Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan stands up for Gao Yunlei and confronts Yu Bing, leading to a heated argument and Yu Bing's retreat.
• Li Fan returns to the Dissection Department with the transferred investigators, where he reveals the department's unique work hours and slacking techniques.
• Yu Bing complains to the bureau chief, Zhao Yifeng, but is rebuked and told to tolerate Li Fan's behavior.
• Zhao Yifeng meets with Captain Zhang and Director Xu, discussing the need for reform and the importance of young Awakened in the Anomaly Bureau.

Character Developments

• Li Fan demonstrates strong leadership and support for his subordinates, earning their respect and loyalty.
• Yu Bing is shown to be thin-skinned and unable to handle criticism, resorting to complaining to his superiors.
• Zhao Yifeng is portrayed as a fair and wise leader, willing to reprimand those who act improperly and valuing the potential of young Awakened.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strong leadership and support for subordinates.
• The need for reform and the value of young Awakened in the Anomaly Bureau.
• The consequences of improper behavior and the importance of tolerance.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Yu Bing clash over the treatment of Gao Yunlei, leading to a heated argument.
• Li Fan returns to the Dissection Department and shares its unique work culture with the new investigators, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Yu Bing complains to Zhao Yifeng, who rebukes him for overreacting to a minor issue.
• Zhao Yifeng meets with Captain Zhang and Director Xu, discussing the need for reform and the value of young Awakened in the Anomaly Bureau.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan attends a mid-level leadership meeting where he's greeted warmly, likely due to his previous outburst.
• Bureau Chief Zhao Yifeng introduces Director Xu Caixia from headquarters' Political Work Department and Deputy Captain Zhang Chanlin, codename 'Bright Sword', who's there to handle the Collector incident.
• Li Fan learns about the bureau's handling of Awakened personnel and the existence of special operations teams.
• The meeting discusses the bureau's expansion and personnel increase, and Li Fan is assigned a case, 'Water Monkey', by Wu Qian.

Character Developments

• Li Fan: He remains defiant and uncooperative, but also observant and curious, showing interest in Bright Sword's identity and abilities.
• Wu Qian: He demonstrates dedication to his work by taking detailed notes during the meeting, but also tries to pawn off work onto Li Fan.
• Zhang Chanlin (Bright Sword): He's introduced as a powerful Awakened with a formidable reputation, but appears ordinary in appearance and demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The bureau's handling of Awakened personnel and their roles in investigations.
• The bureau's expansion and the increase in personnel, leading to changes in institutional reforms.
• The bureau's approach to various anomalous cases, with the Collector case being the top priority but not the only important one.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan interacts with mid-level leaders, who greet him warmly despite his previous behavior.
• Li Fan converses with Wu Qian and Liu Dalong, asking about Bright Sword and expressing his boredom during the meeting.
• Zhao Yifeng interacts with the attendees, introducing the visitors and discussing the bureau's priorities and case assignments.
• Wu Qian assigns Li Fan the 'Water Monkey' case without even looking at it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The investigators receive a case about water monkeys seen in a village near Gu City.
• At the Moon-Gazing Hotel, Li Fan and his team encounter a local thug, Qu Tianlong, who claims to be the "Dark Emperor" of Gu City.
• Qu Tianlong and his men are arrested and taken to the Anomaly Bureau for testing.

Character Developments

• Li Fan: Shows leadership and quick thinking in handling the public security incident. He also demonstrates his influence and connections by arranging for Qu Tianlong's inclusion in his mother's guest list.
• Fang Hao: Shows bravery and initiative in standing up to Qu Tianlong and his men.
• Qu Tianlong: Reveals his ambition to become the underground emperor of Gu City. Despite his bluff being called, he remains defiant.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Qu Tianlong's desire for power and status is a central theme. Li Fan's influence and connections also highlight the importance of power dynamics in Gu City.
• Anomaly vs. Ordinary Crime: The incident at the Moon-Gazing Hotel blurs the line between anomalies and ordinary crime, challenging the investigators' understanding of their role.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Fang Hao: Li Fan trusts Fang Hao's judgment and allows him to take the lead in handling the situation with Qu Tianlong.
• Qu Tianlong and his Men: Their loyalty to Qu Tianlong is tested when they are outmatched by the investigators. They ultimately comply with Li Fan's orders.
• Li Fan and Qu Tianlong: Li Fan sees potential in Qu Tianlong and arranges for him to be included in his mother's guest list, suggesting a possible future alliance or conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qu Tianlong and his gang are locked in the Dissection Department's morgue for the night.
• The next day, Li Fan and his team investigate a report of a water monkey in Lower Pond Village.
• They find a newly built temple called the Temple of Eight Sufferings, where eight masters reside, each embodying one of the eight sufferings.
• Li Fan encounters devout believers and argues with them, drawing the attention of the eight masters.

Character Developments

• Qu Tianlong and his gang become more obedient after being locked in the morgue.
• Li Fan shows thoughtfulness and kindness towards the detainees and the villagers.
• The eight masters of the Temple of Eight Sufferings are introduced, each displaying an emotion corresponding to one of the eight sufferings.
• Wu Tiegen, initially skeptical of the temple, becomes devout upon seeing it.

Significant Themes

• The eight sufferings of mortal life (joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, greed, wrath, love, and hate) and how to overcome them.
• The contrast between science and superstition, with Li Fan representing the former and the Temple of Eight Sufferings representing the latter.
• The power of belief and devotion, as seen in the actions of the temple's followers.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan interacts with Qu Tianlong and his gang, showing kindness and understanding despite their criminal behavior.
• Li Fan argues with devout believers outside the Temple of Eight Sufferings, drawing the attention of the eight masters.
• Wu Tiegen leads Li Fan to the temple and becomes devout upon seeing it, despite his initial skepticism.
• The eight masters surround Li Fan and prostrate themselves before him, worshipping him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan encounters a group of monks who recognize him as the "fated one" and kowtow to him.
• The monks ask Li Fan where fate lies, and he responds, "Fate lies in the heart."
• The monks recite a spell, and a violent wind passes through Li Fan, leaving no trace.
• The monks leave, and the worshippers chase after them, some of them touching Li Fan's hand to his head.
• Li Fan and the investigators find a monkey that they believe is the cause of the water monkey sightings.
• The monkey leads them to a small temple, where they find five human heads.

Character Developments

• Li Fan: Realizes that the monks recognize him due to his connection to Eight-Heads. He becomes more vigilant and understands that he must keep Eight-Heads suppressed.
• Wu Tiegen: Initially scared by the monks' behavior, he becomes more at ease when the investigators find the monkey.
• The Monks: They recognize Li Fan as the "fated one" and seem to be connected to Eight-Heads. They leave without explaining their actions.
• The Monkey: Revealed to be the cause of the water monkey sightings. It leads the investigators to the temple with the human heads.

Significant Themes

• Faith and its power: The monks' behavior and the wind passing through Li Fan suggest that faith has power, which Eight-Heads can potentially use.
• The unknown and the supernatural: The human heads and the monkey's behavior challenge the investigators' understanding of reality and the possible existence of the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and the Monks: The monks recognize Li Fan and kowtow to him, but their intentions remain unclear. Li Fan is cautious and mysterious in his responses.
• Li Fan and Wu Tiegen: Wu Tiegen is initially scared but becomes more at ease when the investigators find the monkey. Li Fan is protective of him.
• The Investigators and the Monkey: The investigators chase after the monkey, believing it to be the cause of the water monkey sightings. They work together to catch it, ultimately leading them to the temple with the human heads.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Eight-Headed Dharma King discusses their plan to rebel against the Lord of the Prison of Suppression.
• The Anomaly Bureau confirms the heads found at the Temple of Eight Sufferings belong to victims of the Head-Connecting Overlord case.
• The Collector broadcasts a message on screens across Gu City, announcing his intention to slaughter every human in the city and begins by jumping off buildings and decapitating people.

Character Developments

• The Eight-Headed Dharma King shows unity and caution in their plans to rebel.
• The Collector reveals his intention to awaken humanity to the age of anomalies through his actions in Gu City.

Significant Themes

• Rebellion and caution in the face of tyranny (Eight-Headed Dharma King).
• The Collector's desire to awaken humanity to the age of anomalies and his disregard for human life.

Character Interactions

• The Eight-Headed Dharma King discusses their plans among themselves, excluding the "three idiots" across from them.
• Li Fan and Fang Hao discuss the Collector's motives and the Night Watcher's potential response while witnessing the Collector's message and actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Collector takes control of city screens, broadcasting a massacre declaration, and causes fifty-three headless corpses to jump from buildings in downtown Gu City.
• The Anomaly Administration activates the Heavenly Eye system to locate the Collector.
• Li Fan and Fang Hao are assigned to patrol suburban streets during the alert.
• Li Fan deduces the Collector's location and heads to Gu City Television Station.
• Li Fan finds the Collector on the rooftop of the television station, concealed within a blood altar and protected by a golden barrier.
• Li Fan exposes the Collector's hiding place to the public and the Anomaly Bureau.

Character Developments

• Li Fan demonstrates his investigative skills and strategic thinking by pinpointing the Collector's location and planning his reveal.
• The Collector shows his power and cunning by concealing his location with Advent Society sorcery and manipulating the public through media.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between good and evil, as represented by Li Fan's Night Watcher persona and the Collector's malicious actions.
• The power of information and media, shown by the Collector's use of screens and the Anomaly Bureau's attempt to control the narrative.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Fang Hao briefly interact before separating to their assigned patrol areas.
• Li Fan communicates with his mother to coordinate their plan against the Collector.
• The Anomaly Bureau and local authorities work together to respond to the Collector's threat and locate him.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The Night Watcher (Li Fan) confronts the Collector (Chasen) on the rooftop of Gu City Television Station.
• The Collector reveals he has captured influential people and plans to make them jump off buildings to cause chaos.
• Anomaly Bureau arrives, including Light Sword, Hong Tao, Yang Gan, Niu Dagang, and a frail man.
• Li Fan enters the Collector's psychic barrier alone.

Character Developments

• Li Fan demonstrates his power and confidence, entering the barrier alone to confront the Collector.
• Chasen, as the Collector, shows arrogance, brutality, and a desire to cause chaos and warn humanity about anomalies.

Significant Themes

• The arrival of anomalies and the need for powerful guardians like the Night Watcher.
• The Collector's twisted sense of justice and desire to warn humanity about anomalies.
• The importance of unity and cooperation among awakened ones, as shown by the Anomaly Bureau's arrival.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Chasen (Collector) interact, with Chasen trying to provoke Li Fan and Li Fan remaining calm and composed.
• Li Fan interacts briefly with Yang Gan, who tries to suggest they fight side by side, but Li Fan enters the barrier alone.
• The Anomaly Bureau members arrive and express their eagerness to fight alongside the Night Watcher.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan (disguised as the Night Watcher) confronts Chasen (disguised as the Collector) inside a psychic barrier.
• They engage in a fierce battle, with Li Fan initially gaining the upper hand, but Chasen quickly adapts and turns the tide using his Muay Thai skills and psychic entities.
• Zhang Chanlin (Sword of Light) climbs the Gu City Television Station building and encounters the Clown, Smiley Face, Wild Boar, Sunflower, and Bear (Collector's loyalists).
• Zhang Chanlin fights against the five, using his psychic sword and light abilities, while Li Fan struggles against Chasen inside the barrier.

Character Developments

• Li Fan (Night Watcher): Maintains his disguise and initially gains the upper hand in the fight, but struggles when Chasen adapts and uses his psychic entities.
• Chasen (Collector): Adapts to Li Fan's fighting style and turns the tide using his Muay Thai skills and psychic entities, revealing his true strength.
• Zhang Chanlin (Sword of Light): Demonstrates his combat prowess by fighting against five of Collector's loyalists, using his psychic sword and light abilities.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and deception: Li Fan maintains his disguise as the Night Watcher to confront Chasen, while Chasen pretends to be the Collector.
• Adaptation and countermeasures: Both Li Fan and Chasen adapt to their opponent's fighting styles, with Chasen ultimately gaining the upper hand.
• Strength and power: The true extent of Chasen's (Collector's) power is revealed, highlighting the vast gulf in strength between him and the other awakened.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan (Night Watcher) vs. Chasen (Collector): A fierce battle ensues between the two, with Li Fan initially gaining the upper hand but struggling when Chasen adapts and uses his psychic entities.
• Zhang Chanlin (Sword of Light) vs. Collector's loyalists: Zhang Chanlin fights against the five loyalists, using his psychic sword and light abilities to hold his own.
• Hong Tao, Yang Gan, and other awakened: Watch anxiously from outside the psychic barrier, unable to intervene as Li Fan struggles against Chasen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan battles Chasen, using his psychic abilities to counter Chasen's sorcery and head-dropping powers.
• Chasen reveals he's not the real Collector and wants to join forces against their common enemy.
• Li Fan, unconvinced, continues to fight and eventually severs Chasen's left shoulder, destroying the Advent Society tattoo.
• Chasen reveals a jade seal and swallows it, gaining immense power and deciding to destroy Gu City.

Character Developments

• Li Fan demonstrates his formidable psychic powers and strategic thinking, refusing to be swayed by Chasen's words.
• Chasen reveals his true colors and his desperation to gain power, showing a ruthless side.

Significant Themes

• The theme of trust and deception is prominent, with Chasen trying to manipulate Li Fan and Li Fan refusing to be deceived.
• The power of belief and conviction is shown through Li Fan's unwavering determination to protect Gu City.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Chasen's interaction is a battle of wits and power, with Chasen trying to manipulate Li Fan and Li Fan seeing through Chasen's deception.
• The other characters, such as Yang Gan and Hong Tao, are mostly spectators, reacting to the battle and showing concern for Li Fan.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chasen, the Collector, uses his psychic power to attack the Night Watcher, sending Yang Gan and others flying.
• Zhang Chanlin, the Sword of Light, arrives to help but is too late to prevent the Night Watcher from being struck by Chasen's powerful attack.
• Chasen summons spirits from the dead to aid him, while Zhang Chanlin attempts to summon the Anomaly Bureau's Heavenly Sword System.
• The Night Watcher, despite being bound by Chasen's psychic chains, walks towards him, determined to stop him.
• Chasen prepares his final attack, but the Night Watcher reveals his true power and takes the Jade Seal from Chasen.

Character Developments

• The Night Watcher (Li Fan) reveals his true power and identity as Basong's successor, showing no fear in the face of death.
• Chasen (the Collector) is revealed to be a pawn of Basong, and his power is greatly weakened after the Night Watcher takes the Jade Seal.
• Zhang Chanlin demonstrates his power and determination to protect Gu City but is ultimately outmatched by Chasen.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Resolve: The Night Watcher's unwavering resolve to protect Gu City, even in the face of certain death, highlights the theme of determination and resolve.
• Power and Control: The struggle between the Night Watcher and Chasen (the Collector) illustrates the theme of power and control, with each trying to assert dominance over the other.
• Identity and Secrets: The revelation of the Night Watcher's true identity and power raises questions about identity and secrets, both personal and within the organization.

Character Interactions

• The Night Watcher and Chasen (the Collector) have a tense standoff, with the Night Watcher ultimately gaining the upper hand.
• Zhang Chanlin and the Night Watcher work together to try and stop Chasen, but their combined efforts are not enough.
• Yang Gan and the others attempt to help the Night Watcher but are held back by Chasen's powerful psychic field.
• The Night Watcher's reveal of his true identity to Chasen hints at a deeper connection between them, likely related to Basong.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eight-Headed, a prisoner in the Prison of Suppression, realizes that the Lord of the Prison of Suppression has lost his power and is deceiving them to borrow their strength.
• Eight-Headed decides to wait for the Lord of the Prison of Suppression's return to settle the score and seize the passage to reality.
• Chasen, an Advent Society member, confronts the Night Watcher, suspecting him to be the Collector in disguise. The Night Watcher kills Chasen, scattering his soul and destroying his body.

Character Developments

• Eight-Headed: Gains confidence and decides to challenge the Lord of the Prison of Suppression upon his return.
• Chasen: Realizes the Night Watcher's true identity and attempts to expose him but is ultimately killed.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and deception: The Lord of the Prison of Suppression's loss of power and subsequent deception highlights the theme of power dynamics and the lengths one might go to maintain control.
• Identity and truth: Chasen's discovery of the Night Watcher's true identity raises questions about identity, truth, and the consequences of unmasking a deception.

Character Interactions

• Eight-Headed vs. Evil Birth and Chaos: Eight-Headed attempts to convince the other prisoners to join him in challenging the Lord of the Prison of Suppression, but they refuse due to their fear of the Lord's power.
• Chasen vs. Night Watcher: Chasen confronts the Night Watcher, suspecting him to be the Collector, leading to a tense standoff before the Night Watcher kills Chasen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chanlin uses the Heavenly Sword System to launch a missile against the Collector, but it nearly hits Li Fan instead.
• Li Fan, as the Night Watcher, executes the Collector and disappears into the night.
• The Anomaly Bureau shuts down city surveillance to respect the Night Watcher's privacy.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chanlin shows his dedication to protecting Gu City by using the Heavenly Sword System.
• Li Fan demonstrates his power and justice as the Night Watcher, earning respect from the Anomaly Bureau.
• Yang Gan expresses his admiration and gratitude towards the Night Watcher.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Anomaly Bureau and other anomalous forces.
• The Night Watcher's reclusive nature and his impact on the city's morale.
• The struggle against anomalies and the measures taken to combat them.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chanlin and Li Fan have a brief conversation about the Heavenly Sword System.
• Yang Gan and Zhang Chanlin discuss whether to pursue the Night Watcher.
• Li Fan and Fang Hao have a conversation about the mission's conclusion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan learns about the Night Watcher's power from Fang Hao.
• The Anomaly Bureau personnel discuss the Night Watcher's battle with the Collector.
• Li Fan returns home to find the Cleaning Association members waiting.
• The Cleaning Association chairman calls Li Fan, expressing satisfaction with the Collector's actions.
• Li Fan dictates a letter to the Anomaly Bureau, requesting the Night Watcher position and adding the character "Zhen" (suppress) at the end.
• Li Fan enters the Prison of Suppression and discovers its vast extent and the existence of Purgatory beneath it.

Character Developments

• Li Fan gains a deeper understanding of the Night Watcher's power.
• The Cleaning Association members grow more fearful and respectful of Li Fan after his display of cunning and power.
• Li Fan demonstrates his growing control over the Prison of Suppression and discovers its true extent.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Li Fan's growing influence and mastery over the Prison of Suppression.
• Manipulation and deception: Li Fan's use of the Cleaning Association to further his goals.
• The Night Watcher's legend: The impact of the Night Watcher's actions on the Anomaly Bureau and the public.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and Fang Hao discuss the Night Watcher's power.
• Li Fan and the Cleaning Association members: Li Fan maintains his dominance and control over them.
• Li Fan and the Cleaning Association chairman: Li Fan receives the chairman's praise and support for his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Prison of Suppression awakens, revealing a vast network of purgatories beneath it, filled with horrifying tortures and abyssal creatures.
• Li Fan discovers he has immense power within the prison, enough to crush Eight-Head and others, but it's limited to the prison.
• He finds hidden areas within the prison, including an altar, bedroom, storage room, and library.
• Li Fan confronts Eight-Head, who reveals his true identity as the Eight-Headed Dharma King and challenges Li Fan.
• Li Fan reveals the truth about his identity and sends Eight-Head to the purgatories as punishment.

Character Developments

• Li Fan: He accepts his role as the Lord of the Prison of Suppression, discovers his power, and shows his ruthless side by sending Eight-Head to purgatory.
• Eight-Headed Dharma King: He reveals his true identity, challenges Li Fan, and ultimately faces his fears in purgatory.

Significant Themes

• Power and its limits: Li Fan's power is tied to the Prison of Suppression, highlighting the theme of power having limits and consequences.
• Manipulation and control: Li Fan manipulates Eight-Head, revealing the darker side of power and control.
• Fear and punishment: The purgatories represent the ultimate fear and punishment, reflecting the theme of consequences for actions.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan vs. Eight-Headed Dharma King: Their confrontation reveals their true natures and leads to Eight-Head's downfall.
• The Three Servants of Life: They watch the events unfold, learning to fear Li Fan and never defy him again.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan, now in control of the Prison of Suppression, interacts with the Life Three Giants and other prisoners, displaying his newfound power.
• Kesur, an abyssal creature, approaches the Prison of Suppression, suspecting Li Fan's weakness.
• Li Fan lures Kesur into the Prison of Suppression, revealing his true power and torturing Kesur.
• An unknown entity watches the Prison of Suppression from afar and flees upon seeing Kesur's fate.

Character Developments

• Li Fan: Becomes the true master of the Prison of Suppression, regaining his confidence and power. He manipulates Kesur to enter the prison, revealing his cunning and ruthlessness.
• Kesur: Initially confident and suspicious of Li Fan's weakness, he is ultimately terrified and tortured within the Prison of Suppression, revealing his cowardice and lack of true power.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Li Fan's control over the Prison of Suppression grants him immense power, which he uses to manipulate and torture Kesur.
• Trust and Betrayal: Kesur's suspicion of Li Fan's weakness leads him to enter the Prison of Suppression, ultimately resulting in his betrayal and punishment.
• Fear and Terror: The Prison of Suppression is a symbol of fear and terror, both for the prisoners within and the abyssal creatures outside.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and the Life Three Giants: Li Fan manipulates and intimidates the Life Three Giants, who remain loyal out of fear and self-preservation.
• Li Fan and Kesur: Li Fan lures Kesur into the Prison of Suppression, revealing his true power and torturing Kesur for questioning his authority.
• Kesur and the Unknown Entity: Kesur's fate serves as a warning to the unknown entity watching from afar, causing it to flee in terror.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Fan returns to the Prison of Suppression after dealing with Kesur and the Eight-Headed Dharma King.
• He explores the expanded Prison of Suppression, discovering a bedroom, a library, a storage room, an empty room with a metal trough, and finally, the study filled with heads.
• He learns that the true Lord of the Prison of Suppression had promised to lead abyssal creatures into reality, which they seek.
• Li Fan shares news of the Collector's death with the heads in the study, revealing that the Night Watcher killed him in Gu City.

Character Developments

• Li Fan becomes more aware of the true Lord of the Prison of Suppression's power and the potential threat he poses upon his return.
• Li Fan feels more at ease and relaxed around the heads in the study, comparing them to innocent children after dealing with terrifying abyssal creatures.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the abyss and the Prison of Suppression.
• The desire for vengeance and the satisfaction of seeing an enemy's demise, as experienced by the heads in the study upon learning of the Collector's death.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan interacts with the heads in the study, sharing news of the Collector's death and seeking their advice on how to avoid promotion in the Anomaly Bureau.
• The heads in the study, particularly those from the Advent Society, express their excitement and gratitude towards the Night Watcher for avenging them against the Collector.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Night Watcher's identity and strength are confirmed, causing a stir in the Anomaly Administration.
• A video conference is held among various bureaus to discuss Night Watcher's future.
• Night Watcher sends a letter to the Southwest Bureau, expressing his desire to take up a local post.

Character Developments

• Night Watcher: Demonstrates unwavering principles and trustworthiness, deciding to stay in Gu City.
• Zhao Yifeng: Shows determination to keep Night Watcher in the Southwest Bureau, becoming more assertive.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering within the Anomaly Administration.
• The importance of Night Watcher's strength and loyalty to the Southwest Bureau.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yifeng vs. other bureau directors: Zhao Yifeng asserts his claim over Night Watcher, clashing with other bureau directors who also want Night Watcher in their regions.
• Night Watcher vs. Anomaly Administration: Night Watcher's letter to the Southwest Bureau solidifies his intention to stay in Gu City, making him a valuable asset to the bureau.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The demon heads in the Prison of Suppression advise Li Fan on how to make the Cleaning Association despise and fear him, suggesting he botch assignments, leave a bad impression on superiors, be corrupt and cynical, indulge in pleasure, and raise a private army.
• Li Fan decides to follow their advice and begins his plan upon returning.
• News of the Night Watcher's victory over the Collector spreads, and the Anomaly Bureau appoints Night Watcher as an honorary director of the Southwest Bureau.
• Headquarters sends a special commissioner to audit the accounts of the Southwest Pastoral District, prompting Li Fan to accelerate his plan to appear corrupt.

Character Developments

• Li Fan: He becomes more cunning and manipulative, embracing his role as the Night Watcher and Collector, and begins to actively cultivate a corrupt image.
• Auntie Zhang: She shows concern for Li Fan's well-being and is aware of the potential consequences of the headquarters' audit.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and decadence: Li Fan's decision to appear corrupt and indulge in pleasure highlights the theme of corruption and its consequences.
• Manipulation and deception: Li Fan's use of the Night Watcher and Collector personas, as well as his plan to raise a private army, emphasizes the themes of manipulation and deception.
• Power and control: Li Fan's actions demonstrate his desire for power and control, both within the Anomaly Administration and the underworld.

Character Interactions

• Li Fan and the demon heads: They provide Li Fan with advice on how to gain power and influence within the Cleaning Association.
• Li Fan and Auntie Zhang: They discuss the impending audit from headquarters, and Auntie Zhang shows concern for Li Fan's actions.
• Li Fan and the Anomaly Bureau: Li Fan's actions as the Night Watcher earn him the title of honorary director, but the bureau's audit threatens his undercover status.

Plot Points and Events

• The Cleaning Association members are tasked by Collector to go on a shopping spree, buying expensive designer goods to tarnish his reputation and reassure the headquarters.
• The special envoy from the Cleaning Association headquarters, Ailian, arrives to audit the Southwest Pastoral District's accounts.
• Collector accompanies Ailian to inspect one of the properties purchased with pastoral district funds, a luxurious apartment where two young women, Liang Ying and Lv Yalian, are residing.

Character Developments

• Collector (Li Fan): He is listless and unhappy about the state of the Cleaning Association headquarters, but he understands the necessity of tarnishing his reputation to maintain his cover. He remains calm and composed throughout Ailian's visit.
• Ailian: She is nervous and intimidated by Collector's presence but maintains her composure during the audit. She is surprised by the extravagant lifestyle of the Southwest Pastoral District.
• Cleaning Association Members: They are upset and indignant about the state of the Cleaning Association headquarters and are determined to help Collector maintain his cover while secretly accumulating strength.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Manipulation: Collector uses the shopping spree and the luxurious lifestyle of the Cleaning Association members to deceive the headquarters and maintain his cover.
• Power Struggles: The tension between Collector and the Cleaning Association headquarters highlights the power struggles within the organization.
• Sacrifice for a Cause: Collector's decision to tarnish his reputation and the Cleaning Association members' willingness to help him demonstrate their commitment to their cause, despite the personal cost.

Character Interactions

• Collector and the Cleaning Association Members: They share a deep bond, with the members being willing to help Collector maintain his cover and secretly accumulate strength for him.
• Collector and Ailian: There is a clear power dynamic between them, with Collector's presence intimidating Ailian. Their interaction is tense, with Collector remaining expressionless and Ailian trying to maintain her composure.
• Ailian and the Cleaning Association Members: Ailian interacts with the members with a mix of familiarity and wariness, aware of their potential hostility towards her.