Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist plans to defend against the Human Body Collector using the Soul Summoning Bell and Invisibility Talisman.
• The Collector targets women with unique facial features, having already taken two girls with distinctive noses and ears.
• A third girl is killed, this time for her beautiful lips.
• The protagonist suggests using a girl as bait to lure the Collector out.

Character Developments

• The protagonist remains determined and prepared to face the Collector, showing a newfound acceptance of his solitary nature.
• Wu Yong, the protagonist's assistant, is shown to be more concerned about the protagonist's well-being.

Significant Themes

• The theme of acceptance and embracing one's true nature is further explored through the protagonist's reflections.
• The horror and fear caused by the unknown and unpredictable nature of the Human Body Collector continue to be central themes.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist discusses the situation with Zi Xuan, expressing his helplessness and resolve.
• Wu Yong suggests going for barbecue to ease the tension, showing his care for the protagonist's mental state.
• The protagonist declines Wu Yong's advances to introduce him to the girls, maintaining his distance and solitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Body Collector hasn't made a move, but the protagonist believes he will, as he pursues perfection and the most beautiful parts.
• Two girls are killed, and their eyebrows and teeth are taken, indicating the collector is moving closer to his goal.
• The protagonist and Wu Yong discuss their plan to deal with the collector, expressing confidence despite the collector's cruelty and the limited uses of their Soul Summoning Bell.
• Days pass with no collector's appearance, but more deaths occur, with victims' organs and body parts removed.
• The protagonist receives a call from Zi Xuan, reporting another death and seeking help.

Character Developments

• The protagonist remains calm and strategic, focused on defeating the Human Body Collector.
• Wu Yong indulges in his desires with multiple women, showing a hedonistic approach to life in Hell.
• Zi Xuan displays increasing panic as the situation worsens.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of perfection and its consequences.
• The cruelty and inhumanity of the Human Body Collector.
• The struggle for survival and the desperate measures people take.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Wu Yong discuss their plan to face the Human Body Collector, revealing their confidence and shared goal.
• The protagonist and Zi Xuan communicate over the phone, with Zi Xuan seeking help and the protagonist offering assistance if possible.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Body Collector strikes again, targeting a girl at a barbecue gathering.
• The protagonist summons a powerful ghost using the Soul Summoning Bell to combat the Human Body Collector.
• The Human Body Collector is overwhelmed by the summoned ghost's strength, revealing his weakness due to centuries of imprisonment.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates strategic thinking by using the Soul Summoning Bell to summon a powerful ghost, showing his ability to adapt and plan.
• The Human Body Collector shows signs of desperation and panic as his plans unravel, revealing his obsession with collecting human bodies.

Significant Themes

• The power of resentment: The strength of ghosts is tied to their resentment, with heavier resentment leading to greater power.
• Obsession and its consequences: The Human Body Collector's obsession with collecting human bodies leads to his downfall.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Wu Yong work together to combat the Human Body Collector, with Wu Yong using the Soul Summoning Bell to summon a powerful ghost.
• The Human Body Collector's interaction with the summoned ghost reveals his weakness and desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Body Collector loses both arms and is severely wounded by the protagonist.
• The Human Body Collector attempts to steal organs from a woman and girls, but the protagonist and a male ghost intervene.
• The Human Body Collector escapes by merging into the ground, despite being mortally wounded and limbless.
• The protagonist and Wu Yong decide to use the Soul Summoning Bell's last chance to kill the Human Body Collector.

Character Developments

• The Human Body Collector's obsession with creating a "true Goddess" is revealed, showing his perverted and unyielding nature.
• The protagonist demonstrates his determination to kill the Human Body Collector, despite the latter's strange powers.
• Wu Yong shows concern for the girls' safety and supports the protagonist's decision to protect them.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance vs. Obsession: The Human Body Collector's unyielding pursuit of his goal, even in the face of death, is a twisted form of perseverance. The protagonist's determination to stop him highlights the difference between healthy perseverance and destructive obsession.
• Power and Vulnerability: The Human Body Collector's strength fluctuates greatly, making him both terrifying and vulnerable. This dynamic emphasizes the unpredictable nature of power and the importance of adaptability in facing such threats.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and the male ghost work together to stop the Human Body Collector, showing a rare alliance between two supernatural entities.
• Wu Yong and the protagonist discuss their strategy and share their concerns, demonstrating their growing bond and mutual trust.
• The girls' fear and hesitation are juxtaposed with the protagonist's determination, highlighting the stark contrast between their situations and the need for unity in the face of danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The killer, a ghost, resurfaces after a period of inactivity, targeting a female teacher with a perfect figure.
• The female teacher is brutally killed, and her organs are taken.
• Liang Fan receives a call from Zi Xuan, informing him of another murder, a girl with a better figure than the one in his custody.
• Liang Fan realizes the next target is likely another adult from the school.
• Li Tongtian discovers the Human Body Collector's true objective: to create a perfect body using organs from beautiful women, inspired by ancient beauties' images.

Character Developments

• The female teacher's past is revealed, showing she was desired by many but committed to her long-term boyfriend.
• Liang Fan becomes more determined to stop the killer after learning about the potential next target.
• Li Tongtian demonstrates his investigative skills and dedication to helping Liang Fan.

Significant Themes

• The theme of obsession with perfection, as the killer seeks to create the perfect body.
• The consequences of unchecked desire, as the killer's actions lead to more deaths.
• The importance of communication and teamwork, as Liang Fan and Li Tongtian collaborate to stop the killer.

Character Interactions

• Liang Fan and Zi Xuan discuss the case, with Zi Xuan providing crucial information.
• Liang Fan and Li Tongtian work together, with Li Tongtian sharing his findings about the killer's motive.
• The female teacher's past interactions with students and colleagues are mentioned, highlighting her popularity and commitment to her relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Body Collector's obsession with creating the perfect woman, inspired by the Four Great Beauties of ancient legends.
• The Ghost Doctor's deception of the Human Body Collector, leading him to a cursed land and revealing the method to create the Ghost Beauty.
• The Human Body Collector's current goal: collecting the last organ, a perfect voice, to complete the Ghost Beauty.
• The protagonist and his companions plan to stop the Human Body Collector and protect the potential final victim, a student with an exceptional voice.

Character Developments

• The Human Body Collector: His obsession with perfection and desire for revenge drive him to complete the Ghost Beauty.
• The Ghost Doctor: Revealed to have deceived the Human Body Collector, setting him on a path of no return.
• The protagonist: Determined to stop the Human Body Collector and protect the potential victim, displaying leadership and responsibility.
• Zi Xuan: Shows jealousy towards the potential victim's figure and voice, but ultimately joins the protagonist's mission to protect her.

Significant Themes

• Obsession with perfection and its consequences.
• Deception and its impact on others.
• The struggle between good and evil, with the protagonist determined to stop the Human Body Collector's sinister plans.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Li Tongtian discuss the Human Body Collector's past and the Ghost Beauty's creation.
• Zi Xuan expresses jealousy towards the potential victim's assets but still joins the mission to protect her.
• The protagonist and his companions approach the potential victim, aiming to protect her from the Human Body Collector.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The girl, sheltered all her life, refuses protection, believing she doesn't need it.
• The Human Body Collector is expected to strike within three days.
• The girl is targeted at night, and the Human Body Collector invades her room.
• I intervene, and a confrontation ensues between me and the Human Body Collector.

Character Developments

• The girl remains naive and willful, unaware of the danger she's in.
• The Human Body Collector reveals his desire to confront the Ghost Doctor and his intention to stop his crimes after this final prey.

Significant Themes

• The naivety of innocence and the harsh reality of the world.
• The inevitability of facing one's fears and evils.

Character Interactions

• I try to protect the girl, while she remains stubborn and untrusting.
• The Human Body Collector and I engage in a tense standoff, with him revealing his true intentions and me refusing to back down.
• Zi Xuan attempts to protect the girl but is rebuffed, leading to a moment of frustration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist confronts the Human Body Collector, who is after a peerless beauty's organs to create a Ghost Beauty.
• Despite the protagonist's efforts, the Human Body Collector swallows the girl's upper body, obtaining the final organ needed.
• The Human Body Collector reveals his true goal: to create a Ghost Beauty using a group of stunning beauties.
• The protagonist, Wu Yong, Li Tongtian, and Zi Xuan search for the Human Body Collector in the Abandoned School.
• They find the Human Body Collector in the basement, where he begins creating the Ghost Beauty using the collected organs and plants.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows determination and skill in fighting the Human Body Collector but ultimately fails to stop him.
• Wu Yong demonstrates strategic thinking and suggests seeking Li Tongtian's help.
• Li Tongtian provides crucial information about the Ghost Beauty's creation process and location.
• The Human Body Collector reveals his true motive, displaying a sinister and cunning nature.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and beauty at any cost, leading to horrifying consequences.
• The struggle against supernatural forces and the futility of human efforts in the face of overwhelming darkness.
• The importance of teamwork and seeking help from knowledgeable sources.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Wu Yong work together to fight the Human Body Collector.
• Li Tongtian provides guidance and joins the team to stop the Human Body Collector.
• The Human Body Collector interacts with his victims, displaying a monstrous and indifferent attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Body Collector reveals he collected rare plants underground, allowing him to revive after death and refine the Ghost Beauty, a powerful creature made from stolen organs.
• The Ghost Beauty is successfully created, captivating everyone with her unparalleled beauty.
• The protagonist deliberately scars the Ghost Beauty's face, enraging her and the Human Body Collector.

Character Developments

• The Human Body Collector: Reveals his obsession with creating the perfect being, driven mad by the protagonist's actions.
• The Ghost Beauty: Initially captivating, she reveals her extreme vanity and ferocity when her beauty is marred.
• The Protagonist: Shows no interest in the Ghost Beauty's physical appearance, prioritizing her destruction due to her monstrous nature.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of obsession and unchecked ambition (Human Body Collector's pursuit of perfection).
• The destructive power of vanity and self-obsession (Ghost Beauty's extreme reaction to her scarred face).
• The protagonist's unyielding determination to defeat monstrous threats, regardless of their appearance.

Character Interactions

• The Human Body Collector and the Ghost Beauty: Their relationship is one of creator and creation, but the Ghost Beauty's independent nature is evident.
• The Protagonist and the Ghost Beauty: Their interaction is one of immediate conflict, with the protagonist showing no awe or desire for the Ghost Beauty's beauty.
• The Protagonist and his allies (Li Tongtian, Wu Yong, Zi Xuan): They are initially captivated by the Ghost Beauty's beauty but are snapped out of it by the protagonist's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ghost Beauty, a powerful and seductive entity, challenges the protagonist, Liang Fan, who remains unimpressed by her charm.
• Liang Fan attempts to attack her but is shocked by her strength and ability to see through his invisibility.
• The Ghost Beauty, enraged by Liang Fan's indifference, attacks him and threatens to kill his companions.
• Liang Fan severs the Ghost Beauty's arm, provoking the Human Body Collector, her companion.
• Liang Fan and his companions flee, but the Ghost Beauty tracks them down, revealing her ability to sense their presence.

Character Developments

• Liang Fan: Demonstrates exceptional strength, agility, and combat skills. He remains calm and composed even when faced with overwhelming odds.
• Ghost Beauty: Reveals immense power, regenerative abilities, and a strong sense of self-worth tied to her beauty. She is ruthless and cruel, showing no mercy to her enemies.
• Human Body Collector: Although reduced to a head and torso, he remains a formidable opponent. He is infatuated with the Ghost Beauty and is willing to aid her in her quest for power.

Significant Themes

• Beauty and Power: The Ghost Beauty's power is intrinsically linked to her physical appearance, making her ruthless in her pursuit of maintaining her beauty at any cost.
• Survival of the Fittest: Both the Ghost Beauty and the Human Body Collector believe in the law of nature, where the strong prey on the weak.
• Indifference vs. Attraction: Liang Fan's indifference to the Ghost Beauty's charms contrasts with the Human Body Collector's obsession, highlighting the different ways characters respond to seduction and power.

Character Interactions

• Liang Fan vs. Ghost Beauty: Their interaction is marked by hostility and mutual assessment of each other's strengths. The Ghost Beauty underestimates Liang Fan, while he remains cautious and calculating.
• Ghost Beauty and Human Body Collector: They share a symbiotic relationship, with the Human Body Collector admiring and aiding the Ghost Beauty, while she uses him for his abilities and knowledge.
• Liang Fan and his companions: They work together to face the Ghost Beauty, with Liang Fan taking the lead in combat and strategizing. Wu Yong and Li Tongtian support him but are aware of their limitations against such a powerful foe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist faces the Ghost Beauty, who is immune to his attacks and can force him out of invisibility.
• The Human Body Collector attacks Wu Yong and Li Tongtian, while the Ghost Beauty corners the protagonist.
• The protagonist calls out to the Ghost Doctor, who appears and engages in a calm conversation with the Human Body Collector, revealing an unexpected alliance.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows resilience and determination but faces a seemingly insurmountable challenge against the Ghost Beauty.
• The Ghost Beauty demonstrates her immense power and cruelty.
• The Human Body Collector shows impatience and a desire for revenge.
• The Ghost Doctor reveals a hidden alliance with the Human Body Collector, raising questions about his true intentions.

Significant Themes

• Powerlessness against overwhelming odds.
• The unpredictability of alliances and enemies.
• The consequences of making deals with unknown entities (referring to the protagonist's contract with the Ghost Doctor).

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and the Ghost Beauty engage in a fierce and one-sided battle, highlighting the Ghost Beauty's power and the protagonist's desperation.
• The Human Body Collector and the Ghost Doctor's calm conversation reveals an unexpected alliance, leaving the protagonist and the reader questioning their true motives.
• Wu Yong and Li Tongtian struggle against the Human Body Collector, showcasing their vulnerability and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ghost Doctor and the Human Body Collector reunite after a hundred years, reminiscing about their shared goal to become Immortals.
• They discuss their respective achievements: the Ghost Doctor praises the Ghost Beauty's beauty, while the Human Body Collector reveals he's gathered rare materials for her perfection.
• The Ghost Doctor reveals he needs materials from the Human Body Collector, but they argue over who should fulfill their promises first.
• The Human Body Collector reveals a collection of strange, glowing plants, which the Ghost Doctor takes.
• The Ghost Doctor suddenly attacks and kills the Human Body Collector, also subduing the Ghost Beauty.

Character Developments

• The Ghost Doctor: Revealed to be cunning, manipulative, and powerful. He deceives the Human Body Collector and betrays him without remorse.
• The Human Body Collector: Despite his cruelty and obsession with creating the perfect woman, he shows trust and loyalty towards the Ghost Doctor, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
• The Ghost Beauty: Initially portrayed as powerful, she's revealed to be a flawed creation. She's loyal to the Human Body Collector but is easily subdued by the Ghost Doctor.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and Trust: The Ghost Doctor's betrayal of the Human Body Collector highlights the theme of trust being easily broken, even among allies.
• Obsession: Both monsters are driven by their obsessions - the Ghost Doctor's desire for power and the Human Body Collector's pursuit of creating the perfect woman.
• Power Dynamics: The Ghost Doctor's sudden display of power shifts the dynamics between him and the Human Body Collector, revealing the Ghost Doctor's true strength.

Character Interactions

• The Ghost Doctor and the Human Body Collector: Their interaction reveals their long-standing relationship, built on shared goals but ultimately corrupted by deceit and betrayal.
• The Ghost Beauty and the Human Body Collector: Their interaction shows the Human Body Collector's affection and pride in his creation, while the Ghost Beauty displays loyalty towards him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ghost Doctor reveals his scheme to the Human Body Collector, who had unknowingly been helping him for a hundred years.
• The Human Body Collector, enraged, tries to escape but is stopped by the mastermind aiding the Ghost Doctor.
• The Ghost Beauty, the Human Body Collector's creation, is killed, and her organs are taken by the Ghost Doctor.
• The Human Body Collector is severely beaten and eventually killed by the Ghost Doctor, who retrieves the materials he needed from the collector's body.

Character Developments

• Ghost Doctor: Proven to be manipulative and deceitful, using the Human Body Collector for his own gain. He is powerful, cunning, and ruthless.
• Human Body Collector: Initially portrayed as a formidable figure, he is revealed to be gullible and easily manipulated. His trust in the Ghost Doctor leads to his downfall.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and Deception: The Ghost Doctor's schemes highlight the theme of manipulation and deception, showing how trust can be exploited for personal gain.
• Betrayal: The Human Body Collector's trust in the Ghost Doctor is betrayed, leading to his demise.

Character Interactions

• Ghost Doctor vs. Human Body Collector: The interaction between these two characters is marked by betrayal, violence, and power dynamics. The Ghost Doctor manipulates and ultimately defeats the Human Body Collector.
• Ghost Beauty: Her brief interaction with the Human Body Collector shows his affection for his creations, which is later exploited by the Ghost Doctor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Human Body Collector dies, and before his death, he asks the protagonist to tell the Ghost Doctor that he hates him and wants revenge.
• The protagonist meets the Ghost Doctor, who reveals his single-minded pursuit of the Ascension Pill, disregarding other considerations.
• The protagonist makes the list public, causing an uproar in the classroom. He decides to write most names but leaves out some, like Dai Yuanqing, who begs for his name to be added.

Character Developments

• The Human Body Collector: Dies, revealing his hatred towards the Ghost Doctor.
• The Ghost Doctor: Reveals his obsession with obtaining the Ascension Pill, showing a lack of remorse for past actions.
• Protagonist (Liang Fan): Shows honesty and integrity in revealing the Human Body Collector's last words to the Ghost Doctor. He also demonstrates power and control over his classmates by deciding who gets on the list.
• Dai Yuanqing: Shows fear and desperation, begging the protagonist to include him on the list.
• Homeroom Teacher: Attempts to take the list from the protagonist but ultimately fails, showing her subordination to his power.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: The protagonist's decision to create and control the list demonstrates his power over his classmates and teacher.
• Obsession: The Ghost Doctor's single-minded pursuit of the Ascension Pill highlights the destructive nature of obsession.
• Life and Death: The list holds the power of life and death over the class, as those not included are left vulnerable.

Character Interactions

• Protagonist and Human Body Collector: The protagonist shows no remorse in killing the Human Body Collector but agrees to deliver his last message to the Ghost Doctor.
• Protagonist and Ghost Doctor: The protagonist shows honesty and integrity in revealing the Human Body Collector's last words, despite knowing the Ghost Doctor's power.
• Protagonist and Classmates: The protagonist's decision to create and control the list leads to an uproar in the classroom, with classmates begging to be included.
• Protagonist and Homeroom Teacher: The teacher attempts to take the list from the protagonist but fails, showing her subordination to his power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Homeroom Teacher reveals the school's indifference to the deaths in the Abandoned School and that some teachers are being encouraged to enter it.
• The Principal is mentioned to be demoralized after his son's accident.
• The Ghost Doctor's invincibility is discussed, and the Invisibility Talisman's limitations are highlighted.
• Wu Yong expresses his desire for a normal life after the current situation is resolved.

Character Developments

• The Homeroom Teacher shows concern for the students but feels helpless against the school's indifference.
• Wu Yong expresses his weariness from running and his desire for a normal life, revealing a more vulnerable side.
• The students show gratitude towards Liang Fan but are hesitant to accept Wu Yong's authority.

Significant Themes

• The theme of helplessness and powerlessness against an indifferent authority (the school) is reinforced.
• The theme of the desire for a normal life after enduring extraordinary circumstances is introduced through Wu Yong's character.

Character Interactions

• Liang Fan and the Homeroom Teacher discuss the school's indifference and the Ghost Doctor's threat.
• Wu Yong asserts his authority over the class, causing tension with some students.
• Liang Fan and Wu Yong drink and discuss their hopes for the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Yong threatens a girl, who then agrees to his demands to avoid being reported to his boss.
• Liang Fan arrives, and Wu Yong tries to pass off the girls as a gift for him, but Liang Fan sees through his lie.
• Dai Yuanqing asks for a spot, and Liang Fan grants it but warns him about performance expectations.
• The classmates express their support for Liang Fan, and Wu Yong reinforces Liang Fan's authority.
• In the abandoned school, the Ghost Doctor hunts down and kills several students, sparing only one girl who believes Wu Yong's claim that she's on a list.

Character Developments

• Wu Yong: Shows his manipulative nature, using his boss's power to threaten others, but also displays loyalty to Liang Fan.
• Liang Fan: Maintains his calm and authority, giving opportunities but also setting clear expectations.
• The Students: Fear the Ghost Doctor and try to survive, with one girl's belief in Wu Yong's words saving her.

Significant Themes

• Power and Manipulation: Wu Yong uses his boss's power to control others, while Liang Fan maintains his authority through fear and expectation.
• Survival and Fear: The students face the terrifying Ghost Doctor, highlighting their desperation and fear for survival.
• Belief and Trust: The girl who believes Wu Yong's words is spared, emphasizing the power of belief and trust in desperate situations.

Character Interactions

• Wu Yong and Liang Fan: Wu Yong tries to please Liang Fan but is rebuked, showing their complex relationship.
• The Students and Liang Fan: The students fear Liang Fan but also express their support, highlighting their complicated feelings towards him.
• The Students and the Ghost Doctor: The students try to avoid the Ghost Doctor, showing their desperation and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students are desperate to get on a list to avoid being attacked.
• Wu Yong tries to secure spots on the list for himself and his girlfriends.
• The protagonist reveals that there are only a few spots left on the list.
• Li Tongtian expresses his distrust of the Ghost Doctor.
• The protagonist reveals his plan to snatch the Ascension Pill.
• Li Tongtian brings up the mastermind's potential involvement in the Ascension Pill refinement.

Character Developments

• Wu Yong shows his manipulative and self-serving nature, trying to secure spots on the list for himself and his girlfriends.
• The protagonist demonstrates his cunning and determination, planning to snatch the Ascension Pill despite the risks.
• Li Tongtian shows his analytical skills and caution, warning the protagonist about the Ghost Doctor and the mastermind.

Significant Themes

• Survival and self-preservation in a dangerous environment.
• Manipulation and self-interest in human relationships.
• The pursuit of power and immortality.

Character Interactions

• Wu Yong interacts with the protagonist, trying to secure spots on the list.
• The protagonist and Li Tongtian discuss the Ghost Doctor, the Ascension Pill, and the mastermind, revealing their plans and suspicions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lan Lele visits the protagonist, seeking a spot on his list to avoid being targeted by the Ghost Doctor.
• The protagonist refuses, even when Lan Lele offers herself and claims she wants to live.
• The protagonist reveals his goal to kill the mastermind behind the Ghost Doctor.
• The protagonist starts avoiding school and focuses on finding clues about the items.
• He calls Li Tongtian for updates, learning that the investigation into the Ghost Doctor's origin is ongoing, and the mastermind might be a woman in white clothes.

Character Developments

• The protagonist remains steadfast and unyielding, prioritizing his goals over Lan Lele's pleas.
• Lan Lele is desperate to survive, offering herself to the protagonist, but he remains unmoved.
• Li Tongtian continues his investigation, providing updates to the protagonist.

Significant Themes

• Survival and desperation, as seen in Lan Lele's actions.
• The protagonist's single-minded pursuit of his goals, even in the face of emotional pleas.
• The mysterious nature of the Ghost Doctor and the mastermind, driving the plot forward.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Lan Lele's interaction is tense and emotional, with Lan Lele trying to appeal to the protagonist's feelings, but he remains resolute.
• The protagonist and Li Tongtian's interaction is professional, with Li Tongtian providing updates on the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist learns that the mastermind behind the school's horrors is no longer in the school.
• The protagonist discovers Qiao Li, a survivor of the Taoyuan Town Massacre, who appears much younger than his actual age of 87.
• Qiao Li initially denies knowing about the massacre but later reveals that he will speak under duress.
• Qiao Li admits to killing and burying others who came looking for him, including those from the Abandoned School.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows determination and ruthlessness in extracting information from Qiao Li.
• Qiao Li is revealed to be much older than he appears, and he has been living under an assumed name to hide his past.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of a dark past and the lengths one will go to hide it.
• The power of knowledge and the protagonist's relentless pursuit of it.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Qiao Li: The protagonist uses intimidation and violence to force Qiao Li to reveal information about the Taoyuan Town Massacre.
• Qiao Li and the other survivors/killers: Qiao Li admits to killing others who came looking for him, suggesting a network of survivors/killers from the massacre.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Li reveals the truth about the Taoyuan Town Massacre.
• The massacre was not caused by a single killer but by an ancient, cursed sword.
• The sword drives people to violence and madness, leading to a town-wide slaughter.
• A Great Taoist Master tries to intervene but fails, and the town is engulfed in a red mist, exacerbating the violence.

Character Developments

• Qiao Li: Initially secretive, he opens up about his past, revealing his fear and helplessness during the massacre.
• The Narrator: Shows shock and disbelief at Qiao Li's story.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power (the sword's curse drives people to violence).
• The destructive nature of fear and paranoia (the townspeople turn against each other).
• The struggle between tradition and survival (the townspeople's reluctance to leave their ancestral home).

Character Interactions

• Qiao Li and the Narrator: Qiao Li shares his traumatic past with the Narrator, who listens intently and reacts with shock and disbelief.
• The townspeople: Despite their initial unity, the townspeople turn against each other under the influence of the sword's curse.