Ch. 1Watching the Mysterious, Watching the Manifest
Plot Points and Events
- Li Fan, an ordinary office worker, transmigrates to a cultivation world.
- He is taken to Ink Bamboo Mountain by masked cultivators to be examined by an old Daoist priest.
- The old Daoist draws a circle around each child, warning them not to step out.
- Li Fan discovers he has a psychological health maintenance system with a gacha function.
- Under the twin moons, a terrifying storm occurs, and Li Fan sees a vision of a starry sky and purple bubbles.
- A small sword pierces Li Fan's palm, and he starts losing mood points rapidly.
- The old Daoist gouges out his eyes and asks Li Fan what he saw.
Character Developments
- Li Fan: Discovers he has a system and tries to understand its functions. Experiences a terrifying vision and a rapid decrease in his mood points.
- Old Daoist: Initially seems calm and aloof but reveals a fierce and desperate side after Li Fan's vision. Gouges out his own eyes to prevent seeing the 'thing' or 'non-thing.'
Significant Themes
- The dangers of curiosity and the consequences of seeing forbidden things.
- The power of the mind and psychological health in the face of terrifying experiences.
- The duality of appearances versus reality, as seen in the old Daoist's transformation.
Character Interactions
- Li Fan interacts with the old Daoist, who initially seems to help him but later reveals a dark side.
- Li Fan's internal struggle with his system and the rapid decrease in his mood points.