Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Lei, Mudrock, and Broca travel to the Yinfei Icefield to shut down the stargate.
• Shi Lei clears demon remnants and buries the collapsed bodies.
• Anmatar finds the storage unit containing Pre-Civilization data.
• Shi Lei retrieves the storage unit and returns to Liyue City.

Character Developments

• Shi Lei demonstrates his selflessness and generosity by planning to share advanced technologies with Terra for free.
• Mudrock is confirmed to be pregnant, and Shi Lei decides to send her back to Liyue for rest.
• Anmatar tests Shi Lei's intentions regarding world domination and is reassured by his response.

Significant Themes

• The power of technology and its potential to change society.
• The consequences of greed and the importance of selflessness.
• The responsibility of leaders and their impact on their followers.

Character Interactions

• Shi Lei and Anmatar interact, with Anmatar testing Shi Lei's intentions and Shi Lei refusing to take on the role of governing Sami.
• Shi Lei and Kristen interact, with Shi Lei sharing his plans to distribute the Pre-Civilization technology and Kristen expressing her curiosity about starship blueprints.
• Shi Lei, Texas, and Nian reunite, with Texas expressing her worry about Shi Lei's safety and Shi Lei noticing her strange behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Lei reveals that Shi Lei is two months pregnant, leading to a celebration banquet in Liyue City.
• Shi Lei shares his plan to organize a gathering of countries at the end of the year to present selected Energy Technology for free.
• Shi Lei, Texas, and Nian travel to Kazimierz to sign for and lay cables, optical cables, and base stations for the Cross-border Communication Network, extending it to Scherzag and Victoria.

Character Developments

• Shi Lei demonstrates his power and influence, organizing a gathering of countries and laying the Cross-border Communication Network with ease.
• Shi Lei shows care and consideration for Shi Lei's pregnancy, ensuring she rests and doesn't overexert herself.
• Kristen accompanies Shi Lei on his journey, witnessing his abilities and not raising any objections.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: Shi Lei's power and influence are evident in his ability to organize a gathering of countries and lay the Cross-border Communication Network without facing significant resistance.
• Care and Responsibility: Shi Lei shows care and responsibility towards Shi Lei, ensuring she rests during her pregnancy, and towards Kristen, accompanying her on her scientific research journey.

Character Interactions

• Shi Lei interacts with various characters, including Texas, Nian, Kristen, and the Lich King Fremont, demonstrating his leadership and care towards his companions.
• Shi Lei's interaction with Kristen shows his support for her scientific research and his willingness to help her achieve her goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kristen, a science popularizer, explores Tower Two with Shi Lei's help, collecting samples and experiencing the universe.
• Shi Lei takes Texas and Nian to Tower Two and later to the universe for a sightseeing trip.
• Laterano convenes the 'Summit of All Nations,' inviting Liyue to participate, which prompts other nations to express similar interest.

Character Developments

• Kristen gains a new perspective on the universe and her place in it, feeling small yet inspired.
• Texas expresses her desire to have a child, influencing Shi Lei's decision to go along with her wishes.
• Exusiai shows interest in meeting her fellow Laterano countryman, Oren, and encourages Shi Lei to meet him.

Significant Themes

• The vastness and mystery of the universe.
• The insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of things.
• The desire for personal and national power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Kristen and Shi Lei: Kristen looks up to Shi Lei's knowledge and abilities, while Shi Lei is indifferent to her fame and influence.
• Texas and Shi Lei: Texas expresses her desire for a child, influencing Shi Lei's decisions.
• Exusiai and Shi Lei: Exusiai encourages Shi Lei to meet Oren, showing her eagerness to connect with her homeland.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Oren, the Messenger of All Nations from Laterano, arrives in Liyue to invite Zhongli (Shi Lei) to the Summit of All Nations.
• Zhongli agrees to attend and expresses his desire to give a speech at the summit.
• Four months later, Zhongli, accompanied by Xi, Exusiai, and Lappland, travels to Laterano City for the summit.
• The cross-border communication service, established by Zhongli, has significantly impacted various industries and societies worldwide.

Character Developments

• Oren: Shows respect and caution towards Zhongli, acting as a messenger and guide.
• Zhongli (Shi Lei): Maintains a low profile despite his increased fame and influence. He agrees to attend the summit and plans to share Pre-Civilization technology with the attendees.
• Xi, Exusiai, and Lappland: Accompany Zhongli to Laterano City. Exusiai and Lappland are excited about the trip, while Xi remains calm and collected.

Significant Themes

• The impact of technology and communication on society and global relations.
• The power dynamics between different classes and nations.
• The consequences of revealing one's true strength and identity to the public.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli and Oren: Oren shows deference to Zhongli, while Zhongli maintains a friendly yet distant attitude.
• Zhongli and his group (Xi, Exusiai, Lappland): They travel together to Laterano City, with Exusiai and Lappland expressing excitement about the trip.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Lei visits Laterano for the Summit of All Nations, accompanied by his girlfriend and friends.
• He encounters a bomb explosion, which he neutralizes using his powers.
• Exusiai reunites with Mostima, a colleague she hasn't seen in years, and they decide to visit Exusiai's sister together.

Character Developments

• Shi Lei demonstrates his power and calmness in handling the bomb situation.
• Exusiai shows her eagerness to reconnect with Mostima and visit her sister.
• Aizel, an intern at the Notary Office, shows kindness and responsibility by helping a young girl who fainted.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between nations, hinted at by the high housing prices in Liyue and the Laterano citizen's disregard for safety protocols.
• The importance of personal connections and reconciliation, as seen in Exusiai's desire to reunite with Mostima.

Character Interactions

• Shi Lei interacts with the Laterano citizen who wanted his autograph, showing a mix of amusement and patience.
• Exusiai and Mostima finally meet after years, with Exusiai expressing her desire to move past their past issues.
• Aizel interacts with the young girl he saved, showing kindness and concern for her well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cecilia, a young girl with a dim halo, is found by Aizel. She's taken to the hospital, and her condition is considered special.
• Aizel is lured to the rooftop by a nurse, where he's attacked by a group. He manages to call for help before being overwhelmed.
• Shi Lei and his team, who had come to pick up Exusiai, hear gunshots and rush to the scene. They find Aizel and the attackers on the rooftop.
• Inside the hospital, a woman named Patia tries to take Cecilia away, claiming she's her companion. Aizel intervenes, and Lappland attacks Patia upon entering the room.

Character Developments

• Aizel: Shows concern for Cecilia's well-being and tries to protect her from Patia.
• Cecilia: Reveals she's been waiting for her mother and is afraid of Patia.
• Patia: Shows disregard for Aizel and tries to take Cecilia by force.

Significant Themes

• Protection of the Innocent: Aizel tries to protect Cecilia from being taken away by Patia.
• Trust and Fear: Cecilia is afraid of Patia, indicating she doesn't trust her and fears her intentions.

Character Interactions

• Aizel and Cecilia: Aizel tries to reassure Cecilia and protect her from Patia.
• Shi Lei and Aizel: Although they don't interact directly in this chapter, Shi Lei comes to Aizel's aid when he hears gunshots.
• Lappland and Patia: Lappland immediately attacks Patia upon seeing her, indicating she sees Patia as a threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Patia, a Liberi, is captured by Lappland after attempting to kidnap Cecilia.
• Oren, who was supposed to be with Zhongli, is present, raising suspicion.
• Fiamma and Mostima arrive, and Patia is taken to the Notary Office for judgment.
• Cecilia's medical record reveals she's a Fallen Sarkaz without violating any commandments, sparking concern in the Pontiff.
• Cecilia's mother is confirmed deceased, and Aizel offers to take her to the Requiem Church to see her.

Character Developments

• Patia remains defiant and uncooperative, refusing to reveal her motives.
• Oren is conflicted, unable to help Patia due to his infiltration role.
• Aizel shows compassion towards Cecilia, trying to help her despite the situation.
• Shi Lei demonstrates understanding and patience with children, promising to help Cecilia find her mother.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of violating commandments and the loopholes in the system.
• The struggle between loyalty and personal feelings, as seen in Oren's conflict.
• The importance of empathy and understanding towards vulnerable individuals, as shown by Shi Lei's interaction with Cecilia.

Character Interactions

• Patia and Oren have a tense, unspoken exchange, with Oren unable to help Patia due to his infiltration role.
• Aizel and Shi Lei discuss Cecilia's future, with Shi Lei suggesting they ask for her opinion.
• Shi Lei reassures and promises to help Cecilia find her mother, gaining her trust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Oren, Zhongli's guide, receives an urgent call and leaves, recommending Aizel to take over.
• Zhongli and the group arrive at Requiem Church where Cecilia's mother is interred.
• Cecilia learns about her mother's death and wants to hold a funeral but lacks money.
• Zhongli gives her a piece of high-purity red gold to cover the expenses.

Character Developments

• Oren shows responsibility and prioritizes Zhongli's needs but also has personal matters to attend to.
• Aizel steps up to guide Zhongli, showing initiative and eagerness to prove himself.
• Cecilia demonstrates maturity beyond her years, understanding the concept of death and expressing her desire to hold a funeral for her mother.

Significant Themes

• Death and Farewell: The Requiem Church serves as a reminder of death and the importance of bidding farewell to the departed.
• Responsibility and Duty: Oren and Aizel show their sense of responsibility, while Zhongli demonstrates his duty of care towards Cecilia.
• Money and Wealth: The need for money to hold a funeral highlights the role of wealth in society.

Character Interactions

• Oren and Zhongli: Oren apologizes for leaving, and Zhongli understands and offers help, showing mutual respect.
• Aizel and Zhongli: Aizel is nervous but reassured by Zhongli, leading to a more comfortable interaction.
• Cecilia and Zhongli: Zhongli shows kindness and understanding towards Cecilia, offering help and encouraging her.
• Cecilia and Aizel: Aizel feels attacked by Cecilia's words but remains professional, and later offers to help with the funeral arrangements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Andon invites Shi Lei to a private conversation in the church garden.
• Andon shares a story about his friend's experience with Laterano's refusal to help, trying to provoke Shi Lei's anger.
• Shi Lei deconstructs Andon's argument, comparing it to a benefactor's obligation and the orphan's misplaced hatred.
• Andon reveals Laterano's internal corruption and racial discrimination, but Shi Lei points out these issues are universal.
• Shi Lei invites Andon to visit Liyue City, where he has built a society without elite classes or racial discrimination.
• Andon expresses his interest in Liyue and wants to seek verification from the Pontiff about Laterano's actions.
• Shi Lei warns Andon not to try anything against Cecilia and leaves, stating he's there to protect her.

Character Developments

• Shi Lei (Zhongli): Shows his wisdom and patience in handling Andon's provocation. He maintains his composure and uses logical arguments to counter Andon's points. He reveals his vision for Liyue City as a haven without hatred or discrimination.
• Andon: Initially trying to provoke Shi Lei, he becomes convinced by Shi Lei's arguments and expresses his interest in visiting Liyue City. He decides to seek verification from the Pontiff about Laterano's actions and assures Shi Lei he will handle Felia's funeral properly.

Significant Themes

• Racial Discrimination: Andon highlights the racial discrimination within Laterano, while Shi Lei points out that this issue is prevalent worldwide. He invites Andon to visit Liyue City, where such discrimination doesn't exist.
• Hatred and Prejudice: Andon's hatred towards Laterano is misplaced, as Shi Lei points out. He encourages Andon to redirect his hatred towards the Sea Creatures or let go of it entirely.
• The Power of Logic and Reason: Shi Lei uses logical arguments to counter Andon's points, demonstrating the power of reason in resolving conflicts and misunderstandings.

Character Interactions

• Shi Lei and Andon: Their conversation is the core of this chapter. Andon initially tries to provoke Shi Lei but ends up being convinced by his arguments. Their interaction highlights the power of reason and the importance of open-mindedness.
• Shi Lei and Cecilia: Though not directly interacting in this chapter, Shi Lei's determination to protect Cecilia is clear, as he warns Andon not to try anything against her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Lei returns to the Requiem Church and finds Cecilia crying beside her mother's corpse. He decides to leave Lappland to protect her.
• Shi Lei and Nian visit Laterano City before the Summit of All Nations. They encounter a woman who disrespects Scherzag and its people, leading to a tense exchange.
• The Summit of All Nations begins with the Pontiff of Laterano appealing for unity and peace among the Terra Nations. Shi Lei decides to speak after the Pontiff.

Character Developments

• Shi Lei demonstrates his analytical skills and empathy when deciding how to approach Cecilia's situation.
• Nian shows understanding and support for Shi Lei's decisions.
• Lappland accepts her responsibility to protect Cecilia.
• The Pontiff of Laterano shows his idealism and hope for unity among the Terra Nations.
• Madam Sharon displays arrogance and disrespect towards other nations, while her husband shows disapproval of her behavior.

Significant Themes

• Unity and peace among the Terra Nations.
• Respect and understanding among different nations and cultures.
• The importance of empathy and understanding in approaching different situations.

Character Interactions

• Shi Lei comforts Cecilia and decides to leave Lappland to protect her.
• Shi Lei and Nian visit Laterano City together, showing a close relationship.
• Madam Sharon disrespects Scherzag and its people, leading to a tense exchange with Enciodis and Xiulusi.
• The Pontiff of Laterano appeals for unity and peace, while Shi Lei decides to speak after him to offer more concrete help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhongli announces his wish to create a peaceful world and offers advanced alien technology to any nation joining the Peace Alliance.
• The announcement sparks a mix of surprise, disbelief, and suspicion among the attendees.
• Zhongli shares details of the first batch of technologies and sets conditions for their use.
• After the summit, Zhongli leaves, and Pontiff Evangelista XI remains to register countries joining the Peace Alliance.
• Andon, a Sarkaz with a complicated past, confronts the Pontiff at his residence.

Character Developments

• Zhongli: Shows his commitment to peace and development by offering advanced technology to Terra nations.
• Pontiff Evangelista XI: Reveals the true purpose behind the Law that governs the Sarkaz, prioritizing their continuation over individual lives.
• Andon: Struggles with his past actions and seeks answers from the Pontiff, ultimately learning the truth about the Law.

Significant Themes

• Peace and development: Zhongli's offer of technology aims to promote peace and improve productivity on Terra.
• The Law and its interpretation: The Pontiff reveals that the Law's true purpose is the continuation of the Sarkaz, and its interpretation has been used to maintain their power.
• Consequences of actions: Andon faces the consequences of his past actions, both in terms of his Fallen state and his search for answers.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli and the Terra Nations' representatives: Zhongli shares his offer of technology, sparking a mix of reactions from the attendees.
• Zhongli and Pontiff Evangelista XI: The Pontiff is grateful for Zhongli's actions but declines his dinner invitation.
• Andon and Pontiff Evangelista XI: Andon confronts the Pontiff about his past actions and ultimately learns the truth about the Law.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Lei discovers the truth about the Sarkaz, their android nature, and the Pre-Civilization's involvement.
• Andon, the monk, is revealed to be the Pontiff's son, seeking answers about the Sea Creatures.
• Fiamma and Mostima arrive in Laterano City, searching for Andon, and later accept a mission from the Papal Hall.
• Shi Lei spends three days in Laterano City, meeting with leaders from various Terra Nations regarding alien technology sharing.
• Upon returning to Liyue City, Shi Lei focuses on his family, while Theresia works to improve the lives of the Sarkaz.

Character Developments

• Shi Lei (Zhongli): Becomes more open about his past and the Pre-Civilization with Xi, while keeping it a secret from the Doctor. He focuses on his family and the well-being of Liyue's inhabitants.
• Andon (Pontiff's son): Seeks answers about the Sea Creatures and the truth behind the hibernating Sarkaz. He meets with Shi Lei and learns about the Pre-Civilization's involvement.
• Fiamma and Mostima: Continue their search for Andon, eventually accepting a mission from the Papal Hall. They leave Laterano City for a while.
• Theresia: Works to improve the lives of the Sarkaz in Guili City, welcoming refugees and expanding the city's population.

Significant Themes

• Truth and Revelation: Characters seek and uncover hidden truths about their origins and the world's history.
• Peace and Prosperity: Shi Lei's actions bring peace and prosperity to Liyue and its inhabitants, contrasting with the previous war-torn world.
• Acceptance and Coexistence: The influx of refugees into Liyue and Guili City highlights the theme of acceptance and coexistence among different races and backgrounds.

Character Interactions

• Shi Lei and Xi: Share a secret about the Pre-Civilization and the Sarkaz, strengthening their bond as lovers.
• Shi Lei and Andon: Meet and discuss the truth about the Sea Creatures and the Pre-Civilization's involvement.
• Fiamma and Mostima: Work together to find Andon, later accepting a mission from the Papal Hall and leaving Laterano City.
• Theresia and Shi Lei: Collaborate to improve the lives of the Sarkaz and the inhabitants of Liyue and Guili City.

• The chapter begins with the expansion of Liyue's outer city and the monopolization of the logistics market by 'Penguin Logistics.'
• Shi Lei becomes a father to a daughter, Shi Xue, and a son, Shi Long, from his wives Mudrock and Texas, respectively.
• Texas's status as the primary wife is solidified by the birth of her son, causing some bias among the veterans under Shi Lei.
• Shi Lei receives a plea for help from Rhodes Island regarding an attack by Sea Creatures on the continent of Iberia.
• He contacts Anmatar, the Sea God Temple's High Priestess, for information about the Sea Creatures and plans to pick her up the next day.
• Shi Lei also learns that two Operators, Specter and Skadi, have gone missing in Iberia and agrees to help find them.
• Texas and Mudrock insist on accompanying Shi Lei on his mission, and he reluctantly agrees to let them join him after picking up Anmatar.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Lei travels to Iberia to find Skadi and Specter, who have gone missing.
• He learns from an Inquisitor that Skadi was injured by the Grand Inquisitor and was last seen near a destroyed church.
• Shi Lei finds the church in ruins and discovers an underground cave with signs of a battle.
• Skadi, meanwhile, is revealed to have Sea Creature blood and is confronted by a Sea Creature who claims kinship.

Character Developments

• Shi Lei: Shows determination to find Skadi and protect her, even facing an Archon-level Sea God.
• Skadi: Struggles with her identity and the truth about her past, learning that she was used by the Sargol People.
• The Inquisitor: Initially hesitant to reveal information, he eventually confesses due to Shi Lei's sternness.

Significant Themes

• Identity and belonging: Skadi grapples with her true identity and where she belongs, as she learns she has Sea Creature blood.
• Trust and manipulation: The Sargol People manipulated Skadi, leading her to believe she was fighting against Sea Creatures when she was actually fighting for them.
• Power and responsibility: Shi Lei understands the gravity of his power and the potential consequences of promoting to the True God Realm.

Character Interactions

• Shi Lei and the Inquisitor: The Inquisitor initially avoids answering Shi Lei's questions but eventually confesses due to Shi Lei's sternness.
• Skadi and the Sea Creature: Skadi is confronted by a Sea Creature who reveals her true lineage and the truth about her past.
• Shi Lei and his wives: Texas conceals the truth about Shi Lei's mission from Exusiai and Lappland, and the group sets off together to find Skadi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Skadi discovers the truth about her past and the Sargol people, leading to a battle with the Bishop.
• Specter is freed and joins Skadi in fighting the Bishop.
• Shi Lei arrives in Iberia to find Skadi and Specter, but they've already left. He meets with Kal'tsit and decides to strike the Sea Creatures' lair directly.
• The group discovers messages from the 'Fool's Ship,' a missing Iberian Navy ship, and decides to investigate.

Character Developments

• Skadi learns the truth about her past and her role in the Sargol people's plans, leading to a crisis of conscience.
• Specter, having just woken up, joins Skadi in fighting the Bishop and shows her loyalty to her friend.
• Shi Lei demonstrates his power and decisiveness, taking charge of the situation and planning to directly confront the Sea Creatures.
• Kal'tsit remains calm and collected, providing information and assistance to Shi Lei.

Significant Themes

• The truth about Skadi's past and her role in the Sargol people's plans raises questions about guilt, responsibility, and redemption.
• The power dynamics between humans and Sea Creatures are explored, with Shi Lei's arrival shifting the balance of power.
• The search for the missing Iberian Navy ship highlights the theme of hope and the possibility of rescue.

Character Interactions

• Skadi and Specter fight together against the Bishop, showcasing their friendship and trust in each other.
• Shi Lei meets with Kal'tsit and Extreme, discussing their plans to find the Sea Creatures' lair and the missing Iberian Navy ship.
• Saint Carmen meets Shi Lei and expresses his hopes for his help in eliminating the Sea Creature threat in Iberia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhongli leads a team to investigate the Sea Creatures' nest, located in an underwater city.
• They discover an abandoned Pre-Civilization laboratory and retrieve four files containing information about the Sea Creatures' growth.
• Zhongli finds Skadi, the missing Rhodes Island operator, in the Sea God Temple, who reveals she's been controlling the Sea Creatures.

Character Developments

• Zhongli demonstrates his strategic thinking and caution, suspecting an ambush despite the smooth journey.
• Skadi is revealed to be the Sea God, showing cunning and manipulation in controlling the Sea Creatures.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of Pre-Civilization technology and its misuse.
• The struggle for survival and dominance among different species.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli and his team work together, showing trust and reliance on each other.
• Zhongli and Skadi have a tense standoff, with Zhongli suspicious of her motives and Skadi trying to explain her actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Skadi reveals she is the new Sea God, having absorbed the consciousness and abilities of the previous Sea God, Ishimala.
• She offers herself as collateral to ensure the survival of the Sea Creatures, proposing to control them and keep them away from human territories.
• Shi Lei and his group discuss Skadi's fate, with Shi Lei ultimately deciding to keep her alive and controllable.
• Twenty-nine years later, Shi Lei visits his statue in Liyue, listening to a tour guide recount his deeds.
• The tour guide mentions a spacetime turbulence in 1125 that Zhongli resolved, which Shi Lei disputes.
• Texas arrives and takes Shi Lei away, preventing him from being recognized by an old man who suspects Shi Lei's identity.

Character Developments

• Skadi: Accepts her fate as the new Sea God and offers herself as collateral for her people's survival.
• Shi Lei: Struggles with the decision to keep Skadi alive but ultimately chooses to control her to prevent further threats.
• Texas: Arrives to take Shi Lei away, hinting at their ongoing relationship.

Significant Themes

• Survival and sacrifice: Skadi's willingness to become a servant to ensure her people's survival.
• Power and responsibility: Shi Lei's struggle with the consequences of his actions and the lives he affects.
• Legacy and remembrance: Shi Lei's visit to his statue and the tour guide's recounting of his deeds.

Character Interactions

• Skadi and Shi Lei: Skadi pleads for her people's survival, and Shi Lei considers her proposal.
• Shi Lei and Texas: Texas takes Shi Lei away to prevent him from being recognized.
• Shi Lei and the old man: The old man suspects Shi Lei's identity but doesn't recognize him due to the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell technique.