Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• A terrorist attack occurs at the Epidemic Prevention Center headquarters in Great Capital, injuring over thirty official-grade Plague Exterminators and destroying the detention facility.
• The attacker is a veiled woman wielding a High-Frequency Electric Scalpel from Ultimate Bliss, indicating she's a Chief Surgeon Grade Plague Exterminator.
• The attack happens just before the crucial Medical Examination, causing public unrest.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi remains focused on his studies, preparing for the upcoming Medical Examination.
• Beigong Dongzhi, now debt-free, expresses confidence in his future prospects.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of Chief Surgeon Grade Plague Exterminators.
• The importance of the Medical Examination for Plague Exterminators.
• The impact of terrorism on public morale.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi interact at the Club of Love, with Sister Hua showing favor to Beigong Dongzhi.
• Zhou Zhi receives a mysterious call from an unidentified man, pleading for help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Zhi meets Liu Ji, a desperate Official-level Plague Exterminator, under a bridge in Great Capital.
• Liu Ji reveals that Lian Yan, a member of the Fireworks Collective's Execution Triad, is after him.
• Zhou Zhi initially refuses to help Liu Ji, offering him food and a place to sleep instead.
• Liu Ji offers Zhou Zhi his father's medical book, [Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases], and other resources in exchange for help.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi: Shows indifference to Liu Ji's plight initially but agrees to help after learning about the medical book.
• Liu Ji: Desperate and willing to make a deal to save his life, revealing his fear of Lian Yan.
• Lian Yan: Implied to be a formidable and ruthless Plague Exterminator.

Significant Themes

• Survival and desperation: Liu Ji's fear of Lian Yan and his willingness to make a deal to stay alive.
• Greed and ambition: Zhou Zhi's interest in the medical book and Liu Ji's resources.
• The power of knowledge and resources: Liu Ji's father's medical book and the resources he left behind.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Liu Ji: Zhou Zhi initially shows indifference to Liu Ji's situation but eventually agrees to help him in exchange for the medical book and resources.
• Zhou Zhi and Fang Hui: They communicate silently, with Fang Hui providing insights and supporting Zhou Zhi's decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Zhi decides to protect Liu Ji from Lian Yan, believing Liu Ji possesses evidence that could implicate important figures in Xuanyuan.
• Liu Ji gives Zhou Zhi his father's Pathogenized ophthalmology work.
• Beigong Dongzhi (Little Mushroom) reveals she's an Official Grade Plague Exterminator and offers to help Zhou Zhi against Lian Yan.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi shows his determination to protect Liu Ji, even at the risk of his own safety.
• Liu Ji's desperation and fear are evident as he seeks Zhou Zhi's help.
• Beigong Dongzhi demonstrates her hidden strength and wisdom, surprising everyone with her Official Grade status.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Liu Ji trusts Zhou Zhi, while Lian Yan betrays his role as a Chief Surgeon to hunt Liu Ji.
• Risk and opportunity: Zhou Zhi sees the danger in protecting Liu Ji but also the potential opportunity it presents.
• Hidden strength: Both Beigong Dongzhi and Lian Yan possess hidden strengths that are revealed in this chapter.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Fang Hui discuss the situation and Zhou Zhi's decision to protect Liu Ji.
• Zhou Zhi, Liu Ji, and Beigong Dongzhi interact in the Club of Love, with Beigong Dongzhi offering her assistance against Lian Yan.
• The chapter hints at a potential alliance between Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi against Lian Yan.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The night before the Medical Examination, Zhou Zhi, Beigong Dongzhi, and Fang Hui prepare to confront Lian Yan, a Chief Surgeon of the Fireworks Collective.
• Lian Yan arrives at the hotel, using her High-Frequency Electric Scalpel to slice open the door to Zhou Zhi's room.
• Zhou Zhi remains calm and composed, greeting Lian Yan despite the unexpected encounter.

Character Developments

• Beigong Dongzhi shows unexpected maturity and calmness, providing valuable information about Chief Surgeons and their abilities.
• Lian Yan's backstory is revealed, showing her origins as a child sold into the Smoke Transformation dens of Ultimate Bliss, fueling her current ruthlessness.
• Zhou Zhi demonstrates remarkable composure in the face of danger, greeting Lian Yan calmly despite the threat she poses.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Lian Yan's power and the control she wields over her clients, reflecting the Fireworks Collective's influence and the addictive nature of Smoke Transformation.
• Fate and Destiny: The recurring encounters between Zhou Zhi and Lian Yan, suggesting a fated connection between them.
• Confrontation and Calm: Zhou Zhi's calm demeanor in the face of danger, contrasting with Lian Yan's ruthlessness and the tension of the situation.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi work together, with Beigong Dongzhi providing crucial information and Zhou Zhi maintaining composure.
• Lian Yan interacts with the two Plague Exterminators from the Fireworks Collective, showing deference despite her power.
• Zhou Zhi and Lian Yan face off, with Zhou Zhi greeting Lian Yan calmly despite the threat she poses, hinting at an underlying tension and history between them.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Zhi and Lian Yan encounter each other in a hotel room, leading to a tense standoff.
• Lian Yan reveals she's been tracking Zhou Zhi due to his use of Smoke Transformation.
• Zhou Zhi and Lian Yan engage in a battle, with Zhou Zhi managing to survive Lian Yan's fatal strike.
• Liu Ji and Beigong Dongzhi are cornered by two Plague Exterminators, but Beigong Dongzhi remains calm and confident.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi demonstrates his skill and resilience, surviving Lian Yan's attack and maintaining his composure.
• Lian Yan shows her ruthless and direct nature, offering Zhou Zhi a chance to live but also expressing her desire to kill him.
• Beigong Dongzhi displays her maturity and confidence, reassuring Liu Ji despite their dire situation.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and influence of high-ranking Plague Exterminators in Great Capital.
• The ruthless nature of the Plague Extermination world, where alliances and enemies can shift quickly.
• The consequences of using Smoke Transformation, highlighting its addictive potential and the danger it poses to users.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Lian Yan's tense and dangerous encounter reveals their mutual respect and attraction, despite their opposing goals.
• Beigong Dongzhi's interaction with Liu Ji shows her maturity and confidence, contrasting with Liu Ji's fear and despair.
• The two Plague Exterminators' encounter with Beigong Dongzhi highlights the power imbalance and their underestimation of her capabilities.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Beigong Dongzhi (Little Mushroom) kills two of Lian Yan's elite force members using her fungi powers.
• Zhou Zhi instructs Beigong Dongzhi to bring Liu Ji (Junkie Uncle) to the Erudition Grand Hotel, where Gu Zhun is staying.
• Zhou Zhi reveals that Gu Zhun has booked the entire hotel for the Medical Examination, and the hotel's staff have been replaced by Gu Family's Plague Exterminators.
• Fang Hui, the Roundworm Chancellor, takes control of the hotel's staff using his roundworm parasites.

Character Developments

• Beigong Dongzhi shows her powerful fungi abilities and gains confidence in her strength.
• Liu Ji is injected with a substance that makes him happy and compliant, allowing Beigong Dongzhi to control him.
• Zhou Zhi demonstrates his knowledge of the Great Capital's power dynamics and his ability to manipulate situations from afar.
• Fang Hui reveals his desire to find his place in the world and expresses his enjoyment in facing challenges.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Zhou Zhi, Beigong Dongzhi, and Fang Hui all exhibit their ability to influence and control others, highlighting the theme of power and its use.
• Trust and fear: Liu Ji struggles with trusting others, reflecting the theme of fear and uncertainty in relationships.
• Addiction and control: Liu Ji's addiction to the substance Zhou Zhi injected him with raises questions about control and dependency.

Character Interactions

• Beigong Dongzhi and Liu Ji: Beigong Dongzhi takes charge and protects Liu Ji, while Liu Ji relies on her and follows her instructions.
• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi: Zhou Zhi provides guidance and support to Beigong Dongzhi, while she follows his instructions and seeks his approval.
• Fang Hui and the hotel staff: Fang Hui takes control of the hotel staff, demonstrating his ability to manipulate and influence others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Zhun trains with his uncle, who reveals that Gu Shenxiu's actions have brought disgrace to the family.
• Zhou Zhi, Fang Hui, and Beigong Dongzhi plan to infiltrate the Erudition Grand Hotel to capture Liu Ji.
• The Gu Family's Lead Surgeon detects the intruders and uses his Plague Extermination Art, [Green Branch Break], against Fang Hui and Beigong Dongzhi.
• Beigong Dongzhi uses her [Water Taisui] technique to counter the attack, causing significant damage to the hotel.

Character Developments

• Gu Zhun shows determination to win the Medical Examination and protect his family's honor.
• Zhou Zhi demonstrates his strategic planning and coordination with Fang Hui and Beigong Dongzhi.
• Beigong Dongzhi showcases her confidence and powerful Plague Extermination Arts.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family honor and reputation in the Gu Family.
• The strategic planning and teamwork required for successful Plague Extermination operations.
• The power and versatility of Plague Extermination Arts.

Character Interactions

• Gu Zhun and his uncle discuss the Medical Examination and Gu Shenxiu's actions.
• Zhou Zhi, Fang Hui, and Beigong Dongzhi coordinate their plans to capture Liu Ji.
• Beigong Dongzhi and Fang Hui work together to counter the Gu Family's Lead Surgeon's attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Ji consumes Smoke Transformation to enhance his abilities.
• Lian Yan, a powerful Plague Exterminator, is sent to eliminate Liu Ji.
• Zhou Zhi and Fang Hui intervene, leading to a confrontation between Lian Yan and a mysterious gentleman (later revealed to be Beigong Dongzhi).
• The gentleman, a Lead Surgeon Plague Exterminator, engages Lian Yan in a fierce battle.

Character Developments

• Liu Ji's desperation leads him to consume Smoke Transformation, marking a significant change in his character.
• Lian Yan's skills and ruthlessness are showcased as she pursues Liu Ji.
• The gentleman, later revealed to be Beigong Dongzhi, demonstrates exceptional combat skills and knowledge of Plague Extermination Arts.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of consuming addictive substances for power, as seen with Liu Ji.
• The ruthlessness and power of Plague Exterminators, exemplified by Lian Yan and the gentleman.
• The importance of information and intelligence gathering, highlighted by Zhou Zhi's actions.

Character Interactions

• Liu Ji and Zhou Zhi's alliance deepens as they work together to evade Lian Yan.
• Lian Yan and the gentleman engage in a intense battle, showcasing their skills and understanding of Plague Extermination Arts.
• Zhou Zhi and Fang Hui discuss strategies and share information, demonstrating their partnership and trust in each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Yan, an unlicensed Plague Exterminator, faces a Gu Family Plague Exterminator.
• Lian Yan uses a high dose of Smoke Transformation (morphine) to enhance her abilities.
• Zhou Zhi and his group watch the battle via Beigong Dongzhi's livestream.
• Gu Zhun is seen making a secret call, expressing his intention to take someone away from the Gu Family.

Character Developments

• Lian Yan's desperation leads her to use excessive Smoke Transformation, risking pathogenization.
• Gu Zhun shows a caring and determined side, revealing his feelings for someone in the Gu Family.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of addiction and desperation, as seen in Lian Yan's actions.
• The theme of forbidden love or forbidden relationships, hinted at in Gu Zhun's conversation.

Character Interactions

• Lian Yan and the Gu Family Plague Exterminator clash, showcasing their differing views on Plague Extermination methods.
• Zhou Zhi and his group discuss the battle and the sale of addictive substances.
• Gu Zhun's secret conversation hints at a potential romantic relationship or conflict within the Gu Family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Mushroom, from the Chengyun Dynasty, infiltrates the Great Capital.
• Gu Zhun discovers Beigong Dongzhi eavesdropping and pursues her.
• Lian Yan, pathogenized, escapes after a fight with a Gu Family Plague Exterminator.
• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi return to the Club of Love, reporting that Lian Yan is half-plagued and Liu Ji is captured.

Character Developments

• Gu Zhun: Reveals his secret and his strength as a Plague Exterminator.
• Lian Yan: Pathogenizes and becomes a threat, escaping after a fight.
• Beigong Dongzhi: Shows confidence and seriousness in her report to Zhou Zhi.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against pathogenization and pestilence.
• The importance of the Medical Examination for nurturing new Plague Exterminators.
• The consequences of secrets and hidden agendas.

Character Interactions

• Gu Zhun and Beigong Dongzhi: Gu Zhun pursues Beigong Dongzhi after discovering her eavesdropping.
• Lian Yan and the Gu Family Plague Exterminator: Lian Yan fights and pathogenizes, escaping after a fight.
• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi: Zhou Zhi questions Beigong Dongzhi about the mission's progress, and she reports confidently.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi prepare for the Medical Examination.
• Zhou Zhi learns about Beigong Dongzhi's strength and decides to hire her as an assistant.
• Lian Yan, now half-pathogenized, starts chasing Zhou Zhi.
• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi realize they're in an illusionary space with no other people around.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi shows concern for his potential assistant's safety and well-being.
• Beigong Dongzhi displays her strength and intelligence, but remains reluctant to become Zhou Zhi's assistant.
• Lian Yan's descent into madness and pathogenization is revealed.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of drug abuse and addiction (Lian Yan's pathogenization due to morphine overdose).
• The power dynamics and ruthlessness of the Plague Exterminators' world.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi work together to escape Lian Yan, with Zhou Zhi trying to convince Beigong to become his assistant.
• Zhou Zhi shows understanding and respect for Beigong's reluctance to join him.
• Lian Yan, now a monster, pursues Zhou Zhi with single-minded determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Medical Examination for new Plague Exterminators is about to begin.
• Gu Zhun is tasked by his family to join Xuanyuan First Medical Academy's team for the New Plague Exterminator League.
• Di Qiuyan is expected to lead his team to victory, with Gu Zhun as a potential new member.
• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi are trapped in an illusion with a monstrous Lian Yan, caused by a pathogenization source of Neurasthenia.

Character Developments

• Gu Zhun struggles with his family's expectations and the possibility of following in his third uncle's footsteps.
• Di Qiuyan is confident in his team's victory and is interested in Gu Zhun's potential.
• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi work together to face the illusory threat, with Zhou Zhi demonstrating his Black Kite ability.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations placed on young Plague Exterminators.
• The consequences of indecision and the importance of boldness.
• The power dynamics within the Gu Family and the Xuanyuan Alliance Schools.
• The bond between Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi, and their shared challenges.

Character Interactions

• Gu Zhun and the middle-aged man in the tailcoat discuss Gu Zhun's task and the family's expectations.
• Di Qiuyan and the woman discuss Di Qiuyan's potential and the recent death of two [Eye Secret Guards].
• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi work together to face the illusory Lian Yan, with Zhou Zhi demonstrating his Black Kite ability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi are trapped in an illusion created by a mysterious Plague Exterminator, facing a pathogenized Lian Yan.
• Zhou Zhi asks Beigong Dongzhi to find and eliminate the illusion creator to break the illusion.
• Meanwhile, at Xuanyuan First Medical Academy, Di Qiuyan arrives for the medical examination, expressing confidence in Zhou Zhi's abilities.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi shows concern for Beigong Dongzhi's safety and acknowledges her as his assistant.
• Beigong Dongzhi demonstrates her loyalty to Zhou Zhi but also expresses her desire to find a handsome partner.
• Di Qiuyan reveals her admiration for Zhou Zhi and her eagerness to see him at the examination venue.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Plague Exterminators and the dangers they face.
• The importance of teamwork and trust between allies.
• The competitive nature of the medical examination and the aspirations of young Plague Exterminators.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Beigong Dongzhi's partnership is further solidified as they face a common enemy.
• Di Qiuyan's thoughts reveal her admiration for Zhou Zhi and her eagerness to compete with him in the examination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Zhun takes an infectious diseases test, feeling uncertain about his hesitation during the exam.
• Zhou Zhi battles Pestilence Lian Yan, using his enhanced physical techniques and Mind's Eye to evade her attacks.
• A mysterious woman watches the battle, planning to recruit Zhou Zhi after he succumbs to disease.
• Little Mushroom appears, defeating the woman with a single punch and causing her to flee.

Character Developments

• Gu Zhun: Struggles with self-doubt after the test, hinting at potential growth in decision-making.
• Zhou Zhi: Demonstrates improved physical prowess and spiritual power control, showcasing his growth as an Official-level Plague Exterminator.
• Little Mushroom: Reveals her formidable strength, capable of defeating an advanced Plague Exterminator with ease.
• The mysterious woman: Shows arrogance and underestimation of opponents, leading to her defeat.

Significant Themes

• Growth and improvement in skills and abilities.
• Underestimation of opponents leading to downfall.
• The power of decisive action (Little Mushroom's punch).

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Fang Hui: Zhou Zhi seeks Fang Hui's opinion on Little Mushroom's fighting abilities, showing trust in their partnership.
• Little Mushroom and the mysterious woman: Their brief encounter highlights the stark difference in their power levels and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The illusion created by Pestilence Lian Yan dissipates, revealing their location in the Great Capital.
• Lian Yan appears openly, causing panic among the citizens. The Epidemic Prevention Center quickly responds, containing Lian Yan and initiating evacuation and disinfection procedures.
• Zhou Zhi and his group undergo pathogenization testing due to their proximity to the incident.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor even in high-pressure situations.
• Beigong Dongzhi (Little Mushroom) showcases her combat skills and confidence, but also reveals her concern for food and her lack of understanding of Zhou Zhi's academic situation.

Significant Themes

• The efficiency and strength of the Great Capital's Plague Exterminators.
• The importance of pathogenization testing and containment procedures in preventing the spread of pestilence.
• The contrast between Little Mushroom's carefree attitude and Zhou Zhi's seriousness about his academic future.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi and Fang Hui observe the swift and effective response of the Epidemic Prevention Center, highlighting the difference in strength between the Great Capital and other regions.
• Zhou Zhi and Little Mushroom's interaction reveals Little Mushroom's lack of understanding of Zhou Zhi's academic situation and her focus on food, while Zhou Zhi remains calm and understanding of her priorities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Xuanyuan Medical Examination's first subject, [Infectious Diseases], concludes.
• Di Qiuyan, a top candidate, watches the news broadcast on the rooftop of Xuanyuan First Medical Academy.
• Gu Zhun reflects on his meeting with his estranged uncle, Gu Shenxiu, who advised him not to live with regrets.
• Zhou Zhi, accompanied by Beigong Dongzhi and Fang Hui, discusses his upcoming [Treating Patients] exam.

Character Developments

• Di Qiuyan: Confident in her abilities, she plans to join the New Plague Exterminator League after the exams and considers Zhou Zhi as a potential member.
• Gu Zhun: Becomes more determined after his uncle's advice, preparing for his [Treating Patients] exam.
• Zhou Zhi: Reflects on his past life's medical knowledge, which will be useful in the upcoming exam.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and determination in one's abilities (Di Qiuyan, Gu Zhun, Zhou Zhi)
• Reflection on past experiences and their influence on future actions (Gu Zhun)
• The importance of not living with regrets (Gu Shenxiu's advice to Gu Zhun)

Character Interactions

• Di Qiuyan and Zhe Xiu: Di Qiuyan meets her senior, Zhe Xiu, who has high expectations for her but keeps her distance.
• Zhou Zhi, Beigong Dongzhi, and Fang Hui: The trio discusses Zhou Zhi's upcoming exam and plans for afterward.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Zhi takes the Medical Examination, focusing on the [Treating Patients] section.
• The examination includes questions on various diseases, with the final question being [Pancreatic Cancer].
• The proctoring ophthalmic Plague Exterminator is surprised by Zhou Zhi's detailed answers.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi shows excitement and seriousness in answering the questions, revealing his expertise and passion for Plague Extermination.
• The proctoring ophthalmic Plague Exterminator notices Zhou Zhi's exceptional performance.

Significant Themes

• The Medical Examination as a crucial step in becoming a Plague Exterminator.
• The seriousness and complexity of the examination, reflecting the importance of Plague Extermination in this world.
• The mystery and danger of cancer, touching upon the path of [Longevity].

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi interacts with other examinees through their collective frustration and confusion about the examination questions.
• The proctoring ophthalmic Plague Exterminator observes Zhou Zhi's exceptional performance, showing surprise and interest.
• Off-screen, unidentified individuals discuss the Medical Examination and the rising threat of cancer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Zhi returns to the club after the written exam, where Sister Hua and Little Mushroom greet him.
• He learns about the practical exam's nature: a one-on-one battle against other examinees, likely Official-level Plague Exterminators.
• In Great Capital, Councilor Zhong Panxi and Ji Hongyuan of Shenwu Pharmaceuticals discuss the exam's arrangements.
• On the second day, Zhou Zhi and other examinees are divided into groups for practical testing using Shenwu Pharmaceuticals' [Disease Simulation] device.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi remains calm and focused on his goal of barely passing the exam.
• Councilor Zhong Panxi is revealed to be influential and well-connected, with a unique Plague Extermination Art that can see a person's talent.
• Ji Hongyuan, a representative of Shenwu Pharmaceuticals, shows support for Xuanyuan's Medical Examination.

Significant Themes

• Fairness in the Medical Examination, especially regarding the practical assessment.
• The power dynamics between the Central Council, Medical Department, and mega-corporations like Shenwu Pharmaceuticals.
• The importance of talent and potential in the Plague Exterminator industry.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Zhi interacts briefly with Sister Hua and Little Mushroom, showing a friendly rapport with them.
• Councilor Zhong Panxi and Ji Hongyuan discuss the exam's arrangements, displaying a respectful and cooperative relationship.
• Zhou Zhi encounters Gu Zhun, a prominent Plague Exterminator from the Gu Family, for the first time.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, a writer, learns from their editor that they won't receive the guaranteed minimum payment of 1,500 due to not updating their work for more than five days during the free period.
• The writer has lost a total of 4,500 as a result.

Character Developments

• The writer shows frustration and annoyance at the loss of income and the strict rules of the platform they're working on.

Significant Themes

• The theme of financial struggle and the pressure to maintain a consistent work schedule is highlighted.
• The chapter also touches on the theme of the precarity of freelance work and the lack of job security.

Character Interactions

• The writer interacts with their editor, who delivers the disappointing news about the payment.
• There are no other character interactions mentioned in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The students face a practical examination using Shenwu Pharmaceuticals' equipment, simulating plague extermination scenarios.
• Each student enters a device that assesses five metrics: Intensity (spiritual power), Age, Technique, Art (difficulty of Plague Extermination Arts), and Mental State.
• The first student lasts only three minutes and scores low in all categories, setting a grim tone for the exam.
• Most students score in the twenties or thirties, with the highest score before Gu Zhun being around forty.
• Gu Zhun's examination lasts forty minutes, the longest so far, and he scores high in all categories except Mental State.

Character Developments

• Zhou Zhi analyzes the examination process and deduces the scoring system.
• Gu Zhun, a renowned Official-level Plague Exterminator, takes the exam, causing a stir among the students.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and intensity of the examination, reflecting the harsh reality of plague extermination.
• The vast gap in ability between Gu Zhun and his peers, highlighting the theme of exceptional talent and its isolation.

Character Interactions

• Students react with pity, envy, and awe as they watch their peers take the exam and see Gu Zhun's exceptional performance.
• The Medical Department examiners show interest and approval of Gu Zhun's performance.