Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao discovers a hidden radio broadcasting a conversation between Blue Star humans and the Guangming Society, revealing the existence of an ancient village, Liunian Village, on Mount Meng.
• Jiang Qiao realizes the value of the radio in uncovering secrets and plans to use it in the future.
• He decides to stop the curse manifestation to prevent further danger but struggles with the decision to absorb the curses or use his "wish" talent.
• Jiang Qiao concludes that the radio's manifestation was due to his actions interacting with the house's rules and speculates about the New Humans' failed attempts to repeat the process.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his analytical skills and quick thinking in understanding the radio's manifestation and the New Humans' failed attempts.
• He shows hesitation and caution in dealing with the curses, indicating his awareness of potential risks and the limits of his abilities.

Significant Themes

• The theme of secrets and uncovering hidden truths is reinforced with the discovery of the radio and the ancient village.
• The struggle between caution and ambition is highlighted as Jiang Qiao considers the risks and benefits of absorbing the curses or using his "wish" talent.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the Malevolent Spirit on his back, trying to understand and control its curse manifestation.
• He has an internal dialogue with himself, weighing the pros and cons of his decisions and making plans for the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao emerges from the house, having dealt with some Malevolent Ghosts.
• Liu Yuanyuan shares knowledge about Malevolent Ghosts from her mother, revealing they appear suddenly and disappear without a trace, leaving behind afflicted individuals with ghostly apparitions.
• Jiang Qiao decides to investigate the real-world source of the Malevolent Ghosts after leaving the village.
• Jiang Qiao informs Li Xin and the others that their mission will end the next day.
• Liu Yuanyuan reveals that Liunian Village, which Jiang Qiao mentioned, is now known as Huai County, one of the top ten ancient villages still existing.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his ability to deal with supernatural threats, gaining respect from Li Xin and the others.
• Liu Yuanyuan shows knowledge about the Supernatural World's history and secrets, hinting at her own mysterious background.
• Li Xin, Xue Lan, and Luo Wen grow in respect for Jiang Qiao, understanding he has his own agenda in the Supernatural World.

Significant Themes

• The mysterious nature of the Supernatural World and its history.
• The power dynamics and hierarchy among ancient villages.
• The potential danger and rewards of exploring the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Liu Yuanyuan share information and secrets, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding.
• Jiang Qiao provides guidance and protection to Li Xin, Xue Lan, and Luo Wen, earning their gratitude and respect.
• Liu Yuanyuan uses her shadow figures to create a private conversation space with Jiang Qiao, indicating she trusts him with sensitive information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao learns about the "City God" from a radio broadcast, hinting at an ancient ruin search and its importance.
• He reflects on the Earth God he encountered, suggesting deities' long existence and possible connection to the supernatural disaster.
• Jiang Qiao decides to investigate Malevolent Ghost legends in the real world upon returning.
• The mission ends after seven days, with Li Xin, Luo Wen, and Xue Lan returning through a door opened by the System.
• The door disappears after they leave, leaving Jiang Qiao behind.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Realizes the connection between the two worlds, decides to investigate further, and shows kindness to Xue Lan.
• Xue Lan: Expresses gratitude to Jiang Qiao, offers to help him in the future, and visits him in Village 404.
• Li Xin, Luo Wen, and Liu Yuanyuan: No significant development.

Significant Themes

• The connection between the real world and the supernatural world.
• The existence and purpose of deities.
• The investigation of Malevolent Ghost legends.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the Earth God: Jiang Qiao reflects on their conversation, leading to his decision to investigate Malevolent Ghost legends.
• Jiang Qiao and Xue Lan: Jiang Qiao shows kindness to Xue Lan, and she offers to help him in the future.
• Jiang Qiao and Liu Yuanyuan: They discuss the cause of Jiang Qiao's teleportation, and Liu Yuanyuan offers to help him inquire about it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao learns from Liu Yuanyuan that he can return to Earth via the Ghost Train, which he previously dismissed due to its dangers.
• Liu Yuanyuan reveals that powerful Awakened and Evolvers in the Supernatural World choose not to return to Earth due to fear of causing destruction or being targeted by malevolent spirits.
• Jiang Qiao and Liu Yuanyuan leave Ancient Well Village and encounter no obstacles. They drive to Yi City in an off-road vehicle.
• They pass by the Land Temple, where Jiang Qiao learns that someone had met an 'Earth God' who wanted a message delivered to Yan City's City God Temple.
• Liu Yuanyuan shares a story about a person who tried to deliver the message and disappeared, with no trace found despite efforts to locate him.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao gains confidence in his strength, considering taking the Ghost Train back to Earth.
• Liu Yuanyuan shows concern for Jiang Qiao's safety, warning him about malevolent spirits targeting powerful Awakened and Evolvers.

Significant Themes

• Power and Responsibility: Liu Yuanyuan's warning about the destruction powerful individuals could cause in the real world raises questions about the responsibility of the strong.
• The Unknown: The mysterious malevolent spirits and the 'Earth God' represent the unknown and potentially dangerous aspects of the real world.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Liu Yuanyuan work together to leave Ancient Well Village and share information about the Supernatural World and the real world.
• Liu Yuanyuan acts as a guide and mentor to Jiang Qiao, warning him about the dangers of returning to Earth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao waits at an abandoned bus stop in Yi City for a specific bus on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.
• He observes a new bus carrying ghosts and an old bus carrying people.
• An old woman, later identified as Old Woman Bai, approaches the bus stop.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao's strength has improved to Tier Six, but he still feels vulnerable against powerful entities like "Lord Bai."
• He becomes more cautious and strategic, planning to explore the secrets of Yi City only after his strength improves further.

Significant Themes

• The Supernatural World's complex hierarchy and power dynamics, with administrators and other entities maintaining order.
• The mystery and danger hidden within abandoned cities and their connection to the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with Liu Yuanyuan off-page, who drops him off in Yi City and provides him with information about the bus schedule.
• Jiang Qiao observes the old woman, Old Woman Bai, from a distance without interacting with her directly.

Brief Reference

• Jiang Qiao waits at an abandoned bus stop in Yi City for a specific bus on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.
• He observes a new bus carrying ghosts and an old bus carrying people.
• An old woman, Old Woman Bai, approaches the bus stop.
• Jiang Qiao decides to leave Yi City after his strength improves further to explore its secrets safely.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Woman Bai boards a bus without any supernatural incidents, using a coin similar to one Jiang Qiao crafted from Malevolent Ghosts.
• Thick smoke billows from a nearby housing block, accompanied by screams, suggesting a supernatural event.
• Jiang Qiao remembers a story about a burned ghost haunting a hotel built on the site of a movie theater fire decades ago.
• A bus approaches the stop simultaneously with the drifting smoke.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his observant nature and quick thinking, noticing the coin's similarity and the potential supernatural event.
• The Old Woman Bai shows no interaction with Jiang Qiao, focusing solely on boarding the bus.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural co-existing with the mundane, as seen in the bus ride and the potential burned ghost.
• The consequences of ignoring or mishandling supernatural phenomena, as seen in the hotel's fate.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the Old Woman Bai have no direct interaction; she ignores him, and he observes her.
• Jiang Qiao's internal monologue reveals his thoughts and memories, providing insight into his character and the story's background.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao encounters a supernatural phenomenon, a thick, pungent smoke with spectral figures, on his way to the bus stop.
• The smoke is revealed to be a supernatural image triggered by a Burned Ghost, a charred corpse, which wants to board the bus.
• Jiang Qiao uses his "Bone Fire" to eliminate the Burned Ghost, which surprisingly allows him to control the thick smoke.
• He decides to board the bus, leaving the exploration of the controlled smoke for another time.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his calm and analytical thinking under pressure, assessing the situation and deciding on the best course of action.
• He shows his ability to adapt and learn, realizing he can control the smoke after eliminating the Burned Ghost, a new development in his powers.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptability is highlighted as Jiang Qiao adjusts his plans based on new information and circumstances.
• The power of Jiang Qiao's "Bone Fire" is emphasized, showing its effectiveness against supernatural phenomena.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the Burned Ghost, although it's a one-sided interaction as he eliminates the ghost without any dialogue.
• His interaction with the bus driver is implied but not shown, as he boards the bus without any mention of the driver's reaction to the supernatural events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao boards an old, dilapidated bus in the Supernatural World, with a strange smell and no visible driver.
• The bus's destination is marked as "Zhang Gu Village" on a small blackboard.
• Jiang Qiao is the only passenger; he sits at the back, recalling information about his destination, Bei Quan.
• The bus travels through eerie stations and desolate fields, eventually approaching a well-lit, seemingly prosperous village named Zhang Gu Village.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao reflects on his recent gains and troubles, particularly his new Talent, Bone Fire, and the Malevolent Spirit Curse on his back.
• The bus driver remains enigmatic, showing no supernatural traits but driving the bus skillfully.

Significant Themes

• The Supernatural World's transportation system, its controllers, and their intentions.
• The contrast between the bus's dilapidated appearance and its functional reality.
• The potential danger and unease in seemingly normal supernatural environments.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the bus driver, who smiles and nods upon Jiang Qiao's boarding.
• Jiang Qiao has no interaction with other passengers, as he is the only one on the bus.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The bus stops at "Zhang Gu Village," and a mysterious man in an old-fashioned coat boards the bus.
• The driver changes the destination sign from "Zhang Gu Village" to "Wild Dog Ridge" after the man boards.
• Jiang Qiao observes the man and concludes he's an ordinary person, not a malevolent ghost or an Awakener.
• The man warns Jiang Qiao not to be curious about things that aren't his business, hinting at the village's danger.
• Jiang Qiao provokes the man, who becomes hostile but eventually ignores him.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao remains calm and composed, demonstrating his experience and wisdom in dealing with the unknown.
• The mysterious man is revealed to be an ordinary person with a full Blood Essence and no Ghost Qi, but he has a hostile attitude and warns Jiang Qiao about the village's danger.

Significant Themes

• The coexistence of ordinary people and Awakeners/Evolvers in the Supernatural World.
• The potential danger of seemingly ordinary places in the Supernatural World.
• The importance of caution and restraint in interacting with unknown entities.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the mysterious man have a tense exchange, with the man warning Jiang Qiao to mind his own business and Jiang Qiao provoking him in response.
• The driver's actions suggest a connection between the man and the village's destination change, hinting at a potential secret or danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao confronts a middle-aged man on the bus who has mental issues and threatens him.
• The bus driver intervenes, warning that disputes are not allowed on the bus.
• Jiang Qiao realizes the bus is a Supernatural Item and that the driver ensures safety by preventing conflicts.
• He theorizes that the bus requires a ticket for protection, unlike the Ghost Train which didn't provide safety to fare-evading passengers.
• Jiang Qiao plans to test his theory by observing a Malevolent Ghost's behavior when boarding the bus.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his calm and strategic thinking, even in tense situations.
• The middle-aged man shows signs of mental instability and fear of the bus's power.

Significant Themes

• The importance of respect and leaving room for others in conflicts.
• The consequences of pushing others to a dead end.
• The role of Supernatural Items in ensuring safety and protection.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the middle-aged man: Their conflict highlights Jiang Qiao's calm demeanor and the man's instability.
• Jiang Qiao and the bus driver: The driver's intervention shows the bus's power and the driver's role in maintaining safety.
• Jiang Qiao's internal dialogue: He reflects on his experiences and formulates a plan to test his theory about the bus's protection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao observes the Supernatural World's landscape, realizing it's not all gray and monotonous.
• He sees strange figures emerging from graves and moving like wild animals.
• The bus stops at Wild Dog Ridge, where survivors of a search team are being chased by grotesque, skinless, and fanged creatures resembling wild dogs.
• Two survivors are killed and eaten by these creatures, while five others manage to escape onto the bus.
• The survivors discuss their dire situation and the dangerous Ancient Village client who hired them.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Realizes the diversity of the Supernatural World's landscape; observes and learns about new types of Malevolent Ghosts.
• Search Team Survivors: Display fear, desperation, and determination to survive; show awareness of the Ancient Village's power and potential repercussions.

Significant Themes

• The diversity and danger of the Supernatural World.
• The consequences of accepting dangerous missions and the potential repercussions from powerful clients like the Ancient Village.
• The struggle for survival and the lengths people will go to ensure their safety.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao observes the search team survivors from a distance but does not interact with them.
• The search team survivors interact with each other, expressing their fear, frustration, and plans to evade the Ancient Village's wrath upon their return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao, in stealth mode, observes a group of survivors from a search team and a mysterious middle-aged man on the bus.
• The bus stops at a station where two unlucky passengers are devoured by "wild dogs" outside.
• The next stop is "Human Head Bay," known for its ominous reputation and connection to water, which is often dangerous in the Supernatural World.
• The bus suddenly brakes and stops in the middle of the road after hitting something.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his analytical skills by piecing together information about the search team's mission and the Ancient Village's involvement.
• The survivors from the search team show their frustration and blame their leader, Ye Peng, for taking on a mission they couldn't handle.

Significant Themes

• The danger and mystery of water in the Supernatural World.
• The complexity and deception within the Supernatural World's organizations, such as the Ancient Village.
• The importance of gathering and verifying information to avoid miscalculations and dangerous situations.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with Liu Yuanyuan through the Supernatural World System, seeking information about the Ancient Village and the next bus stop.
• The survivors from the search team interact with each other, expressing their frustration and fear after their near-death experience.
• The middle-aged man remains silent and motionless, drawing little attention from the survivors but piquing Jiang Qiao's curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The bus suddenly stops, causing everyone to lurch forward.
• The driver and a middle-aged passenger get off the bus without explanation.
• The bus's lights go out, and a cold wind blows in, plunging the surroundings into darkness.
• Jiang Qiao, who was initially asleep, wakes up and senses danger approaching.
• Five other passengers reveal themselves, armed with Supernatural Items, and question Jiang Qiao about the situation.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his combat power (Sixth Tier) and readiness to face the approaching threat.
• The five passengers show their vigilance and caution, revealing their experience and preparedness in dealing with supernatural events.

Significant Themes

• Trust and caution among strangers in a supernatural crisis.
• The importance of self-reliance and preparedness in facing the unknown.
• The value of Supernatural Items and the wealth of Search Team members.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the five passengers initially misunderstand each other's intentions but eventually communicate to assess the situation.
• Jiang Qiao's display of power and calm demeanor earns him a measure of respect from the passengers.
• The passengers reveal their weapons and Supernatural Items, indicating their readiness to face the threat together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters a female ghost on a foggy road.
• The female ghost is holding a cloth doll, which seems to have some significance to her.
• Jiang Qiao suspects the cloth doll might be a memento from her past life.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his courage and analytical skills by staying in the bus and observing the female ghost.
• The passengers show practiced behavior in hiding, suggesting they have experience dealing with supernatural threats.

Significant Themes

• The transformation of living people into Malevolent Ghosts, driven by resentment and obsession.
• The repetition of past behaviors by Malevolent Ghosts, even after losing their original meaning.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the female ghost indirectly, observing her actions and trying to understand her motivations.
• The passengers interact with each other, showing a level of cooperation and understanding of supernatural threats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A dirty cloth doll appears on the road, attracting the attention of the Female Ghost.
• Jiang Qiao recalls stories of haunted second-hand clothes from his past life, drawing parallels to the current situation.
• Passengers in the carriage discuss Jiang Qiao's behavior and the potential danger outside, deciding to flee when they hear strange noises.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his analytical skills and calm demeanor in the face of supernatural events.
• The passengers in the carriage show varying levels of courage and quick thinking, with the satchel-carrying youth taking the initiative to lead them in escaping.

Significant Themes

• The power of attachment and obsession, as seen through the Female Ghost's fixation on the cloth doll.
• The uncertainty and unpredictability of the supernatural world.
• The importance of quick decision-making and action in crisis situations.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao remains focused on the Female Ghost, ready to act at any moment, while the passengers in the carriage observe him to gauge the situation outside.
• The passengers discuss their options and ultimately decide to flee together, showing a sense of unity in the face of danger.
• The satchel-carrying youth takes a leadership role, making the decision to escape and guiding the others to safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The survivors of the search team, led by A Qiang, quickly disembark from the bus due to the sudden appearance of a creepy woman in the last row, where a Mysterious Youth had been sitting.
• A Qiang and the team decide to stay near the bus to avoid getting lost in the woods, as they suspect something hidden there.
• A Zhen, after getting off the bus, sees a bizarre scene: the back of the bus has disappeared, replaced by a dark, empty space with a stone path leading to an unknown destination, illuminated by octagonal lanterns, and a bottomless abyss on both sides.
• A Zhen is pulled by the Mysterious Youth towards the driver's seat, away from the back door.

Character Developments

• A Qiang: Shows leadership and quick thinking, prioritizing the team's safety.
• A Zhen: Demonstrates her supernatural ability, seeing a different scene from her companions, and shows fear and shock at the bizarre sight.
• Mysterious Youth: Reveals his presence and helps A Zhen, showing he has been aware of the situation all along.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictable nature of the Supernatural World, where logic doesn't always apply.
• The importance of quick judgment and action in dangerous situations.
• The fear and uncertainty that supernatural encounters can evoke.

Character Interactions

• A Qiang and the team discuss their next steps, showing unity and shared concern for their safety.
• A Zhen and the Mysterious Youth: The youth helps A Zhen, showing a protective or guiding role, while A Zhen is dependent on him due to her fear and shock.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Zhen finds the rear door of the bus transformed into an iron gate leading to darkness, while the bus is now at a crossroads to different Supernatural Spaces.
• Jiang Qiao, the bus driver, senses the supernatural change and decides to stay in the driver's seat for safety.
• A Zhen's companions took the wrong path and are likely in danger.
• The group outside the bus discusses their plan to demand compensation from Ye Peng's family after surviving.

Character Developments

• A Zhen: Shows fear and confusion but follows Jiang Qiao's instructions.
• Jiang Qiao: Demonstrates calmness and knowledge about the supernatural, indicating he's not a typical bus driver.
• A Qiang and the group outside: Display greed and lack of loyalty, planning to take Ye Peng's family's assets.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural danger and survival: The group faces unknown threats, and their survival depends on their actions and decisions.
• Greed and betrayal: The group's focus on compensation from Ye Peng's family highlights their greed and lack of loyalty.
• Corruption and extreme behavior: Awakeners' corruption leads to extreme behavior, even among those who should be allies.

Character Interactions

• A Zhen and Jiang Qiao: A Zhen follows Jiang Qiao's instructions, and he provides guidance but doesn't offer protection.
• A Qiang and the group: They discuss their plans to demand compensation, showing their unity in greed but not in loyalty or camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of survivors near an abandoned bus hear eerie footsteps, suspecting malevolent ghosts.
• A Qiang suggests moving, but Tao Jun and Zhang Ruilin disagree, leading to the group splitting.
• A Qiang and a woman move towards the bus's front, while Tao Jun and Zhang Ruilin enter the woods.
• A Qiang and the woman encounter a naked, eyeless man being chased by an unseen entity.

Character Developments

• A Qiang: Shows leadership and caution, prioritizing survival.
• Tao Jun: Reveals a hidden agenda, using ghost money to manipulate the situation.
• The Middle-Aged Woman: Stands by A Qiang's decisions, prepared to fight malevolent ghosts.

Significant Themes

• Individual choices and their consequences.
• Trust and suspicion among survivors.
• The unpredictability and danger of supernatural events.

Character Interactions

• A Qiang and the Middle-Aged Woman: Work together, sharing a cautious and practical approach.
• A Qiang, Tao Jun, and Zhang Ruilin: Disagree on their course of action, leading to separation.
• Tao Jun and Zhang Ruilin: Show a tense relationship, with Tao Jun manipulating Zhang Ruilin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A naked, pale man with gouged-out eyes and supernatural corruption runs out of the mist, warning about ghosts before being killed by Aunt Yang.
• A horde of similar Malevolent Ghosts approaches, surrounding A Qiang and Aunt Yang.
• A Qiang accidentally shoots a tooth instead of a bullet, killing a Female Ghost that grabbed his ankle.
• The duo tries to escape but is surrounded by an increasing number of Malevolent Ghosts.
• Aunt Yang uses her Weirdness to fend off the ghosts, but they're eventually overwhelmed and trapped.

Character Developments

• A Qiang: Shows alarm and fear but maintains composure. His supernatural power is revealed to be lethal against single targets but ineffective against multiple enemies.
• Aunt Yang: Demonstrates concern for A Qiang's well-being. Her Weirdness is powerful but consumes too much energy to sustain for long.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The characters struggle to survive against overwhelming odds.
• Supernatural Corruption: The Malevolent Ghosts are ordinary people corrupted by supernatural power.
• Despair: The characters face a seemingly inescapable situation, leading to feelings of hopelessness.

Character Interactions

• A Qiang and Aunt Yang work together to escape but are ultimately surrounded.
• A Qiang asks Aunt Yang for a favor, hinting at a potential plan or ability he hasn't revealed yet.
• The Malevolent Ghosts interact with the characters through physical attacks, causing harm and hindering their movement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao and A Zhen are on a bus that connects three different places, each with potential dangers.
• The bus has a front door leading to a foggy road, a back door leading to a dark ladder, and a large hole in the back.
• Eighteen white octagonal lanterns on a stone path remind Jiang Qiao of the Underworld's Land Temple, suggesting high terror levels.
• Jiang Qiao decides not to explore the supernatural space due to the high risk of death.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao shows curiosity and courage but also caution and self-preservation.
• A Zhen reveals her timid personality, contrasting with her strong ability to see danger.

Significant Themes

• Risk vs. Reward: Jiang Qiao weighs the potential discoveries against the high risk of death in exploring the supernatural space.
• Perception vs. Reality: A Zhen's ability allows her to see dangers others can't, but her timidity prevents her from acting on this knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interrogates A Zhen about her experiences in Wild Dog Ridge, showing a mix of curiosity and impatience.
• A Zhen initially hesitates to share but eventually decides to trust Jiang Qiao due to his serious demeanor and her realization that she needs his protection.