Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team, led by Jiang Cheng, arrives at a village plagued by mysterious disappearances and strange occurrences.
• Old Man Yao recounts the village's history, revealing three incidents where villagers went missing under eerily dark skies.
• The third time, a survivor was found with fading colors, including his skin and blood.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows analytical skills and determination in facing the new mission.
• Old Man Yao: Reveals his fear and trauma from the incidents, providing crucial information.
• The Survivor: First mentioned as having fading colors, suggesting a physical transformation.

Significant Themes

• Fear and trauma: Old Man Yao's recounting reflects the villagers' collective fear and trauma.
• The unknown: The mysterious disappearances and the survivor's condition highlight the unknown forces at play.
• Color as a symbol: The fading colors could symbolize the loss of life, vibrancy, or perhaps a spiritual connection.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and the team interact with Old Man Yao, seeking information about the village's plight.
• Old Man Yao shares his knowledge with the team, despite his fear and reluctance.
• The team members react with shock and curiosity to Old Man Yao's account, pressing for more details.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Old Man Yao recounts the strange incident of a man who fell from the "Stairway to Heaven" and turned into a puddle of water during the "Great Black Sky" phenomenon.
• The man's wife confirms he was taken by something after sweating profusely and fading away.
• The villagers believe the incidents are connected to a legendary battle between immortals and a great demon, suppressed under the desolate mountain behind the village.
• Two crudely made Paper Figure, dressed in red clothes dyed with beast blood, are placed at the courtyard gate by the old woman, facing the room where Jiang Cheng and his companions are staying.

Character Developments

• Old Man Yao reveals his knowledge of the village's folklore and legends, showing he's more informed than initially thought.
• Wu demonstrates his ability to discern the blood type on the Paper Figure, showing his keen senses.

Significant Themes

• Superstition vs. Reality: The villagers' beliefs in legends and supernatural entities contrast with the real-world explanations Jiang Cheng and his companions seek.
• The Power of Belief: The villagers' faith in the protective power of the Paper Figure is strong, despite their crude appearance.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and his companions interact with Old Man Yao, learning about the village's history and legends.
• Wu reassures Jiang Cheng and the others about the blood on the Paper Figure, preventing a potential misunderstanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group learns about the Paper Figures and their connection to the Great Black Sky, a phenomenon that takes color from the figures and possibly living people.
• Old Man Yao reveals that the Great Black Sky appears after the hour of Zi (11 PM - 1 AM) and hasn't been seen in nearly a month.
• The group discovers a pot of stewed roe deer heads in the kitchen and decides to be cautious about consuming local food.
• The elder explains that the light blue ribbons are used to distinguish friends from foes during the mission.
• Tang Qisheng shares his knowledge of the Great Black Sky, a guardian deity in Tibetan Buddhism known for its ruthless methods against demons and monsters.

Character Developments

• Old Man Yao: Reveals his knowledge about the Great Black Sky and the Paper Figures, then leaves to prepare additional Paper Figures.
• Tang Qisheng: Shares his knowledge of the Great Black Sky, showing his extensive understanding of various religious beliefs.
• The Elder: Demonstrates his caution and strategic thinking by suggesting they ration their supplies and be wary of local food.

Significant Themes

• The Great Black Sky: A mysterious and potentially dangerous phenomenon that could be connected to the mission's main objective.
• Caution and Vigilance: The group must be cautious in their actions and decisions due to the unknown nature of their surroundings and the mission's objectives.
• Knowledge and Experience: Different characters bring unique knowledge and experiences that can help the group navigate the mission's challenges.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng interacts with Old Man Yao, learning about the Paper Figures and the Great Black Sky.
• The elder and Jiang Cheng discuss the use of the light blue ribbons and the need for caution.
• Tang Qisheng shares his knowledge of the Great Black Sky with the group, contributing valuable information to their understanding of the mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group learns about Great Black Sky's origins as an evil Hindu god, stolen by Tibetan Buddhism.
• They decide to strike first, with Wu leading the elder's group to Great Black Sky's lair.
• Jiang Cheng shares his group's experiences with the elder and his companions, questioning their connection to the worlds they've visited.
• Doctor Zhou reveals that he saw the three worlds Jiang Cheng experienced depicted on a stone slab in the Night Watch headquarters.

Character Developments

• Fatty (Wu Chenguang): Shows concern for his comrades' lives and becomes impatient with Tang Qisheng's storytelling.
• Tang Qisheng: Provides historical context and legends about Great Black Sky but struggles to offer practical information about its weaknesses.
• Jiang Cheng: Struggles with the complexity of the worlds they're trapped in and has doubts about the elder's promises.
• Doctor Zhou: Reveals his knowledge of the stone slabs and the unspeakable being they depict.

Significant Themes

• The Cycle of Reincarnation and Struggle: The characters are trapped in an endless cycle of worlds, fighting against powerful entities.
• The Power of Belief and Faith: Great Black Sky's power is rooted in faith and worship, and the unspeakable being's power is connected to belief and comprehension.
• The Unknowable and the Unspeakable: Both Great Black Sky and the unspeakable being are entities that defy understanding and have no form or substance.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and Tang Qisheng: Fatty grows impatient with Tang Qisheng's storytelling, while Tang Qisheng struggles to provide useful information.
• Jiang Cheng and the Elder: Jiang Cheng shares his group's experiences with the elder, questioning their connection to the worlds they've visited.
• Doctor Zhou and Jiang Cheng: Doctor Zhou reveals his knowledge of the stone slabs to Jiang Cheng, causing tension and shock among the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers a stone slab in the temple, revealing that the three worlds they've experienced (Chijie Temple, Heishui Village, and the hospital) are avatars of the old guild leader.
• They learn that failing to comprehend the divine miracle after three reincarnations will result in physical annihilation and soul vanishing.
• Wu, the old man, and two others leave to investigate Old Man Yao's residence and find the Great Black Sky.
• Li Bai wakes up and learns about the current situation from Zhu Jie. She realizes that Dr. Zhou and his team are imposters.

Character Developments

• Fatty: Realizes the gravity of their situation and the old guild leader's power.
• Jiang Cheng: Feels agitated due to their lack of knowledge about the Great Black Sky.
• Wu: Demonstrates calmness and confidence in facing the Great Black Sky.
• Li Bai: Recognizes the imposters among the supposed help sent by the country.

Significant Themes

• The power and omnipresence of the old guild leader.
• The struggle for knowledge and understanding against overwhelming odds.
• The theme of trust and deception, with Li Bai uncovering the imposters.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and Jiang Cheng: Share their concerns and fears about the Great Black Sky.
• Wu and the group: Wu reassures them and sets off to find the Great Black Sky.
• Li Bai and Zhu Jie: Li Bai learns about the current situation from Zhu Jie and realizes the deception.
• Li Bai and Dr. Zhou: Li Bai pretends to be unaware of the deception while Dr. Zhou shares information about their situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Bai, awake, urges Jiang Cheng to find Wu immediately.
• Jiang Cheng suspects Li Bai is a mole for the Night Watch.
• Li Bai presents a ribbon to prove her identity, but Jiang Cheng remains distrustful.
• Great Black Sky arrives earlier than expected, around 9 PM.
• Dr. Zhou discovers a secret altar with Wu's corpses and warns them not to startle the Paper Figures.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng becomes more suspicious and cautious, questioning Li Bai's motives.
• Li Bai remains steadfast in her claims, showing no signs of deception.
• Dr. Zhou reveals his discovery, showing concern for the group's safety.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Distrust: Jiang Cheng's suspicion of Li Bai highlights the theme of trust and distrust among the group.
• Deception and Truth: The revelation of the secret altar and Wu's corpses challenges the group's understanding of reality and truth.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Li Bai: Their interaction is tense, with Jiang Cheng questioning Li Bai's motives and Li Bai trying to convince him of her truthfulness.
• Dr. Zhou and the Group: Dr. Zhou's warning from outside the door shows his concern for the group's safety, despite the tense situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and his team encounter a mission where they must avoid opening doors to survive.
• Doctor Zhou, a teammate, reveals that Li Bai and Yao Shunyu, who were believed to be alive, have a birthmark identical to one on a corpse, suggesting they might be dead.
• Li Bai and Yao Shunyu start showing signs of rigor mortis, revealing they are corpses.
• The group discovers that Paper Figures in the room have mold on them, indicating an illusion technique was used.
• They realize Doctor Zhou is the culprit behind the illusion.
• The group is trapped in a courtyard with an oppressive sky, unable to call for help using their artifacts.
• A rotten arm attacks Jiang Cheng, but a male corpse with a wrapped head and a giant axe saves him.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng shows leadership and quick thinking, trying to keep his team safe.
• Doctor Zhou is revealed to be deceitful and manipulative, using his teammates for an unknown purpose.
• Li Bai and Yao Shunyu are revealed to be corpses, used as pawns in Doctor Zhou's plan.
• Fatty shows loyalty to his friend Yao Shunyu but follows Jiang Cheng's orders.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Doctor Zhou's betrayal highlights the theme of trust and its fragility in the face of deception.
• Appearance vs. reality: The illusion technique used by Doctor Zhou blurs the line between what is real and fake.
• Survival: The mission's rules and the subsequent events emphasize the struggle for survival.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Doctor Zhou: Their interaction reveals Doctor Zhou's deception and Jiang Cheng's suspicion.
• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Jiang Cheng's slap on Fatty's back and his subsequent order show his authority and Fatty's loyalty.
• The group's interaction with Li Bai and Yao Shunyu: Their discovery of the corpses' true nature causes distress and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng is saved from the Great Black Sky (a giant corpse) by the Rain Night Murderer and the Starving Ghost.
• The Starving Ghost freezes the Great Black Sky with a snow tornado, but it breaks free.
• Killer (the axe-wielding entity) attacks the Great Black Sky, but it's repelled by a barrage of copper coins.
• The Great Black Sky ensnares and erodes the Starving Ghost, then attacks Jiang Cheng and the others.
• Wu appears, severing the Great Black Sky's arm and ultimately defeating it.
• Wu reveals he was lured to a cave by the old man and his companions, who sealed him inside with a strange entity.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows courage and concern for his friends, trying to find ways to help them.
• Wu: Reveals his true power and saves the group, but also hints at a mysterious encounter in a cave.
• The Starving Ghost: Shows its power but is eventually defeated by the Great Black Sky.
• Killer: Demonstrates its strength but is incapacitated by the copper coins.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The struggle between the entities highlights the theme of power and its limitations.
• Trust and betrayal: Wu's encounter with the old man raises questions about trust and potential betrayal.
• The unknown: The cave and the strange entity within it symbolize the unknown and its dangers.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu: Their reunion is filled with relief and shared determination to protect their group.
• Wu and Fatty: Fatty's emotional reunion with Wu shows their strong bond.
• Jiang Cheng and Tang Qisheng: They discuss strategies to combat the Great Black Sky, showing their growing partnership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Bai and Yao Shunyu are afflicted by the Yan Zhen technique, appearing as corpses but without decay or smell.
• Tang Qisheng identifies the curse's formation eye in the woodshed, leading them to discover four mutilated corpses and an altar.
• They find a peculiar mud block at the formation's eye, which, when broken, removes the corpse spots from Li Bai.
• Jiang Cheng finds four disfigured heads in the kitchen, which they bury along with the corpses.
• Wu reveals he collected the glowing dolls from the Night Watch disciples, showing his hoarding habit.

Character Developments

• Li Bai: Realizes she wasn't dead and is relieved when the curse is broken. Shows empathy for the tortured corpses.
• Wu: Demonstrates his strength and reliability by defeating skilled Night Watch disciples. Shows appreciation for Li Bai's efforts by collecting the glowing dolls.
• Tang Qisheng: Proves his knowledge of formations by identifying the curse's source and breaking it.

Significant Themes

• The curse of the Yan Zhen technique and its effects on Li Bai and Yao Shunyu.
• The ruthlessness and resourcefulness of the Night Watch in their attempts to eliminate Jiang Cheng and his allies.
• The importance of unity and trust among the group, as seen in their collective effort to break the curse and bury the victims.

Character Interactions

• Li Bai and Fatty: Fatty comforts Li Bai, showing concern for her well-being.
• Jiang Cheng and Wu: Discuss the ambush and Wu's actions, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Li Bai and Wu: Li Bai feels awkward but appreciative when Wu shows her the collected dolls, acknowledging his support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yao Shunyu wakes up and is not surprised by Li Bai's true identity.
• Jiang Cheng wonders why the world still exists after Doctor Zhou's defeat and feels something is amiss in the old couple's story.
• The old hunter couple returns, and Fatty captures them. The group discovers a damaged altar in the woodshed, and Old Man Yao admits it's for worshipping Great Black Sky.
• They find deer heads in the woodshed and an empty grave in the yard, contradicting Old Man Yao's claim that only the group had come to their house.
• Wu tries to summon the entities from Doctor Zhou's four doors but fails, suggesting they've vanished.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng remains suspicious and determined to uncover the truth.
• Wu struggles with the disappearance of the entities and the complexity of the situation.
• Old Man Yao and his wife switch from hostile to pleading, trying to convince the group they mean no harm.

Significant Themes

• Deception and truth: The group faces multiple deceptions, and the truth seems to shift constantly.
• Power dynamics: The group's power dynamic shifts as they confront the old couple, with Wu taking a dominant role.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu work together to unravel the mystery, with Wu taking the lead in interrogating the old couple.
• Fatty, driven by anger and grief, attacks Old Man Yao.
• The old couple interacts with each other, showing a desperate attempt to protect themselves and their secret.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author has completed their work tasks and taken leave to focus on finishing "Nightmare."
• The final plot stages are approaching, with crucial foreshadowing about to be revealed.
• The author has changed the planned brutal final battle, aiming for a happier ending for the characters.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng has suffered greatly, losing his sister, his identity, and having no girlfriend.
• His friends have also endured hardships, with many sacrifices along the way.

Significant Themes

• The author's desire for a happier ending, reflecting their personal feelings after writing 1700 chapters.
• The importance of perseverance and support, as shown by the book's subscription growth and the author's determination to continue despite challenges.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with the readers, expressing gratitude for their support and sharing personal experiences.
• The author's thoughts and feelings about the characters and the story are revealed, influencing the planned ending.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Old Man Yao is captured and tortured, but no Heart-Corroding Demon is found.
• Old Man Yao reveals that Great Black Sky will descend upon them for destroying its altar.
• Old Man Yao offers a solution using more Paper Figures, but Jiang Cheng suspects a trap.
• Yao Shunyu takes Old Man Yao and his wife for interrogation, intending to kill them.
• Jiang Cheng intervenes, suspecting the couple might be clue-givers, and orders them to be tied up and imprisoned in the courtyard.

Character Developments

• Old Man Yao: Initially defiant, he becomes desperate and offers a solution to appease Jiang Cheng, hinting at his possible connection to Night Watch.
• Yao Shunyu: Despite his severe injuries, he remains determined and ruthless, prioritizing the mission's success over his own life. He reveals his intention to kill Old Man Yao and his wife to prevent them from being a liability.
• Jiang Cheng: He grows more suspicious and strategic, considering the possibility of being manipulated by Night Watch. He intervenes to prevent Yao Shunyu from killing the couple, showing concern for the potential consequences on Wu.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and Deception: The chapter explores the theme of being manipulated and deceived, with Jiang Cheng suspecting that Night Watch has been guiding their actions.
• Sacrifice for the Mission: Characters are willing to sacrifice themselves for the mission's success, highlighting the importance of the mission's objectives.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng vs. Yao Shunyu: The two have a tense standoff, with Jiang Cheng preventing Yao Shunyu from killing the old couple, highlighting their differing views on how to handle the situation.
• Old Man Yao and his wife vs. Yao Shunyu: The old couple is terrified of Yao Shunyu, who intends to interrogate and likely kill them, showcasing the power dynamics between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yao Shunyu attempts to harm the old couple, but Wu intervenes.
• The group discovers the Paper Figures fading, signaling the arrival of Great Black Sky.
• Great Black Sky appears, causing fear and despair among the group.
• Wu reveals that Great Black Sky is actually Old President, the entity they had previously encountered.
• Wu decides to face Old President alone and instructs Jiang Cheng to lead the others to safety through a cave under Great Desolate Mountain.

Character Developments

• Yao Shunyu's ferocity and disregard for human life are further emphasized.
• Jiang Cheng's resolve and leadership are tested as he prepares to lead the group to safety.
• Wu reveals his strength and determination, offering to face Old President alone.

Significant Themes

• Fear and despair in the face of overwhelming power (Great Black Sky/Old President).
• The theme of sacrifice, as Wu decides to face Old President alone to give the others a chance to escape.
• The theme of trust and betrayal, as Fatty remembers past promises broken by allies.

Character Interactions

• Yao Shunyu and Wu have a tense confrontation over the old couple's fate.
• Wu provides guidance and support to Jiang Cheng, entrusting him with leading the group to safety.
• Fatty's emotional reaction highlights his fear of losing another ally, reflecting his past experiences with broken promises.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu stays behind to distract and injure the Old President, allowing Jiang Cheng and the others to escape.
• Wu's powerful saber strike opens a path to the outside world and severely injures the Old President.
• Jiang Cheng and the others escape to a war-torn red soil land, where they find Lin Wan'er's squad.
• Lin Wan'er's squad has suffered heavy casualties, and they face another army hidden in a black mist.

Character Developments

• Wu demonstrates his resolve and power, willing to stay behind and fight the Old President.
• Lin Wan'er's squad shows resilience and determination despite heavy losses.
• Old Man Quan Xu, the strategist, remains calm and collected even in the midst of battle.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
• The power of strategic planning and coordination (inside and out).
• The cost of war and the brutal reality of combat.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu show concern for each other's safety.
• Lin Wan'er and Jiang Cheng reunite, expressing relief at each other's safety.
• Old Man Quan Xu acknowledges Wu's role in their escape and expresses gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Bai learns about the state of the outside world from the old man with a full beard, causing her to react emotionally.
• The rescued group reunites with the fat man (No. 10), who had been separated from them. They share updates on their respective situations.
• Jiang Cheng and the others meet the remaining top ten numbered individuals, including the formidable Ghost-faced Granny, the Undertaker, Mr. Jingde, Old General Yan Can, and the blind girl, Cui Cui (Senior Qin Shi).
• The old man with the full beard summons Water Lord, River Goddess, and Lord of False Words (Wen Zhao) to join the battle.

Character Developments

• Li Bai: Shows increased vigilance after the incident with Doctor Zhou and has an emotional reaction upon learning about the outside world.
• The fat man (No. 10): Reunites with the group, expressing concern for the missing members and seeking comfort from No. 13 and No. 8.
• Jiang Cheng: Meets the remaining top ten numbered individuals, understanding the gravity of their situation and the strength of their enemies.
• No. 13 and No. 8: Show concern for the fat man and express their emotions upon learning about No. 1's death.
• Wen Zhao (Lord of False Words): Reveals that his father has also joined the fight, showing his concern for the group.

Significant Themes

• Reunion and separation: The rescued group reunites with the fat man but learns about the death of No. 1, highlighting the theme of separation and loss.
• Strength and vulnerability: The group meets powerful allies but also faces formidable enemies, emphasizing the theme of strength and vulnerability in their struggle.
• Emotional connection: Characters express their emotions and seek comfort from one another, highlighting the theme of emotional connection and support among the group.

Character Interactions

• Li Bai and the old man with a full beard: Li Bai seeks information from the old man, leading to an emotional reaction.
• The fat man (No. 10) and No. 13/No. 8: The fat man seeks comfort from No. 13 and No. 8 upon learning about No. 1's death.
• Jiang Cheng and the top ten numbered individuals: Jiang Cheng meets the remaining powerful individuals, gaining insight into their strengths and the challenges they face.
• Wen Zhao (Lord of False Words) and the fat man (No. 10): Wen Zhao expresses his concern for the group and reveals that his father has joined the fight, comforting the fat man.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of enemies, led by the Candleman, emerges from the mist, including the Skin-Peeling Scholar, Monk Peng Yi (the Breaker of Vows), and others with varied attire and abilities.
• The Skin-Peeling Scholar expresses his lustful intentions towards the women present, angering Fu Fu.
• An old eunuch tries to provoke the Skin-Peeling Scholar but is dismissed and insulted.
• Monk Peng Yi, the Breaker of Vows, challenges the group but retreats when Wu draws his saber.

Character Developments

• Wu: Demonstrates his intimidating presence and killing intent when he draws his saber.
• Monk Peng Yi (Breaker of Vows): Reveals his cowardly nature when faced with Wu's saber.
• Skin-Peeling Scholar: Exhibits his lecherous and disrespectful behavior towards women.
• Old Eunuch: Shows his bitterness and resentment towards women, likely due to his past experiences.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The dynamic between Wu and Monk Peng Yi showcases the power struggle among the enemies.
• Misogyny: The Skin-Peeling Scholar and the old eunuch's attitudes towards women highlight the theme of misogyny.
• Bravery vs. Cowardice: Wu's fearless stance contrasts with Monk Peng Yi's cowardly retreat.

Character Interactions

• Wu vs. Monk Peng Yi: Wu's intimidating presence forces Monk Peng Yi to retreat, revealing his cowardice.
• Skin-Peeling Scholar vs. Old Eunuch: Their argument showcases their contrasting views on women and power.
• Fu Fu vs. Skin-Peeling Scholar: Fu Fu's anger at the Skin-Peeling Scholar's comments highlights her protective nature towards the other women.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A large-scale battle ensues between the protagonists' team and the Night Watch forces led by Old President.
• An old beggar with bizarre abilities joins the fight, killing a Dark Army woman and having his heart extracted by the old beggar.
• Mr. Jingde, disguised as a storyteller, comments on the battle, causing shifts in the fight's dynamics.
• More reinforcements emerge from a black mist, increasing the pressure on the protagonists' team.

Character Developments

• Fatty confronts Mr. Jingde for his negative comments during the battle.
• Jiang Cheng realizes Mr. Jingde's abilities and nickname, "Storyteller."
• Lin Wan'er reveals that Old President is hidden within the black mist, summoning deceased strong individuals to fight.

Significant Themes

• The power of words and storytelling, as demonstrated by Mr. Jingde's influence on the battle.
• The cost of summoning reinforcements and the finite resources of both sides.
• The search for a hidden trump card to counter Old President.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and Mr. Jingde have a tense exchange due to Fatty's anger at Mr. Jingde's comments.
• Jiang Cheng and Lin Wan'er discuss the battle's situation and the mysterious secret weapon.
• The full-bearded Old Man reveals limited information about the secret weapon to Jiang Cheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Lin Wan'er discuss the Night Watch's reinforcements, including Xia Tan and Xiu Niang, who can rust metal weapons.
• The Night Watch's reinforcements arrive, and the battle intensifies.
• A miner-like man breaks through the defense line and is attacked by the Old Man's Five Ghosts Transporting Wealth technique, which steals his facial features, leading to his death.
• The Old Man remains expressionless and focused on the deepest part of the black mist.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows concern for the mission's success and urges his team to be more direct.
• Lin Wan'er: Provides information about the Night Watch's reinforcements and the mission's objectives.
• The Old Man: Demonstrates his powerful and terrifying ability with the Five Ghosts Transporting Wealth technique.
• Ghost-faced Granny: Revealed to be the one using the Five Ghosts Transporting Wealth technique, with her appearance reflecting the backlash of her ability.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of abilities: The Old Man's ability is powerful but also dangerous to use, as seen with Ghost-faced Granny's disfigurement.
• The importance of strategy and intelligence: Jiang Cheng emphasizes the need for urgency and directness in their mission, while Lin Wan'er provides crucial information about their enemies.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Lin Wan'er: They discuss the mission's details and the Night Watch's reinforcements, with Jiang Cheng pressing Lin Wan'er for more information.
• The Old Man and the miner-like man: The Old Man uses his Five Ghosts Transporting Wealth technique to kill the miner-like man, demonstrating his power and indifference to the battlefield.
• Tang Qisheng and No. 13: Tang Qisheng learns about the Five Ghosts Transporting Wealth technique from No. 13, expressing shock and understanding the danger of such abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Five Ghosts kill the Miner, causing fear and despair.
• Wu focuses on killing the Candle Bearer, while the Water Lord and River Goddess face skilled opponents.
• Su Xiaoxiao and the Undertaker join the battle, turning the tide.
• Su Xiaoxiao summons monsters from the earth, disrupting the Night Watch's formation.
• The Undertaker revives corpses, creating an army of the undead, further overwhelming the Night Watch.

Character Developments

• Wu becomes more determined to kill the Candle Bearer.
• Su Xiaoxiao's ability is revealed to be powerful in group battles.
• The Undertaker's ability to revive corpses and enhance them is showcased.
• Fatty shows fear towards reanimated corpses, indicating a possible past trauma.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and combined abilities in battle (Su Xiaoxiao and the Undertaker's cooperation).
• The fear and despair caused by mysterious, silent attacks (the Five Ghosts).
• The terror of the unknown (the monsters and the undead).

Character Interactions

• Wu, the Water Lord, and the River Goddess work together to hold off key opponents.
• Su Xiaoxiao and the Undertaker coordinate their abilities to turn the battle in their favor.
• Fatty, No. 13, and Wen Zhao show concern for each other's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng witnesses bizarre deaths and transformations during the battle.
• The "skin-graft scholar" is defeated and killed by No. 2, who extracts his tongue and spine.
• Old Man uses a Nuo opera master's head to learn about Night Watch's conspiracy against Jiang Cheng.
• Closed Door Old Man, a chess master, captures Jiang Cheng's consciousness using a book of poetry, trapping him in a chess world.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Witnesses the brutal battle and is subsequently trapped in a chess world.
• Old Man: Reveals his knowledge of Closed Door Old Man's abilities and his own peculiar history.
• Closed Door Old Man: Introduced as a chess master who traps opponents in his chess world.

Significant Themes

• Brutality and violence in combat.
• The consequences of losing to a powerful opponent, as seen with Jiang Cheng's entrapment.
• Old Man's enigmatic past and his role in past conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Old Man: Jiang Cheng is displeased with Old Man's lack of concern for his predicament.
• Fatty and Old Man: Fatty questions Old Man's lack of foresight regarding Jiang Cheng's capture.
• Closed Door Old Man and Jiang Cheng: Closed Door Old Man traps Jiang Cheng in his chess world.