Ch. 21Danger Arrives, Ghosts Have Loyalty

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The protagonist learns that Yin Wuyu's ability to ignore illusions is due to a Forbidden Technique placed on him by an unknown master from the Daoist Sect.
  • The protagonist decides to lift the Forbidden Technique, hoping for a normal life for Yin Wuyu, despite the risk of losing his ability to ignore illusions.
  • Gu Song's son, a little ghost named Xiao Tian, suddenly appears agitated and flies out of the window, possibly sensing danger.
  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan decide to go to the Northeast the next day to investigate Zhuanghe's situation.

Character Developments

  • The protagonist shows concern and care for Yin Wuyu's well-being, prioritizing his happiness over his unique ability.
  • Gu Song displays his love and worry for his son, Xiao Tian, showing a softer side despite his initial coldness.

Significant Themes

  • Loyalty: Yin Wuyu's loyalty to the protagonist and Xiao Tian's loyalty to his father, Gu Song, are highlighted in this chapter.
  • Sacrifice: The protagonist is willing to sacrifice Yin Wuyu's unique ability for his well-being, and Xiao Tian risks himself to protect his father.
  • Uncertainty and Danger: The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan face uncertainty and potential danger in their upcoming trip to the Northeast, and Gu Song's son's sudden behavior suggests an impending threat.

Character Interactions

  • The protagonist and Yin Wuyu share a warm, affectionate moment, with the protagonist treating Yin Wuyu like a younger brother.
  • The protagonist, Xu Qiuyan, and Sister Hong work together to decide the course of action for Yin Wuyu and their upcoming trip.
  • Gu Song seeks the protagonist's help for his son, Xiao Tian, showing vulnerability and trust in the protagonist's abilities.

Ch. 22Twin Fish Jade Pendant, Illusory Soul Body

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Gu Song reveals that the group went to Lop Nur searching for the legendary Twin Fish Jade Pendant.
  • They found two identical underground cities, suggesting the pendant's existence.
  • A team member went missing and returned as a replica, mirroring the original's appearance.
  • Zhuanghe, the team leader, also fell into a similar state, babbling about the pendant.
  • Xiao Tian, Gu Song's son, is found by Xu Qiuyan in a severely damaged state. He needs to rest in the Soul Urn.

Character Developments

  • Gu Song: Becomes more open and honest about the group's true purpose in Lop Nur.
  • Xu Qiuyan: Shows her ability to find and communicate with ghosts, revealing her bangle's function to house spirits.

Significant Themes

  • The search for the Twin Fish Jade Pendant drives the plot, raising questions about its existence and power.
  • The consequences of obsession and greed are shown through Zhuanghe's fate.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang Ping and Gu Song: Jiang Ping pressures Gu Song to reveal the truth, leading to Gu Song's confession.
  • Xu Qiuyan and Gu Song: Xu Qiuyan finds Xiao Tian and explains his condition to Gu Song.
  • Jiang Ping and Xie Yi: Jiang Ping calls Xie Yi to discuss the pendant, noting Xie Yi's strange reaction.

Ch. 23One Meter Sunshine, They All Call Me Old Shu

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A little ghost saves Gu Song from an evil ghost attack, ending up injured.
  • Jiang Xiaobai learns about the Twin Fish Jade Pendant's existence and its connection to Gu Song's case.
  • Xie Yi asks Jiang Xiaobai to act as bait by using the Twin Fish Jade Pendant to lure the culprit.
  • Jiang Xiaobai retrieves the Twin Fish Jade Pendant from Old Shu at the "One Meter Sunshine" psychological clinic.

Character Developments

  • Gu Song: Shows his determination to protect his child, even if it means raising a little ghost.
  • Jiang Xiaobai: Becomes more involved in the case, willing to take risks to solve it.
  • Xie Yi: Demonstrates his strategic thinking and trust in Jiang Xiaobai.
  • Old Shu: Revealed to be a master; his true strength is unknown.

Significant Themes

  • Sacrifice: The little ghost's willingness to die for Gu Song highlights the theme of sacrifice for loved ones.
  • Trust: Xie Yi's trust in Jiang Xiaobai is a significant theme, as is Jiang Xiaobai's trust in Gu Song's honesty.
  • Power and Temptation: The Twin Fish Jade Pendant represents power and temptation, which characters must resist.

Character Interactions

  • Gu Song and Jiang Xiaobai: They strengthen their bond as Gu Song opens up about his past and Jiang Xiaobai offers him support.
  • Xie Yi and Jiang Xiaobai: Their relationship deepens as Xie Yi entrusts Jiang Xiaobai with a crucial task.
  • Old Shu and Jiang Xiaobai: They meet briefly, with Old Shu handing over the Twin Fish Jade Pendant and warning Jiang Xiaobai about its dangers.

Ch. 24Stopping a Robbery, Feinting East and Attacking West

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The protagonist is about to hail a taxi when Old Shu, driving a white Buick minivan, stops and offers him a ride.
  • Old Shu reveals he can see the protagonist's invisible companions, Old Evil Song and Chu Ge.
  • A black BMW sedan follows them, and four men emerge, demanding the protagonist hand over a box (containing the Twin Fish Jade Pendant).
  • Old Shu subdues the men and learns they were hired for the job, but their employer's identity is obscured by the Onmyoji's influence.
  • Old Shu and the protagonist rush back to their residence, worried about Xu Qiuyan.

Character Developments

  • The protagonist's understanding of his companions' existence is validated by Old Shu's ability to see them.
  • Old Shu demonstrates his combat skills and fearlessness in the face of danger.
  • The protagonist shows concern for his colleagues (Old Shu and Xu Qiuyan) and a willingness to face danger alongside them.

Significant Themes

  • Perception of reality and the existence of the supernatural.
  • The power dynamics between the protagonist, Old Shu, and the hired thugs.
  • The importance of loyalty and concern for colleagues.

Character Interactions

  • The protagonist and Old Shu form a temporary alliance, with Old Shu protecting the protagonist and seeking information from the thugs.
  • The protagonist and his companions (Old Evil Song, Chu Ge, and Duan Hongbin) work together to face the threat.
  • The protagonist and Old Shu share a mutual respect, with Old Shu acknowledging the protagonist's mindset and the protagonist admiring Old Shu's confidence and skill.

Ch. 25A False Alarm, Inner Complaints

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The protagonist, Xiao Bai, is involved in a car chase and later learns that the mastermind behind it is targeting him through Xu Qiuyan and Gu Song.
  • Old Shu, the head of the Ninth Bureau, is revealed to be the mysterious man who accompanied Xiao Bai.
  • Xu Qiuyan and the others return home safely after being kidnapped, contacting Xiao Bai to reassure him.
  • Old Shu leaves Xiao Bai's residence, but not before giving him his contact information.

Character Developments

  • Xiao Bai: Becomes more concerned for Xu Qiuyan's safety and feels guilty for not protecting her.
  • Old Shu: Reveals his identity as the head of the Ninth Bureau and demonstrates his combat skills and calm demeanor.
  • Xu Qiuyan: Shows resilience and resourcefulness in handling the kidnapping situation.

Significant Themes

  • Trust: Xiao Bai struggles with trusting Old Shu and the Ninth Bureau, while Old Shu expresses trust in Xiao Bai's abilities.
  • Power dynamics: The mastermind behind the kidnapping attempts to assert power over Xiao Bai, while Old Shu displays his strength and influence.
  • Communication: Xiao Bai and Old Shu's conversation highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding between allies.

Character Interactions

  • Xiao Bai and Old Shu: Their interaction reveals Old Shu's calm and collected nature, as well as his ability to read people's thoughts.
  • Xiao Bai and Xu Qiuyan: Their brief conversation reassures Xiao Bai of her safety and reinforces their bond.
  • Xiao Bai and Duan Hongbin/Old Evil Song: They discuss their suspicions about the Twin Fish Jade Pendant and the Ninth Bureau's true intentions.

Ch. 26Yin Wuyu's Discovery, Soul Control Technique

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Xu Qiuyan and the others return, with Yin Wuyu excitedly greeting the protagonist.
  • Gu Song claims to have seen Xie Xiaotang, which is later confirmed by Xu Qiuyan, but they couldn't catch her.
  • Sister Hong returns, revealing that Xie Xiaotang vanished into thin air.
  • Xie Xiaotang, disguised as Sister Hong, appears and demands the Twin Fish Jade Pendant.
  • Sister Hong reveals herself and explains that Xie Xiaotang is a soul puppet controlled by an Onmyoji.
  • Duan Hongbin explains that he can temporarily free Xie Xiaotang from control, but it's risky as the Onmyoji can reassert control, potentially making her more dangerous.

Character Developments

  • Yin Wuyu demonstrates his ability to see through illusions and disguises, revealing Xie Xiaotang's true form.
  • Xu Qiuyan shows concern for Sister Hong and sympathy for Gu Song and Xie Xiaotang's situation.
  • Sister Hong reveals a rare smile when interacting with Xu Qiuyan, showing a softer side.
  • Duan Hongbin explains the concept of a soul puppet and the risks of temporarily freeing Xie Xiaotang.

Significant Themes

  • Trust and deception, as Xie Xiaotang tricks the group and the Onmyoji sets a trap for the protagonist.
  • The power dynamics between ghosts and humans, with Sister Hong and Duan Hongbin having abilities that humans lack.
  • The consequences of dark magic and the struggle between good and evil, as Xie Xiaotang is a victim of the Onmyoji's control.

Character Interactions

  • Xu Qiuyan and Sister Hong's relationship is further developed, showing a level of trust and understanding between them.
  • Gu Song's protective behavior towards Xie Xiaotang highlights his deep affection for her, even in her current state.
  • Duan Hongbin's explanation to the protagonist underscores his knowledge and experience in dealing with supernatural entities.

Ch. 27Turning the Tables, Brushing Past Death

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Duan Hongbin suggests using Xie Xiaotang to lead them to the Onmyoji controlling her.
  • Jiang Li convinces Xu Qiuyan and Gu Song to agree to the plan.
  • Xie Xiaotang leaves with the box, followed by Duan Hongbin, Sister Hong, and Jiang Li's group.
  • A truck attempts to ram Jiang Li's car, but they narrowly escape.
  • The pursuers stop at Shunhai Forest Farm, five kilometers ahead.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Li demonstrates his persuasive skills and quick thinking in dangerous situations.
  • Gu Song shows concern for Xie Xiaotang and understands the true nature of the situation.
  • Xu Qiuyan displays her intelligence and understanding of Jiang Li's abilities.
  • Xie Xiaotang, under the Onmyoji's control, acts against her will.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of deception and counter-deception is prominent, with each party trying to outmaneuver the others.
  • The struggle between free will and external control is evident in Xie Xiaotang's character.
  • The consequences of past actions (Gu Song's regret about going to Lop Nur) are explored.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang Li, Xu Qiuyan, and Gu Song work together to outsmart the Onmyoji.
  • Duan Hongbin and Sister Hong collaborate to track Xie Xiaotang and the Onmyoji.
  • Jiang Li's subconscious entities (Duan Hongbin, Old Evil Song, Chu Ge) assist him in critical situations.
  • Xie Xiaotang, under the Onmyoji's control, interacts with her husband, Gu Song, but is unable to communicate due to her altered state.

Ch. 28Under the Banyan Tree, the Wedding

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The group arrives at a woods, but the car can't enter. Xu Qiuyan and the protagonist (Boss) proceed on foot, leaving Gu Song and Yin Wuyu in the car.
  • They encounter an illusion, finding themselves at Little Ancestral Hall Entrance under a banyan tree, with Gu Song's corpse hanging from it.
  • They meet an illusion of Yin Wuyu, who guides them to the protagonist's house, where a wedding is being prepared.
  • The protagonist learns that his bride in the illusion is Xu Anmei, not Xu Qiuyan.

Character Developments

  • Protagonist (Boss): He shows concern for his friends' safety, caution in the illusion, and affection for his family.
  • Xu Qiuyan: She demonstrates bravery and understanding, supporting the protagonist throughout the illusion.
  • Yin Wuyu (Illusion): He appears confused and seems to be waiting for the protagonist, but his memories are hazy.
  • Gu Song (Corpse): His appearance in the illusion hints at a past event or warning.

Significant Themes

  • Illusion vs. Reality: The chapter explores the distinction between reality and illusion, with the protagonist trying to discern what's real.
  • Memory and Identity: The illusory Yin Wuyu struggles with his memories, questioning his identity and purpose.
  • Family and Belonging: The wedding scene emphasizes the protagonist's connection to his family and the community.

Character Interactions

  • Protagonist and Xu Qiuyan: They support each other throughout the illusion, showing a strong bond.
  • Protagonist and Yin Wuyu (Illusion): Their interaction reveals Yin Wuyu's confusion and the protagonist's caution.
  • Protagonist and His Family: The reunion with his family evokes warmth and nostalgia, despite the illusory setting.

Ch. 29Wedding Procession, Li Sen's Suspicion

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Jiang Xiaobai (the protagonist) finds himself in an illusion where he's about to get married to Xu Anmei, a girl who drowned years ago.
  • He meets his parents, who seem real but are likely part of the illusion.
  • Xu Qiuyan, a girl from his past, appears briefly before disappearing.
  • The wedding procession is ready, with neighbors and relatives participating, including Li Sen, who should be dead.
  • Jiang Xiaobai decides to stay in the illusion to find clues about the group trying to seize the Twin Fish Jade Pendant.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Xiaobai: He's calm and analytical, understanding that he's in an illusion but choosing to stay to find clues.
  • Xu Qiuyan: She appears briefly, looking lonely and lost, then disappears suddenly.
  • Li Sen: He's suspicious of the illusion, questioning its reality. He also reveals he likes Xu Anmei and is confused about his supposed suicide.

Significant Themes

  • Reality vs. Illusion: The chapter explores the blurred line between reality and illusion, with Jiang Xiaobai trying to discern what's real.
  • Memory and Identity: Characters' memories and identities are called into question, with Li Sen's confusion about his supposed suicide being a key example.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang Xiaobai and Xu Qiuyan: Their interaction is brief, but she seems to recognize him, hinting at a past connection.
  • Jiang Xiaobai and Li Sen: They have a significant conversation where Li Sen expresses his doubts about the illusion and reveals his feelings for Xu Anmei.
  • Jiang Xiaobai and his parents: Their interaction is tense, with his parents trying to force him to go through with the wedding, while he's resistant.

Ch. 30A Dream of Nanke, the Fat Man

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Sen, a childhood friend, had feelings for Xu Anmei, who drowned in the Xiao Che River at a young age.
  • The protagonist finds himself in an illusion (later revealed to be a dream) of his childhood, attending Xu Anmei's wedding.
  • The dream hints that Uncle Long and Aunt Qin, currently in a vegetative state, might be behind the illusion and have a purpose in trapping the protagonist.
  • The dream collapses, and the protagonist realizes he was only asleep for a few minutes, while the dream seemed to last much longer.
  • The protagonist and his companions encounter a fat man (Fatty) who is protecting Xie Xiaotang's soul and seems to be waiting for them.

Character Developments

  • The protagonist learns about Li Sen's unrequited love for Xu Anmei.
  • The protagonist suspects Uncle Long and Aunt Qin of being involved in the illusions and has a new lead to follow.
  • Fatty is introduced as a new character with unknown intentions and powers.

Significant Themes

  • The power of memory and dreams, and their blurring with reality.
  • The theme of unrequited love, as seen through Li Sen's feelings for Xu Anmei.
  • The mysterious nature of the illusions and the true intentions behind them.

Character Interactions

  • The protagonist interacts with Xu Anmei in his dream, re-experiencing their childhood together.
  • The protagonist confronts Aunt Qin in the dream, accusing her and Uncle Long of trapping him.
  • The protagonist, Xu Qiuyan, and Chu Ge encounter Fatty, who is protecting Xie Xiaotang's soul and seems to be expecting them.

Ch. 31Customers First, One Last Meeting

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Jiang Xiaobai meets Fatty, who claims to be an acquaintance of Xie Xiaotang and is handling her affairs.
  • Fatty reveals that Xie Xiaotang's soul was controlled by an Onmyoji from the Island Nation using the Abe Family's Soul Restraining Technique.
  • Fatty breaks the control, and Xie Xiaotang remembers her death and the existence of her child.
  • Xie Xiaotang wants to see Gu Song and her child, but Fatty warns that she must let go of her attachments to humans.
  • Jiang Xiaobai learns that the Onmyoji's target is still with him, suggesting the lead is not broken.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Xiaobai: Shows caution and wariness towards Fatty, but maintains a professional demeanor.
  • Fatty (Baozhengfo): Reveals his knowledge of Taoism and Buddhism, and his ability to handle spiritual matters. He shows compassion towards Xie Xiaotang but is firm in his decisions.
  • Xie Xiaotang: Struggles with accepting her death and the reality of her situation. She is torn between her love for Gu Song and her child, and the need to move on.
  • Sister Hong and Duan Hongbin: Retreat when Fatty appears, showing fear and respect for his power.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle between life and death, and the inability to change one's fate.
  • The consequences of one's actions and the importance of letting go of attachments.
  • The professionalism and adaptability of Fatty, who uses his knowledge of both Taoism and Buddhism to help others.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang Xiaobai and Fatty: They engage in a tense conversation, with Jiang Xiaobai being cautious and Fatty being open but firm in his decisions.
  • Xie Xiaotang and Fatty: Fatty shows compassion towards Xie Xiaotang but is firm in his decision to send her away.
  • Xie Xiaotang and Jiang Xiaobai: Xie Xiaotang asks Jiang Xiaobai about Gu Song and her child, showing her desire to see them one last time.
  • Sister Hong and Duan Hongbin with Fatty: They show fear and respect for Fatty's power, retreating when he appears.

Ch. 32Old Shu's Suggestion, the Seal

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Fatty removes the Onmyoji's control over Xie Xiaotang and plans to send her back.
  • Xie Xiaotang wants to see Gu Song one last time before leaving.
  • Fatty reveals he's helping the Ninth Bureau with a task related to the protagonist and Xu Qiuyan.
  • Old Shu suggests temporarily sealing the protagonist's companions for a year to help their growth.

Character Developments

  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan show maturity and willingness to face challenges independently.
  • Fatty demonstrates his strength and reveals his connection with Old Shu.
  • The protagonist's companions, though not physically present, show their support and understanding.

Significant Themes

  • Reliance vs Independence: The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan have been overly reliant on their companions. Old Shu's suggestion encourages them to face challenges independently.
  • Growth and Maturity: The year-long seal will force the protagonist and Xu Qiuyan to grow and mature, learning to survive without their companions' constant assistance.
  • Trust and Understanding: Despite the initial misunderstanding, the protagonist and Xu Qiuyan trust each other and their companions, ultimately agreeing to the seal.

Character Interactions

  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan show unity and support for each other's decisions.
  • Fatty acts as a messenger, conveying Old Shu's suggestion and providing explanations.
  • The protagonist's companions, though not present, show their understanding and support for the protagonist's decision.

Ch. 33Can You Hold Me? Addicted to Gaming

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The protagonist, along with Old Evil Song and the others, overhears Fatty's conversation about transferring their abilities to the protagonist.
  • The protagonist expresses his reluctance to lose his companions, but Fatty insists on proceeding.
  • Xie Xiaotang decides to leave with Fatty for her next life.
  • The protagonist, Xu Qiuyan, and Gu Song return to their hotel, where Xu Qiuyan confesses her fear of losing the companionship of Old Evil Song and the others.
  • The next day, they rush to the airport to catch their flight, with Old Du driving them. He notices a change in the protagonist.

Character Developments

  • The protagonist struggles with the impending loss of his companions and the responsibility that comes with their abilities.
  • Xu Qiuyan expresses her fear of losing the companionship of Old Evil Song and the others, revealing her vulnerability.
  • Gu Song shows remorse for his past actions and accepts Xie Xiaotang's decision to leave.
  • Yin Wuyu remains engrossed in his game, showing little interest in his surroundings.

Significant Themes

  • Loss and change: The protagonist grapples with the loss of his companions and the changes that come with their abilities.
  • Responsibility: The protagonist begins to understand the weight of responsibility that comes with his new powers.
  • Companionship: The importance of companionship is highlighted through Xu Qiuyan's fear of losing her friends.

Character Interactions

  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan share a moment of closeness, with Xu Qiuyan seeking comfort from the protagonist.
  • Gu Song accepts Xie Xiaotang's decision to leave, showing growth and understanding.
  • The protagonist and Old Du share a moment of connection, with Old Du noticing a change in the protagonist.

Ch. 34The Door, We Will All Die

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhuanghe, a former resident of the now-defunct Harbin Cotton Mill, is the target of the investigation.
  • Wu Lun, their guide, reveals that Zhuanghe accepts missions on a website called Donkey Egg Net, seeking elusive treasures, with his last mission being to find the Twin Fish Jade Pendant in Lop Nur.
  • They arrive at Zhuanghe's apartment, finding it messy and uninhabited until they hear coughing from the bedroom. Zhuanghe is found terrified and disheveled, claiming someone else opened the door.
  • Zhuanghe recognizes Gu Song and asks if Xie Xiaotang has died, hinting at a shared experience or knowledge.

Character Developments

  • Zhuanghe: Once a well-off engineer's son, now a reclusive, terrified individual living in squalor, suggesting a traumatic experience.
  • Gu Song: Shows concern for Xie Xiaotang's fate and is affected by Zhuanghe's mention of her death.
  • Wu Lun: Demonstrates extensive knowledge about Zhuanghe's activities and the Donkey Egg Net website, raising questions about his own involvement.

Significant Themes

  • The consequences of obsession with wealth and treasure, as seen in Zhuanghe's lifestyle and the missions he accepts.
  • The impact of traumatic experiences, with Zhuanghe's fear and reclusive behavior suggesting a past event haunting him.
  • The interconnectedness of the characters, with Zhuanghe's knowledge of Xie Xiaotang and Gu Song's concern for her implying a shared history or secret.

Character Interactions

  • Wu Lun provides valuable information about Zhuanghe but keeps some details hidden.
  • Gu Song and Zhuanghe recognize each other, with Zhuanghe's mention of Xie Xiaotang's death affecting Gu Song.
  • The group dynamics shift as they enter Zhuanghe's apartment, with each character reacting to the strange environment and Zhuanghe's state.

Ch. 35Death God, Zhuanghe's Dream

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhuanghe reveals he's been seeing a 'Death God' in his dreams, wearing black robes, with a scythe, and it's trying to kill him.
  • The group is plunged into darkness, and Jiang Xiaobai finds himself in Zhuanghe's dream, escaping from the 'Death God'.
  • Jiang Xiaobai hears Xu Qiuyan's voice and goes to help her, but it turns out to be a trap set by the 'Death God'.
  • The 'Death God' reveals itself, transforming from a mimicry of Xu Qiuyan.

Character Developments

  • Zhuanghe: Initially terrified and desperate, he becomes more lucid and willing to help once Jiang Xiaobai enters his dream.
  • Jiang Xiaobai: Shows concern for Xu Qiuyan's safety, displaying a protective instinct. He also reflects on his past and his reliance on his companions.
  • Xu Qiuyan: Not physically present in the dream, but her voice is used to lure Jiang Xiaobai. Her strength of character is mentioned.

Significant Themes

  • Fear of death and the unknown (Zhuanghe's fear of the 'Death God')
  • Trust and deception (Xu Qiuyan's voice being used to trick Jiang Xiaobai)
  • Intuition and self-awareness (Jiang Xiaobai's ability to discern the truth despite the 'Death God's' attempts to deceive him)

Character Interactions

  • Zhuanghe and Jiang Xiaobai: Initially hostile, they form a temporary alliance to escape the 'Death God'.
  • Jiang Xiaobai and 'Xu Qiuyan': Jiang Xiaobai is tricked by the 'Death God' mimicking Xu Qiuyan's voice and appearance, but his intuition helps him see through the deception.
  • Jiang Xiaobai and the 'Death God': Jiang Xiaobai faces the 'Death God' directly, showing no fear despite the danger.

Ch. 36Ghost Taming, Draw a Circle to Imprison

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The protagonist finds himself in Zhuanghe's dream, encountering Abe Ichinan, an Onmyoji (Japanese sorcerer) who introduces himself as the 'Death God'.
  • Abe Ichinan attacks them, and Zhuanghe, the dream's original occupant, flees in terror.
  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan run from Abe, who uses a scythe and later summons ghosts to attack them.
  • Xu Qiuyan uses a ghost-dispelling spell, and Abe changes his tactic, manifesting the ghosts as people from their past to confuse and manipulate them.
  • Xu Qiuyan draws a protective circle, which burns the ghosts that touch it. She struggles with the possibility that one of the ghosts might be her deceased grandmother.

Character Developments

  • The protagonist demonstrates courage and quick thinking, trying to protect Xu Qiuyan and figure out the dream's rules.
  • Xu Qiuyan shows determination and resourcefulness, using her knowledge of ghost-dispelling spells and drawing a protective circle to defend against the ghosts.
  • Zhuanghe is revealed to be terrified of Abe Ichinan, implying he might not be the dream's master.
  • Abe Ichinan displays cunning and adaptability, changing his tactics to exploit the protagonists' emotions and weaknesses.

Significant Themes

  • The power of the mind and emotions in dreams.
  • The blurred line between reality and illusion, and the potential consequences of actions in dreams.
  • The struggle between rationality and emotion, as seen in Xu Qiuyan's conflict over her grandmother's possible presence among the ghosts.

Character Interactions

  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan work together to escape Abe Ichinan's attacks, showing mutual concern and support.
  • Abe Ichinan interacts with the protagonists primarily through threats and manipulation, trying to exploit their fears and weaknesses.
  • Zhuanghe's interaction with the protagonists is minimal, as he flees in terror from Abe Ichinan.

Ch. 37That Sister Is Very Pretty, Eight Corpses

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The protagonist (unnamed) and Xu Qiuyan enter Zhuanghe's dream, encountering his grandmother and other ghosts. The protagonist discovers he can control the dreamscape, making the ghosts disappear.
  • They encounter Abe Ichinan, the Onmyoji, who becomes hostile towards the protagonist. The protagonist wakes up, and Yin Wuyu reveals he saw the Onmyoji in the dream, describing her appearance.
  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan question Zhuanghe about his experience at Lop Nur. Yin Wuyu suddenly says, "They're all dead," and Zhuanghe reveals he found eight bodies there.

Character Developments

  • The protagonist discovers his ability to control dreamscapes, gaining confidence in facing Abe Ichinan.
  • Zhuanghe is traumatized by his experience at Lop Nur, initially reluctant to share details but eventually does.
  • Yin Wuyu exhibits unusual abilities, seeing through the Onmyoji's disguise and sensing death around Zhuanghe.

Significant Themes

  • The power of the mind and will: The protagonist's ability to control the dreamscape demonstrates the power of the mind, while Zhuanghe's trauma highlights the mind's vulnerability.
  • The unknown and fear: The Onmyoji's presence and Zhuanghe's encounter with the bodies at Lop Nur represent the unknown and its ability to instill fear.
  • The supernatural: The dreamscape, the Onmyoji, and Yin Wuyu's abilities all point to the existence of the supernatural.

Character Interactions

  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan work together to protect each other and Zhuanghe in the dreamscape.
  • The protagonist and Xu Qiuyan question Zhuanghe together, showing a united front.
  • Yin Wuyu interacts with Zhuanghe, sensing his fear and trauma, and providing crucial information about the Onmyoji and the bodies at Lop Nur.

Ch. 38Death, Mirror Person

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhuanghe reveals that he and Wu Zhou saw eight corpses in the desert, which they later buried.
  • The team realizes the corpses were likely their own, and they are now mirror people.
  • Zhuanghe reveals he knows who is behind their creation and murder, but doesn't share the information.

Character Developments

  • Zhuanghe: Struggles with his feelings for Xie Xiaotang, leading to resentment towards Gu Song.
  • Gu Song: Struggles to accept Zhuanghe's feelings for his wife and his own near-death experience.

Significant Themes

  • Love and Resentment: Zhuanghe's unrequited love for Xie Xiaotang fuels his resentment towards Gu Song.
  • Death and Afterlife: The team grapples with the reality that they may be dead, and their current forms are mirror people.
  • Truth and Deception: Zhuanghe withholds information, and the team struggles to discern the truth.

Character Interactions

  • Zhuanghe and Gu Song: Their interaction is strained due to Zhuanghe's feelings for Xie Xiaotang and Gu Song's ignorance of them.
  • The Team: They share information and try to piece together the puzzle of their situation, ultimately deciding to find Abe Ichinan for answers.

Ch. 39The Fat Man Followed, Old Shu Was a Good Man

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Jiang and Xu Qiuyan return to the hotel after leaving Zhuanghe's house.
  • Jiang discovers the Twin Fish Jade Pendant can create Mirror People, suspecting Old Shu.
  • Jiang calls Xie Yi, who decides to meet them in Harbin City.
  • Fatty (Baozhengfo) reveals he's been following Jiang on Old Shu's orders.
  • Xie Yi arrives and discusses Jiang's suspicions about Old Shu.

Character Developments

  • Jiang: Becomes more suspicious and cautious, questioning Old Shu's motives.
  • Xie Yi: Shows professionalism and loyalty to Old Shu and the Ninth Bureau.
  • Fatty (Baozhengfo): Reveals he's protecting Jiang on Old Shu's orders, showing loyalty and capability.

Significant Themes

  • Trust and suspicion within the Ninth Bureau.
  • The power dynamics and loyalties among its members.
  • The importance of the Twin Fish Jade Pendant and its potential uses.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang and Xu Qiuyan: They work together and share their thoughts, with Xu Qiuyan providing valuable insights.
  • Jiang and Fatty (Baozhengfo): They interact for the first time, with Fatty revealing he's been following Jiang.
  • Jiang and Xie Yi: They discuss Jiang's suspicions about Old Shu, with Xie Yi providing a different perspective and defending Old Shu.

Ch. 40The Other Side's Purpose, You're So Beautiful

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Xie Yi decides to investigate Lop Nur to find the buried bodies mentioned by Zhuanghe.
  • The group discusses the purpose behind leaving the bodies unburied.
  • They suspect Abe Ichinan, an Island Nation Onmyoji, is a mirror person and plan to capture her.
  • Jiang Xiaobai learns that Half-Immortal Wu is in a coma and decides to investigate.

Character Developments

  • Xie Yi shows approval of Jiang Xiaobai's analytical skills.
  • Xu Qiuyan demonstrates her strategic thinking by suggesting the other party's goals and methods.
  • Fatty's appearance is described in detail, likening him to Maitreya Buddha.
  • He Li, Half-Immortal Wu's girlfriend and colleague, is introduced.

Significant Themes

  • The other party's true goals and methods.
  • The creation and use of mirror people.
  • The pursuit of unique and valuable technologies or objects.

Character Interactions

  • Xie Yi interacts with Jiang Xiaobai, showing approval and trust in his abilities.
  • The group discusses and speculates about the other party's motives.
  • Jiang Xiaobai interacts with He Li, learning about Half-Immortal Wu's condition.
  • Fatty, Xu Qiuyan, Yin Wuyu, and Jiang Xiaobai visit Half-Immortal Wu in the hospital.
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