Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao is attacked by a mysterious Ghost Ship on the Cang River.
• The Old Woman, who had been observing, suspects the ship was summoned by the Old Monk from the Little Buddha Temple.
• Jiang Qiao is pulled onto the ship and finds himself in a Supernatural Space, with no sign of the real world.
• The Ghost Ship's destination and intentions remain unclear.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his analytical skills, considering three possible reasons for the Ghost Ship's attack.
• The Old Woman shows her strategic thinking, deciding to observe the situation further instead of immediately engaging.
• The Old Monk reveals his patience and confidence in his plan, choosing to wait for the Ghost Ship's outcome.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient artifacts and their potential to control or influence supernatural entities.
• The dangers and uncertainties of the Supernatural World, where even seemingly simple actions can have unforeseen consequences.
• The importance of patience and strategic thinking in navigating complex, potentially hazardous situations.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the Ghost Ship: Jiang Qiao is cautious and wary of the ship, while the ship's intentions towards him remain unclear.
• The Old Woman and the Old Monk: Both are aware of each other's presence but choose not to engage directly, maintaining a tense standoff.
• Jiang Qiao and the Old Woman: Although not directly interacting in this chapter, their goals and actions are intertwined, with both aiming to understand and control the Ghost Ship's situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao spends half an hour on a wooden boat along the Cang River, observing the desolate and abandoned scenery on both banks.
• The boat's cabin, previously dark, lights up, revealing a counter with a scale, a bottle of wine, a cup, and the words "Fair Trade, No Deception" written in crimson.
• An old man wearing a white mask appears at the cabin door, inviting Jiang Qiao inside.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates caution and vigilance, refusing to enter the cabin and make a deal with the unknown entity.
• The old man reveals that the boat is a "Ghost Ship" with specific rules, suggesting he may not be hostile.

Significant Themes

• The theme of trading with supernatural entities, with potential consequences and dangers, is introduced.
• The desolation and abandonment of human settlements along the Cang River hint at the encroachment of supernatural forces on Earth.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao remains indifferent and vigilant towards the old man, refusing to engage in conversation or make a deal.
• The old man seems surprised by Jiang Qiao's indifference and attempts to engage him in conversation, implying a desire for interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao is invited onto the Ghost Ship by an old man who wants to negotiate.
• The old man reveals he wants the Dragon King Exuviae in Jiang Qiao's possession.
• He shows Jiang Qiao a photograph of the First Generation Leader of General's Tomb, taken just before his death.
• The old man explains that the general died on Changyang Mountain after trying to take a bronze basin from a temple.
• He offers to trade for the Dragon King Exuviae and gives Jiang Qiao three gifts if he agrees.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Shows curiosity and caution in dealing with the old man. He's willing to negotiate but keeps his cards close to his chest.
• The Old Man (Ghost Ship Leader): Reveals his knowledge of Changyang Mountain and the general's fate. He's cunning and willing to trade for information.

Significant Themes

• Greed and curiosity leading to destruction.
• The mysterious nature of Changyang Mountain and its supernatural phenomena.
• The value of information and secrets in the Supernatural World.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the Old Man: They engage in a cautious negotiation, with the old man revealing information while trying to gauge Jiang Qiao's knowledge and intentions. Jiang Qiao listens attentively, asking questions to learn more.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao learns from an old man that lighting the brazier in the temple summons a giant eyeball and that after dying, a photograph is left behind.
• Jiang Qiao decides to stay on the ship until it directly enters the real world to leave more stably and to extract information from the old man.
• The old man reveals that the ship will attack Jiang Qiao upon his departure, and even if he uses the "Iron Plate" to escape, his corpse will be sent back.
• Jiang Qiao decides to stay on the ship indefinitely, but the old man warns him that the ship has no provisions and no space for activities, making long-term stay impossible.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao becomes more determined to leave the ship, even if it means facing an attack upon departure. He also becomes more aware of the ship's rules and the old man's capabilities.
• The old man reveals his knowledge of Jiang Qiao's possessions and the ship's rules, showing his experience and wisdom.

Significant Themes

• The theme of escape and the consequences of leaving the ship is emphasized. Jiang Qiao's resolve to leave despite the risks highlights his determination and resourcefulness.
• The theme of the ship's rules and their implications for Jiang Qiao's safety and strategy is explored. The old man's knowledge of these rules suggests the importance of understanding and adapting to one's environment.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the old man engage in a conversation that reveals both of their knowledge and intentions. Jiang Qiao uses deception to hide his true plans, while the old man uses threats and warnings to try to persuade Jiang Qiao to trade with him.
• The interaction between Jiang Qiao and the old man highlights their intelligence and cunning, as well as the power dynamics between them. Despite the old man's knowledge and experience, Jiang Qiao's determination and resourcefulness make him a formidable opponent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao and the old man on the Ghost Ship discuss a potential deal.
• The old man reveals that Wu Zongdai, leader of 'New Humans,' had done business with them.
• The old man offers to trade two Supernatural Items (a fruit knife and a triangle bandage) and a photograph from the General's Tomb for Jiang Qiao's Snake Skin Exuviae.
• The old man explains the powers of the fruit knife and the triangle bandage.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Shows caution and understanding of Supernatural Items' value. He's open to deals but remains wary.
• The Old Man: Reveals more information than intended, showing eagerness to make a deal. He's calm and persuasive but can also show anger.

Significant Themes

• The value of Supernatural Items and the importance of using them wisely.
• The tension between potential gain and immediate danger.
• The old man's eagerness for a deal hints at his desperation or cunning.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the Old Man: Their conversation is tense yet informative. The old man tries to persuade Jiang Qiao, while Jiang Qiao remains cautious and evaluative.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao uses his new ability, paper figures with self-awareness and curses, against the old man on the Ghost Ship.
• The paper figures, driven by Jiang Qiao, leave the ship, causing supernatural phenomena and enraging the Malevolent Ghosts on board.
• Jiang Qiao discovers the ship's secrets using his Dual Pupils: the old man is a humanoid figure of ashes, the transaction counter is made of corpses, and the Supernatural Items are ordinary or have limited power.
• The Ghost Ship's Malevolent Ghosts manifest, intending to keep Jiang Qiao there permanently.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Develops a new ability, gains insights into the Ghost Ship's true nature, and remains calm and strategic in the face of supernatural entities.
• The Old Man: Revealed to be a humanoid figure of ashes, trying to trick Jiang Qiao.

Significant Themes

• The power of deception and appearance versus reality.
• The true nature of supernatural entities and their abilities.
• Jiang Qiao's growth and adaptability in the Supernatural World.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao vs. The Old Man: Jiang Qiao outsmarts the old man, revealing the ship's secrets.
• Jiang Qiao vs. The Malevolent Ghosts: Jiang Qiao remains calm and strategic, planning to suppress the Ghost Ship for his use.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao extracts a malevolent spirit from a corpse, triggering an attack by a monkey-faced creature and a female corpse.
• Jiang Qiao uses his powers to disintegrate the creatures and suppress the supernatural entities.
• He attempts to leave the ghost ship using the iron plate but is attacked by a hidden, powerful malevolent ghost.
• Jiang Qiao uses his curse to temporarily halt the ghost and escapes using his smoke transformation ability.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his strength and versatility, using his curse, smoke transformation, and paper figures to combat supernatural entities.
• The old man reveals more about Jiang Qiao's abilities and expresses regret for not capturing him.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hidden dangers and surprises continues, as the old man and the ghost ship harbor secrets and unexpected threats.
• Jiang Qiao's power and adaptability are emphasized, showing his ability to handle various supernatural entities.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the old man have a brief exchange, with the old man acknowledging Jiang Qiao's strength but expressing regret for missing an opportunity to capture him.
• Jiang Qiao interacts with the supernatural entities, using his powers to suppress and destroy them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao encounters a ghost ship on the Cang River, initially thinking it's weak but later realizing its true power and mystery.
• He retrieves two items from the ship: a black and white old photograph and a fruit knife.
• The photograph contains a clue about a general who died in Changyang Mountain, and the knife can sense and reflect killing intent.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability, reassessing the ghost ship's power and finding useful items.
• He shows curiosity and caution about the ship's origins and purpose, deciding to investigate further when his strength advances.

Significant Themes

• The power of perception and misperception, as seen in Jiang Qiao's realization that the ship is stronger than he initially thought, and his discovery of the knife's ability to reflect killing intent.
• The theme of hidden power and secrets, evident in the ghost ship's true nature and the general's photograph.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the old man on the ghost ship, learning about the photograph and the knife's abilities.
• Although not directly interacting, Jiang Qiao's actions affect the Intern Doctors in the woods, who are fleeing from supernatural phenomena likely caused by Jiang Qiao's experiments with the knife.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao, a supernatural being, arrives at a hospital filled with supernatural occurrences.
• He encounters several doctors who share their experiences with ghostly apparitions and strange events since the Supernatural Revival.
• The doctors reveal that patients admitted after the Revival all have a blue mark on their bodies, which they initially dismissed as birthmarks.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: He demonstrates his supernatural abilities, showing no fear or surprise at the ghostly encounters. He remains calm and analytical, seeking to understand the common thread among the patients.
• The Doctors: They exhibit varying degrees of fear and disbelief at the supernatural events but maintain their professionalism. They share their experiences and provide valuable information to Jiang Qiao.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural occurrences and their impact on the living.
• The search for commonalities among patients to understand the cause of the supernatural events.
• The struggle between disbelief and acceptance of the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the doctors, encouraging them to share their experiences and providing a sense of security with his calm demeanor.
• The doctors interact with each other, supporting one another as they recount their frightening encounters and share their knowledge about the patients' common mark.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao discovers a mark on the doctors similar to one he received after killing a monk from Little Buddha Temple, suggesting Little Buddha Temple's involvement in the city's crisis.
• Jiang Qiao decides to leave the city, planning to retreat to advance and let the old monk from Little Buddha Temple make the next move.
• The old monk, furious that Jiang Qiao hasn't come to find him, decides to go after Jiang Qiao instead, seeking the remaining half of the exuviae to resurrect someone who can help him defeat Jiang Qiao.
• In the capital city, Elder Cai and a middle-aged man discuss the Celestial Master's strength, now assessed as Seventh Tier, and decide to send someone to try and recruit him.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Shows strategic thinking by deciding to leave the city to let the old monk make the next move. He also demonstrates his nonchalance and confidence in his abilities.
• The old monk: Reveals his desperation and ruthlessness in his pursuit of power, willing to resort to dark methods to achieve his goals.
• Elder Cai: Shows a more cautious and calculating side, recognizing the potential threat and opportunity posed by the Celestial Master's strength.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The struggle for power and influence is a central theme, with characters like Jiang Qiao, the old monk, and Elder Cai all seeking to gain the upper hand.
• Strategic thinking: Characters use strategy and planning to gain advantages in their respective situations.
• Ruthlessness: Several characters display a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means resorting to dark or dangerous methods.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the doctors, casually deciding to take them with him to Ancheng as they can serve as useful drivers.
• The old monk interacts with the human-shaped figures and the quilt on his back, suggesting a dark and twisted connection with them.
• Elder Cai interacts with the middle-aged man, discussing the Celestial Master's strength and deciding on a course of action to try and recruit him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group, including Jiang Qiao, travels in an off-road vehicle due to potential road hazards and lack of safe transportation.
• As they drive, the weather worsens, with heavy rain reducing visibility, and Jiang Qiao warns about increased supernatural activity.
• The doctors share stories of the highway's eerie reputation, and Jiang Qiao discusses the reality of ghost stories and the connection between Earth and the malevolent ghost world.
• Jiang Qiao tells a story about an elevator malfunction, hinting at past supernatural events.
• The driver's attention wanders due to the ghost story, causing the vehicle to veer off course.
• They reach a deserted area and eventually spot a service area with a figure waving at them.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Shows knowledge of supernatural events and their causes, displaying a calm and matter-of-fact attitude towards the paranormal.
• The doctors: Become more aware of the reality of ghosts and supernatural events, feeling unease and curiosity.

Significant Themes

• The reality of ghost stories and their connection to the supernatural world.
• The impact of the Supernatural Revival on people's understanding of the world.
• The dangers of distracted driving, especially in hazardous conditions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao shares his knowledge with the doctors, fostering a sense of unease and curiosity among them.
• The doctors share their experiences and fears, leading to a collective sense of apprehension.
• Jiang Qiao's warning about the driver's distraction leads to a realization of the potential danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao and his team encounter a service station with lights on, but it's clear something terrifying happened there due to blood on the floor.
• They encounter a corpse controlled by the supernatural, disguised as a drunk man, who tries to stop their vehicle.
• The driver, following Jiang Qiao's orders, runs over the corpse without hesitation, and they continue their journey.
• They pass through several villages and a county town, all seemingly abandoned, with signs of supernatural activity.
• They encounter a ghostly figure on a bicycle that they can't catch or shake off, even after turning into a side road. Jiang Qiao uses a Talisman to dispel the ghost.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his calm and decisive nature, as well as his knowledge of the supernatural world.
• The driver shows courage and obedience, following Jiang Qiao's orders without question, earning his praise.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and unpredictability of the supernatural world.
• The importance of adaptability and courage in facing the supernatural.
• The power dynamics between Jiang Qiao and his team, with Jiang Qiao taking a dominant role.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao gives clear instructions and shows confidence in his decisions, which the driver follows without question.
• The doctors in the car are nervous but follow Jiang Qiao's lead, showing trust in his abilities.
• Jiang Qiao shows no fear or hesitation in dealing with the supernatural threats they encounter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao and a group of doctors travel through a city filled with malevolent ghosts.
• They encounter various supernatural phenomena, such as a woman with a black umbrella, children leaving bloody footprints, and old grandmothers pushing carts filled with rotten human heads.
• Jiang Qiao uses talismans to dispel the ghosts, but their numbers are overwhelming, and more appear after each encounter.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his power and knowledge about malevolent spirits, showing calm and confidence in the face of danger.
• The doctors become increasingly uneasy and worried as they encounter more supernatural phenomena.

Significant Themes

• The power of life and hope, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
• The dangers of human civilization falling into the hands of malevolent spirits.
• The potential for great omens and terrifying malevolent spirits in major cities.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao reassures the doctors, providing information and encouragement to keep their spirits up.
• The doctors rely on Jiang Qiao for protection and guidance, expressing their fears and concerns to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao and his group travel for three days without encountering any significant threats.
• They reach Ancheng on the fourth day and enter the city after checks.
• Jiang Qiao decides to observe the city's situation before contacting authorities or rescuing Yang Lulu.
• He learns about Ancheng's strict measures to maintain public safety, involving severe punishment for troublemakers.
• Jiang Qiao encounters a man whose child has been behaving strangely after being exposed to a Supernatural Event, possibly due to a Ghost Wedding Procession.
• Jiang Qiao rents an apartment from the same man, who seems anxious and doesn't recognize Jiang Qiao.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao shows curiosity and caution in exploring Ancheng, demonstrating his strategic thinking.
• The man with the troubled child shows desperation and anxiety, hinting at his family's difficulties.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Supernatural Revival on societal order and public safety.
• The struggle of families affected by Supernatural Events.
• The role of Awakeners in maintaining order and their potential for chaos.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the Uncle at the noodle shop, learning about Ancheng's public safety measures.
• He encounters the anxious man at the noodle shop and later rents an apartment from him, highlighting the man's desperation and Jiang Qiao's observant nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao, after signing a lease, hears about his landlord, Dong Wei, not returning home.
• The real estate agent mentions strange occurrences in Ancheng at night and a city curfew.
• Jiang Qiao hears unusual sounds in the underground parking lot.
• Dong Wei is trapped in the underground parking lot, which has inexplicably changed, with no exits and no signal.
• Lin Mei, Dong Wei's wife, receives a strange visit from an old man and feels uneasy, prompting her to call property management and Yao Yao Ling.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Shows concern for Dong Wei's whereabouts and seems aware of the unusual happenings in Ancheng.
• Dong Wei: Becomes trapped in an altered underground parking lot, suggesting he might be an Awakened One or have some connection to the supernatural.
• Lin Mei: Becomes increasingly worried about her husband and is sensitive to potential supernatural threats, as evidenced by her immediate call for help.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and strange occurrences in Ancheng, hinting at the city's hidden dangers.
• The fear and uncertainty that comes with the Supernatural Revival.
• The importance of community and mutual support, as seen in Lin Mei's call for help.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the real estate agent: They discuss Dong Wei's disappearance and the strange happenings in Ancheng.
• Lin Mei and the old man: Their interaction highlights Lin Mei's unease and the old man's strange behavior.
• Lin Mei and Yao Yao Ling: Lin Mei's call to Yao Yao Ling demonstrates her trust in the Relevant Department and her need for reassurance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mei feels an eerie presence in her neighborhood and home.
• She discovers the outside world is deserted, and her phone calls go unanswered.
• She remembers a warning about unusual situations indicating malevolent ghost presence.
• She decides to escape through the balcony, but encounters a grotesque face upstairs.
• She realizes the ghost has entered her home and decides to face it directly.

Character Developments

• Lin Mei evolves from a frightened woman to a determined one, accepting her situation and deciding to confront the ghost.
• Her love for her son, Yang Yang, drives her to take action despite her fear.

Significant Themes

• Fear and determination: Lin Mei's fear is palpable, but she finds the resolve to face her fear.
• Supernatural presence: The ghost's presence and the deserted neighborhood highlight the supernatural theme.
• Acceptance of the inevitable: Lin Mei accepts that she might die but decides to face her fate head-on.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mei interacts with the ghost indirectly, feeling its presence but not seeing it clearly until it appears upstairs.
• She also tries to interact with Yao Yao Ling through phone calls, but the calls go unanswered, emphasizing her isolation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dong Wei escapes from a haunted underground parking lot and hails a taxi to Financial Street.
• He notices the eerie emptiness of the streets and the old, talkative taxi driver.
• During the ride, Dong Wei receives a mysterious call with strange noises, and the taxi driver disappears, replaced by a ghostly figure.
• A horrifying woman ghost appears in the back seat, resembling Dong Wei's wife, Lin Mei.
• Jiang Qiao, meanwhile, reflects on Ancheng's prosperity despite being surrounded by Fallen Zones.

Character Developments

• Dong Wei: Becomes increasingly paranoid and terrified as he encounters supernatural events, culminating in a panic attack in the taxi.
• Taxi Driver: Revealed to be a ghost in disguise, luring Dong Wei into a trap.
• Jiang Qiao: Shows relief and appreciation for the normalcy of Ancheng after his traumatic experiences.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural encounters and their impact on mental state (Dong Wei's descent into terror).
• The resilience of humanity in the face of supernatural threats (Ancheng's prosperity despite its location).

Character Interactions

• Dong Wei and the Taxi Driver: Initially, Dong Wei is wary of the old driver, but as the driver talks, Dong Wei's tension eases. However, this trust is betrayed when the driver is revealed to be a ghost.
• Jiang Qiao's internal monologue: He reflects on Ancheng's unusual state of affairs, contrasting it with his own experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Mei, after descending the fire escape, finds the street deserted and extremely cold.
• She enters a mutton restaurant, drinks an entire large pot of mutton soup, and becomes severely burned and bloated.
• She calls her husband, Dong Wei, who hangs up without recognizing her.
• Lin Mei gets into a taxi, driven by a Paper Figure, with Dong Wei in the passenger seat.
• The next afternoon, Jiang Qiao returns to find police investigating a death case involving Lin Mei and Dong Wei, both deceased in the taxi.
• The police suspect a supernatural encounter, specifically a Ghost Wall, and plan to investigate the underground garage.

Character Developments

• Lin Mei: Initially panicked and desperate, she becomes obsessed with warmth and consumes an excessive amount of mutton soup, leading to her death.
• Dong Wei: Disappears after signing a lease, later found dead in the taxi with his wife.
• Jiang Qiao: Returns to find the police investigation and eavesdrops on their conversation, learning about the supernatural cause of death.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural encounters and their consequences.
• The impact of obsession and desperation on one's actions.
• The fear and uncertainty caused by the sudden appearance of supernatural events.

Character Interactions

• Lin Mei and Dong Wei: Their strained relationship is hinted at, with Dong Wei not recognizing Lin Mei's voice and Lin Mei expressing frustration at not being able to rely on him.
• Jiang Qiao and the Police: Jiang Qiao eavesdrops on the police investigation, learning about the case and the supernatural cause of death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ancheng, despite its calm surface, is experiencing strange and unsettling incidents, such as reanimated corpses, a corpse with numerous stab wounds, and an elevator filled with minced meat.
• Jiang Qiao encounters a Ghost Wall while climbing the stairs, and later encounters an unclean dog-like creature.
• He discovers an empty apartment on the twenty-fourth floor with a coffin and incense burner.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his supernatural abilities, including true sight and the "Lightning Thunder Fist."
• He shows a lack of interest in getting involved in the city's supernatural events, preferring to let professionals handle them.

Significant Themes

• The coexistence of the supernatural and the mundane in Ancheng.
• The tension between Jiang Qiao's desire for peace and the supernatural disturbances around him.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with the Relevant Department, learning about Yang Lulu's status.
• He has no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, but his actions (calling the Special Department) will likely lead to interactions with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang An, a Dual Awakener and Peak Second Order official, investigates a supernatural event at a residential building.
• The building's elevator is suspected to be haunted, with the car moving on its own and stopping at the twenty-third floor.
• Wang An and his team seal off the building and visit the home of the deceased, Dong Wei and Lin Mei, on the twenty-third floor.

Character Developments

• Wang An is introduced as an experienced and powerful Dual Awakener, with a record of defeating Malevolent Ghosts.
• Lu Ren and Long Tao, both Awakened individuals, join Wang An on the investigation, showcasing their respect and trust in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural events and their impact on the human world.
• The role of the Relevant Department in investigating and managing supernatural occurrences.
• The fear and uncertainty associated with the unknown and the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Wang An, Lu Ren, and Long Tao work together, with Wang An leading the investigation and the others following his orders.
• Wang An demonstrates his experience and authority, making decisions and issuing commands without hesitation.
• Lu Ren and Long Tao show deference to Wang An's expertise and leadership.