Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Federation's most important examination begins, with strict rules: candidates must be under 20 and meet the Physical Standard; failure results in immediate expulsion and disqualification for the next year.
• The first test is Bone Age Detection, using advanced military equipment to verify candidates' ages.
• Three candidates are eliminated in the first test, one of whom attempts to fight back, resulting in severe injury.
• Mu Fan passes the Bone Age Detection.
• The second test, Physical Standard Test, begins. Candidates will face 10 military-appointed Level 18 Martial Arts Grandmasters for endurance testing and use a 2A-level 1-25 Strength Testing Instrument.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan remains calm and composed throughout the tests.
• The Second Lieutenant demonstrates his ruthlessness and power, instilling fear in the candidates.

Significant Themes

• The Federation Military's ruthless and unforgiving approach to recruitment.
• The importance of meeting the required standards for qualification.
• The consequences of attempting to cheat or cause trouble.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan observes the other candidates and the examiners closely, using his Dark Breath ability to analyze their actions.
• The Second Lieutenant interacts with the candidates, demonstrating his power and setting expectations for the tests.
• The academy examiners observe the candidates, evaluating their performance for potential recruitment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The strength and endurance tests continue, with candidates being eliminated.
• Candidate 354, Meng Xilong, impresses the examiners by easily blocking a Level 15 punch.
• Candidate 683, Zhang Yuanren, demonstrates Level 18 strength, attracting significant attention from academy observers.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan observes the tests, learning about the standards and ruthlessness of the military's selection process.
• Zhang Yuanren showcases his strength and noble background, becoming a highly sought-after candidate by the major academies.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and endurance in the military.
• The ruthless nature of the military's selection process.
• The significance of noble backgrounds and connections in the military and academic worlds.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan observes and interacts with other candidates, learning about their strengths and backgrounds.
• Academy observers discuss and mark candidates of interest, including Zhang Yuanren.
• Ruan Xiongfeng, an instructor from Dingchuan Academy, displays a laid-back attitude towards the tests, prioritizing the practical combat phase.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan, number 697, is about to take the strength test, with many candidates still to go, but the observers have lost interest as no one expects a stronger cadet.
• Mu Fan stands before the Strength Testing Instrument, recalling his past struggles and determination.
• Mu Fan's intense emotional state and physical transformation during the test draw the attention of observers and Martial Arts Grandmasters.
• Mu Fan punches the target platform, causing it to dent and displaying an astonishing strength of 5879kg, exceeding level 20 and approaching level 21.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan: Demonstrates his immense strength and emotional resolve, revealing his journey and determination to the audience.
• Zhang Yuanren: Initially confident and calm, is left stunned by Mu Fan's performance.
• Martial Arts Grandmasters: Take notice of Mu Fan's display of strength and fighting spirit.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of adversity (Mu Fan's journey from poverty and struggle to this moment).
• The power of emotion and will (Mu Fan's emotional state amplifying his physical capabilities).
• The unexpected and underestimation of others (Mu Fan's performance surprising the observers).

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan and the observers: Mu Fan's intense emotional state and physical transformation draw the observers' attention, culminating in his astonishing display of strength.
• Mu Fan and the Martial Arts Grandmasters: The grandmasters take notice of Mu Fan's fighting spirit and strength, signaling their interest and potential recognition of his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan successfully breaks through to Level 20, nearly reaching Level 21, during his strength test.
• The observers are astonished by Mu Fan's performance and his origin from the remote Luoqie Star.
• Ruan Xiongfeng, a Level 25 Martial Arts Grandmaster and instructor, arrives and offers to conduct Mu Fan's endurance test.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan demonstrates exceptional strength and skill, earning respect from Martial Arts Grandmasters.
• Ruan Xiongfeng reveals his powerful strength and casual demeanor, establishing his formidable presence.

Significant Themes

• Talent recognition and appreciation, as seen in the observers' reactions to Mu Fan's performance.
• Respect for martial arts mastery, as shown by the Martial Arts Grandmaster's bow to Mu Fan.

Character Interactions

• The observers initially underestimate Mu Fan due to his background but are later impressed by his abilities.
• Ruan Xiongfeng's arrival disrupts the tension, showcasing his charisma and power as he takes over Mu Fan's endurance test.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan is tested by Ruan Xiongfeng, who considers him excellent cannon fodder worthy of his personal attention.
• Mu Fan withstands Ruan Xiongfeng's Level 20 punch and blocks a more powerful punch, revealing his Level 21 endurance.
• Mu Fan's Physical Standard level is assessed as Level 20, making him a top candidate.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan demonstrates his strength, endurance, and tenacity, earning respect from the candidates and examiners.
• Ruan Xiongfeng is impressed by Mu Fan's potential and considers him a valuable asset for the Federation Army.

Significant Themes

• The importance of physical strength and endurance in this era.
• The recognition and respect given to strong individuals.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan and Ruan Xiongfeng: The interaction between the two highlights Mu Fan's potential and Ruan Xiongfeng's appreciation for it.
• Mu Fan and the other candidates: Mu Fan's performance earns him admiration and support from the other candidates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fatty, a young man with a peculiar personality, is taking a logistics department exam, finding it extremely challenging and irrelevant to his interests.
• During the exam, Fatty encounters a female invigilator and becomes distracted, leading to an awkward staring contest between them.
• Fatty decides to use the exam as an opportunity to write about his favorite topics—food—rather than answering the questions seriously.
• Meanwhile, Mu Fan, a candidate at a different testing point, successfully completes his morning assessment and receives his combat tag for the next round.

Character Developments

• Fatty: Demonstrates his eccentric and carefree nature, showing little interest in the exam and more in discussing food and his personal interests.
• Mu Fan: Shows determination and focus in his goal to pass the special recruitment test, paying little heed to the attention he's receiving from others.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between one's interests and expectations from society.
• The importance of focus and determination in achieving one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and the female invigilator: Their interaction is brief but awkward, with Fatty staring at her and then trying to act cute when caught.
• Mu Fan and the crowd: Mu Fan is the subject of whispers and speculation from the crowd after his impressive performance in the morning assessment, but he remains unfazed and focused on his goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan receives a message to report to the Jin Jilan Fighting Arena in A District by 2 PM.
• He learns that the top 100 candidates will be selected, with twenty spots reserved for each of the Five Great Academies.
• Mu Fan arrives in A District and learns that the Jin Jilan Fighting Arena is often used for heavyweight matches and is territory of the Mountain Haze Society.
• Fatty, still taking his exams, completes his written test and prepares for the next exam: Logistics Support Electronic Drill.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan shows determination and focus in preparing for the upcoming test.
• Fatty demonstrates increased confidence and enthusiasm in his exams, writing a test paper full of sincerity and personal thoughts.

Significant Themes

• The theme of competition and selection continues, with Mu Fan and Fatty both facing crucial tests.
• The influence of the Mountain Haze Society is introduced, hinting at potential conflicts or challenges in the exams.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan interacts briefly with the taxi driver, learning about the Jin Jilan Fighting Arena's reputation.
• Fatty's internal monologue reveals his thoughts on his exams and his concern for Mu Fan's progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan arrives at the Ring Fighting Arena for the Federation Grand Exam's fighting preliminary selection.
• He encounters other candidates and forms a temporary alliance with four others: Pajie, Ilay, Chester, and Phil.
• The exam begins, with military officers as examiners and academy observers watching from above.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan: Shows calm and collected demeanor, not easily swayed by others' opinions or strategies.
• Pajie, Ilay, Chester, Phil: Form a temporary alliance, hoping to share information and support each other during the exam.

Significant Themes

• The vastness and grandeur of the fighting arena symbolize the scale and importance of the Federation Grand Exam.
• The presence of military officers and academy observers highlights the exam's significance and the potential rewards for successful candidates.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan interacts with other candidates, showing a friendly yet reserved attitude.
• The academy observers discuss their interests in the candidates, highlighting the potential benefits of passing the exam.
• The old man in a black cloth robe and the young girl are introduced, hinting at their potential importance in the story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces Wang Nuonuo and her grandfather, Wang Ji, who are influential figures in the business world.
• The competition begins, with 8053 candidates vying for the top 100 spots. Matches are randomly assigned, with special bye slots for some candidates.
• Mu Fan, the protagonist, is among the candidates, waiting for his match. He observes the first round of fights, including a match between Phil and a fierce young man.

Character Developments

• Wang Nuonuo is introduced as a graceful and distinguished young woman, but she expresses boredom at the prospect of watching the competition.
• Mu Fan demonstrates strategic thinking by deciding to observe the first round of fights before participating himself.

Significant Themes

• The theme of competition and survival of the fittest is prominent, as candidates strive to be the last one standing.
• The influence of family and business connections is hinted at through Wang Nuonuo and her grandfather's interactions with other influential figures.

Character Interactions

• Wang Nuonuo and her grandfather exchange pleasantries with other influential figures, revealing their connections and status in the business world.
• Mu Fan observes Phil's match, showing interest in the dynamics of the competition.
• Zhang Zongyao, the chairman of Luoqi Heavy Industries, expresses interest in Wang Nuonuo as a potential match for his son, Zhang Yuanren, who is also participating in the competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The competition begins, with 8000 contestants aiming to reduce to 4000.
• Phil, a local youth with a Physical Standard of 15, faces a fierce opponent in the first round.
• Phil's leg is severely injured in a kick, and he struggles to continue fighting.
• Phil is brutally attacked and eventually eliminated, with no chance to surrender.
• Mu Fan witnesses the violence and realizes the severity of the competition.

Character Developments

• Phil: Initially confident, Phil is overwhelmed and ultimately eliminated, highlighting the brutal nature of the competition.
• Mu Fan: Witnessing Phil's fate, Mu Fan understands the gravity of the situation and begins to control his killing intent, preparing for his own fight.

Significant Themes

• Brutality and survival: The competition is a fight to the death, reflecting the harsh reality of the military world.
• Preparation and adaptation: Mu Fan learns from Phil's fate and begins to prepare for his own challenges.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan and Phil: Mu Fan watches Phil's fight, understanding the severity of the competition and preparing for his own battle.
• Pajie, Ilay, and Chester: They witness Phil's elimination, realizing the brutal nature of the exam and shedding tears for their friend.
• The fierce youth and Phil: The fierce youth demonstrates his brutal fighting style, eliminating Phil without mercy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The examination continues, with candidates displaying heavy force to minimize competitors.
• Pajie showcases his brute strength, winning the favor of the referee.
• Chester uses agility and strategy to leave a memorable impression, securing an invitation from a consortium.
• Mu Fan's number is called, and he enters the stage to face Number 298.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan enters a state of Dark Breath, suppressing his growing killing intent.
• Chester leaves the stage after losing, securing a job opportunity to support his family.
• Ilay and Pajie watch Mu Fan's progress with mixed emotions.
• Zhang Yuanren, a candidate from D District, recognizes Mu Fan and becomes focused on his match.

Significant Themes

• Competition and survival of the fittest among candidates.
• Strategic thinking and adaptability in combat (seen in Chester's approach).
• Mu Fan's calm and composed demeanor, contrasting with the intense atmosphere.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan's group (Ilay, Chester, Pajie) reacts to each other's matches.
• Mu Fan exchanges a friendly nod with Ilay and Pajie before his match.
• Zhang Yuanren takes notice of Mu Fan and becomes fixated on his fight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Nuonuo, in her Ring Suite, worries about Egg Lord's test and regrets coming to the arena.
• Mu Fan and his opponent (No. 298) face off on Fighting Stage No. 43.
• Mu Fan dodges and observes his opponent for several minutes, refusing to attack.
• No. 298 uses his B-rank fighting technique, Stone Piercing Fist, against Mu Fan.

Character Developments

• Wang Nuonuo shows concern for Egg Lord, hinting at growing feelings.
• Mu Fan demonstrates strategic thinking and patience, choosing to observe and learn before acting.

Significant Themes

• Patience and strategy in combat.
• The importance of mastering fighting techniques.

Character Interactions

• Wang Nuonuo's thoughts reveal her growing interest in Egg Lord.
• Mu Fan's interaction with No. 298 showcases his strategic and patient approach to combat.
• The observers in the high-level private room discuss Mu Fan's unusual tactics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan faces Candidate No. 298, who uses the Stone Piercing Fist at Level 17 peak.
• Mu Fan successfully defends against the attack and learns the technique, mastering forty percent of it.
• Mu Fan uses his newfound skill to throw his opponent off the stage, winning the match.
• Mu Fan observes another candidate, a tall young man with extraordinary endurance, who withstands heavy attacks and pushes his opponent off the stage.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan demonstrates his ability to quickly learn and adapt new fighting techniques, showcasing his intelligence and adaptability.
• The tall young man with exceptional endurance is introduced, hinting at his unique abilities.

Significant Themes

• The chapter emphasizes the diversity of talents and abilities among the candidates, highlighting the theme of individual uniqueness and potential.
• It also underscores the importance of adaptability and quick learning in combat situations.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan faces off against Candidate No. 298, learning and countering his opponent's technique.
• Mu Fan observes the fight between the Brute Force Fist King and the tall young man, appreciating the latter's unusual endurance.
• Pajie and Ilay interact with Mu Fan after his match, expressing their admiration for his skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Nuonuo, bored and disinterested in the fights, is called to watch her cousin Zhang Yuanren's match.
• Zhang Yuanren, confident in his hidden strength, fights brutally and cruelly, breaking his opponent's legs and killing him.
• The competition moves to the second round without a break. Mu Fan is called up first to fight on Fighting Stage No. 43, where Phil was severely injured earlier.

Character Developments

• Wang Nuonuo: Shows disinterest in the fights and discomfort at watching her cousin's brutal match.
• Zhang Yuanren: Reveals his hidden strength and fighting techniques, displaying a cruel and dominant attitude.
• Mu Fan: Calmly accepts his match in the second round, drawing attention from Ilay and Pajie.

Significant Themes

• Brutality and cruelty in competition and combat.
• The lack of breaks and recovery time between rounds, adding to the challenge and stress of the competition.
• The significance of Mu Fan's number (1578) and his calm demeanor as he faces an unknown opponent.

Character Interactions

• Wang Nuonuo and her grandfather Wang Ji: Wang Nuonuo is called to watch Zhang Yuanren's match, but she's not interested.
• Zhang Yuanren and his opponent: Zhang Yuanren shows no mercy, breaking his opponent's legs and killing him.
• Ilay, Pajie, and Mu Fan: Ilay and Pajie watch Mu Fan calmly accept his match, drawing their attention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan faces off against Shi Dong (Candidate No. 208), another Seed Candidate, in the second round.
• Shi Dong reveals he crippled Phil in the first match and threatens Mu Fan.
• Mu Fan provokes Shi Dong, who reveals his unknown fighting style, My Style Fighting Technique.
• Mu Fan withstands Shi Dong's powerful punches and uses Dark Breath to enhance his speed and strength.
• Mu Fan disappears and reappears above Shi Dong, preparing for a powerful attack.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan shows concern for Phil and stands up for him, revealing his caring side despite his cold demeanor.
• Shi Dong displays his fierce and arrogant personality, using his unknown fighting style to overpower opponents.
• Ruan Xiongfeng, the Dawn Academy observer, recognizes Shi Dong's fighting style and becomes more interested in Mu Fan's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hidden strength and surprises is emphasized as Mu Fan hides his true abilities and Shi Dong reveals his unique fighting style.
• The theme of standing up for friends and protecting the weak is shown through Mu Fan's actions against Shi Dong.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan and Shi Dong's interaction is intense and aggressive, with Mu Fan provoking Shi Dong and Shi Dong threatening Mu Fan.
• Ruan Xiongfeng and other academy observers discuss Mu Fan and Shi Dong's abilities, with Ruan Xiongfeng showing more interest in Mu Fan's potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan demonstrates the powerful 'Great Stele Throw' technique, defeating his opponent Shi Dong in a single, brutal move.
• Mu Fan's match against Shi Dong becomes the talk of the day, with many academy representatives eager to recruit him.
• Mu Fan easily wins his last match of the day, with his opponent forfeiting due to fear.
• Mu Fan leaves the testing center undetected by the trackers following him.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan showcases his immense physical strength and brutal fighting style, earning respect and fear from others.
• Shi Dong's overconfidence leads to his defeat, highlighting the dangers of underestimating opponents.
• Mu Fan's opponents begin to fear him, with one even forfeiting their match against him.

Significant Themes

• Might makes right: In this era of human expansion, physical strength and combat prowess are highly valued and respected.
• Fear and respect: Mu Fan's brutal fighting style and immense strength instill fear in his opponents and earn him respect from others.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan and Shi Dong: Their intense fight showcases Mu Fan's brutal fighting style and Shi Dong's overconfidence.
• Mu Fan and the trackers: Mu Fan uses Dark Breath to evade the trackers following him, highlighting his stealth and evasion skills.
• Mu Fan and Lord Black: Mu Fan and Lord Black continue their banter, with Lord Black providing comic relief and assistance to Mu Fan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan is shot by a sniper while leaving his hotel.
• He instinctively dodges, taking a bullet to his left arm.
• Mu Fan pursues the snipers, who are retreating towards the primeval forest.
• The city is in chaos due to the shooting, with people fleeing in panic.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan demonstrates quick reflexes and decisiveness in responding to the threat, showing his survival instincts.
• He becomes enraged and determined to catch the snipers, revealing his fierce and relentless side.
• Black, Mu Fan's AI, displays its capabilities by hacking into surveillance systems and tracking the snipers.

Significant Themes

• Survival and instinctual responses to life-threatening situations.
• The consequences of violence and the chaos it can cause in society.
• The relentless pursuit of justice and retribution.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan interacts with Black, giving orders and relying on Black's tracking abilities.
• There is no direct interaction between Mu Fan and the snipers, but their actions drive the plot and create a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic.
• The civilians in the city react to the shooting, fleeing in panic and chaos, highlighting the impact of violence on society.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan and two assassins (a sniper and an observer) meet in a primeval forest.
• Mu Fan, despite being shot, confronts and kills the assassins using his enhanced strength and Dark Breath ability.
• After the kill, Mu Fan flees the scene to avoid attracting fierce beasts.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan demonstrates his survival skills and adaptability in facing unexpected threats.
• Mu Fan's ruthlessness and determination to survive are revealed.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest: Mu Fan's ability to adapt and fight back against unexpected threats.
• Ruthlessness: Mu Fan's willingness to do whatever it takes to survive.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan vs. Assassins: Mu Fan's encounter with the assassins leads to a deadly confrontation, showcasing his strength and determination.
• Mu Fan's internal struggle: Mu Fan's cold, ruthless demeanor hints at an internal struggle or past traumas driving his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Fan is attacked by two assassins near a river. He manages to escape and returns to the hotel, treating his injured left arm.
• The next day, Mu Fan learns that he has a bye in the first round of the competition, meaning he will face a Level 17 military officer.

Character Developments

• Mu Fan: Shows resilience and resourcefulness in treating his injury and evading detection. He remains calm under pressure.
• Fatty: Shows concern for Mu Fan's well-being, trying to contact him. He also demonstrates strategic thinking in preparing for the competition.

Significant Themes

• Survival and resilience: Mu Fan's ability to adapt and overcome adversity is a central theme.
• Trust and betrayal: The existence of assassins targeting Mu Fan suggests a lack of trust and potential betrayal within his network.

Character Interactions

• Mu Fan interacts briefly with Ilay and Pajie, who notice he's not well but don't press for details.
• Mu Fan and Fatty show mutual concern, with Fatty trying to reach Mu Fan and Mu Fan not responding, suggesting a level of trust and camaraderie between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Birth of the author's daughter, Mian Mian, on June 2, 2016, at 12:27 PM.
• Mother and daughter are safe, but the mother is weak and recuperating after another surgery.
• The maternity ward is full, so the mother is sleeping in the hallway, and the author is sleeping on the floor.
• The author arranges for a private room for his wife once she's able to eat and her condition stabilizes.

Character Developments

• The author becomes a father and expresses his joy and gratitude for the support of his readers.
• The mother, though weak, is recovering and caring for their newborn daughter.

Significant Themes

• Family and parenthood: The author's joy and responsibility in becoming a father.
• Gratitude: The author expresses his thanks to readers for their support and blessings.

Character Interactions

• The author, his wife (mother), and their newborn daughter (Mian Mian) interact, with the author ensuring his wife's and daughter's well-being.
• The author interacts with readers, updating them on the birth and expressing gratitude for their rewards and support.