appears miraculous to the ordinary observers, while Beirut alone understands its true significance.

Character Interactions

• The captain, sailors, and Pitero silently observe Arnold’s meditation and transformation from the riverboat.
• Beirut secretly examines Arnold without being detected by anyone, including Arnold himself.
• Beirut mentally evaluates Arnold’s talent and cultivation, praising his ability while remaining emotionally detached because of his broader experience with geniuses.

Chapter Summary: “Saint Domain Magus!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold reaches the critical stage of advancing to the Saint Domain while traveling aboard a ship on the Magnolia River. His spiritual power undergoes a major transformation: its quantity falls to roughly one-tenth, but its quality increases dramatically.
• His soul crystal slowly transforms over three days into a sphere surrounded by an earthy-yellow glow. This marks his soul’s advancement to the Saint Domain, though Arnold is not yet a Saint Magus because his magical power remains insufficient.
• Arnold continues refining magical power while studying magic on the ship. He also unconsciously develops water-element magical power to the level of a Fourth-level water mage.
• He pays the captain extra and returns with Pitero to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, where he spends a month refining wind-, earth-, and water-element magical power.
• Arnold finally accumates enough magical power to officially become a Saint Magus. He discovers that flight is now instinctive and experiments with his new ability.
• He begins reviewing and preparing to learn numerous forbidden spells supplied by Yale, including powerful earth-, water-, and wind-element techniques.
• Arnold focuses first on improving his favorite spell, Greater Gravity. After a month of refinement, he restores its usable gravity to five times, choosing not to increase it further because he wants to perfect Gravity Prison.
• With his enhanced soul and deeper understanding of Laws, Arnold studies the fusion of Profound Truths. After two months, he successfully fuses the Gravity Profound Truth with the Earth Element Profound Truth, completing Gravity Prison.

Character Development

• Arnold advances from possessing a Saint Domain-level soul to becoming a true Saint Magus through sustained cultivation.
• His spiritual power becomes more refined and powerful, while his soul takes on an unusual spherical form connected to his cultivation path.
• He gains a deeper understanding of Laws and Profound Truths, recognizing that they can be fused to create stronger techniques.
• Arnold becomes increasingly focused and ambitious as a researcher of magic. Rather than merely learning existing spells, he seeks to develop and perfect his own ultimate techniques.
• Pitero remains supportive but largely independent, continuing his own earth-element cultivation while Arnold pursues his breakthrough.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and advancement: Arnold’s progression illustrates that reaching the Saint Domain requires separate breakthroughs in soul, spiritual power, and magical power.
• Quality over quantity: Although Arnold’s spiritual power decreases in volume, its vastly improved quality demonstrates the importance of refinement over sheer accumulation.
• Individuality in cultivation: The unusual shape of Arnold’s soul reflects how each person’s cultivation path affects their nature and abilities.
• Innovation through fusion: The chapter emphasizes that true strength comes from combining Profound Truths and creating new techniques rather than relying only on inherited spells.
• Patience and disciplined study: Arnold spends months refining magical power, analyzing spells, and testing theories before achieving Gravity Prison.

Character Interactions

• Arnold reassures and directs the ship’s captain, sailors, and Pitero after emerging from his breakthrough.
• He rewards the captain with additional payment and instructs him to turn the ship around toward the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
• Pitero continues cultivating alongside Arnold but does not interfere with Arnold’s secluded research.
• Arnold’s connection with Yale remains important, as Yale’s family provided the forbidden spells that Arnold now studies.

Chapter Summary: Battle-Pulse Shield

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold focuses on deepening his understanding of the Earth Element Profound Truth so it can fuse more completely with his Gravity Profound Truth and strengthen Gravity Prison.
• Over two months, he practices creating countless earth-element forms—humanoids, beasts, armor, and dragons—gradually improving his mastery.
• Arnold creates a Black Dragon Puppet modeled after the Red-Eyed Black Dragon. The puppet is easily destroyed when Red-Eyed attacks it.
• Arnold realizes the Red-Eyed Black Dragon has broken through to the Saint Domain. Red-Eyed is proud of his achievement but admits he is still slower than Arnold, who advanced first.
• Arnold continues researching the fusion of Gravity and Earth profound truths while maintaining his battle qi and physical training.
• He studies the forbidden defensive spell Pulse Guard, testing it over increasingly smaller areas. The spell creates an extremely powerful shield but consumes too much magical power to use frequently.
• Arnold theorizes that battle qi can reproduce the effects of Pulse Guard, since the spell relies on the Earth Fluctuation Profound Truth rather than magical power alone.
• Through repeated experimentation, he successfully creates a concealed defensive shield formed from battle qi. He names it Battle-Pulse Shield.
• Testing it against a Black Dragon Puppet, Arnold confirms that his Seventh-level battle qi can produce a shield capable of resisting Ninth-level attacks. He expects it to become much stronger after reaching the Eighth-level.

Character Development

• Arnold gains a significantly deeper understanding of the Earth Element Profound Truth and improves his ability to fuse it with Gravity. He also demonstrates growing versatility by adapting a forbidden spell into a battle-qi technique.
• Arnold’s battle qi cultivation reaches the Seventh-level Peak, bringing him close to the Eighth-level.
• Red-Eyed Black Dragon reaches the Saint Domain, proving that his mutated bloodline gives him exceptional potential despite ordinary adult Black Dragons normally reaching only the Ninth level.
• Arnold’s understanding of the Earth Fluctuation Profound Truth develops when he realizes it can manifest as either Vibrational Force or Pulsation Force.

Significant Themes

• Innovation through comprehension: Arnold does not merely copy spells; he studies their underlying principles and adapts them to his own abilities.
• Fusion of powers: The chapter emphasizes the potential created by combining different profound truths and energy systems.
• Continuous experimentation: Arnold advances through persistent testing, refinement, and practical combat trials.
• Individual growth and comparison: Red-Eyed’s breakthrough highlights both his own achievement and the immense speed of Arnold’s progress.
• Defense through understanding: The Battle-Pulse Shield shows how defensive strength can come from mastering principles rather than relying solely on greater magical reserves.

Character Interactions

• Pitero observes Arnold’s relentless earth-element training and becomes accustomed to the constant roars and transformations.
• Arnold summons and tests a Black Dragon Puppet beside Red-Eyed, prompting Red-Eyed to attack and destroy it effortlessly.
• Arnold questions Red-Eyed about his sudden strength, leading to the revelation that Red-Eyed has entered the Saint Domain.
• Arnold later uses another Black Dragon Puppet to test the Battle-Pulse Shield, first accidentally sacrificing his shirt and then conducting controlled attacks against his bare body.

Summary: “Dimensional Blade and Wind Binding”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After nearly completing his research into earth-element forbidden magic, Arnold shifts his main focus to wind magic while continuing to work on merging the Gravity and Earth Element Profound Truths.
• He studies Dimensional Blade, the strongest known single-target forbidden spell. The spell creates a massive wind blade capable of cutting through the spatial fabric of the Material Plane, briefly forming a Spatial Rift before the plane repairs itself.
• Arnold repeatedly casts Dimensional Blade, resting between attempts because of its enormous magical cost. By observing the spell before releasing it, he discovers that its wind currents combine apparent speed and slowness into one attack.
• He realizes that what he once thought was a separate Profound Truth of Velocity is actually a fusion of the Fast and Slow Profound Truths. However, he has not yet comprehended either one, so he cannot reproduce Dimensional Blade through battle-qi or use it with Mooncleaver.
• Arnold then experiments with Destruction Storm, another wind forbidden spell. Its destructive force uproots trees, tears away the ground, and devastates the forest, forcing Arnold, Pitero, and the Red-Eyed Black Dragon to relocate.
• Studying the spell’s structure, Arnold discovers that its rotating winds create a powerful pulling force. He successfully manipulates wind elements into flowing patterns but finds rotation too difficult and inefficient to control directly.
• This leads him to a new idea: rather than focusing on rotation, he can make continuously flowing wind elements increasingly solid and resilient. He names this potential wind-law concept Wind Binding.

Character Development

• Arnold demonstrates intense patience, curiosity, and a scientific approach to magic. He repeatedly tests forbidden spells, observes their internal structure, and analyzes their underlying principles instead of merely using them for combat.
• His understanding of wind magic advances significantly. He clarifies the relationship between speed and slowness and recognizes that certain powerful abilities arise from the fusion of opposing characteristics.
• Arnold also shows creativity by considering how Dimensional Blade might be adapted into a sword technique using Mooncleaver, though he recognizes that lacking the necessary Profound Truths prevents him from doing so.
• His research into Destruction Storm shifts from imitation to innovation, prompting him to formulate the entirely new concept of Wind Binding.

Significant Themes

• Observation and experimentation: Arnold gains insight by repeatedly examining spells in action rather than relying only on theory.
• Fusion of opposites: Speed and slowness are revealed to be interconnected, with extreme speed ultimately approaching stillness.
• Limits of knowledge: Understanding a spell’s principle does not guarantee the ability to reproduce it; Arnold understands Dimensional Blade without having comprehended the required Profound Truths.
• Innovation through failure: His inability to control rotating wind leads him toward a different and potentially more practical application—solidifying flowing wind into a restraining force.
• Power and control: The chapter contrasts overwhelming destructive magic with the more controlled, defensive possibilities of Wind Binding.

Character Interactions

• Arnold asks the Red-Eyed Black Dragon to protect Pitero while he casts Destruction Storm, showing concern for Pitero’s safety and awareness of the spell’s danger.
• The Red-Eyed Black Dragon obeys and moves to Pitero’s side.
• The devastating effects of Destruction Storm force Arnold, Pitero, and the dragon to change locations, demonstrating how Arnold’s experiments affect those around him even when they are not directly involved in the research.

Chapter Summary: Arnold’s Two-Year Cultivation and Return

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold reviews his many ongoing studies in the Laws and profound truths. His main areas of focus are:
  • The

Wind Binding Profound Truth

• The

Earth Element Profound Truth

• The fusion of the Gravity Profound Truth and

Earth Element Profound Truth

• The Vibrational Force behind the Earth Fluctuation Slash
• He recognizes that his Wind Binding technique is still relatively weak, comparing its restraint to water, and sets the goal of strengthening it until it becomes as solid and powerful as stone.
• Arnold spends two years cultivating in the Magical Beast Mountain Range. During this period:
  • His battle qi advances to the Eighth level.
  • His physical strength reaches the Seventh level.
  • His Earth Fluctuation Slash reaches a power equivalent to one hundredfold.
  • His Greater Gravity Spell develops into a one-hundred-times gravity technique.
  • His understanding of the Earth and Wind Laws improves significantly.
• Arnold successfully advances the Wind Binding Profound Truth from a fluid, “water-like” state to a rigid, “stone-like” form. He can now completely immobilize airflow and even shatter leaves through the vibrations of the surrounding wind.
• His fusion of Gravity and Earth Laws produces the formidable Gravity Prison, a technique capable of trapping even the Red-Eyed Black Dragon.
• Arnold tests his strength against the Red-Eyed Black Dragon and several Saint Domain magical beasts. He realizes that, despite their great physical power, most of them lack any real understanding of Momentum or higher Laws. He is therefore able to overwhelm them with ease.
• After ending his seclusion, Arnold leaves the Magical Beast Mountain Range with Pitero and the shrunken Red-Eyed Black Dragon. He plans to visit the Saint Domain Magus of the Magnolia Empire and hopes to find a human Saint Domain expert worthy of fighting.
• After returning to Jade City, Arnold contacts Yale through the Dawson Commerce and learns about recent events involving Linley and the Radiant Church.
• Linley has repeatedly disrupted the Radiant Church, rescued the undead Grand Magus Cessler and five Undying Warriors, and nearly died during the rescue before being saved by the King of Assassins, who has reached the Deity level.
• Arnold concludes that Linley is already pursuing arduous cultivation and decides not to interfere or offer assistance for now.

Character Developments

• Arnold becomes dramatically stronger through disciplined cultivation and research. His growth is not limited to battle qi or physical power; his deeper understanding of the Laws allows him to create increasingly overwhelming techniques.
• Arnold gains confidence in his ability to defeat Saint Domain opponents. His battles with the Red-Eyed Black Dragon confirm that his Gravity Prison and Greater Gravity Spell give him a major advantage even against beings regarded as Saint Domain Peak.
• Pitero makes steady progress under Arnold’s guidance. His spiritual force reaches the peak of the Third level and is close to breaking into the Fourth level, while his earth-element magic advances to the Third level. He continues working toward becoming a Fifth-level Mage so Arnold can teach him a special spiritual-force cultivation method.
• The Red-Eyed Black Dragon remains powerful but is repeatedly dominated by Arnold. Because Arnold’s Gravity Prison is so difficult to escape, the dragon eventually refuses to fight unless Arnold refrains from using it immediately.
• Linley continues resisting the Radiant Church despite the extreme danger. His repeated actions show courage and determination, but he remains too weak to seriously threaten the Church and has therefore begun long-term secluded cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of time and persistence: Arnold has countless techniques to study and repeatedly encounters bottlenecks, but he relies on sustained effort and long-term deduction rather than rushing his progress.
• The difference between raw power and understanding: Many Saint Domain magical beasts possess immense bodies and magical energy but lack insight into Momentum and the Laws. Arnold’s superior comprehension allows him to defeat creatures that may be physically stronger.
• Fusion and innovation: Arnold’s greatest advances come from combining different Laws, especially Gravity and Earth. Gravity Prison represents the power of creating new techniques rather than merely mastering existing ones.
• Self-awareness and restraint: Arnold evaluates his own strength carefully and seeks a worthy opponent, but he also recognizes that Linley’s path does not require his intervention.
• Destiny and individual effort: Arnold views Linley as unusually fortunate—the “child of destiny”—yet Linley’s survival and progress are also supported by his courage, perseverance, and willingness to cultivate patiently.

Character Interactions

• Arnold’s battles with the Red-Eyed Black Dragon serve as practical tests of his new abilities. Although the dragon is considered Saint Domain Peak, Arnold repeatedly traps and defeats it through Gravity Prison and overwhelming gravitational force.
• Arnold interacts with Pitero as both master and mentor. Pitero’s progress reflects Arnold’s influence, while Arnold’s promise of a special spiritual-force method gives Pitero a clear goal.
• Arnold’s contact with Yale through the Dawson Commerce reconnects him with events outside the mountains. Yale’s secret letter provides information about Linley and helps Arnold decide not to become involved.
• Arnold’s thoughts about Linley reveal a mixture of admiration, curiosity, and caution. He respects Linley’s remarkable luck and achievements but believes Linley must continue developing independently before Arnold considers helping him.

Chapter Summary: “Saint Magus Bart”

Plot Points and Events

• Through Yale’s information network, Arnold learns about the Magnolia Empire’s magical culture and hierarchy. Unlike the warrior-dominated O’Brien Empire, Magnolia’s Saint Domain experts are primarily Saint Magi.
• Arnold decides to visit Bart Augler, an Earth Saint Magus, to exchange magical insights and test his own strength in a sparring match.
• Arnold travels to Augler Commandery City with Pitero, while the Red-Eyed Black Dragon remains outside the city in a forest.
• Augler City was renamed in honor of Bart after he became a Saint Magus. His Augler Family controls the city, and Bart’s estate is its largest and most prominent residence.
• After Arnold identifies himself as an Earth Saint Magus, the guards recognize his overwhelming power and report his arrival.
• Bart warmly welcomes Arnold, impressed that he advanced from a Ninth-level Archmage to the Saint Magus realm in only two years.
• During dinner and subsequent discussions, Arnold confirms that he is a dual-element Saint Magus specializing in wind and earth magic.
• Bart invites Arnold to exchange magical knowledge for a week before sparring outside the city. Arnold agrees and examines Bart’s formidable training ground.
• Over the next week, Arnold and Bart discuss increasingly advanced principles of earth-element magic. Both benefit greatly, while Pitero eventually becomes unable to follow their increasingly profound conversations.
• The chapter ends with Arnold eagerly preparing for the scheduled sparring match.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Demonstrates that he has successfully entered the Saint Magus realm and possesses enough power to intimidate Bart’s guards merely through his presence. He remains modest about his rapid advancement and is shown to be confident, curious, and eager to measure himself against another expert.
• Bart Augler: Established as a powerful and respected Earth Saint Magus and the ruling figure of Augler City. Despite his status, he is warm, welcoming, and enthusiastic about exchanging knowledge with Arnold.
• Pitero: Acts as Arnold’s companion and observer. He gains valuable exposure to high-level magical principles, though the depth and speed of the discussion eventually exceed his ability to understand.
• The Red-Eyed Black Dragon: Accompanies Arnold to the city but remains outside, playing no active role in the chapter.
• Bart’s attendants: The guards initially display arrogance, but Arnold’s power quickly forces them to treat him seriously. Lofis, the red-haired attendant, becomes curious about Arnold’s true status.

Significant Themes

• Contrasting imperial cultures: The O’Brien Empire emphasizes martial power, while the Magnolia Empire is defined by magical achievement and Saint Magi.
• Growth and rapid advancement: Arnold’s rise from Ninth-level Archmage to Saint Magus in two years highlights his extraordinary opportunities, talent, and progress.
• Exchange of knowledge: The chapter presents magical discussion as a form of mutual advancement, with both Arnold and Bart learning from one another.
• Respect among equals: Bart recognizes Arnold’s strength immediately and treats him as a fellow expert rather than dismissing his youth.
• Anticipation and testing of strength: The upcoming spar represents Arnold’s desire to evaluate his abilities against a seasoned Saint Magus.

Character Interactions

• Arnold impresses the estate guards with his overwhelming aura.
• Bart greets Arnold warmly and praises his rapid breakthrough.
• Arnold responds respectfully, crediting fortune and Bart’s deeper understanding of Earth Law.
• Bart and Arnold agree to spend a week exchanging magical insights before fighting.
• Pitero observes their discussions from behind them, learning what he can before the advanced material becomes incomprehensible.
• Bart’s household prepares an elaborate dinner and accommodations for Arnold and Pitero, emphasizing Bart’s hospitality and respect for his guest.

Chapter Summary: “Battle of Saint Magi”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold and Bart leave Augler Commandery City for a remote mountaintop to hold a sparring match between two Earth Saint Magi. They leave their magical beasts behind and keep Pitero safely at Pure Heart Residence.
• The duel begins with both men casting defensive sacred armor: Bart uses Earth Guardian Sacred Armor, while Arnold uses Earthquake Sacred Armor.
• Arnold summons a powerful Black Dragon Puppet, while Bart creates the ten-meter-tall Earth Guard. The two constructs clash, revealing Arnold’s superior understanding of Earth magic.
• Bart launches six enormous meteors with Shattering Stone, while Arnold counters with forty-five Earth Escape Spiral Spheres. Arnold’s spheres drain the elemental energy sustaining the Earth Guard, allowing the Black Dragon Puppet to overwhelm it.
• The two continue exchanging increasingly powerful earth spells. Bart’s limited comprehension of the Earth Element and Earth Escape Profound Truths prevents him from breaking Arnold’s defenses.
• Arnold deliberately refrains from using wind magic because he wants to observe Bart’s hidden abilities.
• Bart unveils his Soul Attack, striking Arnold’s soul with a spiritual storm. Arnold is briefly stunned but instinctively responds with a powerful Greater Gravity Spell, forcing Bart to resist its effects.
• Arnold quickly recovers due to his exceptionally strong Saint-level soul. The two end the battle amicably and return to Pure Heart Residence for drinks.
• During their discussion afterward, Arnold proposes that becoming a god may require fully comprehending only one direction, or profound truth, within an elemental law rather than mastering every aspect of the entire law.

Character Developments

• Arnold demonstrates a much deeper understanding of Earth magic than Bart, creating the highly realistic and effective Black Dragon Puppet. He also reveals the extraordinary strength of his Gravity Spell and soul.
• Arnold is shown to be cautious and strategically minded: he maintains his defenses, studies Bart’s abilities, and deliberately avoids using wind magic to prolong the test.
• Bart proves capable of using a powerful Soul Attack, showing that he has devoted more attention to spiritual techniques than Arnold. However, his knowledge of Earth Law remains comparatively narrow, and he has not yet created original earth magic.
• Bart recognizes Arnold’s genius and accepts his superiority in elemental comprehension without resentment.
• Arnold begins developing a broader theory about the path to godhood, while Bart reacts with surprise but remains open to the possibility.

Significant Themes

• Differences in comprehension: Raw magical power is less important than one’s depth of understanding of elemental laws and profound truths.
• Specialization versus versatility: Bart’s Soul Attack gives him a dangerous advantage, while Arnold’s mastery of gravity and earth magic provides overwhelming defensive and offensive control.
• The nature of advancement: The conversation raises the possibility that godhood comes from completely mastering one branch of an elemental law rather than comprehending every branch.
• Respect through competition: The sparring match strengthens the mutual respect between Arnold and Bart, as each acknowledges the other’s unique abilities.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Bart fight seriously but within the limits of a friendly sparring match, praising each other’s techniques during and after the duel.
• Bart openly admires Arnold’s Black Dragon Puppet and recognizes the gap in their understanding of Earth Law.
• Arnold acknowledges the danger of Bart’s Soul Attack and admits that a follow-up attack could have seriously injured him.
• Afterward, they relax together over fruit wine, shifting from rivals in battle to conversational partners discussing magic, spiritual techniques, and the path to becoming gods.

Chapter Summary: Wind Saint Magus Klei

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold demonstrates his extraordinary mastery of gravity magic to Bart. His spells progress from the ordinary sixteenfold Gravity Spell to Greater Gravity Spells capable of producing thirty and forty times gravity.
• Bart can withstand up to fortyfold gravity only with difficulty, while Arnold reveals that his current limit is one hundred times gravity. Arnold further theorizes that reaching a thousandfold gravity might allow him to become a deity.
• After spending several days at Pure Heart Residence, Arnold leaves with his disciple, Pitero, to visit Wind Saint Magus Klei, whose home lies along the route to the imperial capital.
• Arnold sends the Red-Eyed Black Dragon back to the Magical Beast Mountain Range, intending to retrieve it after completing his long-term challenge against the Magnolia Empire’s Saint Magi.
• During two months of preparation outside the city, Arnold researches soul-defense techniques. He concludes that Earth Law is best suited for resisting soul attacks.
• Arnold experiments with adapting the Earth Fluctuation Profound Truth and the defensive forbidden spell Pulse Guard to spiritual force. After more than two months of refinement, he successfully creates a permanent spiritual-force version of Pulse Guard around his soul.
• Arnold and Pitero arrive in Gus City, only to learn that Klei spends nearly the entire year meditating in a remote mountain valley. They travel there and finally meet him.
• Arnold creates a temporary wooden house from earth elements for Pitero, impressing Klei with the convenience and power of earth-type magic. The house will last only six hours.

Character Developments

• Arnold: His abilities continue to expand beyond conventional Saint Magus standards. He is shown to possess exceptional talent in gravity magic, theoretical insight into divine advancement, and increasing awareness of the importance of soul defense. His successful spiritual Pulse Guard significantly strengthens his protection against soul attacks.
• Bart: He is astonished by Arnold’s gravity mastery and becomes deeply thoughtful about his own limitations. Though he does not ask Arnold for instruction, he later spends years attempting—and failing—to improve the Gravity Spell, recognizing Arnold as a rare genius.
• Pitero: He remains a respectful and obedient disciple. Though only a fourth-level mage, he follows Arnold throughout his journey and accepts the temporary house without complaint.
• Klei: Introduced as a Wind Saint Magus living in secluded meditation, Klei is friendly and amused by Arnold’s delayed arrival. He also recognizes the practical superiority of earth-type magic in constructing structures.

Significant Themes

• Genius and individual talent: Arnold’s ability to develop hundredfold gravity and spiritual soul defense contrasts with Bart’s inability to improve the same spell, emphasizing that profound magical insight cannot always be taught or imitated.
• Continuous self-improvement: Arnold does not rely solely on offensive strength; he deliberately researches soul defense to prepare for future battles.
• The relationship between laws and magic: Arnold’s understanding of Earth Law allows him to transform gravity and earth fluctuations into highly advanced magical techniques.
• Preparation for greater conflict: His training, soul-defense research, and planned encounters with the Magnolia Empire’s Saint Magi establish the chapter as preparation for future challenges.
• Differences between magical elements: Klei’s admiration of earth magic highlights the practical advantages of Arnold’s element, especially its ability to create physical structures instantly.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Bart exchange ideas about gravity magic, with Bart testing the limits of Arnold’s spells directly.
• Bart is humbled by Arnold’s achievements but maintains enough self-awareness not to request instruction.
• Arnold and Pitero continue their mentor-disciple relationship, with Arnold providing for Pitero’s cultivation while encouraging him through lighthearted remarks.
• Arnold’s first meeting with Klei is cordial and informal. Klei jokes about Arnold’s late arrival, while Arnold explains that his magical research caused the delay.
• Klei and Arnold briefly discuss the strengths of their respective elements, with Klei acknowledging the impressive utility of earth magic.

Chapter Summary: “Secrets of the Saint Domain”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Pitero makes the necessary arrangements, Klei and Arnold walk to a nearby lake to speak privately.
• Klei observes that Arnold, despite being only in his twenties, has reached the Saint Magus realm. He initially assumes Arnold must have experienced profound moments of enlightenment.
• Arnold explains that he has trained relentlessly since beginning his journey because strength was necessary to survive and live freely on the Yulan Continent.
• Klei tells Arnold that reaching the Saint Domain grants considerable freedom, but true independence remains impossible because several Deity-level beings are still far more powerful.
• Klei reveals that there are six known Deity-level experts on the continent:
  • The War God
  • The High Priest
  • Cesar, who recently broke through from Saint Domain Pinnacle
  • The magical beast king who appeared during the Day of Destruction
  • The ruler of the Dark Forest
  • The Plane Guardian of the Arctic Icefield
• Klei explains the ranking system within the Saint Domain: Initial, Intermediate, Peak, and Pinnacle.
• Arnold realizes that he currently qualifies as a Saint Domain Peak expert and is roughly upper-middle in strength among that level.
• Klei identifies the five remaining Saint Domain Pinnacle experts: Desri, Fain, Tulily, Rosalie, and Rutherford.
• Arnold memorizes their names and resolves to fight them once he reaches their level.
• Klei explains the existence of higher planes, including the Seven Divine Planes and Four Higher Planes.
• He tells Arnold that the Plane Guardian helps powerful beings leave the Yulan Continent for those higher planes and will likely visit Arnold in the future.
• Klei also describes the ruler of the Dark Forest as the true sovereign of the Yulan Continent, though he refuses to reveal more.
• The conversation ends with both men quietly sitting by the lake while Arnold processes the enormous amount of new information.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Reveals that his rapid advancement came from relentless discipline and fear of weakness rather than easy talent or repeated enlightenment. He is ambitious, competitive, and eager to challenge the strongest Saint Domain experts. His understanding of the world expands significantly.
• Klei: Acts as Arnold’s mentor and guide, explaining the hidden power structure of the continent. He recognizes Arnold’s unusual potential and appears to be preparing him for involvement with the High Priest’s faction.
• The High Priest: Though absent, she becomes important through Klei’s revelation that she instructed him to explain the continent’s true situation to Arnold, suggesting she wants to recruit or influence him.
• The Plane Guardian and ruler of the Dark Forest: Both are introduced as mysterious, extremely powerful figures who operate beyond ordinary public knowledge.

Significant Themes

• Freedom and strength: Arnold believed reaching the Saint Domain would make him free, but learns that greater powers still control the world.
• Hidden knowledge and hierarchy: Advancement in power grants access to increasingly secret information about the continent and the wider cosmos.
• Ambition and challenge: Arnold responds to the revelation of stronger opponents with determination rather than fear.
• The limits of human understanding: Klei deliberately withholds details about the ruler of the Dark Forest and the higher planes, emphasizing that Arnold is still at the beginning of his journey.
• Mentorship and political influence: Klei’s explanation is not merely educational; it may be part of the High Priest’s effort to draw Arnold into her faction.

Character Interactions

• Klei questions Arnold about his past and emotional state, recognizing the unusual calm he feels beside the lake.
• Arnold honestly describes his lifelong dedication to cultivation and his desire for freedom.
• Klei challenges Arnold’s assumptions by revealing the existence of greater powers and more advanced realms.
• Arnold repeatedly asks for clarification, showing both curiosity and a determination to understand his new status.
• Their relaxed conversation becomes a major turning point, as Arnold learns the true structure of the Saint Domain and the larger world beyond the Yulan Continent.

Chapter Summary: “Magnolia City”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Klei explains the structure of the world, Arnold gains a broad understanding of its countless Material Planes, seven Divine Planes, and four Higher Planes.
• Arnold and Klei spend ten days and nights discussing Wind Magic. Though Arnold’s Wind Magic is less developed than his Earth Magic, his knowledge still surpasses that of most Wind Saint Magi. Their exchange greatly benefits Klei.
• During his journey, Arnold spars with Saint Magi of various elements. Their techniques—Water’s softness, Lightning’s ferocity, Light’s righteousness, Dark Magic’s strangeness, and Fire’s intensity—help him better understand combat against Saint Magi and refine his ultimate technique.
• After five months of travel, Arnold and Pitero arrive at Magnolia City, the capital of the Magnolia Empire. The city is heavily defended and lies near Magnolia Mountain, the seat of the High Priest and the Magnolia Sect.
• Rather than immediately meeting the city’s powerful Saint Magi, Arnold visits his old friend George, who has risen politically with the support of the Huashi Clan. George is now a Magnolia Pavilion Minister and assistant to the empire’s right chancellor.
• Arnold and George reminisce about their former companions and discuss their differing achievements. George feels ashamed that his political duties have limited his cultivation, leaving him only a Fifth-level Mage.
• Arnold reveals that he has come to help George improve. Because George is a Water Mage, Arnold gives him a simplified version of the Water Escape Art, a technique that allows the body to merge with water and greatly accelerates spiritual-force growth.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Expands his knowledge of the world and multiple elemental disciplines. He becomes increasingly capable of understanding and countering Saint Magi of different elements. Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, he remains modest about reaching the Saint Magus realm at twenty-one.
• Klei: Benefits substantially from Arnold’s superior understanding of Wind Magic, showing that Arnold’s knowledge is valuable even to experienced Saint Magi.
• George: Has matured and achieved significant political success but has fallen behind his brothers in magical cultivation. His reaction to the Water Escape Art shows both his surprise and his renewed hope of advancing.
• Pitero: Continues accompanying Arnold but plays a supporting role during the journey and visit.
• Arnold’s brothers: Linley is progressing rapidly, while Yale and Reynold remain less directly assisted because Arnold lacks deep expertise in Lightning and Fire Magic.

Significant Themes

• The vastness of the world: The revelation of multiple planes emphasizes how limited ordinary beings’ perspectives are and suggests that true understanding requires reaching higher realms.
• Knowledge through exchange: Arnold’s discussions and spars with other mages show that magical growth comes from sharing different interpretations of the Elemental Laws.
• Balancing power and humility: Arnold possesses extraordinary talent but attributes his advancement to fortune and an epiphany rather than boasting about his superiority.
• Friendship and loyalty: Despite his own rise in power, Arnold remembers George and seeks to help him rather than focusing solely on his own advancement.
• Cultivation versus worldly responsibilities: George’s political career has brought him prestige but restricted his magical progress, contrasting public achievement with personal cultivation.
• Innovation and adaptation: Arnold’s simplification of the Water Escape Art demonstrates his ability to apply advanced knowledge for another person’s benefit.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Klei: Engage in an extended intellectual exchange about Wind Magic, with both demonstrating expertise and learning from each other.
• Arnold and various Saint Magi: Their elemental sparring exposes Arnold to different combat styles and improves his understanding of high-level battles.
• Arnold and George: Reunite warmly, discuss their old companions, and compare their progress. Arnold reassures George by offering a practical method to overcome his cultivation limitations.
• Arnold and Pitero: Travel together to Magnolia City, with Pitero accompanying Arnold during his reunion with George.

Chapter Summary: “Delia Comes to Visit”

Key Plot Points and Events

• George brings Arnold to a secluded courtyard on his estate, where he regularly meditates.
• Arnold helps George practice the Simplified Water Escape Art by concentrating water-elemental energy around him at extremely high density.
• George meditates for four hours and finds that the technique greatly improves his spiritual power, though less effectively than Arnold had predicted.
• Arnold explains that his elemental meditation techniques—first Water Escape, then Earth Escape and Wind Escape—were major factors in his rapid advancement to the Saint Magus realm.
• George thanks Arnold and promises not to reveal the technique. He becomes confident that he can reach the Ninth-level Arch Magus realm before age seventy, although Arnold warns that reaching the Saint Magus realm will still depend on George’s own efforts.
• George explains that he has been excused from government duties because the arrival of a Saint Magus is a major political event for the Magnolia Empire.
• Delia arrives at George’s estate seeking information about Linley. Arnold and George quickly understand her true purpose.
• After some initial conversation, Arnold tells Delia that Linley survived the Day of Destruction, relieving her long-standing fear and grief.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Demonstrates his generosity, mastery of elemental techniques, and willingness to help George advance. He remains humble and practical, acknowledging the limits of the Water Escape Art.
• George: Makes significant progress in spiritual cultivation and gains renewed confidence in reaching the Ninth-level Arch Magus realm. His friendship with Arnold is emphasized through his gratitude and promise to protect Arnold’s secret.
• Delia: Reveals the emotional impact of believing Linley had died. Her visit shows that, despite years of uncertainty and attempts to focus on family affairs and cultivation, she still deeply loves and worries about him. Learning that he is alive brings her immense relief.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and loyalty: Arnold and George’s bond is based on mutual trust, generosity, and shared history from Ernst Academy.
• The pursuit of power: The chapter highlights the importance of spiritual cultivation, specialized techniques, and personal effort in reaching higher realms.
• Limits of external aid: Arnold can help George advance rapidly, but emphasizes that breaking through to the Saint Magus realm ultimately requires George’s own understanding and determination.
• Hope amid loss: Delia’s grief over Linley’s presumed death is contrasted with the hope restored by Arnold’s news.
• Political importance of strength: Arnold’s status as a Saint Magus makes his visit a matter of national significance, showing how powerful individuals influence imperial affairs.

Character Interactions

• Arnold guides George through the Water Escape Art and encourages his future cultivation.
• George expresses deep gratitude and respect toward Arnold, while Arnold responds by emphasizing their brother-like friendship.
• George explains the political reason for his hospitality, revealing the empire’s interest in maintaining a relationship with Arnold.
• Delia reunites with Arnold and George. Though she initially conceals her purpose, both men recognize that she has come to ask about Linley.
• Arnold gives Delia the crucial news that Linley survived, resolving her immediate anxiety and renewing her hope.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Delia longs to reunite with Linley, but Arnold advises her not to seek him out while he undergoes intense cultivation. Linley is expected to reach the Saint Domain within five to ten years, making him capable of escaping Radiant Church pursuers.
• Arnold tells Delia that Linley will likely visit his younger brother, Wharton, at the Warrior Academy after finishing his cultivation. Delia resolves to wait for that opportunity and begins considering her own cultivation more seriously.
• Arnold and George jokingly discuss Delia’s love for Linley and Arnold’s lack of romantic experience.
• Arnold trains under extreme gravity in his residence. His physical strength, previously stalled at the Seventh-level Peak, breaks through to the Eighth level. Combined with his Eighth-level battle-qi, this gives him combat strength comparable to a Ninth-level Warrior.
• Two Saint Magi, Atis and Atro, arrive at the residence. They are disciples of the Magnolia Sect and discuss Arnold’s unusual ability to create gravity up to a hundred times normal gravity, recognizing him as one of the strongest Saint Domain experts.
• The brothers reveal that they have come on behalf of their teacher to invite Arnold to join the Magnolia Sect. Arnold is shocked when he realizes their teacher may be the High Priest, a powerful Deity-level figure comparable to the War God.

Character Developments

• Delia: Though emotionally eager to find Linley, she accepts Arnold’s practical advice and becomes motivated to improve her own strength so she can stand alongside Linley in the future.
• Arnold: Demonstrates both sound judgment in advising Delia and impressive physical progress. His body breaks through to the Eighth level, reinforcing his growing power and reputation.
• George: Remains friendly and humorous, teasing Arnold about romance while helping welcome the visiting Saint Magi.
• Atis and Atro: Establish themselves as knowledgeable representatives of the Magnolia Sect. Atro particularly recognizes Arnold’s exceptional mastery of gravity magic.
• Linley: Does not appear directly, but his cultivation, conflict with the Radiant Church, and relationship with Delia drive much of the chapter.

Significant Themes

• Love and patience: Delia must restrain her desire to see Linley and trust that waiting will give her a better chance to reunite with him.
• Cultivation and self-improvement: Both Linley and Delia are encouraged to strengthen themselves, while Arnold’s breakthrough illustrates the rewards of persistent training.
• Growing reputation and power: Arnold’s mastery of extreme gravity makes him a notable figure among Saint Domain experts and attracts the attention of the Magnolia Sect.
• Political and personal alliances: The invitation from the High Priest suggests that Arnold’s abilities may draw him into the larger power struggles of the continent.

Character Interactions

• Arnold gives Delia realistic advice about Linley and encourages her to cultivate.
• Delia expresses gratitude and quietly accepts the need to wait.
• Arnold and George exchange playful remarks about romance and Arnold’s single status.
• Atis and Atro discuss Arnold’s abilities before meeting him, revealing both skepticism and admiration.
• George escorts the brothers to Arnold, who respectfully asks why they have come. Their invitation on behalf of the High Priest ends the chapter on a note of surprise and anticipation.