Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with the children discussing their upcoming severance pay after military training.
• Natasha, the "old hag," arrives, revealing she's been observing them.
• On the rooftop, Yan Huan, Dan Heng, and March 7th discuss the recent events and Brother Dao's escape.
• They learn that the medicine given to the terrorists was ineffective and had an antidote (water).
• Brother Dao, who hasn't been caught, attacks the three with a fiery saber, but his flames are unexpectedly turned against him.

Character Developments

• Natasha: Revealed to be benevolent and not responsible for the harmful medicine given to the terrorists.
• Brother Dao: Showed his madness and desperation, attacking the three despite knowing they weren't his enemies.

Significant Themes

• Benevolence vs. Malice: Natasha's benevolence is contrasted with Brother Dao's malice.
• Betrayal and Trust: The theme of betrayal is explored through Brother Dao's actions and the ineffective medicine.
• Power and Control: The power dynamics between the high-and-mighty figures and the terrorists are highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Yan Huan, Dan Heng, and March 7th: They work together to discuss and understand the recent events, showing camaraderie.
• Brother Dao and the Three: Brother Dao's attack on the three highlights his desperation and misunderstanding of their intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Executive Officers return to Belobog, finding the nobles involved in the Void creature incident arrested and on display.
• Sampo Koski, now a prisoner, is paraded in the plaza. He recognizes his former Iron Cavalry member selling watermelons and tries to escape.
• Dan Heng, Yan Huan, and March 7th are in Kliperburg, discussing their plans after the museum's destruction. They learn that Sampo Koski confiscated assets from the nobles, some of which he kept.

Character Developments

• Sampo Koski's fall from power is complete; he's now a prisoner.
• Dan Heng, Yan Huan, and March 7th discuss their future plans, showing their bond and shared history.
• Pela reveals that Sampo Koski kept some of the confiscated assets, hinting at his corrupt nature.

Significant Themes

• Fallen Power: Sampo Koski's downfall serves as a reminder that power can be fleeting.
• Friendship and Loyalty: Dan Heng, Yan Huan, and March 7th's camaraderie is highlighted, contrasting with Sampo's betrayal of his subordinates.
• Corruption: Sampo Koski's actions suggest that even those in power can be corrupt.

Character Interactions

• Sampo Koski and his former Iron Cavalry: Their interaction shows Sampo's disregard for his subordinates' well-being.
• Dan Heng, Yan Huan, and March 7th: Their banter and shared history demonstrate their strong bond.
• Dan Heng and Yan Huan: Their dynamic shows a mix of familiarity, mutual understanding, and occasional teasing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sampo, a muscular man, and a watermelon are involved in a strange incident where a blue mist turns people's skin blue.
• A group of men in black robes escape from prison carriages, using the chaos caused by the mist.
• Sampo realizes he's not affected by the mist and suspects it's because he's strong. He destroys the remaining watermelons, finding they're normal.
• Yan Huan gives a speech at the Administrative District Plaza, filled with vague and repetitive phrases, leaving the audience bewildered.

Character Developments

• Sampo shows his strength and resilience, surviving the blue mist and continuing to serve Cocolia.
• Yan Huan is revealed to be an Executive Officer, but his speech is unhelpful and confusing, suggesting he's not interested in administrative duties.

Significant Themes

• The power of strength and resilience is highlighted when Sampo is unaffected by the mist.
• The theme of communication and understanding is emphasized when Yan Huan's speech fails to connect with the audience.

Character Interactions

• Sampo interacts with the muscular man, initially whipping him but later questioning him about the watermelon.
• Yan Huan interacts with Cocolia and Serval, discussing his plans and giving a speech at their request.
• The audience interacts with Yan Huan, showing confusion and bewilderment during his speech.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Huan concludes his speech, leaving the audience confused but impressed.
• Clara and Svarog make an appearance, expressing reluctance to see Yan Huan leave.
• Yan Huan and March 7th find the airship they arrived in, severely damaged and stuck in a cave.
• March 7th tasks Yan Huan with driving the airship out, despite his lack of experience.
• Dan Heng arrives with another airship, finding Yan Huan and March 7th arguing about the damaged airship.

Character Developments

• Yan Huan: Shows reluctance to take responsibility and ambition, as seen in his vague speech and initial hesitation to help Clara. He also displays a lack of practical skills, struggling with the idea of driving the airship.
• March 7th: Demonstrates care for Yan Huan, rushing to help him despite his initial solo departure. She also shows a lack of concern for material possessions, having rented the airship under Yan Huan's name.
• Dan Heng: Shows practicality and problem-solving skills, successfully retrieving and repairing another airship.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Yan Huan's vague speech and reluctance to take responsibility for Clara's request highlight the theme of evading responsibility.
• Practicality vs. Ambition: Yan Huan's struggle with driving the airship contrasts with his ambitious speech, illustrating the tension between practical skills and grand ideas.

Character Interactions

• Yan Huan and March 7th: Their bickering and mutual frustration highlight their contrasting personalities and approaches to problems.
• Yan Huan and Dan Heng: Dan Heng's arrival and successful retrieval of another airship contrast with Yan Huan's struggle, showing their differing levels of practical skill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dan Heng, Yan Huan, and March 7th assess the damage to their flyer after a fight.
• Dan Heng suggests abandoning the flyer due to severe damage.
• Yan Huan insists on returning the flyer to avoid paying for damages.
• March 7th uses her healing ability to repair the flyer.
• The cave they're in collapses due to the flyer's weight on the surface and the energy fluctuations from the healing.
• The flyer crashes into a restroom on the Herta Space Station, causing a mudslide-like incident.

Character Developments

• Dan Heng shows concern for the flyer's condition and safety, but is also pragmatic about its state.
• Yan Huan is stubborn and unwilling to pay for damages, showing his frugality and pride.
• March 7th demonstrates her healing ability, which can repair not only Automatons but also aircraft, though it drains her energy significantly.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions: Yan Huan's fight with Dan Heng leads to the cave's collapse and the flyer's crash.
• The value of possessions: Yan Huan is unwilling to pay for damages, highlighting the importance of the flyer to him.

Character Interactions

• Dan Heng, Yan Huan, and March 7th work together to assess the flyer's condition and decide on a course of action.
• Yan Huan and Dan Heng's banter and rivalry continue, with Yan Huan often goading Dan Heng.
• March 7th acts as a mediator and problem-solver, using her healing ability to repair the flyer.

Chapter Summary

Plot points and events

Researchers on the Space Station discover a diary filled with intense resentment while Yan Huan, March 7th, and Dan Heng hide nearby. March proposes escaping blame by framing someone else, suggesting that Yan Huan and Dan Heng arrest her and pretend she is a dangerous war criminal. They disguise themselves as Belobog Silvermane Guards, handcuff March, and accuse her of trying to shut down the National Museum, humiliating the Supreme Guardian with paint, assaulting an Executive Officer, obstructing the Trailblaze journey, and destroying two aircraft.
The researchers believe the fabricated story and even promise to defend the Express Crew if investigators arrive. The trio escapes to the Star Rail Express, though March remains furious about being betrayed and worries that the authorities may verify the accusations. Dan Heng points out that most of the charges are actually true, aside from the debatable museum incident. Once aboard, they encounter Himeko, who notices their filthy appearance and ominously produces a small whip.

Character developments

• March 7th reveals herself to be mischievous, manipulative, and quick to shift blame, but becomes outraged when Yan Huan and Dan Heng turn her own plan against her.
• Yan Huan proves capable of improvising elaborate deceptions and enthusiastically commits to the fake arrest, though he also exposes March’s real misdeeds.
• Dan Heng remains calm and logical, participating in the scheme but refusing to embellish the accusations without evidence.
• Himeko appears as an intimidating authority figure ready to punish the trio for their latest disaster.

Significant themes

The chapter uses absurd comedy, role reversal, and self-incrimination to explore blame-shifting and the consequences of reckless behavior. The characters’ deception succeeds because March’s alleged crimes are exaggerated versions of events that genuinely happened. Their teamwork is dysfunctional but effective, relying on mutual betrayal, improvisation, and exploiting outsiders’ assumptions.

Character interactions

March attempts to sacrifice Yan Huan and Dan Heng to protect herself, prompting them to retaliate by staging her arrest. Yan Huan delivers the accusations while Dan Heng supports him with detached seriousness. The researchers sympathize with the supposed guards and condemn March without checking the facts. After escaping, March argues with her companions over the betrayal, while Dan Heng calmly reminds her that the charges are largely verifiable. The chapter ends with Himeko confronting the dirty trio, whip in hand, implying that their troubles are far from over.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Asta gives Yan Huan a stellar differential machine, a gift from Mr. Screwllum, which can provide defense but has limited uses and may explode if overloaded.
• Yan Huan expresses doubt about needing the device, as he can create energy walls himself.
• Asta reveals that Screwllum hopes Yan Huan never has to use it, as it would mean he's in a dire situation.
• Yan Huan learns that General Peipei has been using his room on the Star Rail Express.
• Dan Heng reminds Yan Huan about the promised reward from Leonard, which he hasn't received yet.

Character Developments

• Yan Huan shows concern for his safety but remains confident in his abilities.
• Asta demonstrates knowledge about the stellar differential machine and its creator, Mr. Screwllum.
• March 7th initially suggests forgetting about the promised reward but later agrees to help Yan Huan collect it.

Significant Themes

• The value of gifts and their implications (Screwllum's gift as a sign of hope and worry).
• The importance of keeping promises (Yan Huan's pursuit of the reward from Leonard).

Character Interactions

• Asta and Yan Huan discuss the stellar differential machine and its uses.
• March 7th and Yan Huan discuss the promised reward from Leonard, with March 7th initially hesitant but later agreeing to help.
• Dan Heng reminds Yan Huan about the promised reward, showing he's been paying attention to Yan Huan's interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Express Crew (Yan Huan, March 7th, Dan Heng) meet Leonard, who has a USB drive containing software for filming commercials and earning commissions.
• Yan Huan initially considers keeping the USB drive for himself but is persuaded to share it with March 7th and Dan Heng.
• They agree to split the earnings (Yan Huan: 40%, March 7th: 30%, Dan Heng: 30%).
• The crew returns to the Express before its departure, with Himeko, Welt, and Pom-Pom waiting for them.

Character Developments

• Leonard shows responsibility and honesty, refusing to create a backdoor for easy money.
• Yan Huan initially considers selfish gain but ultimately agrees to share the opportunity with his crewmates.
• Dan Heng shows maturity and understanding, accepting the situation without complaint.
• March 7th is confident in her appeal and asserts her value in the commercial filming process.

Significant Themes

• Cooperation and teamwork: The crew learns to work together for mutual benefit.
• Responsibility and honesty: Leonard refuses to engage in unethical activities.
• Selflessness: Yan Huan and Dan Heng consider the group's needs over individual gain.

Character Interactions

• Yan Huan and March 7th have a tense dynamic, often clashing due to their competitive nature and differing views.
• Dan Heng acts as a mediator, encouraging cooperation and understanding among the crew.
• Leonard provides an opportunity for the crew to earn money but also teaches them about ethical business practices.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Astral Express is about to depart from Herta Space Station.
• Welt questions the trio about their activities, leading to a heated exchange.
• Pom-Pom reveals that the trio had been lying about being in seclusion.
• March 7th requests music to be played, causing a brief delay in announcing the next stop.
• A Stellaron Hunter named Kafka appears, interrupting the gathering.

Character Developments

• March 7th, Yan Huan, and Dan Heng are revealed to have been lying about being in seclusion to hide their activities on Belobog.
• Yan Huan's past with Kafka is hinted at when she recites his bank card password.

Significant Themes

• Honesty and deception: The trio's lies about their whereabouts highlight the theme of honesty versus deception.
• Trust and understanding: The characters' reactions to each other's actions show the importance of trust and understanding in their relationships.

Character Interactions

• Welt questions the trio, leading to a defensive reaction from March 7th and Yan Huan.
• March 7th, Yan Huan, and Dan Heng discuss their reasons for lying about being in seclusion.
• Yan Huan's past with Kafka is hinted at when she recites his bank card password, causing a strong reaction from him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kafka, a Stellaron Hunter, joins the conversation, revealing she knows Yan's past life bank details.
• She claims her companion, Blade, has been taken by the Cloud-Riding Army, and she needs help to rescue him and clear their names.
• Kafka warns about a Stellaron eruption on the Xianzhou Luofu, which could cause a disaster and block the star track.
• She offers the ship's crew a choice: help her now or face the consequences later.

Character Developments

• Yan: Realizes he might have lost his memory, becomes more agitated and impulsive.
• Kafka: Shows concern for her companion, Blade, and reveals her determination to save him.
• Dan Heng: Becomes more suspicious of Kafka's intentions, questioning her motives.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: The crew struggles to trust Kafka due to her questionable motives and the potential danger she brings.
• Consequences of inaction: The crew must decide whether to act now or face potential disaster later.

Character Interactions

• Yan and Kafka: Yan's impulsive and naive behavior contrasts with Kafka's cunning and manipulative tactics.
• Dan Heng and Kafka: Dan Heng expresses his suspicion and disapproval of Kafka's plans.
• The crew: The crew members discuss and consider Kafka's warning, weighing the risks and benefits of her proposal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Express crew discusses the situation on Xianzhou Luofu, where a Stellaron has erupted.
• They decide to go to Xianzhou Luofu to help, despite its formidable power and potential danger.
• Welt, March 7th, and Yan Huan will go to Luofu, while Dan Heng and Himeko stay behind on the Express.

Character Developments

• Welt shows his commitment to Trailblazer duties and willingness to face danger.
• March 7th and Yan Huan display a mix of bravery and naivety, agreeing to go to Luofu.
• Dan Heng reveals a restriction on entering Luofu, hinting at a past incident.
• Pom-Pom shows concern for the crew's safety and expresses disbelief at their decision.

Significant Themes

• Duty and Responsibility: The crew feels obligated to help those in danger on Luofu, even at great risk.
• Power and Danger: The Xianzhou Alliance's strength is emphasized, contrasting with the crew's relative weakness.
• Uncertainty and Risk: The decision to go to Luofu is made despite the unknown dangers and potential traps.

Character Interactions

• Welt and Himeko work together to make decisions for the crew's safety and well-being.
• March 7th and Yan Huan show camaraderie and support for each other.
• Pom-Pom expresses concern and disbelief at the crew's decisions, highlighting their contrasting views on risk.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Star Rail Express arrives at Xianzhou Luofu, the capital of the Xianzhou Alliance.
• The crew encounters an automated, emotionless signal from the Xianzhou, suggesting something amiss.
• Welt decides to explore Xianzhou to understand the current situation.
• Yan Huan reveals he can summon Herrschers and offers to provide Welt with a Herrscher core.

Character Developments

• March 7th shows concern for others' well-being, contrasting with her usual brashness.
• Yan Huan displays a more serious side, understanding Welt's request and acting responsibly.
• Welt demonstrates strategic thinking, deciding to explore Xianzhou personally to gather information.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and potential danger awaiting the crew on Xianzhou.
• The power dynamics and potential uses of Herrscher cores.

Character Interactions

• March 7th and Yan Huan's banter continues, with March 7th showing exasperation at Yan Huan's eccentricities.
• Welt consults with Yan Huan about the possibility of obtaining a Herrscher core, showing trust in his abilities.
• Himeko maintains her professionalism, attempting to communicate with Xianzhou authorities despite the strange signals.

Chapter Summary

• Welt tests a new power transformation. A burst of light changes his demeanor and allows him to create multiple black holes, which he uses to demonstrate that he can wield the power without mentally straining Yan Huan. Yan Huan is delighted by the new “game” and gives Welt candy as a reward.
• The candy causes comic chaos. March 7th panics when Welt eats Wangzai Awesome Candy, believing it will make him lose his teeth or somehow affect him dangerously. Instead, Welt calmly dismisses her fears, then adopts an intimidating, harsh persona and orders both March and Yan Huan to stop lounging and leave the train. March jokingly claims that “Uncle Yang” has become frightening or perverted, while Yan Huan encourages the transformation by calling it “Yang Chao Yue.”
• The group arrives at an unsettling location on the Xianzhou Luofu. Welt leads Yan Huan and March through a deserted freight dock filled with cargo containers. The absence of people, combined with the unexplained opening of the Jade Realm Gate, makes March and Yan Huan suspect that someone may be luring them into a trap. March is particularly frightened by the possibility that the person who guided them in is an enemy mastermind.
• Welt adopts an aggressive attitude. Rather than being intimidated, Welt dismisses the unseen opponent as a coward hiding in the shadows. He boasts that such an enemy is not worth forcing him to use the Star of Eden, clearly hoping to provoke or locate whoever is responsible. March and Yan Huan are surprised by his unusually theatrical and confrontational behavior.
• March prevents Yan Huan from eating more candy. Yan Huan attempts to eat another piece, apparently hoping to give himself the same kind of “buff” Welt received, but March forcibly stops him. She fears that both of them will become reckless and uncontrollable, while Yan Huan insists that the candy is a buff rather than a debuff.
• They discover an injured Cloud Knight. The trio eventually finds a Cloud Knight soldier lying near death. March assumes Welt has killed him, but Welt angrily explains that the soldier would not still be alive if he had truly attacked him. When the soldier tries to speak, Yan Huan mishears his words as a request for money and begins offering him bills, prompting Welt to correct him.
• Yan Huan begins healing the soldier. After realizing the Cloud Knight was saying “ahead,” not asking for money, Yan Huan retrieves the cash and uses his healing ability. Emerald energy spreads through the soldier’s body, and Yan Huan instructs him to remain quiet and endure the temporary pain or numbness while the healing takes effect.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Welt gains confidence in using his new black-hole power and becomes dramatically more domineering, impatient, and provocative after the transformation.
• Yan Huan remains playful, impulsive, and comically misunderstandings-prone, but his healing ability shows that he is willing and able to help others.
• March 7th acts as the anxious but protective member of the group, worrying about the candy, the deserted dock, Welt’s behavior, and Yan Huan’s safety.
• Welt, March, and Yan Huan develop a humorous contrast: Welt plays the intimidating leader, March tries to control the situation, and Yan Huan repeatedly worsens the chaos through his naivety and jokes.

Significant Themes

• Power and transformation: The chapter explores how new power changes Welt’s confidence and outward personality.
• Comedy amid danger: Threatening circumstances are repeatedly undercut by misunderstandings, candy-related panic, and exaggerated reactions.
• Fear versus bravado: March responds to danger with anxiety, while Welt answers it with intimidation and Yan Huan with playful curiosity.
• Compassion and responsibility: Despite the group’s comic behavior, Yan Huan’s decision to heal the wounded Cloud Knight emphasizes his kindness and willingness to aid those in need.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Cloud Knight's injury is healed by Yan Huan, leading to a misunderstanding about Abundance.
• Welt confronts the Cloud Knight, demanding information about the Jade Realm Gate and the danger ahead.
• Welt, Yan Huan, and March 7th encounter more injured Cloud Knights, which Yan Huan heals and collects their money.
• They witness a battle between Cloud Knights (now Mara-struck) and a group of monsters, led by a woman named Tingyun.
• Welt refuses to help Tingyun initially, demanding they act like those in need of help.

Character Developments

• Welt: Shows assertiveness and confidence, but also a manipulative side, using the Cloud Knights' desperation to make them beg for help.
• Yan Huan: Continues to heal injured Cloud Knights and collect their money, showing a mix of helpfulness and opportunism.
• March 7th: Initially disapproves of Yan Huan's actions but later defends Welt's strategy.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Welt uses the Cloud Knights' desperation to assert his power and control.
• Help vs. charity: Welt questions the attitude of those asking for help, suggesting that the weak should act humbly.

Character Interactions

• Welt, Yan Huan, and March 7th interact with the Cloud Knights, with Welt taking a dominant role.
• Welt and Tingyun have a tense interaction, with Welt refusing to help until she begs.
• Yan Huan and March 7th discuss their mission and Welt's assertiveness.

Chapter Summary: “Women All Stink!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Welt, March 7th, and Yan Huan rescue Tingyun and two Cloud Knights from Mara-struck soldiers. Welt nearly destroys the enemies, but the Cloud Knights stop him, explaining that the Mara-struck are not ordinary monsters.
• Tingyun introduces herself as a Ferry Envoy of the Luofu Divination Department and questions why the outsiders entered the sealed-off Sea of Stars.
• When Tingyun and the Cloud Knights threaten to escort the Express Crew away, Welt reacts aggressively. Using overwhelming force, he forces all three to their knees.
• Welt nearly crushes Tingyun’s hand, but March 7th, terrified of ruining the Express Crew’s reputation, intervenes. She and Yan Huan restrain him before he can kill anyone.
• March explains that the Express Crew entered through the Jade Realm Gate after someone mysteriously opened it for them. Tingyun doubts their story, but March insists that the gate’s records can confirm it.
• Tingyun identifies them as the Astral Express crew and explains that the Xianzhou is facing a major crisis, making it unsafe for outsiders. She offers to take them to Lady Yukong for further decisions.
• The Express Crew reveals that they came to investigate and contain the Stellaron outbreak. They ask Tingyun to take them directly to the affected area, but she says she lacks the authority to permit outsiders to intervene.

Character Developments

• Welt is portrayed as extremely powerful, intimidating, and short-tempered. His protective or confrontational instincts lead him to threaten the Cloud Knights and Tingyun, even after they helped clarify the situation. His unusual behavior worries March and suggests that something may be affecting his judgment.
• March 7th acts as the group’s mediator and moral restraint. She repeatedly stops Welt from escalating the conflict, apologizes for him, and handles the explanation and negotiations with Tingyun.
• Yan Huan behaves comically and unpredictably, focusing on sniffing out a woman’s scent even during a life-threatening confrontation. Nevertheless, he helps March restrain Welt.
• Tingyun remains polite and diplomatic despite being threatened. She is cautious about the Express Crew, but also recognizes that they acted heroically and attempts to guide them safely through the crisis.
• The Cloud Knights are initially suspicious and authoritative, but their fear and helplessness become obvious after Welt effortlessly forces them to kneel.

Significant Themes

• Power and restraint: Welt’s overwhelming strength contrasts with the need for diplomacy. The chapter emphasizes how easily helpful intervention can turn into hostility when authority and pride clash.
• Trust and suspicion: Tingyun doubts the Express Crew because they are outsiders who entered a sealed region, while the crew feels insulted after being questioned despite helping the Cloud Knights.
• Authority versus heroism: Although the Express Crew wants to help stop the Stellaron crisis, Tingyun stresses that outsiders cannot act without official authorization.
• Comedy amid danger: Welt’s exaggerated aggression, March’s panic, and Yan Huan’s irrelevant obsession with scents create humor despite the serious threats surrounding the Xianzhou.
• Unusual behavior and hidden danger: Welt’s violent mood and Yan Huan’s remark about smelling “that woman” hint that there may be more to the situation than the characters currently understand.

Character Interactions

• Welt dominates the initial confrontation with the Cloud Knights and Tingyun, treating their attempted escort as an insult.
• March repeatedly opposes Welt, physically and verbally preventing him from harming Tingyun and the Cloud Knights.
• Yan Huan supports March’s efforts while making inappropriate, comedic observations about Tingyun’s scent.
• Tingyun maintains formal courtesy toward the Express Crew but balances gratitude with suspicion.
• The Express Crew and Tingyun reach a temporary understanding: they are willing to cooperate, but the crew must meet Yukong before being allowed to take action against the Stellaron.

Chapter Summary

March 7th agrees to accompany Tingyun to meet Lady Yukong, hoping the Divination Department can provide information about the Xianzhou and the Stellaron. Welt strongly objects, preferring to interrogate Cloud Knight soldiers, but his threatening attitude reveals that the effects of the “Wangzai Awesome Candy” have made him unusually aggressive and overconfident.
Before leaving, Yan Huan loots the injured Cloud Knight soldiers, taking their money and learning about the Xianzhou’s currency, while also healing them. The group then follows Tingyun through a maze of shipping containers. When they discover that barricades have blocked the routes, Tingyun explains that a control console is needed to move them. Welt becomes furious when she suggests that the group operate it themselves and summons a black hole to intimidate her into clearing the path.
Tingyun reluctantly complies, becoming increasingly frightened and subdued by Welt’s behavior. March is uncomfortable with how harshly he treats Tingyun, but Yan Huan defends him, arguing that the Express Crew has already saved her and the Cloud Knights and therefore deserves cooperation. Yan Huan also reveals that he has been recording Welt’s conduct and plans to show him the footage once the candy’s effects wear off, turning Welt’s temporary transformation into a source of amusement.
As they travel toward a vessel leading to the Sea of Stars, Welt effortlessly defeats every monster they encounter with a single punch. His overwhelming strength further intimidates Tingyun, who speaks as little as possible. Near the end of the chapter, she stops to confirm the group’s names for registration. She remembers March 7th and Welt Yang but asks Yan Huan to state his name, leaving the chapter focused on his identity.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Welt: Becomes domineering, impatient, and violent under the candy’s influence. He believes his actions are justified because he spared the Cloud Knights and rescued Tingyun. His interactions with Tingyun are coercive, while March questions whether his arrogance could cause political trouble.
• March 7th: Acts as the group’s responsible mediator, trying to restrain Welt and maintain good relations with the Xianzhou. Although she dislikes his behavior, she gradually admits that his complaints are logically justified.
• Yan Huan: Displays opportunism by robbing and healing the Cloud Knights, while also acting as a mischievous observer. He records Welt’s unusual behavior and treats the situation humorously, defending Welt’s actions to March.
• Tingyun: Initially friendly and welcoming, but becomes nervous and submissive after Welt threatens her. She guides the group through the blocked container routes and later asks Yan Huan to identify himself.
• Group dynamics: March tries to preserve diplomacy, Welt relies on intimidation and force, Yan Huan encourages the chaos, and Tingyun becomes increasingly wary of all three.

Significant Themes

• Power and entitlement: The chapter humorously examines whether rescuing someone gives the rescuer the right to demand obedience.
• Temporary transformation and restraint: Welt’s behavior contrasts with his usual personality, while Yan Huan’s recordings ensure that his actions may have consequences later.
• Pragmatism versus morality: The characters justify looting, intimidation, and violence as efficient or deserved responses to the situation.
• Identity and introduction: The ending emphasizes Yan Huan’s uncertain or overlooked identity, setting up the importance of his name and role.

Chapter Summary — “The Nerve!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• While traveling through the Xianzhou, Yan Huan is asked to provide his name for registration. He responds with an absurd, grandiose introduction claiming to be Sun Wukong, forcing March 7th to clarify that his name is simply Yan Huan.
• The group—Welt, March 7th, Yan Huan, and Tingyun—continues through areas blocked by cargo containers and infested with hostile Mara-struck creatures. Tingyun repeatedly clears the way while the others rest.
• Tingyun and March 7th discuss the Stellaron crisis. Tingyun insists that they cannot act recklessly and must first return to the Divination Department to consult with Lord Yukong. Welt angrily demands immediate action, reflecting his growing impatience with the Xianzhou’s bureaucracy and suspicion.
• Tingyun leads the group to a Star Skiff and pilots them to the Sea of Stars. During the journey, Yan Huan humorously interviews Welt, who complains that the trip has yielded no meaningful progress.
• After arriving, Welt demands that Yukong come to meet him personally. Tingyun explains that Yukong is busy managing the Divination Department and cannot simply leave her post.
• March 7th prevents Welt from escalating the confrontation and convinces Tingyun to let them rest and eat while she reports to Yukong.
• The group settles in a restaurant, but after roughly an hour, Cloud Knights surround them. They accuse the Express crew of arrogance and order them to return to Sichen Palace to await judgment.

Character Developments

• Welt becomes increasingly frustrated and confrontational. His irritation is caused less by the monsters than by the Xianzhou authorities’ distrust, delays, and perceived disrespect. He remains powerful and intimidating, but his temper repeatedly threatens to worsen the group’s situation.
• March 7th acts as Welt’s mediator and restraint. She physically prevents him from attacking others, tries to smooth relations with Tingyun, and makes practical arguments about food, rest, and diplomacy.
• Yan Huan continues to provide comic relief through his exaggerated self-introduction, strange remarks, and mock interview of Welt. He is observant and irreverent, often openly commenting on the others’ behavior.
• Tingyun becomes more relaxed and talkative once March can restrain Welt. Although she remains polite and diplomatic, she is visibly nervous around him and repeatedly gives in to his pressure. She also demonstrates competence by clearing obstacles and piloting the Star Skiff.
• The Cloud Knights and Xianzhou authorities are portrayed as suspicious and rigid, interpreting the Express crew’s behavior as disrespectful rather than recognizing their efforts to help.

Significant Themes

• Cultural misunderstanding and mistrust: The Express crew is treated as suspicious outsiders, while their bluntness and impatience clash with Xianzhou customs and official procedures.
• Bureaucracy versus urgency: Welt wants immediate action against the Stellaron, whereas Tingyun and the Divination Department insist on following protocol and consulting the proper authorities.
• Comedy amid danger: Serious threats such as Stellaron Erosion and Mara-struck enemies are contrasted with petty arguments, environmental complaints, food concerns, and Yan Huan’s theatrics.
• Diplomacy and restraint: March 7th repeatedly prevents Welt from turning tense encounters into violence, emphasizing the importance of controlling one’s temper.
• Authority and respect: Welt believes the group deserves recognition for saving lives, while the Xianzhou authorities focus on etiquette, jurisdiction, and their perceived insolence.

Character Interactions

• Welt and Tingyun: Their relationship is tense, with Welt issuing demands and Tingyun responding through cautious politeness and indirect resistance.
• March 7th and Welt: March frequently restrains and scolds Welt, acting as the group’s practical voice and preventing him from attacking officials or Cloud Knights.
• Yan Huan and Welt: Yan Huan constantly teases Welt, including by giving him a ridiculous interview and mocking his anger, which only adds to Welt’s frustration.
• March 7th and Tingyun: March sympathizes with Tingyun’s situation but also urges her to cooperate more directly. Their exchange gradually becomes friendlier.
• The Express crew and the Cloud Knights: Despite rescuing people and fighting monsters, the crew’s abrasive conduct leads to further suspicion and ultimately their forced summons to Sichen Palace.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Welt, March 7th, and their companions are accused of endangering Xianzhou and are attacked by Cloud Knights.
• Welt and his group defend themselves, causing significant damage to Sichen Palace.
• Welt confronts Yukong, the leader of Sichen Palace, accusing her of misunderstanding their intentions.
• Yukong accuses Welt of being involved with the Stellaron Hunters, who hacked the system and opened the Jade Realm Gate.
• Welt admits they were led by the Stellaron Hunters but denies any wrongdoing, blaming the weak security system.
• Welt threatens to destroy Sichen Palace and kill Yukong.

Character Developments

• Welt: Shows his aggressive and violent side, using his powers recklessly and threatening to kill Yukong.
• Yukong: Initially arrogant and suspicious, she becomes vulnerable and fearful when faced with Welt's power.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and their consequences.
• Power dynamics and abuse of power.
• The struggle between trust and suspicion.

Character Interactions

• Welt and Yukong: Their interaction is hostile, with Welt threatening Yukong and her accusing him of wrongdoing.
• Welt and Cloud Knights: Welt shows no mercy towards the Cloud Knights, injuring them severely.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Welt Yang, leader of the Star Rail Express, is about to attack Yukong, the head of the Divination Department, but is stopped by Yan Huan.
• Yan Huan and Earth Tiger Hero appear, and Yan Huan convinces Welt to spare the Cloud Knights and restore the Sichen Palace.
• Yan Huan uses his powers to heal the injured Cloud Knights and restore the palace to its original state.
• A mysterious projection appears, revealing that it has been watching the events unfold.

Character Developments

• Welt Yang: Shows his aggressive nature and willingness to use force to make a point.
• Yan Huan: Demonstrates his diplomatic skills, convincing Welt to spare the Cloud Knights and restoring the palace, showing his power and compassion.
• Yukong: Initially stubborn and unwilling to back down, she becomes more cooperative after seeing Welt's destructive power.
• The mysterious projection: Reveals its presence and commands Yukong, indicating it holds some authority.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Welt's destructive power and Yan Huan's healing abilities highlight the different forms of power and their consequences.
• Diplomacy vs. force: Yan Huan's diplomatic approach contrasts with Welt's use of force, showing the potential outcomes of each approach.
• Hidden agendas: The mysterious projection's involvement suggests hidden motivations and power struggles within the Divination Department.

Character Interactions

• Welt and Yan Huan: Welt is initially displeased with Yan Huan's intervention but eventually listens to his advice.
• Yan Huan and Yukong: Yan Huan uses his charm and diplomacy to convince Yukong to cooperate.
• Yukong and the mysterious projection: The projection commands Yukong, revealing a power dynamic between them.
• March 7th and Yan Huan: March 7th is suspicious of Yan Huan's motives and his filming of the events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Star Rail Express crew arrives at the Sichen Palace, causing tension with the Luofu's Divination Department.
• Welt Yang, a member of the crew, has a heated exchange with Yukong, the head of the Divination Department.
• Jing Yuan, a Luofu official, tries to defuse the situation and reveals that the Luofu suspects the Star Rail Express of colluding with Stellaron Hunters.
• March 7th, another crew member, silences Welt to prevent further conflict.

Character Developments

• Welt Yang is shown to be hot-headed and quick to anger, but also protective of his crew.
• Jing Yuan is diplomatic and tries to maintain peace, but also uses the situation to gather information.
• Yukong is initially hostile but is easily swayed by Jing Yuan's words.
• March 7th is resourceful and quick-thinking, using tape to silence Welt.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and Trust: The Luofu's suspicion of the Star Rail Express crew leads to tension and mistrust. Jing Yuan's revelation about the Stellaron Hunters' communication adds to this mistrust.
• Diplomacy vs. Confrontation: Jing Yuan's diplomatic approach contrasts with Welt's confrontational style. March 7th's intervention also shows a more pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between the Luofu officials and the Star Rail Express crew highlight the power dynamics between the two groups.

Character Interactions

• Welt Yang and Yukong: Their initial exchange is confrontational, with Welt threatening Yukong and Yukong responding with hostility.
• Jing Yuan and Welt: Jing Yuan tries to calm Welt down and defuse the situation, but Welt remains suspicious and angry.
• March 7th and Welt: March 7th intervenes to prevent further conflict between Welt and the Luofu officials, showing a protective and pragmatic side.
• Jing Yuan and Yukong: Jing Yuan manipulates Yukong's emotions to get her to agree with his assessment of the Stellaron Hunters, showing his influence over her.