Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with a conversation between an old man (the Saint) and Deacon Nie, revealing that the Saint is nearing the end of his life and is concerned about Gu Jianlin's involvement in the Association.
• The Saint orders Deacon Nie to find the person behind the Joker and to interrogate Mu Feng and his subordinates from the Black Cloud Stronghold.
• Gu Jianlin joins Lu Zicheng's squad, and they head to the Deep Sky Technology Building. Gu Jianlin discovers he's ranked tenth among new investigators in the district.
• Lu Zicheng explains that the exploration of the Kirin Immortal Palace is approaching, and the Association will summon investigators to clear out black-hearted forces, mainly Fallen.

Character Developments

• The Saint is revealed to be weak and decaying, with only three months left to live, indicating that his power and influence are waning.
• Gu Jianlin advances to the Zero Rank Divine Priest but is not recorded by the Deep Sky Network due to the Non-Existent Lock.
• Gu Jianlin's curiosity about the top investigators in the district is piqued, particularly Tang Ling, the B-rank Investigator ranked first.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its transience is emphasized through the Saint's impending death and the upcoming exploration of the Kirin Immortal Palace.
• The importance of evidence and proof is highlighted, as Gu Jianlin's claims about the Blood Moon Massacre incident are dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Character Interactions

• Deacon Nie and the Saint discuss the Blood Moon Massacre and Gu Jianlin's involvement, revealing the Saint's tolerance and strategic thinking.
• Lu Zicheng and Chen Qing interact with Gu Jianlin, explaining the district's operations and the upcoming mission, while also showing concern for his safety and well-being.
• Gu Jianlin's curiosity about the top investigators in the district is sparked, hinting at potential future interactions or rivalries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin and Lu Zicheng discuss the upcoming mission at the Deep Sky Technology building.
• Gu Jianlin learns about the Fallen and the Tribunal's stance on them from Chen Qing.
• Lu Zicheng informs Gu Jianlin that he will be the only member of their squad due to the dangerous nature of the mission and lack of available investigators.
• Gu Jianlin discovers that all Spirit Potions are out of stock in the resource exchange library.
• Gu Jianlin receives a notification to report to the front hall for the mission.
• In the elevator, the team leaders discuss the mission and the incident with the Joker.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin learns about the Fallen and the Tribunal's stance on them, which affects his understanding of his father's situation.
• Lu Zicheng shows concern for Gu Jianlin's safety and his family's safety, demonstrating his protective nature.
• Chen Qing provides information and support to Gu Jianlin, showing her loyalty and care for him.

Significant Themes

• The corruption of power and the potential for anyone to fall prey to it.
• The importance of resources and their scarcity within the Ether Association.
• The protective nature of the Ether Association and its benefits for Ascenders.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin interacts with Chen Qing and Lu Zicheng, discussing the mission and their concerns for each other's safety.
• The team leaders in the elevator discuss the mission and their past experiences, showing their apprehension and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Zijin discusses Gu Jianlin's situation with Minister Chen, who advises her to protect Gu Jianlin and have him participate in the Omega Project.
• The Pharmacist and the Book Elder successfully create Ancient God Blood, which they plan to consume for evolution.
• Gu Jianlin discovers that two people in Feng City have consumed the Ancient God Blood and resonate with him.
• The Ether Association initiates a collective hunting operation to purge all Fallen in Feng City before the Kirin Immortal Palace opens.

Character Developments

• Lu Zijin: She is determined to protect Gu Jianlin and have him participate in the Omega Project to gain more backing.
• The Pharmacist and the Book Elder: They successfully create Ancient God Blood and plan to consume it for evolution, showing their ambition and obsession with power.
• Gu Jianlin: He realizes that two people in Feng City have consumed the Ancient God Blood and resonate with him, showing his growing awareness and control over his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: The Pharmacist, the Book Elder, and Lu Zijin all display ambition for power, whether it's the Pharmacist and the Book Elder's desire for evolution or Lu Zijin's determination to protect Gu Jianlin and have him gain more backing.
• Evolution and Transformation: The Ancient God Blood's ability to grant evolution and the Kirin Venerable's influence on Gu Jianlin's abilities highlight the theme of transformation and evolution.
• Protection and Backing: Lu Zijin's determination to protect Gu Jianlin and have him gain more backing emphasizes the importance of protection and backing in the world of the story.

Character Interactions

• Lu Zijin and Minister Chen: They discuss Gu Jianlin's situation, with Minister Chen advising Lu Zijin to protect Gu Jianlin and have him participate in the Omega Project.
• The Pharmacist and the Book Elder: They interact as teacher and student, with the Pharmacist advising the Book Elder to avoid trouble and not cause extra problems after their evolution.
• Gu Jianlin and the two people who consumed Ancient God Blood: Gu Jianlin feels their life rhythms resonating with his, indicating a connection between them.
• The investigators in the conference hall: They discuss the upcoming mission and the Joker incident, showing their tension and embarrassment regarding the topic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin enters a conference room filled with investigators for an operation. He notes that most are the same ones who were poisoned at Fengcheng No. 2 High School.
• The top-ranked team, led by Yan Ye, is present and hostile towards Gu Jianlin. They are joined by Tang Ling, the current top-ranked newcomer.
• Chen Bojun, the operation's leader, questions Gu Jianlin and Tang Ling about their lack of teammates. Gu Jianlin defends his inclusion, mentioning his cross-tier kills and Mythic Armaments. Tang Ling states she's a Tier 3 Sword Fanatic with Alchemy Armaments.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin shows confidence in his abilities and isn't afraid to speak his mind, even against more experienced investigators.
• Tang Ling is introduced as a powerful and independent figure, with a mysterious aura.
• The Yan brothers and Mu Ziqing are established as the top-ranked team, with Yan Ye having deep connections within the Association.
• The two Divine Priest twins from the original operation group are shown to be careless and make mistakes, causing Gu Jianlin to question their competence.

Significant Themes

• The theme of strength and confidence is prevalent, with Gu Jianlin and Tang Ling both asserting their abilities and independence.
• The theme of teamwork versus individualism is explored, with Gu Jianlin and Tang Ling choosing to work alone, while other teams work together.
• The theme of responsibility and accountability is shown through the Divine Priest twins' carelessness and Gu Jianlin's call-out of their mistake.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin interacts with Cheng Youyu, Nie Xiangsi, and Zhang Cheng, who are friendly towards him. He declines their offer to sit together to avoid implicating them.
• Gu Jianlin has a tense interaction with the Yan brothers and Mu Ziqing, who are hostile towards him.
• Gu Jianlin and Tang Ling share a moment of understanding as lone wolves in the operation.
• Gu Jianlin confronts the Divine Priest twins about their mistake during the Joker incident, causing them embarrassment.

Summary of Chapter "Forbidden Zone!"

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ether Association is launching a comprehensive sweep across the entire province due to the manifestation of the Kirin Immortal Palace.
• The mission involves seven squads, led by six captains and six vice-captains, to eliminate the survivors of the Blood Moon Massacre, specifically a group called the Grave Diggers, led by Hasegawa Shinichi.
• The operation carries significant risk, with the possibility of encountering unknown dangers and a rogue organization led by a Tier 4 Alchemist.
• The operation is to be conducted under hidden identities, with a surprise attack planned.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin confirms that almost all Ascenders have entered the other world before their awakening.
• Gu Jianlin learns about the Forbidden Zone and the mission's objectives.
• Tang Ling suspects Gu Jianlin might be an Evolutionist but doesn't press the matter further.
• Lu Zicheng, the team leader, has a personal connection to the Forbidden Zone and wants to guide Gu Jianlin through it.

Significant Themes

• The danger and savagery of the other world and the Forbidden Zones.
• The importance of keeping a low profile and maintaining vigilance in the Forbidden Zone.
• The potential threat posed by the rogue organization led by a Tier 4 Alchemist.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin interacts with Tang Ling via WeChat, with Tang Ling suspecting Gu Jianlin's true power level.
• Lu Zicheng and Chen Qing encounter Wang Bolin, a captain with a hostile attitude towards Lu Zicheng.
• Gu Jianlin reflects on the mission's risks and the potential presence of the Sea Siren.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The rookie team arrives at the Black Cloud Stronghold, a chaotic and lawless Forbidden Zone.
• They meet Chen Chen, their bus driver and deputy captain of the second squad, who warns them to stay vigilant and not act alone.
• Gu Jianlin receives a message from Lu Zicheng, hinting at his father's past in the stronghold.
• The team hands over forbidden items to local contacts, and Gu Jianlin notices the arrival of two groups of Fallen.
• Gu Jianlin prepares to ambush the Fallen, while the other team members sleep or keep watch.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin: Shows vigilance and caution, using his Life Perception to sense the approaching Fallen.
• Lu Zicheng: Reveals his past connection to the Black Cloud Stronghold.
• Chen Chen: Demonstrates concern for the rookie team's safety.
• Yan Ye, Tang Ling, and Gu Jianlin: Remain awake and vigilant among their teammates.

Significant Themes

• The chaotic and dangerous nature of the Black Cloud Stronghold.
• The vigilance and caution required when dealing with Fallen.
• The importance of staying alert and prepared in the face of danger.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin receives a message from Lu Zicheng, hinting at his father's past.
• Cheng Youyu, Nie Xiangsi, and Zhang Cheng express their support for Gu Jianlin.
• Yan Feng tries to befriend the mysterious white-haired girl, Thunder.
• Gu Jianlin prepares to ambush the Fallen, while the other team members sleep or keep watch.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin kills two intruders using his Divine Sacrifice Fire ability.
• He discovers that the life rhythms of the captains and many strike team members have vanished.
• Gu Jianlin and Nie Xiangsi find Chen Chen's corpse in the restroom, killed by an iron sword.
• They hear a scream, and someone is thrown down from the third floor.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin demonstrates his combat prowess and strategic thinking.
• Nie Xiangsi shows concern for the wounded but follows Gu Jianlin's lead.
• Cheng Youyu and Zhang Cheng are shocked by Chen Chen's death.
• Yan Ye, Mu Ziqing, Tang Ling, and Yan Feng show teamwork and concern for their companions.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of the mission.
• The importance of teamwork and communication.
• The power dynamics between the captains and the strike team members.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Nie Xiangsi: Gu Jianlin is protective of Nie Xiangsi but keeps a distance, while Nie Xiangsi is drawn to his strength and security.
• Gu Jianlin and the others: Gu Jianlin takes the lead in investigating the situation, while the others follow his guidance.
• Yan Ye and Yan Feng: Yan Ye is focused on the mission, while Yan Feng is more concerned with personal matters.
• Tang Ling and Yan Feng: Tang Ling ignores Yan Feng's attempts to interact with her.

Plot Points and Events

• The rookie squad is surrounded by Fallen at the inn.
• The Fallen's leader, Compound Eye, demands surrender, threatening to chop off limbs if they resist.
• Yan Ye organizes a tactical formation to protect the Divine Priests and engage in combat.
• Li Xun uses Ghost Humanization, enhancing his physical capabilities.
• Compound Eye attacks Gu Jianlin, but Gu Jianlin uses a powerful ability to stop the attack.
• Gu Jianlin reveals he has advanced and is now a second-stage Samurai Path cultivator.

Character Developments

• Yan Ye demonstrates strategic thinking and calmness under pressure.
• Li Xun's personality changes after using Ghost Humanization, becoming arrogant and cold.
• Gu Jianlin reveals his true strength, showing he is much more powerful than previously thought.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hidden strength and the importance of not underestimating opponents is reinforced as Gu Jianlin reveals his true power.
• The theme of sacrifice and the consequences of using powerful abilities like Ghost Humanization is shown through Li Xun's transformation.

Character Interactions

• Yan Ye and Zhang Cheng try to protect Gu Jianlin, showing they value his life.
• Li Xun chooses to attack Compound Eye instead of saving Gu Jianlin, indicating his priorities have shifted after using Ghost Humanization.
• Gu Jianlin's calm response to Compound Eye's attack highlights his confidence and resilience.

Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin enters Ghost Humanization state, gaining enhanced physical capabilities and unleashing extreme violence.
• He and Tang Ling coordinate to kill Compound Eye, the leader of the Grave Diggers.
• After midnight, the remaining Fallen panic and flee, mentioning a threat in the fog.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin: Shows immense strength and coordination with Tang Ling, but also displays arrogance and disregard for his allies.
• Tang Ling: Undergoes a personality change in combat, becoming more aggressive and arrogant.
• Yan Ye and Yan Feng: Show some skill but are overshadowed by Gu Jianlin.
• Li Xun: Is intimidated by Gu Jianlin and struggles to maintain his Ghost Humanization state.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Gu Jianlin's strength dominates the scene, overshadowing other characters.
• Fear and its consequences: The Fallen's fear of the fog after midnight leads to their disarray and eventual defeat.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Tang Ling: Display seamless coordination in combat, suggesting a shared understanding despite their brief acquaintance.
• Gu Jianlin and the Yan brothers: There's tension between them, with Gu Jianlin showing disregard for the Yan brothers' efforts.
• Gu Jianlin and Li Xun: Gu Jianlin intimidates Li Xun, causing him to lose control of his Ghost Humanization state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious black fog engulfs the area, causing fleeing Fallen to panic and disappear.
• The group loses contact with the Deep Sky due to signal interference.
• The captains are found nailed to a hotel wall, but their bodies walk out of the fog later, raising questions about their deaths.
• Gu Ci'an, Gu Jianlin's father, appears from the fog.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin remains calm and analytical despite the strange occurrences.
• Yan Ye and Yan Feng suspect Gu Jianlin of being a mole due to his heritage as a Fallen's son.
• Li Xun and Li Yi, Divine Priest brothers, are hostile towards Gu Jianlin.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and trust among team members.
• The mysterious nature of the Black Cloud Stronghold and the Great Ruins.
• The consequences of losing contact with the Deep Sky and the lack of backup.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Tang Ling have a brief exchange, hinting at a deeper connection.
• Gu Jianlin clashes with Yan Ye and Yan Feng over the suspicion of being a mole.
• Gu Jianlin's encounter with his father, Gu Ci'an, is foreshadowed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Survivors encounter horrifying, mutated versions of their loved ones in the black fog.
• Gu Jianlin, Cheng Youyu, Zhang Cheng, and Nie Xiangsi face mental erosion and poison from the fog; Nie Xiangsi transfers her spirituality to Gu Jianlin.
• Gu Jianlin decides to lead the group east, while Yan Ye's group goes south.
• Li Yi mutates and is killed by the monsters; Li Xun shows no reaction.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin: Shows bravery and determination in leading the group despite the horrifying circumstances.
• Nie Xiangsi: Demonstrates selflessness and trust in Gu Jianlin by transferring her spirituality to him.
• Li Xun: Reveals a lack of brotherly affection towards Li Yi, showing his prioritization of survival and self-interest.

Significant Themes

• The horrifying consequences of losing control and falling on the Divine Priest Path.
• The importance of trust and selflessness among team members in survival situations.
• The psychological toll of encountering mutated versions of loved ones.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Nie Xiangsi: Nie Xiangsi entrusts her life to Gu Jianlin by transferring her spirituality to him, showing her trust in his abilities.
• Li Xun and Li Yi: Li Xun shows no remorse or affection towards his mutated brother, prioritizing his own survival.
• Gu Jianlin and the others: Gu Jianlin leads the group east, while Cheng Youyu, Zhang Cheng, and Nie Xiangsi rely on him for protection and guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin and his team are trapped in Black Cloud Stronghold, facing endless monsters in the form of their relatives.
• They encounter other teams also struggling to survive.
• Gu Jianlin discovers a shelter with a little girl and her father, who seem to know him.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin demonstrates his resilience and determination to protect his teammates, even as he faces his own mental challenges.
• Cheng Youyu shows camaraderie and trust in Gu Jianlin, entrusting him with his phone and a task.
• The little girl and her father hint at having knowledge of Gu Jianlin's past or identity.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing one's fears and past is emphasized as the monsters take the form of relatives.
• Trust and camaraderie among teammates are highlighted.
• The power of the Ancient God within Gu Jianlin is further revealed.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Cheng Youyu: Cheng Youyu entrusts Gu Jianlin with his phone and a task, showing trust and dependence on him.
• Gu Jianlin and the little girl: The girl mistakes Gu Jianlin for someone else, hinting at a connection to his past.
• The old man and Jing Ci: They discuss Gu Jianlin's potential and decide to observe him further.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin and Cheng Youyu follow a little girl named Wanwan into an underground shelter beneath Black Cloud Stronghold.
• The shelter is inhabited by Fallen, people contaminated by the Great Ruins' monsters, who cannot live in the sunlight.
• The Fallen use a mixture of Stone Statue Tree oil and human blood, along with the fragrance of Formless Flower, to create a barrier against the black fog that descends at night.
• Gu Jianlin and Cheng Youyu meet the leader of the Fallen, who is Wanwan's father. He reveals that they are remnants of the Ether Association, abandoned by their own organization.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin: He is shocked by the living conditions of the Fallen and their acceptance of their fate. He shows understanding and respect towards them.
• Cheng Youyu: He is initially frightened and suspicious of the Fallen but gradually accepts their presence as they show no hostile intent.
• Wanwan's Father: He is a wise and understanding leader who accepts his fate and tries to make the best of the situation. He is willing to help Gu Jianlin and Cheng Youyu despite their association with the Ether Association.
• Wanwan: She is a resilient and resourceful child who guides Gu Jianlin and Cheng Youyu to the shelter and shows no fear or prejudice towards them.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance of fate: The Fallen have accepted their contamination and live in seclusion, making the best of their situation.
• Prejudice and discrimination: The Fallen are discriminated against by society and even their own organization, the Ether Association.
• The consequences of the Immortal Palace Project: The project has led to the creation of the Great Ruins' monsters and the contamination of the Fallen.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Wanwan: They form a bond as Wanwan guides Gu Jianlin and Cheng Youyu to the shelter. Gu Jianlin shows kindness and understanding towards Wanwan.
• Gu Jianlin and Wanwan's Father: They have a respectful and understanding conversation, with Wanwan's Father revealing the truth about the Fallen and Gu Jianlin showing acceptance and respect.
• Cheng Youyu and the Fallen: Cheng Youyu initially shows fear and suspicion towards the Fallen but gradually accepts their presence as they show no hostile intent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin and Cheng Youyu encounter a group of Fallen living underground, led by Lu Zicheng's father.
• The Fallen are using Natural-Born Grass to suppress their aberration and avoid harming others.
• They reveal that Black Cloud Stronghold is controlled by the Grave Diggers organization, led by Hasegawa Shinichi.
• Gu Jianlin learns that the underground base was built by his father, Gu Ci'an.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin: Realizes the complexity of the Fallen's situation and begins to question his prejudices.
• Cheng Youyu: Becomes more empathetic towards the Fallen after seeing their kindness and understanding their circumstances.
• Lu Zicheng's father: Shows remorse for his past actions and dedication to protecting his daughter and the other Fallen.
• Wanwan: Expresses hope that Gu Ci'an will return, revealing her attachment to him.

Significant Themes

• Prejudice and discrimination against Fallen.
• The struggle for survival and dignity among the Fallen.
• The consequences of past actions and the search for redemption.
• The impact of the Immortal Palace's seal on the Fallen and the world above.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Lu Zicheng's father: Share a moment of understanding and connection over their shared history with Gu Ci'an.
• Cheng Youyu and Wanwan: Develop a bond as they both express their desire to help the Fallen.
• The Fallen community: Display unity and support for one another in their struggle for survival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin discovers his father's secret base and reads his diary entries, revealing crucial information about the Ancient God Race, their ranks (Ancestor, Progenitor, Supreme), and the existence of another Supreme in the human world.
• Gu Jianlin learns about his father's efforts to find a cure for the Fallen and protect his family, understanding his true motivations and sacrifices.
• The Black Cloud Stronghold is attacked by the Ether Association, and Wanwan's elder sister, Qingge, is captured by Hasegawa Shinichi.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin: Realizes the truth about his father's past and his true strength as a Supreme. Decides to help the Fallen despite the potential consequences for his future.
• Mu (Brother Mu): Revealed to be the benefactor who brought Gu Jianlin's father into the Night Watchers. He is a Fallen who has maintained his kindness despite his condition.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice and responsibility: Gu Jianlin's father sacrifices his personal life and well-being to protect his family and find a cure for the Fallen. Gu Jianlin decides to help the Fallen, understanding the importance of standing up for what is right despite potential consequences.
• The true strength of the Ancient God Race: The revelation of the Ancient God Race's ranks and the existence of another Supreme in the human world highlights the immense power and threat they pose.
• The struggle against the Ether Association: The attack on the Black Cloud Stronghold and the capture of Qingge emphasize the ongoing struggle between the Night Watchers and the Ether Association.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Mu: Gu Jianlin decides to help Mu and the Fallen, showing respect and gratitude for Mu's past help to his father. Mu, in turn, shows concern for Gu Jianlin's future and warns him about the potential consequences of associating with the Fallen.
• Gu Jianlin and Wanwan: Gu Jianlin comforts Wanwan and promises to help find her sister, showing empathy and understanding towards her situation. Wanwan, in turn, shows trust in Gu Jianlin and gives him the wooden carving she made for her father.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team led by Yan Ye captures and interrogates a Fallen, learning about the rules of the Forbidden Zone.
• Yan Ye decides to prioritize killing Hasegawa Shinichi over capturing him alive, much to the confusion of his teammates.
• Gu Jianlin and Uncle Mu's group reach the depths of the Forbidden Zone, which is underwater and filled with ancient ruins.
• Gu Jianlin encounters Su Youzhu, who is acting strangely and offers him her stocking.

Character Developments

• Yan Ye: Shows strategic thinking and ruthlessness in his decisions, prioritizing the team's survival and mission completion over capturing Hasegawa Shinichi alive.
• Gu Jianlin: Demonstrates adaptability and calmness in the face of the strange underwater environment and Su Youzhu's peculiar behavior.
• Su Youzhu: Exhibits unusual behavior, offering Gu Jianlin her stocking and speaking in a flat, emotionless tone.

Significant Themes

• The ruthless nature of survival in the Forbidden Zone, as seen in Yan Ye's decisions.
• The strange and dangerous environment of the Kirin Immortal Palace, as experienced by Gu Jianlin and his group.
• The peculiar and potentially dangerous behavior of Su Youzhu, hinting at the mysterious nature of the Calamity Ruins.

Character Interactions

• Yan Ye and his team: Show a mix of respect and fear for Yan Ye's leadership, but also confusion and unease at his decisions.
• Gu Jianlin and Uncle Mu: Display a growing bond as they work together, with Uncle Mu providing guidance and warnings about the dangers they face.
• Gu Jianlin and Su Youzhu: Have a brief, peculiar interaction, with Su Youzhu acting strangely and Gu Jianlin reacting with confusion and a hint of violence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin encounters Calamity Ruins, which are immune to physical attacks and feed on mental illusions.
• He discovers that Calamity Ruins are controlled by a central black shadow and can be commanded by him due to his Kirin Venerable power.
• Uncle Mu and the group plan to stop Hasegawa Shinichi and the Grave Diggers from performing a blood sacrifice in the Stone Statue Grove.
• Gu Jianlin finds footprints indicating that the Grave Diggers and Ether Association investigators are also present.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin demonstrates his immunity to mental attacks and gains control over a Calamity Ruins.
• Uncle Mu shows concern for Gu Jianlin's safety and shares his knowledge about the Forbidden Zone's taboos.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Kirin Venerable and its immunity to mental influences.
• The danger and unpredictability of the Calamity Ruins and the Forbidden Zone.
• The hostility between the Fallen and the Ether Association.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Uncle Mu work together to navigate the Calamity Ruins and plan their next move.
• Gu Jianlin's past encounter with Su Youzhu is briefly mentioned, hinting at a deeper connection.
• Pharmacist and Book Elder's argument over cooperating with the Grave Diggers is revealed through a note left by Book Elder.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin and Uncle Mu enter an ancient undersea palace built by Xu Fu, a gatekeeper of the tomb chamber.
• Uncle Mu reveals that the world of the Ancient God Race has been invading reality for millennia, causing calamities and disasters.
• He shares that the Mayan doomsday prophecy was real and tied to the Fusang Divine Palace in China, which was sealed by the Ether Association in 2012.
• Gu Jianlin learns that his father's death had a significant impact on the Ether Association and major factions.
• Uncle Mu tells Gu Jianlin about the rules of the Forbidden Zone and the dangers within, including the Stone Statue Trees and the boys and girls who are gatekeepers.
• Gu Jianlin uses Life Perception to sense the situation ahead, discovering Fallen, Association investigators, and a familiar presence.
• Uncle Mu reveals that Yan Wu, the deputy minister, might have colluded with the Grave Diggers to let them out and test Gu Jianlin.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin: Shows growth in his Life Perception ability, demonstrating his power as a first-rank Divine Priest. He also displays increased killing intent towards his enemies.
• Uncle Mu: Reveals his past with Gu Jianlin's father and shares crucial information about the ancient world and the current situation. He shows concern for Gu Jianlin's well-being and safety.

Significant Themes

• The ancient world of the Ancient God Race and its invasion of reality.
• The power dynamics and infighting among both humans and the Ancient God Race.
• The consequences of Gu Jianlin's father's death and the impact on the Ether Association.
• The dangers and rules of the Forbidden Zone.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Uncle Mu: They share a mentor-mentee relationship, with Uncle Mu guiding and protecting Gu Jianlin. They exchange information and strategies, fostering trust and camaraderie.
• Gu Jianlin and the Yan Family: Gu Jianlin learns about Yan Wu's potential involvement in his father's death and the Grave Diggers' escape, fueling his desire for revenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with Hasegawa Shinichi, a Fallen leader, preparing his followers for a ritual to open the Kirin Immortal Palace and gain "true evolution."
• The Yan brothers, leading a team of investigators, arrive to stop the ritual. They engage in battle with the Grave Diggers, Hasegawa's organization.
• Gu Jianlin, a former Fallen now working with the investigators, arrives separately and joins the battle.
• The investigators successfully disrupt the ritual, but Hasegawa and a mysterious black-robed man escape.

Character Developments

• Hasegawa Shinichi: Revealed to be a third-rank Fallen with high mutation, he's ruthless and cunning, willing to sacrifice his followers for power.
• Yan Ye & Yan Feng: The Yan brothers demonstrate their leadership and combat skills. Yan Ye uses his Elemental Control to support the team, while Yan Feng fights on the front line.
• Gu Jianlin: After consuming Natural-Born Grass, Gu Jianlin has declined in rank but retains his combat experience. He uses Ghost Humanization and Ghost Curse to great effect.

Significant Themes

• Evolution vs. Survival: The Fallen seek evolution to survive the Association's purge, while the investigators fight to prevent this evolution and ensure their own survival.
• Sacrifice: Both sides are willing to make sacrifices for their goals. The Grave Diggers sacrifice themselves for the ritual, while the investigators put themselves in harm's way to stop it.

Character Interactions

• Yan Ye & Yan Feng: The brothers work together, with Yan Ye controlling the field and Yan Feng leading the charge.
• Hasegawa Shinichi & Gu Jianlin: They have a history, and Hasegawa is surprised and delighted to see Gu Jianlin among the investigators.
• Gu Jianlin & the short-haired woman: They share a past, and she's shocked to see him among the investigators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jianlin, in Ghost Humanization state, demonstrates extraordinary combat power, snapping a steel arrow and capturing Hasegawa Shinichi.
• An ambush by the Grave Diggers and the Ether Association's investigators occurs, leading to a chaotic battle.
• A Calamity Ruins appears, causing mental corruption among the combatants. Gu Jianlin uses it to his advantage, tricking both the Fallen and the investigators.
• Gu Jianlin realizes that a blood sacrifice is taking place at the altar, with Kui as the recipient. He decides to intervene by absorbing the life force from the sacrifice.

Character Developments

• Gu Jianlin: Shows exceptional combat skills and strategic thinking, using the Calamity Ruins to outmaneuver his enemies. He also demonstrates his determination to protect the shelter and his resolve to face Kui.
• Uncle Mu: Shows concern for Gu Jianlin's safety and willingness to protect him, despite the danger posed by the Calamity Ruins.
• Yan Feng and Yan Ye: Reveal their true colors, prioritizing their own interests over their mission and their allies. They are tricked by Gu Jianlin's use of the Calamity Ruins.
• Mu Ziqing: Shows her loyalty to the Yan brothers, but is ultimately betrayed by them.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: The Yan brothers betray their allies and are, in turn, betrayed by the Calamity Ruins. Gu Jianlin, however, remains true to his mission and his allies.
• The power of strategy: Gu Jianlin's use of the Calamity Ruins demonstrates the power of strategic thinking and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.
• The consequences of greed: The Yan brothers' greed for Azure Blood leads them to make foolish decisions, ultimately resulting in their downfall.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jianlin and Uncle Mu: Their bond deepens as Uncle Mu expresses his willingness to protect Gu Jianlin, and Gu Jianlin demonstrates his trust in Uncle Mu by asking him to protect the shelter.
• Gu Jianlin and the Yan brothers: Gu Jianlin outsmarts the Yan brothers, using the Calamity Ruins to trick them and gain the upper hand in the battle.
• The Yan brothers and Mu Ziqing: The Yan brothers betray Mu Ziqing, prioritizing their own survival over hers. Mu Ziqing, in turn, is betrayed by the Calamity Ruins.