Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Winter Hunt's outermost hunting zones are arranged in descending order of strength, with the strongest team (School Hunt Team) in the center, assisting the weakest (Ouroboros Hunting Team).
• Over twenty Wild Dragons breach the outer perimeter, causing the School Guardian Formation to be deployed.
• The School Hunt Team struggles to contact the Ouroboros Hunting Team, leading to a delay in their decision-making process.

Character Developments

• Zhang Shuzhi, captain of the School Hunt Team, demonstrates calm, reliability, and strategic thinking in handling the situation.
• The School Hunt Team members show teamwork and individual expertise in their roles (Diviner, Roaming Hunter, Scouting Hunter).

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and strategic planning in crisis situations.
• The importance of understanding individual team dynamics and personalities in decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Shuzhi consults with his team members to make decisions, valuing their input and expertise.
• The School Hunt Team considers the strengths and weaknesses of other hunting teams, including Judgement, Ouroboros, Edge, and You Zui, in their strategy.
• The team's decision to assist Judgement first, despite the Edge Hunting Team's lower ranking, reveals their understanding of individual team dynamics and personalities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A two-headed ogre, a Yin-Yang Ogre, appears suddenly, causing the Edge Hunting Team to go on high alert.
• The team decides to hide within a magic barrier to avoid detection.
• The Gypsy Witch performs a tarot card reading, predicting a deteriorating situation with 'bad luck', potential sacrifices, and being both 'prisoners and accomplices'.
• Dozens of ordinary ogres gather in the woods, threatening to join forces with the two-headed ogre.

Character Developments

• Nicholas Green, the captain of the Edge Hunting Team, initially hesitates but ultimately decides to act decisively to defeat the two-headed ogre leader.
• Liu Feifei, an assistant hunter, supports Nicholas with a silent squeeze of the hand, showing her trust in him.
• Lin Yan, a first-year student, panics slightly upon seeing the gathering ogres but still alerts the team to the threat.

Significant Themes

• Unity and teamwork among the Edge Hunting Team members.
• The harsh reality of their situation as outcasts among wizards, with no one to rely on but themselves.
• The ominous foreshadowing of the Gypsy Witch's tarot card reading, suggesting a dire situation ahead.

Character Interactions

• Nicholas and Liu Feifei show mutual support and understanding.
• Lin Yan alerts the team to the gathering ogres, demonstrating his awareness of the threat.
• The team discusses their situation and plans, showing unity and collective decision-making.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Edge Hunting Team faces a Two-headed Ogre leader and numerous Ogres during the Winter Hunt.
• Zhu Si, their advisor, observes from a hidden dimension, debating whether to intervene.
• Three more Two-headed Ogres approach, increasing the danger.
• Zhu Si decides to intervene but is immediately trapped in a net of green chains.
• The team is attacked by Sleep Spells, and a figure in a Crow Mask appears.

Character Developments

• Zhu Si demonstrates her concern for her students' safety and her powerful magical skills.
• The Edge Hunting Team shows teamwork and strategic thinking in their battle against the Ogres.
• Nicholas realizes they were set up as bait for Zhu Si.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Concern: Zhu Si's hesitation to intervene shows her understanding of the rules and her desire to protect her students' learning experience, while her eventual intervention displays her loyalty and concern for their safety.
• Betrayal and Manipulation: The revelation of a trap set for Zhu Si suggests betrayal and manipulation, adding a layer of complexity to the story.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Si's interaction with the Edge Hunting Team is limited due to the rules of the competition, but her intervention shows her support and care for them.
• The Edge Hunting Team works together to face the Ogres, demonstrating teamwork and coordination.
• The figure in the Crow Mask interacts with an unseen accomplice, suggesting a conspiracy against Zhu Si and her team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three Wizards wearing Crow Masks (Zero Five, Zero Three, and another) arrive at a meeting point with four Two-headed Ogres.
• The Witch (Zero Five) questions the Ogres about not following the pre-arranged plan.
• An Azure Bird reports that Lu Shu and Zhu Si have been delivered to the target area, and other teams' statuses are relayed.
• The number three Crow (Zero Three) tries to pacify the Witch and offers the Ogres the bounty in oak plates.
• The Hooped-Head Ogre reveals it can remove the magic seals itself and demands Zhu Si as part of their reward instead.
• The number three Crow realizes the Hooped-Head Ogre has reached Archwizard level.

Character Developments

• The Witch (Zero Five) displays impatience and anger when the Ogres don't follow the plan.
• The number three Crow (Zero Three) shows calmness and strategic thinking, trying to maintain control of the situation.
• The Hooped-Head Ogre demonstrates cunning and unexpected power, revealing it has reached Archwizard level.

Significant Themes

• The tension and mistrust between the Wizards and the Ogres, despite their temporary alliance.
• The importance of following plans and the consequences of deviation.
• The reveal of the Hooped-Head Ogre's unexpected power shift, adding a new layer of danger to the situation.

Character Interactions

• The Witch and the number three Crow interact, with the latter trying to calm the former and maintain control.
• The number three Crow and the Hooped-Head Ogre engage in a tense negotiation, with the Ogre revealing its hidden power.
• The Azure Birds serve as a communication network, relaying information to the Witch and the Wizards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Crows (Gan Ning and Crow Number Five) encounter a group of Hooped-Head Ogres led by a powerful one.
• The Ogres reveal they want Zhu Si, not just her blood, and imply they have powerful backing.
• Gan Ning and Crow Number Five decide to proceed with their plan to draw Zhu Si's blood but leave the rest to the Ogres.
• Gan Ning orders Crow Number Five to take people to draw Zhu Si's blood and to feed the other children a Forgetfulness Potion to erase their memories of the afternoon.

Character Developments

• Gan Ning shows his leadership and prioritizes the mission over potential risks.
• Crow Number Five displays concern for the other children but ultimately follows Gan Ning's orders.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different factions in the Wizarding World.
• The consequences of ambition and greed, as seen in the Ogres' actions.
• The importance of prioritizing the mission, as shown by Gan Ning.

Character Interactions

• Gan Ning and Crow Number Five have a tense interaction, with Gan Ning asserting his authority.
• The Crows and the Hooped-Head Ogres have a tense standoff, with each side trying to assert their dominance.
• Gan Ning and Crow Number Five have a brief exchange about the other children, showing a moment of concern before Gan Ning reaffirms his focus on the mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Witch and the Hooped-Head Ogre argue about leaving Zhu Si behind.
• The Witch crushes an Azure Bird for disrupting her plans.
• Zhu Si's blood is drawn, causing her to shrink into a small form.
• Gan Ning and the crows decide to leave Zhu Si behind as agreed.
• The Hooped-Head Ogre approaches Zhu Si, but is attacked by an unknown assailant.

Character Developments

• The Witch displays her ruthlessness by crushing the Azure Bird.
• Gan Ning shows frustration and impatience with his subordinates but maintains his composure.
• The Hooped-Head Ogre reveals its greed and disregard for the crows' agreement.
• Zhu Si's condition worsens after her blood is drawn, showing her vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Witch and the Hooped-Head Ogre negotiate, showing the power struggle between them. The crows' submissiveness to the Witch highlights their inferior position.
• Betrayal and Trust: Gan Ning's frustration with his subordinates and the Hooped-Head Ogre's disregard for their agreement illustrate the theme of broken trust.
• Vulnerability and Strength: Zhu Si's transformation and the Witch's actions emphasize the contrast between strength and vulnerability in the characters.

Character Interactions

• The Witch and the Hooped-Head Ogre: They argue and negotiate, with the Witch showing dominance and the Ogre attempting to renegotiate terms.
• Gan Ning and Number Fifteen Crow: Gan Ning shows annoyance with Number Fifteen's hesitation, but she stands her ground, questioning their decision to leave Zhu Si behind.
• Gan Ning and the unknown assailant: Their interaction is brief but intense, with the assailant attacking the Hooped-Head Ogre, suggesting a hidden power at play.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gan Ning, a Raven, returns to the scene of the Winter Hunt to rescue Little Zhu Si, an experimental subject, from the ogres.
• He encounters his fellow Ravens—Raven, Hu Yin, Mu Yin, Kaluo, and Krawer—who join him in forming a Zhen Su Battle Formation to infiltrate the ogre camp.
• The Ravens use various incantations to incapacitate the ogres and rescue Little Zhu Si.

Character Developments

• Gan Ning shows determination and selflessness in his decision to return for Little Zhu Si.
• The Ravens demonstrate teamwork, skill, and commitment to their mission, indicating their growth and unity as a team.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Sacrifice: Gan Ning's decision to return for Little Zhu Si showcases his loyalty and willingness to sacrifice for a cause he believes in.
• Teamwork and Unity: The Ravens' successful rescue mission highlights the importance of teamwork and unity in achieving a common goal.

Character Interactions

• Gan Ning and the Ravens: Gan Ning's interaction with his fellow Ravens reveals their camaraderie and shared commitment to their mission. They work together seamlessly, each playing a crucial role in the rescue operation.
• Gan Ning and Little Zhu Si: Although not directly interacting in this chapter, Gan Ning's decision to return for Little Zhu Si demonstrates his concern and care for the experimental subject, showing a softer side to his character.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Shijun, a powerful Witch, confronts the Hooped-Head Ogres during the Winter Hunt.
• The Ogres use a series of curses and spells, causing destruction and chaos on the battlefield.
• Gan Ning, a school lecturer, arrives with Zhu Si, who has been reduced in size.
• Su Shijun and the Ogres engage in a magical duel, with Gan Ning joining to help Su Shijun.

Character Developments

• Su Shijun: Shows her power and determination as a Witch, facing the Ogres without fear.
• Gan Ning: Demonstrates his concern for Zhu Si's safety and his responsibility as a lecturer, joining the fight despite the risks.

Significant Themes

• Power and Respect: Su Shijun's presence shows the School's power and the respect it commands, while the Ogres' actions challenge this.
• Responsibility: Gan Ning feels responsible for Zhu Si's safety and acts accordingly, even when it's risky.

Character Interactions

• Su Shijun and the Ogres: They engage in a tense standoff, with the Ogres showing disrespect and Su Shijun responding with threats and spells.
• Gan Ning and Zheng Qing: They meet on the battlefield, with Gan Ning explaining his presence vaguely and Zheng Qing expressing surprise at Zhu Si's condition.
• Gan Ning and Zhu Si: Gan Ning shows concern for Zhu Si's safety, handing her over to the Zhenshuiyin for protection and deciding to help Su Shijun hold off the Ogres.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Shijun, a Senior Councilor of the Under the Moon Council, is enjoying afternoon tea when the School Guardian Formation is activated, and the You Zui Hunting Team encounters Ogres.
• She recognizes the Ogres as Proxy Bodies, reminiscent of a past incident, and joins the hunting team to help.
• A chaotic battle ensues, with Su Shijun using her powerful Lightning Spells against the Ogres.
• The Hooped-Head Ogre, the leader, uses a unique incantation to repair its body and taunts the hunting team about their illusory power.

Character Developments

• Su Shijun: Displayed her powerful magic control and confidence in the hunting team. Her past experience with Proxy Bodies fueled her anger during the battle.
• Zheng Qing: Experienced a similar intense battle as last year, showing growth in handling such situations.
• Hooped-Head Ogre: Demonstrated resilience and intelligence by repairing its body and taunting the hunting team.

Significant Themes

• The illusion of power: The Ogre leader's taunt about the hunting team's power being illusory and temporary.
• Resilience: The Ogres' ability to repair their bodies and adapt to the battle.
• Anger and past experiences: Su Shijun's anger fueled by her past encounter with Proxy Bodies.

Character Interactions

• Su Shijun and the You Zui Hunting Team: They work together to fight against the Ogres, with Su Shijun taking a leading role.
• Hooped-Head Ogre and the hunting team: The Ogre leader taunts the team, showing a level of intelligence and understanding of their dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ogres are killed, and their blood forms inverted five-pointed star magic circles, symbolizing evil and Satan.
• Gan Ning recognizes the maddening power as one used by Professor Monteria in his experiments.
• Su Shijun uses a spell to grind the remaining ogres into powder.
• A dust storm obscures visibility, and a 'flute sound' is heard, signaling the approach of undead.
• An unknown entity speaks to Zheng Qing, praising the blood ritual and expressing pity for its futility.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows concern for Xiao Xiao and demonstrates knowledge of the 'flute sound' and its significance.
• Gan Ning: Recognizes the power used and begins taking notes, reminiscent of his laboratory behavior.
• Su Shijun: Uses a powerful spell to destroy the remaining ogres.
• Xiao Xiao: Warns of danger approaching and expresses confusion about the divination results.
• The little green snake: Provides insight into the blood ritual and its futility but falls silent afterwards.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of forbidden experiments and the use of dark powers.
• The struggle between control and chaos in the use of demonic power.
• The potential danger and futility of dealing with entities from the starry sky.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Zheng Qing comforts Xiao Xiao, showing concern for his well-being.
• Zheng Qing and the little green snake: Zheng Qing tries to engage the snake in conversation, but it remains silent afterwards.
• Gan Ning and Zheng Qing: Zheng Qing is curious about Gan Ning's notes but doesn't approach him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and Gan Ning observe a bizarre, ugly monster that has emerged from a magic array, with features of an ogre and other grotesque elements.
• Gan Ning becomes temporarily obsessed with the monster, comparing it to his past experiences with Professor Monteria.
• Zheng Qing and Gan Ning are not affected by the monster's influence from the starry sky, unlike Gan Ning's initial fear.
• Zheng Qing suggests they should not block Councilwoman Su's line of sight, implying they should let her handle the situation.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows maturity and understanding, realizing they should not interfere with Councilwoman Su's plan.
• Gan Ning: Reveals his past experiences and fanaticism towards magical research, momentarily losing control upon seeing the monster.
• The Little Green Snake: Continues to taunt Zheng Qing, offering no additional help.

Significant Themes

• Control vs. Obsession: Gan Ning's struggle to maintain control over his emotions and curiosity regarding the monster.
• Teamwork and Support: Zheng Qing's realization that they should not interfere with Councilwoman Su's plan, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support in their mission.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Gan Ning: Zheng Qing shows concern for Gan Ning's well-being, while Gan Ning provides guidance and protection to Zheng Qing.
• Zheng Qing and The Little Green Snake: The snake continues to taunt Zheng Qing, offering no practical help, highlighting their strained relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with a desolate, pale landscape filled with scorched tree stumps and ghostly ogres playing shakuhachi flutes, hinting at a merged ogre tribe.
• Zheng Qing, a Young Scholarship Student, is on the scene with Gan Ning, his Magical Creatures Studies lecturer, observing a battle between Su Shijun (a Witch) and a two-headed ogre.
• Zheng Qing considers intervening but decides against it, realizing the rashness of his initial impulse.
• He studies the ogre's Runes, trying to decipher its magic, but Gan Ning stops him, warning about the dangers of active knowledge acquisition.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: He shows initial impulsiveness but learns from his hesitation to act, demonstrating growth in self-control and strategic thinking. His curiosity about magic and runes is also evident.
• Gan Ning: He exhibits wisdom and caution, guiding Zheng Qing and preventing him from acting rashly.

Significant Themes

• Caution vs. Impulsiveness: Zheng Qing's initial urge to intervene is checked by his realization of the potential consequences, highlighting the theme of caution over impulsive action.
• Knowledge and its Cost: The dangers of actively acquiring knowledge are emphasized, suggesting that understanding often comes at a price.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Gan Ning: Their interaction shows a mentor-mentee relationship, with Gan Ning guiding Zheng Qing's actions and providing wisdom.
• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun: Zheng Qing's admiration for Su Shijun's handling of the situation is evident, but he doesn't want to interfere with her strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gan Ning remains silent as reality responds violently to the Young Scholarship Student's uncertainty.
• The gunshot extinguishes the shapeless Shakuhachi players and silences the birds.
• The mutated ogre in the woods awakens and releases immense power, causing the Bofushi Giant to shatter and the You Zui Hunting Team's Tier 2 Bofu Clan Battle Formation to lose control.
• The forest monster's size and tendrils increase uncontrollably, with arms branching out and eyes and mouths appearing on them.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates quick thinking and action, using a Binding Spell to protect Jiang Yu.
• Jiang Yu shows gratitude towards Zheng Qing and remains calm despite the chaos.
• The Magical Creatures Studies lecturer feels weary and contemplates his age.

Significant Themes

• Loss of control: The chapter explores the consequences of losing control over one's powers and emotions, both for the young wizards and the mutated ogre.
• Duality and chaos: The ogre's mind is described as naturally chaotic, accommodating conflicting powers from the starry sky and demonic forces.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Zheng Qing protects Jiang Yu, and she expresses gratitude towards him.
• The You Zui Hunting Team: The team members react to the loss of control, with Xin Fatty suggesting they retreat.
• The Magical Creatures Studies lecturer and Senior Councilor: The lecturer observes the scene with a weary expression, possibly feeling out of his depth or overwhelmed by the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A colossal, otherworldly hand descends from the sky, threatening the group.
• The hand is revealed to be contaminated with a powerful curse and a terrifying contamination from the starry sky.
• The group uses spells to combat the hand's eyes, which are appraising them maliciously.
• They use Lourdes Holy Water to remove the contamination and avoid eye contact to prevent backlash.
• Su Shijun, the Archwizard, arrives and decides they should flee, despite the group's initial resistance to the idea.
• The mutated ogre in the forest also focuses on the sky, suggesting an impending threat.
• The sky tears open, revealing a colossal palm descending from above.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates his knowledge of Mysticism and solid hunting skills by identifying the contamination's origin and providing appropriate responses.
• Su Shijun shows her power and authority as an Archwizard, making quick decisions despite the dire situation.

Significant Themes

• The threat from otherworldly entities and the contamination they bring.
• The importance of knowledge and quick thinking in survival situations.
• The power dynamics between Archwizards and other wizards.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun have a tense interaction, with Zheng Qing questioning Su Shijun's decision to flee.
• The Magical Creatures Studies lecturer is surprised by Zheng Qing's knowledge and provides support during the battle.
• The group works together to combat the hand's eyes and remove the contamination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A giant hand descends from the sky, causing immense pressure and panic.
• Zheng Qing fires a Blood Talisman Bomb, but it's crushed before reaching the hand.
• Su Shijun creates a protective barrier, but it's insufficient against the incoming pressure.
• The group realizes the hand is likely coming for the mutated Ogre, not them.
• Zheng Qing fires two more shots as the hand approaches.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates his quick thinking and skill with the Remington, but his shots are ineffective against the giant hand.
• Su Shijun shows her calm and collected demeanor, even in the face of imminent danger, and provides valuable insights about the situation.
• Other characters, like Lecturer Gan Ning and Zhang Jixin, show resilience under pressure, while injured characters like Dylan struggle.

Significant Themes

• Helplessness and Disorientation: The characters experience this when faced with the overwhelming power of the giant hand.
• Lack of Control: The characters feel powerless to stop or even understand what's happening, highlighting their vulnerability.
• Death and Mortality: The impending danger forces characters to consider their own mortality and write wills.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun have a tense exchange, with Zheng Qing trying to maintain hope and Su Shijun being more pragmatic about their situation.
• The group dynamics show unity and mutual support, with characters trying to help each other despite their dire circumstances.
• The characters' interactions reveal their individual strengths and weaknesses, with some showing resilience and others struggling under pressure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing fires talisman bombs at the giant hand, causing minor damage but failing to halt its descent.
• The School Guardian Formation barrier is activated but struggles against the giant hand's pressure.
• Zheng Qing attempts to use his spellbook to cast a protective spell, but it backfires and burns the book.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming danger.
• Su Shijun shows concern for Zheng Qing's well-being and the condition of his weapon.
• The Under the Moon Council's Senior Councilor reveals the futility of their defenses against the Legendary Rank existence.
• The Captain of the You Zui Hunting Team hints at having a plan but doesn't elaborate.

Significant Themes

• The powerlessness of Archwizards against Legendary Rank beings.
• The desperation and lack of preparation among the wizards facing imminent danger.
• The potential danger and instability of forbidden spells.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun share a moment of understanding and mutual respect.
• The Fat Wizard's hostility towards Zheng Qing is evident, but he's unable to voice his complaints.
• The Lecturer of Magical Creatures Studies feels like an outsider among the hunters and Zheng Qing.
• Zheng Qing communicates silently with the little green snake, seeking its help to channel forbidden spell power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing attempts to write a guardian incantation using his ordinary spellbook and pen, but they can't withstand the power.
• Various wizards offer their powerful spellbooks and pens to Zheng Qing, including a Venetian binding, a Bolognese binding, and a bamboo slip.
• Zheng Qing chooses Lecturer Gan Ning's Venetian binding and Su Shijun's Jade Badger Brush, but they still can't handle the incantation's power.
• The barrier protecting Puji Island shatters, revealing the true form of the descending giant hand.
• Powerful magical creatures and reclusive wizards in the Silent Forest create barriers to protect the young wizards.
• Su Shijun offers Zheng Qing a fox tail brush and a copper plate book, which successfully contain the guardian incantation. The incantation manifests as a semi-transparent mountain, shielding the wizards.
• The giant hand captures the mutated ogre and retracts.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates his power and importance by successfully writing the guardian incantation, earning respect from other wizards.
• Su Shijun shows her support and understanding of Zheng Qing's abilities, providing him with the necessary tools to complete the incantation.
• Other wizards, such as Lecturer Gan Ning and Xiao Xiao, also show their willingness to help Zheng Qing, revealing their competitive nature and desire to be part of his success.

Significant Themes

• The power of forbidden spells and the need for suitable vessels to contain them.
• Competition and cooperation among wizards.
• The neutrality of powerful magical creatures and reclusive wizards in the Silent Forest.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with various wizards, accepting their offers of spellbooks and pens, and ultimately choosing those provided by Su Shijun.
• Su Shijun and Zheng Qing have a brief exchange about the copper plate book, revealing her knowledge of its rarity and quality.
• The wizards present show their eagerness to help Zheng Qing, highlighting their competitive nature and desire to be associated with his success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A giant hand descends from the sky, not targeting the school or young wizards, but causing a deep, polluted pit where the Mutated Ogre was.
• The hand's departure leaves a long, narrow rift in the sky, illuminating the previously dim Silent Forest.
• The guardian spell's phantom mountain dissipates.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing, the Young Scholarship Student, feels the gaze of many eyeballs on the giant hand and experiences a mix of fear and curiosity.
• Su Shijun, the Witch, shows interest in the blackened material around the pit's edges, hinting at her knowledge or curiosity about the pollution.
• Zheng Qing feels panic and pressure from his peers after receiving the Copper Plate Book from the Witch.

Significant Themes

• The Unknown and Uncontrollable: The giant hand's appearance and the pollution it brings highlight the characters' helplessness against unknown, powerful forces.
• Greed and Envy: The young wizards' envy of Zheng Qing's Copper Plate Book shows the corrupting influence of greed on their camaraderie.
• Pollution and Contamination: The polluted pit and the stinky smell emphasize the theme of contamination and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun: Zheng Qing is intimidated by Su Shijun's offer of her Fox Tail Brush, showing her power and his fear.
• Zheng Qing and his peers: Zheng Qing feels the killing intent of his envious peers after receiving the Copper Plate Book.
• Gan Ning and Su Shijun: Gan Ning advises Su Shijun to contact the school and seal off the area, showing his responsibility and concern for the young wizards' safety.
• Various characters in different locations: The chapter ends with a series of vignettes showing the reactions of different characters to the giant hand's appearance, emphasizing the isolation of the young wizards in the forest and the disconnect between them and the rest of the world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The First University activates the Guardian Formation due to outer space pollution affecting wizards' magical nature and sanity.
• Students undergo a two-and-a-half-day health and safety assessment, submit reports, and provide data to the Alliance and relevant departments.
• Zheng Qing returns to the academy, finding the campus brightened by the school's decision to maintain good weather due to the approaching final exams and the recent accident.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing feels grateful for the school's handling of the situation, as it helps dissipate the resentment he felt after the Giant Hand incident.
• Zheng Qing is perplexed about how to reciprocate Jiang Yu's thoughtful Christmas gift, a beautifully bound spellbook.

Significant Themes

• The pollution from outer space and its effects on wizards.
• The school's handling of the situation to maintain stability and calm among students.
• The theme of reciprocity and gift-giving, as Zheng Qing struggles to find an appropriate gift for Jiang Yu.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with the sprites and Fat Cat Tuantuan upon his return to the dormitory.
• Zheng Qing discusses the lack of curiosity from classmates about the Winter Hunt with Jiang Yu, learning that the school has kept the details quiet.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu share an awkward moment when Zheng Qing admits that Jiang Yu has him "completely wrapped around her finger."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gan Ning visits the Wander Bar, a known hub for illicit activities and information exchange.
• He meets with Professor Monteria and two other wizards (the Wanderer Wizard and a Lich) in a private room.
• Gan Ning shares details of the incident at the school involving Zheng Qing and the failed experimental subjects.
• The Professor reveals his interest in recruiting Zheng Qing for his laboratory.

Character Developments

• Gan Ning shows increased maturity and vigilance, understanding the risks of dealing with the Wanderer Wizard.
• Professor Monteria demonstrates his strategic thinking and long-term planning, willing to add uncertainty to achieve his elusive goals.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictable nature of the Starry Sky and its potential value in experiments.
• The Professor's interest in Zheng Qing's abilities and bloodline, suggesting a potential recruitment.
• The theme of uncertainty and risk in achieving long-term goals.

Character Interactions

• Gan Ning and Professor Monteria: The Professor treats Gan Ning as an equal, valuing his insights and opinions.
• Gan Ning and the Wanderer Wizard: Gan Ning is cautious around the Wanderer Wizard, aware of his shady dealings.
• The Professor and the Lich: They discuss their respective objectives, showing a level of trust and understanding between them.