Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi focuses on accumulating food supplies for the upcoming Special Trial.
• He plans to steadily gain points each month to improve his Ladder of Audience score and become a Chosen of the Gods.
• Cheng Shi notices a countdown and invitation on the Fool's Society golden card, indicating a mysterious gathering organized by a player calling themselves a fool.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi becomes more determined to improve his score and understand the Faith Game's essence.
• He shows caution and strategic thinking in his point-gaining plan.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and knowledge within the Faith Game.
• The mysterious nature of the deities and the Faith Game's purpose.
• The importance of information and networking among players.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi reflects on his conversation with Hong Lin about the Fool's Society and the Fated organization.
• He anticipates meeting a Clown or Fate Weaver at the Fool's Society gathering.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi prepares for a Prayer Trial to gain a mental power boost before a meeting.
• He observes the Chosen of the Gods for each faith, gathering intelligence.
• He initiates a trial, praying for a short, safe, and easy [Prosperity] trial, but is instead matched with a [Procreation] trial.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi shows strategic thinking and caution in preparing for the trial.
• He expresses concern and curiosity about his neighbor, Xie Yang, and Xiao Yuan.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation of the Faith Game's rules for personal gain.
• The unpredictable nature of the trials and their objectives.
• The diverse behaviors and alignments of the Chosen of the Gods.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi reflects on his interactions with other Chosen of the Gods, particularly Hu Xuan and Big Cat.
• He speculates about the relationship between Xie Yang and Xiao Yuan, showing empathy and concern.
• He communicates with his Benefactor, Destiny, through prayer, expressing his frustration with the trial's unexpected change.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with Cheng Shi waking up in a room filled with the scent of Infant Bell Flowers, a rare flower associated with prayers for children in the Life Era.
• Cheng Shi and five other players find themselves in Dolgo D, a small city in the Dolgo Empire, wearing church robes with totem emblems.
• They realize they are in a trial of [Procreation], which is unexpected and potentially challenging.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi, a [Life] Mage, is initially surprised and concerned about the trial's nature but decides to be friendly and make allies.
• Gou Feng, a Chieftain (Warrior of [Procreation]), is introduced as a bold, uninhibited player who doesn't hide his profession or his wish for equipment.
• A young man dressed like an Assassin's Creed character is curious about Gou Feng's lack of equipment.
• A plumber-like player with squinted eyes is introduced, sizing up Cheng Shi since he woke up.

Significant Themes

• The unexpected nature of the trial and the players' reactions to it.
• The power dynamics and potential challenges in a [Procreation] trial.
• The importance of making allies in a trial.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Gou Feng have a friendly exchange, with Gou Feng expressing his liking for Cheng Shi, which makes Cheng Shi uncomfortable.
• The young Assassin's Creed-like player asks Gou Feng about his wish.
• The plumber-like player is shown sizing up Cheng Shi, indicating potential tension or interest between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi, a Life Mage, meets his trial teammates, including Zhang Jizu, a Life Priest with a high score, and Scorpion, an Assassin who is revealed to be an Another Day Assassin.
• A Foolishness believer provokes the group, leading to humorous exchanges, particularly between him and Zhang Jizu.
• Scorpion reveals he's an Another Day Assassin, causing the group to be more vigilant.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi: Shows sharp wit and intelligence, aiming to establish a formidable image.
• Zhang Jizu: Demonstrates quick thinking and a sharp tongue, effectively handling the Foolishness believer's provocation.
• Scorpion: Reveals his true profession as an Another Day Assassin, showing cunning and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• Intelligence and wit: Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu's quick thinking and clever responses highlight the importance of intelligence in their professions.
• Vigilance: The revelation of Scorpion's profession as an Another Day Assassin underscores the need for caution and awareness in the trial.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu: They bond over their shared Life Path and high scores, with Zhang Jizu's humor providing comic relief.
• Cheng Shi and Scorpion: Cheng Shi exposes Scorpion's true profession, leading to a tense interaction.
• Zhang Jizu and the Foolishness believer: Zhang Jizu's calm and witty responses defuse the Foolishness believer's provocation, leading to a humorous exchange.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces Mo Shu, a Scavenger who believes in [Annihilation], but instead of destroying, he creates pastries as an offering to his Benefactor.
• Cheng Shi, a Necromancer, accepts and enjoys Mo Shu's pastries, while others remain wary.
• Cheng Shi reveals he prayed to make friends in the trial, and Zhang Jizu hints at praying for an unknown friend.
• Cheng Shi shares his knowledge of Dolgo D, a city that advocates for equal procreation rights, where gender can be changed through prayer.
• Cheng Shi leads the team out of the church, with Zhang Jizu following and contemplating Cheng Shi's role in the trial's danger.

Character Developments

• Mo Shu: Reveals his unique interpretation of [Annihilation] through creating pastries, showing a peaceful and sincere demeanor.
• Cheng Shi: Demonstrates his knowledge of Dolgo D, acting as a guide, and shows no fear of death, eating Mo Shu's pastries without hesitation.
• Zhang Jizu: Shows curiosity and amusement towards Cheng Shi, and hints at his mysterious prayer.

Significant Themes

• The interpretation and practice of faith: Mo Shu's unique approach to [Annihilation] and the city of Dolgo D's focus on [Procreation].
• Trust and vigilance: The team's initial wariness of Mo Shu's offerings and Cheng Shi's fearlessness in eating them.
• The consequences of one's actions: The potential danger Cheng Shi mentioned in the trial and Zhang Jizu's contemplation of his role as a bodyguard.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Mo Shu: Cheng Shi accepts and praises Mo Shu's pastries, while Mo Shu is surprised and relieved at Cheng Shi's trust.
• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu: Zhang Jizu shows curiosity and amusement towards Cheng Shi, while Cheng Shi shares his knowledge of Dolgo D.
• The team: The team members show varying reactions to Mo Shu's pastries, from wariness to acceptance, and follow Cheng Shi as he leads them out of the church.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The trial of [Procreation] is underway, focusing on "birth" and "nurture," with the trial's difficulty lying in its mind-bending events rather than solving problems.
• Cheng Shi, the guide, leads his team to a speedrun, aiming to complete the trial quickly. Their destination is the Evil Infant Tribunal, an institution within the Divine Nurturing Church responsible for identifying and handling impious unborn children.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi: He demonstrates his knowledge of the era's history and the trial's objective, showing strategic thinking and leadership by planning a speedrun and assessing his teammates' strengths.
• Gou Feng: He exhibits analytical skills by deducing the trial's objective and understanding the history of the era.
• The team: They show curiosity and engagement in uncovering historical truths.

Significant Themes

• The trial's focus on "birth" and "nurture" explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of actions.
• The high wall surrounding the Evil Infant Tribunal symbolizes the protection of the staff's safety, raising questions about justice, morality, and the potential misjudgment of innocence.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi interacts with his team members, leading them, assessing their strengths, and engaging them in conversation to maintain team morale and cohesion.
• Gou Feng interacts with Cheng Shi, demonstrating his analytical skills and contributing to the team's understanding of the trial.
• The team interacts with each other, showing curiosity, engagement, and a sense of camaraderie as they explore the trial's location together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jizu learns from his Benefactor, Deception, that he must protect Cheng Shi, a follower of Destiny, who is now a Wood Elf.
• Cheng Shi joins a team with Zhang Jizu, Gou Feng, Mo Shu, and an unnamed Assassin Scorpion to investigate a Divine Nurturing Church courtyard.
• The team discovers the courtyard is empty, and Cheng Shi suspects something amiss.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jizu: Realizes he's been tricked by Cheng Shi and finds amusement in watching others being deceived.
• Cheng Shi: Displays his cunning and adaptability, using his Clown abilities to deceive and outmaneuver his teammates.
• The unnamed Assassin Scorpion: Shows caution and keen senses, listening for sounds within the wall.

Significant Themes

• Deception and truth: Cheng Shi's lies contrast with Zhang Jizu's initial honesty, highlighting the theme of deception and its consequences.
• Trust and suspicion: The team members' interactions are marked by a lack of trust, with each suspecting the other of hiding their true faith.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jizu and Cheng Shi: Their interactions are marked by deception and mutual suspicion, with both trying to outwit the other.
• The team: The team members display a lack of trust, with each trying to figure out the other's true faith and intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu explore the abandoned Evil Infant Tribunal, finding signs of recent activity.
• They discover archives detailing brutal methods used by the Tribunal to deal with evil infants.
• They find fresh footprints leading upstairs, indicating Gou Feng was in a hurry and possibly being chased.
• A terrifying scream echoes from upstairs, prompting both to retreat for safety and wait for Gou Feng to calm down.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi (Steady Cheng): Cheng Shi is revealed to be the Master of Trickery, a Mage specializing in deception. He shows caution and strategic thinking, prioritizing safety over immediate action.
• Zhang Jizu (Steady Zhang): Zhang Jizu is revealed to be a Gravedigger, a profession that requires caution and management skills. He shows understanding and acceptance of Cheng Shi's true identity, indicating he's open-minded and adaptable.

Significant Themes

• Caution and Cunning: Both Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu exhibit caution and strategic thinking, prioritizing safety and planning over immediate action.
• Trust and Identity: The revelation of each other's true identities leads to a moment of trust between Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu, highlighting the importance of trust in their alliance.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu: The two form a temporary alliance, understanding and accepting each other's true identities. They communicate effectively, showing mutual respect and understanding, which leads to a shared strategy to deal with the situation at hand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu return to the inner hall after hearing a scream.
• They find no one else in the courtyard, only a scream echoing.
• They suspect Scorpion, a Time's Assassin, is hunting.
• They discover a trail of footprints leading to the second floor.
• The second floor is dimly lit, with a maze of bookshelves and a ceiling covered in hanging infant corpses, swaying like wind chimes.
• They find a large pool of blood and Gou Feng's severed hand, with his body slumped nearby.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi: Becomes more vigilant and cautious, shows concern for his teammates, and maintains his deceptive nature.
• Zhang Jizu: Demonstrates his piety and dedication to his role as a Priest, shows analytical skills, and maintains a calm demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Partnership: Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu tacitly become partners, trusting each other despite their initial reservations.
• Deception and Truth: Cheng Shi's deceptive nature is highlighted, and Zhang Jizu's honesty contrasts with it.
• The Roughness of Civilizations: The methods used by the Divine Nurturing Church are discussed, reflecting the rough nature of civilizations in the Life Era.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu: They work together, with Cheng Shi taking the lead and Zhang Jizu providing analysis and support. Their dynamic is one of mutual respect and understanding, with Zhang Jizu occasionally calling out Cheng Shi's lies.
• Cheng Shi and Gou Feng: Cheng Shi shows concern for Gou Feng's safety, but Gou Feng remains silent, leading to Cheng Shi's frustration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu find a decapitated hand and a corpse resembling Gou Feng, a Chieftain with 2400 points, in the courthouse.
• Zhang Jizu deduces that the corpse is not Gou Feng himself but a newborn created by Gou Feng using his [Procreation] talent.
• Cheng Shi uses a bone hairpin gifted by Death to revive the corpse and learn about the events leading to its death.
• They discover that the Scavenger (Mo Shu) killed the newborn, but the reason behind this action is unclear.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi: Shows curiosity and caution in investigating the case. He reveals that he has authority over "Vitality" and possesses a bone hairpin gifted by Death.
• Zhang Jizu (Gravedigger): Reveals that he is a pure healer, relying on life-saving skills and items to survive trials. He expresses disbelief at Cheng Shi's bone hairpin, suspecting it might be a creation of Death.

Significant Themes

• Investigation and Deduction: Both characters use their skills and knowledge to investigate and deduce the events leading to the deaths.
• Trust and Alliance: Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu start to trust each other more, sharing information and working together to solve the case.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu: They work together to investigate the case, with Zhang Jizu providing medical and deductive expertise, and Cheng Shi using his bone hairpin to revive the corpse and ask questions.
• Cheng Shi and Death: Cheng Shi reveals that he has an item gifted by Death, which Zhang Jizu finds surprising and suspicious.
• Zhang Jizu and Death: Zhang Jizu ponders about the bone hairpin's connection to Death and his Benefactor's possible involvement with Memory.

Plot Events

• Scorpion, injured by Mo Shu, is rescued by Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu.
• Scorpion reveals Mo Shu's sudden, unprovoked attack and his inability to deduce the future during his injury.
• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu discuss Mo Shu's strange behavior and suspect a high-scoring [Annihilation] Warrior or a follower of [Deception] or [Chaos].
• They mention Li Jingming, the former [Memory] Chosen of the Gods, now [Deception], hinting he might be the mysterious Scavenger.

Character Developments

• Scorpion: Shows gratitude towards his rescuers but remains wary. Reveals his automatic defense mechanism and lack of backup.
• Cheng Shi: Shows cunning and curiosity, trying to break the ice with Scorpion. Suspects Mo Shu's identity and connects him to Li Jingming.
• Zhang Jizu: Practical and analytical. Recognizes the mysterious Scavenger's potential connection to Li Jingming.

Significant Themes

• Trust and wariness among trial participants.
• The mysterious identity of the Scavenger and his potential connection to Li Jingming.
• The power dynamics and potential divine connections of the characters.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu work together to rescue and heal Scorpion.
• Scorpion shares his experience with Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu, revealing his deduction talent and lack of backup.
• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu discuss Mo Shu's strange behavior and suspect his identity, mentioning Li Jingming.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gou Feng's death is revealed; he was killed by a short spear, not [Annihilation]'s power.
• Cheng Shi, Zhang Jizu, and Scorpion decide to leave the Tribunal, taking some files with them.
• They encounter the follower of Foolishness, who is disguised as a woman.

Character Developments

• Scorpion proves his innocence regarding Gou Feng's death.
• Cheng Shi struggles with whether to take the files or not, ultimately deciding to look for information about staff members instead.
• The follower of Foolishness is revealed to be a woman.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion among teammates.
• The search for clues and information in the trial.
• Disguise and deception.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu work together to solve the case and decide their next steps.
• Scorpion interacts with the other two, proving his innocence and showing his willingness to cooperate.
• Cheng Shi and the follower of Foolishness have a tense interaction, with Cheng Shi revealing her true gender to Scorpion and Zhang Jizu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters a Foolishness believer, Gao Ya, who initially appears arrogant and sarcastic.
• Cheng Shi and Gao Ya engage in a verbal sparring match, revealing that Gao Ya is a Soloist (Singer) of Foolishness.
• Cheng Shi shares information about the missing baker being a Chosen of the Gods of Annihilation, trying to intimidate Gao Ya.
• Cheng Shi, Zhang Jizu, and Scorpion work together to capture Gao Ya, using Zhang Jizu's healing spell as a binding attack and Scorpion's time power to restrain her.
• Cheng Shi attempts to climb over the iron gate but is thrown over by Zhang Jizu, landing in front of the squinty-eyed man.

Character Developments

• Gao Ya: Initially portrayed as proud and sarcastic, she reveals herself to be a skilled and observant Soloist. Her pride leads her to underestimate her opponents, resulting in her capture.
• Cheng Shi: Demonstrates quick thinking, sarcastic wit, and strategic planning. He uses information to intimidate Gao Ya and works with his team to capture her.
• Zhang Jizu: Shows immense strength and strategic thinking. He uses his healing spell as a binding attack, revealing his versatility as a healer.
• Scorpion: Displays stealth and precision in using his time power to restrain Gao Ya.

Significant Themes

• The power of information and intelligence in strategic planning and combat.
• The dangers of underestimating opponents and the importance of teamwork.
• The complexity of characters, as Gao Ya's initial arrogance belies her skill and intelligence.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Gao Ya: Engage in a verbal sparring match, revealing their intelligence and wit. Despite their initial hostility, they consider cooperation.
• Cheng Shi, Zhang Jizu, and Scorpion: Work together to capture Gao Ya, demonstrating their teamwork and strategic thinking.
• Zhang Jizu and Cheng Shi: Zhang Jizu shows his strength and strategic thinking by throwing Cheng Shi over the gate and using his healing spell as a binding attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi, Zhang Jizu, and Scorpion return to the church lounge with Gao Ya, whom Cheng Shi has captured.
• Cheng Shi explains that Dolgo D's laws only ensure equal reproductive rights, allowing citizens to act outrageously without consequence.
• He shares an unofficial history about a woman who preserved her husband's "Procreation Authority" using the "Divine Seeding Technique" of the Wuda Rioters.
• Gao Ya reveals that the story is true and relates it to the Three Crow Tribe in the Life Era.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi: Shows his cunning by understanding Gao Ya's scheme and turning the tables on her.
• Gao Ya: Reveals her desire to cooperate with the team and her knowledge of the Life Era's history.
• Zhang Jizu: Shows wariness towards Gao Ya, hinting at his perceptiveness and caution.
• Scorpion: Demonstrates his eagerness to learn and his naivety about the Life Era's history.

Significant Themes

• The absurdity of reality in the Life Era and the Isle of Hope.
• The importance of history and its influence on the present.
• The manipulation of emotions and beliefs, as seen in Gao Ya's use of her [Foolishness] talent.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Gao Ya: Engage in a subtle power struggle, with Cheng Shi ultimately gaining the upper hand.
• Zhang Jizu and Cheng Shi: Show mutual respect and understanding, with Zhang Jizu acknowledging Cheng Shi's counterattack.
• Scorpion and everyone: Acts as the group's eyes and ears, showing eagerness to learn and cooperate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Three Crow Tribe was the first human civilization, worshipping [Procreation] and ruling the northern Isle of Hope.
• An unknown incident caused a schism, leading to the formation of three groups: Wulun, Wuda, and Wuma.
• Wulun nomads migrated north, worshipping the strongest [He] for protection.
• Wuda group believed they were the most noble bloodline, creating the [Divine Seeding Technique] to preserve their lineage.
• Wuma group created "Umbilical Cord Shackles" for atonement, reverting users to a stillborn state.
• Cheng Shi and Gou Feng realize the Wuma people might be the stillborn infants in Dolgo D.
• Cheng Shi and Gao Ya's interactions reveal she might have already achieved her trial objective.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu demonstrate their intelligence and observational skills.
• Gao Ya shows signs of frustration and evasiveness, hinting at her true trial objective.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of religious schisms and the persistence of ancient beliefs.
• The struggle for power and survival among different groups.
• The exploration of gender identity and freedom.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu exchange glances, understanding each other's thoughts.
• Cheng Shi and Gao Ya engage in verbal sparring, with Cheng Shi getting the upper hand.
• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu realize Gao Ya might have achieved her trial objective.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group visits the church to find information about the Evil Infant Tribunal's staff.
• Cheng Shi meets Tullatin, the son of the current Church Leader, disguised as a church staff member.
• Tullatin reveals the true history of the Evil Infant Tribunal and the Divine Seeding Technique.
• It's revealed that the Tribunal was established to control and manipulate citizens, not to punish blasphemy against an Evil Infant.
• Tullatin offers to help the group, hoping they will destroy the current system in Dolgo D.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi: Shows adaptability and quick thinking in extracting information from Tullatin.
• Tullatin: Reveals his disillusionment with the church and his desire for change in Dolgo D.
• Gao Ya: Demonstrates her intelligence and quick wit by recognizing Tullatin's identity.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and fanaticism.
• The struggle between personal freedom and religious dogma.
• The consequences of manipulating and controlling citizens in the name of faith.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Tullatin: Cheng Shi initially sees Tullatin as a useful informant, but their dynamic changes when Tullatin reveals his identity and offers help.
• Gao Ya and Cheng Shi: Gao Ya shows her intelligence and supports Cheng Shi's actions, further solidifying their alliance.
• Tullatin and the group: Tullatin sees the group as potential agents of change in Dolgo D, leading to his offer of assistance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi convinces Tullatin, the son of the Divine Nurturing Church's leader, to join their cause by introducing him to the concept of "Embrace Desire" and the deity [Filth Fall].
• They plan to find and protect a Newborn, referred to as the Holy Infant of [Filth Fall], who is about to be born.
• Tullatin agrees to help find the Holy Infant, believing it aligns with his personal desires and the will of [Filth Fall].

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi demonstrates his persuasive skills and understanding of human psychology, using Tullatin's desire for freedom and pleasure to recruit him.
• Tullatin, initially skeptical of faith, becomes enthusiastic about [Filth Fall] after learning about its acceptance of desire and individuality.

Significant Themes

• The theme of faith and its influence on individuals and society is explored through the contrast between [Procreation] and [Filth Fall].
• The importance of personal desires and freedom is emphasized, challenging the strict religious doctrines of the Isle of Hope.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Tullatin: Cheng Shi successfully recruits Tullatin by appealing to his personal desires and introducing him to the concept of [Filth Fall].
• Zhang Jizu, Scorpion, and Gao Ya: They remain silent as Cheng Shi recruits Tullatin, each processing the events in their own way. Zhang Jizu is skeptical, Scorpion is confused, and Gao Ya admires Cheng Shi's courage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The trial against the Evil Infant Tribunal turns out to be a sham, leading the Players to realize that Dolgo D never had any legitimate evil infants.
• Tullatin, the son of the Head Priest, enters the scene, offering to steal the procreation records list before midnight.
• Cheng Shi suggests the team change their appearances to avoid detection, and they temporarily separate.
• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu secretly observe Tullatin obtaining the list, but he becomes distressed upon finding no recent citizens due to give birth, nor any record of the Holy Infant.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi shows caution and strategic thinking, suspecting Tullatin's motives and deciding to investigate further.
• Zhang Jizu demonstrates loyalty and professionalism, following Cheng Shi without question.
• Tullatin reveals his desperation to find the Holy Infant, hinting at a deeper connection or belief.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Trust: Cheng Shi's suspicion of Tullatin highlights the theme of deception and the difficulty in trusting others, especially in unexpected situations.
• The Unknown: The absence of the Holy Infant and recent births adds an element of mystery and the unknown, driving the plot forward.
• Religion and Belief: The search for the Holy Infant and Tullatin's distress at its absence emphasize the importance of religious beliefs and their impact on characters.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu work together, with Zhang Jizu supporting Cheng Shi's decisions without question.
• Cheng Shi and Tullatin's interaction is brief but tense, as Cheng Shi watches Tullatin's actions suspiciously.
• The team's temporary separation allows for individual actions and thoughts, highlighting their unique perspectives and motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu discuss the possible scenarios for the trial's target: an illegal birth or an extraordinary birth.
• Cheng Shi asks Zhang Jizu for help in protecting Gou Feng, the Chieftain.
• Zhang Jizu reveals he was sent by the God of Merriment and gives Cheng Shi a life-saving puppet.
• Zhang Jizu jumps from a tall building to reach the Evil Infant Tribunal.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shi shows concern for Gou Feng's safety and is willing to make a backup plan.
• Zhang Jizu reveals he's been sent by the God of Merriment and is more open to helping Cheng Shi.
• Cheng Shi confesses to having a secondary personality that believes in [Destiny].

Significant Themes

• Trust and Alliances: Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu form an alliance, showing trust in each other despite their initial reservations.
• Divine Intervention: The involvement of the Gods of Merriment and Death hints at the divine nature of the trial and the potential fusion of their beliefs.
• Identity and Deception: Cheng Shi's revelation about his secondary personality adds depth to his character and the theme of deception.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Zhang Jizu: They form an uneasy alliance, with Cheng Shi trying to convince Zhang Jizu to help him, and Zhang Jizu being cautious but eventually agreeing.
• Cheng Shi and Gou Feng: Cheng Shi expresses concern for Gou Feng's safety, showing a level of care for his teammate.
• Cheng Shi and Tullatin: Cheng Shi approaches Tullatin, hinting at potential interaction or conflict between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shi and Tullatin sneak into the Pope's office.
• Tullatin reveals he's the Pope's son.
• Cheng Shi confesses he fabricated the news about the Holy Infant's descent.
• Tullatin becomes enraged and distressed, but Cheng Shi convinces him that crafting the Holy Infant is not blasphemy but an offering to the New God.
• Tullatin agrees to help Cheng Shi obtain the Birth Descendant Technique from the church's library to create the Holy Infant.

Character Developments

• Tullatin: Initially skeptical of religion, he becomes a devout follower of the Filth Fall after learning about the Holy Infant. His faith is shaken when he learns the news was fabricated, but he ultimately accepts Cheng Shi's interpretation and becomes committed to creating the Holy Infant.
• Cheng Shi: He remains calm and composed throughout the conversation, manipulating Tullatin to achieve his goals. He reveals his plan to create a Holy Infant to complete his trial task.

Significant Themes

• Faith and Belief: The chapter explores how people's beliefs can be shaped and manipulated, and how faith can be transferred from one object to another.
• Deception and Truth: Cheng Shi uses deception to sway Tullatin, raising questions about the nature of truth and how it can be constructed.
• Power and Manipulation: Cheng Shi demonstrates his ability to manipulate Tullatin, highlighting the dynamics of power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shi and Tullatin: Their interaction is marked by tension and manipulation. Cheng Shi uses Tullatin's emotions and beliefs to convince him to aid in creating the Holy Infant. Tullatin, initially skeptical, becomes fully committed to the cause after Cheng Shi's persuasive arguments.