Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng wakes up to find a woman in white sitting at his desk in the middle of the night. He's unable to move or speak.
• The woman stands up and turns around, revealing a stiff, mechanical-like movement.
• Another person enters the room, and Lin Sheng feels icy hands grab his feet, causing him to wake up in terror.
• This is the third night in a row he's had this dream.
• Lin Sheng's sister, Lin Xiao, is home for a visit and leaves the next day. She gives Lin Sheng two hundred yuan for the next two months.
• Lin Sheng has to be frugal with his allowance, spending only three yuan a day.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng: He's an ordinary high school student who's been having a recurring nightmare. He's quiet and reserved, preferring to keep his problems to himself.
• Lin Xiao: She's Lin Sheng's older sister who's studying at university. She's caring and responsible, worried about her brother's well-being and the family's financial situation.

Significant Themes

• Fear and the unknown: The recurring nightmare and the mysterious woman in white represent Lin Sheng's fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of his situation.
• Family responsibility: Lin Xiao's departure and her concern for her brother and parents highlight the theme of family responsibility and the importance of looking out for one another.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Lin Xiao: They have a close sibling relationship. Lin Xiao is protective and caring towards Lin Sheng, while he is more reserved and independent.
• Lin Sheng and the mysterious woman: Their interaction is limited to the dream, where the woman's presence terrifies Lin Sheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng's grandfather has suffered a cerebral infarction, causing financial strain on the family.
• Lin Sheng has a vivid nightmare that he can't shake off.
• Shen Yan, Lin Sheng's classmate, invites him to a Gymnastics Club activity.
• Lin Sheng has lunch in the cafeteria, reflecting on his monotonous daily life.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng: Struggles with his grandfather's illness and the family's financial situation. He feels disconnected from his current life due to memories of his past life.
• Shen Yan: Shows concern for Lin Sheng and tries to cheer him up. She is tomboyish, likes anime, and has a lewd vocabulary.
• An Ling (Coconut): A minor beauty in the class, popular among boys due to her gymnastics figure.

Significant Themes

• Monotony and lack of desire in daily life.
• The struggle with financial hardship and illness in the family.
• Lin Sheng's detachment from his current life due to memories of his past life.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Shen Yan: They have a friendly, bickering relationship. Shen Yan tries to cheer up Lin Sheng, while Lin Sheng finds Shen Yan's lewd vocabulary annoying.
• Lin Sheng and An Ling: Lin Sheng finds An Ling boring and uninteresting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng returns home from school and has a nap.
• He experiences the same nightmare as the previous night, with the figure in the white dress and the mysterious footsteps approaching him.
• This time, the figure pulls back his quilt, causing Lin Sheng to wake up in a state of panic.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor, even in the face of a terrifying dream. He acknowledges the dream's proximity and decides to find a way to deal with it if it happens again.

Significant Themes

• The theme of fear and how to overcome it is explored. Lin Sheng understands that panic leads to mistakes and wasted energy, emphasizing the importance of staying calm.
• The dream's recurring nature and increasing intensity suggest that it might be an omen or a warning.

Character Interactions

• There are no interactions with other characters in this chapter, as Lin Sheng is alone throughout. The interaction occurs between Lin Sheng and the figure in his dream.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng experiences a recurring nightmare every night, with a girl in a white dress and approaching footsteps.
• He sets an alarm to wake himself up before the footsteps reach his door.
• The nightmare occurs consistently for two weeks, with the duration averaging around 35 minutes.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng becomes increasingly sleep-deprived and anxious due to the recurring nightmare.
• He remains calm and analytical, trying to understand and control the dream.
• Lin Sheng's parents notice his poor condition but are unaware of the cause.

Significant Themes

• The power of the mind over dreams and reality.
• The struggle against an unknown, terrifying force.
• The importance of a healthy sleep pattern.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng shares his sleep deprivation with his friend, Shen Yan, who suggests methods to control dreams.
• Lin Sheng's parents express concern about his poor health but are unaware of the cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng experiences another night of terrifying events in his sleep.
• He hears a voice calling his name and sees a pale woman's face close to his.
• The entity at the foot of his bed reaches out to touch him, but Lin Sheng throws off his quilt and grabs the woman in the white dress, causing her to collapse and disappear.
• Lin Sheng realizes he's in a dream and can move freely. He explores his dream home, finding a dark red substance outside the window and a crack in the kitchen wall with black mist churning inside.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng shows resilience and courage in facing his nightmares, demonstrating his growing ability to control his emotions and actions in dreams.
• He displays determination and quick thinking when he grabs the woman in the white dress, suggesting he's learning to take initiative in his dream experiences.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Courage: Lin Sheng's struggle against his fears and his growing courage in facing them is a central theme.
• Dreams and Reality: The blurring line between Lin Sheng's dreams and reality highlights the theme of perception and the nature of consciousness.
• Control: Lin Sheng's increasing control over his actions and emotions in his dreams emphasizes the theme of self-control and agency.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with the entity in his dream, though it's unclear if it's a separate consciousness or a manifestation of his own mind.
• He also interacts with the girl in the white dress, though she remains motionless and silent throughout the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng enters a rift in his dream, leading to an old European-style manor.
• He explores the manor, finding a living room, a study filled with unreadable books in Guren Script, a bedroom, and a basement.
• He discovers a stack of readable books in the study, filled with dense, tiny characters resembling Guren Script.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates curiosity and bravery by entering the rift and exploring the manor despite his initial fear.
• He shows patience and thoroughness in his exploration, indicating his analytical and observant nature.

Significant Themes

• The dream vs. reality theme is reinforced as Lin Sheng feels he is in a dream yet experiences tactile sensations and a sense of security.
• The theme of the unknown and the unfamiliar is explored through the unreadable books and the strange script.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with the environment, touching objects and exploring the manor, but there are no other characters present in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng wakes up from a dream with a line of Guren Script memorized.
• He transcribes the script and decides to translate it.
• Shen Yan invites Lin Sheng to a mobile book fair, hinting at buying erotic books.
• Lin Sheng agrees to go, hoping to find a pirated Guren Script dictionary.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng shows interest in the Guren Script, hinting at his expertise in ancient languages from his past life.
• Shen Yan displays her carefree and bold personality, inviting Lin Sheng to buy erotic books together.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge (Lin Sheng's interest in translating the Guren Script).
• Peer pressure and social norms (Shen Yan inviting Lin Sheng to buy erotic books, despite it being taboo).

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Shen Yan's friendship deepens as they spend time together outside of school.
• Lin Sheng is hesitant to refuse Shen Yan's invitation, showing consideration for her feelings.
• Shen Yan's boldness contrasts with Ah Li's thin-skinned nature, highlighting their different personalities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng and Shen Yan visit a bustling alley filled with book stalls, including pirated books and adult materials.
• Lin Sheng purchases a Guren Script dictionary for five yuan, while Shen Yan buys several adult booklets.
• Lin Sheng refuses to continue the book rental business, suggesting Shen Yan sell or give her books to Yao Daiyu.
• Lin Sheng returns home to find his parents at the hospital and eats a cold dinner left for him.
• He spends the evening in his room, translating the Guren Script phrases from his dream using the new dictionary.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates his determination and focus in pursuing his dream's content, buying the dictionary and spending time translating.
• Shen Yan shows her resourcefulness and experience in finding adult booklets, but also her dependence on Lin Sheng for their book rental business.
• Lin Sheng's parents are caring and considerate, leaving food for him despite their busy schedule at the hospital.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of Knowledge: Lin Sheng's relentless pursuit of understanding the content from his dream, even going as far as buying a niche dictionary.
• Friendship and Responsibility: Lin Sheng's willingness to help Shen Yan maintain her reputation and his decision to stop their book rental business to protect her.
• Growth and Change: Lin Sheng's decision to discontinue their book rental business hints at his growing maturity and changing priorities.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Shen Yan's friendship is highlighted as they navigate the book stalls together, with Shen Yan relying on Lin Sheng for cover and Lin Sheng helping her with the booklets.
• Lin Sheng's conversation with the vendor showcases his negotiation skills and understanding of the market.
• Lin Sheng's interaction with his parents, though brief, demonstrates their close relationship and his independence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng translates the text from his dream, revealing it to be a manual on swordsmanship titled 'Level 2 Swordsman' by Ravel.
• He decides to explore the dream further to understand its nature and the content of the book.
• In the dream, he returns to the study and begins to memorize the first page of the book.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng's curiosity and determination grow as he delves deeper into the dream and the book's content.
• He accepts the challenge of memorizing the ancient text, drawing on his past life's experience in translation work.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between reality and dreams.
• The allure of ancient knowledge and the desire to uncover its mysteries.
• Lin Sheng's resilience and adaptability in the face of the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with his parents off-screen, but the focus of the chapter is his internal thoughts and actions within the dream.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng continues translating the Guren Script book, making significant progress.
• He deciphers a passage written by a Level 2 Swordsman named Ravel, describing his experiences on the battlefield.
• Lin Sheng's second uncle and cousin visit, discussing family matters and offering study materials to Lin Sheng.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng becomes increasingly absorbed in translating the book, showing dedication and determination.
• Lin Zhenyu, Lin Sheng's cousin, displays arrogance and superiority, looking down on Lin Sheng's interests and lack of ambition.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and personal growth (Lin Sheng's dedication to translating the book).
• The contrast between different lifestyles and values (Lin Sheng vs. Lin Zhenyu).
• The importance of responsibility and planning for the future (Lin Zhenyu's advice to Lin Sheng).

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Lin Zhenyu have a brief conversation, with Lin Zhenyu offering study materials and inviting Lin Sheng to his sister's birthday party.
• Lin Sheng politely declines, showing no interest in his cousin's offers.
• Lin Zhounian, Lin Sheng's father, looks helpless during the conversation, while Lin Sheng's second uncle seems proud of Lin Zhenyu's attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng exposes Lin Zhenyu's secret about visiting a girl at the City People's Hospital.
• Lin Sheng spends a month studying the Guren Script, translating five pages with illustrations.
• He discovers that the translated content is about practicing swordsmanship, with vital points and killing blows.
• Lin Sheng visits his grandfather in the hospital and feels a strange, tight sensation in his heart.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng shows maturity and composure in confronting Lin Zhenyu.
• He demonstrates dedication and focus in his studies, both in the Guren Script and for his college entrance exams.
• Lin Sheng feels a new, complex emotion towards his grandfather.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and understanding, as Lin Sheng gains insights from the Guren Script.
• The theme of family and bonds, explored through Lin Sheng's interactions with his cousin and grandfather.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng confronts Lin Zhenyu, revealing his knowledge of Zhenyu's secret and causing Zhenyu discomfort.
• Lin Sheng visits his grandfather in the hospital, feeling a new, complex emotion towards him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng discovers that only certain books in the study are clear, with the sword technique manual being the clearest.
• He decides to explore outside the manor and encounters a locked metal door with strange symbols and patterns.
• Upon opening the door, he finds himself in a misty woodland with a carriage path. He hears a rhythmic, heavy sound approaching rapidly.
• A tall, black figure, moving at an incredible speed, attacks and beheads Lin Sheng, then hacks his body into pieces.

Character Development

• Lin Sheng's curiosity and determination grow as he explores the dream, despite the risks and dangers he encounters.
• He demonstrates adaptability and acceptance of the dream's anomalies, even after a terrifying encounter.

Significant Themes

• Anomaly and Uncertainty: The dream's strangeness and Lin Sheng's inability to control or predict its events create a sense of unease and danger.
• Curiosity and Exploration: Lin Sheng's desire to understand and explore the dream drives the plot forward, despite the risks involved.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with no other characters in this chapter; his encounter is with an unknown, hostile figure in the woods.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng has recurring nightmares of being killed, with lingering physical pain.
• He discovers a swordsmanship manual in his dream, which he translates in reality.
• Lin Sheng's sister, Lin Xiao, calls to check on him and offers to send money.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng becomes more determined to prepare for the college entrance exam after his sister's call.
• He shows resilience in facing his nightmares, trying to understand and adapt to them.

Significant Themes

• The impact of dreams on reality: Lin Sheng's physical pain from his nightmares suggests a connection between his dream and real-life experiences.
• The importance of preparation: Lin Sheng's focus on studying for the college entrance exam highlights the significance of preparation for future success.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with his mother, Gu Wanqiu, who shows concern for his health.
• Lin Sheng's conversation with his sister, Lin Xiao, reveals her care and support for him, despite their differing views on financial matters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng explores the manor, finding a Cross Sword in the bedroom.
• He ventures outside cautiously, avoiding the noisy wooden steps.
• He encounters a strange, humanoid creature with a black sword, which he initially attempts to communicate with before it attacks.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates bravery and curiosity, willing to explore despite the risks.
• He shows initial fear but quickly regains composure when faced with the creature.
• He attempts to communicate with the creature, showing a willingness to understand and be understood.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Exploration: Lin Sheng's desire to understand his surroundings drives him to explore the manor and its grounds.
• Communication and Understanding: Lin Sheng attempts to communicate with the creature, highlighting the theme of understanding and being understood.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with the strange creature, initially attempting to communicate before defending himself against its attack.
• The creature, though humanoid, is hostile and aggressive, attacking Lin Sheng on sight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng encounters a new Rotten Swordsman in his dream, which he cannot defeat, leading to his death.
• Upon waking, Lin Sheng decides to explore his dream environment and learn swordsmanship to protect himself.
• He searches for a place to learn Naxi Swordsmanship in Huaisha City and finds the Tengchong Fencing Club.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng becomes more determined to understand and control his dream after experiencing another death.
• He shows initiative in seeking out a way to learn swordsmanship to improve his survival chances in the dream.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for self-preservation and control in the face of danger (dream and reality).
• The value of traditional skills and knowledge in an ever-changing world.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with a girl at the Tengchong Fencing Club, who seems enthusiastic about Naxi Swordsmanship and is welcoming to new potential members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng visits the Naxi Swordsmanship Club, meets Xu Yi, and learns about the club's courses and instructors.
• He attends a trial lesson with Instructor Chen Huan, learning the basics of Naxi Swordsmanship, including stances and basic strikes.
• Lin Sheng enrolls in the Basic Course, paying a portion of the fees upfront.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness by negotiating a payment plan and asking about free practice times.
• Xu Yi shows professionalism and flexibility in handling Lin Sheng's enrollment.
• Instructor Chen Huan displays patience and expertise in teaching Lin Sheng, despite his lack of foundation.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and Adaptability: Lin Sheng shows determination in learning swordsmanship despite his limited funds, and he adapts by asking about free practice times.
• Expertise vs. Reputation: The club's instructors hold national third-tier athlete certificates, which are not highly regarded, but Instructor Chen Huan's teaching demonstrates her competence.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with Xu Yi, showing honesty about his financial situation and asking practical questions.
• Lin Sheng learns from Instructor Chen Huan, who patiently teaches him the basics and answers his questions.
• Lin Sheng observes other students practicing, showing interest in their techniques.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng practices swordsmanship in his dreamscape, aiming to defeat the rotting swordsman.
• He finally enters the dreamscape again after a week and launches a surprise attack on the rotting swordsman.
• Lin Sheng successfully kills the rotting swordsman and absorbs a black thread from its body, gaining fragments of memories related to Ravel, the manor's master.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng's determination and diligence in practicing swordsmanship are evident.
• He demonstrates courage and strategic thinking in his attack on the rotting swordsman.
• Lin Sheng shows resilience in facing the mental shock caused by the influx of memories.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and Hard Work: Lin Sheng's dedication to practicing swordsmanship pays off when he successfully defeats the rotting swordsman.
• Consequences of Actions: Lin Sheng's actions in the dreamscape have real-world effects, such as the change in his eyes' appearance.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng interacts with Chen Huan, who provides him with extra guidance and pointers in swordsmanship.
• In the dreamscape, Lin Sheng interacts with the rotting swordsman, ultimately defeating it.
• A mysterious voice speaks to Lin Sheng in the dreamscape, hinting at a deeper connection to Ravel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng dissects the black sword from the Rotten Swordsman (Ravel) and discovers it's identical to the silver longsword he previously obtained.
• He absorbs Ravel's muscle memory and learns a powerful straight thrust technique, "Angry Strike."
• Lin Sheng finds a notebook in Ravel's study, revealing that they are in Black Feather City, and Ravel's granddaughter, Baoli, is still alive. Ravel plans to retrieve a new sword from LS Bell.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng gains a new powerful technique and understands more about Ravel's past through his notebook.
• Ravel's character is further developed as a loving grandfather who is desperate to protect Baoli and the city.

Significant Themes

• The theme of learning and growth is emphasized as Lin Sheng absorbs Ravel's skills and knowledge.
• The theme of desperation and hopelessness is evident in Ravel's notebook, reflecting the dire situation in Black Feather City.

Character Interactions

• Although there are no direct interactions in this chapter, Lin Sheng's relationship with Ravel's memories and belongings deepens his understanding of the character.
• The mention of Baoli and Ravel's past interactions hints at their strong bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng practices swordsmanship, showing remarkable progress.
• Chen Huan and Xu Yi discuss Lin Sheng's potential and the club's financial struggles.
• Lin Sheng spars with Feng Xia and Chen Huan, demonstrating exceptional skill.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng: Realizes that his dream experiences are affecting reality, specifically his swordsmanship skills. He begins to question the nature of his dreams and the world.
• Chen Huan: Recognizes Lin Sheng's talent and potential. She decides to spar with him to assess his skills further.

Significant Themes

• The impact of dreams on reality: Lin Sheng's discovery that his dream experiences are affecting his real-life skills raises questions about the nature of dreams and reality.
• The struggle of maintaining an athletic club: The club's financial struggles and reliance on wealthy patrons highlight the challenges of running a non-profitable athletic institution.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng and Chen Huan: Their interaction during the sparring session reveals Lin Sheng's exceptional skill and Chen Huan's recognition of his talent.
• Chen Huan and Xu Yi: Their conversation highlights the club's financial struggles and their hopes for Lin Sheng's potential to revitalize the club.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Sheng spars with Coach Chen Huan, initially holding his own and impressing the onlookers.
• Chen Huan, anxious to win, attacks recklessly and is injured by Lin Sheng's counterattack.
• Xu Yi, the club's vice-captain, accuses Lin Sheng of hiding his skill level and asks him to leave.
• Lin Sheng decides to leave the club after being misunderstood and refunded his tuition.

Character Developments

• Lin Sheng: Proves his skill and instincts in swordsmanship, but is misunderstood and leaves the club.
• Chen Huan: Becomes injured and prideful, leading to her defeat and injury.
• Xu Yi: Becomes suspicious of Lin Sheng's skill level and asks him to leave the club.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstanding and pride leading to conflict.
• The importance of communication and clarification in resolving misunderstandings.

Character Interactions

• Lin Sheng vs. Chen Huan: Their sparring match ends in Chen Huan's injury and Lin Sheng's misunderstanding and departure.
• Lin Sheng and Xu Yi: Xu Yi accuses Lin Sheng of hiding his skill level and asks him to leave the club.
• Lin Sheng and the club members: The club members watch the sparring match, leading to Lin Sheng's eventual departure.