Chapter Summaries

Lin Chen seeks Qu Yuan's help in divination to find Duke of Zhou's spirit temple and a suitable artifact for summoning his spirit. Qu Yuan, using the [Heavenly Questions Spirit Divination] skill, reveals that the temple is located beside the Luo River in Luoyang. However, Luoyang is currently a thousand miles away and a deeply fallen 'eerie domain,' making it extremely dangerous to travel there.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen learns that the material for the Duke of Zhou's Spirit Item is located within the H City Security Bureau.
• He visits the Security Bureau's treasure vault with Qu Yuan but fails to find the material.
• Lu Wenshu, the Deputy Director of the Security Bureau, finds them and offers to discuss the details of Lin Chen's charitable sanatorium plan.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen: Shows determination in finding the Spirit Item material and is open to collaboration with the Security Bureau.
• Qu Yuan: Demonstrates his divination skills and commitment to helping Lin Chen.
• Lu Wenshu: Maintains his composure and professionalism despite the heavy workload, showing concern for Lin Chen's needs.

Significant Themes

• The search for ancient artifacts and their spiritual essence.
• Collaboration and mutual respect between different parties (Lin Chen and the Security Bureau).
• The weight of responsibility and workload (Lu Wenshu).

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Qu Yuan: Work together to find the Spirit Item material, showing trust and reliance on each other's skills.
• Lin Chen and Lu Wenshu: Maintain a respectful and cooperative relationship, with Lin Chen seeking Lu Wenshu's help and Lu Wenshu showing concern for Lin Chen's needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Wenshu approaches Lin Chen, and Qu Yuan's divination points to Lu Wenshu as the material for the Duke of Zhou card.
• Lin Chen realizes Lu Wenshu's natal bond card, [Astrology], resonates with the required attributes for the Duke of Zhou card.
• Lu Wenshu reveals he has been divining Lin Chen's actions since they first met.

Character Developments

• Lu Wenshu: Revealed to be a top-tier expert with a purple card, [Astrology]. His role as Deputy Director aligns with the Duke of Zhou's essence.
• Lin Chen: Demonstrates his analytical skills and understanding of the card-making process, proposing a Summoning God Card approach.

Significant Themes

• Divination and Destiny: Qu Yuan's divination guides the plot, and characters' Destinies are intertwined with their roles and cards.
• Connections between Cards and Real-life Roles: Lu Wenshu's position and card resonate with the Duke of Zhou's essence, highlighting the connection between one's role and their card.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Lu Wenshu: Lin Chen's analysis impresses Lu Wenshu, and they establish a deeper understanding and trust.
• Lin Chen and Qu Yuan: Qu Yuan's divination plays a crucial role in guiding Lin Chen's decision on the card-making material.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen offers to create a 'Summoning God Descends - Duke of Zhou' card for Lu Wenshu using a portion of the Duke's divine power.
• Lu Wenshu agrees, seeing this as a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity to advance his [Astrology] card.
• They decide to perform the card-making ritual in the Security Bureau's Star Gazing Room, using Lu Wenshu's [Astrology] card as the medium and the [Incomplete Bronze Chime] to stabilize Lu Wenshu's spirit.

Character Developments

• Lu Wenshu shows courage and determination, agreeing to the risky card-making process to help combat the Cthulhu crisis.
• Lin Chen demonstrates confidence in his card-making abilities and commitment to protecting H City.

Significant Themes

• Trust: Lu Wenshu's trust in Lin Chen is crucial for the card-making process, symbolizing their growing bond.
• Responsibility: Lu Wenshu's willingness to take risks for the greater good highlights his sense of duty.
• Opportunity: The card-making process represents a rare opportunity for Lu Wenshu to advance his card and gain new powers.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Lu Wenshu work together, with Lin Chen guiding the process and Lu Wenshu cooperating fully, demonstrating mutual trust and respect.
• Lin Chen's confidence in his abilities reassures Lu Wenshu, helping him make the decision to proceed with the card-making ritual.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen successfully summons the Duke of Zhou's divinity into Lu Wenshu, creating the Epic card [Summoning God Descends · Dream Official Duke of Zhou].
• The card grants Lu Wenshu the ability to enter dreams, manipulate dream rules, and suppress enemies within dreams.
• The Duke of Zhou's True Spirit is not fully awakened, requiring further steps to achieve.

Character Developments

• Lu Wenshu: Gains new abilities and inherited memories of the Duke of Zhou, but his personality remains mostly unchanged.
• Lin Chen: Shows his prowess in card making and strategic thinking, planning to fully awaken the Duke of Zhou's True Spirit.

Significant Themes

• Divinity and Humanity: The struggle between the Duke of Zhou's divinity and Lu Wenshu's human nature.
• Power and Control: The ability to enter and manipulate dreams grants Lu Wenshu significant power and control over dreamscapes.
• Preparation and Planning: Lin Chen's careful planning and preparation lead to a successful card creation, highlighting the importance of thoroughness.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Lu Wenshu: Lin Chen successfully creates a card that significantly enhances Lu Wenshu's abilities, strengthening their partnership.
• Lin Chen and Qu Yuan: Though not present in this chapter, Qu Yuan's divination plays a crucial role in the successful creation of the card, implying a positive interaction between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Wenshu, after advancing his natal bond card, gains the ability to enter and exit dreamscapes and transform into a "dream enforcement officer."
• Lu Wenshu uses his new skill, [Summoning God Descends to Mortal Realm · Dream Official Zhou Gong], to influence Lin Chen's dream, granting him an "auspicious dream" filled with inspiration.
• Lin Chen, in his dream, encounters Li Bai and later Zhuangzi, the True Man of Nanhua, who reveals he was summoned into the dream.

Character Developments

• Lu Wenshu: Gains new skills and authority over dreams, becoming more confident and playful.
• Lin Chen: Experiences a lucid dream filled with inspiration, suggesting his mental state and creativity are improving.

Significant Themes

• Dream Manipulation: The chapter explores the power of influencing and controlling dreams, with Lu Wenshu's new skill being a central focus.
• Inspiration and Creativity: Lin Chen's dream is filled with inspiration, reflecting the theme of creativity and mental growth.

Character Interactions

• Lu Wenshu and Lin Chen: Lu Wenshu uses his new skill on Lin Chen, showing a playful side while also demonstrating his newfound power.
• Lin Chen and Li Bai: Lin Chen interacts with his Card Spirit, Li Bai, in his dream, showing a friendly and slightly exasperated relationship.
• Lin Chen and Zhuangzi: Lin Chen encounters Zhuangzi in his dream, suggesting a connection between Lin Chen's dreamscape and the world of the ancient sage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen realizes Zhuangzi entered the real world through his call for help while making cards.
• Li Bai recognizes Zhuangzi and is overjoyed, paying respects to him.
• Zhuangzi reveals he brought Li Bai to the dream world to guide him.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen understands the value of Lu Wenshu's skill and its connection to the "dreamscape" authority.
• Li Bai, despite his usual wild behavior, shows deep respect and reverence towards Zhuangzi, revealing his profound connection to Zhuangzi's philosophy.

Significant Themes

• The influence of dreams and the "dreamscape" on reality.
• The pursuit of freedom and transcendence, as embodied by Li Bai's lifelong quest to understand "Free and Easy Wandering."

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Li Bai interact with Zhuangzi, with Lin Chen understanding the significance of Zhuangzi's presence and Li Bai paying respect to his idol.
• Li Bai shares his lifelong struggle to understand and achieve "Free and Easy Wandering," revealing his inner conflict and pain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Bai seeks guidance from Zhuangzi about 'Free and Easy Wandering.'
• Zhuangzi reveals that their understandings of 'Free and Easy Wandering' differ: Zhuangzi's is about reclusion, while Li Bai's is about entering the world.
• Zhuangzi explains that Li Bai wants both fame and reclusion, which are incompatible.
• Zhuangzi then introduces a new path for Li Bai: 'Free and Easy Wandering' for those who enter the world.
• Zhuangzi uses the example of the Kunpeng to explain the first realm of this path, 'Great,' emphasizing magnanimity and ambition.

Character Developments

• Li Bai: Struggles with his desire for both fame and reclusion, but begins to understand the first realm of his path.
• Zhuangzi: Demonstrates profound understanding and wisdom, revealing a new path for Li Bai.

Significant Themes

• The two paths of 'Free and Easy Wandering': reclusion and entering the world.
• The importance of magnanimity and ambition for those who enter the world.

Character Interactions

• Li Bai and Zhuangzi: Li Bai seeks guidance from Zhuangzi, who initially reveals Li Bai's inner conflict but then offers a new path.
• Lin Chen (narrator) and Zhuangzi: Lin Chen admires Zhuangzi's insight and fears he might dismiss Li Bai, but Zhuangzi surprises them both with his response.

Li Bai, guided by Zhuangzi, learns about the 'Transformation Realm' and its significance. Zhuangzi reveals that Li Bai is trapped by societal expectations and illusions of fame, preventing him from true freedom. Li Bai has an epiphany and decides to sever his past self and embrace transformation. He enters the final realm, 'Rage,' symbolizing the eruption of his innate power and ambition. Li Bai transforms into a great Peng, embodying his newfound freedom and might, ready to break through the shackles of his past.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Bai ascends to Epic status, transforming into the 'Carefree One' after the Kunpeng Transformation.
• Lin Chen's Card, 'Poetry and Sword Mastery · Li Bai', advances to Epic quality, gaining new Skills and Traits.
• Cthulhu's influence invades Lin Chen's dreamscape, causing a surge of monsters to attack.

Character Developments

• Li Bai achieves Epic status, gaining new powers and versatility in combat.
• Zhuangzi remains calm and detached, refusing to intervene in the real-world karma.

Significant Themes

• The interconnectedness of dreamscapes and other realms.
• The concept of 'carefree' and detachment from worldly affairs, as demonstrated by Zhuangzi.

Character Interactions

• Li Bai expresses gratitude to Lin Chen and Zhuangzi for their guidance.
• Zhuangzi refuses to intervene in the battle, suggesting it's a test for Li Bai.
• Lin Chen seeks Zhuangzi's help but is rebuffed due to his commitment to non-involvement in karma.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Bai, now at Epic tier, defeats a swarm of Deep Divers in a dream sequence.
• Upon waking, Lin Chen learns that a large-scale Deep Diver invasion has begun along the Qiantang River and Binjiang Waterway.
• The River God Temple is under threat, and Card Masters in the city are experiencing nightmares.

Character Developments

• Li Bai has transformed and achieved Epic status.
• Lin Chen remains calm and composed under pressure, ready to defend the River God Temple.

Significant Themes

• The battle against the Evil God and its minions.
• The power of belief and unity against fear and chaos.

Character Interactions

• Lu Wenshu warns Lin Chen about the Deep Diver invasion and the nightmares afflicting Card Masters.
• Lin Chen summons Zhang Shun, Ruan Xiaoqi, and Zhou Tai to defend the River God Temple.
• Zhang Shun's water monkey, now Azure Grade, is ready for battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The River God Temple is under attack by Deep Divers, led by Cthulhu's minions.
• Lin Chen organizes the defense, with Zhou Tai leading the city wall defense, Zhang Shun and the water monkey fighting in the water, and Ruan Xiaoqi's fleet handling the perimeter.
• Lin Chen invites Qu Yuan, Xi Shi, and Cao E to discuss advancing their Cards to Epic to combat the threat.
• Lin Chen learns from Qu Yuan that Cao E's opportunity to advance lies in the dreamscape, at the Goddess Peak in Wushan.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen shows strategic prowess in organizing the defense and determination in planning to combat Cthulhu.
• Zhou Tai demonstrates his leadership and resolve in defending the city walls.
• Zhang Shun and the water monkey exhibit their combat skills in the water.
• Cao E and Xi Shi show courage and willingness to face danger to protect their land and people.
• Qu Yuan reveals his knowledge of the Wushan Goddess and provides a solution for Cao E's advancement.

Significant Themes

• The threat of Cthulhu and the need to advance Cards to Epic to combat it.
• The importance of strategic planning and organization in defense.
• The courage and determination of the characters in facing danger.
• The exploration of the dreamscape dimension as a means to reach distant locations.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen interacts with Zhou Tai, Zhang Shun, Ruan Xiaoqi, Qu Yuan, Xi Shi, and Cao E, showing trust in their abilities and respect for their decisions.
• Qu Yuan interacts with Lin Chen, providing valuable information and guidance on Cao E's advancement.
• Cao E and Xi Shi interact with Lin Chen, expressing their willingness to face danger to protect their land and people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen needs to create a dream-entering artifact, the [Yin-Yang Dream Entering Pillow], to safely bring Cao E into his dreams to fight Cthulhu.
• He visits the Fifth Hall Yama, Bao Qingtian, to create the artifact.
• Bao Qingtian reveals that the artifact requires Blue Grade lightning-struck wood as a material.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in finding a solution to enter dreams safely.
• Shi Xiangling shows her loyalty and eagerness to help Lin Chen, offering a solution to the lightning-struck wood problem.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and planning in facing challenges.
• The power of friendship and alliances in overcoming obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Shi Xiangling work together to find a solution for the lightning-struck wood.
• Bao Qingtian provides guidance and assistance to Lin Chen in creating the dream-entering artifact.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen and Shi Xiangling negotiate the price of 'Lightning Struck Hundred Year Peach Wood Heart' for a dream-entering pillow.
• Shi Xiangling helps Lin Chen save money by manipulating her brother's investment.
• Lin Chen receives the Deep Blue Grade 'Lightning Struck Hundred Year Peach Wood Heart' from Shi Jin.
• Bao Zheng explains the need for 'Yin wood' to neutralize the yang energy of the lightning-struck wood.
• Lin Chen asks Nie Xiaoqian for a branch from her natal willow tree, which she infuses with her Ghost Immortal spiritual energy, elevating its quality.
• Lin Chen prepares the 'catalyst,' a fragment of the Hydra's Dragon Egg, for the pillow.
• Bao Zheng begins the card-making process, using his Judge's Brush to merge the 'Yang wood' and 'Yin wood.'

Character Developments

• Shi Xiangling demonstrates her cunning and resourcefulness in helping Lin Chen save money.
• Lin Chen shows appreciation for Shi Xiangling's help and understands her gesture as a sign of familial affection.
• Nie Xiaoqian displays her affection for Lin Chen by elevating the quality of the willow branch and infusing it with her spiritual energy.

Significant Themes

• Family and Affection: Shi Xiangling's actions show her care for Lin Chen, and Nie Xiaoqian's actions demonstrate her deep affection for him.
• Resourcefulness and Cunning: Shi Xiangling uses her wit to help Lin Chen save money.
• Power and Control: Bao Zheng's use of his Judge's Brush showcases his authority and ability to control even opposing forces like Yin and Yang.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Shi Xiangling work together to negotiate the price of the wood, with Shi Xiangling helping Lin Chen save money.
• Lin Chen interacts with Nie Xiaoqian, asking for her help in obtaining the 'Yin wood' and receiving her affectionate gesture.
• Bao Zheng interacts with Lin Chen, explaining the need for 'Yin wood' and beginning the card-making process under Lin Chen's request.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen and Shi Xiangling witness the creation of a card, the [Yama Magic Tool · Yin-Yang Dream Entering Pillow], using the "Judgment Refinement" technique.
• The card allows users to enter dreams while protecting their physical body and discern illusions.
• Lin Chen, Li Bai, and Cao E use the pillow to enter a dream dimension to guide Cao E back to the righteous path.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his card-making skills and takes on the responsibility of guiding Cao E in the dream.
• Cao E shows her composure and determination to meet her "idol," the Wushan Goddess, despite feeling awkward about sharing a bed with Lin Chen.

Significant Themes

• The power of dreams and the collective unconscious.
• The importance of guidance and protection, as shown by Lin Chen's role in the dream.
• The blurred line between reality and dreams, reflecting the theme of illusion and reality.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Cao E share an awkward moment due to the need to share a bed to use the dream-entering pillow, but they overcome their initial discomfort and support each other.
• Li Bai, as the "guide" and "bodyguard," remains indifferent to the situation, highlighting his calm and collected nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen, Cao E, and Li Bai enter the dream river using the Yin-Yang Dream Entering Pillow.
• They encounter a floating market filled with strange beings and decadent activities.
• Lin Chen realizes it's an illusion created by a Mirage Dragon.
• Li Bai and Cao E fight the Mirage Dragon, defeating it.

Character Developments

• Cao E shows youthful excitement upon entering a dream for the first time.
• Li Bai demonstrates his skill and bravery in combat.
• Lin Chen exhibits quick thinking and strategic planning.

Significant Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: The dream river and the Mirage Dragon's illusion highlight the theme of discerning reality from deception.
• Temptation and Resistance: The allure of the floating market represents temptation, while Lin Chen's resistance to its illusory effects shows determination.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen, Cao E, and Li Bai work together to navigate the dream river and combat the Mirage Dragon.
• Li Bai and Cao E show camaraderie and support in battle.
• Lin Chen provides leadership and strategic guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen encounters a Mirage Dragon in the Dream River, which had set up a trap using illusions.
• Lin Chen threatens the dragon, who initially boasts about its power but quickly surrenders upon sensing Lin Chen's Dragon Slayer aura.
• The Mirage Dragon reveals it creates dreams for troubled spirits to help them cope with their reality, absorbing their emotional energy in return.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his fearsome reputation as a Dragon Slayer, instilling fear in the Mirage Dragon.
• The Mirage Dragon, initially arrogant, becomes submissive and pleads for its life once it senses Lin Chen's power.

Significant Themes

• The power of reputation and fear, as demonstrated by Lin Chen's Dragon Slayer aura.
• The duality of good and evil, as the Mirage Dragon's actions, though harmful, are presented as helping troubled spirits cope with their reality.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and the Mirage Dragon: Lin Chen threatens and questions the dragon, while the Mirage Dragon initially boasts but quickly surrenders and tries to justify its actions.
• Li Bai and the Mirage Dragon: Li Bai supports Lin Chen and threatens the dragon, showing loyalty to his lord.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen, the Judge, encounters the Mirage Dragon, a demon who runs an illegal gambling den.
• Lin Chen offers the Mirage Dragon a deal: become his subordinate, run the 'Mirage' legally, and gain protection.
• The Mirage Dragon accepts, forming a contract with Lin Chen.
• Lin Chen learns about the Wushan Goddess from Li Bai and decides to visit her.
• The Mirage Dragon agrees to guide them but warns about the dangers of the Wushan area.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his authority and negotiation skills, recruiting the Mirage Dragon.
• The Mirage Dragon shows fear when mentioning the Wushan Goddess, revealing its knowledge of the area and its power.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Lin Chen's authority vs. the Mirage Dragon's fear and submission.
• Opportunity and risk: The Mirage Dragon sees the chance to gain protection and power but also faces danger in guiding Lin Chen to Wushan.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and the Mirage Dragon: Lin Chen recruits the Mirage Dragon, showing his authority and magnanimity. The Mirage Dragon, initially afraid, accepts the deal, showing its cunning and adaptability.
• Li Bai and the Mirage Dragon: Li Bai reveals his destination, Wushan, which the Mirage Dragon fears, showing its knowledge of the area's dangers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen, Li Bai, and Cao E travel on the Mirage Dragon through the Dream River, avoiding dangers like "Vortex of Eerie Resentment" and dream-dwelling creatures.
• They arrive at the legendary Three Gorges, Wushan, and see the Twelve Peaks, with Goddess Peak at the center, housing the Goddess Temple.
• The Mirage Dragon can't ascend Goddess Peak due to its divine suppression, so the trio climbs the Heavenly Ladder of clouds to reach the summit.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his leadership and decisiveness in navigating the Dream River and initiating the climb up Goddess Peak.
• Li Bai shows his poetic nature and knowledge of the landscape, reciting poetry as they climb.
• Cao E displays her determination and reverence towards the Water Goddess and her divine origin.

Significant Themes

• The journey's challenges reflect the trio's growth and resilience in facing obstacles.
• The divine suppression on Goddess Peak highlights the theme of facing and overcoming one's fears and limitations.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen, Li Bai, and Cao E work together to navigate the Dream River, demonstrating trust and camaraderie.
• Lin Chen shows understanding and respect for the Mirage Dragon's limitations, leaving it to guard the base of Goddess Peak.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cao E and Li Bai discover a divine statue on Wushan Peak that comes to life and reveals itself as the Wushan Goddess.
• The goddess bestows "Dharma Rain" and brings life back to the peak.
• Lin Chen, Cao E, and Li Bai pay their respects to the goddess.
• Lin Chen reveals his ambition to counterattack the eerie domain and bring peace to the world.
• The goddess offers to bestow blessings upon Lin Chen, but in a private, ambiguous setting, she suggests a method involving "Spirit-Flesh Unity."

Character Developments

• Cao E and Li Bai are awestruck by the goddess's beauty and divine powers.
• Lin Chen maintains his composure and humility in the presence of the goddess, revealing his ambition and seeking her guidance.
• The Wushan Goddess shows interest in Lin Chen's potential as a ruler and offers her blessings, but in a manner that suggests a sexual encounter.

Significant Themes

• Divine intervention and the power of deities.
• The burden of leadership and the responsibility of rulers.
• The temptation of power and the consequences of giving in to desires.

Character Interactions

• Cao E and Li Bai interact with the goddess with reverence and awe.
• Lin Chen interacts with the goddess with humility and respect, revealing his ambitions and seeking her guidance.
• The goddess interacts with Lin Chen with interest and flirtation, suggesting a method of bestowing blessings that involves a sexual encounter.