Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shutong takes Qing Chen under his wing, though he doesn't specify what he'll teach him.
• Qing Chen endures four days in the dark room and waterboarding, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
• Lin Xiaoxiao and Ye Wan reveal they were also subjected to these tests and that Li Shutong has been searching for a suitable successor for the Knight lineage.
• Qing Chen is offered food, and a bet is made on his choice, which he wins by choosing porridge over ribs, showing his strategic thinking.
• Qing Chen learns about the Knight's influence and the existence of the Heng Society.
• Qing Chen visits Jian Sheng, a fellow Earthling, in his cell, asking about his background and intentions.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Shows exceptional endurance, strategic thinking, and caution, even after harsh treatments. He also displays a growing understanding of his new world.
• Li Shutong: Revealed to be anxious about finding a suitable successor for the Knight lineage.
• Lin Xiaoxiao: Shows camaraderie and understanding towards Qing Chen, revealing his loyalty and good nature.
• Ye Wan: Demonstrates respect for Qing Chen's resilience and strategic thinking, showing a change in his attitude towards the young man.

Significant Themes

• Endurance and Resilience: Qing Chen's ability to endure harsh treatments and maintain his composure is a significant aspect of his character development.
• Strategic Thinking: Qing Chen's choice of porridge over ribs shows his ability to think strategically, even in challenging situations.
• Loyalty and Camaraderie: Lin Xiaoxiao and Ye Wan's actions towards Qing Chen highlight the importance of loyalty and camaraderie within their organization.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Lin Xiaoxiao: They develop a friendly rapport, with Lin Xiaoxiao showing understanding and support towards Qing Chen.
• Qing Chen and Ye Wan: Ye Wan's respect for Qing Chen grows, leading to a more cooperative relationship.
• Qing Chen and Jian Sheng: Qing Chen's cautious interaction with Jian Sheng shows his strategic thinking and desire to gather information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen, Ye Wan, and Lin Xiaoxiao explore Prison No. 18 after 9 PM, confirming Jian Sheng's transmigration to City No. 18.
• They discover Lu Guangyi, a former nursing home thug for the Helian Society, imprisoned for causing trouble for Li Shutong.
• Qing Chen visits Lu Guangyi, learns about his past, and decides to keep him in his organization, emphasizing the need for a low profile.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Shows understanding and acceptance of Lu Guangyi's past, appreciating his loyalty and deciding to keep him in his organization.
• Lu Guangyi: Initially puts on a show of loyalty, but later opens up to Qing Chen, showing his willingness to change and follow Qing Chen's instructions.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Betrayal: Lu Guangyi's initial act is a test of Qing Chen's response to loyalty, which Qing Chen passes, solidifying Lu Guangyi's allegiance.
• Appearance vs Reality: Lu Guangyi's mechanical limbs initially give an impression of strength and wealth, but Qing Chen sees through this, appreciating his genuine qualities.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Lu Guangyi: Qing Chen sees through Lu Guangyi's act, appreciates his loyalty, and decides to keep him in his organization, setting clear expectations for their future relationship.
• Qing Chen and Li Shutong: Indirectly, Qing Chen understands Li Shutong's intentions and accepts his offer to join his organization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen returns to Prison No. 18 after five days, appearing weak and losing his special treatment.
• Two prisoners attempt to assassinate Qing Chen using poisoned toothbrush handles but are defeated and captured.
• Qing Chen learns that the assassins are part of a group targeting him since his arrival, likely other Shadow candidates.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen demonstrates his strategic thinking and combat abilities, outsmarting the assassins.
• Li Shutong reveals that the position of Shadow is highly coveted due to the family rule of succession.
• Guo Huzhan shows interest in Qing Chen's abilities, attempting to recruit him.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest: The struggle for the Shadow position is a ruthless competition where only the most decisive and ruthless survive.
• Trust and alliances: Qing Chen forms an alliance with Li Shutong, Ye Wan, and Lin Xiaoxiao to protect himself and learn Transcendental abilities.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Guo Huzhan: Guo Huzhan tries to recruit Qing Chen, but Qing Chen is uninterested.
• Qing Chen and Li Shutong: Li Shutong teaches Qing Chen about the Shadow position's importance and offers to train him in Transcendental abilities.
• Qing Chen and Lin Xiaoxiao: Lin Xiaoxiao agrees to investigate the assassins and find their employers within seven days.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen learns about the Qing Clan's shadow system, where shadows can become patriarchs, and the struggle for succession involves competition and survival.
• Li Shutong explains that the shadow system was established by a Qing Clan ancestor and later modified by his son to involve competition among shadows.
• Qing Chen decides not to withdraw from the shadow struggle and asks about more powerful weapons in the Inner World.
• Li Shutong demonstrates a unique breathing technique that alters one's biological functions, causing intense pain.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Becomes more informed about the Qing Clan's dynamics and decides to participate in the shadow struggle. Shows resilience in enduring pain.
• Li Shutong: Reveals more about the Qing Clan's history and demonstrates a powerful breathing technique. Shows patience in teaching Qing Chen.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and succession within the Qing Clan.
• The evolution of traditions and ideals over time.
• The cost of ascension and the pain involved in achieving higher levels.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Li Shutong: Li Shutong patiently explains the Qing Clan's history and teaches Qing Chen a powerful breathing technique. Qing Chen asks questions and shows determination in facing pain.
• Qing Chen and Ye Wan: Ye Wan advises Qing Chen to endure the pain caused by Li Shutong's breathing technique.
• Lin Xiaoxiao (mentioned): Her words about the necessity of pain for ascension are echoed in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen undergoes a trial involving intense physical and emotional pain, recalling past traumas.
• He successfully endures the trial, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
• Li Shutong reveals the Knight's inheritance and the ranking system based on completed Life and Death Trials.
• Qing Chen learns about endorphins and their role in unlocking the Gene Lock.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen demonstrates remarkable resilience and mental fortitude, facing and overcoming his past pains.
• Li Shutong shows empathy and understanding towards Qing Chen's experiences, revealing his S-rank status.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming pain and suffering to grow stronger.
• The importance of memory and the burden of a photographic memory.
• The distinction between dopamine and endorphins, and their roles in human experience.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen interacts with Li Shutong, Ye Wan, and Lin Xiaoxiao, who guide him through the trial and provide insights into the Knight's path.
• Qing Chen and Li Shutong share a moment of understanding, with Li Shutong expressing empathy for Qing Chen's past experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen learns about the Knights' history and their unique method of opening the Gene Lock using Breathing Techniques and endorphins.
• The concept of Forbidden Zones and Forbidden Items is introduced, originating from Transcendental beings.
• Qing Chen learns about the Tribunal of Taboos, an organization that contains and controls Forbidden Items and Transcendental beings.
• Li Shutong decides to train Qing Chen for the eight Life and Death Trials, hoping he can change an era.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen shows curiosity and determination to learn about the Inner World's secrets and his potential role in it.
• Li Shutong reveals his strategic thinking and hope for Qing Chen's potential, showing a rare moment of emotion.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between humanity and the dangerous, unknown forces of the Inner World (Forbidden Items, Transcendental beings).
• The importance of understanding and adapting to new environments and challenges.
• The potential for change and hope, even in dire circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Li Shutong: Qing Chen asks insightful questions, and Li Shutong shares valuable information and expresses his hopes for Qing Chen's future.
• Qing Chen and Lin Xiaoxiao: Lin Xiaoxiao explains the concepts of Forbidden Zones and Forbidden Items to Qing Chen, using examples to illustrate their nature and danger.
• Li Shutong and Qing Chen: Li Shutong decides to train Qing Chen, expressing his envy of Qing Chen's Outer World origins but focusing on the potential impact Qing Chen could have on the Inner World.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen begins training with the Breathing Technique, which requires high energy consumption, necessitating frequent eating.
• Qing Chen's family visits him in prison, revealing an engagement to Kamishiro Kono of the Kamishiro Family and the family's lack of support for his participation in the Shadow Struggle.
• Qing Chen meets Kamishiro Kono during his visit, but they have little interaction due to the awkward situation.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen shows remarkable resilience and willpower during his intense training, impressing Ye Wan.
• Qing Yan, Qing Chen's cousin, reveals his disapproval of Qing Chen's actions and his alliance with the Second and Fourth Branches of the Qing Clan.
• Kamishiro Kono, Qing Chen's fiancée, is introduced as a young woman who seems uncomfortable in formal attire and appears to have a crush on Qing Chen.

Significant Themes

• Family and Betrayal: Qing Chen's family in the Inner World betrays him, showing no support for his participation in the Shadow Struggle and even arranging an engagement without his knowledge.
• Resilience and Determination: Qing Chen's ability to endure intense training and maintain his resolve despite his family's betrayal highlights his determination to succeed in the Shadow Struggle.
• Awkward Interactions: The visits from Qing Yan and Kamishiro Kono are filled with awkwardness and tension, reflecting the complex dynamics between the characters.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Ye Wan: Ye Wan is impressed by Qing Chen's ability to endure intense training and compares him to a Transcendental due to his willpower.
• Qing Chen and Qing Yan: Qing Yan expresses his disapproval of Qing Chen's actions and advises him to marry Kamishiro Kono to maintain his position in the Qing Clan.
• Qing Chen and Kamishiro Kono: Their interaction is minimal due to the awkward situation, but Kamishiro Kono seems to have a crush on Qing Chen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen decides to continue with his plan despite Qing Yan's provocations, as he believes in the power of strength.
• He discovers that the Breathing Technique has unexpected benefits, such as refreshing his body and removing fatigue.
• Jiang Xue receives mechanical arms as a gift from the Li Clan, increasing her capabilities.
• Qing Chen prepares to return to the Outer World, with Li Shutong and Ye Wan witnessing the event.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen shows determination and focus on his goals, prioritizing his plan over clan struggles.
• Jiang Xue accepts gifts from the Li Clan, potentially leading to further entanglement with them.
• Li Shutong shows curiosity and interest in Qing Chen's world-crossing ability, asking for chess endgame studies.

Significant Themes

• Power and strength are valued over words and provocations.
• Gifts and favors can lead to entanglements and obligations.
• Curiosity and knowledge-seeking drive characters to explore new territories.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Lu Guangyi maintain their loyalty and trust in each other.
• Jiang Xue is cautious but accepts the Li Clan's gifts, potentially forming a bond with them.
• Li Shutong and Qing Chen share a moment of understanding, with Li Shutong asking for chess studies as a favor.

• Qing Chen returns to the Outer World and continues his training, recalling Kamishiro Kono's words.
• Jian Sheng, another Time Walker, is detained in Prison No. 18 and seeks help from the media, mentioning a mysterious Time Walker who could influence the prison.
• Liu Dezhu's classmates believe he is the Time Walker mentioned by Jian Sheng, causing a commotion at school.
• Reporters arrive at Luocheng Foreign Language School, prompting Qing Chen to avoid them.

Key Points

1. Plot Events: Jian Sheng's situation in Prison No. 18 becomes public, leading to speculation about Liu Dezhu's identity as the influential Time Walker. Reporters arrive at Qing Chen's school.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Continues his training and tries to decipher Kamishiro Kono's words.
• Liu Dezhu: Becomes the center of attention due to Jian Sheng's situation, causing him distress.

3. Significant Themes: The consequences of being a Time Walker, the power dynamics in the Inner World, and the potential dangers of public exposure.
4. Character Interactions: Qing Chen and Nan Gengchen, Liu Dezhu and his classmates, Liu Dezhu and the reporters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Dezhu's identity as a Time Walker attracts attention, with Jian Sheng, a businessman, trying to approach him.
• Liu Dezhu is targeted by two individuals with mechanical limbs, likely Transcendental, who attempt to kidnap him.
• Kunlun, a mysterious organization, intervenes, saving Liu Dezhu and introducing their leader, Zheng Yuandong.

Character Developments

• Liu Dezhu's lie about being a Time Walker leads to unexpected consequences, putting him in danger.
• Qing Chen remains indifferent to the events, hinting at hidden knowledge or motives.
• Zheng Yuandong, leader of Kunlun, is introduced as a capable and timely savior.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of Deception: Liu Dezhu's lie about being a Time Walker leads to serious repercussions.
• Power and Protection: Transcendentals with mechanical limbs are shown to be formidable, while Kunlun's intervention highlights their power and protective role.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Nan Gengchen: Qing Chen's indifference contrasts with Nan Gengchen's enthusiasm, highlighting their differing perspectives on the situation.
• Liu Dezhu and Jian Sheng: Jian Sheng's pursuit of Liu Dezhu due to his perceived status as a Time Walker leads to a tense interaction.
• Liu Dezhu and Zheng Yuandong: Zheng Yuandong's timely intervention and introduction to Liu Dezhu hints at a potential alliance or mentorship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Dezhu, a new Time Walker, is targeted by a group of individuals with mechanical limbs.
• Zheng Yuandong, leader of Kunlun, rescues Liu Dezhu and dismantles the attackers' mechanical limbs.
• Zheng Yuandong deploys protection for Liu Dezhu and monitors his movements.
• Qing Chen begins his self-training at home and receives a visit from Li Tongyun, who brings him food and reveals she knows about Time Walkers.

Character Developments

• Liu Dezhu: Despite being a Time Walker, he lacks courage and alertness, which Zheng Yuandong finds strange.
• Zheng Yuandong: He understands the importance of order in the Outer World and the value of Liu Dezhu, but finds Liu Dezhu unworthy of recruitment into Kunlun.
• Qing Chen: He continues his training and realizes Li Tongyun's intelligence and awareness of Time Walkers.
• Li Tongyun: She demonstrates her precociousness and intelligence by recognizing Qing Chen as a Time Walker.

Significant Themes

• The value of order and stability in the Outer World, as emphasized by Zheng Yuandong.
• The importance of courage and alertness in Time Walkers, highlighted by Zheng Yuandong's assessment of Liu Dezhu.
• The theme of tacit understanding, shown between Qing Chen and Li Tongyun, and between Zheng Yuandong and Liu Dezhu regarding Liu Dezhu's protection.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Yuandong and Liu Dezhu: Zheng Yuandong offers protection to Liu Dezhu without asking for anything in return, while Liu Dezhu expresses gratitude.
• Qing Chen and Li Tongyun: They acknowledge each other's awareness of Time Walkers and seem to form a tacit understanding.
• Zheng Yuandong and Lu Yuan: They discuss the situation with Liu Dezhu and the possibility of recruiting him into Kunlun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen discovers that his opposite apartment (room 102) and the one above (room 202) are being renovated and new, wealthy residents are moving in.
• He suspects these new neighbors are Time Walkers targeting Jiang Xue.
• Liu Dezhu, a student from the next class, is severely injured and the incident is trending online.
• He Xiaoxiao's latest guide introduces the Forbidden Zone instance.
• Two new transfer students, Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er, join Qing Chen's class.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Becomes more cautious and observant due to the sudden changes and potential threats.
• Liu Dezhu: Suffers severe injuries, hinting at his involvement in the Time Walker events.
• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er: Introduced as new transfer students with unknown backgrounds.

Significant Themes

• The arrival of new Time Walkers and the potential threats they pose.
• The allure of wealth and status in the Inner World, contrasting with Qing Chen's ordinary life.
• The dangers of exposure and the media's interest in Time Walkers.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen warns Jiang Xue about the potential new Time Walkers.
• Qing Chen observes the interactions between his classmates and the new transfer students, Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er.
• The classmates show kindness and helpfulness towards the new students, with one boy giving up his seat for Wang Yun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two new female classmates, Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er, transfer to Qing Chen's school, drawing his and Nan Gengchen's attention.
• They are revealed to be Time Walkers, targeting Liu Dezhu (Qing Chen's identity in the Inner World, Li Shutong).
• Four transfer students, including Wang Yun, Bai Wan'er, Hu Xiaoniu, and Zhang Tianzhen, arrive at Qing Chen's school, further complicating the situation.
• Qing Chen discovers that his new neighbors are Wang Yun, Bai Wan'er, Hu Xiaoniu, and Zhang Tianzhen.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Shows curiosity and caution about the new students, especially Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er. He decides to skip class to investigate further.
• Nan Gengchen: Initially infatuated with Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er, he later feels lonely when they skip class together.
• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er: Display intelligence and strategic thinking, focusing on their mission while maintaining a low profile at school.
• Hu Xiaoniu and Zhang Tianzhen: Revealed to be part of the group targeting Liu Dezhu, they maintain a calm and collected demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Time Travel/Multi-worlds: The presence of Time Walkers hints at the existence of parallel worlds or time travel.
• Power Dynamics: The new students' arrival disrupts the balance of power at the school, with Liu Dezhu/Li Shutong becoming the center of attention.
• Trust and Caution: Qing Chen's initial curiosity is replaced by caution as he realizes the new students' true intentions.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Nan Gengchen: They share information about the new students, with Qing Chen being more cautious and investigative.
• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er: They interact with Nan Gengchen, asking about the school and teachers, but ignore Qing Chen.
• Qing Chen and the new students: Qing Chen encounters the new students at his apartment building, acknowledging their presence but maintaining a distant demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen leaves, and Hu Xiaoniu senses a familiar aura in his attitude.
• Hu Xiaoniu and his friends discuss Qing Chen's peculiar behavior and his academic prowess.
• They decide to befriend Liu Dezhu, their target in Luocheng, rather than buying information.
• Hu Xiaoniu and his friends try to visit their new neighbors but are turned away by Li Tongyun.
• Qing Chen sells 39 grams of gold at a pawn shop for 8580 yuan.

Character Developments

• Hu Xiaoniu: Shows leadership and strategic thinking, acknowledging the superiority of education in big cities and emphasizing the importance of building relationships over money.
• Qing Chen: Demonstrates resourcefulness by selling gold to solve his immediate financial problems.
• Li Tongyun: Shows naivety and curiosity, mistaking Hu Xiaoniu and his friends for Qing Chen and refusing to open the door when she realizes her mistake.

Significant Themes

• The importance of relationships and networking over money and resources.
• The superiority of education in big cities compared to smaller cities.
• The struggle of top students to maintain their academic prowess.

Character Interactions

• Hu Xiaoniu and his friends (Wang Yun, Zhang Tianzhen, Bai Wan'er) discuss their plans and strategies for befriending Liu Dezhu and their observations about Qing Chen.
• Qing Chen interacts with the pawn shop owner, negotiating the sale of his gold.
• Li Tongyun interacts with her mother, Jiang Xue, and mistakenly refuses entry to Hu Xiaoniu and his friends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen sells gold for cash, meticulously checking each bill.
• He buys groceries and is invited by Li Tongyun to his apartment.
• Qing Chen learns that the new neighbors are from Haicheng and are likely seeking opportunities or fleeing enemies.
• He swaps desks with Nan Gengchen to listen to Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er's conversation in English.
• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er discuss their plan to avoid Chen Leyou by going to City 18.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Shows caution and meticulousness in handling money, and his determination to train alone.
• Li Tongyun: Shows initiative in inviting Qing Chen to her home and displaying curiosity about the new neighbors.
• Wang Yun: Demonstrates analytical skills by observing Qing Chen's focus on the math test while they speak in English.

Significant Themes

• Caution and vigilance (Qing Chen's meticulous money checking, Wang Yun's observation of Qing Chen).
• Isolation and determination (Qing Chen's solitary training, his resolve to keep moving forward).
• Communication and understanding (Qing Chen's effort to eavesdrop on Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er, Wang Yun's consideration of Qing Chen's English skills).

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and the jewelry store owner: The old man mistakes Qing Chen for a thief but admires his caution.
• Qing Chen and Li Tongyun: They share information about the new neighbors and Qing Chen pats Li Tongyun's head affectionately.
• Qing Chen and Nan Gengchen: They discuss the Transmigration Group and Nan Gengchen's fortune-telling.
• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er: They discuss their plan to avoid Chen Leyou in English, unaware of Qing Chen's eavesdropping.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yun, Bai Wan'er, Hu Xiaoniu, and Zhang Tianzhen discuss their observations and plans during class breaks.
• Wang Yun observes a male classmate who swapped seats to sit next to her but shows no signs of being a Time Walker.
• Qing Chen learns about a news report of Time Walkers being kidnapped and forced to smuggle drugs, causing him to become distracted in class.

Character Developments

• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er display their strategic thinking and ability to adapt their behavior to achieve their goals.
• Qing Chen shows his ability to analyze people and situations quickly, understanding Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er's intentions.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence among Time Walkers.
• The danger and fear that Time Walkers face due to their abilities.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er try to befriend Qing Chen to gain information about City 18 and Jiang Xue.
• Qing Chen remains cautious and observant of Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er's intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• News of 12 detained Time Walkers sparks concern among all Time Walkers.
• Qing Chen and Nan Gengchen pay textbook fees together.
• He Jinqiu, leader of Jiuzhou, visits Zheng Yuandong, leader of Kunlun, to discuss regulating Time Walkers.
• He Xiaoxiao announces plans to create a secure group chat system for Time Walkers.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen shows responsibility by paying for Nan Gengchen.
• He Jinqiu demonstrates assertiveness and determination in his mission to protect Time Walkers.
• Zheng Yuandong maintains his stance against regulating Time Walkers.

Significant Themes

• Protection and regulation of Time Walkers.
• The dangers of the Inner World and the need for caution.
• The importance of community and support among Time Walkers.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Nan Gengchen's friendship deepens as they pay fees together.
• He Jinqiu and Zheng Yuandong's tense discussion highlights their differing views on Time Walker regulation.
• He Xiaoxiao's announcement shows her commitment to Time Walker safety and unity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen discovers a group chat called "Time Walker" created by He Xiaoxiao, who possesses Inner World technology.
• He Xiaoxiao's group chat is compared to a crab trap, with He Xiaoxiao as the fisherman.
• Qing Chen visits Li Tongyun and Jiang Xue, bringing gifts and learning about Jiang Xue's new mechanical limbs.
• Wang Yun and his friends visit Li Tongyun's home, bringing gifts and trying to befriend Jiang Xue and Li Tongyun.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Becomes more curious about He Xiaoxiao's identity and technology. Shows interest in Jiang Xue's mechanical limbs and their origin.
• Jiang Xue: Becomes more cheerful and confident, showing off her new mechanical limbs. Welcomes Wang Yun and his friends warmly despite Li Tongyun's displeasure.
• Li Tongyun: Becomes more protective of her family, refusing to let Wang Yun and his friends in at first. Shows displeasure at their visit but eventually serves them tea.
• Wang Yun and friends: Try to befriend Jiang Xue and Li Tongyun, bringing gifts and engaging in conversation. They are initially surprised by Jiang Xue's mechanical limbs.

Significant Themes

• Identity and secrecy: Qing Chen and Li Tongyun both have secrets about their identities in the Inner World, and they refuse to share them with each other.
• Technology and adaptation: Jiang Xue's new mechanical limbs represent her adaptation to her new life and body.
• Social dynamics: The interactions between Qing Chen, Jiang Xue, Li Tongyun, and Wang Yun and his friends highlight the complexities of social relationships and the struggle for acceptance.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Li Tongyun: They have a friendly, almost sibling-like relationship, with Li Tongyun trying to guess Qing Chen's Inner World identity and Qing Chen refusing to reveal it.
• Jiang Xue and Wang Yun and friends: Jiang Xue welcomes them warmly despite Li Tongyun's initial resistance, trying to maintain a polite and friendly demeanor. Wang Yun and his friends try to find common ground with Jiang Xue and Li Tongyun, bringing gifts and engaging in conversation.
• Li Tongyun and Wang Yun and friends: Li Tongyun initially refuses to let them in, showing protectiveness towards her family. She eventually serves them tea but remains distant and displeased throughout their visit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The first meeting between the neighbors (Hu Xiaoniu's group and Jiang Xue) is polite but distant.
• Hu Xiaoniu realizes their mistake in approaching the situation with inherent pride.
• Qing Chen discovers the effects of the Breathing Technique on his body.
• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er attempt to befriend their classmates, starting with Nan Gengchen, with mixed results.

Character Developments

• Hu Xiaoniu: Recognizes the group's initial mistake and proposes changes in their approach.
• Qing Chen: Discovers the rapid physical changes due to the Breathing Technique.
• Wang Yun: Struggles to connect with her classmates, initially failing but learning from the experience.
• Nan Gengchen: Eager to help but struggles with more complex problems, revealing his limited academic abilities.

Significant Themes

• Pride and humility: The group from City 7 must shed their inherent pride to adapt to City 18.
• Adaptation: The transfer students must adjust their approach to fit their new environment.
• Appearances vs. reality: Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er appear to be struggling academically, but their true abilities are unknown.

Character Interactions

• Hu Xiaoniu and his group discuss their approach to integrating with their new neighbors.
• Wang Yun and Bai Wan'er attempt to befriend Nan Gengchen, with Wang Yun learning from her initial failure.
• Qing Chen observes and comments on Wang Yun's efforts, revealing his awareness of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yun, a top student, is now deliberately choosing easy problems to get closer to Nan Gengchen and Qing Chen, but they mistake her for a struggling student.
• Qing Chen discovers that Kamishiro Kono, his fiancée in the Inner World, is a Time Walker in the Outer World and a famous actress in Japan.
• Qing Chen is called to meet with the foreign teacher.

Character Developments

• Wang Yun: Struggles with her pride and learns to hold back to achieve her goals.
• Qing Chen: Realizes the extent of his involvement with Kamishiro Kono and decides to learn Japanese.
• Nan Gengchen: Remains oblivious to Wang Yun's feelings and Qing Chen's situation.

Significant Themes

• Pride and humility: Wang Yun learns to suppress her pride to achieve her goals.
• Identity confusion: Qing Chen grapples with his identity and connections in both the Inner and Outer Worlds.
• Friendship and trust: Wang Yun's group struggles to understand and befriend Qing Chen and Nan Gengchen.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yun and Nan Gengchen: Wang Yun tries to get closer to Nan Gengchen, but he misunderstands her intentions.
• Qing Chen and Kamishiro Kono: Qing Chen discovers Kamishiro Kono's identity and their connection in the Outer World.
• Qing Chen and Wang Yun: Wang Yun suspects Qing Chen of liking Kamishiro Kono and wonders why he's staring at her photo.
• Hu Xiaoniu and Wang Yun: Hu Xiaoniu scolds Wang Yun for looking down on Qing Chen and Nan Gengchen.