Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The mission begins with the discovery of a young girl, Xiao Lianlian, brutally murdered in her home, with her body left undiscovered for an extended period.
• Ji Li and Mei Sheng, along with three other branch members (Li Dahong, Hu Nuannuan, and Yuan Kuan), investigate the case at the family apartment building at No. 302.
• They find a white Lycoris radiata petal at the scene, which symbolizes 'death as rebirth' according to Mei Sheng.
• The apartment door opens, revealing a man holding a short knife, asking who they are.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: Shows leadership and calm demeanor, using deductive reasoning to analyze the crime scene.
• Mei Sheng: Demonstrates expertise in Sin Items and their symbolism, collecting the Lycoris radiata petal as a potential clue.
• Li Dahong: Displayed sharp-mindedness and calmness, possessing leadership qualities.
• Yuan Kuan: Showcased physical strength and practicality, securing the building's door and asking relevant questions.
• The unknown man: Revealed as potentially hostile, with a short knife and red eyes, suggesting emotional turmoil or distress.

Significant Themes

• Death and rebirth: The white Lycoris radiata petal symbolizes 'death as rebirth,' setting the tone for the mission.
• Investigation and deduction: Ji Li uses his analytical skills to gather information from the crime scene, highlighting the importance of careful observation and reasoning.
• Trust and caution: The team must navigate their interactions with potential witnesses or suspects, balancing trust and caution.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Mei Sheng: Work together seamlessly, with Ji Li leading the investigation and Mei Sheng providing insight into Sin Items.
• Ji Li and the branch members: Interact briefly, with Ji Li directing the team and the members introducing themselves and their mission accomplishments.
• The team and the unknown man: Their interaction is tense, with the man appearing hostile and the team needing to assess the situation carefully.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Li and his team arrive at Tian Wenyong's house to investigate the murder of his daughter, Tian Xiaolian.
• They find the house in a state of disarray, with bloodstains and human remains scattered throughout.
• Tian Xiaolian's body is found in the living room, holding a fruit knife.
• The team interviews Tian Wenyong and learns that he gave his daughter money for school books, which she took from under the mattress in the master bedroom.
• Ji Li and Mei Sheng search the bedrooms but find no significant clues.
• The team decides to take on the case pro bono, and Ji Li asks Tian Wenyong if his daughter said anything unusual before her death.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: Ji Li is introduced as a calm and observant detective, focused on solving the case despite the gruesome scene.
• Tian Wenyong: Tian Wenyong is portrayed as an honest, hardworking man, deeply grieving the loss of his daughter. He is initially hesitant to hire the Spirit Detective Agency but eventually agrees.

Significant Themes

• Investigation and Truth-Seeking: The chapter emphasizes the team's thorough investigation and their commitment to uncovering the truth, even without monetary compensation.
• Grief and Loss: The murder of Tian Xiaolian and her father's grief are central themes, driving the team's determination to solve the case.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Mei Sheng: The two work together, searching the bedrooms and sharing observations. They seem to have a silent understanding and trust in each other's abilities.
• Ji Li and Tian Wenyong: Ji Li shows empathy towards Tian Wenyong, asking about his daughter's final moments and accepting the case without payment.
• The Team: The team works together, interviewing Tian Wenyong, searching the house, and discussing the case. They seem to have a clear division of labor and respect for each other's roles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tian Xiaolian's background and circumstances are investigated. She was a gifted first-grader living in poverty, with parents working as truck drivers.
• Ji Li and his team visit Chengxiang Primary School, where Tian Xiaolian studied, to gather more information.
• The Fourth Branch, led by Xue Tingtao, contacts Ji Li's team, expressing their willingness to cooperate and share intelligence, as they have significant information related to the case.
• The teams converge at Chengxiang Primary School, marking the official start of the mission.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: He demonstrates analytical skills and strategic thinking, understanding the mission's general direction and the need to race against time to solve the case.
• Xue Tingtao: Xue's mental fortitude is revealed to be weak, as he delegates the call to Ji Li to Shi Man, showing his lack of initiative and leadership.
• Shi Man: She shows capability and initiative, taking charge of the call to Ji Li and expressing willingness to cooperate.

Significant Themes

• Time Sensitivity: The mission's success depends on solving the case quickly, as the killer may stop after a certain number of murders.
• Cooperation: Both branches must work together to solve the case, as their goals are identical.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Li Dahong: They discuss the credibility of the Fourth Branch's intelligence and Ji Li shares his analysis of the mission's direction.
• Xue Tingtao and Shi Man: Xue delegates the call to Ji Li to Shi Man, showing his lack of leadership and Shi Man's initiative.
• Wei Guang and Ji Li: Wei Guang learns that Ji Li is involved in the case, setting up a potential interaction between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team arrives at Chengxiang Port on New Year's Day, finding it rundown and deserted.
• Mei Sheng discovers that the employer for the Fourth Branch isn't the Tian family, suggesting multiple victims.
• Ji Li decides to obtain the police's internal case files for a more efficient investigation.
• Ji Li shoots the security guard twice, once in the arm and once in the chest, demanding information about the homeroom teacher of Class 1, Grade 3.
• The security guard transforms into a boy of about ten, and Ji Li sees another person reflected in the boy's pupils.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: Shows impulsive and violent behavior, shooting the security guard without provocation. He also experiences hallucinations, seeing another person in the boy's pupils.
• Mei Sheng: Starts gathering information about the victims. She's professional and calm, unlike Ji Li's impulsiveness.
• Yuan Kuan: Initially argues with the security guard, then becomes afraid of Ji Li's sudden violence. He quickly provides the required information.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: The chapter explores this theme through Ji Li's hallucinations and violent actions, which contrast with the calm and professional demeanor of the rest of the team.
• Violence and Impulsiveness: Ji Li's impulsive and violent behavior raises questions about his mental state and the team's ability to handle the case.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Yuan Kuan: Yuan Kuan initially argues with the security guard, but after Ji Li's violent outburst, he becomes afraid of Ji Li and quickly provides the required information.
• Ji Li and the Security Guard: Ji Li shoots the security guard twice, demanding information. The security guard transforms into a boy, and Ji Li sees another person in the boy's pupils.
• Mei Sheng and Ji Li: Mei Sheng is calm and professional, contrasting with Ji Li's impulsiveness. She's on the phone with Tong Guan when Ji Li shoots the security guard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Li witnesses a ghostly figure beside a security guard before the guard's death, confirming it's not a hallucination.
• Ji Li suspects Tian Xiaolian's death had a precursor and wants to find homeroom teacher Ye Ping.
• Ji Li meets Wei Guang, the former captain of the Shanming City Criminal Investigation Detachment and a survivor of the Mu Nianmei case.
• Ji Li asks Xue Tingtao to recount the Fourth Branch's mission, where they were tasked to find something missing from a deceased boy's body, as per his parents' insistence.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: Shows signs of mental instability, with mood swings and sudden eruptions of violence. He's determined to solve the case and is suspicious of Xue Tingtao.
• Wei Guang: Now an ordinary newcomer at the Fourth Branch, he's still pursuing the supernatural, walking a similar path to his mentor, Gao Yan.
• Xue Tingtao: Struggles to recount the Fourth Branch's mission, showing a lack of confidence and leadership. He's intimidated by Ji Li.

Significant Themes

• Mental instability and its consequences (Ji Li's mood swings and violence).
• The pursuit of the supernatural (Wei Guang's actions and Ji Li's determination).
• The importance of bloodline connections (the parents' insistence on something missing from their son's body).

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Wei Guang: They acknowledge each other, with Ji Li showing no hostility despite Wei Guang's past actions.
• Ji Li and Xue Tingtao: Tension exists between them, with Ji Li questioning Xue Tingtao's competence and Xue Tingtao being intimidated by Ji Li.
• Ji Li and the Fourth Branch: The branch members are in awe of Ji Li's actions and speech, with no one daring to approach him after his violent outburst.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Li and his team locate Ye Ping, a potential suspect, at Guiyuan Residential Area.
• They decide to split into two groups to approach Ye Ping's residence.
• Ji Li, Wei Guang, and Mei Sheng ride together, while the rest take another car.
• Ji Li seeks Wei Guang's opinion on the case, and Wei Guang suggests actively luring the killer.
• Ji Li asks Xue Tingtao to lend a Sin Item to Wei Guang.
• Shi Man calls to report that Fang Shao is exhibiting strange symptoms.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: Shows calm and strategic thinking, trusts Wei Guang's expertise, and tries to guide Xue Tingtao.
• Wei Guang: Demonstrates his investigative skills and clear thinking, proposing a proactive strategy to catch the killer.
• Xue Tingtao: Struggles with self-reliance and decision-making, initially reluctant to lend a Sin Item but eventually complies.
• Fang Shao: Begins to exhibit strange symptoms, indicating possible supernatural influence.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Teamwork: Ji Li's trust in Wei Guang's expertise and his attempt to guide Xue Tingtao.
• Proactivity vs. Reactivity: Wei Guang's suggestion to actively lure the killer vs. waiting for new victims to appear.
• Supernatural Influence: Fang Shao's strange symptoms hint at the supernatural aspect of the case.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Wei Guang: Ji Li seeks Wei Guang's opinion, and they discuss the case together.
• Ji Li and Xue Tingtao: Ji Li tries to guide Xue Tingtao by asking him to lend a Sin Item to Wei Guang.
• Shi Man and Fang Shao: Shi Man calls to report Fang Shao's strange symptoms, indicating their close proximity and concern for each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A ghost starts killing people, targeting Fang Shao first.
• Fang Shao is burned alive from the inside out, with dark patterns on his skin, in a car with colleagues.
• Despite the intense heat, his colleagues feel nothing.
• Ji Li and others arrive too late to save Fang Shao.
• Fang Shao's body is reduced to a human skin, with no signs of external burning.
• The group decides to review the car's recorder to understand Fang Shao's death better.

Character Developments

• Fang Shao: Dies suddenly and mysteriously, becoming the first victim of the ghost.
• Shi Man: Struggles to save Fang Shao, is distressed by his death, and provides crucial information about his last moments.
• Ji Li: Arrives at the scene, observes the situation, and realizes the ghost's true intention to kill Ye Ping.

Significant Themes

• Ghostly Attacks: The ghost's ability to burn people from within, using dark patterns as a weapon.
• Time Manipulation: The ghost's strategy to stall time by killing Fang Shao.
• Investigation and Discovery: The team's attempt to understand and solve the case, using evidence like the car recorder.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Shi Man: Ji Li questions Shi Man about Fang Shao's last moments, seeking information to understand the case better.
• Wei Guang and Shi Man: Wei Guang examines Fang Shao's body and asks Shi Man about his final moments.
• Mei Sheng and the Group: Mei Sheng suggests reviewing the car recorder to find clues about Fang Shao's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Li suspects the ghost killed Fang Shao to silence Ye Ping, Tian Xiaolian's homeroom teacher, who might hold crucial information.
• They rush to Guiyuan Residential Area, aiming to intercept the ghost rather than save Ye Ping, as they believe it's too late for her.
• Xue Tingtao suggests a plan to call the fire department to cover their retreat, ensuring their safety and providing a way out if the ghost ambushes them.

Character Developments

• Ji Li demonstrates strategic thinking and quick decision-making, prioritizing the mission's advancement over Ye Ping's life.
• Xue Tingtao surprises everyone with his well-thought-out plan, showing unexpected competence and resourcefulness.

Significant Themes

• The theme of human flaws and their consequences is explored, as the killer's oversight in not silencing Ye Ping earlier allows Ji Li to deduce their next move.
• The importance of adaptability and quick thinking is highlighted, as Ji Li and Xue Tingtao adjust their plans based on new information.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Mei Sheng work together, understanding each other's intentions without needing to express them fully.
• Xue Tingtao's plan earns him respect from Ji Li and Mei Sheng, challenging their initial perceptions of him.
• The group dynamic shifts as Xue Tingtao proves his value, fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual reliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Li and Mei Sheng enter Unit 401, finding signs of struggle and a trail of blood leading deeper into the apartment.
• They discover Ye Ping's body in the living room, killed in a ritualistic manner, with her abdomen mutilated and organs removed.
• Ji Li realizes Ye Ping's death was not recent, and the call Li Dahong received was from a ghost impersonating Ye Ping.
• The bathtub in the bathroom begins to bubble with blood, and a ghostly mark appears on Mei Sheng's neck.

Character Developments

• Ji Li demonstrates his keen observational skills and deductive reasoning, piecing together the timeline of events and the killer's true intentions.
• Mei Sheng, equipped with Sin Items, confronts the ghostly presence in the bathroom but is eventually marked by it.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between beauty and horror, as seen in the description of Ye Ping's corpse.
• The manipulation of time and perception by the ghostly entity.
• The ritualistic nature of the murders, suggesting a deeper purpose behind the killings.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Mei Sheng work together to investigate the scene, with Ji Li taking the lead in examining the living room while Mei Sheng searches the bathroom.
• Ji Li's discovery of the truth about Ye Ping's death leads him to warn Mei Sheng, but it's unclear if she hears him before being marked by the ghost.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Li attempts to escape through the window using the Stage Sword but is pulled back by a powerful suction force.
• The bloodstains in Ye Ping's home transform into a man-eating barrier with supernatural powers.
• Ji Li realizes he's been lured into a trap by an intelligent half-human, half-ghost killer.
• He discovers the blood barrier is a complex talisman, unlike any he's seen before, with a dark background and unrecognizable characters.

Character Developments

• Ji Li remains determined despite being trapped, seeing this as an opportunity to understand the killer better.
• He exhibits resilience and analytical skills, trying to decipher the talisman barrier despite its complexity.

Significant Themes

• The theme of being outsmarted and needing to adapt to survive is prominent, as Ji Li finds himself at a disadvantage.
• The killer's intelligence and Ji Li's determination to uncover the truth are key driving forces.

Character Interactions

• There's an interaction with an unknown entity, as a delicate hand wrapped in white silk crushes a drop of water from Ji Li's palm, hinting at potential assistance or intervention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mei Sheng and Ji Li are in room 301, facing a supernatural barrier that's causing Ji Li's body to age rapidly.
• Mei Sheng uses her silk gloves, a counter sin item, to temporarily disrupt the barrier, but it's taking a toll on her.
• Ji Li realizes the killer's target is him, and the method is related to religion, talismans, and human organs.
• Mei Sheng destroys a portion of the barrier's knot, but the barrier reforms with a new round of blood rain.
• Ji Li is about to use his escape route when a bright flame ignites, burning the talisman barrier, and a familiar voice calls out to them.

Character Developments

• Mei Sheng: She's determined to protect Ji Li, using her silk gloves despite the severe consequences. Her condition worsens due to the gloves' use.
• Ji Li: He realizes the killer's true target and the method used. He's struggling against the supernatural power, but his body is aging rapidly. He's determined to find a way out.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Power vs. Counter Sin Items: The struggle between Mei Sheng's silk gloves and the supernatural barrier highlights the power and limitations of counter sin items.
• Amnesia as a Disadvantage: Ji Li's lack of memory about his past and knowledge about religion puts him at a disadvantage in this mission.
• Sacrifice for Survival: Mei Sheng's willingness to sacrifice herself to protect Ji Li, and Ji Li's determination to save them both, emphasizes their will to survive.

Character Interactions

• Mei Sheng and Ji Li: They work together to fight against the supernatural barrier, with Mei Sheng prioritizing Ji Li's safety. Their bond deepens as they face life-threatening danger.
• Ji Li and Huang Banxian (off-page): Ji Li tries to contact Huang Banxian for help, but the call goes unanswered, highlighting the importance of Huang Banxian's knowledge in this mission.
• Ji Li and the Unknown Voice: The voice calls out to them, suggesting a potential ally or a new development in their situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fire breaks out in apartment 301, destroying it and killing the newlywed couple, Ye Ping and her husband.
• Ji Li and Mei Sheng escape the burning apartment with the help of Xue Tingtao.
• Xue Tingtao reveals he set the fire to draw out the ghost attacking Ji Li and Mei Sheng.
• Ji Li reflects on Xue Tingtao's actions and personality, acknowledging his potential but weak disposition.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: Shows resilience and strategic thinking despite facing a powerful ghost. Recognizes Xue Tingtao's capabilities but also his weaknesses.
• Mei Sheng: Her silk gloves, a key weapon, are severely damaged, and she's forced to use her building block doll again.
• Xue Tingtao: Proves himself resourceful and decisive, playing a crucial role in saving Ji Li and Mei Sheng. However, Ji Li notes his fundamental weakness and lack of courage.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Xue Tingtao's actions show he can be trusted, but the murderer's deception highlights the theme of betrayal.
• Strength and Weakness: Characters' strengths and weaknesses are explored, with Ji Li acknowledging Xue Tingtao's potential but also his limitations.
• Religion and Culture: The mission's connection to religion, culture, talismans, and the five internal organs is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Xue Tingtao: Ji Li praises Xue Tingtao for his actions, and they form a temporary alliance. Ji Li also reflects on Xue Tingtao's character.
• Ji Li and Mei Sheng: They work together to escape the burning apartment, demonstrating their teamwork and reliance on each other.
• Xue Tingtao and the Neighbor: Xue Tingtao gathers information from the neighbor in apartment 302, showing his initiative and resourcefulness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team reviews dashcam footage of Fang Shao's car journey, focusing on the route from Chengxiang Port to Guiyuan Residential Area.
• Wei Guang notices a discrepancy: Fang Shao passed 10 dead trees, but only 9 were visible on the route.
• They return to the scene and dig up a flower bed where the missing tree should have been, finding a torn piece of paper with the characters "Dead Tree as Wood" and "Wood" written on it.

Character Developments

• Wei Guang demonstrates his keen observational and deductive skills, earning respect from the team.
• Hu Nuannuan reveals her exceptional memory, recalling the route's details without the playback.
• Shi Man shows admiration for Wei Guang's skills, dropping her initial disdain for him as a newcomer.
• Yuan Kuan displays strength and practicality in digging up the flower bed.

Significant Themes

• The theme of observation and deduction is emphasized through Wei Guang's discovery of the missing tree.
• The theme of teamwork is highlighted as the group works together to solve the case.

Character Interactions

• Wei Guang and Hu Nuannuan work together to review the footage and notice the discrepancy in the number of dead trees.
• Shi Man and the others support Wei Guang's discovery and help dig up the flower bed.
• Yuan Kuan works alongside Wei Guang to dig up the flower bed, showing camaraderie in the face of physical labor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A meeting is held at Shanming Hotel penthouse suite to discuss the recent murders and their connection to religious culture.
• Ji Li presents three key points: the mission is related to religious culture, the killer combines human and ghost identities, and each death required prior planning.
• Wei Guang shares that the killer's modus operandi involves removing internal organs from child victims, with no clear pattern in victim selection.
• Ji Li decides to consult a professional to gain clarity on the case's religious aspects.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: Demonstrates analytical skills and leadership by identifying crucial points and deciding to seek external expertise.
• Wei Guang: Shows dedication and insight by noticing inconsistencies in the case files and suggesting a different angle to approach the investigation.

Significant Themes

• Religion and Superstition: The murders are connected to religious culture, suggesting the killer may have religious or superstitious motivations.
• Pattern Recognition: The investigation struggles to find a pattern in the victim selection, highlighting the killer's unpredictability and the need for a new approach.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Wei Guang: They exchange a nod of understanding, indicating mutual respect and cooperation.
• Ji Li and Wei Guang's Team: Ji Li delegates tasks to the team, showing trust in their abilities.
• Ji Li and Mei Sheng/Xue Tingtao: Ji Li plans to take Mei Sheng and Xue Tingtao with him to consult a professional, indicating their importance in the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The mission's success depends on understanding the relevant religious culture and talismans.
• Ji Li seeks Huang Banxian's help to find a religious expert.
• Huang Banxian suggests Wu Zhengsi, a reclusive master and founder of 'Hidden Wind Carries Water' Feng Shui association.
• Ji Li, Mei Sheng, and Xue Tingtao are heading to Villa No. 1 on Qianjin Road to meet Wu Zhengsi.

Character Developments

• Ji Li: Shows his strategic thinking and calm demeanor under pressure. He's willing to seek help when needed and considers multiple scenarios.
• Mei Sheng: Demonstrates analytical skills and critical thinking, suggesting the killer's next move could be another trap.
• Xue Tingtao: Reveals his past connection to Huang Banxian and his respect for wealth and power.
• Huang Banxian: Shows respect for traditional culture and knowledge of influential figures in the field.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding and respecting cultural heritage and traditions.
• The struggle between intelligence and deception in the battle against the killer.
• The ethical dilemma of using potential bait (themselves or Wu Zhengsi) to catch the killer.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Mei Sheng: They share a moment of whispered conversation, suggesting a growing partnership and trust.
• Ji Li and Huang Banxian: Despite Ji Li's initial disdain for Huang Banxian, they maintain a respectful and cooperative relationship.
• Ji Li, Mei Sheng, and Xue Tingtao: They work together, sharing information and considering different perspectives to solve the case.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Li and his companions arrive at Wu Zhengsi's villa, which shows signs of severe Feng Shui issues.
• Wu Zhengsi, an expert Feng Shui master, predicts their arrival and his own death.
• Wu Zhengsi reveals that his Feng Shui formations have been breaking down over three days, corresponding to the arrival of Ji Li and his companions.
• Wu Zhengsi confirms he will die before Huang Fengjiao, their fourth companion, arrives.

Character Developments

• Ji Li demonstrates his directness and curiosity, questioning Wu Zhengsi about his predictions.
• Wu Zhengsi shows calm acceptance of his impending death and the deterioration of his Feng Shui.
• Xue Tingtao shows concern for his companions' safety and tries to warn Huang Fengjiao not to come.

Significant Themes

• The influence of Feng Shui on people and events.
• The inevitability of fate and the powerlessness of humans against it.
• The interconnectedness of life and death, as seen in the withering of plants and the deterioration of the villa's Feng Shui.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li, Xue Tingtao, and Mei Sheng interact with Wu Zhengsi, seeking his help and guidance.
• Wu Zhengsi interacts with Ji Li, answering his questions and revealing his knowledge of their mission.
• Xue Tingtao tries to warn Huang Fengjiao not to come to the villa, highlighting the group's concern for each other's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Li realizes he's facing a pre-arranged murder orchestrated by Ta, requiring a battle of wits.
• The team encounters a poisonous gas in the villa, causing dizziness and weakness.
• A giant Talisman forms on the ceiling, with seven Special Locations and converging moonlight points.
• Ji Li commands Xue Tingtao to activate 'Draw a Circle to Imprison', sealing the villa and preventing entry/exit.
• Wu Zhengsi identifies the Talisman as a 'Calamity Averting Life Palace Ruin Talisman', with a Reverse Life Palace component.

Character Developments

• Ji Li demonstrates his strategic thinking and leadership by orchestrating a counterattack against Ta's scheme.
• Xue Tingtao shows loyalty and trust in Ji Li, activating 'Draw a Circle to Imprison' despite its severe consequences.
• Wu Zhengsi regains his will to live and cooperates with Ji Li, providing crucial information about the Talisman.

Significant Themes

• The battle of wits between Ji Li and Ta.
• The power of unity and cooperation among the team members.
• The theme of life and death, with Wu Zhengsi's near-death experience and subsequent will to live.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Xue Tingtao: Ji Li commands, and Xue Tingtao obeys, showing trust and loyalty.
• Ji Li and Wu Zhengsi: Ji Li seeks information, and Wu Zhengsi provides it, fostering a cooperative relationship.
• Ji Li, Xue Tingtao, and Mei Sheng: They work together to protect Wu Zhengsi and survive the Talisman's attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Shi Man and Wei Guang, along with other clerks, visit Gu Chengcheng's family to investigate his death.
2. Inside the cramped home, Wei Guang notices the water in his glass suddenly becomes hot, but his touch confirms it's cold. He sees Gu Chengcheng's ghost, who stabs his father, Gu Li.
3. Outside, Kong Yao's body starts melting into water, causing panic. Li Dahong alerts the others inside.

Character Developments

• Wei Guang: Shows seriousness and solemnity in his investigation. He's observant and quick to notice anomalies, like the sudden temperature change in the water.
• Gu Li: Shows apathy towards his son's death, believing it was a way for Gu Chengcheng to escape suffering. He appears oblivious to his son's ghost.
• Kong Yao: Exhibits physical discomfort upon entering Gu Chengcheng's home, which later escalates to her body melting into water.

Significant Themes

• Death and Grief: The chapter explores the different ways people cope with death, from Gu Li's apathy to Kong Yao's physical manifestation of distress.
• Investigation and Discovery: The clerks' investigation leads them to uncover supernatural elements, challenging their understanding of the case.
• Supernatural Elements: The appearance of Gu Chengcheng's ghost and Kong Yao's body transforming into water introduce paranormal aspects into the story.

Character Interactions

• Wei Guang and Shi Man: They work together, with Wei Guang leading the investigation and Shi Man showing concern for her colleagues' safety.
• Gu Chengcheng and Gu Li: The ghost of Gu Chengcheng interacts with his father, Gu Li, in a violent manner, highlighting the unresolved tension between them.
• Clerks and Kong Yao: The other clerks show concern for Kong Yao's well-being, with Li Dahong alerting the others when Kong Yao's condition worsens.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Guang and Shi Man are trapped in a room with an unknown person, facing a supernatural barrier called "Water Generates Wood".
• Wei Guang realizes the ghost isn't among them and they have time to break the barrier.
• Wei Guang reveals that the "New Year's Day Serial Murders" case might not exist in the real world, and their mission is to find the correct path within ten minutes.

Character Developments

• Wei Guang: Initially panicked, he quickly regains composure, analyzes the situation, and takes charge, revealing crucial information about their mission.
• Shi Man: Initially terrified, she regains her composure after Wei Guang's explanation and starts to think critically about their situation.

Significant Themes

• Wits vs. Supernatural: The chapter explores the battle of wits between the store employees and the ghost, with the employees trying to outsmart the supernatural entity.
• Reality vs. Illusion: The revelation that the case might not exist in the real world raises questions about what's real and what's an illusion in their mission.

Character Interactions

• Wei Guang and Shi Man: They work together to understand their situation and find a way out, with Wei Guang taking the lead in analyzing and explaining their predicament.
• Wei Guang and Ji Li (implicit): Wei Guang's actions and decisions are influenced by Ji Li's plan, showing a level of trust and cooperation between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Zhengsi, a feng shui master, identifies the killer's method as using the five elements and human body's five organs to create a deadly trap.
• The villa's water and electricity have been cut off for three days, and a giant talisman barrier has formed on the ceiling, causing turbid energy to descend and affect the inhabitants.
• Ji Li, Mei Sheng, and Xue Tingtao are affected, but Ji Li remains unaffected. Wu Zhengsi deduces that the killer's target should be deeply related to their elemental destiny.
• Mei Sheng, with a wood destiny, attempts to break the barrier using her blood, but fails. Wu Zhengsi dies, and Ji Li reveals that he has a plan.

Character Developments

• Wu Zhengsi: Realizes his impending death and becomes hopeful when he thinks Ji Li and Mei Sheng can save him. He provides crucial information about the barrier and the next target, Zhang Huairén.
• Ji Li: Remains calm and collected throughout the chapter. He understands the barrier's true purpose and has a plan to counter it, but keeps his intentions hidden.
• Mei Sheng: Attempts to break the barrier using her blood but fails. She shows determination and resilience in the face of danger.
• Xue Tingtao: Collapses and is severely affected by the barrier, showing little ability to move.

Significant Themes

• The five elements and their interactions: The killer uses the five elements to create a deadly trap, and breaking the barrier requires understanding and manipulating these elements.
• Calculation and counter-calculation: Both Ji Li and the ghost are calculating against each other, with Ji Li planning to use Wu Zhengsi's death to break the barrier, while the ghost aims to confront Ji Li in its true form.
• Hope and fear: Wu Zhengsi's hope for survival turns into fear when he realizes that breaking the barrier might not be possible.

Character Interactions

• Ji Li and Wu Zhengsi: Ji Li seeks Wu Zhengsi's help to understand the barrier, and Wu Zhengsi provides crucial information about the five elements and the next target.
• Ji Li and Mei Sheng: Ji Li allows Mei Sheng to attempt breaking the barrier first, showing trust in her abilities. Mei Sheng looks to Ji Li for guidance after her attempt fails.
• Wu Zhengsi and Ji Li: Wu Zhengsi dies by Ji Li's hand, revealing the name of the next target, Zhang Huairén.