Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming learns about the potential connection between his world and another due to his adopted daughters, Zuozuo and Caicai.
• He decides to write about his ideal girlfriend in his novel, hoping she might come to life like Zhou Nan did.
• A private investigator approaches Qin Luming, but he ignores him and leaves.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: He continues to care for Zuozuo and Caicai, hoping his future girlfriend won't be like them. He's determined to find a girlfriend who matches his high standards and has specific traits.
• The Private Investigator: He's introduced as a middle-aged man with a refined appearance, but his intentions are unknown.

Significant Themes

• The potential connection between worlds and the consequences of learning too much about another world.
• Qin Luming's desire for a girlfriend who matches his ideal, reflecting his high standards and romantic expectations.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming interacts with Zuozuo and Caicai, showing affection and concern for them.
• He has a brief encounter with the private investigator, but he ignores the man and leaves without engaging in conversation.

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Next Victim

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming meets Ke Mu, a private detective hired by Gu Cheng to find Gu Qing'an.
• Ke Mu reveals that Gu Qing'an had inquired about Ma Shilong before his disappearance.
• Qin Luming speculates that Gu Qing'an might have commissioned Ma Shilong to write a novel about him.
• Ke Mu suspects Qin Luming might be the next person to disappear.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: Shows indifference towards Ke Mu's initial attempt to bluff him. He remains calm and collected during their conversation, revealing his intelligence and poise.
• Ke Mu: Demonstrates his professionalism and keen observation skills. He considers multiple possibilities and suspects Qin Luming might be in danger.

Significant Themes

• The power of information and its imbalance.
• The consequences of getting involved in someone else's affairs.
• The blurred line between reality and fiction, as Gu Qing'an's disappearance is connected to a web novel.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and Ke Mu: Qin Luming remains guarded and cautious, while Ke Mu tries to extract information subtly. Their interaction is tense yet polite.
• Ke Mu and his driver: Ke Mu shares his thoughts about the case, and the driver expresses his admiration for Ke Mu's intuition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming buys a popsicle and reflects on the differences between the south and north.
• He attends a lecture and buys related materials, pondering the relationship between technology and divine arts.
• He sees a poster for an election with a photo of An Chacha, a girl he knows from his past.
• Qin Luming writes and sends an email to the election review committee, reporting An Chacha's past misdeeds and bullying incidents.
• He receives a notification that his novel has reached the signing standard on a writing platform.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: He shows maturity and responsibility by reporting An Chacha's past actions to the review committee. He also demonstrates personal growth by no longer being the bullied, chubby kid from his past.
• An Chacha: Her past actions as a bully are revealed, showing a history of violence, malice, and lack of empathy.

Significant Themes

• Karma and consequences: Qin Luming's actions suggest that An Chacha's past misdeeds will catch up to her.
• Personal growth: Qin Luming's transformation from a bullied child to a responsible adult is highlighted.
• The power of imagination: The real-world manifestation of online novel settings is mentioned, suggesting that human imagination can influence reality.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and An Chacha: Their past relationship as bully and victim is revealed, with Qin Luming now taking a stand against An Chacha's past actions.
• Qin Luming and the review committee: Qin Luming takes responsibility as a student by reporting An Chacha's past misdeeds to the committee.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming's novel is signed by a publisher, causing a stir in his class.
• Qin Luming discovers another mysterious disappearance: an old steel bridge in Mentougou has vanished, similar to the Zinc Factory incident.
• Qin Luming suspects Zhou Nan's involvement and notices a straight line connecting the Zinc Factory, the bridge, and Ma Shilong's home. Extending this line, he finds an abandoned dam in the mountains.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: Becomes more observant and analytical, showing initiative in investigating the mysterious disappearances.
• Zhu Baiqing: Acknowledges Qin Luming's potential and wealth, but maintains a distance due to his relationship with Qi Ahe.
• Guo Gaoming and Diao Ligang: Remain supportive and eager to spend time with Qin Luming.

Significant Themes

• The power of observation and deduction in understanding the world.
• The consequences of unchecked ambition and greed, as seen through Zhou Nan's actions.
• The value of perseverance and hard work in achieving one's goals, reflected in Qin Luming's novel-writing journey.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming shares his book signing news with Guo Gaoming and Diao Ligang, leading to a celebratory lunch.
• Zhu Baiqing congratulates Qin Luming but declines his lunch invitation due to his relationship with Qi Ahe.
• Qin Luming visits the Mentougou bridge site alone, reflecting on Zhou Nan's actions and the potential connection to the abandoned dam.

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Dam - Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming decides to visit the Huangtuliang Dam, despite its remote and dangerous location.
• He encounters signs of wild beasts and observes the dam from a safe distance on a mountaintop.
• Qin Luming suspects that Zhou Nan will target the dam and decides to camp nearby to observe.
• He sends a message to his uncle, Qin Xiaotian, asking him to bring camping gear and supplies.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming demonstrates his independence and willingness to take risks, choosing to explore the dam alone.
• He shows curiosity and a desire to witness Zhou Nan's divine arts, indicating a growing interest in her abilities.

Significant Themes

• The impact of human activity on nature, as seen in the dam's effect on the river flow and the reclaimed land by wild beasts.
• The concept of momentum and energy, with the dam severing the "snake-like" form of the mountains and waterways.
• The allure of historical relics and their potential magnetic fields or energy bodies that could benefit powerful beings like Zhou Nan.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming interacts with Qin Xiaotian, his uncle, via messages, asking for help in bringing camping supplies.
• Qin Luming's decision to camp near the dam shows his determination to observe Zhou Nan's actions, indicating a growing involvement in her affairs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming sets up a campsite on a mountain near a dam, using equipment delivered by helicopter.
• He prepares a tent, power sources, and basic facilities like a urinal and toilet.
• An outdoor activity group from City A arrives, planning to camp and create Douyin content.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming demonstrates practical skills and knowledge in wilderness survival and outdoor safety.
• Sun Yuechi, Qin Xiaotian's secretary, is revealed to have worked with him for a decade.
• The outdoor group members are portrayed as enthusiastic about outdoor activities and social media content creation.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Qin Luming's practical, survival-focused approach and the outdoor group's social media-centric approach.
• The ease of private aircraft management and the lack of strict enforcement for illegal flights.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming interacts briefly with Sun Yuechi, his superior's secretary, when she delivers equipment via helicopter.
• He has a standoff with the outdoor group when they shine their flashlight in his face, which he resolves by using his powerful flashlight to temporarily blind them.
• The group approaches Qin Luming to greet him after he turns off his flashlight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming sees Zhou Nan at Ma Shilong's house, realizing Zhou Nan has read "My Wife is the Empress of the Zhou Kingdom," which puts Gu Qing'an in danger.
• Qin Luming suspects Gu Qing'an and Ma Shilong are in grave danger and that a demon king from another world might descend.
• Qin Luming helps a group of campers set up their tents and refuses their requests to add him on WeChat, leading to a confrontation with Yang Xiaoyan.
• Qin Luming encounters a Big Black Pig while camping, feeling it looks familiar.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming demonstrates his maturity and wisdom, showing concern for Gu Qing'an's safety and refusing unwanted advances from campers.
• Yang Xiaoyan shows her competitive nature and is upset when Qin Luming rejects her advances.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictability of life and the danger Gu Qing'an faces.
• Qin Luming's disinterest in superficial relationships and his preference for genuine connections.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming helps the campers set up their tents, showing kindness but maintains boundaries when they try to befriend him.
• Qin Luming and Yang Xiaoyan have a tense interaction, with Yang Xiaoyan feeling embarrassed and upset by Qin Luming's rejection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming encounters an extraordinarily large domestic pig, the Big Black Pig, weighing nearly two thousand jin, on the desolate loess mountain.
• The pig runs towards the abandoned dam, and Qin Luming follows it, observing from a distance.
• Qin Luming speculates that the pig might have been left behind when the dam maintenance personnel evacuated and has been living alone, growing to its enormous size.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination by setting up a monitoring system and a makeshift warning device around his tent to protect against potential threats from the Big Black Pig or other wild animals.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation: The Big Black Pig's ability to survive and grow in harsh conditions, isolated from human contact, highlights the theme of survival and adaptation.
• Human impact on nature: The pig's presence on the abandoned dam site raises questions about human impact on the environment and the consequences of human activity on wildlife.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming's interaction with the Big Black Pig is limited to a chase scene, but his observations and speculations about the pig's origins and life story reveal his curiosity and empathy towards the unusual creature.
• Qin Luming's actions to secure his campsite and warn the adjacent camp about the warning device he set up show his consideration for the safety of others, despite his initial intention to keep his distance from Yang Xiaoyan's group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming declines offers to partner for livestreams and is perceived as a loner or gay by the group.
• Che Yun, the only girl who didn't ask for Qin Luming's WeChat ID, seeks refuge in his tent due to noise and fear from sharing with Yang Xiaoyan.
• Qin Luming has another dream about an abyss containing countless worlds, reminiscent of the previous night's dream.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming remains indifferent to the advances of the group members, further fueling their speculations about his sexuality.
• Che Yun shows vulnerability and desperation, seeking comfort in Qin Luming's tent.
• Qin Luming's dreams become more complex and interconnected, suggesting a deeper connection to the dream world.

Significant Themes

• Isolation and loneliness, as Qin Luming chooses to distance himself from the group.
• Fear and vulnerability, shown by Che Yun seeking refuge in Qin Luming's tent.
• The blurring line between reality and dreams, as Qin Luming's dreams become more vivid and connected.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and Che Yun: Qin Luming rejects Che Yun's advances, further fueling her speculations about his sexuality. Their interaction highlights Qin Luming's indifference and Che Yun's desperation.
• Qin Luming and the group: Qin Luming's refusal to partner for livestreams leads to speculations about his sexuality, creating a divide between him and the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming experiences a vivid dream where he sees a voice's owner, who speaks of a "Summoning Contract" being signed.
• He returns to reality, unharmed, and decides to monitor himself while sleeping to confirm if he's physically leaving his body.
• Qin Luming sees Che Yun doing yoga near his campsite and reflects on his desire to summon the female protagonist from his novel.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming becomes more accepting of his strange dreams and starts investigating their authenticity.
• He realizes his subconscious desire to summon a character from his novel.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between reality and dreams/fantasy.
• Qin Luming's obsession with his novel's female protagonist.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming observes Che Yun from a distance, comparing her to the female protagonist in his novel.
• Qin Luming's internal monologue reveals his growing fixation on summoning his novel's character.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming has a recurring dream about a great demon king summoning him.
• Che Yun, who initially ignored Qin Luming, seeks his help when she can't contact her friends who went to the dam.
• Qin Luming agrees to investigate near the dam but not inside it.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: Shows practicality and calmness in the face of potential danger. He's willing to help but maintains a safe distance from the dam.
• Che Yun: Initially dismissive of Qin Luming, she becomes more concerned about her friends' safety and seeks his help.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity vs. Caution: Qin Luming is curious about the dam but maintains caution due to his knowledge about Zhou Nan's potential target.
• Responsibility and Helping Others: Qin Luming agrees to help Che Yun find her friends, showing a sense of responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and Che Yun: Initially at odds, they form a temporary alliance due to their shared concern for Che Yun's friends. Qin Luming is dismissive of Che Yun's attempts to help, highlighting their different approaches to the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming inspects and tests his multi-functional entrenching tool, considering it essential for survival in the wilderness.
• He follows the path taken by Yang Xiaoyan's group towards the dam, finding a hidden tunnel.
• Qin Luming encounters and kills a giant python that attacks him, estimating it to be over ten meters long.
• He decides to continue searching for Yang Xiaoyan's group but plans to retreat at dusk.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming demonstrates his practical survival skills and quick reflexes when facing the python attack.
• He shows concern for Yang Xiaoyan's group, despite not feeling responsible for their safety.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and surprises of the wilderness, contrasting with Qin Luming's privileged urban life.
• The coexistence and transformation of nature and civilization, as seen in the dam's construction.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming's interaction with the python highlights his resourcefulness and quick thinking in a dangerous situation.
• His internal dialogue reveals his humanitarian concern for Yang Xiaoyan's group, despite his initial lack of responsibility towards them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming encounters a snake with unusual behavior, reminiscent of strange phenomena he's witnessed before.
• He reaches the dam's valley, finding signs of human civilization and nature coexisting.
• He discovers a group of pigs, including a large Big Black Pig with a saddle and armor, suggesting human interaction.
• Qin Luming finds Yang Xiaoyan's group's belongings scattered near the pigs, indicating they might have encountered the pigs.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming demonstrates his adaptability and calmness in the face of unusual phenomena.
• The Big Black Pig exhibits dominance and is treated as a mount by humans, showing a unique relationship with humans.

Significant Themes

• The impact of human civilization on nature and vice versa.
• The unusual and unexplained phenomena Qin Luming encounters challenge his understanding of the world.
• The interaction between humans and animals, with the Big Black Pig being used as a mount.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming observes the pigs from a distance, capturing their interactions on his phone.
• The Big Black Pig interacts with the other pigs, displaying dominance and mating with a Big White Pig.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming suspects that a group of pigs he encounters are actually transformed humans, possibly including Yang Xiaoyan and her missing group.
• He follows the pigs to a mountaintop where Che Yun, another camper, is cornered by the pigs.
• Qin Luming rescues Che Yun and she faints. He faces the pigs, confirming his suspicion that they are transformed humans acting like ghouls.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: Shows analytical skills, intuition, and physical prowess in defending Che Yun. He remains calm and decisive under unusual circumstances.
• Che Yun: Initially frantic and panicked, she becomes a witness to the pigs' true nature and faints after being rescued by Qin Luming.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and identity: The pigs' human-like behavior and expressions suggest they were once humans, raising questions about their identity and humanity.
• Ghouls and revenge: The pigs' actions resemble ghouls, seeking to turn others into their same state, possibly out of resentment or a desire for revenge.
• Isolation and danger: The desolate wilderness setting amplifies the danger and isolation of the characters, emphasizing their vulnerability and the need for survival skills.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and the pigs: Qin Luming's interaction with the pigs confirms his suspicion that they are transformed humans. His calm and assertive behavior contrasts with their aggressive, almost vengeful, demeanor.
• Qin Luming and Che Yun: Qin Luming rescues Che Yun from the pigs, demonstrating his protective instincts. Che Yun's fainting suggests her emotional and psychological distress from the encounter.

Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming encounters a group of pigs, including a large white pig that might be Yang Xiaoyan, and a Big Black Pig that can speak human language.
• The Big Black Pig invites Qin Luming to join them, implying it wants to turn him into a pig.
• Qin Luming decides to call the police and report Yang Xiaoyan and her group missing.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming remains calm and rational even in extraordinary situations, prioritizing his own safety while also considering the well-being of others.
• Che Yun is emotionally fragile and relies on Qin Luming for support, but he remains unsympathetic towards her.

Significant Themes

• The duality of human nature, with some people shining with brilliance while others wallow in negativity.
• The struggle between individual safety and moral responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and Che Yun have minimal interaction, with Qin Luming showing little empathy towards Che Yun's distress.
• Qin Luming's encounter with the pigs highlights his analytical thinking and quick decision-making skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The search and rescue team, led by Captain Fang Dayong, sets out to find Yang Xiaoyan and her group, emphasizing the "golden hour" for increased survival chances.
• Qin Luming, who initially reported the incident, joins the search but reveals little about the strange events, drawing Captain Fang's suspicion.
• The team finds the spot where Qin Luming saw the missing persons' clothes, but they're gone. They decide to continue searching.
• The team sets up camp after two in the morning, planning to expand the search scale the next day.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: Qin becomes more secretive about the strange events, hinting at a deeper understanding of the supernatural elements involved.
• Captain Fang Dayong: Fang shows skepticism towards Qin's claims but remains determined to find the missing persons, demonstrating his professionalism and dedication.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between human effort and supernatural forces, with Qin Luming's helplessness highlighting the theme of human limitation against the unknown.
• The importance of professionalism and teamwork in the face of adversity, as seen in Captain Fang's leadership and the search and rescue team's unity.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and Captain Fang Dayong: Their interaction reveals Qin's reticence and Captain Fang's suspicion, creating tension between them.
• Qin Luming and Ma Shilong: Qin's surprise and disbelief at seeing Ma Shilong alive hint at a deeper connection between them and the supernatural events.
• The search and rescue team: Their unity and determination to find the missing persons showcase their camaraderie and shared purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Luming meets Ma Shilong, who reveals he was once the Big Black Pig.
• Ma Shilong explains he was reborn as a pig after meeting Qin Luming and was forced to write "My Wife is the Empress of the Zhou Kingdom" by Zhou Nan to return to the Zhou Kingdom world.
• Ma Shilong expresses his contentment with being a pig, finding it a simpler, more harmonious life.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: Realizes the extent of Ma Shilong's transformation and the true nature of Zhou Nan's intentions.
• Ma Shilong: Has embraced his pig form, finding it preferable to his human life, and is now more at peace with his situation.

Significant Themes

• Transformation: Ma Shilong's physical and mental transformation into a pig explores the theme of change and adaptation.
• Perspective: Ma Shilong's new perspective as a pig challenges Qin Luming's human-centric view.
• Freedom vs. Obligation: Ma Shilong's forced writing for Zhou Nan contrasts with his contentment as a pig, raising questions about freedom and personal choice.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and Ma Shilong: Qin Luming's initial disbelief and shock give way to understanding and acceptance of Ma Shilong's situation. Their interaction highlights the theme of perspective and the challenges of communication between beings with vastly different experiences.
• Ma Shilong and Zhou Nan: Their relationship is revealed to be one of forced cooperation, with Zhou Nan using Ma Shilong's writing to attempt to return to her world, and Ma Shilong using the opportunity to maintain his human form temporarily.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ma Shilong, now a pig, realizes his thoughts and values have been altered by Zhou Nan using the Emperor's Hammer's ability, 'Enlightenment'.
• Zhou Nan plans to take the world's largest hydroelectric power station but temporarily abandons the idea.
• Ma Shilong decides to rescue Yang Xiaoyan and her group, who are pigs due to eating a transformed fruit, before Zhou Nan returns.

Character Developments

• Ma Shilong accepts his pig form and finds hope in meeting Zhou Nan, entering his "second spring".
• Qin Luming becomes more cautious and curious about Zhou Nan's power.
• Zhou Nan is revealed to be ambitious, planning to take the world's largest hydroelectric power station.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of altered memories and identity, as seen in Ma Shilong's transformation.
• Ambition and its potential consequences, shown through Zhou Nan's plans.
• The power dynamics between humans and otherworldly beings, as demonstrated by Zhou Nan's influence.

Character Interactions

• Ma Shilong and Qin Luming interact, with Ma Shilong revealing his past passion for writing and his current situation.
• Ma Shilong expresses his desire to rescue Yang Xiaoyan's group before Zhou Nan returns, showing a level of concern or responsibility.
• Qin Luming shows caution around Ma Shilong, revealing his awareness of the potential danger posed by the otherworldly being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ma Shilong leads Qin Luming to a magical barrier around the dam, revealing a fantastical, otherworldly scene.
• Qin Luming crosses a bridge filled with statues of figures and beasts, leading to a grand dam with intricate runes.
• Qin Luming encounters Zhou Nan, the empress, and Ma Shilong reveals he's now a Black Rider General under her.

Character Developments

• Qin Luming: Experiences awe and excitement at the otherworldly scene, feels envy towards Ma Shilong's creative power.
• Ma Shilong: Shows satisfaction in Qin Luming's shock, reveals his new role as a Black Rider General.

Significant Themes

• The power of creation and imagination, as seen through Zhou Nan's magical world.
• The contrast between appearance and reality, with Ma Shilong's pig form and his true nature.

Character Interactions

• Qin Luming and Ma Shilong: Qin Luming feels betrayed and angry at Ma Shilong's deception, while Ma Shilong maintains a friendly demeanor.
• Qin Luming and Zhou Nan: Qin Luming meets Zhou Nan for the second time, showing respect despite his anger towards Ma Shilong.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Nan, the Emperor, arrives in the real world, dressed in military attire.
• Qin Luming tries to reason with Zhou Nan, suggesting she choose Ma Shilong to write her biography, but Zhou Nan decides they will both write.
• Ma Shilong attempts to flee but is captured and imprisoned by Zhou Nan.
• Qin Luming tries to escape but is pursued by Zhou Nan's whips and attacked by the statues on the bridge.
• Qin Luming jumps off the dam and is confronted by the two Emperor's Guardians.
• Qin Luming, desperate, summons the girl from his dreams, and a massive mountain range appears, shaking the ground and the Guardians.

Character Developments

• Zhou Nan: Shows her power and authority, using her whips and the Emperor's Guardians to pursue and attack Qin Luming.
• Qin Luming: Demonstrates resilience and desperation in the face of Zhou Nan's power, ultimately resorting to summoning the girl from his dreams.
• Ma Shilong: Shows cowardice and attempts to flee, but is easily captured and imprisoned.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Zhou Nan's imperial power is absolute, and she uses it to oppress Qin Luming.
• Summoning and reality: Qin Luming's attempt to summon the girl from his dreams highlights the theme of the power of words and imagination to bring fictional entities into reality.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Nan vs. Qin Luming: Zhou Nan pursues and attacks Qin Luming, showcasing her power and authority, while Qin Luming tries to escape and resist.
• Qin Luming vs. Ma Shilong: Qin Luming tries to convince Zhou Nan to choose Ma Shilong to write her biography, but Ma Shilong's cowardice and attempt to flee ultimately lead to his imprisonment.