Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Set, the Egyptian god of chaos, listens to the commotion upstairs, knowing Thor is battling humans.
• Set plans to escape during the chaos but encounters a young man guarding the main entrance.
• Set lures a nearby Hound to distract the young man, allowing him to escape with the unconscious God of Machines.
• Set runs for two kilometers but feels a sense of being pursued. He evades his pursuer and enters a snack street as the sun sets.

Character Developments

• Set demonstrates his cunning and adaptability, using the Hound to create a distraction and evade capture.
• The young man guarding the entrance shows confidence in his ability to handle the Hound, suggesting he has combat skills.

Significant Themes

• Chaos vs. Order: Set, the god of chaos, is at the center of the conflict, with both New Gods and Old Gods seeking him.
• Power and Vulnerability: Despite being a powerful god, Set is vulnerable without his divine powers, relying on his wits to escape.

Character Interactions

• Set manipulates the Hound to distract the young man, showing his ability to use others to achieve his goals.
• The young man's interaction with the Hound hints at his confidence and potential combat skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Set, carrying the unconscious God of Machines, runs through a street, knocking over a table.
• An, the King of the Sumerian pantheon, confronts Set and reveals he's been sent by the Organizing Committee to apprehend him due to his rule violations.
• Set surrenders without a fight, and An takes him and the God of Machines to his truck, planning to transport them to the Organizing Committee.
• Set and the God of Machines are locked in separate compartments of An's truck, with Set's compartment lacking light.

Character Developments

• Set shows remorse for his actions and cooperates with An, indicating a potential change in his character.
• An remains impartial and stern in his duty to uphold the rules of the Organizing Committee.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Fairness: An emphasizes that the Organizing Committee will address Thor's actions, showing that the rules apply to everyone, regardless of their pantheon or past influence.
• Consequences of Actions: Set faces the consequences of his rule violations, highlighting the theme of accountability.

Character Interactions

• Set and An interact briefly, with Set attempting to negotiate or challenge An's authority, but An remains steadfast in his duty.
• Set shows concern for Thor's situation, hinting at a possible alliance or shared fate between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Set, an Egyptian god, arrives at a rest area, hoping to meet an ally but finds none.
• An, the chief judge, accompanies Set and suspects he has hidden allies.
• An stops at the rest area on purpose to reveal the hidden ally.
• An's plan is disrupted when an unknown assailant shoots Set, revealing they're there to kill him, not rescue him.
• An kicks Set back into the convenience store and pursues the attacker.
• The attacker is revealed to be Zhang Heng, a human wearing a gas mask.

Character Developments

• Set: Displays a relaxed attitude despite being shot, hinting at hidden allies and a complicated past with his family.
• An: Shows quick thinking and strategic planning, using his abilities to track the attacker and protect Set.
• Zhang Heng: Revealed to be the attacker, showing proficiency in marksmanship and stealth, and surprise at encountering An and Set again.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Set's hidden allies and the unexpected attack on him highlight themes of trust and betrayal among the gods.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between An, Set, and Zhang Heng showcases the power dynamics between gods and humans, as well as among the gods themselves.

Character Interactions

• Set and An: Their interaction reveals An's suspicion of Set's hidden allies and Set's nonchalant attitude towards his potential death.
• An and Zhang Heng: Their encounter is filled with surprise, as neither expected to meet again so soon, and under such circumstances.
• Zhang Heng and Set: Their interaction is brief but tense, with Zhang Heng attempting to kill Set and Set being caught off guard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng confronts Set, who is severely injured but not dead.
• An, the oldest living deity and presiding judge of the Organizing Committee, intervenes to capture Set alive.
• Zhang Heng and An engage in a battle, with Zhang Heng using his swordsmanship against An's physical prowess and divine powers.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates exceptional mental resilience by resisting An's mental attack, showcasing his growth.
• An, despite his ancient lineage and power, underestimates Zhang Heng's swordsmanship initially.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between ancient and modern, represented by An and Zhang Heng respectively.
• The consequences of inaction and the need for intervention, as seen in the Organizing Committee's failure to handle Set's crimes.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and An have a tense standoff, with An trying to persuade Zhang Heng to hand over Set and Zhang Heng refusing, leading to their battle.
• Zhang Heng's encounter with An highlights the differences in their power levels and fighting styles, setting the stage for a significant clash.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An grasps his scepter, and a triple crown materializes above his head. A red carpet extends towards Zhang Heng.
• Zhang Heng dodges the carpet and attacks An, who blocks with his scepter.
• Zhang Heng's relentless assault forces An to focus solely on defense.
• An reflects on his past encounters with powerful mortals like Gilgamesh.
• Zhang Heng's blade, Hidden Sheath, starts to show its unique craving, desiring to sever An's scepter.
• Zhang Heng integrates this craving into his swordsmanship, elevating his skill.
• An's scepter shatters after clashing with Hidden Sheath multiple times.
• Zhang Heng sheathes his blade and bows to An.

Character Developments

• An: Realizes his reduced power compared to his prime, becomes more patient in combat, and is eventually overwhelmed by Zhang Heng's skill.
• Zhang Heng: Discovers Hidden Sheath's craving and integrates it into his swordsmanship, leading to an upgrade in his skill.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and focus in combat (Zhang Heng's relentless assault)
• The evolution of skill and experience over time (An's reflection on past encounters)
• The potential for growth and upgrade (Hidden Sheath's craving and subsequent change)

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and An: Engage in a intense, one-sided combat, with Zhang Heng gradually overpowering An.
• Zhang Heng and Hidden Sheath: Zhang Heng senses the blade's craving and integrates it into his swordsmanship, leading to a new level of connection between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng discovers a potential way to upgrade his Hidden Sheath but delays examination.
• He defeats An's guards and sets out to finish off Set.
• Thor appears, throwing his hammer (Mjolnir) at Zhang Heng, who blocks it with his Hidden Sheath and is sent flying.
• Thor approaches the convenience store, injured and seeking Set to find his wife.
• An blocks Thor's path, trying to reason with him, but Thor insists on confronting Set.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates quick thinking and combat instincts, activating his Scales of the Mortal World to withstand Thor's hammer.
• Thor is severely injured, with a missing eye and arm, and seems driven by external influence.
• An shows concern for Thor's condition and tries to dissuade him from his course of action.

Significant Themes

• Unpredictability of Combat: Despite Zhang Heng's victory over An's guards, Thor's sudden appearance and attack show the unpredictable nature of combat.
• Influence and Manipulation: Thor's actions seem influenced by an unknown entity, hinting at themes of manipulation and external control.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and An: Zhang Heng defeats An's guards, and An is left stunned and unable to stop Zhang Heng from finishing off Set.
• Thor and An: Thor and An have a tense standoff. An tries to reason with Thor, but Thor insists on confronting Set, leading to a potential conflict between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor attacks An with Mjolnir, but An's carpet wall blocks the hammer's progress.
• An struggles to defend against Thor's relentless assault, retreating as the carpet is destroyed.
• Zhang Heng intervenes, forcing Thor to pause his attack on An.
• Thor offers Zhang Heng a deal: 7 minutes to question Set, then Zhang Heng can kill him.
• An is left out of the deal, helpless to stop Thor and Zhang Heng.

Character Developments

• Thor: Despite his injuries, Thor remains formidable and resourceful, willing to form a temporary alliance with Zhang Heng to find his wife.
• An: An shows his power and resilience but is ultimately outmaneuvered by Thor and Zhang Heng.
• Zhang Heng: Zhang Heng demonstrates his quick thinking and strategic mind, using Thor's desperation to his advantage.

Significant Themes

• Temporary alliances: Characters form alliances based on their immediate needs, with no guarantee of long-term loyalty.
• Resourcefulness: Characters must adapt and use their resources wisely to gain an advantage.

Character Interactions

• Thor and An: Thor and An clash, with Thor gaining the upper hand. An is left out of Thor's deal with Zhang Heng.
• Thor and Zhang Heng: Thor and Zhang Heng form a temporary alliance to question Set, with Zhang Heng ultimately planning to kill Set.
• An and Zhang Heng: An is left out of Thor's deal with Zhang Heng, and the two do not interact directly in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor kills Set, but Zhang Heng must dismember Set's body into seven pieces to ensure his death.
• Zhang Heng enters the changing room to dismember Set's body.
• Thor reveals to An that a group of humans, well-prepared and well-trained, injured him with bullets lethal to gods.
• An and Thor discuss Zhang Heng's potential connection to these humans and the Organizing Committee's interest in investigating.
• Zhang Heng escapes from the convenience store, leaving behind only Set's dismembered body.
• Thor suspects that Zhang Heng is a proxy of Kronos, the God of Time.

Character Developments

• Thor: Shows remorse for his actions and willingness to make amends, but prioritizes saving his wife.
• An: Realizes the severity of the situation involving the humans and their bullets, and sees an opportunity to capture Zhang Heng.
• Zhang Heng: Proves his combat skills and ability to control time, escaping from Thor and An.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Old Gods and New Gods, and the strain caused by Thor's actions.
• The threat posed by humans to gods, as seen through the bullets that can harm gods.
• The importance of time and its manipulation, hinted at by Zhang Heng's escape and Thor's suspicion of Kronos's involvement.

Character Interactions

• Thor and An: Discuss Zhang Heng and the threat posed by the humans, with Thor revealing his intention to make amends for his past mistakes.
• Thor and Zhang Heng: Thor keeps his promise to let Zhang Heng kill Set but plans to capture him afterward, only to find Zhang Heng gone.
• Zhang Heng and Set: Zhang Heng dismembers Set's body to ensure his death, fulfilling his promise to Thor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng returns to the health club, finding it closed and deserted.
• He infiltrates the building, triggering a trap set by Isis: a dagger and a crossbow attack.
• Zhang Heng disarms the traps and confronts Isis, who reveals she had set up precautions in case Zhang Heng failed to kill Set.
• Zhang Heng presents Set's heart in a box, confirming Set's death.
• Isis orders her owl to dispose of the heart and asks Zhang Heng about his plans.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his agility, calm, and resourcefulness in disarming the traps and presenting Set's heart.
• Isis shows her cunning and strategic planning in setting up the traps and her nonchalance in ordering Set's heart to be fed to dogs.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Isis's trap shows her lack of trust in Zhang Heng, while Zhang Heng's successful mission rebuilds their alliance.
• Power dynamics: The exchange between Zhang Heng and Isis highlights their power balance, with Isis holding more information and influence.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Isis: Their interaction is tense yet cooperative, with Isis testing Zhang Heng and Zhang Heng proving his worth.
• Zhang Heng and Set: Their conflict is resolved off-page, with Zhang Heng successfully killing Set and bringing his heart to Isis.
• Isis and her owl/vulture: Isis demonstrates her control over her familiar, using it to dispose of Set's heart.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Isis reveals to Zhang Heng that he is essentially a part of the master of R'lyeh due to the blood exchange they underwent, explaining his involuntary actions.
• Isis suggests a blood exchange with a god as a solution to break free from R'lyeh's control, but warns of its difficulty and danger.
• Isis hints at the impending war between the New Gods and the Old Gods, implying that Zhang Heng's time is limited.
• After Zhang Heng leaves, Isis meets with Kronos, the God of Time, who reveals his role in Zhang Heng's situation and his confidence in Zhang Heng eventually seeking his help.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Realizes the extent of R'lyeh's control over him and learns about the blood exchange solution, but understands the challenges involved.
• Isis: Shows empathy towards Zhang Heng, providing him with crucial information and expressing a desire for him to live longer.
• Kronos: Reveals his manipulation of Zhang Heng's situation and his confidence in Zhang Heng's eventual dependence on him.

Significant Themes

• Control and manipulation: Kronos manipulates Zhang Heng's situation, while R'lyeh controls Zhang Heng's body.
• Limited time: The impending war between the gods and the potential awakening of R'lyeh emphasize the urgency of Zhang Heng's situation.
• The cost of power: The blood exchange ritual is dangerous for both parties, highlighting the high cost of gaining power or breaking free from control.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Isis: Isis provides Zhang Heng with vital information, while Zhang Heng remains cautious and analytical.
• Isis and Kronos: They discuss their plans for Zhang Heng, with Isis expressing concern for the risks involved, while Kronos remains confident in his manipulation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus drive away from the health club, with Miss Succubus teasing Zhang Heng about his possible feelings for Isis.
• Zhang Heng reveals he wants to find gods related to souls to ask them questions about his situation.
• Miss Succubus lists several death gods from various cultures, but Zhang Heng expresses reluctance to meet Zeus.
• Miss Succubus mentions a lesser-known goddess of souls who has maintained popularity through art and her partner's fame.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Shows determination to find answers about his soul and avoids meeting powerful gods like Zeus.
• Miss Succubus: Demonstrates extensive knowledge of mythological figures and their roles, acting as a guide for Zhang Heng.

Significant Themes

• The search for knowledge and truth about one's existence and purpose.
• The power dynamics and hierarchies among gods and their reluctance to meet mortals.
• The enduring influence of art and popular culture on the memory of mythological figures.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus: They engage in a conversation where Miss Succubus teases Zhang Heng about his feelings and provides information about various gods related to souls, acting as a guide and informant.
• Zhang Heng and Isis (implied): Zhang Heng remains distrustful of Isis and her intentions, seeking verification from other sources.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng identifies the Succubus as Psyche from Greek mythology.
• Psyche agrees to help Zhang Heng find information about the current whereabouts of the real Psyche.
• Zhang Heng retrieves two appraised items from Uncle Beach Pants at the Game Point: 'Old Seal' and 'Hamken's Protection'.
• Succubi at the Game Point decide to leave due to the recent attack on one of their kind, Jewel.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his knowledge of art and mythology, impressing the Succubus.
• The Succubus shows concern for her fellow Succubi, indicating a sense of community and loyalty.
• Uncle Beach Pants displays increased vigilance due to the recent attacks, suggesting a heightened sense of self-preservation.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and information, as demonstrated by Zhang Heng's recognition of the Succubus as Psyche.
• The importance of community and loyalty, shown by the Succubi's concern for each other's safety.
• The theme of change and adaptation, as seen in Psyche's transformation from a mortal princess to a god.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and the Succubus (Psyche) establish a cooperative relationship, with Psyche agreeing to help Zhang Heng find information in exchange for his protection.
• The Succubi at the Game Point interact with each other, showing a sense of unity and shared purpose.
• Zhang Heng interacts with Uncle Beach Pants, retrieving the appraised items and learning about recent events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus travel to Psyche's location.
• They learn that Gam, the God of Games, has gone missing, which could lead to a full-scale war between New Gods and Old Gods.
• Miss Succubus advises Zhang Heng to bring a gift for Psyche, as she is different from Isis and appreciates such gestures.

Character Developments

• Miss Succubus demonstrates her knowledge of the gods' history and her understanding of different goddesses' personalities.
• Zhang Heng shows respect for Miss Succubus' advice, indicating he values her input.

Significant Themes

• The potential war between New Gods and Old Gods looms, highlighting the theme of conflict and power struggle among the gods.
• The importance of understanding and respecting different individuals' preferences and needs, as seen in Miss Succubus' advice about gifting Psyche.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus work together, with Miss Succubus providing valuable insights and Zhang Heng respecting her advice.
• The interaction between Zhang Heng and Psyche is foreshadowed, with Miss Succubus advising Zhang Heng on how to approach Psyche.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus shop for gifts for Psyche, spending around 50,000 yuan on shoes, handbags, lipsticks, and perfume.
• They visit Psyche at her office, "Dating Bottle," an internet company she runs. Psyche is the company's spokesperson and CEO.
• Psyche's beauty is emphasized, though she's made less striking to avoid jealousy from other goddesses.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Shows concern for Miss Succubus' safety and willingness to release her from their contract if major trouble arises.
• Miss Succubus: Reveals she's not keen on getting involved in Zhang Heng's troubles with the Organizing Committee.
• Psyche: Implied to have made cosmetic adjustments to her appearance to avoid jealousy.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: Psyche's beauty is emphasized, but she's made less striking to avoid jealousy, highlighting the difference between her true form and her current appearance.
• Money's Influence: The ease with which Zhang Heng can buy gifts for Psyche with money contrasts with the difficulty of tasks like finding the Golden Fleece.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus: They work together to prepare gifts for Psyche and discuss their plans. Miss Succubus provides information and advice, while Zhang Heng shows concern for her safety.
• Psyche and her Employees: Psyche's employees admire her beauty and find her gentle demeanor appealing. She's respected and well-liked by her subordinates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus visit Psyche, the Goddess of Souls, in her unique, princess-themed office.
• Psyche shows off her extensive wardrobe collection, trying on new shoes and receiving gifts from Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus.
• Zhang Heng asks Psyche about soul possession and the fate of souls after death.

Character Developments

• Psyche is portrayed as a fashion-obsessed, innocent, and somewhat naive goddess, despite her divine status and age.
• Zhang Heng demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor, even in Psyche's overwhelmingly girlish office.
• Miss Succubus shows surprise and curiosity about Zhang Heng's questions regarding souls.

Significant Themes

• The symbiotic relationship between a soul and its body.
• The uniqueness and irreplaceability of each soul.
• The difficulty and risks of divine descent and soul possession.

Character Interactions

• Psyche greets Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus warmly, showing no discrimination against humans.
• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus bring Psyche gifts, which she appreciates.
• Zhang Heng asks Psyche questions about souls, and she answers honestly and in detail.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng consults Psyche, the god of souls, about resisting a soul takeover.
• Psyche explains that divine descents can be interrupted if the original soul resists, but a direct soul devouring is dangerous.
• She mentions game items and spiritual strength can help defend against soul attacks, and the body's connection to the soul is crucial.
• Zhang Heng asks about blood exchange between a mortal and a god, and Psyche reveals it makes the body divine but also makes it easier for the god to take over.
• Psyche confirms there's no way to sever the connection, and another blood exchange is the only option, but it's extremely dangerous.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in seeking information about his situation.
• Psyche shows patience and knowledge in answering Zhang Heng's questions, despite finding them unsettling.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between gods and mortals, and the dangers of divine intervention.
• The importance of one's body and soul connection in resisting external influences.
• The risks and consequences of blood exchange between mortals and gods.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Psyche have a Q&A session, with Zhang Heng asking detailed questions and Psyche providing informative answers.
• Miss Succubus listens to their conversation, growing concerned about Zhang Heng's situation.
• Psyche invites Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus to lunch, showing politeness and hospitality despite the unsettling nature of their conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Psyche receives an urgent message, forcing her to cut short her dinner with Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus.
• The company's computers are hacked, displaying an oil painting of "Cupid and Psyche" with the message "Found you."
• Psyche realizes her true identity has been discovered, and she fears for her safety.
• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus deduce that the attack is not directly targeting Psyche but aims to ambush Cupid en route.

Character Developments

• Psyche shows fear and concern for her safety, revealing her true identity and the potential threat she faces.
• Miss Succubus demonstrates her analytical skills and concern for her fellow Old Gods, warning Psyche about the potential danger to Cupid.

Significant Themes

• The escalating conflict between the New Gods and the Old Gods.
• The vulnerability of minor figures in the face of impending war.
• The importance of unity and mutual support among the Old Gods.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus interact with Psyche, with Zhang Heng observing and analyzing the situation, while Miss Succubus directly warns Psyche about the danger to Cupid.
• Psyche's fear and concern for her husband, Cupid, are evident in her actions and thoughts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng suspects the attack on Psyche's office and the oil painting were deliberate to frame the New Gods.
• Psyche leaves her office, followed by a moving van. Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus follow the van.
• Psyche goes to a park, discards her belongings, and transforms into a swallowtail butterfly. A group captures the butterfly.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his investigative skills and patience in following Psyche.
• Psyche shows resourcefulness and caution in her actions.
• The group capturing Psyche shows overconfidence after an easy capture.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Manipulation: The unknown organization is manipulating events to create conflict between the New Gods and Old Gods.
• Trust and Caution: Zhang Heng's caution in following Psyche highlights the importance of trust and careful action in his world.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Miss Succubus work together to follow Psyche and the group capturing her.
• Zhang Heng confronts the group, showing calm and assertiveness.
• The group members interact, showing their overconfidence and disregard for the supernatural.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Foreigners attempt to catch a butterfly in a restricted area; Zhang Heng intervenes.
• Toby stalls Zhang Heng while the others try to escape; Toby is knocked out.
• The remaining foreigners, Tom and another, engage in a fight with Zhang Heng.
• Zhang Heng disarms and defeats the foreigners, taking Tom's gun.
• Tom reveals they are not doing anything harmful and warns that stopping them won't prevent the inevitable.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates exceptional fighting skills, strategic thinking, and calm demeanor under pressure.
• Tom shows resilience, trying to resist even after being disarmed, and reveals he's part of a larger operation.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of meddling in affairs one doesn't understand.
• The inevitability of certain events.
• The use of violence as a means to an end.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Tom: Zhang Heng shows dominance in combat, while Tom tries to reason with him, revealing their mission's purpose.
• Tom and his companions: They work together initially but are quickly overwhelmed by Zhang Heng's skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng lets Psyche go, but not before warning Tom and his men not to involve her in their war.
• Zhang Heng discovers that his soul's protective charm has failed, leaving him vulnerable to a powerful, evil entity within him.
• Psyche reveals that the entity will likely take control of Zhang Heng's body within a week, and she can't help him due to her weakened divine power.
• Psyche suggests blood exchange with a powerful god as a potential solution, but it's risky and time-consuming to find a willing candidate.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng remains calm and composed even when faced with the imminent threat to his soul.
• Psyche shows courage and determination to help Zhang Heng, willing to put herself and her husband in danger.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the New Gods and the Old Gods, and the consequences of their war.
• The power of divine entities and the limits of their abilities.
• The importance of self-control and willpower in the face of madness and destruction.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Psyche: Zhang Heng shows understanding and gratitude towards Psyche's help, while Psyche demonstrates selflessness and concern for Zhang Heng's well-being.
• Zhang Heng and Tom: Zhang Heng shows mercy and warns Tom not to involve Psyche in their war, while Tom remains determined to pursue his goals at any cost.
• Psyche and Cupid (implied): Psyche is willing to ask her husband, Cupid, for help despite the risks it may pose to them.