Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pope Yosewei leads a memorial ceremony for fallen hunters at Hunter Cemetery.
• A three-minute silence is observed in honor of the deceased.
• Pope Yosewei delivers a speech, emphasizing the importance of the fallen hunters' sacrifice and the need to carry on their unfulfilled will.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen reflects on the tragic fate of young hunters who died in the war, fueling his determination to fight against the Abyss.
• Pope Yosewei shows his leadership and resolve, inspiring hope in the people.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: The fallen hunters' sacrifices are remembered and honored.
• Hope: Pope Yosewei's speech rekindles hope in the people, despite the ongoing threat of the Abyss.
• The Price of Civilization: The necessity of sacrifice to preserve humanity is acknowledged.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and his teammates stand together, paying their respects to the fallen hunters.
• Pope Yosewei addresses the crowd, connecting with them emotionally and inspiring them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Hunter Corps rewards hunters for their contributions during the war.
• Ye Chen and his Dawn Squad receive "First-Class Collective Merit" and "First-Class Individual Merit" for their actions.
• Ye Chen is rewarded with 100,000 gold coins and 100,000 contribution points, propelling him to the top 50 in the active hunter career contribution list.
• Ye Chen has a dream where he encounters the resurrected Butcher Hunter, Jietisikoki, who challenges Ye Chen's resolve to save humanity.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen shows little interest in the lavish rewards he receives, demonstrating his growth and changed priorities.
• Ye Chen's dream reveals his inner turmoil and struggle with the demon planted in his heart by Jietisikoki.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the Hunter Corps' straightforward, efficient approach to rewarding merit and the Church's grand ceremonies.
• The struggle between personal beliefs and the reality of one's actions, as seen in Ye Chen's dream.

Character Interactions

• The dream sequence features an intense interaction between Ye Chen and Jietisikoki, highlighting their complex relationship and Ye Chen's internal conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jietisikoki, the Butcher, reveals his true form and speaks with Ye Chen, revealing his past and the nature of humanity's evil desires.
• Jietisikoki argues that even if he is destroyed, humanity's evil nature will ensure that more "Butchers" will be born in the future.
• Ye Chen defends the Holy Light's Pure Land and its social system, but Jietisikoki challenges his beliefs by questioning what will happen after the Abyss is eradicated.
• Jietisikoki describes a future where humanity, freed from the Holy Light's influence, returns to its evil ways, committing atrocities and repeating past mistakes.
• Ye Chen remains silent, and Jietisikoki's corpse laughs maniacally before falling silent.
• Ye Chen watches a vision of humanity's history, a never-ending cycle of violence, exploitation, and oppression, followed by progress and unity.
• Ye Chen's dark blood extinguishes the flames, ending the cycle of hell.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Struggles with his beliefs and the reality of humanity's nature. His faith is shaken, and he experiences despair before finding a way to end the cycle of violence.
• Jietisikoki: Reveals his past and the origins of his evil nature, serving as a symbol of humanity's dark side. He challenges Ye Chen's beliefs and forces him to confront the truth about humanity.

Significant Themes

• The duality of human nature: Good and evil, progress and regression, unity and division.
• The cyclical nature of history: The repeating patterns of violence, exploitation, and progress in human history.
• The struggle between faith and reality: Ye Chen's internal conflict as he grapples with the truth about humanity and his beliefs in the Holy Light's Pure Land.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Jietisikoki: Engage in a philosophical debate about the nature of humanity, the future of society, and the role of the Holy Light. Their interaction forces both characters to confront difficult truths.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen receives an invitation from Kuize to join the Apex Hunters.
• The tea gathering is held in Kuize's Spirit Realm, the "World-Hunting Soul Falls."
• Upon arrival, Ye Chen is greeted by the nine Apex Hunters, who test his strength with their combined aura.
• Ye Chen withstands the pressure and approaches the tea table, asking for permission to sit.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates his growth and resilience by withstanding the combined aura of the Apex Hunters.
• Kuize shows his strategic thinking by hosting the tea gathering in his Spirit Realm to prevent damage to Hunter's Peak.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power: The Apex Hunters test Ye Chen's capabilities, emphasizing the importance of strength in their group.
• Respect and recognition: Ye Chen earns the respect of the Apex Hunters by holding his ground against their combined aura.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts with the nine Apex Hunters and Kuize for the first time, showcasing his composure and confidence in the face of their combined power.
• Kuize welcomes Ye Chen to the gathering, indicating his approval and acceptance of the young man's potential membership in the Apex Hunters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen joins the Apex Hunters' tea gathering, where Kuize announces his appointment as the Tenth Apex Hunter.
• Ye Chen asks about the implications of his new position, and Kuize explains that it may involve solo missions and special responsibilities.
• Kuize asks each Apex Hunter to introduce themselves, revealing their true ages, which range from 145 to 3,165 years old.
• Hengli, the Third Seat, reveals he spent five years in a time anomaly in the Labyrinth, where time flowed 100 times faster than in the Holy Light Pure Land.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen shows maturity and composure in his new role, asking relevant questions and accepting the position.
• Hengli displays arrogance and superiority, emphasizing his seniority and accomplishments to Ye Chen.

Significant Themes

• The vast differences in age and experience among the Apex Hunters.
• The vast and unpredictable nature of the Labyrinth, as seen in Hengli's time anomaly experience.
• The importance of humility and self-awareness in the face of great talent and accomplishment, as demonstrated by Hengli's warning to Ye Chen.

Character Interactions

• Kuize welcomes Ye Chen and explains the implications of his new role.
• The Apex Hunters introduce themselves, revealing their true ages and providing insight into their characters and experiences.
• Hengli warns Ye Chen about his place in the hierarchy and the existence of greater talents, displaying arrogance and superiority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hengli's provocative speech towards Ye Chen leads to an awkward silence.
• Ye Chen is speechless at Hengli's attitude, finding it unnecessary and childish.
• Kuize, Nie Suo, Alpedis, Fanato, Evelyn, Sophie Lani, He Sheng, and Feng discuss Hengli's immaturity and lack of social skills.
• Kuize advises Hengli to accept Ye Chen as a junior and cooperate efficiently.
• Ye Chen asks about the Apex Hunter seat order, and Hengli explains it's based on the period of assumption.
• Kuize reveals he kept a seat open for Hengli for five hundred years, showing his faith in Hengli's talent.
• Ye Chen understands Hengli's jealousy and admiration for Kuize, leading to his complicated feelings towards Hengli.
• Ye Chen introduces himself as the Tenth Seat and looks forward to working with everyone.

Character Developments

• Hengli: Realizes his immaturity and lack of social skills, feels shame, and decides to accept Ye Chen as a junior.
• Ye Chen: Understands Hengli's jealousy and admiration for Kuize, leading to complicated feelings towards Hengli.
• Kuize: Shows his faith in Hengli's talent by keeping a seat open for him for five hundred years.

Significant Themes

• Talent vs. Social Skills: Hengli's immense talent is contrasted with his lack of social skills and emotional intelligence.
• Jealousy and Admiration: Hengli's jealousy of Ye Chen stems from his admiration for Kuize and his desire for Kuize's approval.
• Faith and Belief: Kuize's faith in Hengli's talent leads him to keep a seat open for him, showing his unwavering belief in Hengli's potential.

Character Interactions

• Kuize and Hengli: Kuize shows his support and faith in Hengli, while Hengli displays absolute obedience and gratitude towards Kuize.
• Ye Chen and Hengli: Ye Chen feels speechless and frustrated with Hengli's attitude, leading to complicated feelings towards Hengli after understanding his motivations.
• The group: The group members discuss Hengli's immaturity and lack of social skills, leading to a collective decision to accept Ye Chen as a new member.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alpedis asks Ye Chen a hypothetical question: to destroy the Holy Light Pure Land (5 million sq. km, 500 million citizens) in a day without external interference.
• Ye Chen answers that he could accomplish this task, recalling his destruction of Jietisikoki's Spirit Realm.
• Alpedis reveals that every Apex Hunter present has the capability to destroy the Holy Light Pure Land within an hour.
• Ye Chen asks about the church's restraint on Apex Hunters, leading to the revelation that all Apex Hunters have 'Soul Commandments' inside them for control.
• Kuize reveals that the Delight Theater's Headmaster was once an Apex Hunter and his third seat, causing numerous disasters.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates his confidence and understanding of his power.
• Alpedis shows his serious and expressionless demeanor while discussing the Apex Hunters' capabilities.
• Kuize reveals his past connection with the Delight Theater's Headmaster, showing his knowledge of the Apex Hunters' history.

Significant Themes

• The power and responsibility of Apex Hunters: their immense strength can also pose a threat to the world they protect.
• The church's control over Apex Hunters: the 'Soul Commandments' serve as a restraint to prevent misuse of power.
• The consequences of betrayal: the Delight Theater's Headmaster's actions led to catastrophic events.

Character Interactions

• Alpedis and Ye Chen: Alpedis tests Ye Chen's understanding of his power and explains the Apex Hunters' role and restraints.
• Kuize and Ye Chen: Kuize shares his knowledge of the Apex Hunters' history and reveals his connection to the Delight Theater's Headmaster.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kuize reveals that two Apex Hunters from the first generation betrayed the Hunter Corps, causing significant harm.
• Kuize explains that he uses 'Soul Commandments' to bind each generation of Apex Hunters to prevent future betrayals.
• Ye Chen learns that the Church monitors the Hunter Corps through the Prime Knights, led by Yamentin, to ensure they don't lose control or commit atrocities.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Realizes the complexity of the relationship between the Church and the Hunter Corps, and understands the necessity of the 'Soul Commandments' for maintaining peace.
• Kuize: Shows his wisdom and foresight in implementing the 'Soul Commandments' to prevent past tragedies from recurring.

Significant Themes

• Control and Restraint: Kuize's use of 'Soul Commandments' to control Apex Hunters and the Church's monitoring of the Hunter Corps.
• Betrayal and Loyalty: The betrayals of Mikun and Serfoshe, and Kuize's loyalty to the Hunter Corps and the Church.
• Power and Responsibility: The responsibility that comes with great power, as seen in the case of Apex Hunters.

Character Interactions

• Kuize and Ye Chen: Kuize shares his knowledge and experiences with Ye Chen, who asks insightful questions, showing his understanding and acceptance of the situation.
• The Church and the Hunter Corps: The relationship between the two is complex, with each monitoring the other to ensure safety and loyalty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alpedis explains to Ye Chen the importance of adapting to the precepts and not revealing secrets to hasten the process of Apex Hunter growth.
• He emphasizes the use of the 'Spirit Realm' to contain power and avoid catastrophic damage to the Holy Light Pure Land.
• Ye Chen confesses he doesn't know how to use the 'Spirit Realm.'

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Struggles with using the 'Spirit Realm,' revealing his vulnerability despite his recent achievements.
• Alpedis: Shows patience in explaining complex concepts to Ye Chen.
• Kuize: Reveals he knew about Ye Chen's struggle with the 'Spirit Realm.'

Significant Themes

• Power Control: The need to control and contain supernatural power to prevent destruction.
• Secrecy and Growth: The importance of not revealing secrets to hasten the process of Apex Hunter growth.
• Vulnerability and Honesty: Ye Chen's admission of his struggle highlights the importance of honesty and acknowledging one's limitations.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Alpedis: Alpedis patiently explains complex concepts to Ye Chen, showing a mentoring role.
• Ye Chen and Kuize: Kuize reveals he knew about Ye Chen's struggle, showing a protective or secret-keeping role.
• Ye Chen and Other Apex Hunters: The other hunters react with surprise, disbelief, and teasing to Ye Chen's confession.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen has awakened to the Sixth Nightmare Realm but cannot use 'Spirit Realm', a crucial ability for Apex Hunters.
• Kuize, the group's leader, suggests finding an alternative method to replace the Spirit Realm for Ye Chen.
• The group discusses the feasibility and potential methods of creating a substitute for the Spirit Realm.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Struggles with the revelation that he may not have the 'foundation' to activate a 'Spirit Realm', and is uncertain about his past.
• Kuize: Shows confidence in Ye Chen's abilities and is determined to help him find a solution to his unique problem.
• Alpedis: Realizes that Ye Chen's unique power trait is 'creation', which could help him create a substitute for the Spirit Realm.

Significant Themes

• Exceptionality: Ye Chen's case is an exception to the norm, challenging the group's understanding of their abilities and the rules governing them.
• Adaptability: The group must adapt to Ye Chen's unique situation and find a new way to accommodate him.
• Power and Potential: The discussion revolves around Ye Chen's power and potential, and how they can be harnessed to overcome his current limitation.

Character Interactions

• Kuize reassures and supports Ye Chen, showing confidence in his abilities and willingness to help him find a solution.
• The group members express their concerns and doubts about Ye Chen's situation, leading to a discussion on potential alternatives.
• Alpedis and Kuize share a moment of understanding, with Alpedis realizing the nature of Ye Chen's unique power trait.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen learns that the Apex Hunters were once gods who perished and reincarnated into human shells.
• Alpedis reveals that Auling Power comes from their former selves, and Auling dreams are signposts guiding them to these truths.
• Kuize and Alpedis explain that only a few high-ranking Church officials know about their past lives, and they cooperate for mutual benefit.
• Ye Chen is warned not to reveal these secrets to anyone outside the Apex Hunters.
• The meeting moves on to discuss the benefits Ye Chen can obtain as an official Apex Hunter.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Realizes the truth about the Apex Hunters and his own potential past life, accepts the need to keep these secrets.
• Kuize: Reveals his understanding of the Church's awareness of their past lives and the reasons for cooperation.
• Alpedis: Presides over the meeting, ensures Ye Chen understands the importance of keeping secrets, and moves the discussion forward.

Significant Themes

• Secrets and lies: The Apex Hunters keep their past lives secret to avoid being seen as threats, and the Church does the same for cooperation and control.
• Power and origin: The source of the Apex Hunters' power is their former selves, challenging the public understanding of Auling Power.
• Trust and cooperation: The Apex Hunters and the Church maintain a fragile balance of trust for mutual benefit.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts with Kuize and Alpedis, learning about their past lives and the need to keep these secrets.
• Kuize and Alpedis work together to explain the situation to Ye Chen, ensuring he understands his new role and responsibilities as an Apex Hunter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen learns about the benefits of becoming an Apex Hunter from Alpedis.
• He reads the official regulations for the Apex Hunter position, detailing duties, status, privileges, and authority.
• Alpedis reveals a classified document containing secret information about Labyrinth Relics and Nightmare Sensors.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen shows maturity and indifference to material benefits, focusing more on the secrets revealed in the classified document.

Significant Themes

• Power and authority: Ye Chen gains significant power and authority as an Apex Hunter.
• Secrecy and revelation: The classified document hints at hidden truths about Labyrinth Relics and Nightmare Sensors.

Character Interactions

• Alpedis provides Ye Chen with crucial information about the Apex Hunter position and reveals classified secrets, demonstrating trust and guidance.
• Ye Chen and Alpedis engage in a formal, informative exchange, with Ye Chen showing respect and Alpedis displaying confidence in Ye Chen's abilities.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen discovers that Labyrinth Relics are transformed from dead Nightmare Sensors, including himself.
• He learns that the Hunter Corps preserves hunters' remains to create Labyrinth Relics for "secondary utilization."
• Ye Chen finds out that Hunter's Peak was created by a Holy God to store the "Apocalypse."

Character Developments

• Ye Chen experiences shock and anger upon learning the truth about the Hunter Cemetery.
• He struggles to accept the reality but ultimately understands the necessity of the practice.

Significant Themes

• The cyclical nature of life and death in the context of the Hunter Corps.
• The moral ambiguity of using the dead for the greater good.
• The importance of the "Apocalypse" and its role in shaping the Hunter Corps.

Character Interactions

• Kuize, as the leader, explains the necessity of the cemetery practice to Ye Chen.
• Hengli and Nie Suo have differing reactions to Ye Chen's anger, with Hengli provoking him and Nie Suo trying to calm the situation.
• Fanu shows understanding and empathy towards Ye Chen's feelings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen discovers that Apocalypse, a powerful artifact, is hidden beneath Hunter's Peak, connected to the Holy Light Church via a permanent Holy Light Gate.
• The Auling Hunter Corps is secretly guarded by thousands of Temple Knights from the Holy Light Church.
• Ye Chen learns about the Apex Hunters of each generation, including their personal profiles, career summaries, and final fates.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen experiences shock and guilt upon learning about Serfoshe's betrayal and subsequent actions.
• Kuize shows understanding and kindness towards Ye Chen, signaling him to continue reading.

Significant Themes

• The intricate relationship between the Corps and the Holy Light Church.
• The extraordinary nature of Sixfold Nightmare Sensors and their sixth-tier Labyrinth Relics.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Kuize share a silent understanding, with Kuize showing no resentment towards Ye Chen despite knowing the truth about Serfoshe's betrayal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen reads a classified document revealing the "Life Relic," the pinnacle of General Spirit Arts for sixth-level Nightmare Sensors.
• Alpedis confirms that most Apex Hunters can summon their "Life Relics," with Kuize being the most proficient.
• Kuize outlines the benefits of being an Apex Hunter and reveals the final stage of the tea gathering, where he will assign tasks.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen remains confident despite his inability to use the "Spirit Realm," demonstrating his unique strength—the "Undying Body."
• Kuize shows satisfaction with Ye Chen's response and prepares to assign tasks.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and mastery of techniques (the "Life Relic").
• The importance of confidence and self-belief in Ye Chen's character.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts with Alpedis, who notices Ye Chen's confidence despite his lack of the "Spirit Realm."
• Kuize engages with Ye Chen, outlining the benefits of being an Apex Hunter and preparing to assign tasks.
• The Apex Hunters share their experiences with the "Life Relic," revealing their individual methods and challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kuize reveals the new strategy: defend the Holy Light Pure Land and harass the Abyss in their territory.
• The Apex Hunters are tasked with finding and destroying Abyss broodbeds (armories) in the Labyrinth.
• The Church promises protection and support, including teleportation for emergency extraction.
• Missions will be conducted in batches to avoid leaving the Holy Light Pure Land vulnerable.

Character Developments

• Kuize demonstrates strategic thinking and calm leadership.
• The Apex Hunters show determination and willingness to accept their new roles.
• Ye Chen and Fanu express readiness for their first Apex Hunter missions.

Significant Themes

• Protection of the Holy Light Pure Land and preparation for the Apocalypse.
• Strategic planning and adaptability in the face of the Abyss's threat.
• Trust in the Church's protection and support.

Character Interactions

• Kuize interacts with the Apex Hunters, providing instructions and reassurances.
• The Apex Hunters discuss their concerns and express their determination.
• Ye Chen and Fanu show maturity and readiness for their new responsibilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Apex Hunters leave Kuize's "Spirit Realm" after their meeting, leaving Ye Chen behind.
• Ye Chen and Kuize discuss Ye Chen's ability to create a substitute for the "Spirit Realm."
• Ye Chen demonstrates his "Ultimate Blood Body" and creates a new space using his blood.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen shows initiative and responsibility by researching a way to control his power.
• Kuize displays his wisdom and patience in guiding Ye Chen.

Significant Themes

• The struggle to control power and its consequences.
• The importance of initiative and responsibility in personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Kuize and Ye Chen discuss Ye Chen's progress and plans.
• Ye Chen demonstrates his power to Kuize, seeking his assessment and guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen creates a vast, crimson sea of mist, a substitute for the "Spirit Realm," based on his nightmares, naming it "Boundless Blood Sea."
• Kuize, impressed by the scenery, criticizes the space's fragility and the casting duration, suggesting improvements.
• Ye Chen requests Kuize's guidance on further enhancements, but Kuize declines, encouraging Ye Chen to explore on his own.
• Kuize agrees to answer Ye Chen's questions about the past, but not all of them, and not immediately.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Shows initiative in creating and improving the "Spirit Realm," but is eager for Kuize's guidance and approval.
• Kuize: Demonstrates expertise in evaluating and critiquing the "Spirit Realm," showing a mix of praise and constructive criticism. He maintains a calm and composed demeanor throughout.

Significant Themes

• Growth and improvement: Ye Chen's desire to enhance his creation, and Kuize's encouragement for him to do so independently.
• Knowledge and information: Kuize's vast understanding of Ye Chen's past, gained through helping him eliminate the Abyss scourge.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Kuize: Their interaction is a mix of respect and deference from Ye Chen, and patient guidance from Kuize. Kuize maintains a teacher-like role, pushing Ye Chen to grow independently while offering valuable critiques.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen learns that Kuize has seen all his important memories.
• Kuize hints at his abilities being based on 'soul' and 'time'.
• Ye Chen realizes Kuize's ability might have refreshed his past.
• Ye Chen confesses his true origins and father's identity to Kuize.
• Kuize reveals he knew about Ye Chen's origins from their first meeting.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Realizes the extent of Kuize's abilities, confesses his origins, feels guilty and grateful towards Kuize.
• Kuize: Remains calm and composed, reveals he knew about Ye Chen's origins from the start.

Significant Themes

• The power of truth and confession.
• The consequences of past actions.
• The bond between friends and family.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Kuize: Ye Chen confesses his origins to Kuize, who reveals he already knew. They share a deep understanding and bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen learns that Kuize saved him due to his potential value, not just sentiment.
• Kuize refuses to discuss Ye Chen's father's past due to painful memories but offers to share once they defeat their common enemy, Havijordan.
• Kuize inquires about Ye Chen's progress in mastering his Abyssal power.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Realizes the reason behind Kuize's initial help, feels grateful and determined to repay Kuize's kindness. Struggles with accepting his Abyssal power.
• Kuize: Reveals his past friendship with Ye Chen's father, shows reluctance to discuss the past, but offers to share it later. Expresses confidence in Ye Chen's potential.

Significant Themes

• The burden of expectations and potential.
• The struggle with accepting one's true nature or abilities.
• The pain of the past and the desire to move forward.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Kuize: Kuize provides guidance and expects Ye Chen to live up to his potential. Ye Chen feels grateful and determined to repay Kuize's kindness.
• Kuize's past with Ye Chen's father: Kuize's reluctance to discuss the past creates tension, but he offers to share it later, creating anticipation.