Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye starts his last shift at North Station.
• He encounters a man infected with wish grass, who offers an extraordinary ore in exchange for Cheng Ye to distribute the proceeds to his squad's families.
• The checkpoint is flooded with people trying to re-enter the buffer zone, causing chaos and violence.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye struggles with his duty as an inspector, balancing the rules with his compassion for the people.
• Li Maitai reveals his stern stance on the rules, prioritizing fairness to all residents.
• The man infected with wish grass demonstrates loyalty and determination to fulfill his promise.

Significant Themes

• The importance of rules and fairness in maintaining order and safety in Xingfu City.
• The contrast between selfish opportunism and selfless loyalty, as seen in the man with wish grass and the people trying to cut corners.
• The value of promises and beliefs, which can transcend material wealth.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Li Maitai discuss the rules and their responsibilities as inspectors.
• Cheng Ye interacts with the man infected with wish grass, witnessing his determination and gratitude.
• The people outside the checkpoint challenge the rules and cause chaos, leading to a tense standoff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye discovers a man who died while bringing back a bisheng stone and an extraordinary ore, fulfilling his squad's wishes.
• The bisheng stone is processed and found to weigh 532 grams, worth 18,620 contribution points.
• Cheng Ye is informed about the vehicle usage policy changes in the buffer zone and the high value of the bisheng stone.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye: Realizes the harsh reality of the buffer zone and the value of the bisheng stone. He also understands the importance of rules and the consequences of breaking them.
• Qin Feng: Shows professionalism and kindness, helping Cheng Ye with the bisheng stone processing and offering guidance.
• Halin: Makes a brief appearance, expressing his scrutiny towards Cheng Ye's performance.

Significant Themes

• The value of rules and the consequences of breaking them.
• The harsh reality of the buffer zone and the struggles of its residents.
• The high value of supernatural resources and their impact on the city's economy.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Qin Feng: Qin Feng helps Cheng Ye process the bisheng stone and offers him access to a special authorization.
• Cheng Ye and Halin: Halin expresses his scrutiny towards Cheng Ye's performance, hinting at potential future conflicts.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The checkpoint has become lax, with inspectors often away on missions or in settlements.
• Conflicts among upper echelons trickle down, causing inspectors to pick sides.
• The danger coefficient of the wilderness increases due to a celestial phenomenon.
• Cheng Ye encounters Halin, who has a 0% cooperation degree with him.
• Cheng Ye has a successful day at the checkpoint, with an isolation rate of nearly 25%.
• Towns seeks Cheng Ye's opinion on a problem: Shuangyue Lake settlement wants to terminate cooperation with Xingfu City and supply raw materials to Dazhang Sanctuary City instead.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye gains confidence and takes the initiative in conversations with Towns.
• Towns shows a willingness to listen to Cheng Ye's ideas despite their difference in rank.
• Halin's disdain for Cheng Ye is evident in their interaction.
• Li Maitai expresses regret about his age and the changing times but maintains his gruff demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The changing dynamics of power and influence among sanctuary cities and settlements.
• The importance of maintaining relationships and cooperation for survival and prosperity.
• The consequences of complacency and stagnation in the face of changing circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Halin's tense interaction highlights their differing views and lack of cooperation.
• Cheng Ye and Towns' conversation shows a shift in power dynamics, with Cheng Ye taking the initiative and offering valuable insights.
• Li Maitai's interaction with Cheng Ye reveals his regret and concern for the younger inspector's future.

In this chapter, Cheng Ye visits Towns, the duty station chief, seeking advice on the Shuangyue Lake issue. Towns, initially dismissive, is impressed by Cheng Ye's insights and shares his perspective on the situation. Cheng Ye suggests that Xingfu City should not intervene, as Shuangyue Lake's ambitions will lead to its downfall, either at the hands of Dazhang or through its own inability to maintain agricultural dominance. Towns agrees with Cheng Ye's analysis and grants him high marks on his evaluation forms. They then discuss the nature of transcendent entities, with Towns revealing that an obsession or conviction is necessary to resist pollution and become a transcendent. He warns Cheng Ye that pursuing broad ideals may lead to failure in becoming a transcendent, as it's difficult to condense such ideals into a resistance to pollution. Towns also shares the origin story of the transcendent curse beneath Shuangyue Lake, which was created by a transcendent named Tan Ming who sought to improve the land but failed, leading to his curse.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye meets with Director Downs, who offers him a badge and a position at the north checkpoint.
• Downs hints at a conspiracy theory, suggesting that the high wall of Xingfu City protects the obsessions of transcendents and that the outside world is a paradise.
• Cheng Ye reflects on the advantages and disadvantages of staying in Xingfu City versus venturing into the wilderness.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye becomes more cautious and strategic in his interactions with others, suspecting that Downs might have ulterior motives.
• Wang Kang, a new inspector, faces challenges on his first day of duty, leading to injuries and a lack of trust in Cheng Ye.

Significant Themes

• The tension between the inner city's stability and the buffer zone's freedom is explored.
• The power dynamics and corruption within the checkpoint are hinted at through Downs' actions and words.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Downs engage in a tense conversation, with Downs trying to persuade Cheng Ye to leave Xingfu City.
• Cheng Ye and Wang Kang discuss the latter's first day on duty, with Cheng Ye offering support and guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye realizes that Towns' obsession might not be entirely normal and decides to look beyond his words.
• Cheng Ye explores the defense communicator's contribution system, finding it more expensive than expected.
• A heavy rainstorm hits the buffer zone, causing flooding and affecting the daily lives of its residents.
• Cheng Ye meets Master Zhang, who expresses his gratitude for Cheng Ye's help in moving to District B-7.
• Cheng Ye arrives at the South Checkpoint and is greeted warmly by the staff due to his new status.
• Cheng Ye meets Station Chief Lei Hu, who offers him a chance to make a request or ask a question.
• Cheng Ye uses his collector's intelligence search function on Lei Hu, witnessing a conversation between Lei Hu and Liu Kun (the transcendent) about a secret operation.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye becomes more understanding and empathetic towards Towns' situation.
• Cheng Ye gains insight into the contribution system's pricing and the challenges of the buffer zone's environment.
• Master Zhang shows gratitude and appreciation towards Cheng Ye for his help.
• Cheng Ye experiences a change in treatment due to his new status at the South Checkpoint.
• Lei Hu demonstrates a tough and pragmatic demeanor, but also a submissive side when dealing with Liu Kun.
• Liu Kun is revealed to be planning a secret operation with Lei Hu's assistance.

Significant Themes

• The impact of weather and environment on daily life in the buffer zone.
• The influence of status and power dynamics on treatment and respect.
• The duality of human nature, as seen in Lei Hu's tough exterior and submissive interior.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Master Zhang share a moment of gratitude and mutual respect.
• Cheng Ye and Lei Hu have a formal yet cordial meeting, with Lei Hu offering Cheng Ye a chance to make a request.
• Lei Hu and Liu Kun interact, revealing a secret operation and the dynamics of their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye obtains six evaluation forms from Station Chief Lei Hu, who also hints at a potential opportunity involving Liu Kun.
• Cheng Ye learns about the smuggling inspection process at Quarantine Zone C and the potential rewards for finding smuggled goods.
• He discovers that he can still charge his vehicle in Zone C, which could help him earn more contribution points.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye becomes more strategic and calculated in his decisions, prioritizing safety and long-term benefits.
• He shows interest in the potential rewards of smuggling inspections, indicating a growing awareness of his financial needs.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and strategy in decision-making.
• The influence of personal agendas on professional duties.
• The value of information and intelligence in gaining advantages.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye interacts with Station Chief Lei Hu, who shows trust in him and hints at a potential opportunity.
• He meets Ashe, the observer who accompanies him on duty, and learns about the smuggling inspection process and the checkpoint's rules.
• Cheng Ye's thoughts briefly turn to Wang Kang, but he decides against having Wang Kang take over his duty in Zone C due to the increased risks.

Cheng Ye stood up, his gaze meeting the bearded man's before finally settling on the dried salted fish on the ground. These things seemed to have the potential for long-term storage.
If he could manage to seize some of them, he wouldn't have to worry about food even when winter arrived and he had to head out into the ruined wilderness!
"Alright, everyone, take a break. The inspection is over."
He clapped his hands, signaling for everyone to take a break. Ashe immediately stepped forward and began to organize the staff to load the dried salted fish back onto the truck.
The driver and Jin Dafei both looked at each other, their expressions turning a bit sour.
They had been prepared for a thorough search, but they hadn't expected the inspector to simply wave his hand and let them off after just a cursory glance.
What was going on?
Could it be that this young inspector was just a figurehead, and he had no intention of causing trouble?
"Sir, the inspection is complete. The cargo is ready to be loaded back onto the truck."
Ashe reported, brushing the dust off his hands.
"Good. Disinfection."
Cheng Ye nodded, signaling for the truck to be driven to the disinfection area.
The driver and Jin Dafei both looked at each other, their expressions turning a bit sour.
They had been prepared for a thorough search, but they hadn't expected the inspector to simply wave his hand and let them off after just a cursory glance.
What was going on?
Could it be that this young inspector was just a figurehead, and he had no intention of causing trouble?
"Sir, the inspection is complete. The cargo is ready to be loaded back onto the truck."
Ashe reported, brushing the dust off his hands.
"Good. Disinfection."
Cheng Ye nodded, signaling for the truck to be driven to the disinfection area.
"Next!"
He called out, signaling for the third truck to pull onto the weighbridge.
The screen flashed: 16.3 tons.
"Still so heavy?"
Cheng Ye raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over the bearded man and the driver. "What's in this one?"
"Sir, this one is filled with nutrient paste raw materials, just like the first truck."
The driver answered respectfully, his tone filled with deference.
"Good, let's start the inspection."
Cheng Ye nodded, signaling for the cargo to be unloaded.
The staff quickly moved into action, their movements becoming all the more meticulous.
Even Ashe, who had been feeling down earlier, had now regained his spirits. He knew that as long as he could find something, even if it was just a small amount, he would be able to earn some favor with this young inspector.
The cargo bed was filled with nutrient paste raw materials, just like the first truck. The staff quickly unloaded them and began to inspect them one by one.
"Sir, no new wounds were found on the driver."
Ashe reported, brushing the dust off his hands.
"Good, continue the inspection."
Cheng Ye nodded, his gaze sweeping over the nutrient paste raw materials.
Suddenly, his gaze paused on a particularly large block. He walked over and picked it up, finding it to be significantly heavier than the others.
"Is this one a bit heavier?"
"Sir, this one is indeed a bit heavier. It's a special type of nutrient paste raw material, called 'super nutrient paste.' It's a bit more expensive, but it's also more nutritious."
The driver explained, his tone filled with deference.
"Super nutrient paste?"
Cheng Ye raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over the driver. "How much more nutritious is it?"
"Sir, it's about 30% more nutritious than regular nutrient paste. It's a bit more expensive, but it's also more nutritious."
The driver explained, his tone filled with deference.
"30% more nutritious?"
Cheng Ye nodded, his gaze sweeping over the nutrient paste raw materials. "Alright, continue the inspection."
The staff quickly moved into action, their movements becoming all the more meticulous.
Suddenly, someone let out a muffled grunt. Cheng Ye followed the sound and saw that a staff member's palm had been sliced open by a sharp spike on a fish's snout, blood dripping down through his fingers.
"Sir, these are dried sword-spine fish, a specialty of Red Mountain Sanctuary City. You have to be careful when you're digging through them!"
The bearded man shouted from outside.
Cheng Ye turned to look at him. Their eyes met. The bearded man's face remained expressionless; he spread his hands in a calm, neither humble nor pushy

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye inspects the Red Mountain caravan, discovering smuggled steel crystal powder and alienated crystals hidden in dried fish.
• He seizes the contraband and imposes a fine, but allows the caravan to pass after they pay the inspection tax and agree to sell him some dried fish at a discounted price.
• A conflict occurs in Zone B, with two people shot and killed.
• The checkpoint is enveloped in a thick fog, causing unease among the inspectors.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye demonstrates his inspection skills and understanding of the rules, earning respect from the checkpoint staff and the caravan leader, Jin Dafei.
• Jin Dafei initially resents Cheng Ye but eventually accepts his loss and offers to host him if he visits Red Mountain Sanctuary City.
• Song Hai, an inspector in Zone B, is shown to be politically inclined and maintains a distance from Cheng Ye.

Significant Themes

• The balance between caravans and sanctuary cities, with both sides tacitly allowing a certain level of smuggling to maintain the flow of supplies.
• The power dynamics between inspectors and caravans, with inspectors using their authority to extract bribes and fines while caravans try to evade detection.
• The fear of the unknown, as represented by the thick fog enveloping the checkpoint and the city.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye interacts with Jin Dafei, the caravan leader, demonstrating his knowledge of the rules and his ability to find hidden contraband.
• Cheng Ye and Ashe, the checkpoint supervisor, work together to inspect the caravan and uncover the smuggled goods.
• Cheng Ye and Song Hai, an inspector in Zone B, maintain a polite distance, with Cheng Ye choosing not to get involved in Song Hai's conflict.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• A thick, mysterious fog, later identified as an "empty fog," envelops the checkpoint, causing electronic devices to fail and isolating the inspectors from the rest of the city.
• The fog persists for about an hour and a half, during which time visibility is reduced to almost nothing.
• After the fog lifts, mutated beasts, specifically ant wolves, are found to have appeared in the quarantine zone, having presumably traveled through "fog holes" that connect distant locations.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye remains calm and composed throughout the fog incident, demonstrating his ability to maintain composure under pressure and make strategic decisions.
• Song Hai, despite being a more experienced inspector, shows concern for Cheng Ye's safety and advises him to be cautious, indicating a level of camaraderie and mentorship.

Significant Themes

• The theme of isolation and disconnection from the rest of the world is emphasized during the fog incident, highlighting the vulnerability of the inspectors and the danger they face.
• The concept of "fog holes" and their potential to transport creatures across vast distances introduces the idea of interconnectedness and the blurring of boundaries between spaces.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Song Hai communicate through the isolation fence, sharing information and strategizing about the fog and the potential threats it poses.
• Cheng Ye and the staff at the checkpoint work together to defend against the mutated beasts that appear after the fog lifts, demonstrating unity and cooperation in the face of danger.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• An unknown natural disaster, "empty fog," descends upon Xingfu City, causing a regional natural disaster within Sha Province.
• The fog persists for over three months with a cumulative casualty count of less than ten thousand, rated as 'Tide' threat level.
• Mutated beasts, such as ant wolves and yaksha ox, appear through fog holes, causing casualties among staff and scavengers.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye gains experience and confidence in handling unexpected situations and maintaining composure under pressure.
• Wang Kang shows improvement in handling his duties and maintaining composure, despite his injuries.
• Dong Xing is portrayed as a reliable and cautious inspector, despite his past misfortunes on field duty.
• Yang Xingwen demonstrates his leadership and influence among the inspectors and staff.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictable nature of the wasteland and the importance of adaptability and preparation.
• The value of mutual support and cooperation among inspectors and staff in the face of adversity.
• The importance of winning people over through actions and supplies to build rapport and unity.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Yang Xingwen form a bond over their shared experiences and mutual respect.
• Cheng Ye and Dong Xing establish a friendly rapport, acknowledging each other's abilities and expressing concern for one another's safety.
• Wang Kang and Cheng Ye maintain a positive working relationship, with Wang Kang showing deference and respect towards Cheng Ye.
• Song Hai and Cheng Ye have a cordial, albeit distant, relationship, with Song Hai acknowledging Cheng Ye's abilities but maintaining a degree of reserve.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The rainy season arrives in Xingfu City, bringing a significant temperature drop due to the empty fog.
• A suspected source emerges from a fog hole at the hydroelectric station, causing concern among the high level.
• The checkpoint's operating hours are adjusted to 7:00 to 20:00, and residents are warned about the risks of fog holes.
• Cheng Ye arranges for the salted fish and beef to be moved back to the checkpoint and plans to discuss the pedestrian street construction with Engineer Liu.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye demonstrates his concern for his subordinates and their well-being, treating them as equals rather than tools.
• Wang Kang shows signs of growing more confident in his duties, though he's still worried about the dangers posed by fog holes.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictable nature of fog holes and the risks they pose to the residents of Xingfu City.
• The importance of community and mutual respect, as shown through Cheng Ye's treatment of his subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Wang Kang's bond strengthens as they work together, with Cheng Ye showing confidence in Wang Kang's abilities.
• Cheng Ye's interactions with Da Long and the other workers showcase his respect for their labor and his desire to ensure they're well-treated.
• Cheng Ye's conversation with Luo Xiaoxue reveals the gravity of the situation and the potential dangers posed by the empty fog.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The bus is charged at the Public Works Department.
• Cheng Ye discovers a fog hole in the rest hall, leading to Xinhuo Refuge City.
• Both sides exchange words through the fog hole.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye shows his architectural knowledge and ambition, impressing Engineer Liu.
• Engineer Liu becomes more open and enthusiastic when discussing ideas with Cheng Ye.
• Da Long, Engineer Liu, and the apprentices are curious and excited about the fog hole.

Significant Themes

• The fog holes' mysterious nature and potential connections between cities.
• Cheng Ye's ambition and determination to build a landmark pedestrian street.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye discusses architectural ideas with Engineer Liu, leading to a productive exchange.
• Da Long, Engineer Liu, and the apprentices huddle together, curious about the fog hole.
• Both sides exchange words through the fog hole, expressing curiosity and apprehension.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive fog hole appears in the Public Works Department, connecting to Xinhuo Refuge City, thousands of kilometers away.
• Cheng Ye verifies the identity of the people from Xinhuo and communicates with them through the fog hole.
• Xinhuo's Special Task Force and Winged Assault Unit arrive to secure the fog hole site.
• Cheng Ye meets Inspector Li Changfeng from Xinhuo and learns about the difference between empty fog and fog holes.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye: Shows curiosity and eagerness to explore Xinhuo Refuge City but maintains caution and reason.
• Da Long: Demonstrates loyalty and understanding of his duties as an inspector.
• Li Changfeng: Exhibits professionalism, respect for Cheng Ye's family, and advanced technology usage.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Xinhuo Refuge City's advanced technology and Xingfu City's relative backwardness.
• The curiosity and allure of the unknown, represented by Xinhuo Refuge City.
• The importance of caution and reason in decision-making, as shown by Cheng Ye's hesitation about crossing the fog hole.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and the people from Xinhuo: They communicate and share information about their respective refuge cities.
• Cheng Ye and Li Changfeng: They meet and exchange pleasantries, with Li Changfeng showing respect for Cheng Ye's family and offering advanced technology for him to use.
• Da Long and Cheng Ye: Da Long shows understanding of his duties and supports Cheng Ye's decisions.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye encounters an empty fog hole leading to Xinhuo Refuge City.
• He learns about source guidance and source rail technologies from Li Changfeng.
• Xingfu City's inspector team and Xinhuo's staff exchange supplies through the fog hole.
• Cheng Ye requests and is granted permission to visit Xinhuo's checkpoint.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye gains a new understanding of Xingfu City's technological prowess and its history as a technology exporter.
• He experiences the prestige and authority of an inspector in a diplomatic setting.
• Cheng Ye feels a sense of belonging and pride in Xingfu City's traditions, despite its current state.

Significant Themes

• The disparity in technological development between sanctuary cities.
• The importance of inspectors in maintaining diplomatic relations and facilitating trade.
• The power dynamics between sanctuary cities and the value of inspectors in these interactions.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye interacts with Li Changfeng, learning about Xinhuo's technologies and gaining his cooperation.
• He meets Bai Wei, the director of the emergency department at Xingfu City's command center, who offers support and understanding.
• Cheng Ye's interactions with both Xinhuo and Xingfu City staff highlight the respect and value placed on inspectors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye and Li Changfeng fly over Xinhuo Refuge City, revealing its prosperity and the chaos in Zone C35.
• They visit the Zone B4 checkpoint, where Cheng Ye experiences the inspection process and is impressed by its efficiency.
• Cheng Ye watches Li Changfeng undergo various inspection methods, which significantly increase their cooperation degree.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye becomes more determined to stay in Xinhuo Refuge City after seeing its prosperity.
• Li Changfeng shows his tough side by enduring the inspection methods, increasing Cheng Ye's respect for him.
• Cheng Ye realizes the potential of the inspection methods for dealing with uncooperative suspects in Xingfu City.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the prosperity of Xinhuo Refuge City and the chaos in Zone C35 highlights the duality of the New Era.
• The inspection methods used in Xinhuo Refuge City emphasize the use of technology and power to control and intimidate.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Li Changfeng's relationship grows closer, with Li Changfeng treating Cheng Ye as a friend.
• Cheng Ye and the checkpoint staff interact, with Cheng Ye showing interest in their inspection methods.
• Li Changfeng endures the inspection methods to impress Cheng Ye and increase their cooperation degree.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye successfully completes two item searches, obtaining a winged assault unit and an inspector four-piece set.
• He learns about the practical combat value of the inspector equipment and the challenges faced by Xinhuo Refuge City's checkpoint.
• Li Changfeng shares his personal story and aspirations with Cheng Ye.
• Cheng Ye returns to the public works department, where he finds a massive supply of food and essentials left by Li Changfeng.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye gains confidence and ambition, inspired by Xinhuo Refuge City's stability and Li Changfeng's story.
• Li Changfeng reveals his past and his desire for freedom, forming a bond with Cheng Ye.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between freedom and stability, and the realization that both have their merits.
• The importance of friendship and camaraderie in the face of adversity.
• The potential for rebuilding modern society on the wasteland.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Li Changfeng form a strong friendship, built on mutual respect and understanding.
• Cheng Ye appreciates the support and generosity shown by Li Changfeng, further strengthening their bond.
• Da Long and Master Zhang demonstrate their loyalty and dedication to Cheng Ye by guarding the supplies overnight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Ye discovers a scavenger with a backpack similar to one he saw the previous night, suspecting it might be the same person.
• He realizes the patches on the backpack are new, suggesting the man might be infected.
• Cheng Ye reports the incident to Station Chief Lei Hu, who contacts Director Ding for verification.
• Jiang Chuan confirms that the infection source is not from Zone C35 but a deceased guardian transcendent.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye demonstrates keen observational skills and intuition, noticing the discrepancy in the backpack's patches.
• He shows calmness and professionalism under pressure, reporting the incident promptly and maintaining composure during duty.
• Lei Hu exhibits swift and cautious action, immediately contacting higher authorities for verification.

Significant Themes

• The dual nature of the fog holes: bringing benefits (like the scale of ten million) but also posing risks (like the deceased guardian transcendent).
• The importance of attention to detail and thoroughness in inspections.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye interacts with Lei Hu, reporting the suspicious incident and receiving reassurance and guidance.
• He also interacts with Jiang Chuan, who confirms the nature of the infection source.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• A guardian transcendent, codenamed "Walker," passed through Xingfu City, leaving after a day.
• The transcendent's influence led to a massive migration of people from surrounding settlements towards Xingfu City, numbering over five hundred thousand.
• Cheng Ye's convenience store is rebuilt and stocked with supplies.

Character Developments

• Cheng Ye learns about the guardian transcendent's influence and the impending migration crisis.
• Wang Kang shows enthusiasm and curiosity, hinting at his growing maturity and independence.
• Liu Yi's vibrant energy and love for seeds are highlighted, showing her resilience and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• The influence of the guardian transcendent on human behavior and decision-making.
• The impact of large-scale migration on Xingfu City's infrastructure and resources.
• The contrast between the modern world and the post-apocalyptic world in terms of food and resources.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Ye and Wang Kang's bond grows stronger as they explore the city together.
• Cheng Ye's relationship with Luo Xiaoxue and Liu Yi deepens, showing his care and concern for them.
• Cheng Ye's conversation with Jiang Chuan reveals the severity of the upcoming migration crisis, highlighting the need for cooperation and communication between the inspection team and the city's leadership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The checkpoint is overwhelmed by the sudden influx of migrants, led by a guardian transcendent known as the Walker.
• The checkpoint plans to build an outer city to accommodate and process the migrants, with the first group of forty thousand arriving in two days.
• The checkpoint is considering two types of outer city structures and two resource distribution systems for construction.

Character Developments

• Ding Yishan, the station chief, is exhausted and overwhelmed by the recent events but remains determined to handle the crisis.
• Jiang Chuan, the phase three inspector, is initially overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task but gains confidence after Ding Yishan's encouragement.
• Cheng Ye, the intern inspector, demonstrates his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills by providing insights on the outer city plan.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptation and resilience is evident as the checkpoint and its inhabitants face the challenges posed by the Walker and the migrant influx.
• The theme of resource management and distribution is explored as the checkpoint considers how to allocate resources fairly and efficiently among the migrants.

Character Interactions

• Ding Yishan and Jiang Chuan discuss the outer city plan, with Ding Yishan testing Jiang Chuan's ability to handle responsibility.
• Jiang Chuan and Cheng Ye have a conversation about the outer city plan, with Jiang Chuan relaying information from Ding Yishan and Cheng Ye providing valuable insights.
• Ding Yishan listens in on the conversation between Jiang Chuan and Cheng Ye, growing increasingly interested in Cheng Ye's ideas.