Ch. 1601Protection
Key Plot Points and Events
- Zhang Chen and his group encounter Zhang Ziyun, a girl resembling Wang Yizhi, who is the last gravedigger and the Ghost King's daughter.
- Zhang Ziyun reveals that a dark creature is sealed at the end of a complex maze behind her, which the group must traverse.
- Ghost Mound attempts to attack Zhang Ziyun to extract information, but Zhang Chen intervenes, leading to a tense standoff between them.
- Yu Ming defuses the situation, and Ghost Mound, Gu Chen, and Yu Ming proceed into the maze, leaving Zhang Chen with Zhang Ziyun.
- Zhang Chen learns that Zhang Ziyun killed her older brother and absorbed his power, and that she was born in the Sunken Ghost Realm.
- Zhang Ziyun refuses to leave with Zhang Chen, stating she cannot go any further.
Character Developments
- Zhang Chen: Shows a strong protective instinct towards Zhang Ziyun, similar to his feelings for Wang Yizhi. He activates his time ability to repair her book.
- Zhang Ziyun: Reveals her past actions and reluctance to leave her current location. She displays a complex emotional connection with Zhang Chen.
- Ghost Mound: Seeks information about the Ghost King and is driven by a desire to defeat Yuan Zhi, his long-time enemy.
- Yu Ming: Manipulates the situation to his advantage, using Ghost Mound's eagerness to confront Yuan Zhi to defuse the conflict between Zhang Chen and Ghost Mound.
Significant Themes
- Connections to the past: Zhang Chen's encounter with Zhang Ziyun brings up memories of Wang Yizhi and his past life.
- Protection and responsibility: Zhang Chen feels a strong urge to protect Zhang Ziyun, while Zhang Ziyun expects protection from him.
- Manipulation and hidden agendas: Yu Ming's actions suggest he has a hidden plan, manipulating the group's dynamics to his advantage.
Character Interactions
- Zhang Chen and Zhang Ziyun: Zhang Chen feels a paternal connection to Zhang Ziyun, while she addresses him as 'Father' and expects his protection. Their interaction reveals her past and reluctance to leave.
- Zhang Chen and Ghost Mound: Their standoff highlights their differing objectives and the tension between them, ultimately resolved by Yu Ming's intervention.
- Yu Ming and the group: Yu Ming manipulates the situation to maintain control over the group, using Ghost Mound's eagerness to confront Yuan Zhi to defuse the conflict between Zhang Chen and Ghost Mound.