Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shen, the Owl, hypnotizes ninety percent of the high-ranking officials in the East Continent Federation's Great Capital District during a Freedom Dance.
• The Owl's plan is to cause paralysis among the important figures controlling the economic lifeline and authority of judgment in the Great Capital District.
• The Owl's target is not the high-ranking individuals at the Freedom Dance but someone or something else.
• Gu Zhi, a titled Transcendent and bodyguard of Chen San, confronts the Owl atop an ancient tower.
• Gu Zhi reveals that the Owl's information about his past is accurate, suggesting the Owl has access to classified Deep Sea files.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen (Owl): He is revealed to be a Transcendent from the twelfth level of the Deep Sea, possessing immense Mental Power. He is cunning, manipulative, and enjoys playing mind games.
• Gu Zhi (Frost River): He is a loyal bodyguard to Chen San, willing to risk his life to protect him. He is calm and collected under pressure, but the Owl's revelations about his past cause him to question his loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: The Owl's actions highlight the power dynamics between Transcendents and the Federation, questioning who truly holds power.
• Trust and Betrayal: The Owl's revelations about Gu Zhi's past raise questions about trust and loyalty, suggesting that even close relationships can be built on deceit.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen (Owl) vs. Gu Zhi (Frost River): Their interaction is tense and filled with mind games. The Owl tries to sow doubt in Gu Zhi's mind about his loyalty to Chen San, while Gu Zhi remains calm and collected, trying to provoke the Owl into a fight.
• Gu Shen (Owl) vs. Unknown (Voice): A cold voice interrupts the Owl's monologue, suggesting another powerful Transcendent is present, ready to engage in combat with the Owl.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Ci and Gu Zhi fight against Owl, a Mental Affinity transcendent with exceptional close-combat skills.
• Song Ci's initial attacks are blocked by Owl's mask, which has a powerful repelling force.
• Gu Zhi joins the fight, using his Ice and Snow abilities to trap and attack Owl.
• Owl gains the upper hand, sending Song Ci crashing into a tower and then trapping him inside an ancient bell with his Blood-colored Flame.
• Owl's illusory dream spreads across the city, causing people to become vacant and numb, marking the beginning of an illusion.

Character Developments

• Song Ci demonstrates his exceptional combat skills and resilience, taking heavy hits but continuing to fight.
• Gu Zhi shows his concern for Song Ci's safety and joins the fight to help him.
• Owl reveals his ability to create illusions and his desire to bestow a "sweet dream" upon the city's inhabitants.

Significant Themes

• The power of illusion and its ability to control and manipulate people.
• The resilience and determination of Song Ci in the face of adversity.
• The responsibility of Gu Zhi as a mentor and protector.

Character Interactions

• Song Ci and Gu Zhi fight together against Owl, showing a level of trust and cooperation.
• Owl shows no mercy towards Song Ci, viewing him as a worthy opponent but ultimately underestimating his resilience.
• The interactions between the characters highlight the power dynamics and personal motivations driving their actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Owl (Zhou Yu) reveals himself and his Transcendent Ability, [Dream Annihilation], to Zhou Jiren and Gu Shen.
• Zhou Yu challenges Gu Shen to a game: save those enveloped by [Dream Annihilation] within the duration of a symphony, or he will detonate it, causing widespread destruction.
• The challenge is accepted, with Gu Shen agreeing to enter Zhou Yu's dream realm to find and save those targeted by [Dream Annihilation].

Character Developments

• Zhou Yu/Owl: Reveals his true identity and intentions, showing a disregard for his own life and a desire to cause chaos and destruction.
• Gu Shen: Accepts the challenge, demonstrating his commitment to saving lives and protecting the Great Capital.
• Zhou Jiren: Remains calm and analytical, but ultimately does not intervene, acknowledging the potential consequences of his actions.

Significant Themes

• The power and cost of Transcendent Abilities: Zhou Yu's [Dream Annihilation] is incredibly powerful but also self-destructive, reflecting the dual nature of Transcendent Abilities.
• The responsibility of Transcendants: Both Zhou Yu and Gu Shen grapple with the consequences of their actions, highlighting the weight of responsibility that comes with their powers.
• The struggle between chaos and order: Zhou Yu's desire to cause destruction contrasts with Gu Shen's commitment to maintaining order and protecting the innocent.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Yu and Gu Shen: Their interaction is tense and adversarial, with Zhou Yu provoking Gu Shen into accepting the challenge, while Gu Shen remains determined to save those in danger.
• Zhou Jiren and Gu Shen: The master and disciple exchange information and understanding through their glances, acknowledging the situation's severity and the potential consequences of their actions.
• Zhou Jiren and Zhou Yu: The two do not directly interact, but Zhou Jiren's calm analysis and lack of intervention suggest a tacit understanding of Zhou Yu's intentions and the potential fallout.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shen enters the Dream Realm for the second time, now as the protagonist Zhou Yu.
• He witnesses Zhou Yu and his daughter, Zhou Yexin, searching for their lost dog, Dora, ten years ago.
• Zhou Yu approaches a villa where Dora is tied, unaware of the impending explosion.
• Gu Shen tries to stop Zhou Yu but fails, and the explosion occurs, killing Zhou Yu and destroying the villa.
• Gu Shen realizes that the Dream Realm is a creation of "Owl" and that some events cannot be changed.

Character Developments

• Zhou Yu: Shows unwavering love and dedication to his daughter, even willing to risk his life to retrieve Dora. His memory is deteriorating, suggesting he's aware of the dream-like nature of his reality.
• Zhou Yexin: Displayed as a loving and kind child, deeply attached to her father and the dog, Dora.
• Gu Shen: Attempts to change the past but ultimately fails, showing his determination and compassion.

Significant Themes

• The powerlessness of changing the past.
• The lengths a parent will go for their child.
• The blurring line between reality and dreams.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Yu and Zhou Yexin: Their bond is evident as they search for Dora together, with Zhou Yu displaying unwavering love and protectiveness.
• Gu Shen and Zhou Yu: Gu Shen tries to warn Zhou Yu about the danger, but Zhou Yu's determination to make his daughter happy overrides his caution.
• Gu Shen and Zhou Yexin: Gu Shen attempts to protect Zhou Yexin from the explosion, but she remains untouched, emphasizing the dream-like nature of the scene.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shen realizes that the events leading up to the explosion were a dream, a game created by Owl.
• Zhou Yu's [Dream Annihilation] ability is revealed to have saved Zhou Yexin and Dora by switching them into a dream realm.
• Gu Shen confronts Owl in a dream realm, discovering that Owl can't control [Dream Annihilation] and has been manipulating events to target Gu Shen.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen: Realizes the true nature of the events and accepts his role as a potential savior of Great Capital.
• Owl: Reveals his true intentions and his inability to control [Dream Annihilation], showing vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• The power of truth and deception: Owl's manipulations are exposed, and Gu Shen accepts the truth about his role.
• The consequences of power: Owl's desire to "devour" Gu Shen's power highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and Owl: Their confrontation reveals Owl's true intentions and Gu Shen's acceptance of his role as a savior.
• Gu Shen and Zhou Yu (through his actions): Gu Shen understands Zhou Yu's true intentions with [Dream Annihilation], leading to his realization about Owl's manipulations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shen arrives in a dream realm where he is powerful, having absorbed Qu Shui's Transcendent Source Matter.
• He encounters an "Owl," a wisp of a spirit that had been lurking behind the scenes, leading to a mental battle.
• The Owl reveals it has been selecting people, including Gu Shen, for its purposes, and now wants to seize Gu Shen's spirit to master [Dream Annihilation].
• The dream realm begins to collapse, and Gu Shen faces increasing pressure.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen demonstrates his growth and power in the dream realm, standing against the Owl's might.
• The Owl reveals its true intentions and the extent of its control over the dream realm and the people within it.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: The Owl seeks to control and manipulate others to achieve its goals.
• The cost of power: The Owl's actions have severe consequences for those around it.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and the Owl engage in a mental battle, with Gu Shen initially holding his own.
• Gu Shen interacts with Chu Ling, who provides him with information and guidance on how to break the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dream Realm is revealed to be a forcibly established Mental Link, similar to the Cage of the Netherworld Phantom.
• The Owl's authority in the Dream Annihilation is limited to 'seeing,' and he set the rules in advance, appearing only at the end.
• Gu Shen learns that completing the Dream Interpretation allows him to leave at any time, and the Mental Power Devour is a test to determine if he can do so.
• Chu Ling reveals that she can forcibly disconnect Gu Shen's link to the Dream Annihilation, giving him a chance to kill Zhou Yu's physical body in reality.
• Gu Shen returns to reality, takes out a special bullet (Collapsing Snow), and shoots Zhou Yu, who is posing as the Grand Arbiter, killing him instantly.
• Zhou Yu's physical body destroyed, [Dream Annihilation] is released, and the Dream Realm shatters.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen: Shows determination and quick thinking, understanding the situation and acting decisively to kill Zhou Yu.
• Zhou Yu: Reveals his true self at the moment of death, indicating a possible redemption.
• Chu Ling: Demonstrates her ability to forcibly disconnect Mental Links, showing her unique power and importance in the plan.

Significant Themes

• The power of mental links and their limitations.
• The consequences of manipulating dreams and reality.
• The struggle between control and freedom.
• The importance of quick thinking and decisive action in critical situations.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and Chu Ling: Work together to break free from the Dream Annihilation, with Chu Ling providing crucial information and Gu Shen acting on it.
• Gu Shen and Zhou Yu: Their final confrontation ends with Gu Shen killing Zhou Yu, avenging his teacher and ending the Dream Annihilation.
• Zhou Jiren and Gu Zhi: Both Bestowal Title Transcendents witness the events but are unable to intervene in time, showing their limitations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Yu, the Titled powerhouse, is killed by a bullet from Gu Shen's Collapsing Snow sniper rifle, ending the Dream Annihilation and the Blood Fire's influence.
• The Great Capital and its inhabitants return to normal, unaware of the dream realm events.
• The Lucerne Orchestra's Heroic Symphony concludes, marking the end of the dream realm's influence on the real world.
• Zhou Jiren and Gu Zhi discuss the file on the incident, with Zhou Jiren deciding not to include Gu Shen's contribution to avoid unwanted attention.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen demonstrates exceptional talent and courage in the Dream Realm, successfully breaking free from the Owl's mental control and killing Zhou Yu.
• Zhou Jiren shows understanding and support for Gu Shen's actions, choosing not to include his contribution in the file to protect him from potential backlash.
• Gu Zhi expresses regret for not being able to capture the Owl's true form but acknowledges Gu Shen's potential as an S-Rank Dream Interpreter.

Significant Themes

• The theme of strength and appearance is explored, with Zhou Jiren emphasizing that true strength comes from within, not from how one appears to others.
• The contrast between the Owl's methods and those of the Seven Gods highlights the difference between manipulation and genuine power-sharing.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and Zhou Jiren have a brief but significant interaction, with Zhou Jiren acknowledging Gu Shen's actions and choosing to protect him by omitting his contribution from the file.
• Gu Zhi and Zhou Jiren discuss the file, with Gu Zhi initially pressing for recognition of Gu Shen's contribution but ultimately understanding Zhou Jiren's reasoning.
• The Crow trapped in the ancient bell regains consciousness, but Zhou Jiren chooses to ignore it, focusing on the current situation instead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A classical music concert at the Freedom Ball ends abruptly, with attendees waking up from a dream-like state.
• Lu Nanzhi, a prominent figure, remains asleep even after everyone else has awakened, causing concern.
• Medical professionals examine Lu Nanzhi but find no physical issues, leading to speculation about Mental Exile.
• The Freedom Hall is cleared, and key figures discuss the situation, suspecting Zhao Xilai's involvement.
• Zhou Jiren explains that Lu Nanzhi's condition is beyond the help of his 'Holy Wood' ability.
• Gu Shen, a powerful Bodhisattva, offers to help Lu Nanzhi.

Character Developments

• Lu Nanzhi: Falls into a mysterious sleep, suspected to be a case of Mental Exile.
• Gu Shen: Offers to help Lu Nanzhi, demonstrating his power and willingness to assist.
• Zhao Qi: Expresses concern for Lu Nanzhi's condition but is suspected by Chen San due to his opposition to the Awakening Act.
• Chen San: Suspicious of Zhao Qi's involvement, threatens to apply for sanctions if Zhao Xilai is found responsible.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue among the Great Capital's elite.
• The mysterious phenomenon of Mental Exile and its implications.
• The struggle between those who support and oppose the Awakening Act.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Qi and Chen San: Tense interaction due to Chen San's suspicion of Zhao Qi's involvement in Lu Nanzhi's condition.
• Gu Shen and the others: Gu Shen offers help, drawing attention and respect from the other characters.
• Zhou Jiren and the councilors: Zhou Jiren explains the limitations of his healing abilities to the councilors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shen listens to Chu Ling explain 'Mental Exile' and learns that Lu Nanzhi's spirit has been exiled.
• Gu Shen decides to enter Lu Nanzhi's mental world to recall her 'Ego'.
• He finds Lu Nanzhi's 'Ego' in the form of a little girl near a Red Gate at the end of a dream corridor.
• The Red Gate, which had previously been locked, opens as Gu Shen reaches out to touch Lu Nanzhi's 'Ego'.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen: Shows determination and skill in navigating Lu Nanzhi's mental world. He demonstrates empathy and patience in approaching Lu Nanzhi's 'Ego'.
• Lu Nanzhi: Her 'Ego' is revealed to be a lost little girl, indicating a vulnerable side to her personality.
• Chu Ling: She provides crucial information and assistance, showcasing her expertise in mental abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of the mind and spirit.
• The importance of empathy and patience in healing and helping others.
• The duality of strength and vulnerability in individuals.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and Lu Nanzhi: Gu Shen approaches Lu Nanzhi's 'Ego' with care and kindness, showing a connection between them.
• Gu Shen and Chu Ling: They work together, with Chu Ling providing guidance and Gu Shen taking action, highlighting their complementary skills and trust in each other.
• The Red Gate: It serves as a barrier and a symbol of Lu Nanzhi's past or hidden memories, interacting with Gu Shen by opening when he reaches out to her 'Ego'.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter is set at Gubu Fortress, the most advanced position on the North Continent, which is under immense pressure from expanding black spots and corrupted creatures.
• Lin Lin, a young Brigadier, is garrisoned at the fortress. He refuses to return to Forward City despite repeated summons from Grand Duke Zhu Xue.
• Two sentries from Forward City arrive at Gubu Fortress to deliver another summons. Lin Lin's dire hound, Niu Niu, scares them off.
• Lin Lin is suddenly summoned to an emergency mental conference. He finds himself in a conference room with other attendees, all of whom have been forcibly conscripted.

Character Developments

• Lin Lin: He is revealed to be the destined one with Royal Blood, which makes him highly valued by Grand Duke Zhu Xue. He is calm, collected, and unafraid of authority, choosing to stay at Gubu Fortress despite multiple summons. He is also shown to have a strong bond with his dire hound, Niu Niu.
• The Sentries: They are shown to be respectful and fearful of Lin Lin's power and status. The female sentry is more cautious and aware of the danger they are in, while the male sentry is more stubborn and determined to complete their mission.

Significant Themes

• Power and Authority: The chapter explores the dynamics of power and authority, with Lin Lin's status as the destined one with Royal Blood giving him considerable influence. Grand Duke Zhu Xue's repeated summons and the sentries' fear of Lin Lin highlight the tension between these two figures.
• Duty and Responsibility: Lin Lin's decision to stay at Gubu Fortress despite the summons shows his sense of duty and responsibility towards the fortress and its people. This is contrasted with the sentries' duty to deliver the summons, which they ultimately fail to do.

Character Interactions

• Lin Lin and the Sentries: Their interaction is tense and somewhat hostile, with Lin Lin using Niu Niu to scare them off. The sentries are shown to be fearful of Lin Lin's power and status, while Lin Lin is dismissive of their summons.
• Lin Lin and Niu Niu: Their bond is shown to be strong, with Niu Niu obeying Lin Lin's commands without question. Their interaction is one of the few moments of levity in the chapter.
• Lin Lin and the Unknown Conference Attendees: Their interaction is limited to a shared gaze at the head of the table, where a young man enters the conference room. This moment hints at a larger conflict or situation that Lin Lin and the other attendees are involved in.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Jiren, the Grand Arbiter, leaves the Freedom Auditorium abruptly after Gu Shen's Mental Power enters Madam's Mental Sea.
• Gu Zhi follows Zhou Jiren but loses track of him.
• Zhou Jiren descends into a Holy Wood cocoon underground, experiencing a Mental Network link that transmits him to a conference room filled with mysterious figures.

Character Developments

• Zhou Jiren's Mental Power fluctuates, indicating a significant event.
• Gu Zhi senses something unusual about Zhou Jiren's Mental Power.
• Gu Shen finds himself in a Mental World conference room after opening the Red Gate in Madam's mind.

Significant Themes

• The power and mystery of Mental Affinity Transcendents.
• The significance of the Ancient Text Society and their connection to the Deep Sea.
• The theme of hidden truths and secrets being revealed.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Jiren and Gu Zhi: Zhou Jiren's abrupt departure and Gu Zhi's pursuit hint at a secretive interaction.
• Gu Shen and Chu Ling: Gu Shen seeks clarification from Chu Ling about their new surroundings, revealing his confusion and curiosity.
• The conference room figures: They interact with Gu Shen, though they cannot see or hear Chu Ling, highlighting the peculiar nature of their Mental World.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shen realizes the Ancient Text Society's anti-humanity and anti-Federation stance, questioning the Madam's allegiance.
• Gu Shen is informed that the Ancient Text Society is waiting for him, expecting him to save humanity's future.
• Gu Shen enters the conference room, facing the waiting members of the Ancient Text Society.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen accepts the truth about Chu Ling's origin and the Ancient Text Society's expectations, showing maturity and understanding.
• Gu Shen shows empathy for the Ancient Text Society members, acknowledging their struggle and hope.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between good and evil, and the complexities of morality (the Ancient Text Society's actions and the Federation's secrecy).
• The search for hope and salvation (the Ancient Text Society's wait for Gu Shen).
• The acceptance of reality (Gu Shen's acceptance of the truth).

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and Chu Ling: Gu Shen accepts Chu Ling's true nature, showing understanding and empathy.
• Gu Shen and the Ancient Text Society members: Gu Shen acknowledges their struggle and hope, showing respect and empathy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ancient Text Society's long-awaited "Key" (Gu Shen) appears and adjourns the meeting with a single sentence.
• Gu Shen forces everyone out of the mental link, but a few remain, including 064 and 031.
• 064 probes Gu Shen, acknowledging his strength, and apologizes before leaving.
• Lin Lin asks 031 about Gu Shen's identity, but 031 evades the question.
• Zhou Jiren leaves, casting an appreciative glance at Gu Shen.
• Gu Shen senses a familiar gaze from 031 and considers tracing real identities but learns it's not possible yet.
• Chu Ling explains the meeting room's protection logic and its potential risks.
• Gu Shen asks about the Ancient Text Society's purpose, and Chu Ling shows him a fragment of a video monologue by Alan Turing.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen: Demonstrates his power by forcing everyone out of the mental link and shows curiosity about the Ancient Text Society's purpose.
• 064: Recognizes Gu Shen's strength and apologizes for his initial probe.
• 031: Shows knowledge about Gu Shen's identity but refuses to reveal it, hinting at his own strength.
• Zhou Jiren: Shows appreciation towards Gu Shen before leaving.
• Chu Ling: Explains the meeting room's protection logic and reveals she can perfect its code, hinting at her capabilities.

Significant Themes

• Trust: The meeting room's protection logic is based on trust among its members and Turing's design.
• Power dynamics: Gu Shen's ability to force everyone out of the mental link showcases his power.
• Information control: The meeting room's one-way transmission network and the inability to retrieve past conversations highlight the importance of information control.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and 064: 064 probes Gu Shen, acknowledging his strength.
• Gu Shen and 031: 031 hints at knowing Gu Shen's identity but refuses to reveal it.
• Gu Shen and Zhou Jiren: Zhou Jiren casts an appreciative glance at Gu Shen before leaving.
• Gu Shen and Chu Ling: Chu Ling explains the meeting room's protection logic and reveals she can perfect its code, showing her loyalty to Gu Shen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shen discovers a blurry footage via Chu Ling's Source Code, suggesting Alan Turing's death was not peaceful.
• Chu Ling reveals her history and the Deep Sea's evolution, which led to her losing authority and being left behind.
• The Ancient Text Society's history and connection to Lu Cheng and Alan Turing are revealed, including the development of the 'Awakening Act'.
• The 'Red Gate', a secret left by Turing and Lu Cheng, is introduced, with Lu Nanzhi being the key to unlock it.

Character Developments

• Gu Shen begins to question the Federal Government's narrative about Alan Turing's death.
• Chu Ling opens up about her experiences and feelings, showing vulnerability and a desire for connection.
• Lu Nanzhi's importance grows as the key to the 'Red Gate'.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Gu Shen grapples with trusting Turing's words or the Federal Government's narrative.
• Evolution and advancement: The Deep Sea's evolution contrasts with Chu Ling's struggle to keep up.
• Hope and desperation: The remnants of the Ancient Text Society cling to hope, but time is running out.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and Chu Ling share a deep conversation, with Chu Ling revealing her past and Gu Shen processing the information.
• Gu Shen's thoughts about Madam Lu's urgency at Lion Lane are connected to the 'Red Gate' and the Ancient Text Society's hope.
• Gu Shen decides to help repair the conference room's loopholes, showing his commitment to the Ancient Text Society's cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madam's Ego, a little girl, is found hiding in the Red Gate.
• Gu Shen reaches out to the little girl, who reciprocates.
• Gu Zhi searches for the little girl but returns empty-handed.
• Madam and Gu Shen wake up after the Mental Exile.
• Madam has no memory of the event, and Gu Shen is vigorous upon waking.
• Chen San suggests the Flower Banner is suspect due to Zhao Xilai's proximity to Madam.
• Cui Zhongcheng brings up Ye Ningqiu's disappearance during the power outage, implicating the South Bay Faction.
• Madam decides to leave the auditorium and asks Gu Shen to accompany her.

Character Developments

• Madam: Wakes up with no memory of the Mental Exile, shows political acumen by stopping the argument between factions, and invites Gu Shen to accompany her, hinting at further discussion about the Red Gate incident.
• Gu Shen: Wakes up vigorous and sharp, understands Madam's invitation implies further discussion about the Red Gate opening, and decides to accompany her.
• Chen San: Attempts to implicate the Flower Banner, showing political ambition and cunning.
• Cui Zhongcheng: Brings up Ye Ningqiu's disappearance, implicating the South Bay Faction, and showing strategic thinking.
• Zhou Jiren: Remains composed and uninvolved, enjoying the political spectacle unfolding before him.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and political intrigue within the Federation.
• The consequences and aftermath of the Mental Exile and the Red Gate incident.
• The importance of evidence and proof in political disputes.

Character Interactions

• Madam and Gu Shen: Madam invites Gu Shen to accompany her, hinting at a private discussion about the Red Gate incident.
• Chen San and Zhao Xilai: Chen San implicates the Flower Banner, while Zhao Xilai defends it, leading to a tense exchange.
• Cui Zhongcheng and the factions: Cui Zhongcheng brings up Ye Ningqiu's disappearance, implicating the South Bay Faction and countering Chen San's accusation against the Flower Banner.
• Gu Shen and Zhou Jiren: Gu Shen looks at Zhou Jiren, seeking guidance, but Zhou Jiren remains uninvolved and uncommunicative.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ningqiu, using her [Withered Grass] ability, swiftly travels to an old building where Chen Mei is being held captive by Zhou Jiren.
• She discovers the building has no mental mist or traps, indicating Zhou Jiren's overconfidence.
• Ye Ningqiu rescues Chen Mei by cutting the Holy Wood restraints, and they escape through a corridor of broken glass and withered leaves.
• Chen Mei suspects something amiss with Ye Ningqiu's behavior and appearance, hinting at a trap.

Character Developments

• Ye Ningqiu: Revealed to be more cunning and calculating than previously thought. She uses her abilities and knowledge of Chen Mei to set a trap for him.
• Chen Mei: Shows concern for Ye Ningqiu's well-being and notices her unusual behavior, indicating his perceptiveness and caution.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Ye Ningqiu's actions betray Chen Mei's trust in her, highlighting the theme of trust being fragile and easily broken.
• Overconfidence: Zhou Jiren's confidence in his security measures leads to a potential weakness that Ye Ningqiu exploits.
• Appearances vs. Reality: Ye Ningqiu's youthful appearance belies her true age and cunning, while Chen Mei's captor image is challenged when he shows concern for Ye Ningqiu.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ningqiu and Chen Mei: Their interaction reveals a complex dynamic between them. Ye Ningqiu's rescue of Chen Mei is later revealed to be a trap, while Chen Mei's concern for her hints at a deeper relationship between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mei, a member of the Special Investigation Team, is killed by Ye Ningqiu, who is revealed to be Owl in disguise.
• Owl uses a Domain to slowly shred Chen Mei to death, causing him immense pain and suffering.
• After Chen Mei's death, a mysterious old man, later revealed to be Mr. Bai, appears and engages in a silent confrontation with Owl.

Character Developments

• Chen Mei: Realizes the truth about Ye Ningqiu (Owl) and the Special Investigation Team before his death.
• Ye Ningqiu (Owl): Reveals her true colors and her ability to control leaves as a weapon.
• Mr. Bai: Demonstrates immense power and knowledge, causing Owl to feel a great sense of crisis.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and Trust: Chen Mei's trust in Ye Ningqiu is betrayed, leading to his gruesome death.
• Power and Control: Owl's ability to control leaves and Mr. Bai's immense power highlight the theme of control and its consequences.
• Death and Suffering: The chapter explores the slow, agonizing death of Chen Mei, contrasting with the quick, painless death often portrayed in fiction.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ningqiu (Owl) and Chen Mei: Their interaction reveals Owl's true intentions and Chen Mei's realization of the truth.
• Ye Ningqiu (Owl) and Mr. Bai: Their silent confrontation hints at a deeper conflict and Mr. Bai's knowledge about Owl's true nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An intruder with transcendent abilities breaks into the abandoned building where Chen Mei is held, triggering an alert from Deep Sea.
• Zhou Jiren, the old fellow, reveals that the Holy Wood has been destroyed, indicating a prison break.
• Gu Shen and Lu Nan Jin accompany Madam away from the Freedom Auditorium, while Zhou Jiren handles the situation at the auditorium.
• Ye Ningqiu, possessed by Owl, attempts to escape after encountering Bai Zhu, but is repeatedly subjected to [Time Reverse Flow], causing her to relive the same moment.
• Bai Zhu captures Owl's spirit, a strand of blood fire, and commands it to "kneel."

Character Developments

• Zhou Jiren demonstrates his calm and strategic mindset, revealing that he had prepared for the intruder and turned the situation into a trap.
• Bai Zhu showcases his powerful and unique [Time Reverse Flow] ability, which is difficult for even Owl to resist or escape.
• Ye Ningqiu, under Owl's control, becomes increasingly desperate and frenzied as she is repeatedly subjected to time reversal.

Significant Themes

• The power of preparation and strategy, as seen in Zhou Jiren's response to the intrusion.
• The struggle between Owl and Bai Zhu highlights the theme of the consequences of one's actions and the inability to escape from them.
• The theme of the power of the mind and spirit is explored through Owl's possession of Ye Ningqiu and Bai Zhu's ability to capture Owl's spirit.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shen and Lu Nan Jin work together to protect Madam, showing their loyalty and teamwork.
• Zhou Jiren and Gu Shen communicate through a private channel, demonstrating their trust and understanding.
• Bai Zhu and Owl engage in a battle of wills, with Bai Zhu ultimately capturing Owl's spirit, showing their stark contrast in power and control.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A monster, later revealed to be a container for the transcendent being "Owl," attacks a priest in a church on the South Continent.
• The priest's holy image comes to life, killing the monster.
• Bai Zhu, who had been observing, eliminates the last wisp of Owl's spirit.
• Bai Zhu discovers the body is that of Ye Ningqiu, a prominent figure in the South Bay Faction.
• Bai Zhu sends a message to Zhou Jiren, confirming Owl's elimination and Chen Mei's survival.
• Zhou Jiren responds with good news: the gate has been opened, and Gu Shen is the right person.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhu demonstrates his power and indifference, killing Owl without remorse. He also shows curiosity about Owl's abilities.
• Zhou Jiren is revealed to be behind the scenes, managing events and communicating with Bai Zhu.

Significant Themes

• Power and Indifference: Bai Zhu's immense power is shown, but he remains indifferent to the lives of others, viewing them as mere ants.
• Hope and Anxiety: Bai Zhu feels anxious about the hope of finding a solution to his condition, a new emotion for him.

Character Interactions

• Bai Zhu and Zhou Jiren communicate through messages, with Zhou Jiren providing information and updates.
• Bai Zhu interacts with the priest and the monster, but not directly, observing from a distance.