Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan, a student from a Public Rearing Center, decides to apply for the Martial Arts Class despite the financial and talent-related challenges.
• The homeroom teacher warns students about the high costs and slim chances of success in the Martial Arts Class.
• Most students give up on applying, but Li Qingshan, Zhao Hongzhou, and Jia Jiang continue.
• Classmates try to persuade Li Qingshan to give up, citing his lack of family support and resources.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan shows determination and resilience in pursuing his goal despite the odds.
• Zhao Hongzhou supports Li Qingshan's decision, demonstrating his friendship.
• The homeroom teacher shows concern for students' well-being but doesn't actively discourage them.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between personal ambition and societal expectations.
• The importance of family support and resources in achieving one's goals.
• The harsh reality of the Interstellar Era, where talent and wealth determine one's opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Zhao Hongzhou's friendship is highlighted as Zhao supports Li Qingshan's decision.
• Li Qingshan's classmates initially try to discourage him but later show concern and understanding.
• The homeroom teacher shows concern for his students' futures but doesn't actively intervene in their decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan works as a security guard at Star River Bar, struggling with the environment and smells.
• He meets a woman who offers him money for a drink, and he accepts, planning to use it for martial arts cultivation.
• After work, Li Qingshan is harassed by two yellow-haired men and a drunken woman in an alley. He easily overpowers them and leaves.
• At home, Li Qingshan practices his technique, The Stars Are Calling, and reflects on his progress and future plans.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan: Struggles with his job but remains determined to pursue martial arts cultivation. He shows self-control and discipline in his training and makes strategic decisions, like accepting the woman's offer for the sake of his goals.

Significant Themes

• Poverty and its impact on Li Qingshan's martial arts progress.
• The struggle between temptation and self-control, represented by Li Qingshan's initial hesitation and eventual acceptance of the woman's offer.
• The grind of cultivation and the long road ahead for Li Qingshan.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan interacts with the drunken woman and the two yellow-haired men, displaying his strength and assertiveness.
• Li Qingshan's internal dialogue reveals his thoughts and plans, providing insight into his character and motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students arrive at First High School's Martial Arts Hall for the Senior Martial Arts Class.
• Wan Keshan, the Martial Arts Teacher, explains the Placement Test: students must run between two Light Walls ten times (measuring speed) and throw ten punches on a Punch Force Tester (measuring punch force).
• Yu Lei, the first student to test, achieves an average speed of 11.8 meters/second and an average punch force of 243 kilograms.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan observes Yu Lei's test, noting her exceptional agility and reaction speed.
• Zhao Hongzhou is impressed by Yu Lei's speed but surprised by her punch force.

Significant Themes

• The importance of comprehensive physical abilities (speed, agility, strength, stamina) in martial arts.
• The baseline standards for the Body Forging Realm and the individual differences in students' physiques.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Zhao Hongzhou discuss Yu Lei's performance and the testing methods.
• Wan Keshan sets an example with Yu Lei's test and provides guidance to the students.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The students undergo a physical test involving speed and punching force using a Light Wall.
• Yu Lei, a Body Tempering First Level student, sets an example and teaches others.
• Most students perform ordinarily, with a few worse than average.
• Liang Mingyu, a Body Tempering First Level student, draws attention, but Wan Keshan does not acknowledge him.
• Liu Jingya, despite having a good figure, performs poorly in the test.
• Hong Qian, another Body Tempering First Level student, keeps a low profile.
• Li Qingshan's turn never comes, suggesting Wan Keshan is saving him for last.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan realizes Wan Keshan's intention to save him for last.
• Li Qingshan questions whether a Body Tempering Eleventh Order exists.
• Zhao Hongzhou shows concern for Li Qingshan's upcoming test and shares his opinions on Liu Jingya's performance.

Significant Themes

• The importance of physical strength and martial arts prowess.
• The nonlinear progression of strength and speed in martial arts.
• The potential existence of a higher martial arts realm beyond Body Tempering Tenth Level.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Zhao Hongzhou discuss the tests and Li Qingshan's upcoming turn.
• Li Qingshan observes and analyzes the tests of other students, including Liu Jingya and Hong Qian.
• Wan Keshan deliberately saves Li Qingshan for last, indicating he has noticed Li Qingshan's strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan successfully completes the speed and punch force tests, confirming he's reached Body Tempering First Level.
• Wan Keshan praises Li Qingshan, stating he sees a "sliver of possibility" in him for New Continent.
• Wan Keshan reveals a Wolf-Shaped Fierce Beast in a cage, hinting at an upcoming challenge.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan remains calm and focused during the tests, showing growth in his martial arts abilities.
• Wan Keshan displays his stern and demanding nature, hinting at his high expectations for his students.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of the Interstellar Era and the dangers of the universe.
• The importance of courage and determination in facing challenges.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Wan Keshan: Wan Keshan praises Li Qingshan, but also hints at the challenges ahead.
• Li Qingshan and the other students: Li Qingshan stands out by stepping forward towards the Fierce Beast, drawing the attention of his peers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• After two years, the [Martial Arts Space] section flickers for the first time, revealing a Star Realm Fierce Beast, Wolf Poison.
• Wan Keshan, the teacher, reveals that Evil God Cultists performed a sacrifice in the outskirts of the city the previous night.
• Wan Keshan teaches the first lesson: chopping Wolf Poison with a Chopping Knife to prove courage and determination.
• Wolf Poison "comes alive" after the cage is shattered, causing panic among the students.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan shows interest in Wolf Poison and the [Martial Arts Space] but holds back due to the mention of Evil God Cultists.
• Liang Mingyu and Liu Jingya, initially confident, are terrified when Wolf Poison "comes alive."
• Liu Jingya faints, and Liang Mingyu freezes in fear.

Significant Themes

• Courage and determination in facing one's fears (symbolized by chopping Wolf Poison).
• The hidden threat of Evil God Cultists and the difficulty in detecting them.
• The power of the [Martial Arts Space] and the Fierce Beasts within.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Zhao Hongzhou discuss the situation, with Zhao Hongzhou believing Li Qingshan should go up.
• Li Qingshan kicks Liu Jingya, who falls to the ground, and they agree to spar in the future.
• Liu Jingya whispers to Liang Mingyu, who volunteers to go first but freezes in fear when Wolf Poison "comes alive."
• Li Qingshan picks up the Chopping Knife, asking if he can only chop once, indicating his eagerness to face Wolf Poison.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wan Keshan, the teacher, brings in a Fierce Beast, Wolf Poison, for the first martial arts lesson.
• Li Qingshan, despite initial excitement, approaches the beast cautiously and strategically, aiming for its weak points.
• He successfully kills Wolf Poison after several strikes, unlocking the [Martial Arts Space].

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan demonstrates strategic thinking and resilience, proving himself a capable student despite initial appearances.
• Wan Keshan reassesses Li Qingshan, no longer considering him a "born fighter" but acknowledging his strategic prowess.
• Other students, initially frightened, gain courage and respect for Li Qingshan's actions.

Significant Themes

• Courage and Resilience: Li Qingshan's actions inspire courage in his peers and demonstrate his resilience in the face of danger.
• Strategy and Tactics: Li Qingshan's victory shows the importance of strategy and understanding one's enemy's weaknesses.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Wan Keshan: Li Qingshan's actions surprise and impress Wan Keshan, leading to a reassessment of the student.
• Li Qingshan and his peers: Li Qingshan's actions inspire courage and respect in his classmates, changing their initial perceptions of him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan kills a Wolf Poison, a Fierce Beast, in the Martial Arts Class, shocking his classmates.
• Wan Keshan ends the class early, and Li Qingshan heads to the Rest Room to clean up.
• Yu Lei and Hong Qian discuss their performance with Wan Keshan, who praises them but finds Li Qingshan hard to evaluate.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan: Proves his bravery and strength by killing a Fierce Beast, gains access to the Martial Arts Space for cultivation.
• Wan Keshan: Recognizes Li Qingshan's potential but finds him difficult to evaluate due to his unique performance.
• Yu Lei and Hong Qian: Show improvement in their first encounter with a Fierce Beast, receive praise from Wan Keshan.

Significant Themes

• Courage and fear: Li Qingshan faces his fear and acts bravely, while Liang Mingyu and Liu Jingya are overwhelmed by fear.
• Potential and evaluation: Wan Keshan recognizes Li Qingshan's potential but struggles to evaluate him due to his unconventional performance.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Liang Mingyu: Li Qingshan intimidates Liang Mingyu, who begs for mercy.
• Li Qingshan and Wan Keshan: Li Qingshan hands over the bloody knife to Wan Keshan, who allows him to keep it and go clean up.
• Yu Lei, Hong Qian, and Wan Keshan: Yu Lei and Hong Qian discuss their performance with Wan Keshan, who praises them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan washes off the Fierce Beast grime and picks up his Chopping Knife, which remains unscathed.
• He meets Zhao Hongzhou, who brings him a scabbard for his knife.
• They go to the cafeteria, where Li Qingshan sits alone in a corner, attracting attention from Class 7 students.
• Jia Jiang, a classmate, reveals that Li Qingshan is the top student in the Martial Arts Class, causing Class 7 students to leave in disbelief.
• Yu Lei and Hong Qian, the elite students of the Martial Arts Class, approach Li Qingshan's table.
• The Communicators of everyone present vibrate with an announcement from the Patrol Bureau about the Evil God Cult's sacrifice in Luoying City, revealing the photographs of the two victims.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan: Shows determination and satisfaction with his Chopping Knife, remains calm and composed when facing the announcement.
• Jia Jiang: Stands up for Li Qingshan, feels alienated from his classmates, and leaves the cafeteria.
• Yu Lei and Hong Qian: Recognize Li Qingshan's status as the top student in the Martial Arts Class and approach him.

Significant Themes

• Social dynamics and cliques (circles) among students.
• The impact of the Evil God Cult's actions on the city and its inhabitants.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Zhao Hongzhou: They interact briefly, with Zhao Hongzhou showing deference to Li Qingshan.
• Li Qingshan and Class 7 students: The students mock Li Qingshan, but their attitudes change after learning he is the top student in the Martial Arts Class.
• Jia Jiang and Class 7 students: Jia Jiang feels alienated from his classmates due to their malicious remarks about Li Qingshan.
• Li Qingshan and Yu Lei/Hong Qian: Yu Lei and Hong Qian approach Li Qingshan's table, acknowledging his status as the top student in the Martial Arts Class.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An announcement reveals the first murder in the city in decades, causing a stir at the cafeteria.
• Li Qingshan writes a resignation letter for his part-time job at Star River Bar due to the risk and sends a report about the incident to the Patrol Bureau.
• Yu Lei reveals that The Stars Are Calling has four realms: movements, Force Generation, breathing, and muscles. Li Qingshan confirms he's at the Third Realm (breathing).

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan demonstrates his quick thinking and cautious nature by resigning from his job and reporting the incident.
• Yu Lei shows her knowledge and experience in martial arts, revealing the four realms of The Stars Are Calling.

Significant Themes

• The importance of caution and quick thinking in the face of danger (Li Qingshan's actions).
• The mysterious nature of the fourth realm in The Stars Are Calling cultivation method.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan interacts with his classmates Yu Lei, Hong Qian, and Zhao Hongzhou, discussing the announcement and their cultivation method realms.
• Li Qingshan learns that Yu Lei is Wan Keshan's niece.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan unlocks the [Martial Arts Space] feature, allowing him to train and fight Monster Projections.
• Wolf Poison, the first monster Li Qingshan killed, appears in the Martial Arts Space and attacks him.
• Li Qingshan attempts to defeat Wolf Poison's Projection but struggles due to the significant difference in their strength and speed.
• Sky Patroler Mecha flies overhead, possibly investigating an emergency related to the Evil God Cultist Li Qingshan reported.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan demonstrates determination and resilience in his training, refusing to give up despite facing a formidable opponent in Wolf Poison's Projection.
• He shows concern for the potential danger in his city, praying for the success of the Patrol Bureau's operation.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Persistence: Li Qingshan's refusal to give up against Wolf Poison highlights his determination to improve and overcome challenges.
• Consequences of Shortcuts: Li Qingshan faces the price of taking a shortcut by unlocking the Martial Arts Space, emphasizing the importance of hard work and patience.

Character Interactions

• Although there are no direct interactions with other characters in this chapter, Li Qingshan's thoughts and actions are influenced by his past encounters with Yu Lei, Hong Qian, and the salesgirl at the Nutrient Solution shop.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan has a near-miss with Zhao Hongzhou due to his heightened reflexes.
• Yu Lei asks Li Qingshan about his training method, and he shares his unique approach involving imagination.
• Liang Mingyu and Liu Jingya are absent due to fear, and they are later expelled from the class.
• Wan Keshan teaches the students about the advanced cultivation method, The Stars Are Calling, and its four realms.
• Li Qingshan learns about the Fourth Realm's focus on Muscle Rhythm and sensing hidden nerves.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan's combat instincts have improved significantly, posing a potential threat to those around him.
• Yu Lei becomes curious and somewhat wary of Li Qingshan's unorthodox training method.
• Wan Keshan demonstrates his expertise and patience in teaching the students.

Significant Themes

• The importance of imagination and visualization in training and self-improvement.
• The value of advanced knowledge and techniques, as exemplified by The Stars Are Calling.
• The consequences of fear and lack of determination, as shown by Liang Mingyu and Liu Jingya's expulsion.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan interacts with Zhao Hongzhou, Yu Lei, and Hong Qian, sharing his unique perspective on training.
• Wan Keshan interacts with the students, providing guidance and encouragement as they begin their training.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students complete an intense training session in the Martial Arts Hall.
• Li Qingshan visits Wan Keshan's office to ask about killing a Wolf Poison hypothetically.
• Wan Keshan shows Li Qingshan a Laser Pistol as a potential solution but emphasizes the importance of a Movement Technique.
• Wan Keshan sends Li Qingshan two basic Martial Techniques, Mizong Step and Wind Shadow Blade, ahead of schedule.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan shows initiative and a strong sense of crisis by asking Wan Keshan about hypothetically killing a Wolf Poison.
• Wan Keshan demonstrates his care for his students' well-being and progress by sending Li Qingshan the Martial Techniques early.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and versatility in combat (Wan Keshan's comparison of weapons and Li Qingshan's eventual focus on Mizong Step).
• The value of hard work and dedication (Li Qingshan's determination to train Mizong Step to the required level).

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Wan Keshan have a productive discussion about combat strategies and Martial Techniques.
• Li Qingshan shows respect and gratitude towards Wan Keshan for his guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan seeks advice from Wan Keshan on how to kill Wolf Poison.
• Wan Keshan rewards Li Qingshan with 100,000 Star Coins for his report on the Evil God Cultist.
• The Patrol Bureau confirms the presence of an Evil God Cult stronghold in Luoying City and eliminates it.
• Wan Keshan and Yu Man discuss Li Qingshan's potential and the path of martial arts.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan shows initiative in seeking advice and rewards, demonstrating his determination and resourcefulness.
• Wan Keshan reveals his past mistake in guiding a student, hinting at his regret and desire to do better with Li Qingshan.
• Yu Man shows her resolve in pursuing combat power through Mecha, indicating her adaptability and ambition.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of combat power and its consequences.
• The importance of realm and foundation in martial arts.
• The different paths one can take in martial arts and the challenges they present.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Wan Keshan: Li Qingshan seeks advice from Wan Keshan, who offers guidance and rewards him for his efforts.
• Wan Keshan and Yu Man: Wan Keshan discusses Li Qingshan's potential with Yu Man, revealing his past mistakes and his hopes for Li Qingshan's future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan continues his cultivation of The Stars Are Calling under Wan Keshan's guidance, with a focus on the Body Forging Realm.
• After class, Li Qingshan calculates that with his new schedule, he can reach the Body Tempering Second Level in two months.
• Li Qingshan studies Mizong Step cultivation materials and begins practicing it.
• He struggles to complete the footwork set once, taking over an hour, but finally succeeds.
• Li Qingshan enters the Martial Arts Space and begins practicing Mizong Step, repeatedly dying from Wolf Poison's attacks until he gains 1 point of Beginner proficiency.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan demonstrates determination and persistence in his cultivation, even in the face of difficult footwork and repeated failures in the Martial Arts Space.
• Wan Keshan is shown to be a patient and dedicated instructor, placing great importance on the Body Forging Realm.

Significant Themes

• The importance of persistence and determination in cultivation.
• The concept of "a single proof, forever proven," highlighting the significance of completing a task once to gain proficiency.
• The challenges and dangers faced in the Martial Arts Space, reflecting the risks and setbacks in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan interacts with Wan Keshan during class, showing his dedication to cultivation.
• Li Qingshan's struggle with Mizong Step is observed by a little girl and her grandmother, highlighting the oddity of his movements to outsiders.
• Li Qingshan's repeated deaths in the Martial Arts Space at the hands of Wolf Poison demonstrate his resolve in the face of adversity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan struggles with sleep deprivation due to excessive training in the Martial Arts Space.
• He confirms that the space ignores physical exhaustion but doesn't restore mental energy.
• Li Qingshan pushes Mizong Step to the 'Proficient' level, allowing him to dodge Wolf Poison's attacks.
• After eight days, he reaches the 'Mastery' level in Mizong Step and makes significant progress in Body Forging.
• Wan Keshan advises Li Qingshan to rest, and Li Qingshan buys more Nutrient Solution.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan's determination and work ethic increase as he pushes himself to improve rapidly.
• Wan Keshan shows concern for Li Qingshan's well-being and offers advice.

Significant Themes

• The importance of balance in training and rest.
• The consequences of pushing oneself too hard, both physically and mentally.
• The role of a teacher in guiding and caring for students.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan interacts with his classmates, including Zhao Hongzhou, Yu Lei, and Hong Qian, who notice his increased exhaustion.
• Wan Keshan advises Li Qingshan to rest, showing concern for his student's well-being.
• Li Qingshan buys Nutrient Solution from the same salesgirl as before, who recognizes him and welcomes him back.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan wakes up refreshed and decides to practice Wind Shadow Blade, a blade technique he's been meaning to learn.
• He studies the technique's video and text instructions, then practices it in the morning.
• In the evening, he continues his daily body forging routine.
• In the Martial Arts Space, Li Qingshan attempts to fight Wolf Poison using his new blade technique and improved Mizong Step.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan shows dedication and discipline in his daily training routine, demonstrating his commitment to improving his skills.
• His mental state improves due to fewer deaths in the Martial Arts Space.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and dedication in training and self-improvement.
• The correlation between physical and mental well-being.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan interacts with no other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his personal training and growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan reaches Great Accomplishment in Mizong Step, spending only a month in the Martial Arts Space, equivalent to two years of training.
• He seeks revenge on Wolf Poison, killing it ten times in a row.
• Li Qingshan decides to look for a part-time job to earn money and prepare for the future.
• Zhao Hongzhou offers Li Qingshan a job as a personal trainer at Yinghai Gym, paying five hundred yuan per session.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan demonstrates his diligence and determination, training intensively in the Martial Arts Space.
• He shows his competitive nature and desire for revenge against Wolf Poison.
• Li Qingshan expresses his responsibility and foresight by looking for a part-time job to secure his financial future.

Significant Themes

• Diligence and Hard Work: Li Qingshan's rapid progress in Mizong Step highlights the importance of hard work and dedication.
• Revenge and Competition: Li Qingshan's desire to take revenge on Wolf Poison showcases his competitive nature and unwillingness to back down from a challenge.
• Financial Responsibility: Li Qingshan's decision to look for a part-time job emphasizes the importance of financial stability and planning for the future.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan interacts with Zhao Hongzhou, who offers him a job as a personal trainer.
• Yu Lei, a fellow Martial Arts Class student, provides context and insight into the job offer, expressing her skepticism about Li Qingshan's potential as a personal trainer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan joins Yinghai Gym, a chain brand with three gyms in Luoying City.
• He meets Manager Zhou, who offers him a Class Fee of 1500 for two hours a day.
• A troublemaker, Cao Shaoyu, demands a refund and a new coach, Yu Zhuo, due to dissatisfaction with his current training.
• Li Qingshan agrees to take Cao Shaoyu as his client, despite Manager Zhou's warnings about Yu Zhuo.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan: Shows confidence in his abilities and willingness to take on challenges, including potential confrontations with Yu Zhuo.
• Cao Shaoyu: A chubby, energetic middle school student who wants to learn martial arts and is not satisfied with his current coach.
• Manager Zhou: Cautious and considerate, he tries to protect Li Qingshan from potential trouble with Yu Zhuo.

Significant Themes

• Face and Reputation: Manager Zhou emphasizes the importance of face and reputation in the adult world, while Li Qingshan shows indifference to such concerns.
• Martial Arts and Competition: The chapter highlights the competitive nature of martial arts and the potential for conflict between practitioners.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Manager Zhou: Li Qingshan shows respect for Manager Zhou but remains confident in his decisions, while Manager Zhou tries to protect Li Qingshan from potential trouble.
• Li Qingshan and Cao Shaoyu: Li Qingshan shows interest in training Cao Shaoyu, despite the latter's difficult nature, and reassures him about his abilities.
• Li Qingshan and Yu Zhuo (implied): The chapter hints at potential conflict between Li Qingshan and Yu Zhuo, as Li Qingshan takes Cao Shaoyu as his client.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingshan accepts Cao Shaoyu's job offer, knowing it will lead to a confrontation with Yu Zhuo.
• Li Qingshan and his group arrive at the gym, and Li Qingshan provokes Yu Zhuo in front of everyone.
• Yu Zhuo challenges Li Qingshan to a fight, but Li Qingshan insists on a single strike, confident in his strength.

Character Developments

• Li Qingshan demonstrates his confidence and disregard for the power gap between him and Yu Zhuo.
• Yu Zhuo shows his arrogance and underestimates Li Qingshan's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The importance of self-confidence and belief in one's abilities.
• The dangers of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingshan and Yu Zhuo's confrontation highlights the tension and hostility between them.
• Manager Zhou's concern and worry for Li Qingshan's safety.
• The coaches' initial disbelief and later admiration for Li Qingshan's boldness.