Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Archbishop decides to investigate a cold case disappearance from 30 years ago due to its potential secrets and the Church's need to keep up with other hidden forces in Yuri town.
• Yu Xing, a legendary investigator, agrees to help but emphasizes the need for careful planning.

Character Developments

• The Archbishop shows determination and strategic thinking in tackling the complex case.
• Yu Xing demonstrates his expertise and professionalism in handling cold cases.

Significant Themes

• The importance of thorough investigation and planning in uncovering long-buried secrets.
• The Church's need to maintain its position and knowledge in the face of other hidden forces.

Character Interactions

• The Archbishop and Yu Xing discuss the case and the need for careful planning, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Ivan, the Archbishop's assistant, shows seriousness and concern when delivering a message, suggesting a shift in his usual demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing accompanies Madam Funair to Aiven Clifford's art exhibition, which is attended by Yorikof Town's elite.
• The exhibition's paintings are revealed to be traps, emitting spiritual fluctuations that tempt and corrode viewers.
• Aiven, the painter, shows interest in Yu Xing, who subtly neutralizes the traps' effects without detection.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing: Displays his ability to perceive and neutralize the paintings' spiritual influences, maintaining composure and propriety among the elite.
• Madam Funair: Enjoys the art exhibition, unaware of its true nature, and relies on Yu Xing's presence to face societal gossip.
• Aiven Clifford: Reveals a cold, predatory interest in Yu Xing, suggesting he's aware of Yu Xing's unique abilities.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: The paintings' true nature contrasts with their initial, deceptive appearances.
• Manipulation and Control: The exhibition's traps aim to manipulate viewers' emotions and will.
• Social Facades: The elite attendees maintain polite demeanors while dealing with personal issues and societal gossip.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing and Madam Funair: Yu Xing subtly protects Madam Funair from the paintings' influences while accompanying her.
• Yu Xing and Aiven: Aiven shows interest in Yu Xing, hinting at potential future interactions or conflicts.
• Yu Xing and Other Attendees: Yu Xing makes a favorable impression on Yorikof Town's influential figures, expanding his network.

Plot Points and Events

• Madam Funair attends an art exhibition hosted by painter Aiven Clifford, feeling disappointed by the lack of spiritual energy in the paintings.
• Yu Xing, accompanying Madam Funair, silently "devours" the spiritual energy from the paintings, causing them to lose their captivating charm.
• Aiven Clifford confronts Yu Xing about his peculiar behavior, trying to probe his understanding of the paintings' strange power.
• Madam Funair intervenes, defending Yu Xing and chastising Aiven for his arrogance.
• Aiven leaves, vowing to make the next exhibition more anticipated.

Character Developments

• Madam Funair: Shows her appreciation for art and her displeasure at Aiven's arrogance.
• Aiven Clifford: Reveals his arrogance and his obsession with the power in his paintings. He becomes intrigued by Yu Xing's ability to resist and "devour" the paintings' spiritual energy.
• Yu Xing: Maintains his composure and subtly mocks Aiven while avoiding direct confrontation. He protects Madam Funair's interests and tactfully dismisses Aiven.

Significant Themes

• The subjectivity of art appreciation.
• The power of art and its potential dangers.
• The clash between the artist's ego and societal expectations.

Character Interactions

• Madam Funair and Yu Xing: They work together to subtly rebuke Aiven's arrogance, with Madam Funair defending Yu Xing and Yu Xing tactfully dismissing Aiven.
• Aiven Clifford and Yu Xing: They engage in a verbal sparring match, with Aiven trying to probe Yu Xing's understanding of his paintings' power and Yu Xing subtly mocking Aiven while avoiding direct confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madam Funair focuses on networking at the exhibition, using her influence to manipulate connections and resources.
• Yu Xing subtly "cleans up" polluted artworks, reducing their mental pollution.
• Aiven Clifford announces his final painting, "Starry Sky," hinting at its extraordinary nature.
• Lingren offers to buy "Starry Sky" from Aiven, proposing to give it to Yu Xing to corrupt him directly.

Character Developments

• Madam Funair demonstrates her social influence and manipulation skills.
• Yu Xing shows his ability to subtly deal with polluted artworks.
• Aiven Clifford reveals his ambition and desperation regarding "Starry Sky."
• Lingren displays his cunning and manipulative nature, seeking to use "Starry Sky" to corrupt Yu Xing.

Significant Themes

• The power of social influence and manipulation.
• The corrupting influence of art and the danger of unchecked ambition.
• The potential consequences of direct confrontation versus subtle manipulation.

Character Interactions

• Madam Funair and Yu Xing work together, with Madam Funair using her social influence, and Yu Xing subtly dealing with polluted artworks.
• Aiven Clifford and Lingren interact, with Lingren attempting to manipulate Aiven into selling "Starry Sky" to him.
• Yu Xing and Lingren have an unspoken understanding, with Lingren aware of Yu Xing's actions and Yu Xing acknowledging Lingren's awareness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aiven Clifford meets with the Lingren, who offers to help him deal with Yu Xing, a potential threat, by buying Aiven's painting 'Starry Sky' and gifting it to Yu Xing.
• Aiven agrees to the plan, and the Lingren gives him a large sum of money.
• Aiven secretly meets with the Secret Cult, who approve of the plan.
• Aiven approaches Yu Xing and Madam Funair, revealing that the Lingren has bought 'Starry Sky' to gift to Yu Xing.
• Yu Xing agrees to accept the painting privately from Aiven.
• Aiven announces at the exhibition's finale that 'Starry Sky' has been sold to the Lingren and will not be publicly exhibited.

Character Developments

• Aiven: Becomes more calculating and greedy, willing to use others to achieve his goals.
• The Lingren: Reveals his cunning and manipulative nature, using others to further his own plans.
• Yu Xing: Shows his pride and arrogance, accepting the painting as a challenge rather than a gift.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: The Lingren manipulates Aiven and Yu Xing to further his own goals.
• Greed and ambition: Both Aiven and the Lingren are driven by their desires.
• Appearances vs. reality: The true nature of the painting 'Starry Sky' and the intentions behind its handover are hidden from the public.

Character Interactions

• Aiven and the Lingren: Aiven is manipulated by the Lingren, who uses him to further his own plans.
• Aiven and Yu Xing: Aiven tries to provoke Yu Xing by revealing the painting's sale and handover.
• Yu Xing and the Lingren: Their history and poor relationship are hinted at, with Yu Xing accepting the painting as a challenge from the Lingren.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aiven Clifford announces that the painting 'Starry Sky' will be gifted by the Lingren to Yu Xing, bypassing public exhibition.
• Aiven invites Yu Xing to a private lounge to appreciate 'Starry Sky' personally.
• Yu Xing is shown 'Starry Sky', a painting filled with ancient, potent, and evil pollution power, unlike any other painting at the exhibition.

Character Developments

• Aiven Clifford: Becomes increasingly eager and manipulative, revealing his true intentions to Yu Xing.
• Yu Xing: Remains calm and composed, even when faced with the powerful pollution of 'Starry Sky'.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of ancient pollution.
• The pursuit of art and its potential dark side.
• The manipulation of others for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Aiven and Yu Xing: Aiven tries to manipulate Yu Xing, presenting 'Starry Sky' as a 'miracle' and pressuring him to appreciate it. Yu Xing remains composed and questions Aiven's motives.
• Aiven and Madam Funair: Aiven invites Yu Xing to see 'Starry Sky' in front of Madam Funair, who seems to understand the underlying tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing purchases a painting, "Starry Sky," from Aiven Clifford at the Flowing Light Gallery, despite its polluted and disturbing nature.
• Aiven hints that the painting will bring Yu Xing "endless Spiritual Sense," implying a hidden danger.
• Yu Xing leaves the gallery with the painting, while Aiven watches him go, satisfied.
• On his way to Carlos's office, Yu Xing is confronted by a Lingren who had been waiting for him. The Lingren reveals that the painting has killed Yu Xing, separating his head from his body.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing remains calm and composed throughout the chapter, even after purchasing the dangerous painting and being confronted by the Lingren.
• Aiven Clifford shows a fanatical devotion to the ancient gods and a cunning understanding of how to manipulate others.
• The Lingren demonstrates knowledge of the painting's power and a certain degree of cruelty.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and wealth, as seen through the painting and the characters' actions.
• The manipulation of others for personal gain, as shown by Aiven and the Lingren.
• The dangers of underestimating one's opponents, as Yu Xing does with the painting and the Lingren.

Character Interactions

• Aiven and Yu Xing interact briefly, with Aiven hinting at the painting's true nature and Yu Xing remaining calm.
• Yu Xing and the Lingren have a tense, brief exchange before the Lingren reveals the painting's power and Yu Xing is killed.
• Aiven and an unnamed figure (presumably a patron or superior) discuss their plans for Yu Xing and the painting, showing a level of cooperation and shared goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing encounters the Lingren, who reveals he knew Yu Xing's past and is now interested in a temporary alliance.
• Yu Xing retrieves a scroll case containing an ancient god's aura, which he plans to investigate further.
• Yu Xing spends the day hunting low-level anomalous existences in Yorikof Town to alleviate his hunger.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing: Shows no surprise at the Lingren's reappearance and maintains a guarded stance. He's focused on investigating the scroll case and the missing person case.
• Lingren: Reveals his knowledge of Yu Xing's past and expresses interest in a temporary alliance. He's mysterious and manipulative, with an unknown agenda.
• Yi Qing: Appears as a semi-transparent figure, showing interest in the scroll case and offering critique as an ancient ghostly creature.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Trust: The Lingren proposes an alliance, but Yu Xing remains wary, highlighting the theme of trust and its fragility in their relationship.
• Hunger and Survival: Yu Xing's primordial hunger drives him to hunt anomalous existences, emphasizing the struggle for survival in the instance.
• The Unknown: The scroll case and the Lingren's true intentions represent the unknown factors that Yu Xing must navigate.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing and Lingren: Their interaction is tense yet cooperative, with the Lingren trying to gain Yu Xing's trust while Yu Xing remains cautious.
• Yu Xing and Yi Qing: Yi Qing's appearance is brief but significant, showing his interest in the scroll case and offering commentary on its power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Archbishop reveals he knows about Yu Xing's encounter with the old nun.
• The Church plans to teleport Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and Lingren to the dense forest where Edgar's clues are believed to be, using a high-risk, time-limited teleportation array.
• The Archbishop warns them about the dangers and the twelve-hour time limit.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing shows caution and calculation in his interactions with the Archbishop.
• Lingren displays a rare moment of speechlessness when Qu Xuanqing calls him "little brother."
• Qu Xuanqing maintains her wary and sarcastic demeanor towards Lingren.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal, as seen in the Archbishop's promise and Edgar's suspected lack of trust in the Church.
• The cost of power and the risks involved in using high-level magic, as demonstrated by the teleportation array's limitations and dangers.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and Lingren form an uneasy alliance to complete the mission.
• The Archbishop attempts to reassure and guide the trio, showing a mix of sincerity and manipulation.
• Lingren and Qu Xuanqing exchange barbed remarks, highlighting their tense relationship.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and Lingren are teleported to the 'Forgotten Dense Forest' to find the 'Wandering Spring' where Edgar left clues.
• They face mental pollution in the form of whispers, which Lingren blocks using moss.
• Yu Xing analyzes the pollution, finding it ancient and contradictory, with potential difficult monsters.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing shows his ability to analyze and consume pollution.
• Lingren demonstrates his ability to control moss and block mental interference.
• Qu Xuanqing remains vigilant and observant.

Significant Themes

• The forest's ancient pollution and twisted ecosystem.
• The contrast between the forest's vitality and decay.
• The mission's focus on finding Edgar's clues rather than defeating monsters.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and Lingren work together, each contributing their abilities to navigate the forest.
• Lingren's casual demeanor contrasts with Yu Xing's seriousness and Qu Xuanqing's vigilance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and Lingren discover an old tent in the forest, leading them to Edgar White's buried notebook.
• Retrieving the notebook awakens an angry entity in the forest, causing them to flee.
• They find the notebook contains Edgar's personal records about the 'City of Terror' and his contamination by it.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates his careful and methodical approach to investigation, as well as his ability to handle dangerous situations.
• Qu Xuanqing shows her combat prowess and quick thinking in responding to threats.
• Lingren maintains his calm and collected demeanor, even in tense situations.

Significant Themes

• The 'City of Terror' and its connection to the starry sky, suggesting a cosmic force driving the events.
• Contamination and corruption, both physical (like the notebook's preservation) and mental (like Edgar's madness).
• The struggle between knowledge and self-preservation, as seen in Edgar's decision to record his findings despite the danger.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and Lingren work together to retrieve the notebook and escape the forest, demonstrating their teamwork and mutual respect.
• Yu Xing shares the notebook's contents with the others, fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsibility.
• The trio discusses the notebook's implications, showing their collective curiosity and determination to unravel the mystery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing attends an art exhibition and realizes Aiven's success is backed by secret cultists among the upper class, not just ordinary investors.
• Edgar White's Notebook confirms Yu Xing's suspicions about Aiven's backing.
• The Archbishop reveals that the Whispering Woods affects time, and Yu Xing's decisive action in returning immediately after getting the clue is praised.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing: Shows analytical skills in deducing Aiven's backing and understanding the dynamics between Aiven and the secret cultists.
• Aiven: Implicitly shown to have grown in influence and power, likely due to his association with an ancient god and the secret cultists.
• The Archbishop: Demonstrates wisdom and insight into the Whispering Woods' effects on time.

Significant Themes

• The influence of power and backing in societal success (Aiven's case).
• The hidden nature of conspiracies and secret societies (secret cultists' involvement).
• The manipulation of time and perception (Whispering Woods' effects).

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing and Aiven: Yu Xing deduces Aiven's backing without Aiven's direct involvement, highlighting their indirect relationship.
• Yu Xing and The Archbishop: They share information and insights, showing mutual respect and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing uses his senses to spy on the Archbishop, discovering a secret room hidden behind a bookshelf.
• The Archbishop modifies the Starry Sky painting in the secret room, using divine power to restrain its chaotic pollution and create a stable, door-shaped outline.
• The Archbishop summons the three investigators after completing the modification.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates his cunning and subtlety in using his senses to gather information.
• The Archbishop shows his power and skill in handling the dangerous Starry Sky painting, but also his age and weariness after the task.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between divine power and chaos/pollution.
• The use of secrets and hidden spaces for sensitive tasks.
• The toll of age on one's abilities and stamina.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing eavesdrops on the Archbishop without being detected.
• The Archbishop interacts with Ivan, showing concern for his well-being and issuing orders.
• Qu Xuanqing observes the impending storm outside, reflecting the growing tension and foreboding in the narrative.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The trio (Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and Lingren) follow Ivan to the Archbishop's office, sensing a tense atmosphere.
• They are suddenly transported to a distorted, terrifying reflection of Yorikof Town, dubbed the "City of Terror."
• The city's sky is a writhing flesh membrane, buildings are twisted and organic, and a heavy, nauseating odor permeates the air.
• A low, rhythmic thrumming echoes, like the pulse of a giant heart.
• Yu Xing's senses are suppressed, and he perceives a pulsating flesh foundation beneath the city, shadowy figures emitting despair, and a looming threat.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing: Demonstrates caution and strategic thinking by suggesting they hide first.
• Qu Xuanqing: Shows curiosity and readiness for combat, finding her weapon suitable for this environment.
• Lingren: Reveals his ability to conceal their presence, displaying confidence and a strange appreciation for the city's madness.

Significant Themes

• Madness and malice: The city's distorted reflection of reality embodies these themes.
• Suppression and limitation: Yu Xing's senses are suppressed, mirroring the characters' struggle against the city's overwhelming power.
• Fear and despair: The shadowy figures' emotions reflect the city's oppressive atmosphere.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing and Lingren: Yu Xing shares his perception, and Lingren conceals their presence, demonstrating trust and teamwork.
• Yu Xing and Qu Xuanqing: They both observe and react to the city's horrors, showing a shared sense of unease and readiness for danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The trio begins exploring the city of terror, feeling its living, pulsating nature.
• They encounter mental shrieking phantoms and a living street that attacks them.
• The city guides them towards a distorted church, avoiding direct paths with environmental anomalies.
• Yu Xing suggests exploring the interior of a building to find an alternative path.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates his analytical and strategic thinking, suggesting the internal path as a potential solution.
• Qu Xianqing shows decisive action, supporting Yu Xing's idea without hesitation.
• Ling Ren remains observant and agreeable, allowing the group to make decisions.

Significant Themes

• The city of terror as a living entity, with its own will and control over its environment.
• The struggle against environmental anomalies that guide and hinder the trio's progress.
• The exploration of alternative paths and strategies to reach their goal.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing, Qu Xianqing, and Ling Ren work together, combining their observations and skills to navigate the city.
• They support each other's decisions, showing unity and trust in their mission.
• Yu Xing takes a more active role in strategizing, while Qu Xianqing and Ling Ren follow his lead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing and Qu Xianqing explore a fungal tunnel, encountering semi-transparent humanoid silhouettes embedded in the wall, remnants of Victorian-era humans.
• They find a camera on a female reporter's body, which Qu Xianqing retrieves.
• The fungal carpet suddenly attacks, sending mycelial tentacles to entangle and digest them.
• Qu Xianqing and Ling Ren use their powers to fight off the mycelia, while Yu Xing tries to kill Ling Ren's clone but decides against it.
• Yu Xing and Qu Xianqing escape, leaving Ling Ren's clone to be digested by the mycelia.

Character Developments

• Qu Xianqing demonstrates her combat skills and assertiveness.
• Yu Xing shows his strategic thinking and restraint, choosing not to kill Ling Ren's clone despite his desire to do so.
• Ling Ren reveals his manipulative nature, provoking Yu Xing and expressing his eagerness for Yu Xing's fall.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of the City of Terror, consuming and distorting both the living and the dead.
• The struggle for survival and the consequences of making alliances of convenience.
• The manipulation and provocation of others to achieve one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Qu Xianqing and Yu Xing work together to explore the tunnel and fight off the mycelial attack.
• Yu Xing and Ling Ren engage in a battle of wits, with Ling Ren provoking Yu Xing and Yu Xing ultimately deciding not to kill Ling Ren's clone.
• Qu Xianqing, Yu Xing, and Ling Ren temporarily work together to escape the mycelial attack, but Yu Xing and Ling Ren's clone are left behind.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qu Xuanqing, Yu Xing, and the Lingren escape the mycelial corridor and reach the church replica.
• They find a hidden entrance on the side of the church, and Yu Xing experiences fragmented, distorted memories through a stained-glass window.
• The memories show Riel's breakdown in the church, a conversation between the young Archbishop and Edgar White, and Edgar discovering something terrifying in the church's archives.

Character Developments

• Qu Xuanqing: Shows concern for Yu Xing after he experiences the memory fragments.
• Yu Xing: Demonstrates his ability to perceive and share memory fragments, revealing his unique mental capabilities.
• The Lingren: Remains composed and unreadable, offering no new insights into his character.

Significant Themes

• Mental contamination and its effects on memory and reality.
• The power dynamics and secrets within the church, hinting at a "Secret Cult" and a cover-up.
• The fear of the unknown and the consequences of pursuing forbidden knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Qu Xuanqing and Yu Xing: Work together to reach the church, with Qu Xuanqing showing concern for Yu Xing's well-being.
• Yu Xing and the Lingren: No significant interaction; the Lingren maintains his enigmatic demeanor.
• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and the Lingren: Decide to proceed cautiously towards the church, with Yu Xing leading the way.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers a hidden entrance in the church, leading to a colossal, twisted library at the heart of the City of Terror.
• The library is constructed from giant, Rotten books with movable-type symbols and emits a faint green light.
• They decide to enter the library, navigating through its vast, disorienting interior filled with whispers and mental pollution.
• Inside, they find books made of human skin, moving and rustling, and encounter a mysterious "thing" emanating a focused whisper.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates leadership and caution, planning their route and warning about the mental pollution.
• Qu Xuanqing expresses revulsion at the blasphemous fusion of knowledge and life in the library.
• Lingren exhibits an appreciation for extreme aesthetics but quiets down when reminded of the seriousness of their situation.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of knowledge and the dangers of unchecked curiosity.
• The blasphemy of twisting life and knowledge together.
• The struggle to maintain mental fortitude in the face of overwhelming, chaotic influences.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing takes the lead, with Qu Xuanqing and Lingren following his guidance.
• Lingren and Yu Xing have a brief exchange about aesthetics and the seriousness of their situation.
• The group faces the library's mental pollution together, with Yu Xing warning and protecting the others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The trio encounters a monstrous entity in the library, a manifestation of twisted knowledge and desire for understanding.
• The monster attacks them, pulling Yu Xing into a mental battlefield within his own consciousness.
• Yu Xing clears his mind of the invading "knowledge insects," causing the monster to dissipate.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates his mental resilience and ability to defend against psychic attacks.
• Qu Xuanqing and Lingren also face their own mental challenges but survive the encounter.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of excessive knowledge and desire for understanding.
• The struggle between maintaining sanity and pursuing knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and Lingren face the monster together, each dealing with their own mental challenges.
• After the encounter, they express their shared relief and exhaustion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and the Lingren find Edgar's manuscript, which reveals the city's rules, the hierarchy of whispers, the need for a new key to leave, and the core atop the Clock Tower.
• They decide to go to the Clock Tower, where Edgar might be.
• As night falls, the City of Terror transforms. Specters become solid, clear, and engage in daily life activities. They seem indifferent to the trio.
• A little girl specter offers to guide them to the Clock Tower in exchange for memories or emotions. Yu Xing pays her with a trace of Edgar's emotions from his manuscript.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability in handling the little girl specter.
• Qu Xuanqing shows wariness and caution towards the transformed city and its residents.
• The Lingren displays curiosity and acceptance of the city's bizarre rules.

Significant Themes

• The City of Terror's rules and their changes between day and night.
• The ancient god's will and its interest in spreading its name.
• The struggle of mortals against an ancient god's power.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing, Qu Xuanqing, and the Lingren work together, following the little girl specter's guidance through the city.
• The little girl specter interacts with Yu Xing, negotiating a deal for guidance, revealing the city's transaction system using memories or emotions as currency.