Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xi and Shu Momo prepare to go to the laboratory.
• Mu Xi reveals she found a companion for Shu Momo, but she didn't have time to meet.
• They discuss the mysterious girl, Ling Mengxue, who delivered a package and is suspected to be the missing princess of the Star Engraving Camp.
• Mu Xi and Shu Momo have a playful moment, with Mu Xi teasing Shu Momo about her age.
• Ling Mengxue visits a villa, suspected to be the territory of a High Tier Dark Girl, using her cheat to gain an advantage.

Character Developments

• Mu Xi: Shows a playful and teasing side with Shu Momo, but also demonstrates her seriousness and resolve regarding the world's dangers.
• Shu Momo: Shows her loyalty and eagerness to please Mu Xi, as well as her naivety and curiosity.
• Ling Mengxue: Shows her calm and collected demeanor, even when facing a potentially dangerous situation.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and responsibilities that come with power and strength in this world.
• The consequences of becoming a Magical Girl and the challenges they face.
• The theme of companionship and finding allies in a harsh world.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xi and Shu Momo's playful banter showcases their close relationship and dynamic.
• Ling Mengxue's interaction with the maid in the villa hints at the harsh realities and consequences of the world they live in.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue arrives at a villa in Ping'an Street's ghost city, where she finds Qiu Yelan, the Dark Witch, who had previously attacked her.
• Qiu Yelan reveals that she has been controlling the ghost city and has turned its inhabitants into her minions.
• Qiu Yelan invites Ling Mengxue to lunch, but Ling Mengxue is suspicious of the food's safety.
• Qiu Yelan refuses to explain her actions or apologize for her past behavior, claiming that evil actions are natural for her.
• When Ling Mengxue tries to leave, Qiu Yelan reveals that she won't let her go without leaving something behind, suggesting Ling Mengxue's magical equipment or even her virginity.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue: She shows concern for the people Qiu Yelan has harmed and is determined to stop Qiu Yelan's evil actions. She reveals her true power, indicating she's been hiding her strength.
• Qiu Yelan: She displays her dark and selfish nature, showing no remorse for her actions. She's confident in her power and underestimates Ling Mengxue.

Significant Themes

• Good vs. Evil: Ling Mengxue represents the good, trying to protect the innocent, while Qiu Yelan embodies evil, harming others for her own gain.
• Power and Responsibility: Ling Mengxue uses her power to protect others, while Qiu Yelan uses hers to control and harm.
• Identity and Belonging: Ling Mengxue struggles with her identity as an Astral Mark Girl and her desire to protect others, while Qiu Yelan embraces her identity as a Magical Girl and Dark Witch.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue and Qiu Yelan: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with Ling Mengxue trying to understand Qiu Yelan's motivations and Qiu Yelan refusing to explain or apologize. Their power dynamics shift as Ling Mengxue reveals her true strength.

Concise Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiu Yelan’s immense witch aura spreads across nearly half of Ping’an Ghost Capital, terrifying weaker spirits and causing widespread rumors that the legendary witch has appeared and may bring about doomsday.
• Inside her manor, Qiu Yelan is shocked when Ling Mengxue reveals that, despite appearing to be at the Origin Transformation realm, she can wield a Sacred Hall-tier sword technique. Qiu realizes she severely underestimated Ling’s hidden abilities.
• Ling Mengxue chooses not to punish or attack Qiu Yelan after defeating her. Instead, Qiu offers her a secret-realm invitation to Miss Ghost’s Manor Life, a large multiplayer dungeon that will soon draw in many participants.
• Qiu explains how Ping’an District’s curse automatically issues secret-realm invitations. Ordinary people may be forcibly dragged into these realms, while stronger Destiny Engravers can choose whether to enter.
• Ling agrees to help rescue ordinary people caught in the dungeon if Qiu promises to protect or save them. In exchange, Ling helps Qiu redeem various magical items using points.
• Qiu spends the redemption opportunities on Hall-tier spell scrolls, magical wands, whips, and erotic novelty items, shocking Ling and reinforcing Qiu’s eccentric, shameless personality.
• Ling departs on her bicycle, relighting her soul lamp. Xi explains that Hall-tier magic can preserve recently deceased bodies and souls—and potentially resurrect them—provided strict conditions are met.
• At the elf treehouse, Shu Momo finishes an exhausting full-day pharmaceutics lesson and prepares to spend the afternoon helping Mu Xi or relaxing.
• Meanwhile, Ling Lexuan, Nan Muya, and Ling Yue explore Ping’an Street’s forbidden fog. They have defeated only weak monsters so far, but a treasure-seeking disc indicates that a valuable treasure is nearby.

Character Developments

• Qiu Yelan: Her terrifying strength is publicly exposed, but she remains unpredictable and unconventional. Although emotionally cold and initially willing to exploit Ling, she is willing to bargain for help and promises to protect ordinary people entering the secret realm.
• Ling Mengxue: Demonstrates hidden combat power far beyond her apparent cultivation level. She becomes more morally assertive, questioning Qiu’s refusal to save souls and negotiating aid for civilians rather than simply pursuing personal gain.
• Xi: Provides important clarification about the limits and conditions of resurrection magic, grounding Ling’s hopeful assumptions in practical restrictions.
• Shu Momo: Is shown as energetic and youthful but increasingly bored by her highly routine and restrictive daily education.
• Ling Yue: Gains confidence from easily defeating low-tier spirits and begins looking down on the more cautious explorers, perhaps underestimating the dangers of the deeper fog.
• Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya: Act as the more prepared and goal-oriented members of the exploration group, relying on a magical treasure-seeking device and maintaining supplies for the journey.

Significant Themes

• Hidden strength and mistaken identity: Ling Mengxue’s apparent low realm conceals extraordinary abilities, while Qiu Yelan’s overwhelming aura creates rumors and fear throughout the city.
• Morality versus indifference: Ling questions whether Qiu’s detached attitude is justified when she has the ability to save people, especially their souls.
• Transactional cooperation: Former enemies cooperate through bargains rather than trust, showing how survival in the Ghost Capital depends on exchanges of power, points, and favors.
• The danger of curiosity and greed: Ping’an Street attracts ordinary people and adventurers seeking excitement or treasure, but deeper exploration risks being trapped in secret realms.
• Limits of miracles: Resurrection is possible, but only under demanding conditions, emphasizing that even powerful magic cannot erase all consequences of death.
• Comedy amid danger: Qiu’s bizarre purchases and provocative behavior contrast with the ominous secret-realm threat and the citywide panic.

Character Interactions

• Qiu and Ling have a tense but comedic exchange after Ling defeats her. Qiu expects punishment, while Ling is more interested in money and practical benefits.
• Qiu persuades Ling to help with the upcoming secret realm by appealing to her sense of justice, while Ling uses the opportunity to secure Qiu’s assistance for civilians.
• Ling’s reaction to Qiu’s erotic purchases highlights their contrasting personalities: Ling is embarrassed and judgmental, while Qiu is openly playful and shameless.
• Xi acts as Ling’s internal adviser, correcting her assumptions about resurrection.
• Mu Xi and Shu Momo share a familiar master-disciple relationship, with Mu Xi handling domestic routines while Momo follows her usual schedule.
• Ling Yue complains about hunger and the lack of serious enemies, while Ling Lexuan calmly reassures him that the group is approaching a major treasure.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

Ling Yue, Ling Lexuan, and Nan Muya continue exploring the supernatural Central Avenue in search of treasure. Ling Lexuan casually produces an absurd mountain of stored snacks, impressing and confusing Nan Muya. Their search leads them to a beautiful, unusually lively shop called Elf Treehouse, which seems completely different from the surrounding dark, monster-filled stores.
A group of reporters from Penguin Headlines Publishing House appears, having secretly followed the trio to gather information about the dangerous district. They believe the Astral Mark Girls and Ling Yue’s strength have protected them from monsters. Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya enter the shop first, followed by Ling Yue.
Inside, they meet Shu Momo, the shop’s annoyed employee. She reveals that Elf Treehouse is actually a teahouse offering counseling and other services, not a treasure vault. When Ling Lexuan explains that their Treasure-Seeking Disc brought them there, Shu Momo angrily orders them to leave. Ling Yue challenges her right to stop them from exploring the shop, escalating the situation.
The shop’s owner or senior resident, Mu Xi, then appears. Her terrifying presence immediately makes the three intruders realize that she is a powerful Magical Girl or Destiny Engraver far beyond their level. Mu Xi criticizes Shu Momo for failing to remove unwanted visitors and then offers to let Ling Yue, Ling Lexuan, and Nan Muya leave—for 500 points each. When Ling Lexuan protests that this is robbery, Mu Xi cheerfully admits that it is.

Character Developments

• Ling Lexuan remains confident and impulsive, initially assuming that her status as an Astral Mark Girl allows her to deal with anyone inside the shop. However, her confidence collapses once Mu Xi appears. She quickly becomes polite and apologetic, showing that she can recognize when she is outmatched. She is especially distressed at the thought of losing her hard-earned points.
• Nan Muya acts as the more cautious and practical member of the group. She is surprised by Ling Lexuan’s enormous food reserves and becomes wary of the shop, correctly sensing that its inhabitants may be extremely powerful. She quietly backs away when the situation worsens.
• Ling Yue maintains a bold, confrontational attitude, raising his greatsword and insisting that they have the right to explore the shop. However, Mu Xi’s oppressive aura frightens him, forcing him to reconsider his assumptions about his own strength.
• Shu Momo is portrayed as irritable, lazy, and easily annoyed by unexpected customers. Despite her casual attitude, she is confident in the shop’s danger and tries to protect it by warning the intruders away. Her obedience and shy reaction to Mu Xi reveal that she respects and fears Mu Xi.
• Mu Xi is elegant, relaxed, and seemingly friendly, but also intimidating and cunning. She effortlessly controls the situation, disciplines Shu Momo, and exploits the intruders’ fear by demanding payment for their safe departure.

Significant Themes

• Power and hierarchy: The trio initially relies on their reputation as Astral Mark Girls and their combat ability, but Mu Xi demonstrates that far stronger beings exist. The encounter reinforces the dangerous power gap between ordinary adventurers and high-level Magical Girls or Destiny Engravers.
• Overconfidence and humility: Ling Lexuan and Ling Yue enter expecting to claim treasure by force, only to be forced into apologizing and negotiating. The chapter emphasizes the danger of judging opponents by appearances.
• Commerce and exploitation: The shop’s services, the Treasure-Seeking Disc, and Mu Xi’s demand for payment all turn supernatural danger into a business transaction. Mu Xi’s “robbery” is framed humorously but shows how easily the powerful can profit from the weak.
• Appearance versus reality: Elf Treehouse looks inviting and peaceful, yet it belongs to someone terrifyingly powerful. Similarly, Mu Xi appears gentle and sleepy but possesses overwhelming authority.
• Humor amid danger: Ling Lexuan’s excessive snack hoard, Shu Momo’s complaints, Ling Yue’s dramatic challenge, and Mu Xi’s unapologetic extortion balance the ominous setting with comedic interactions.

Character Interactions

The central interaction is between the treasure-seeking trio and the staff of Elf Treehouse. Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya approach cautiously but still underestimate the shop, while Shu Momo responds with irritation and blunt warnings. Ling Yue’s challenge creates tension until Mu Xi arrives and completely reverses the power dynamic.
Mu Xi treats Shu Momo like a younger subordinate, lightly scolding her and patting her head. Shu Momo responds with embarrassment and obedience, revealing their affectionate but unequal relationship. Meanwhile, Mu Xi’s calm negotiation with Ling Lexuan—openly admitting that she is robbing them—turns a potentially violent confrontation into a humiliating financial penalty.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xi forces Nan Muya and Ling Lexuan to pay 1,500 points as compensation for Ling Yue’s share, demanding payment for all three of them. Ling Lexuan is especially distressed because the loss nearly wipes out her savings for the Secret Realm trip.
• Mu Xi is pleased with the payment, since the points will allow her to stock rare materials and occasionally obtain valuable items such as Elf Tears.
• A group of four reporters from the Occult News Agency—two men and two women—arrive at the treehouse after following Nan Muya and the others. Their leader, “Brother Zhang,” and a young woman named Qiqi are among them.
• Mu Xi uses her supernatural authority to force the newcomers, as well as Ling Yue, into a neat line. She orders all five people to check themselves for anything unusual.
• The group discovers that several of them possess strange paranormal Secret Realm entry tickets. The tickets identify the upcoming instance as “Miss Ghost’s Manor Life,” which will involve one hundred participants.
• Mu Xi explains that the tickets will activate within three days and forcibly drag their holders into the Secret Realm. Ordinary people have less than a five-percent survival rate in such places.
• The reporters panic and beg Mu Xi for help. Brother Zhang even falls to his knees, while Ling Yue tries to maintain his composure and boasts that he can handle the danger.
• Ling Lexuan encourages Ling Yue, promising that the Fate Girls will support him.
• Mu Xi ultimately agrees to help them, asking them to leave the tickets behind and sign guarantee letters. Despite her intimidating behavior, she once again chooses to act mercifully.

2. Character Developments

• Mu Xi: Demonstrates her strict, intimidating side by extorting compensation, but also reveals her generosity and youthful playfulness. She enjoys watching the newcomers panic, yet decides to protect them rather than abandon them.
• Ling Lexuan: Shows herself to be financially vulnerable and emotionally sensitive after losing most of her hard-earned points. Despite this, she remains loyal to her cousin and willingly offers to help him face the Secret Realm.
• Nan Muya: Acts as a caring older-sister figure toward Ling Lexuan, comforting her after the loss and lending her the points she lacks.
• Ling Yue: Initially suffers the same punishment as the girls and is embarrassed when Mu Xi forces him into line. After receiving a Secret Realm ticket, he tries to preserve his pride by relying on his status as a Second-Tier Martial Artist.
• Shu Momo: Treats the events as entertainment, casually eating while observing the chaos. Her amused reactions highlight the absurdity of the situation.
• The Reporters: Shift from curious intruders to terrified victims once they realize they have been selected for a deadly Secret Realm. Qiqi is particularly frightened, while Brother Zhang openly begs for salvation.

3. Significant Themes

• Power and consequences: Mu Xi’s demand for compensation shows that actions have a price, even in a lawless world.
• The vulnerability of ordinary people: The reporters’ lack of combat experience leaves them nearly helpless when confronted with supernatural danger.
• Mercy beneath intimidation: Although Mu Xi presents herself as harsh and domineering, she repeatedly chooses to help those in danger.
• Fate and arbitrary selection: The Secret Realm tickets appear without warning and select people regardless of their readiness or status.
• Comedy amid danger: The chapter balances genuine horror with slapstick humor, particularly through the forced lineup, Ling Yue’s humiliation, and Shu Momo’s casual enjoyment of the spectacle.
• Loyalty and mutual support: Nan Muya supports Ling Lexuan financially, while Ling Lexuan promises to stand by Ling Yue despite their recent loss.

4. Character Interactions

• Mu Xi intimidates Nan Muya and Ling Lexuan into paying compensation, while Nan Muya comforts the devastated Ling Lexuan.
• The reporters’ arrival creates tension, but Mu Xi immediately dominates the situation by magically controlling their movements.
• Ling Yue shares in the humiliation when Mu Xi forces him to line up with the reporters.
• Qiqi and the other reporters react with fear upon finding their Secret Realm tickets, while Ling Yue tries to appear confident.
• Ling Lexuan reassures Ling Yue that she and the others will help him survive.
• Shu Momo watches the interactions with amusement, while Mu Xi eventually intervenes compassionately and offers to handle the tickets for the entire group.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xi forces her apprentice, Shu Momo, to choose someone to rescue from the people trapped near Ping’an Street. Though Shu Momo complains about being pushed into danger, she selects a female student and saves her by taking her Secret Realm entrance ticket.
• Mu Xi then offers the remaining two tickets to Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya, pointing out that Ling Yue—Ling Lexuan’s cousin and companion—is also involved. Both women accept the tickets, deciding that the Hundred-Person Secret Realm could provide valuable experience and rewards.
• Mu Xi teleports everyone except Shu Momo to the entrance of the shop. She reflects that people must accept responsibility for the choices they make and continue along the path they have chosen, even when it becomes difficult.
• Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya escort the rescued Headline Press members and Ling Yue out of Ping’an Street. Because the two women are powerful Astral Mark Girls, the group encounters only relatively weak supernatural entities. Ling Yue is able to defeat some of the lower-level ghosts, though Second Order enemies still give him trouble.
• After returning safely, the Headline Press members want to thank their rescuers with a meal, but Ling Yue dismisses them, arrogantly considering them ordinary people who survived only because of the women’s protection.
• Ling Lexuan reminds Ling Yue that he owes them points for protecting him. She and Nan Muya begin preparing seriously for the Secret Realm, worrying that a large dungeon might contain a Fifth Order entity. They leave to search for the Star Engraving Alliance and obtain outside assistance, while Ling Yue remains relaxed and confident in his own abilities.
• The following morning, Magical Potion Shop opens to a busy start. Ling Mengxue wakes late to Blood Doll’s urgent calls, dresses in her witch attire, and prepares to receive customers.
• She is shocked to discover that Ping’an Street’s fame has reached 15,684, far surpassing the required 1,000. This completes the main quest, The Witch Apprentice’s Growth Diary, granting her massive magic experience, refreshing the Destiny Sign Mall, and awarding an illustrated guide to legendary magical potions.

Character Developments

• Shu Momo remains playful, emotional, and prone to complaining, but she obediently carries out Mu Xi’s instructions and successfully rescues someone. Her dependence on Mu Xi is clear: a single glance from her master immediately makes her behave.
• Mu Xi demonstrates both gentleness and ruthless practicality. She protects the rescued people but makes them face the consequences of their own decisions rather than allowing everyone to escape freely.
• Ling Lexuan shows courage, curiosity, and responsibility. She accepts a dangerous ticket not only for the potential rewards but also to protect Ling Yue and investigate whether the Secret Realm’s promised rewards are genuine. Despite her confidence, she takes the threat seriously and seeks outside support.
• Nan Muya likewise accepts the challenge as a way to broaden her experience and strengthen her connection with Ling Lexuan and Ling Yue. Her confidence as an Astral Mark Girl makes her willing to face the dungeon, though she is not careless.
• Ling Yue is portrayed as boastful, lazy, and overly self-assured. He relies heavily on Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya while underestimating the danger of the dungeon, believing that his status as a Second Order Star Warrior will be enough.
• Ling Mengxue continues to balance her sleepy, carefree personality with her responsibilities as a witch and shopkeeper. Her growing fame and the completion of her quest mark substantial progress in her magical development.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and consequences: Mu Xi emphasizes that people must bear the results of their own choices. Once a path is chosen, it must be followed through, even if it becomes painful.
• Courage versus recklessness: Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya willingly accept danger but prepare carefully, contrasting with Ling Yue’s casual confidence and underestimation of the threat.
• Power and dependence: The rescued civilians survive because of powerful supernatural figures, while Ling Yue himself relies on the women despite believing himself capable.
• Growth through experience: Entering the Secret Realm, gathering allies, and completing the fame quest all represent steps in the characters’ ongoing advancement.
• Humor amid danger: The chapter repeatedly undercuts serious supernatural events with comedic interactions, including Shu Momo’s complaints, Ling Yue’s arrogance, and Ling Mengxue’s sleepy frustration at being called to work.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xi teases and pressures Shu Momo into choosing a person to rescue, while Shu Momo responds with childish resentment but ultimately obeys.
• Shu Momo warmly reassures the rescued female student, then quickly slips away once her task is complete.
• Mu Xi offers Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya the remaining Secret Realm tickets, encouraging them to decide for themselves.
• Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya agree to participate and discuss how to protect Ling Yue, treating him as both family and a burdensome responsibility.
• Ling Yue jokes that he will depend on the two women against the ghosts, while Ling Lexuan reminds him that protection comes at a cost.
• The Headline Press members express deep gratitude toward their rescuers, but Ling Yue dismisses their offer of thanks.
• Ling Mengxue interacts with Blood Doll at the start of the workday, initially annoyed by its urgency before discovering that her rapidly increasing fame has completed her main quest.

Chapter Summary: “The Legend of Xiao Ao Jianghu”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue’s cultivation and combat status improve to the Tier-Five Gene Lock realm, making her exceptionally powerful.
• Her potion shop suddenly becomes crowded with ghosts after the aura she released at the Evil Witch’s residence is interpreted as the presence of a powerful Hall-Tier Magic user.
• Ghosts from across Ping’an District line up for treatment, purchases, protection, and even bizarre requests. Some powerful entities, including Ghost Kings, appear among the crowd to see the Legendary Witch.
• Ling Mengxue accepts the customers rather than driving them away, while Blood Doll assists her. They work throughout the morning, treating injuries and illnesses with potions and magic.
• Many of the ghosts exaggerate or fake their ailments simply to meet the famous Legendary Witch. Ling Mengxue nevertheless charges them normally and earns tens of thousands of Soul Coins.
• A frail young ghost named Xiao Ao Jianghu requests ten—or eventually one hundred—livers so he can continue writing at an absurd pace. He reveals that he died suddenly after writing ten chapters overnight and is determined to resume his unfinished work.
• Although Ling Mengxue initially refuses because the shop has no ghost organs, Xiao Ao Jianghu offers 40,000 Soul Coins. She uses high-level creation magic to manufacture the livers, making a large profit.
• The chapter ends by describing ordinary life in the ghost realm, where eating human flesh is a marker of wealth. However, ghosts now avoid doing so near Ling Mengxue’s shop, fearing her retaliation.

2. Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue is revealed to be far stronger than her gentle, ordinary appearance suggests. Despite her power, she continues operating the shop as a business and follows the principle that “the customer is god.”
• Her exhaustion and physically fragile nature become clearer. Outside combat mode, her Destiny Sign forces her into a weak, virtuous-lady state despite her high cultivation.
• Ling Mengxue also displays a shrewd, profit-oriented side. She rapidly changes her attitude toward Xiao Ao Jianghu after he offers a large payment and exploits her magical abilities to earn a substantial margin.
• Blood Doll becomes increasingly devoted to Ling Mengxue, interpreting her master’s actions as noble and compassionate. She assists with the shop and helps explain the sudden surge in customers.
• Xiao Ao Jianghu is introduced as a fanatical, work-obsessed ghost writer. His death has not changed his determination to complete his writing, and he is willing to use an enormous number of livers to keep producing chapters.

3. Significant Themes

• Reputation and unintended influence: Ling Mengxue’s restrained magical aura creates widespread fear and admiration, showing how quickly legends can form around powerful figures.
• Kindness versus intimidation: She is considered benevolent because she helps both good and evil beings, but her reputation also ensures that no one dares cause trouble near her shop.
• Commercial morality: Ling Mengxue presents herself as compassionate and professional, yet she is also highly practical and refuses to sacrifice profit.
• Absurdity of the ghost realm: The chapter uses dark humor to depict ghosts treating supernatural conditions, buying organs, and pretending to eat human flesh as a social status symbol.
• Work obsession and exploitation: Xiao Ao Jianghu parodies extreme writing culture, portraying an author willing to destroy his body—or repeatedly replace his organs—to meet impossible production demands.

4. Character Interactions

• Blood Doll asks whether the shop should reject the fighting customers, while Ling Mengxue responds with her humorous “war among gods” philosophy.
• Blood Doll admires Ling Mengxue’s supposed compassion, though Ling Mengxue is unaware of the exaggerated image Blood Doll has formed of her.
• Ling Mengxue manages the ghost crowd with Blood Doll’s assistance, treating patients while maintaining a professional façade despite her exhaustion.
• Ling Mengxue questions Xiao Ao Jianghu’s bizarre request for dozens of livers, then immediately becomes cooperative when he offers enough money.
• The relationship between Ling Mengxue and her customers is both service-oriented and intimidating: they seek her help because she is powerful, but they also fear violating the rules surrounding her shop.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of ghosts, including a buzz-cut ghost and a young ghost named Xiao Ao Jianghu, gather outside Wonderful Potion Shop. Xiao Ao Jianghu is recognized as Ping'an Street's Number One Typing Girl, a webnovel author who died from delaying updates.
• Han Xue, another webnovel author and Xiao Ao Jianghu's rival, appears. She uses a magical consciousness writing software and taunts Xiao Ao Jianghu, leading to his beating by update-demanding ghosts.
• The ghosts rush back to the shop, forcing Ling Mengxue to close it for the day. She decides to enter Ghost Manor as a player, choosing the 'A Chosen Player' option on her invitation letter.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ao Jianghu's past as a webnovel author is revealed, showing his decline due to delays and taunts from Han Xue.
• Ling Mengxue decides to enter Ghost Manor, showing her willingness to face challenges and her desire to protect Blood Doll by not taking her along.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of procrastination and delay, as seen in Xiao Ao Jianghu's story.
• The struggle between authors and the pressure from fans, as shown in the interactions between Xiao Ao Jianghu and Han Xue.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ao Jianghu and Han Xue's rivalry and taunting interaction.
• The ghosts' collective action against Xiao Ao Jianghu after Han Xue's provocation.
• Ling Mengxue and Blood Doll's interaction, showing Ling Mengxue's protective instincts and Blood Doll's desire to accompany her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue, the protagonist, enters Ping'an Street and encounters weak monsters, finding it boring.
• Her potion shop becomes popular, earning her a significant amount of Soul Coins in just two days.
• She receives a quest, "Pathological Heart Knot," with an unusual difficulty rating of "easy yet difficult."
• She enters a new secret-realm instance, Otherworld Manor Beneath the Blood Moon, as a player with her magic and Star Engraving Realm suppressed to Low Tier.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue becomes more financially stable and confident in her abilities.
• She expresses concern about her safety in the instance and prepares to create emergency magic arrays.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Ling Mengxue's ordinary life and the supernatural dangers around her.
• The theme of preparation and caution, as Ling Mengxue plans for potential threats in the instance.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue interacts with Xi He, her AI assistant, discussing the instance and her preparations.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, as Ling Mengxue is the only one in the instance initially.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue, disguised as Ling Feng, enters a changing room filled with employee uniforms for a supernatural secret realm dungeon, "Miss Ghost's Manor Life."
• She transforms into a youth using an Illusion Mirror and a spatial isolation item.
• Players are teleported into the manor, and Ling Mengxue meets Zhao Lei, a fellow player she knows in real life.
• Ling Yue, Ling Mengxue's rival, also recognizes her and provokes her.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue: Disguises herself as a youth named Ling Feng and adapts to her new role as a player in the dungeon.
• Zhao Lei: Shows off his status as a "top player" but is ridiculed by other players.
• Ling Yue: Displaying his arrogance and disdain towards Ling Feng, unaware of the true identity of the person he's provoking.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and identity: Ling Mengxue's use of an illusion to change her appearance highlights the theme of disguise and the fluidity of identity.
• Survival and challenge: The dungeon's focus on survival and completing tasks to stay alive emphasizes the theme of overcoming challenges.
• Social dynamics: The interactions between players, including provocation and ridicule, showcase the theme of social dynamics and power struggles.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue and Zhao Lei: They reunite as players, with Zhao Lei showing enthusiasm towards Ling Feng, while Ling Mengxue is more reserved.
• Ling Mengxue and Ling Yue: Ling Yue provokes Ling Feng, unaware that he is facing Ling Mengxue in disguise, setting up a potential conflict between them.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Yue confronts Ling Mengxue/Ling Feng, boasting that he brought an Astral Mark Girl—his cousin Ling Lexuan—into the instance and threatening to defeat him.
• Ling Mengxue remains completely unimpressed, mocking Ling Yue’s arrogance by pretending to recommend a psychiatrist. The surrounding players laugh, further humiliating him.
• Zhao Lei discovers that all the men’s service uniforms have been taken. Ling Mengxue tells him to wear a women’s outfit, though he strongly refuses because of his status and fear of public embarrassment.
• Ling Mengxue insists that wearing the outfit is safer than entering the dangerous instance in ordinary clothes. Zhao Lei eventually agrees only after she emphasizes that they might be separated and she may not be able to protect him.
• Ling Yue returns with Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya, again demanding that Ling Mengxue kneel and apologize, claiming Ling Lexuan will protect him.
• Zhao Lei courageously steps between them and defends Ling Mengxue, despite being weaker than Ling Yue.
• The instance system announces that the challenge will begin in sixty seconds and that players will be divided into groups of five and assigned different areas.
• Ling Yue immediately teleports away with Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya, promising to settle the conflict inside the instance.
• As the remaining players leave, Ling Mengxue forcibly dresses Zhao Lei in the last remaining maid outfit. Using time-dilation magic, she equips him with the dress and accessories within seconds.
• Zhao Lei is mortified, especially when Ling Mengxue gives him silk stockings to wear, but she insists that his disguise is necessary for survival.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue/Ling Feng: Displays indifference toward Ling Yue’s provocations and uses humor and acting to undermine him. Despite teasing Zhao Lei, she genuinely worries about his safety and uses her abilities—and even risks backlash from time magic—to prepare him for the instance.
• Ling Yue: Becomes increasingly arrogant and emotionally unstable after failing to intimidate Ling Mengxue. His repeated attempts to assert superiority reveal his insecurity and dependence on status, family connections, and stronger allies.
• Zhao Lei: Although initially cowardly about wearing women’s clothing, he shows strong loyalty by defending Ling Mengxue against Ling Yue. His willingness to endure humiliation for survival also highlights his dependence on and trust in Ling Feng.
• Ling Lexuan: Is introduced as an Astral Mark Girl and a source of Ling Yue’s confidence. She recognizes Ling Feng and appears curious about his identity.
• Nan Muya: Understands the tension between the characters and quietly avoids directly intervening, aware of Ling Feng’s connections and Ling Yue’s likely consequences.

Significant Themes

• Arrogance versus composure: Ling Yue relies on threats and status, while Ling Mengxue defeats his intimidation through calmness, sarcasm, and emotional control.
• Loyalty and brotherhood: Zhao Lei’s instinctive defense of Ling Mengxue demonstrates genuine friendship, contrasting with Ling Yue’s manipulative relationships.
• Survival over pride: The clothing dispute emphasizes that practical survival must take priority over social reputation.
• Performance and deception: Ling Mengxue’s Divine Acting and Zhao Lei’s disguise reinforce the importance of appearances and concealment in the dangerous instance.
• Status and ability: Ling Yue’s belief that power and family background determine worth is challenged by Ling Mengxue’s competence and refusal to recognize his supposed superiority.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue repeatedly humiliates Ling Yue by dismissing his threats and pretending to be concerned about his mental health.
• Ling Yue attempts to force Ling Mengxue to kneel and apologize, but Zhao Lei intervenes and openly challenges him.
• Ling Mengxue and Zhao Lei share a comedic yet affectionate dynamic: she pushes him into accepting the maid outfit while he complains, but both clearly trust and care for each other.
• Ling Yue uses Ling Lexuan’s presence as a threat and status symbol, while Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya observe the conflict with curiosity and caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue and Zhao Lei, now disguised as a maid and a greeter, are assigned to the VIP Hall No. 1 in a haunted manor.
• They meet other players assigned to the same area, including a couple, Ye Chenxuan and Yue Xinrou.
• A puppet informs them that they only need to serve two tables of guests to complete their mission.
• The banquet begins, and terrifying supernatural beings enter the hall. A player is killed by an enraged ghost.
• Ling Mengxue declines Ye Chenxuan's offer to help each other, maintaining a cold attitude.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue: Shows indifference and maintains a cold demeanor, especially towards Ye Chenxuan's advances.
• Zhao Lei: Disguised as a maid, he feels uncomfortable and panicked but manages to perform his duties.
• Ye Chenxuan: Attempts to befriend Ling Mengxue for protection but is rebuffed.
• Yue Xinrou: Initially suspicious of Ling Mengxue, she later tries to befriend her but is also rebuffed.

Significant Themes

• Survival and self-preservation in a hostile environment.
• The strong preying on the weak, reflecting the harsh reality of the realm.
• The importance of caution and discernment in forming alliances.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue and Zhao Lei: They work together but maintain a formal distance.
• Ling Mengxue and Ye Chenxuan/Yue Xinrou: Ling Mengxue remains indifferent and cold towards their attempts to befriend her.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Ling Mengxue, now a man, starts working at the instance hall, serving supernatural beings.
• She encounters a Ghost King (Grim Reaper) and later a Seventh-Tier Supernatural, Ghost Miss: Bai Yun, who is the task target.
• The Ghost Miss's aura terrifies the guests, including a young couple under Ling Mengxue's care.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue: Stays calm and professional despite the terrifying guests, uses her skills to assess the situation, and considers helping the young couple.
• Ye Chenxuan & Yue Xinrou: Terrified by the Ghost Miss's aura, they struggle to maintain composure.
• Zhao Lei: Worries about Ling Mengxue's safety.
• Ling Lexuan, Nan Muya, & Ling Yue: Shocked by the Ghost Miss's aura, they watch the scene unfold.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between humans and supernatural beings.
• The consequences of bending task rules.
• The importance of self-reliance.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue interacts with the Ghost King and assesses the Ghost Miss.
• Ye Chenxuan and Yue Xinrou interact with Ling Mengxue, expressing their concern for each other's tasks.
• Zhao Lei, Ling Lexuan, Nan Muya, and Ling Yue observe the scene, each with their own thoughts and reactions.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue disguises herself as a waiter while serving a banquet attended by Bai Yun, the newly promoted Ghost King, and other powerful evil ghosts. The gathering is extremely dangerous, with most guests being at least Fifth-Order supernaturals.
• The ghosts discuss the Legendary Witch’s return to Ping’an City, unaware that the Witch is actually Ling Mengxue, who is serving them food and drinks.
• Ling Mengxue struggles to handle the grotesque ghost cuisine and repeatedly returns to the kitchen. The ghost chef initially suspects she is provoking him but becomes respectful after learning she is serving the young miss.
• A Split-Head Ghost becomes enraged after Ye Chenxuan spills soup while serving it. Bai Yun immediately intervenes, crushing the ghost with her power and killing it, Ye Chenxuan, and two other humans caught in her attack.
• Yue Xinrou abandons any attempt to save Ye Chenxuan, prioritizing her own survival. After his death, she rationalizes her actions and begins considering attaching herself to another powerful man.
• Ling Mengxue completes her duties successfully and receives mostly positive evaluations. Many other players fail their tasks, lose limbs, or die; at least seven or eight players are killed during the banquet.
• Afterward, Ling Mengxue checks on Zhao Lei, who is safe despite being stationed in a dangerous area. The banquet ends, but the survivors discover that another group member has disappeared.
• The chapter closes as everyone prepares for the next event in the manor: a game of ball. Nan Muya and Ling Lexuan are relieved that their own assignments ended without incident.

Character Development

• Ling Mengxue: Remains calm and professional despite the horrifying surroundings. She considers abandoning the optional Pathological Heart Knot mission but decides to continue cautiously. Her concern for Zhao Lei shows her loyalty and protectiveness, though she refuses to recklessly sacrifice herself.
• Bai Yun: Demonstrates overwhelming authority and cruelty. She protects her table’s guests from disrespect, but her response is brutally disproportionate, killing both the offending ghost and innocent humans nearby.
• Ye Chenxuan: His desperate efforts to survive fail when Bai Yun’s attack catches him. His death exposes his resentment toward Ling Mengxue and Yue Xinrou, especially because he expected others to save him.
• Yue Xinrou: Prioritizes survival over loyalty to her boyfriend, abandoning Ye Chenxuan when danger appears. Although guilt and fear trouble her, she quickly begins planning to use another powerful man for protection.
• Zhao Lei: Shows genuine concern for Ling Mengxue and tries to prevent her from risking herself for him. His bravery collapses comically when she takes his words literally, emphasizing both his loyalty and nervousness.
• Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya: Survive their assignments and quietly express relief, reinforcing how dangerous even the ordinary sections are.

Significant Themes

• Survival versus morality: The banquet forces the players to choose between helping others and preserving their own lives. Yue Xinrou’s abandonment of Ye Chenxuan illustrates the selfish instincts produced by the deadly trial.
• Power and impunity: Bai Yun can kill without consequence, while weaker beings must obey instantly. The incident shows the extreme inequality between Ghost King-level entities, ordinary ghosts, and human players.
• Appearance versus reality: Ling Mengxue appears to be a powerless human waiter, while she is secretly the Legendary Witch feared by the ghosts. Zhao Lei’s disguise also creates comic confusion among the other players.
• Indifference to death: Death is treated as routine in the ghost manor. Players disappear or are mutilated over minor mistakes, and even survivors quickly return to their assigned duties.
• Trust and betrayal: Ye Chenxuan expects help from Ling Mengxue and Yue Xinrou, but neither saves him. Ling Mengxue’s relationship with Zhao Lei, in contrast, is based on sincere mutual concern.

Character Interactions

• Bai Yun and the Blood-Clad Queen discuss the Legendary Witch, unknowingly speaking in front of her disguised identity.
• Ling Mengxue interacts with the ghost chef while repeatedly ordering and collecting food for Bai Yun’s table.
• Bai Yun protects her dining area by killing the Split-Head Ghost and everyone caught in the attack, including Ye Chenxuan.
• Yue Xinrou silently blames Ling Mengxue for not saving Ye Chenxuan, despite having abandoned him herself.
• Ling Mengxue and Zhao Lei exchange concern and reassurance after the banquet. Zhao Lei calls her “Brother,” unaware—or unconcerned—that she is disguised as a man.
• The surviving players reunite after the banquet and realize that their numbers have continued to fall.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nan Muya and Ling Lexuan hide in the VIP area while waiting for backup from the Star Engraving Alliance. Ling Lexuan’s tracking device is meant to guide a powerful expert to the secret realm and eliminate its major threats.
• The puppet butler reports the survivors’ performances. Ling Mengxue receives the best evaluation, earning a day off and 500 Soul Coins, along with a 2,000-coin gift from Miss Ghost. The other survivors receive much smaller rewards.
• The butler’s mention of Ling Mengxue’s name causes suspicion because “she” is not physically present. Ling Mengxue quickly deceives Zhao Lei by blaming the confusion on a system error.
• Ling Mengxue gives all 2,500 of her Soul Coins to the disguised Ling Lexuan, stunning Yue Xinrou and Zhao Lei. She reassures Zhao Lei that she has enough resources and urges him to trust her.
• The group goes to the haunted-house restaurant to eat. Zhao Lei removes his wig and abandons his disguise, while Yue Xinrou and another female survivor continue following the group for safety.
• At the restaurant, the ghosts openly regard the human players as food. Ling Yue argues with the Ordering Ghost over the available dishes and acts provocatively.
• Nan Muya reveals part of her Astral Engraving Blade, frightening the Ordering Ghost into submission. Ling Yue uses the weapon’s reputation to demand the restaurant’s best food.
• Ling Lexuan warns Ling Yue to remain cautious, but he confidently claims that the restaurant’s strongest ghost is weaker than her and that the isolated ghost employees would not retaliate if one were killed.
• The players and ghosts are shocked by the appearance of Astral Mark users in a horror secret realm, while Ling Mengxue is embarrassed by Ling Yue’s constant need to display his strength.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue/Ling Feng: Demonstrates generosity, confidence, and concealed wealth by giving away all her reward money. She continues maintaining her disguise and successfully fools Zhao Lei.
• Zhao Lei: Becomes increasingly loyal to and trusting of Ling Mengxue. Although worried about her reckless spending, he accepts her reassurance. He also becomes openly hostile toward Yue Xinrou when he believes she is trying to exploit Ling Mengxue.
• Yue Xinrou: Recognizes Ling Mengxue as a powerful potential protector and attempts to grow closer to him. Her behavior is interpreted by Zhao Lei as manipulative, especially after she reveals that her boyfriend has died.
• Ling Lexuan: Remains cautious and practical, relying on the Alliance’s promised backup and warning against drawing attention to the group.
• Nan Muya: Supports Ling Yue despite his recklessness, using the Astral Engraving Blade to intimidate the Ordering Ghost.
• Ling Yue: Displays arrogance and a strong desire to show off. He provokes the Ordering Ghost and believes his group’s strength is sufficient to handle any retaliation.
• The Ordering Ghost: Shifts rapidly from irritation to fear after recognizing the Astral Engraving Blade, choosing submission over confrontation.

Significant Themes

• Power and intimidation: Reputation and visible strength allow the Astral Mark users to command respect even in a deadly paranormal environment.
• Trust and hidden identities: Ling Mengxue’s disguise and concealed resources create misunderstandings, while Zhao Lei’s unquestioning trust contrasts with others’ attempts to uncover her secrets.
• Survival through cooperation: The survivors continue traveling together because mutual protection is essential in the secret realm.
• Greed and social maneuvering: Soul Coins function as both survival resources and symbols of power, prompting Yue Xinrou to seek a stronger ally.
• Recklessness versus caution: Ling Yue’s arrogance clashes with Ling Lexuan’s awareness that the manor contains forces far beyond their control.
• Humor amid horror: Disguises, awkward misunderstandings, arguments over food, and exaggerated reactions provide comic relief within the dangerous setting.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue and Zhao Lei share a close sibling-like bond, with her reassuring him and him accepting her decisions despite his concerns.
• Yue Xinrou tries to attach herself to Ling Mengxue, but Zhao Lei confronts her and accuses her of seducing him.
• Ling Yue and Nan Muya work together, with Nan Muya reluctantly supporting his demands through the threat of her weapon.
• Ling Yue and Ling Lexuan interact as cousins; she urges restraint, while he responds with confidence and pats her head reassuringly.
• The human players and the restaurant’s ghosts maintain a tense relationship, with the ghosts viewing the humans as food until the Astral Mark weapon forces them to back down.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Ling Mengxue and her companions encounter Ling Yue’s group in the dining hall. Ling Yue mocks Ling Feng and insults Zhao Lei, provoking an angry confrontation.
• Zhao Lei defends Ling Feng, while Ling Lexuan warns him not to attack her cousin. Ling Mengxue also confronts Ling Yue, warning that continued hostility could get him killed.
• Ling Yue responds with open murderous intent and declares that he, Ling Lexuan, and Nan Muya should kill Ling Mengxue if given the opportunity. Both women reluctantly agree, though neither truly wants to harm her.
• Ling Mengxue leaves with Zhao Lei, Yue Xinrou, and another frightened girl. She encourages the timid girl to remain hopeful despite the terrifying secret realm.
• In the dining hall, Ling Mengxue pays for food and drinks for the group, revealing that she still possesses considerable wealth despite previously giving away her mission rewards. She also orders a hot pot so everyone can eat properly.
• While getting drinks, Ling Mengxue discovers Shu Momo violently attacking a vending-machine ghost because it lacks milk tea. Shu recognizes Ling Mengxue’s supposed identity as “Ling Feng,” believing she is Mengxue’s brother.
• Ling Mengxue exploits this misunderstanding, claiming that Mengxue is her younger sister. Shu Momo immediately treats her warmly and offers her free drinks.
• Shu reveals that she is not merely an idol but also a powerful Magical Girl and member of the Special Affairs Bureau. She hints that she can protect Ling Mengxue and offers to arrange a “special reward” if Ling Feng praises her to Mengxue.
• After Shu leaves, Ling Mengxue takes advantage of the situation by collecting free beverages. The vending-machine ghost, emboldened by Shu’s departure, finally lashes out at her and threatens to eat her.

Character developments

• Ling Mengxue/Ling Feng: Demonstrates greater assertiveness, openly threatening Ling Yue rather than tolerating his hostility. She also shows compassion by comforting the frightened girl and paying for food and drinks for the entire group. Her sympathy toward the harmless vending-machine ghost contrasts with her supposed identity as an enemy of supernatural beings.
• Zhao Lei: Remains fiercely loyal and protective of Ling Mengxue/Ling Feng, immediately defending her against Ling Yue. His concern afterward shows that his rough manner hides genuine care.
• Ling Yue: Becomes increasingly hostile and murderous, turning a verbal dispute into an explicit plan to kill Ling Mengxue.
• Ling Lexuan: Shows divided loyalties. Although she sides outwardly with Ling Yue, she recognizes that he was responsible for provoking the conflict and feels regret over potentially having to oppose Ling Mengxue.
• Nan Muya: Is similarly conflicted and unwilling to kill someone she considers innocent. She appears ready to avoid direct conflict rather than blindly obey Ling Yue.
• Yue Xinrou and the quiet girl: Both rely on Ling Mengxue’s protection and generosity. The quiet girl is frightened by the realm, while Yue Xinrou eagerly accepts Ling Mengxue’s support.
• Shu Momo: Is introduced as an energetic, violent, and self-confident Magical Girl. Despite her whimsical idol persona, she is powerful and perceptive enough to recognize Ling Mengxue’s unusual attitude toward ghosts.
• The vending-machine ghost: Initially helpless and bullied by Shu Momo, it regains its courage after she leaves and redirects its anger toward Ling Mengxue.

Significant themes

• Conflict between humans and supernatural beings: Shu Momo treats ghosts as enemies, while Ling Mengxue questions that absolute hostility by sympathizing with the weak vending-machine ghost.
• Hidden identities and deception: Ling Mengxue continues pretending to be “Ling Feng” and successfully uses the false family connection with Shu Momo to gain protection and supplies.
• Loyalty and divided allegiance: Ling Lexuan and Nan Muya are caught between family loyalty to Ling Yue and their reluctance to harm Ling Mengxue.
• Compassion in a hostile world: Ling Mengxue’s encouragement of the frightened girl and generosity toward her teammates reveal a compassionate side beneath her detached demeanor.
• Humor amid danger: The chapter balances threats of murder and supernatural terror with absurd situations, including Shu’s rage over missing milk tea and Ling Mengxue’s opportunistic collection of free drinks.
• Power and social protection: Shu’s status as a Magical Girl provides authority and security, allowing her to dominate the vending-machine ghost and casually offer Ling Mengxue protection.

Character interactions

• Ling Yue and Ling Mengxue exchange hostile threats after Zhao Lei is insulted.
• Zhao Lei and Ling Lexuan defend their respective sides, escalating the family conflict.
• Ling Mengxue comforts the frightened girl, creating a brief moment of trust and emotional reassurance.
• Ling Mengxue supports her whole group by purchasing food and drinks.
• Shu Momo quickly bonds with Ling Mengxue after believing she is Mengxue’s brother, offering free items and promising protection.
• The vending-machine ghost shifts from being Shu’s victim to becoming Ling Mengxue’s angry antagonist at the chapter’s cliffhanger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue encounters a Vending Machine Ghost that tries to scare her but ends up being frightened by her magical abilities.
• She buys drinks for everyone, causing other players to envy their group's wealth and resources.
• They are assigned to a dormitory building with a single key, and the old woman warns them not to leave their room at night.
• Their room is on the third floor, with a single large bed, causing some awkwardness among the group.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue demonstrates her magical prowess, instilling fear in the Vending Machine Ghost and showing her resourcefulness by buying drinks for the group.
• Yue Xinrou shows her interest in Ling Mengxue, hinting at romantic feelings, while Meng Xi remains more reserved.
• Zhao Lei, despite his initial confusion, accepts the situation and sleeps on the bed with the others.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between humans and ghosts, with Ling Mengxue turning the tables on the Vending Machine Ghost.
• The struggle for resources and survival among the chosen players, with some envying Ling Mengxue's group for their wealth.
• The tension and fear caused by the unknown dangers lurking in the dormitory building at night.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue and the Vending Machine Ghost have a tense exchange, with the ghost initially trying to intimidate her but ultimately submitting to her power.
• Ling Mengxue, Zhao Lei, Yue Xinrou, and Meng Xi interact awkwardly due to the single bed in their room, with Yue Xinrou hinting at her feelings for Ling Mengxue.
• The other chosen players envy Ling Mengxue's group for their resources, highlighting the competitive nature of the game.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue wakes after a nearly sleepless night because she had to maintain a male disguise through continuous illusion magic while sharing a cramped bed with Zhao Lei, Meng Xi, and Yue Xinrou.
• Zhao Lei jokingly assumes Ling Mengxue stayed out stealing watermelons, while Meng Xi apologizes for disturbing him and Yue Xinrou worries that the music she played contributed to his exhaustion.
• Before the others leave for their work assignments, Ling Mengxue gives each of them a Strength Potion. The potion can temporarily let an ordinary person fight at the level of a First-Order paranormal being, though it may have minor side effects.
• After the group departs, Ling Mengxue drops her illusion and returns to her true silver-haired girl form. She receives word from Xi He that Bai Yun, the powerful ghost mistress of the manor, is awake and eating in the main hall.
• Although investigating Bai Yun’s mission is extremely dangerous, Ling Mengxue decides to pursue it because the reward includes Star Source. She plans to retreat if the situation becomes too dangerous.
• The chapter then shifts to Bai Yun’s background and current situation. Once human, Bai Yun died by suicide and became an immensely powerful ghost. She now rules a manor filled with ghosts, selected players, and servants.
• Bai Yun is portrayed as one of the strongest beings in the Peace Major District, though she remains far weaker than the Magical Witch and is unable to cross Central Avenue. She hopes to increase her strength by devouring powerful entities, particularly the Astral Mark Girl.
• In the manor’s dining hall, Bai Yun uses her supernatural power to control two female employees and forces them to perform a humiliating, provocative undressing act in front of the other workers. The terrified players are too afraid to intervene.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue: Demonstrates caution, resourcefulness, and responsibility by enduring the exhausting disguise and supplying her companions with protective potions. Despite recognizing Bai Yun’s overwhelming power, she remains willing to investigate for the sake of the Star Source reward.
• Zhao Lei: Continues to behave casually and humorously despite the lethal environment. He is confident about his work assignment and appears to trust Ling Mengxue’s preparations.
• Meng Xi: Shows concern and gratitude toward Ling Mengxue, apologizing for disturbing him and thanking him for the potion.
• Yue Xinrou: Acts shamelessly flirtatious toward Ling Mengxue while complaining about losing his protection for the day. She also reveals that her relationship with Chenxuan is largely based on their shared player status.
• Bai Yun: Is established as extremely powerful, emotionally detached, vain, playful, and cruel. Although she retains human memories and some human desires, prolonged contact with ghosts has made her indifferent to the lives and feelings of others.

Significant Themes

• The burden of concealment: Ling Mengxue’s disguise protects her identity but drains her physically and magically, emphasizing the cost of survival in a hostile world.
• Power and helplessness: Bai Yun’s ability to control people effortlessly leaves the players terrified and powerless, reinforcing the vast gap between ordinary humans and top-level paranormal entities.
• Moral corruption and retained humanity: Bai Yun still remembers human food, her past mentor, and her desire to experience the outside world, yet she casually treats people as disposable toys.
• Survival versus compassion: Ling Mengxue tries to protect her companions, while Bai Yun prioritizes amusement over the dignity or safety of her servants.
• Fear and obedience: The manor’s workers are controlled not only by supernatural force but also by the expectation that disobedience will result in death.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue exchanges exasperated, familiar banter with Zhao Lei, Meng Xi, and Yue Xinrou while distributing the potions.
• Yue Xinrou behaves flirtatiously toward Ling Mengxue, provoking Zhao Lei’s annoyance because she has a boyfriend, Chenxuan.
• Ling Mengxue silently monitors the group after sending them away, showing concern for their safety.
• Xi He provides Ling Mengxue with information about Bai Yun and encourages the investigation.
• Bai Yun addresses the manor workers in a deceptively gentle manner, then overrides the will of two girls and turns them into puppets.
• The other players react with shock, embarrassment, and fear, but remain silent because they know resisting Bai Yun would likely be fatal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Mengxue, a female player, arrives late and disrupts Bai Yun's entertainment.
• Bai Yun challenges Ling Mengxue to a bet: if Ling Mengxue can cure her, she'll grant her a wish, but if she fails, all the men present will be buried with her.
• Bai Yun decides to bring more girls to play with Ling Mengxue, causing the latter to feel uneasy.

Character Developments

• Ling Mengxue shows determination and courage in standing up against Bai Yun's actions.
• Bai Yun reveals her sadistic nature and enjoys toying with others.

Significant Themes

• The theme of mental illness is explored through Bai Yun's character.
• The concept of courage and standing up against injustice is highlighted through Ling Mengxue's actions.

Character Interactions

• Ling Mengxue and Bai Yun have a tense interaction, with Ling Mengxue trying to reason with Bai Yun while the latter enjoys toying with her.
• The other players and supernatural beings present are mostly displeased with Ling Mengxue's actions, feeling that she is courting death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Yun, the manor ghost mistress, is searching for pretty girls to assign missions to in the Manor Secret Realm.
• She finds three girls, including Meng Xi, but not Ling Mengxue, who is disguised as a boy.
• Bai Yun tries to use her Soul-Seizing Mind Control skill on Ling Mengxue but fails.

Character Developments

• Bai Yun: She is revealed to be a Ghost Emperor with a fetish for pretty girls. She uses her power to control and humiliate them. She also has a tendency to cry when embarrassed.
• Ling Mengxue: She maintains her disguise as a boy and refuses to comply with Bai Yun's demands. She shows agility and evasive skills, hinting at martial arts training.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Bai Yun's power and desire to control others are challenged by Ling Mengxue's resistance.
• Identity and disguise: Ling Mengxue's disguise as a boy allows her to avoid Bai Yun's initial notice and suspicion.
• Humiliation and embarrassment: Bai Yun feels humiliated when her power fails, leading to emotional outbursts.

Character Interactions

• Bai Yun and Ling Mengxue: Their interaction is marked by Bai Yun's attempts to control and humiliate Ling Mengxue, and the latter's resistance and evasion.
• Bai Yun and the other girls: Bai Yun selects three girls for missions, showing her preference for pretty girls and her desire to control them.