Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su discovers that the fishing horn sound, while amplifying his spiritual power, also has drawbacks. It depletes his spiritual power quickly and allows contamination from the painting to infect him.
• Through the contamination, Han Su experiences fragments of history: a post-apocalyptic world where people are driven underground by radiation and flares, and some develop into anomalous consciousnesses that can possess others.
• The painting itself is a residue of these anomalous consciousnesses, capable of possessing anyone who comes into contact with it.
• Han Su realizes that the pollution from the painting has exposed his vulnerabilities: his fragmented spiritual power and high mental vitality that's not been built up gradually.

Character Developments

• Han Su gains insight into his own strengths and weaknesses, particularly his fragmented spiritual power and the need to build mental vitality gradually.
• He understands that the pollution from the painting is a manifestation of simple "mutations" or ghosts, which leads him to remember the Ghost Princess and her candles.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences is explored through the fishing horn sound's drawbacks.
• The idea of adaptation and evolution is shown through the anomalous consciousnesses that emerge from the radiation.
• The importance of gradual growth and foundation-building is highlighted through Han Su's realization about his mental vitality.

Character Interactions

• Han Su interacts with the remnants of the anomalous consciousnesses from the painting, experiencing their history and despair.
• He also interacts with his own mental state, realizing his vulnerabilities and strengths.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su's contamination from the painting is resolved, and his mental activity increases by 5%.
• A D7 member, Jackal, attacks Han Su with a steel rebar, using a Zero Sequence incantation to enhance his strength.
• Sawtooth, another D7 member, joins the attack, and they coordinate to corner Han Su.
• Han Su uses the Fishing Horn to evade their attacks and counterattacks, severely injuring Sawtooth.
• Iron Hook, another D7 member, enters and uses the Banshee sequence, possessing a female ghost to enhance his ferocity.
• The injured Jackal and Sawtooth use healing incantations to restore their injuries.
• Ripper, the most dangerous D7 inmate, enters the scene, pausing the impending conflict.

Character Developments

• Han Su's mental activity increases, allowing him to activate the power within the scorched scars.
• The D7 members display advanced Zero Sequence incantations and sequences, indicating their high-level training.

Significant Themes

• The power of mental activity and incantations in combat.
• The consequences of contamination and the need for resolution.
• The danger posed by the D7 members and their willingness to attack an investigator.

Character Interactions

• Han Su faces off against multiple D7 members, showcasing his combat skills and strategic thinking.
• The D7 members coordinate their attacks against Han Su, demonstrating their teamwork and use of Zero Sequence incantations.
• Ripper's entrance serves as a wildcard, pausing the conflict and adding an element of unpredictability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The execution captain discovers that D7s have set up a second barrier, blocking radio communication and control.
• The Doctor deduces that the D7s might have been bribed to target the investigators and that they have been experimented on with the powers of the Disaster Management Bureau's three great sequences.
• Han Su encounters the three D7s (Iron Hook, Jackal, and Sawtooth) and the bowl cut in the storage room. The D7s reveal their intention to kill Han Su for sport.
• Han Su engages in combat with the D7s, using his Giant's Eye and Bronze Cross abilities. The Jackal and Sawtooth use a Sea Beasts sequence power, creating a foul, gas-like attack.

Character Developments

• The Doctor remains calm and composed under pressure, showing his analytical skills and confidence in Han Su's abilities.
• Han Su demonstrates his combat prowess and strategic thinking, using the situation to his advantage and showing no mercy towards the D7s.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: The D7s' use of the barrier and their defiance of orders highlight the theme of power and control. Han Su's ability to counter their power and maintain control over the situation is also emphasized.
• Corruption and Manipulation: The revelation that the D7s were experimented on and potentially bribed to target Han Su underscores the theme of corruption and manipulation within the system.

Character Interactions

• The Doctor and the execution captain discuss the situation and decide to rescue Han Su, showing a level of trust and confidence in Han Su's abilities.
• Han Su's interaction with the D7s is combative and deadly, with Han Su showing no hesitation in eliminating his opponents.
• The bowl cut's presence and lack of involvement in the fight with Han Su create intrigue and anticipation for future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sawtooth, enraged by Iron Hook's death, transforms into a sea-beast-like creature.
• Jackal uses a spell to revive and control Iron Hook, creating a Mechanical Ghost.
• Han Su uses the fishing horn sound to activate his Ghost Flame, temporarily overpowering both enemies.
• Bowl Cut, previously disinterested, intervenes and defeats Jackal.
• Han Su kicks a knife to Bowl Cut, who proceeds to engage Jackal in an unknown activity.

Character Developments

• Sawtooth's transformation reveals his sea-beast ability, making him more formidable.
• Jackal's spell-casting ability is shown, reviving Iron Hook as a Mechanical Ghost.
• Bowl Cut displays sudden interest and intervention, suggesting a change in his mental state.
• Han Su's Ghost Flame power is further explored, revealing its invasive capabilities and mental vitality requirement.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Three Great Sequences.
• The importance of mental vitality in using certain abilities.
• The theme of intervention and interest, as seen in Bowl Cut's sudden involvement.

Character Interactions

• Sawtooth and Jackal form a united front against Han Su.
• Han Su and Bowl Cut have a brief exchange, with Bowl Cut asking Han Su to kick a knife to him.
• Jackal pleads for help from Han Su while being confronted by Bowl Cut.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su encounters Bowl Cut, a man with a peculiar hobby of collecting human teeth and a history of violent behavior.
• Han Su deduces that Bowl Cut was sent by Miss Ai to keep an eye on him and eliminate the three D7s.
• Bowl Cut reveals his unique fighting style, relying solely on his physical skills and mental vitality, without using any cipher spells.
• Han Su uses the mechanical fragment in the briefcase to contaminate Bowl Cut, causing him to freeze and display signs of confusion and terror.

Character Developments

• Han Su demonstrates his observational skills, deductive reasoning, and combat abilities.
• Bowl Cut, or Chen Ji, shows his unique fighting style, mental vitality, and a hidden, non-human entity within him.

Significant Themes

• The power of mental vitality and its influence on the physical world.
• The consequences of extreme hobbies and obsessions.
• The struggle between human and non-human entities within a person.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Bowl Cut engage in a tense and dangerous conversation, leading to a physical altercation.
• Han Su uses his knowledge of Bowl Cut's past to provoke him, revealing his hobbies and past actions.
• Han Su uses the mechanical fragment to contaminate Bowl Cut, temporarily freezing him and causing him to display signs of confusion and terror.

Key Plot Points

• Han Su provokes the bowl cut guy, who is a member of D7, to test his mental vitality and gauge his level.
• The bowl cut guy reveals he was sentenced to D7 for committing a crime and has undergone 7 out of 22 experiments.
• Han Su learns that the bowl cut guy can take leave from D7 and offers to help him in his investigations.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows concern for the people he has rescued and is determined to investigate the kidnapping case.
• The bowl cut guy reveals his past and expresses interest in helping Han Su, despite his unusual circumstances.

Significant Themes

• The dark side of the Disaster Management Bureau and the illicit activities within D7.
• The power dynamics between D7 members and their handlers.
• The consequences of one's actions and the struggle for redemption.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and the bowl cut guy establish a tentative alliance, with the bowl cut guy offering to help Han Su in exchange for his assistance.
• Han Su and the bowl cut guy share a moment of understanding, acknowledging the start of their "war" against the forces behind the kidnapping case.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su discovers a small crystal skull in the storage room, which he believes is responsible for blocking the outside world from finding the room.
• The executor captain and others arrive, finding Han Su and the bowl cut having fought. Han Su orders the bowl cut to be left alive for questioning.
• Han Su returns to the Disaster Management Bureau, causing a stir with news of an attack on an investigator by a D7.
• Han Su submits his mission report and receives an upgrade to C-class. He asks Miss Ai about the attack and the contamination in the painting but gets vague responses.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows growth in his abilities and strategic thinking, managing to complete his mission despite the attack.
• The bowl cut remains calm and composed despite being captured, hinting at his resilience and potential importance.
• Cui Qiao shows concern for Han Su's well-being but remains evasive about the attack, suggesting she knows more than she's letting on.
• Miss Ai demonstrates a level of independence and bias towards Han Su, hinting at her unique role and priorities.

Significant Themes

• The theme of contamination and its relation to the Life Code is further explored, with Han Su's encounter with the painting's mental vitality and Miss Ai's reaction to his question.
• The theme of power dynamics and corruption within the Disaster Management Bureau is reinforced, with the attack on Han Su and the lack of immediate action or answers from Cui Qiao.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and the bowl cut have a tense standoff, with Han Su ordering the bowl cut to be left alive for questioning, hinting at a potential alliance or mutual respect.
• Han Su and Cui Qiao have a brief interaction, with Cui Qiao showing concern for Han Su but avoiding his questions about the attack.
• Han Su and Miss Ai have a conversation through the program, with Miss Ai providing vague answers to Han Su's questions about the attack and the contamination, hinting at a complex relationship and shared secrets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su discovers that Miss Ai is being secretive about the Life Code and the painting's memory fragments.
• He realizes the importance of mental vitality in controlling the mechanical fragment's pointer.
• Black Rose contacts Han Su, offering information about mental vitality and meditation techniques, but avoids meeting him.

Character Developments

• Han Su becomes more vigilant and determined to uncover the truth about the Life Code.
• Black Rose's behavior is unusual, suggesting she might be hiding something or under pressure.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and truth, even at personal risk.
• The importance of mental vitality in unlocking hidden powers and understanding the Life Code.
• The potential dangers and mysteries surrounding the Life Code and the Wasteland Ancestors.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Miss Ai's communication is cut off, leaving Han Su with unanswered questions.
• Han Su and Black Rose's conversation reveals her knowledge of mental vitality and the Life Code, but she refuses to meet him, raising suspicion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su listens to a recording of a patient's consultation with Black Rose, discussing mental vitality, spiritual awakening, and mysterious organizations.
• The patient mentions the Secret School and the Ancient Aristocrats, hinting at their power and influence.
• Black Rose shares information about mental vitality increase, linking it to life span and crises experienced.
• Han Su realizes his mental vitality increase has been slow due to his extended mental span from "flickering."

Character Developments

• Han Su becomes more curious and determined to understand the mysteries of mental vitality and the Life Code.
• Black Rose reveals she has access to extensive information related to mental vitality, hinting at her own secrets.

Significant Themes

• The struggle to increase mental vitality, especially for those with extended mental spans.
• The power dynamics and influence of mysterious organizations like the Secret School and the Ancient Aristocrats.
• The trade-off between mental vitality and mental span, with each having its own challenges.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Black Rose engage in a conversation about mental vitality, with Black Rose providing valuable insights.
• Han Su becomes suspicious of Black Rose's true identity and intentions after she reveals she knows about the "flicker."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su realizes the value of the oil painting "Round Table Altar" and its impact on his mental vitality.
• He reports to the base and learns that the department responsible for the Nail of the Dead Sea's tampering has been suspended due to evidence linking them to the incident.
• Zhang Chiguo informs Han Su that the person behind the attack on him is not the mutated monster but someone within the Disaster Management Bureau.
• Han Su learns that the department suspended by Zhang Chiguo has gone on strike due to his involvement in the investigation.
• Secretary Cui Qiao reveals that the death row inmate codenamed Ripper from D7, who was captured during Han Su's mission, has caused significant destruction at the D7 base.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows curiosity and initiative in understanding mental vitality and its importance in mysterious power training.
• Zhang Chiguo demonstrates concern for Han Su's safety and provides guidance on his investigation.
• Secretary Cui Qiao shows a more personal side, expressing worry for Han Su's safety and revealing her investigation into the attack on him.
• Ripper, the death row inmate, is introduced as a formidable and dangerous individual.

Significant Themes

• The power and importance of mental vitality in mysterious power training.
• The dangers and consequences of provoking powerful enemies within the Disaster Management Bureau.
• The theme of investigation and uncovering the truth behind the attacks on Han Su.

Character Interactions

• Han Su interacts with Zhang Chiguo, seeking information and guidance on his investigation.
• Han Su interacts with Secretary Cui Qiao, questioning her about mental vitality and learning about the strike against him and the destruction caused by Ripper.
• The researcher-like individual shows dissatisfaction towards Han Su, hinting at a potential conflict between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su's chaotic encounter with a D7 member leads to revelations about the power dynamics within the Disaster Management Bureau.
• Secretary Cui Qiao explains that D7 has high security clearance and operates independently, with many secrets and operational plans not accessible to investigators.
• The D7 member who caused chaos was manipulated and later realized it, leading to his rampage and the loss of crucial information.
• Han Su learns about forbidden surgeries and potions that can rapidly increase mental vitality but come with severe side effects.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows curiosity and ambition regarding rapid mental vitality increase methods.
• Secretary Cui Qiao demonstrates knowledge and concern for Han Su's well-being, warning him about the dangers of shortcuts.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and consequences of seeking power and shortcuts.
• The complex power dynamics and secrecy within the Disaster Management Bureau.
• The struggle between the Disaster Management Bureau and mysterious organizations.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and Secretary Cui Qiao discuss mental vitality increase methods and the risks involved.
• Han Su learns about the D7 member's situation and the potential consequences for the Drunk Investigator's promotion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su receives an invitation to a wine party at Lilac Mansion, hosted by the person who contacted the D7s to attack him.
• Han Su plans to use this opportunity to investigate the Living Copper Puppet further and potentially bring it home.
• He seeks Miss Ai's assistance for the potentially dangerous banquet.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows growth in his investigative skills and confidence in handling dangerous situations.
• Zhang Chiguo is revealed to have significant power and influence within the Disaster Management Bureau.
• Secretary Cui Qiao shows concern for Han Su's safety and wants him to help Zhang Chiguo.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and infighting within the Disaster Management Bureau.
• The importance of alliances and trust among investigators.
• The allure and danger of mysterious powers.

Character Interactions

• Han Su interacts with Secretary Cui Qiao, learning more about Zhang Chiguo's past and the Disaster Management Bureau's internal conflicts.
• Han Su receives an invitation from an investigator on behalf of the person who attacked him.
• Han Su seeks Miss Ai's assistance for the upcoming banquet, showing his growing reliance on her support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su visits the Lilac Mansion club, where he finds the Living Copper Puppet in the lobby.
• He meets the Drunk Investigator, who reveals that the club is a gathering place for investigators to discuss mysterious circle matters freely.
• Han Su is offered a cup of Nile Red Tea, made from a dried corpse of an ancient mutated race, which enhances mental vitality.

Character Developments

• Han Su: Maintains his composure and curiosity despite the strange environment and offerings.
• Drunk Investigator: Reveals more about the Secret School and its methods, showing a desire to recruit Han Su.

Significant Themes

• The Secret School's methods for enhancing mental vitality, contrasting with the Disaster Management Bureau's techniques.
• The importance of having one's own people and support network within the mysterious circles.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and the Drunk Investigator: Engage in a conversation where the Drunk Investigator tries to recruit Han Su to the Secret School's methods.
• Han Su and other investigators: He receives friendly glances and distant toasts from familiar faces.

Key Plot Points

• Han Su confronts the Drunk Investigator about Zhang Chiguo's situation and the Disaster Management Bureau's corruption.
• Han Su records the conversation using Miss Ai and sends it to Zhang Chiguo.
• Han Su accuses Miss Sparrow of hiring D7 to kill him, but she neither admits nor denies it.
• Han Su leaves the club, vowing to deal with Miss Sparrow and instructing the Bronze Armor Statue to kill her.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows his determination to expose the corruption within the Disaster Management Bureau and take revenge on those who wronged him.
• The Drunk Investigator reveals the power dynamics within the bureau and the consequences of opposing them.
• Miss Sparrow displays her arrogance and lack of remorse for her actions.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and the abuse of power within the Disaster Management Bureau.
• The consequences of inaction and hesitation in the face of wrongdoing.
• The struggle between morality and self-interest.

Character Interactions

• Han Su confronts the Drunk Investigator, leading to a tense standoff.
• Han Su accuses Miss Sparrow of hiring D7 to kill him, further straining their relationship.
• Han Su leaves the club, showing his determination to act independently and take revenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su leaves the club, leaving a tense atmosphere.
• Ms. Red Trench Coat and Mr. Rosy-Nose (Drunk Investigator) discuss Zhang Chiguo and Han Su, and the upcoming plan involving Night Lamp and Mr. Green Hat.
• Ms. Red Trench Coat and the Drunk Investigator reminisce about the past and the current situation.
• Ms. Red Trench Coat scolds Crow for her attitude and lack of control.
• Sparrow is attacked and lifted by the bronze armor statue in the club's lobby.
• Ms. Red Trench Coat and other investigators try to save Sparrow but are overpowered by the statue.
• The Drunk Investigator saves Ms. Red Trench Coat but is severely injured and tossed aside by the statue.

Character Developments

• Ms. Red Trench Coat shows concern for Sparrow's well-being and is willing to help her obtain an investigator's license.
• Crow displays hostility towards Sparrow and questions Ms. Red Trench Coat about her past.
• The Drunk Investigator shows up just in time to save Ms. Red Trench Coat but is gravely injured.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation among investigators.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents.
• The importance of unity and cooperation among investigators.

Character Interactions

• Ms. Red Trench Coat and the Drunk Investigator discuss their shared history and the current situation.
• Ms. Red Trench Coat scolds Crow for her attitude.
• Crow and Sparrow display hostility towards each other.
• The Drunk Investigator saves Ms. Red Trench Coat but is injured in the process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Bronze Armor Statue awakens and absorbs spiritual power, killing the Sparrow executor.
• The owner of Lilac Mansion refuses to acknowledge the death as occurring in his mansion, ordering the investigators to find their own reason.
• A D7 personnel, Ripper, arrives, seeking the Sparrow executor.

Character Developments

• The owner of Lilac Mansion behaves strangely, refusing to cooperate with the Disaster Management Bureau, hinting at knowledge about the Bronze Armor Statue's true nature.
• The Drunk Investigator becomes suspicious of his teacher's actions and feels relieved when Ripper arrives.
• Ms. Red Trench Coat is indignant about the Sparrow's death and wants justice.

Significant Themes

• The true nature and power of the Bronze Armor Statue.
• The mysterious will of the inheritor and the search for the successor.
• The tension between Lilac Mansion and the Disaster Management Bureau.

Character Interactions

• The Drunk Investigator and Ms. Red Trench Coat are at odds with the owner of Lilac Mansion, who refuses to cooperate in the investigation.
• The Drunk Investigator greets Ripper, hinting at knowledge of his past and his reason for leaving the D7 base.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su leaves Lilac Mansion, pondering the Bronze Armor Statue's capabilities and the Secret School's representatives.
• He receives a cryptic message from Miss Crow and Black Tiger in their group chat.
• Han Su contacts Miss Ai and learns about the Zero Sequence Number 06 Cipher Spell, which could potentially help him divide his spiritual power.
• He arrives home, washes up, and listens to music while contemplating his plan.

Character Developments

• Han Su becomes more determined to find a solution to his spiritual power issue and is willing to explore forbidden methods.
• Miss Ai provides crucial information, demonstrating her usefulness and compliance.
• Miss Crow and Black Tiger's messages hint at their ongoing involvement, but their intentions remain unclear.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against limitations (in this case, Han Su's spiritual power).
• The exploration of forbidden or unconventional methods to overcome obstacles.
• The interconnectedness of different factions and their agendas (the Secret School, the Disaster Management Bureau, and other groups).

Character Interactions

• Han Su interacts with Miss Ai, seeking information about spiritual cutting.
• He briefly engages with Miss Crow and Black Tiger in their group chat, but their conversation remains ambiguous.
• Han Su's internal monologue reveals his thoughts and plans, providing insight into his character and motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su uses a cipher spell to summon Wei Lan, who emerges dramatically from a TV.
• Han Su asks Wei Lan to help him contact the bowl cut, who appears in Han Su's apartment.
• Han Su reveals his plan to rescue kidnapped children, kill those involved, and escape from 'It'.
• He decides to target those obstructing their path, starting with those covering up the kidnapping case.

Character Developments

• Han Su shows initiative and strategic thinking, planning their next steps.
• Wei Lan demonstrates excitement and eagerness to participate in their mission.
• The bowl cut displays determination and approval of Han Su's plan.

Significant Themes

• Unity and cooperation among the rescued children.
• Taking the initiative against their enemies.
• The consequences of past actions (the bowl cut's desire for revenge).

Character Interactions

• Han Su, Wei Lan, and the bowl cut reunite and discuss their plan.
• Han Su seeks the bowl cut's medical expertise for his planned surgery.
• Wei Lan and the bowl cut express their eagerness to participate in Han Su's plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su successfully receives information about the forbidden surgery from the bowl cut.
• Wei Lan shows interest in the bowl cut, finding him similar to Han Su.
• Han Su prepares to perform the forbidden surgery on himself, immersing himself in the bowl cut's memories three times to master the process.
• Meanwhile, the Ripper, an S-class experimental subject, experiences excitement and sings a song after returning from a mission, causing concern among the researchers.

Character Developments

• Han Su demonstrates his ability to read memory fragments and his determination to undergo the forbidden surgery.
• Wei Lan shows curiosity and understanding towards the bowl cut, indicating her growing acceptance of their unusual circumstances.
• The Ripper shows signs of excitement and change, hinting at potential developments in his character arc.

Significant Themes

• The theme of sacrifice and determination is evident in Han Su's decision to undergo the forbidden surgery to protect Wei Lan and Xu Ji.
• The theme of understanding and acceptance is shown through Wei Lan's curiosity towards the bowl cut and her willingness to help Han Su.
• The theme of change and transformation is hinted at in the Ripper's excitement and song, suggesting potential shifts in his character.

Character Interactions

• Han Su and the bowl cut have a natural and efficient exchange of information, showing a level of trust and understanding between them.
• Han Su and Wei Lan work together to prepare for the forbidden surgery, with Wei Lan providing support and protection.
• The researchers interact with the Ripper, showing concern and curiosity about his excitement and song, hinting at a potential shift in their relationship with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Su wakes up to find his mental vitality significantly improved, with a smaller but more focused spiritual amplitude.
• He consults Miss Ai about increasing mental vitality, learning that accepting and severing pollution is the most efficient method.
• He asks for suitable missions and is assigned a B-class mission involving a mysterious cult proselytizing in the Binbin District.
• The mission turns out to be a low-level polluted creature, a devil fish, spreading pollution through a seafood market.
• Han Su captures the fish, ending the mission.

Character Developments

• Han Su's mental vitality improves, and he seeks ways to further increase it.
• The Doctor and Black Tiger show willingness to assist Han Su in his missions.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against mysterious pollution and its sources.
• The importance of maintaining one's will while accepting pollution to increase mental vitality.
• The varied nature of mysterious organizations and cults in Qinggang.

Character Interactions

• Han Su consults with Miss Ai about increasing mental vitality and requests suitable missions.
• Han Su contacts the Doctor and Black Tiger for assistance in the mission.
• Han Su, the Doctor, and Black Tiger work together to identify and capture the source of the pollution.