Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Elder Su, the Mountain God of Mount Tai, witnesses He Zhao and his group capturing Xiangliu.
• He Zhao invites Elder Su into the Safe House, intending to capture and interrogate him.
• Elder Su reveals that he is the one who created the mountain peaks trapping the poisonous water.
• He Zhao offers to let Elder Su vent his anger on Xiangliu in exchange for valuable items.
• Elder Su agrees, but finds he cannot harm Xiangliu within the Safe House.
• He Zhao asks for Luan Wood leaves, which Elder Su reluctantly gives him.
• The Outer Dao Gods attempt to curse He Zhao but fail, and their attempt is noticed by the Green and Red Twin Snakes.

Character Developments

• Elder Su: Initially cautious and hesitant, he becomes determined to vent his anger on Xiangliu after being provoked by He Zhao.
• He Zhao: Demonstrates his ruthlessness and cunning in dealing with Elder Su and Xiangliu.
• Xiangliu: Despite his fierce nature, he is helpless within the Safe House and is toyed with by Elder Su.

Significant Themes

• Greed and manipulation: He Zhao's actions are driven by his desire for valuable items, and he manipulates Elder Su to get what he wants.
• Power dynamics: The Safe House's power dynamics are highlighted as Xiangliu, despite his strength, is helpless within it.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Elder Su: Their interaction is marked by He Zhao's manipulation and Elder Su's initial caution and later determination.
• Elder Su and Xiangliu: Elder Su vents his anger on Xiangliu, highlighting the power dynamics within the Safe House.
• The Outer Dao Gods and He Zhao: Their attempt to curse He Zhao fails, highlighting the Safe House's protective nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao enters a new Simulation Scenario, "Three Religions and Nine Streams," as a Yamen Runner, a low-ranking constable in the Great Qing Dynasty.
• He is tasked with investigating a suicide case in a small grove outside the city.

Character Developments

• He Zhao: He remains calm and collected upon learning his new, low-ranking identity. He shows no fear in the face of death, indicating his experience with dying in previous lives.
• Wang Xu (Old Wang): He is a veteran constable who takes He Zhao under his wing, showing him the ropes and offering guidance.

Significant Themes

• Class Solidification: The Great Qing Dynasty's strict social hierarchy is emphasized, with each profession belonging to specific social strata, limiting one's opportunities and prospects.
• Death and Dying: The theme of death is introduced through the suicide case, and He Zhao's lack of fear suggests his familiarity with death from his past lives.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Wang Xu: The two constables work together, with Wang Xu acting as a mentor to He Zhao, teaching him about the job and offering advice.
• He Zhao and Gao Dapeng: They meet briefly, with Wang Xu hinting at Gao Dapeng's importance and influence within the police station.
• He Zhao and Zhang Yu: The Junior Coroner is introduced, and He Zhao is tasked with helping him retrieve the body, showing the hierarchy and division of labor within the police station.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao and the coroner team investigate a suicide case in the woods.
• The body is identified as a young man who had been missing for several days.
• The corpse is brought back to the Jincheng Police Station for further examination.

Character Developments

• He Zhao demonstrates his adaptability and resilience in handling the corpse, showing no fear despite his initial reservations.
• The Junior Coroner, Zhang Yu, struggles with his fear of corpses but is determined to prove himself to his master, Gao Dapeng.
• Coroner Gao shows patience and understanding towards his apprentice's fears.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Resilience: He Zhao and Zhang Yu both face their fears—He Zhao of being broke, and Zhang Yu of corpses. They both show resilience in overcoming these fears.
• Tradition and Superstition: The coroners follow ancient rituals, such as drawing a Zhong Kui Portrait on the corpse's face, to suppress wandering souls, highlighting the blend of traditional beliefs and practical work in their profession.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao interacts with the coroner team, learning from Coroner Gao and supporting Zhang Yu in his struggles.
• The Junior Coroner, Zhang Yu, seeks to prove himself to his master, Gao Dapeng, and gains encouragement and understanding from him.
• Old Wang, the constable, shares his experiences and insights with He Zhao and the coroners, fostering a sense of camaraderie among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao, with a Zhong Kui portrait on his face, enters the morgue at night.
• He finds the Junior Coroner, Zhang Yu, lying on a mortuary bed, who flees in terror.
• He Zhao pursues Zhang Yu but is suddenly attacked and hanged by an unseen force.
• He Zhao activates his talent, Half a Life, to avoid death but suffers severe injuries.
• He discovers Zhang Yu's corpse nearby, killed by the same force.
• He realizes the force is an inescapable death trap, the Murderous Iron Law of a Sacrificial Vessel.

Character Developments

• He Zhao demonstrates bravery and curiosity, willing to face danger.
• Zhang Yu shows fear and desperation, fleeing from the morgue.
• He Zhao's ruthlessness is revealed as he strikes himself to avoid death.

Significant Themes

• Fear and courage: He Zhao faces his fears, while Zhang Yu succumbs to his.
• Death and its consequences: The Murderous Iron Law leads to immediate death.
• Investigation and discovery: He Zhao tries to understand the rules of the force attacking him.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Zhang Yu: He Zhao pursues Zhang Yu, trying to understand why he's scared.
• He Zhao and the unseen force: He Zhao is attacked and hanged by the force, leading to his discovery of its rules.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao enters the Spirit Realm and encounters a colossal human face, nearly crushing him with its pressure.
• He dies twice in the simulation: once by being strangled with a hemp rope and once by being crushed by the face.
• He Zhao decides to replay the simulation, vowing to clear it in one life.

Character Developments

• He Zhao becomes more determined and strategic in his approach to the simulations.
• He Zhao's character is revealed to be resilient and adaptable, even in the face of death.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perseverance and determination is emphasized as He Zhao decides to replay the simulation after dying twice.
• The theme of adaptability is shown as He Zhao learns from his mistakes and plans to approach the simulation differently.

Character Interactions

• There are no significant character interactions in this chapter as He Zhao is the only character present.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao, now with six upgraded talents, is determined to achieve a One-life Clear in the Simulation Scenario.
• He and Wang Xu discover a corpse in the woods and bring it back to the Constabulary.
• That night, He Zhao investigates the Junior Coroner, Zhang Yu, who is hiding in the Morgue, scared by a supposed supernatural event.
• He Zhao suspects that the Junior Coroner's Zhong Kui makeup might be the key to preventing the corpse from rising.
• He stays in the Morgue to observe the corpse rising at midnight.

Character Developments

• He Zhao shows courage and curiosity, willing to face the supernatural event head-on.
• Zhang Yu is revealed to be superstitious and easily frightened, relying on makeup and hiding to protect himself.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural elements and their interaction with humans.
• The power of belief and superstition in affecting reality.
• The contrast between He Zhao's courage and Zhang Yu's fear.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Wang Xu work together to handle the corpse, showing a mentor-mentee relationship.
• He Zhao interacts with Zhang Yu, revealing the Junior Coroner's fear and superstition.
• He Zhao's actions show his disregard for the supposed supernatural danger, contrasting with Zhang Yu's fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao encounters a reanimated corpse (Corpse Demon) in the morgue and studies its abilities.
• He Zhao is hanged by Captain Li, but he activates his talent [One Life] to survive.
• Captain Li attempts to perform a craniotomy on He Zhao, but He Zhao uses his talent [Thunder Command] to kill him and his Paper Figure.

Character Developments

• He Zhao demonstrates his combat skills and talents, revealing his hidden strength.
• Captain Li is shown to be ruthless and cruel, using his position to commit murders.

Significant Themes

• The power of talents and their uses in combat and survival.
• The corruption and abuse of power within the Constabulary.
• The stigma of the "Lower Nine Streams" and the desire for power and respect.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and the Corpse Demon: He Zhao studies the Corpse Demon's abilities, showing curiosity and a lack of fear.
• He Zhao and Captain Li: They have a history of enmity, and Captain Li seeks to kill He Zhao out of spite.
• He Zhao and the Paper Figure: He Zhao uses his talent to destroy the Paper Figure, showing his ability to combat supernatural entities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao ambushes and kills Captain Li, who is revealed to be a Corpse Demon.
• He Zhao discovers Li's body is impervious to blades and bullets, and his strength is formidable.
• He Zhao finds an M1848 Dragoon-type revolver and a Hanged Man's Rope on Li's body.
• He Zhao infiltrates Li's paper figurine shop, intending to assassinate Li.
• Li is revealed to be a Qi Refiner at the Flying Scenery Realm, with great accomplishments in Illusion Technique and Paper Figurine Technique.

Character Developments

• He Zhao demonstrates his cunning and strategic thinking, using Li's son as bait and ambushing him.
• Li is revealed to be a grieving father, regretting his choices and the curse of his profession.

Significant Themes

• The theme of advantage and disadvantage in combat is highlighted, with He Zhao using his knowledge and strategy to gain the upper hand.
• The theme of regret and consequences of one's actions is explored through Li's monologue.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Li's interaction is minimal, with He Zhao killing Li in an ambush.
• Li's interaction with his son's memory and his regret for not heeding the Old Blind Man's warning is shown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao attempts to assassinate Zacai Li using Thunder Command, but fails to kill him.
• Li uses a Spiritual Attack (Cutting Knife) against He Zhao, which fails due to He Zhao's [Schizophrenia+] talent.
• He Zhao uses the Iron Ruler (Earth Fiend Technique—Sword Flight) to wound Zacai Li, who then commands his Paper Figures to attack He Zhao.
• He Zhao escapes, using a paper sword to fend off the Paper Figures, but they come to life again, blocking his path.
• He Zhao and Zacai Li engage in a bare-knuckle fight, with Zacai Li gaining the upper hand due to his [King of Close-Quarters Combat] badge.
• Zacai Li decides to shred He Zhao's physical body using a black cloth and his Cutting Knife.

Character Developments

• He Zhao demonstrates his resilience and adaptability in combat, using various techniques and weapons to counter Zacai Li's attacks.
• Zacai Li reveals his true power and ruthlessness, using his Paper Figures and Cutting Knife to try and kill He Zhao.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences is explored through Zacai Li's use of his Paper Figures and Cutting Knife, which he believes gives him the right to control and dispose of others.
• The theme of resilience is shown through He Zhao's ability to withstand and adapt to Zacai Li's attacks, despite being outmatched.

Character Interactions

• The interaction between He Zhao and Zacai Li is one of intense conflict, with each trying to gain the upper hand and outmaneuver the other.
• He Zhao's interactions with the Paper Figures highlight their eerie and dangerous nature, as they come to life and block his escape.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao enters a new Simulation Scenario, where he faces Zacai Li, a Lone Star with the Cutting Knife and Paper Figurine Technique.
• Zacai Li uses the Cutting Knife to sever Spiritual Essence and physical bodies, killing He Zhao's character in the scenario.
• He Zhao's character dies after 8 hours, 9 minutes, and 10 seconds, earning him 850 Simulation Coins.
• The Cutting Knife is revoked, but the Paper Figurine Technique is retained.

Character Developments

• He Zhao, the player, learns about the Cutting Knife and Paper Figurine Technique, and their effects.
• He Zhao's character in the scenario is killed by Zacai Li, but he learns from the experience.

Significant Themes

• The power of dual-purpose weapons (Cutting Knife) and the consequences of using them.
• The evil nature of the Paper Figurine Technique and its potential for backlash.
• The importance of adaptability and learning from failures in simulations.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao's character interacts with Zacai Li's character briefly before being killed.
• He Zhao interacts with the Simulator, expressing his desire to retry the scenario and his frustration with the Cutting Knife's revocation.

Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao leads the coroners to the woods, swaps the ropes, and takes the Hanged Man's Rope.
• He returns the body to the Constabulary and learns about Squad Leader Li's background from Constable Wang.
• He Zhao resigns from his constable position and warns Junior Coroner Zhang Yu about the hanged man's makeup.
• He Zhao decides to learn Zacai Li's invincible Close Quarters Combat style.

Character Developments

• He Zhao becomes more proactive and cunning, abandoning his shame to complete the game.
• Constable Wang shows concern for He Zhao's future and reveals his suspicions about Squad Leader Li's sexuality.
• Squad Leader Li is revealed to be a Corpse Demon with immense strength and invulnerability.

Significant Themes

• The power of deception and cunning over brute force.
• The consequences of past actions and the fear of retribution (as seen in the Rebel Army veterans).
• The struggle between tradition and change (represented by the conflict between He Zhao and Constable Wang).

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Constable Wang: He Zhao manipulates Wang Xu into accepting his resignation, while Wang Xu shows concern for He Zhao's future.
• He Zhao and Squad Leader Li: He Zhao learns about Li Yong's true nature and decides to learn his combat style.
• He Zhao and Junior Coroner Zhang Yu: He Zhao warns Zhang Yu about the hanged man's makeup, showing concern for the young coroner.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao, after gaining attribute points, decides to challenge Zacai Li, the owner of the Paper Craft Shop and a former boxing champion.
• He Zhao uses the Military Killing Fist style but is repeatedly defeated by Zacai Li.
• Despite his losses, He Zhao learns Zacai Li's techniques and vows to return and defeat him.

Character Developments

• He Zhao: Shows determination and persistence in learning martial arts, even after repeated failures. He also demonstrates a strategic mind, planning to use Zacai Li's techniques against him in the future.
• Zacai Li: Proves to be a formidable opponent, easily defeating He Zhao. He shows no mercy and even uses He Zhao's own technique against him, indicating a vengeful streak.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and Learning: He Zhao's repeated attempts to defeat Zacai Li highlight the theme of persistence in learning and improving one's skills.
• Stealing Techniques: He Zhao's plan to learn Zacai Li's techniques and use them against him raises questions about the morality of such actions and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Zacai Li: Their interaction is one of challenge and defeat, with He Zhao trying to learn from Zacai Li and Zacai Li refusing to be underestimated.
• The Crowd: The people watching the fight serve as a backdrop, showing the entertainment value of such spectacles in the world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao receives a severe beating from Li Zheng (Zacai Li) and identifies his shortcomings in boxing.
• He Zhao returns to the Paper Craft Shop to challenge Li Zheng again, learning a new triple-strike combo.
• He Zhao spends the afternoon gathering materials for the Paper Figurine Technique and crafts several paper figurines.
• He Zhao successfully captures the Spiritual Essence of twelve evil people and infuses it into a paper figurine, creating a Spirit Figurine.

Character Developments

• He Zhao: Realizes his lack of experience in combat and decides to learn from Li Zheng. He also discovers the Paper Figurine Technique and its potential.
• Li Zheng: Recognizes He Zhao's potential in martial arts and is impressed by his resilience and determination.

Significant Themes

• The importance of experience and learning from others in personal growth.
• The power of determination and resilience in overcoming challenges.
• The duality of good and evil, and the consequences of one's actions.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Li Zheng: Their interactions highlight Li Zheng's skill and experience in martial arts, as well as He Zhao's determination to learn and improve.
• He Zhao and the evil people in Jin City: Their interactions, though not directly shown, emphasize the power dynamics and moral corruption in the city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao gains proficiency in the Paper Figurine Technique and crafts a Spirit Sword and Spirit Armor.
• He Zhao challenges Zacai Li daily, improving his martial arts and exhausting Zacai Li.
• After over forty days, Zacai Li closes his shop and asks He Zhao to take a break.

Character Developments

• He Zhao improves his martial arts skills through daily challenges and reaches the pinnacle of close-quarters combat.
• Zacai Li's health deteriorates due to the constant challenges, leading him to close his shop.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perseverance and hard work is shown through He Zhao's daily challenges and improvement.
• The theme of the consequences of one's actions is demonstrated as Zacai Li's health suffers due to He Zhao's challenges.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Zacai Li engage in daily martial arts challenges, with He Zhao improving rapidly.
• He Zhao interacts with the neighbors, who enjoy watching the challenges and help him locate Zacai Li.
• He Zhao interacts with a shopkeeper from next door, who delivers a message from Zacai Li asking for a break.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao, after learning the King of Close-Quarters Combat's skills, confronts Zacai Li (Li Zheng) at his paper craft shop.
• A fierce battle ensues, with both using their Paper Figurine Techniques and hand-to-hand combat skills.
• He Zhao ultimately defeats Li Zheng, avenging his previous loss.
• Li Yong, Li Zheng's son, arrives and mistakenly blames Gao Dapeng (Coroner Gao) for his father's death, leading to a confrontation at Gao's residence.

Character Developments

• He Zhao upgrades his King of Close-Quarters Combat badge, gaining the ability to perceive an opponent's flaws during combat.
• Li Zheng's fear and shock grow as he realizes He Zhao's skills mirror his own.
• Li Yong's sanity decreases at night due to his title's negative effect, leading him to act violently and irrationally.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its satisfaction.
• The consequences of one's actions and the ripple effects they have on others.
• The burden of knowledge and secrets, as seen through Li Yong's misplaced blame.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao vs. Li Zheng: A battle of equals, with He Zhao ultimately emerging victorious.
• Li Yong vs. Gao Dapeng: A misunderstanding leads to a tense confrontation, with Li Yong accusing Gao of a crime he didn't commit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yong accuses Gao Dapeng of killing his father, Zacai Li, over the Hanged Man's Rope.
• Gao Dapeng denies involvement and suspects He Zhao.
• Li Yong threatens Gao Dapeng with severe punishment if he doesn't retrieve the rope.
• Gao Dapeng senses He Zhao spying on him and uses his Spirit Transformation Technique to destroy a paper figure controlled by He Zhao.
• He Zhao uses a ruse to make Gao Dapeng believe his home has been robbed, and follows him to see what he's hiding.

Character Developments

• Li Yong: Shows murderous intent and later cowers before Gao Dapeng, revealing his fear of the organization's methods.
• Gao Dapeng: Reveals his true power and uses his Spirit Transformation Technique, hinting at a hidden identity or ability.
• He Zhao: Shows cunning and manipulation, successfully tricking Gao Dapeng into revealing his secrets.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and fear: Li Yong fears Gao Dapeng's power, and He Zhao manipulates both Li Yong and Gao Dapeng for his own gain.
• Deception and manipulation: He Zhao uses deception to make Gao Dapeng reveal his secrets, while Li Yong's accusations are based on assumptions rather than facts.

Character Interactions

• Li Yong and Gao Dapeng: Their interaction reveals Li Yong's impulsiveness and fear, while Gao Dapeng remains calm and collected, hinting at a hidden power.
• He Zhao and Gao Dapeng: He Zhao manipulates Gao Dapeng into revealing his secrets, showing his cunning and intelligence.
• He Zhao and Li Yong: Though not interacting directly, He Zhao manipulates Li Yong's actions through his accusations against Gao Dapeng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao, disguised, follows Gao Damo to his home base.
• Gao Damo's Spirit Transformation Technique is revealed, which He Zhao finds formidable.
• He Zhao discovers ten powerful incense sticks in Gao Damo's home and takes them, replacing them with ordinary ones.
• He Zhao uses the incense to significantly increase his Qi Refiner progress and Gene Sublimation.
• Gao Damo discovers the incense sticks have been replaced and becomes suspicious.

Character Developments

• He Zhao demonstrates his cunning and daring, successfully stealing the incense sticks.
• Gao Damo shows his cautious nature and keen perception, but is ultimately deceived by He Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Greed and desire for power drive He Zhao's actions.
• Caution and vigilance are key to survival in this world, as seen in both He Zhao and Gao Damo.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Gao Damo's interaction is tense and cat-and-mouse, with He Zhao outsmarting Gao Damo.
• He Zhao's interaction with his Paper Figure shows his trust and reliance on it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ten years' worth of Incense and Wish Power is stolen from Gao Damo.
• Gao Damo uses Grievous Souls to track the thief, leading him to He Zhao.
• He Zhao uses an Earth Fiend Technique to escape, but Gao Damo pursues him using a Spirit Transformation Technique.
• He Zhao vows to take revenge on Gao Damo once he regains his strength.

Character Developments

• Gao Damo: Shows his ruthless and determined side as he pursues the thief.
• He Zhao: Demonstrates his resourcefulness and resilience in the face of danger, vowing to improve his skills to take revenge.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of Power: Both characters exhibit a strong desire for power, with He Zhao vowing to improve his skills and Gao Damo relentlessly pursuing the thief.
• Revenge: The theme of revenge is prominent, with He Zhao vowing to take revenge on Gao Damo and Gao Damo likely seeking retribution for the theft of his Incense and Wish Power.

Character Interactions

• Gao Damo vs. He Zhao: The main interaction in this chapter is the pursuit of He Zhao by Gao Damo, with He Zhao using an Earth Fiend Technique to escape and Gao Damo using a Spirit Transformation Technique to chase him. Their interaction sets the stage for future conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao encounters Gao Damo's physical body, surrounded by Grievous Souls, holding a jar containing Ghoul Artifacts.
• Gao Damo possesses three powerful items: the Ghoul Realm mirror, the Judge's Brush, and the Hundred Ghouls Jar.
• He Zhao discovers that the Hundred Ghouls Jar is a World Artifact created by the Great Lord Howling Abyss, capable of invading worlds.
• He Zhao fights off the Grievous Souls and kills Gao Damo's Spirit Body, but it resurrects and is swallowed by He Zhao.

Character Developments

• He Zhao demonstrates his powerful swordsmanship and gains new abilities from the optimized Lingering Grudge Method.
• Gao Damo's obsession with He Zhao leads to his own demise, showcasing his single-minded pursuit and lack of caution.

Significant Themes

• The power of obsession and its consequences, as seen through Gao Damo's relentless pursuit of He Zhao.
• The theme of fate and destiny, with He Zhao believing that the Hundred Ghouls Jar is "fated" to him.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao and Gao Damo's interaction is one of conflict and pursuit, culminating in Gao Damo's death and absorption by He Zhao.
• The Grievous Souls, controlled by Gao Damo, attack He Zhao but ultimately serve as cannon fodder, highlighting their lack of agency and Gao Damo's manipulation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhao devours Gao Damo, obtaining the Spirit Transformation Technique, which allows his soul to leave his body and attack enemies' Spiritual Essence.
• He Zhao enters the City God Temple, facing off against the City God and his subordinates, including the Civil and Military Judges.
• The City God offers He Zhao a position as the Civil Judge in exchange for the Hanged Man's Rope, which he plans to store in the Hundred Ghouls Jar.

Character Developments

• He Zhao demonstrates his cunning and resourcefulness, using the Ghoul Realm to redirect the Military Judge's attacks, causing him to strike his own colleagues.
• The City God reveals his overpowered stats and abilities, including Heaven and Earth Manifestation and Universe in Hand, making He Zhao question how to fight him.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between gods, spirits, and humans in the afterlife.
• The consequences of one's actions in life affecting their status in the afterlife.
• The struggle between cunning and brute force in combat.

Character Interactions

• He Zhao faces off against the City God and his subordinates, using his wits and newfound abilities to hold his own.
• The City God offers He Zhao a position as the Civil Judge, revealing his interest in the Hanged Man's Rope.