The Fourth Knock: Patterns in the Mortal World's Opening Scenarios (double-length chapter)

"Just as I thought. Every time I knock and enter the Mortal World, the situation over there is different."

"First a Funeral Hall, then a dungeon, and now this magnificent temple hall."

"The entry point is random every time. Only one thing stays the same."

Chen Miao looked at the end of the chapter.

"On all three attempts, I encountered a similar situation after entering. There was always an immediate crisis to resolve."

"Coincidence, or inevitability?"

Chen Miao tapped his fingers on the desk.

He did not believe it was a coincidence, but he had only knocked three times so far, so he could not be certain.

There was no rush to figure it out. He still had plenty of time ahead of him. After a few more attempts, he would know.

Chen Miao studied the contents of the book and continued his analysis.

He would not stay on this side reading about the Mortal World forever. Eventually, he had to enter it.

The more he learned now and the more information he gathered, the safer he would be when he entered for real.

"There isn't much in this chapter. Less than ten minutes passed between entering and being discovered."

"I could bluff my way through the wooden fish drumming, but apparently not the chanting."

"So if I want to change my situation, I can't give myself away during that part."

"That means I have to know which sutra they're chanting!"

"If I know the sutra, that monk won't be able to control me and perform a Transcendence Rite on me."

Chen Miao recalled how his body had moved toward the monk against his will after he looked into the man's eyes.

That power had been utterly irresistible.

It was far stronger than the Pinwheel's control effect.

"That monk must