Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with a special statement disclaiming any connection to the real world and encouraging readers to support the author by subscribing to the official version.
• No significant plot events occur in this chapter, as it primarily serves as an author's note and a plea for reader support.

Character Developments

• No character developments are presented in this chapter, as it focuses solely on the author's message to readers.

Significant Themes

• The theme of reader support and the importance of subscribing to the official version is emphasized throughout the chapter.

Character Interactions

• There are no character interactions in this chapter, as it is an author's note directed at the readers rather than a scene from the story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Lian enters a bizarre study filled with human heads, including prominent criminal figures, which terrifies him.
• The scene shifts to Purgatory, where Song Lian sees the Humo Ghost Emperor being judged by the Lord of the Prison of Suppression.
• The Lord of the Prison of Suppression announces that he will "offer a god as sacrifice," referring to the Humo Ghost Emperor.
• The Humo Ghost Emperor is taken into the Prison of Suppression to be sacrificed, causing a stir among the Abyssal creatures.

Character Developments

• Song Lian: Becomes a chick doll and is overwhelmed by fear and inferiority, but later numbed by the sight of Purgatory.
• Humo Ghost Emperor: Is terrified and desperate, pleading for his life, but ultimately taken to be sacrificed.

Significant Themes

• Fear and inferiority: Song Lian experiences intense fear and feels insignificant when faced with the human heads and the vastness of Purgatory.
• Power dynamics: The Lord of the Prison of Suppression demonstrates his power and dominance over the Humo Ghost Emperor and the Abyssal creatures.
• Sacrifice: The Lord of the Prison of Suppression plans to sacrifice the Humo Ghost Emperor, highlighting the harsh and unforgiving nature of their world.

Character Interactions

• Song Lian and the human heads: The heads mock and tease Song Lian, causing him distress.
• The Lord of the Prison of Suppression and the Humo Ghost Emperor: The Lord of the Prison of Suppression judges and sentences the Humo Ghost Emperor to be sacrificed.
• The Abyssal creatures and the human heads: The Abyssal creatures are excited about the sacrifice, while the human heads are terrified.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Humo Ghost Emperor is captured and sacrificed to the abyss.
• The Prison of Suppression expands, and abyssal creatures gather outside its gates.
• The Banyan King and other Abyssal Lords and Supreme Rulers arrive, ready to partake in the sacrifice.

Character Developments

• Li Fan (Lord of the Prison of Suppression) demonstrates his cunning and manipulative abilities, using the Humo Ghost Emperor to convince the abyss's creatures of his plan.
• The Humo Ghost Emperor shows his desperation and fear as he's sacrificed.
• The human heads, including Song Lian, are traumatized by the sight of the abyss and the sacrifice.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchy within the abyss.
• The fear and awe inspired by old gods and the abyss.
• Manipulation and deception as tools for survival and control.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan manipulates the abyssal creatures, using the Humo Ghost Emperor to gain their trust and support.
• The human heads, despite their fear, maintain their loyalty to Li Fan.
• The Abyssal Lords and Supreme Rulers show deference to Li Fan and eagerness to participate in the sacrifice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Abyssal Lords and a Supreme Dominator (Lord of Silver Desire) are invited by Humo Ghost Emperor (disguised as the Lord of the Prison of Suppression) to partake in an Old God feast within the Prison of Suppression.
• The Abyssal creatures initially hesitate due to the Lord of the Prison of Suppression's reputation but eventually enter, tempted by the promise of Old God flesh.
• Once inside, the Lord of the Prison of Suppression reveals his true intentions, trapping them and sealing the prison.
• He accuses them of questioning his authority and orders his loyal hounds to kill and feast on them.

Character Developments

• Humo Ghost Emperor (disguised as the Lord of the Prison of Suppression) demonstrates his cunning and ruthlessness, using deception to lure the Abyssal creatures into a trap.
• The Abyssal Lords and the Lord of Silver Desire show their greed and lack of caution, falling for Humo Ghost Emperor's trap.
• The loyal hounds of the Lord of the Prison of Suppression, such as the Eight-Headed Dharma King and the Life Three Giants, display their loyalty and satisfaction in their master's actions.

Significant Themes

• Deception and betrayal: Humo Ghost Emperor uses his disguise to deceive the Abyssal creatures, revealing the theme of trust and its consequences.
• Greed and temptation: The Abyssal creatures' desire for Old God flesh leads them to act rashly, highlighting the theme of temptation and its dangers.
• Power dynamics: The scene showcases the power dynamics within the Abyss, with the Lord of the Prison of Suppression holding a dominant position over the other Abyssal creatures.

Character Interactions

• Humo Ghost Emperor (disguised) interacts with the Abyssal creatures, using flattery and deceit to lure them into his trap.
• The Abyssal creatures interact with each other, showing their initial hesitation and eventual temptation, leading to their downfall.
• The loyal hounds of the Lord of the Prison of Suppression interact with the trapped Abyssal creatures, displaying their satisfaction in their master's actions and their eagerness to carry out his orders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lord of the Prison of Suppression (Li Fan) orchestrates a battle royale among the Abyssal powerhouses, both new and old inmates, to select stronger prisoners and eliminate the weak.
• Li Fan absorbs the power of Humo Ghost Emperor, an Old God, enhancing his own abilities.
• The battle results in the deaths of most new inmates and some original inmates, with the survivors becoming stronger prisoners.

Character Developments

• Li Fan demonstrates his cunning and manipulative nature, using the inmates to do his bidding while maintaining his image of cruelty.
• Dream Demon, Eight-Headed Dharma King, and other inmates show their ruthlessness and desperation to survive, fighting fiercely to maintain their status as prisoners.
• Humo Ghost Emperor's pleas for mercy are ignored, and he is absorbed by Li Fan, showing the latter's lack of mercy and respect for other powerhouses.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest: Only the strongest prisoners are worthy of serving Li Fan, and the weak are eliminated.
• Manipulation and control: Li Fan manipulates the inmates to fight among themselves, demonstrating his power and cunning.
• Absorption of power: Li Fan absorbs the power of Humo Ghost Emperor, showing his ability to grow stronger by consuming others.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan interacts with the inmates through his commands and manipulations, showing no mercy or respect for their lives.
• The inmates fight each other viciously, showing their desperation to survive and maintain their status as prisoners.
• Humo Ghost Emperor pleads for mercy from Li Fan, but his pleas are ignored, showing the latter's lack of respect for other powerhouses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Prison of Suppression's ruler, Li Fan, watches the battle between Abyss Lords and his prisoners with amusement.
• All Abyss Lords are defeated, with Nightmare being killed by the Lord of Silver Desire.
• The Lord of Silver Desire is captured and made a prisoner of the Prison of Suppression.
• The prisoners feast on the corpses of the defeated Abyss Lords.
• The entire Prison of Suppression suddenly shakes, and the human faces covering the Abyss's ground open their eyes, crying out "Come—come—come—".
• Li Fan realizes that the Extreme Abyss is shaking.

Character Developments

• Li Fan, the Prison of Suppression's ruler, demonstrates his power and cruelty, further solidifying his control over the prisoners.
• The Lord of Silver Desire, a Supreme Ruler, is captured and becomes a new prisoner, increasing Li Fan's power and providing a check against Dream Demon.
• Nightmare, the Dream Demon's former apostle, is killed by the Lord of Silver Desire.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and control: Li Fan's manipulation of the prisoners and his growing power are central to the chapter.
• Cruelty and perversion: Li Fan's actions and the prisoners' feast on the corpses emphasize the dark and brutal nature of the Abyss.
• The Extreme Abyss: The shaking of the Extreme Abyss hints at an upcoming major event or threat.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan interacts with the prisoners, observing their battles and making decisions about their fates.
• The prisoners interact with each other, feeding Tiger Pillar God and showing kindness despite their brutal nature.
• The Lord of Silver Desire pleads for his life and is accepted as a new prisoner by Li Fan.
• The human faces across the Abyss interact with Li Fan and the prisoners, crying out in unison.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan and the Prison of Suppression inmates witness the Extreme Abyss trembling through the dreams of abyssal creatures.
• Li Fan decides to investigate the Extreme Abyss, accompanied by Dream Demon, Lord of Silver Desire, and other abyssal lords.
• They traverse the Abyss, encountering no resistance due to their formidable lineup.
• Upon reaching the Extreme Abyss, they find it's a colossal depression in the canopy, with several hellish planets suspended above it.

Character Developments

• Li Fan demonstrates courage and determination, deciding to face the unknown danger in the Extreme Abyss.
• The Prison of Suppression inmates show loyalty and eagerness to please Li Fan, hoping to gain his favor.

Significant Themes

• Power and Fear: The inmates' fear of Li Fan and the Prison of Suppression's power is evident in their actions.
• Exploration and Discovery: Li Fan's journey to the Extreme Abyss reveals the true nature of the Abyss and the Extreme Abyss.
• Survival: Li Fan's decision to investigate the Extreme Abyss is driven by his desire to ensure his own survival.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Dream Demon: Dream Demon provides information and accompanies Li Fan on his journey.
• Li Fan and the Prison of Suppression inmates: The inmates show deference and obedience to Li Fan, hoping to gain his favor.
• Li Fan and the Abyssal Lords: They accompany Li Fan on his journey, displaying their power and loyalty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Yifeng receives a top-secret document from the New Continent Soul Suppression Bureau, claiming that Li Fan, Director of the Dissection Department, is the Collector, a high-ranking member of the Cleaning Association.
• Zhao Yifeng dismisses the document as nonsense and trusts Li Fan's work report, which details the Collector's faked death and the New Continent Soul Suppression Bureau's failed operation.
• Zhao Yifeng decides to recall Li Fan from Moss Country due to the high risk and danger, and asks the Night Watcher to verify Li Fan's identity.
• Li Fan, in the Abyss, sees the true form of the Abyss and hears a voice from the Extreme Abyss calling him.

Character Developments

• Zhao Yifeng: Shows skepticism towards the New Continent Soul Suppression Bureau's claims and trusts Li Fan. He prioritizes Li Fan's safety and the success of the Cuckoo Plan.
• Li Fan: Continues to work undercover within the Cleaning Association. His identity as the Collector is still a secret, and he remains loyal to the Anomaly Bureau's mission.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Zhao Yifeng's trust in Li Fan and Li Fan's loyalty to the Anomaly Bureau are central themes.
• The Abyss: The true form of the Abyss is revealed, showing its vast and terrifying nature, and hinting at the power that lies within.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yifeng and Li Fan: Zhao Yifeng, as Li Fan's superior, shows concern for Li Fan's safety and the success of his mission. Li Fan, meanwhile, continues to fulfill his duties without revealing his true identity.
• Li Fan and the voice from the Extreme Abyss: Li Fan hears a voice calling him from the Extreme Abyss, suggesting a potential new development in his mission or a deeper connection to the Abyss.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan and the Prison of Suppression inmates reach the Extreme Abyss, a colossal celestial body that seems to embody the will of the abyss.
• Li Fan receives another call on the mysterious phone, with the same hoarse voice telling him to come quickly. He responds with "Not going" and hangs up, causing the Extreme Abyss to stop trembling.
• Li Fan learns about Cold Plain, a vast continent at the edge of the Extreme Abyss, and Evil Moon, a shattered planet occupied by several Supreme Sovereigns.

Character Developments

• Li Fan is overwhelmed by the scale of the Extreme Abyss and the implications of the phone calls, leading to internal turmoil.
• Dream Demon expresses fear and cowardice regarding his past actions, seeking forgiveness from Li Fan.
• Lord of Silver Desire attempts to ingratiate himself with Li Fan but is berated by Evil Birth, demonstrating the power dynamics within the Prison of Suppression.

Significant Themes

• The vast and unknown nature of the abyss and its connection to reality.
• The power dynamics and fear that Li Fan inspires in his subordinates.
• The mystery surrounding the phone calls and the former Lord of the Prison of Suppression.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan interacts with Dream Demon, Lord of Silver Desire, and Evil Birth, demonstrating his indifference and authority.
• The Prison of Suppression inmates react to Li Fan's actions, further solidifying their fear and awe of him.
• Li Fan and the mysterious caller engage in a brief, ominous conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The prisoners of the Prison of Suppression return from Extreme Abyss, feeling proud of their identities.
• Extreme Abyss trembles, but the Prison Lord calms it with a single sentence, displaying his immense power.
• The prisoners speculate about the Prison Lord's grand plan related to the entire abyss and reality.
• Li Fan feels secure with the prisoners under his command and decides to deal with the mysterious call later.

Character Developments

• Dream Demon and the Lord of Silver Desire feel relieved and hopeful about their status as prisoners, expecting benefits from the Prison Lord's plan.
• Li Fan feels gratified about his trip to the abyss and the capabilities of his prisoners.
• The Prison Lord and the prisoners pretend to understand each other's plans to maintain face and avoid the Prison Lord's wrath.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and fear of the Prison Lord.
• The prisoners' desire for recognition and benefits.
• The theme of understanding and misunderstanding, with characters pretending to understand to avoid consequences.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan feels secure with the prisoners, while the prisoners feel secure under Li Fan's leadership.
• The Life Three Giants and Dream Demon try to curry favor with the Prison Lord by pretending to understand his plans.
• Li Fan rewards the teddy bear dolls for their performance, appointing them as managers of the prison study.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The little bear dolls, Basong and Bayang Bear, are left in charge of the shrunken heads in the Prison of Suppression's study.
• The heads, once powerful figures, mock and disrespect the bears, leading to a tense standoff.
• Basong Bear asserts his authority by burning a head's eye and announces plans to indoctrinate the heads with the Prison Lord's teachings.
• Li Fan returns to the Moss Country Royal Exorcism Bureau, where the investigators express relief and admiration for his actions at Repay Virtue Temple.
• Li Fan secretly meets with the Cleaning Association's group at the Royal Exorcism Bureau headquarters to discuss business related to his promoted pastoral district.

Character Developments

• Basong Bear & Bayang Bear: They display maturity and assertiveness in handling the disrespectful heads, showing growth and understanding of their new role.
• Li Fan: He maintains his facade as Director Li, caring for his subordinates' well-being, while secretly meeting with the Cleaning Association, revealing his dual life.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for dominance between the little bear dolls and the shrunken heads illustrates the theme of power dynamics and the importance of asserting authority.
• Loyalty and Indoctrination: Basong Bear's plan to indoctrinate the heads with the Prison Lord's teachings highlights the theme of loyalty and the manipulation of beliefs.
• Duality of Identity: Li Fan's secret meeting with the Cleaning Association while maintaining his public image as Director Li explores the theme of duality and deception.

Character Interactions

• Basong Bear & Bayang Bear: The father-son duo works together to handle the heads, showing a strong bond and mutual understanding.
• Li Fan & Investigators: Li Fan expresses concern for his subordinates' well-being, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Li Fan & Cleaning Association: Li Fan's secret meeting with the association members suggests a complex alliance and shared interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Royal Exorcism Bureau suffers heavy losses after the Repay Virtue Temple incident, leading to Ruan Wen's appointment as acting director.
• Li Fan returns to the Royal Exorcism Bureau and finds the Cleaning Association group waiting for him. He decides to use his new position as Shepherd and Chief Adjudicator to dismantle the Cleaning Association from within.
• Li Fan appoints Old Chen as the Shepherd of the Central South Peninsula Pastoral District and assigns new roles to the other Cleaning Association members.

Character Developments

• Li Fan: Becomes more determined to undermine the Cleaning Association and gains a stronger sense of purpose.
• Old Chen: Is overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude after being appointed as the Shepherd of the Central South Peninsula Pastoral District.
• Netherworld, Blood Pearl, Gluttony, and Old Sun: Receive new assignments and express varying degrees of satisfaction or disbelief.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within organizations.
• The consequences of blind devotion and fanaticism (represented by the Cleaning Association).
• The struggle between personal ambition and loyalty.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan interacts with the Cleaning Association group, assigning them new roles and hinting at his true intentions.
• Old Chen expresses his gratitude and humility when appointed as the Shepherd of the Central South Peninsula Pastoral District.
• The other Cleaning Association members react to their new assignments, with some expressing envy or disbelief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan presents an extensive member benefits plan for the Cleaning Association, including reduced work hours, overtime pay, loans, marriage subsidies, childcare funds, and more.
• The plan also includes abolishing KPI targets and penalties, replacing them with a 'happy-work' system.
• Li Fan plans to transform the Eastern Pastoral District's organizational structure into a modern corporate institution within two years.

Character Developments

• Li Fan: Shows concern for his subordinates' well-being, aiming to attract more people to the Cleaning Association with generous benefits.
• The Cleaning Association five-person group: Reacts with shock and concern to Li Fan's plan, fearing it may lead to wage theft and collapse of the Eastern Pastoral District.

Significant Themes

• Li Fan's desire to attract more people to the Cleaning Association and his disregard for financial consequences.
• The potential for corruption and abuse of the system, as feared by the Cleaning Association members.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan dictates the new plan to the Cleaning Association group, who record and discuss it among themselves after he leaves.
• The group shares their thoughts on Li Fan's plan, with Old Chen recounting how he earned Li Fan's favor, and Mother and Auntie Zhang discussing potential internal traitors within the organization.
• Old Sun and Gluttony discuss Gluttony's return to work on the Awakener Stimulation Project, with Gluttony expressing determination to improve the project's efficiency.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan wakes up to find the Royal Exorcism Bureau has increased the number of maids serving him, highlighting their gratitude and deference.
• Ruan Wen, the new acting director of the Royal Exorcism Bureau, visits Li Fan, prostrating himself in respect.
• Li Fan criticizes Ruan Wen's inflated pride, and Ruan Wen promises to rectify his behavior.
• Ruan Wen invites Li Fan to investigate a questionable cultural project, and Li Fan agrees.

Character Developments

• Li Fan remains calm and collected, displaying his power and influence subtly.
• Ruan Wen, initially overwhelmed by his new position, learns humility after Li Fan's rebuke and becomes more cautious.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption: Ruan Wen's rapid inflation highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the ease with which people can be corrupted.
• Gratitude and respect: The maids and Ruan Wen show deference to Li Fan, acknowledging his influence and power.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Ruan Wen: Li Fan subtly reprimands Ruan Wen for his pride, establishing his dominance and guidance.
• Li Fan and the maids: The maids show Li Fan respect and gratitude, reflecting his status and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan and his team return to Gu City after the Repay Virtue Temple incident.
• Li Fan learns that the Southwest Bureau requires his team to return for rest and reorganization due to increased danger in Moss Country.
• The Central Bureau will dispatch a new support team to the Moss Country Royal Exorcism Bureau.

Character Developments

• Li Fan demonstrates his strategic thinking and analytical skills in his work report, impressing the Central Bureau directors.
• Sucha, the director of the Royal Exorcism Bureau's Dissection Department, realizes Li Fan's influence and power, feeling insignificant in comparison.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and politics within the Anomaly Bureau and other organizations.
• The importance of strategic thinking and analysis in handling anomalies and maintaining peace.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Zhao Yifeng's relationship strengthens as they discuss Li Fan's mission and the Night Watcher's potential issue.
• Sucha's interaction with Li Fan and Ruan Wen highlights the power imbalance and the consequences of underestimating Li Fan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan suspects Night Watcher has a problem based on his observations during the Repay Virtue Temple incident.
• Zhao Yifeng reassures Li Fan about Night Watcher's strength and the bureau's confidence in him.
• Li Fan is informed about the International Awakened Law Enforcement Agencies Exchange Conference in Sang Country and his role as the Southwest Bureau's delegation leader.
• Zhao Yifeng reveals he has a secret mission from the Central Bureau during the conference.

Character Developments

• Li Fan shows signs of paranoia from prolonged undercover work but ultimately trusts Zhao Yifeng's judgment.
• Zhao Yifeng demonstrates his experience and wisdom in handling Li Fan's concerns and promoting him to the External Liaison Department director.
• Zhao Yifeng shows concern for Li Fan's well-being and encourages him to relax.

Significant Themes

• Trust and paranoia: Li Fan's suspicion of Night Watcher and Zhao Yifeng's efforts to reassure him.
• Leadership and responsibility: Li Fan's new role as the delegation leader and director of the External Liaison Department.
• International cooperation: The upcoming International Awakened Law Enforcement Agencies Exchange Conference.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Zhao Yifeng discuss Night Watcher's capabilities and Li Fan's concerns.
• Zhao Yifeng promotes Li Fan and assigns him to lead the Southwest Bureau's delegation to the exchange conference.
• Li Fan expresses his anxiety about Zhao Yifeng's upcoming secret mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Chaolong is promoted to a full employee ahead of schedule, but his joy fades when he learns that Li Fan has been promoted to deputy director of the Southwest Bureau.
• Zhao Lei returns from Moss Country and is greeted warmly by Wang Yong, who introduces him as a director (section chief) from the Beautiful City Branch.
• Li Fan visits Wu Qian and Yang Gan at the Investigation Department's Mobile Brigade, then dissects anomalous infection corpses at the Dissection Department.
• Li Fan and his friends have a reunion dinner at Xidelong. Later, Li Fan sees a beam of light projecting the character "Guard" onto the clouds from the Anomaly Bureau.

Character Developments

• Wang Chaolong: Realizes the vast difference between his and Li Fan's career progress, leading to jealousy and regret.
• Zhao Lei: Returns from Moss Country, now a section chief (director) at the Beautiful City Branch, and is well-received by Wang Yong.
• Li Fan: Visits old friends, enjoys a reunion dinner, and witnesses an unusual event at the Anomaly Bureau.

Significant Themes

• Career Ambition and Jealousy: Wang Chaolong's jealousy of Li Fan's rapid career advancement highlights the theme of ambition and the consequences of not seizing opportunities.
• Friendship and Reunion: Li Fan's reunion with Wu Qian and Yang Gan emphasizes the importance of friendship and camaraderie.
• The Unusual and Anomalous: The beam of light projecting "Guard" onto the clouds from the Anomaly Bureau office building underscores the theme of the strange and anomalous, which is central to the story's setting.

Character Interactions

• Wang Chaolong and Zhao Lei: Their interaction reveals the stark contrast in their career trajectories, with Zhao Lei having risen significantly while Wang Chaolong has stagnated.
• Li Fan, Wu Qian, and Yang Gan: Their reunion highlights their strong bond and shared history, as they reminisce and catch up on each other's lives.
• Li Fan and the Dissection Department investigators: Their interaction demonstrates the team's camaraderie and shared passion for their work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan realizes he forgot to leave contact information for the Night Watcher and is surprised by the Anomaly Administration's initiative to contact him using beams in the clouds.
• Li Fan transforms into the Night Watcher and meets Zhao Yifeng and Zhang Chanlin on the rooftop of the Command Center building.
• Zhao Yifeng reveals that Collector is still alive and has become the joint Shepherd of two pastoral districts.

Character Developments

• Li Fan, as the Night Watcher, shows understanding and modesty, making Zhao Yifeng and Zhang Chanlin feel more at ease.
• Zhang Chanlin has improved significantly and is now on par with the Night Watcher in terms of spiritual energy control.

Significant Themes

• The Night Watcher's mysterious and elusive nature contrasts with his approachable manner when he appears.
• The power dynamics between the Night Watcher, Zhang Chanlin, and the Anomaly Administration are explored, with the Night Watcher being the most powerful and respected figure.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan, as the Night Watcher, interacts with Zhao Yifeng and Zhang Chanlin, showing understanding and respect for their efforts to contact him.
• Zhao Yifeng and Zhang Chanlin are initially anxious about the Night Watcher's arrival but are relieved by his approachable manner.
• Zhao Yifeng shares the news about Collector with the Night Watcher, who reveals that he is already aware of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Night Watcher reveals he suspects the Collector is still alive and was replaced by a puppet during their previous encounter.
• Zhao Yifeng and Zhang Chanlin ask the Night Watcher for help in investigating Li Fan's true identity and protecting the Anomaly Bureau's delegation at an upcoming international exchange conference in Mulberry Country.
• The Night Watcher agrees to help, showing no interest in mundane affairs but willing to assist due to his position at the Southwest Bureau.

Character Developments

• The Night Watcher is shown to be highly perceptive, having suspected the Collector's deception and recognizing the use of Moss Country's Spirit Descent Technique.
• Zhao Yifeng and Zhang Chanlin grow more confident in the Night Watcher's abilities and his willingness to assist the Anomaly Bureau.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the Anomaly Bureau and other organizations.
• The ongoing threat of the Collector and the need for high-level combatants like the Night Watcher to protect the Bureau.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yifeng and Zhang Chanlin consult with the Night Watcher, seeking his expertise and assistance.
• The Night Watcher, despite his disinterest in mundane affairs, agrees to help Zhao Yifeng and Zhang Chanlin, showing a sense of responsibility to his role at the Southwest Bureau.
• Li Fan, the suspected Collector, is not present in this chapter, but his potential threat is discussed among the characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the Sang Country's Curse Technique Office Headquarters, the only official Awakened institution in the country, located in Eastern Capital.
• Nohara, an employee of the Suppression Section, arrives at work and proceeds to the seventh basement level to inspect the sealed anomalous infection sources.
• He encounters his colleague Ogawa, who hands over the shift and leaves. Nohara begins his inspection, finding all sources "Normal" until he reaches a room with extinguished lights.
• In the dark room, Nohara discovers an old newspaper with a news article about his own gruesome death.

Character Developments

• Nohara is portrayed as a diligent and amiable employee, familiar with his routine and confident in the strength of the Jujutsu Headquarters.
• Ogawa is shown as a laid-back colleague who teases Nohara about his personal life.
• Mr. Yoshida, the onmyoji standing guard, is depicted as focused and dedicated to his task.

Significant Themes

• The theme of the mundane and the extraordinary coexisting is evident in the description of the Curse Technique Office's archaic style amidst modern skyscrapers.
• The theme of routine and the unexpected is highlighted as Nohara's daily inspection takes an unsettling turn.

Character Interactions

• Nohara greets his colleagues amiably upon arrival.
• He exchanges friendly banter with Ogawa, who teases him about a personal matter.
• Nohara respectfully greets Mr. Yoshida while performing his duty.
• There is no direct interaction with the anomalous infection sources, but Nohara's inspection is interrupted by the discovery of his own death notice.