Chapter Summaries

Bai Zhi finds himself in a replica of Binhai City, created by the desire of Moonlit Snow, Dark Clouds Part. He discovers that he's an ordinary person without his equipment or skills, and his task is to find the sisters. He notices an anomaly in the hospital mirror, suggesting the presence of an Anomaly. He leaves the hospital and heads to his old apartment, where he finds clothes and money. He concludes that the Realm of Desire is based on his memories and decides to use this to find the sisters. He suspects that the Realm belongs to A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks, who might have a hidden desire for him to protect her sister.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi returns to the hospital and encounters Tan Yue and Tan Xiao.
• He attempts to wake Tan Xiao from her desire but is interrupted when the Realm of Desire collapses.
• After the collapse, Bai Zhi finds himself in an endless mist with colorful bubbles containing Realms of Desire.

Character Developments

• Tan Xiao begins to question her desire and shows signs of breaking free.
• Bai Zhi demonstrates his understanding of Tan Xiao's desire and its complexity.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between reality and falsehood.
• The destructive nature of unchecked desires.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi interacts with Tan Yue and Tan Xiao, trying to help Tan Xiao overcome her desire.
• Bai Zhi observes the Realms of Desire within the bubbles, reflecting on the simplicity and complexity of desires.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi enters a misty area filled with colorful bubbles, each containing a person's desire.
• He discovers a chaotic cityscape formed by stacked houses, creating a labyrinth called the Desire Labyrinth.
• Bai Zhi attempts to use Shadow Guards to traverse the labyrinth but encounters Long-Necked Sprinkler Monsters that devour them.
• He realizes that Q Ling Meng, who had been in his hat, is missing.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhi demonstrates adaptability and strategic thinking in navigating the labyrinth.
• Q Ling Meng is revealed to be in a separate location, showing her independence from Bai Zhi.

Significant Themes

• The power of desire and its manifestation in the physical world.
• The challenges and dangers of navigating one's own desires and subconscious.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi interacts with the Shadow Guards, using them to scout ahead but losing them to the monsters.
• Q Ling Meng's absence from Bai Zhi's immediate vicinity highlights their separate paths within the labyrinth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks (APS) finds a small creature, Q Ling Meng (QLM), in her pocket after leaving the Realm of Desire.
• APS and QLM interact, with APS initially trying to give QLM a lollipop, but QLM prefers a chocolate-like bar APS offers.
• APS discovers the Desire Labyrinth, a haphazard stack of houses, and decides to climb the exterior to navigate quickly.
• APS encounters various monsters like Humanoid Creatures, Skin Peelers, Web Spinners, Eavesdroppers, and Patrollers, suffering setbacks.
• APS's hands show symptoms of contamination from others' desires due to lack of suitable equipment.

Character Developments

• APS shows curiosity and caution when encountering QLM and the labyrinth.
• APS demonstrates resourcefulness and adaptability in navigating the labyrinth and dealing with monsters.
• QLM shows timidity, preference for chocolate over lollipop, and an eagerness to help APS, revealing itself as a doctor.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and Resourcefulness: APS must adapt to her new environment and use available resources to survive.
• The Cost of Survival: APS's hands show the physical consequences of her actions, highlighting the dangers and costs of survival.
• Unexpected Allies: QLM's appearance and helpfulness suggest that unexpected allies can emerge in challenging situations.

Character Interactions

• APS and QLM have a tentative, initially uncertain interaction, with APS offering food to QLM and QLM trying to help APS with her injured hands.
• APS's interaction with the monsters is adversarial, with her trying to avoid or overcome them to progress through the labyrinth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi advances through the level while Q Ling Meng and A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks struggle.
• Bai Zhi encounters various Desire Out of Control entities, suffering injuries and observing their abilities.
• He discovers an anchor point set by the Gravedigger in a room within the chaotic area, not in the deeper reaches.
• Bai Zhi enters a clean, quiet street district, finding Desire Out of Control entities in the form of merchandise in shops.
• He encounters Dead Zero in the street district, but she appears strange, wearing a dress and leading a bizarre creature resembling a centipede.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhi's survival abilities are tested, and he suffers injuries from the bizarre entities.
• Dead Zero's appearance changes, and she exhibits strange behavior, leading a peculiar creature.

Significant Themes

• The terrifying and diverse nature of Desire Out of Control entities.
• The mystery of the street district and the potential threat within.
• The connection between the Anomaly Cemetery and the slumbering entity.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi encounters Dead Zero, but they do not interact directly in this chapter.
• Dead Zero commands the creature she leads to find and bring back the invader (presumably Bai Zhi).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi finds Dead Zero controlled by a monster, Calf, which is highly intelligent, fast, and has high defense and recovery.
• Thousands of smaller Calf-like monsters swarm the supermarket, surrounding Bai Zhi.
• Bai Zhi decides to surrender to Dead Zero and the monsters.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhi demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability by surrendering to avoid a disadvantageous battle.
• Dead Zero's situation suggests she might be under control or have a hidden purpose.

Significant Themes

• The power of strategic retreat and adaptability in the face of overwhelming odds.
• The theme of control and manipulation, as seen with Dead Zero and the Calf monsters.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and Dead Zero: Bai Zhi tries to understand Dead Zero's situation, leading to his decision to surrender.
• Bai Zhi and the Calf monsters: Bai Zhi faces off against the swarming monsters, ultimately deciding to surrender.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi decides to surrender to the monsters, led by Dead Zero, to infiltrate their territory.
• He follows Dead Zero through a street filled with monsters to reach the Core Zone of the Desire Labyrinth.
• At the Core Zone, Bai Zhi encounters a Head Statue that speaks to him in his mind, but he can't understand it due to his Sanity Value.
• A platform rises from the ground, presenting a tray with knives and medical supplies, hinting at a potential challenge or ritual.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhi demonstrates strategic thinking and courage by surrendering to gain entry to the Core Zone.
• Dead Zero shows understanding and acceptance of Bai Zhi's surrender, leading him to the Core Zone.
• The Head Statue is revealed to have some form of communication ability, though its message is unclear.

Significant Themes

• The theme of curiosity and exploration is reinforced as Bai Zhi seeks to uncover the secrets of the Desire Labyrinth.
• The concept of surrender and its strategic value is highlighted, as Bai Zhi uses it to gain access to the Core Zone.
• The Head Statue's unclear message suggests the presence of a deeper mystery or secret within the labyrinth.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and Dead Zero interact, with Dead Zero leading Bai Zhi to the Core Zone without hostility.
• Bai Zhi observes the "Calf" monster, noting its obedience to Dead Zero and its apparent trauma from a previous encounter.
• Bai Zhi's interaction with the Head Statue is one-sided, as he can't understand its message due to his Sanity Value.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi destroys a head statue, which was a medium for transmitting power and inducing desires.
• Dead Zero, now blind, appears beside Bai Zhi and kisses him, marking the fourth time he's been forcibly kissed.
• Dead Zero reveals she infiltrated the labyrinth to prevent a terrifying entity from awakening and causing havoc.
• She retrieves her Inheritance Weapon, the Night Blade, from a fountain pool.

Character Developments

• Dead Zero's desire seems to have been stripped away, making her more affectionate and talkative.
• Bai Zhi remains calm and composed despite the unexpected kiss and Dead Zero's unusual behavior.

Significant Themes

• Desire and its influence on characters.
• The consequences of losing one's sight, as experienced by Dead Zero.
• The power dynamics between Bai Zhi and Dead Zero, with Dead Zero taking a more submissive role.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and Dead Zero interact more intimately than before, with Dead Zero hugging Bai Zhi and resting her head on his shoulder.
• Bai Zhi expresses concern for Dead Zero's eyes, while Dead Zero remains nonchalant about her condition.
• Despite their close proximity, Bai Zhi maintains a respectful distance, not taking advantage of Dead Zero's vulnerable state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi and Dead Zero enter the Manor, facing no opposition.
• Dead Zero explains the Manor's dangers and leads Bai Zhi to its center.
• They reach a strange hall, and Dead Zero opens a hidden passageway using a pattern on her palm.

Character Developments

• Dead Zero's personality shifts after losing her desire-containing eyes.
• Bai Zhi learns about his unique 'Qi' from Dead Zero's Mind's Eye.

Significant Themes

• The awakening of the Manor's true threat.
• The importance of understanding one's unique qualities (Bai Zhi's Qi).

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and Dead Zero hold hands as they navigate the Manor.
• Dead Zero hugs Bai Zhi's arm, showing affection and seeking praise.
• Bai Zhi ponders Dead Zero's potential reaction to her current situation later on.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi and the young girl enter a pitch-black passage leading to the Desire Labyrinth's core.
• The young girl's right hand is infected with high-concentration Desire Poison, spreading rapidly.
• Bai Zhi stops her from self-harming and absorbs the poison into his left hand, which becomes severely damaged but prevents further spread.
• They enter the cavern filled with millions of corpses, the source of the labyrinth's monsters.
• Their goal is to find the center and sever the connection between the will and the corpses, or destroy the corpses entirely.

Character Developments

• The young girl shows ruthlessness towards herself, trying to chop off her infected hand.
• Bai Zhi demonstrates selflessness and knowledge about the Desire Poison, absorbing it to protect the girl.
• Bai Zhi's left hand is severely damaged but he chooses not to use his Title to restore it immediately.

Significant Themes

• Self-sacrifice for others (Bai Zhi absorbing the poison)
• Ruthlessness and desperation (the young girl's immediate response to infection)
• The consequences of unchecked desires (the vast number of corpses and the labyrinth's monsters)

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and the young girl grow closer; she kisses him in gratitude after he absorbs the poison.
• Bai Zhi lectures the young girl about being less ruthless towards herself.
• They work together to navigate the dangerous cavern and find the center to fulfill their mission.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi and the Young Girl (Dead Zero) reach the heart of the Corpse Cave.
• Dead Zero explains the origin and nature of the Anomaly, a Sweet Dream that evolved into a terrifying force.
• They plan to cut the invisible line of desires powering the Anomaly's core existence.
• Bai Zhi suggests carrying Dead Zero out in a bridal carry after she uses her powerful move.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhi shows concern for Dead Zero's well-being, suggesting he carry her instead.
• Dead Zero reveals her strength by slicing through the massive corpse mountain with a single strike.
• Bai Zhi demonstrates quick thinking and resourcefulness in handling the situation.

Significant Themes

• The power of dreams and desires, and their potential to become dangerous forces.
• The importance of teamwork and mutual support in facing overwhelming challenges.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and Dead Zero's dynamic shifts as they grow more comfortable with each other.
• Dead Zero's playful and somewhat childish behavior contrasts with her immense power and seriousness in battle.
• Bai Zhi's protective instincts towards Dead Zero are evident in his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi releases the 'Flower Curse' anomaly, which begins to consume the Corpse Cave, devouring flesh and blood to expand its territory.
• Dead Zero and Bai Zhi escape the Corpse Cave on a plush cat, with Bai Zhi refusing to kiss or hug Dead Zero despite her demands.
• They are eventually transported to a graveyard by the Gravedigger, who asks Bai Zhi what he did inside the Corpse Cave.

Character Developments

• Dead Zero: Shows childlike behavior and dependency on Bai Zhi after her actions in the Corpse Cave, indicating a possible emotional attachment or need for comfort.
• Bai Zhi: Demonstrates concern and care for Dead Zero's well-being, refusing to take advantage of her vulnerable state. He also shows strategic thinking in using the 'Flower Curse' to disrupt the Corpse Cave.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions: Bai Zhi's release of the 'Flower Curse' has severe repercussions, highlighting the theme of cause and effect.
• The burden of responsibility: Bai Zhi scolds Dead Zero for taking on too much responsibility, suggesting that one should not overburden themselves with duties.

Character Interactions

• Dead Zero and Bai Zhi: Their dynamic shifts as Dead Zero becomes more dependent on Bai Zhi, while Bai Zhi shows more concern and protectiveness towards her.
• Bai Zhi and the Gravedigger: The Gravedigger is surprised by Bai Zhi's actions inside the Corpse Cave, leading to a brief interaction where the Gravedigger asks Bai Zhi what he did.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi and the Gravedigger meet at the Anomaly Cemetery.
• The Gravedigger reveals he has an Epic Level Puzzle Card, [Time], but its power is mostly used to suppress the cemetery.
• Bai Zhi helped cripple the dangerous entity in the cemetery, but the Gravedigger can only offer Sub Cards derived from [Time] as gratitude.

Character Developments

• The Gravedigger: Reveals his true power and the extent of his duties. Shows gratitude but is cautious with his resources.
• Bai Zhi: Shows negotiation skills and is persistent in asking for more rewards, hinting at his growing confidence and ambition.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Bai Zhi's growing power and confidence are evident in his negotiation with the Gravedigger.
• Gratitude and reciprocity: The Gravedigger shows gratitude for Bai Zhi's help but is cautious with his resources, highlighting the complex nature of their relationship.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and the Gravedigger: Their interaction shows a power struggle, with Bai Zhi pushing for more rewards and the Gravedigger being cautious with his resources. Despite their differences, they maintain a respectful tone, indicating a level of mutual understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Several survivors, including Bai Zhi and A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks, escape the Desire Labyrinth.
• A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks, severely injured, swaps places with her sister to protect her, leading to her transformation into an Anomaly-like state.
• A group of New Humans, led by a tall, thin man, confronts the girl with her transforming sister in the Graveyard, offering to treat her sister in exchange for rewards.

Character Developments

• A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks: Shows determination to protect her sister, even at great personal cost, leading to her transformation.
• The tall, thin man: Revealed to be manipulative and exploitative, offering to treat the girl's sister in exchange for rewards.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival in a harsh world.
• The consequences of extreme protectiveness and the darkness hidden beneath it.
• The exploitation of the weak by the powerful.

Character Interactions

• A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks and her sister: The bond between the sisters is highlighted as A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks puts her sister's safety above her own.
• The tall, thin man and the girl with her transforming sister: The man manipulates the girl, offering to treat her sister in exchange for rewards, while his companions argue over the spoils.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The New Humans, a notorious organization, is introduced. They manipulate newbie players to join their ranks by leading them to fall and slaughtering their families.
• Four surviving New Human members, led by White Suit, encounter Dead Zero and attempt to capture her but fail.
• They find Q Ling Meng and the Young Girl, intending to take them as captives. The Magician discovers Q Ling Meng and decides to take her along.
• An unknown assailant ambushes them, severing the Fatty's arm, and a thick fog engulfs the area.

Character Developments

• The New Humans' ruthless and lawless nature is emphasized, with their requirement for new members to slaughter their families.
• The Magician shows interest in Q Ling Meng, while White Suit orders her and the Monster to be taken captive.
• The Fatty's greed and eagerness are displayed when he tries to grab the Young Girl.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and control, as the New Humans manipulate newbie players to join their ranks.
• Ruthlessness and lawlessness, as the New Humans require family slaughter for membership and show no mercy to their captives.
• Greed and ambition, as the New Humans pursue power and resources, leading to their downfall.

Character Interactions

• The New Human members work together, showing tacit understanding and cooperation in the face of danger.
• The Magician and the Fatty have a tense interaction, with the Magician showing disdain for the Fatty's greed and the Fatty being suspicious of the Magician's intentions.
• The unknown assailant's sudden appearance causes tension and fear among the New Human members.

Key Plot Points

• Bai Zhi encounters four Fallen Players at the Anomaly Cemetery, one of whom is a member of the New Humans guild.
• He leaves them a message for their guild master, Temperance Gentleheart, about her brother and a long-awaited delivery.
• Bai Zhi returns to the Wooden House with the rescued girls, Moonlit Snow, Dark Clouds Part, and A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks.
• A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks is severely injured and transforming into an Anomaly due to excessive Desire invasion.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhi demonstrates his power and influence, freezing time for the Fallen Players and communicating with the Gravedigger.
• The White-haired Man in Sunglasses (Doctor) shows expertise in healing and understanding of the System Rating.

Significant Themes

• Balance between light and shadow, justice and evil, and the existence of scum within the player base.
• The power of promises and Bai Zhi's commitment to keeping them.
• The consequences of excessive Desire invasion and the need for healing.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi interacts with the Fallen Players, showing no interest in fighting them but leaving a message for Temperance Gentleheart.
• Bai Zhi and the Doctor discuss the girls' conditions and the need for payment before healing them.
• The Doctor and Bai Zhi have a brief exchange about the Doctor's fee and the System Rating.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi discovers he's getting poorer despite his increasing income and gains.
• He still owes Fireworks of Romance nearly 10,000 Game Coins.
• Bai Zhi seeks help from the White-haired Man in Sunglasses to heal Dead Zero and himself.
• The doctor agrees to heal them in exchange for Bai Zhi's body to study and an additional 3,000 Game Coins for his arm.
• The old man gives Bai Zhi two Puzzle Cards, "Time-1," with various time-manipulating effects.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhi shows concern for Dead Zero's well-being and is willing to pay a high price for her treatment.
• The White-haired Man in Sunglasses reveals he's an excellent doctor with impressive medical skills but is also greedy.
• The old man is introduced as someone who can provide powerful Puzzle Cards.

Significant Themes

• The value of life and friendship, as seen in Bai Zhi's willingness to pay for Dead Zero's treatment.
• The consequences of one's actions, as Bai Zhi's Left Hand is filled with Desire Toxin due to his past choices.
• The power of time manipulation, as demonstrated by the Puzzle Cards.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and the White-haired Man in Sunglasses interact, with the doctor showing interest in Bai Zhi's Left Hand and its high concentration of Desire Toxin.
• Bai Zhi and the old man interact briefly, with the old man giving Bai Zhi the Puzzle Cards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gravedigger provides two identical Puzzle Cards, [Time-1] and [Time-2], and a paper with details about Anomalies in other Martyrs' locations.
• Bai Zhi learns that the key to solving the problem lies in a Mythic Level Puzzle Card, and his Qualification Card's level has increased to 7.
• Dead Zero runs off into the fog after awakening, and Bai Zhi later finds her wearing a mask.

Character Developments

• The Gravedigger's health worsens after providing the Puzzle Cards and information.
• Bai Zhi becomes more determined to find the Mythic Level Puzzle Card.
• Dead Zero's actions and appearance suggest she might be hiding something or has a secret.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Mythical Creations for a world's survival and protection against Invaders.
• The struggle between the Puzzle Card World's players and Invaders in the Real World.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi interacts with the Gravedigger, learning about the Mythic Level Puzzle Card and receiving information about Anomalies.
• Bai Zhi and the White-haired Man in Sunglasses discuss the situation and the importance of Mythical Creations.
• Bai Zhi finds Dead Zero wearing a mask, hinting at a possible secret or change in her appearance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dead Zero returns with a mask and sun protection excuse, but her behavior is odd.
• Bai Zhi and Dead Zero obtain Puzzle Cards from the Gravedigger.
• Dead Zero falls due to her chaotic walking and exhaustion from overusing her Inherited Skill.
• Moonlit Snow, Dark Clouds Part decides to stay in the Anomaly Cemetery with her sister.

Character Developments

• Dead Zero: Struggles with her feelings for Bai Zhi, leading to odd behavior and excuses.
• Moonlit Snow, Dark Clouds Part: Matures after her sister's sacrifice, decides to stay to protect her.

Significant Themes

• Embarrassment and Denial: Dead Zero's odd behavior and excuses stem from her embarrassment and denial of her feelings for Bai Zhi.
• Safety and Protection: Moonlit Snow, Dark Clouds Part prioritizes her sister's safety, leading to their decision to stay in the Anomaly Cemetery.

Character Interactions

• Dead Zero and Bai Zhi: Dead Zero's odd behavior and Bai Zhi's doting attitude create a tense yet caring dynamic.
• Moonlit Snow, Dark Clouds Part and A Pure Smile, Shy Blushing Cheeks: The sisters' bond strengthens as they prioritize each other's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhi concludes his business at the Anomaly Cemetery and returns to the Underground Shelter.
• He finds West Pavilion Gardener and his group returning safely from their mission.
• Bai Zhi introduces Q Ling Meng to the group, and she becomes the center of attention, especially among the girls.
• Bai Zhi shares his findings from the Anomaly Cemetery, and they discuss the next course of action.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhi: He remains calm and collected, making strategic decisions and sharing valuable insights.
• Q Ling Meng: She becomes the group's new favorite, enjoying the attention and snacks.
• Dead Zero: She's still shy and hesitant around Bai Zhi, struggling to recover from her earlier state.
• Wan Ci: She continues to stare at Bai Zhi unabashedly.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Implied through Q Ling Meng's reluctance to leave Bai Zhi and her newfound affection for the group.
• Preparation and Caution: Highlighted by Bai Zhi's suggestion to prepare for the card's promotion to Mythic level.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhi and Q Ling Meng: Q Ling Meng's affection for Bai Zhi is evident, but she's quickly won over by the group's attention.
• Bai Zhi and Dead Zero: Dead Zero remains shy and hesitant around Bai Zhi.
• Bai Zhi and Wan Ci: Wan Ci continues to stare at Bai Zhi, causing him to ignore her for the time being.
• Group Dynamics: The group, especially the girls, warmly welcomes Q Ling Meng.