Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The "Wand" list, which ranks students at First University, has been updated.
• Andrew Taylor from Alpha Academy entered the Coin Sequence as a 'Knight'.
• Nicholas, despite his past failures and reliance on a Curse Seal, entered the Scepter Sequence as the last one, Sequence Ten.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing is surprised by Nicholas's inclusion in the "Wand" list.
• Xin Fatty is displeased with Zheng Qing's comment about him being 'even' with Elder.
• Dr. Xiao analyzes that Nicholas's inclusion is due to his role as a representative of North District Wizards and the influence of the 'Give Me a Frog' movement, as well as the support of Zhu Si (The Rat Immortal) and Colmar the Great Sage.

Significant Themes

• The influence of political and social factors on academic recognition.
• The tension between classical and modern magic theories.
• The struggle of North District Wizards for recognition.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing discusses the "Wand" list with Xin Fatty and Dr. Xiao.
• Xin Fatty feels slighted by Zheng Qing's comment.
• Dr. Xiao shares his insights about Nicholas's inclusion in the "Wand" list.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The three young wizards (Zheng Qing, Xin Fatty, and Xiao Xiao) discuss the 'Minor Arcana' list, avoiding the 'Major Arcana' due to its dangerous nature.
• Xin Fatty reveals updates about the 'Coin' and 'Scepter' sequences, including promotions and new additions.
• Jiang Yu, who had left earlier, returns to retrieve a book she forgot, surprising Zheng Qing.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows concern for Jiang Yu's academic progress and is protective of her.
• Xin Fatty displays his knowledge of the 'Minor Arcana' list and its changes, indicating his involvement in the magical community's affairs.
• Jiang Yu demonstrates self-awareness about her academic struggles, showing a humble and determined side.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchy within the magical community, as reflected in the 'Minor Arcana' list and its sequences.
• The importance of knowledge and academic prowess in the magical world, as seen through Jiang Yu's struggle with her studies.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu's interaction shows a level of familiarity and concern for each other's well-being.
• Zheng Qing's interaction with Xin Fatty highlights their shared interest in the 'Minor Arcana' list and its changes.
• The group's dynamic is characterized by their shared interests, knowledge, and camaraderie, as seen in their lively discussion and Zheng Qing's protective stance towards Jiang Yu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Order in Green Valley improves after invigilators' warnings.
• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty discuss the day's events and winter break plans.
• Zheng Qing is called for his practical exam with Andrew Taylor.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing remains vigilant against Andrew Taylor's schemes.
• Xin Fatty displays his forgetfulness and lack of seriousness about his studies.
• Zheng Qing shows interest in exploring Beta Town's north district.

Significant Themes

• Order and discipline in the academy.
• The contrast between Jiuyou Academy's restrained practical assessments and other academies' methods.
• Zheng Qing's curiosity and eagerness to explore.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty's conversation reveals their differing attitudes towards academics and winter break plans.
• Zheng Qing and Andrew Taylor's tension and animosity remain, hinting at their upcoming practical exam.
• The other students' gazes towards Zheng Qing indicate their curiosity and interest in him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing learns that Ghosts have overheard his plan to 'poach' Councilwoman Su and are heading to inform her.
• Zheng Qing returns to his dorm, seeking Xiao Xiao's help for an application, but Xiao Xiao informs him about an Alliance mission the Hunting Team must undertake during the winter break.
• Zheng Qing is suddenly transported to the Two-Dimensional Evolution Laboratory by an unknown force.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows concern for Jiang Yu's reputation, indicating his growing maturity and consideration for others.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates his knowledge of the Hunting Team's dynamics and the Alliance's expectations.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Control: Zheng Qing's plans are repeatedly disrupted by unexpected events, highlighting the theme of fate and lack of control over one's life.
• Responsibility and Obligation: The Hunting Team's obligation to undertake Alliance missions emphasizes the theme of responsibility and duty.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao's interaction shows their growing camaraderie and mutual understanding.
• Zheng Qing's interaction with the witch in the laboratory hints at an upcoming confrontation or challenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing is summoned to Su Shijun's office to discuss his winter break plans.
• Su Shijun reveals she can now move students within the school and has become more powerful.
• Zheng Qing shares his plan to complete hunting missions with You Zui during the break.
• Su Shijun gives Zheng Qing a jade pendant for protection and warns him to stay away from danger.
• Zheng Qing experiences insomnia the night before the final exams, struggling to recall spell details.
• On the exam day, Xiao Xiao wakes Zheng Qing up and gives him an energy potion to help him concentrate.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows resistance to Su Shijun's mind-reading abilities and maintains composure during their conversation. Experiences exam-related stress and insomnia.
• Su Shijun: Reveals she has gained more power and can now move students within the school. Shows concern for Zheng Qing's safety during the winter break.
• Xiao Xiao: Displays responsibility and care for Zheng Qing by waking him up and providing an energy potion to help him focus during the exam.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Su Shijun's increased power and ability to move students within the school highlight the power imbalance between her and Zheng Qing.
• Responsibility and care: Xiao Xiao's actions demonstrate her concern for Zheng Qing's well-being and academic success.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun: Their conversation reveals Su Shijun's growing power and concern for Zheng Qing's safety, while Zheng Qing maintains composure and honesty.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Xiao Xiao shows care and responsibility for Zheng Qing by waking him up and providing him with an energy potion to help him focus during the exam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing is summoned by Su Shijun (the Witch) to discuss winter break plans.
• Su Shijun reveals she's now a school staff member and has become more powerful.
• Zheng Qing shares that he'll be completing a hunting mission during winter break.
• Su Shijun decides to take Dongdong (Zheng Qing's pet) to Qingqiu for the break.
• Zheng Qing experiences insomnia the night before the final exams, struggling to recall spell details.
• On the day of the exam, Xiao Xiao wakes Zheng Qing up and gives him an Energy Potion with a Buffy Brain Revitalizer to help him focus.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with insomnia due to exam anxiety, showing his human side and vulnerability.
• Su Shijun: Shows concern for Zheng Qing's safety during the hunt, providing him with a jade pendant for protection.
• Xiao Xiao: Demonstrates responsibility and care for Zheng Qing's well-being, ensuring he's awake and prepared for the exam.

Significant Themes

• Exam anxiety and preparation.
• The importance of communication and understanding between individuals (Zheng Qing and Su Shijun discussing winter break plans).
• The power of friendship and support (Xiao Xiao helping Zheng Qing prepare for the exam).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun: They discuss winter break plans, with Su Shijun showing concern for Zheng Qing's safety and privacy.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Xiao Xiao wakes Zheng Qing up and helps him prepare for the exam, showing care and responsibility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing struggles with a question about dew types during the Potions Studies exam.
• He recalls collecting dew with Xiao Xiao and Professor Li, but struggles to remember details about Autumn Dew.
• Zheng Qing hears and sees strange events happening outside the Academy during the exam, suggesting a fight or attack.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates his dedication and hard work in completing his exam, even amidst distractions.
• He shows curiosity and concern about the events happening outside, indicating his courage and responsibility.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and Perseverance: Zheng Qing's diligent study and recall of past experiences help him complete his exam despite uncertainty.
• Distraction and Focus: The external events test Zheng Qing's ability to concentrate on his task despite distractions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with the teaching assistant, who reminds students to focus on their exams and not be distracted by external events.
• Students react to the events outside, showing curiosity and concern, but are reminded to stay focused on their exams.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive sinkhole appears near First University, revealing an illegal laboratory with a unique, awakening experiment subject: a Soul Returning Poplar.
• The experiment subject exhibits plant-animal hybrid characteristics and strong magic resistance.
• Surrounding areas are evacuated, and a safety zone is established. Other experiment subjects are contained, and no further abnormal life forms are detected.
• The laboratory's owner is not identified, but it's confirmed they're not a first-time offender.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments are shown in this chapter, as it primarily focuses on the incident and the faculty's response.

Significant Themes

• The prevalence of illegal laboratories and experiments around First University.
• The tension between containing and destroying illegal experiment subjects.
• The lack of decisive action from higher authorities in the face of such incidents.

Character Interactions

• Faculty members discuss the situation, expressing frustration and dissatisfaction with the school's handling of the incident.
• Old Man Vernal and Professor An interact, with Vernal criticizing the school's policies and An trying to steer the conversation towards safer topics.
• May, the old dog, is sent to handle the crowd of onlookers and outsiders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An explosion occurs outside the perimeter wall during the exam, causing a brief commotion.
• The exam continues despite the incident, with students advised to write something for unanswered questions.
• After the exam, students are confined to the teaching buildings due to an accident in the Silent Forest involving an illegal laboratory.
• The lockdown lasts for hours, with campus workers cleaning the campus multiple times.
• In the evening, students are allowed to leave, and news of the accident spreads.
• It's revealed that the accident involved an illegal laboratory related to the students' dormitory.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing is concerned about the incident and tries to divine the situation but fails.
• Xiao Xiao remains calm and informed about the number of illegal laboratories in the Silent Forest.
• Xin Fatty brings news about the accident and its relation to their dormitory.
• Dylan is more interested in discussing the Potion Class exam.

Significant Themes

• The prevalence of illegal laboratories in the Silent Forest and the school's struggle to contain them.
• The consequences of students conducting illegal experiments.
• The school's bureaucracy and its methods of handling crises.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing, Xiao Xiao, Xin Fatty, and Dylan discuss the incident and its relation to their dormitory.
• Zheng Qing's disappearance from the dormitory goes unnoticed by his roommates.
• The fat wizard teases Zheng Qing about his involvement with the 'Seven Deadly Sins.'

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing finds himself in the Dean's office after a sudden dizzy spell.
• The Dean reveals he can hear Zheng Qing's thoughts and discusses the recent incident at an illegal laboratory involving crows.
• The Dean suggests Zheng Qing consider graduating early.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about the crow incident. He's also conflicted about the idea of graduating early.
• Old Yao (Dean): Reveals he can read Zheng Qing's thoughts, showing his power and nonchalance. He's interested in Zheng Qing's potential and wants him to graduate early.

Significant Themes

• Power and Knowledge: Old Yao's ability to read thoughts highlights the power dynamics between them. Zheng Qing's knowledge of magic is also a significant theme, with the Dean acknowledging his potential.
• Growth and Maturity: The suggestion to graduate early pushes Zheng Qing to consider his future and the expectations placed upon him.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Old Yao: Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and curiosity. Old Yao's nonchalant attitude contrasts with Zheng Qing's eagerness to learn about the crow incident. Zheng Qing is also cautious about sharing his thoughts with the Dean.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing visits Professor Yao to discuss the school's chaos and his own concerns.
• Professor Yao reveals the internal power struggle between him, Professor Emma, and Vice Principal Ruo Yu, which has led to the school's inefficiency and potential crisis.
• He expresses his desire for a more authoritative voice to resolve the situation and prevent another Black Prison-like crisis.

Character Developments

• Professor Yao: He shows his political acumen and concern for the school's well-being, seeking a resolution to the internal power struggle. He also displays a more personal side, expressing weariness and hoping for a change.
• Zheng Qing: He demonstrates maturity and understanding beyond his years, engaging in a serious conversation with Professor Yao and showing concern for the school's fate.

Significant Themes

• Power Struggle: The internal power dynamics between Professor Yao, Professor Emma, and Vice Principal Ruo Yu highlight the theme of power struggle and its consequences on the school's efficiency and stability.
• Leadership: The need for a strong, authoritative leader to guide the school through crises is emphasized, reflecting the theme of leadership and its importance in maintaining order.
• Growth and Responsibility: Zheng Qing's conversation with Professor Yao encourages him to take on more responsibility and grow beyond his current role as a student.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Professor Yao: Their conversation reveals their mutual respect and understanding. Zheng Qing shows maturity beyond his years, while Professor Yao treats him as an equal, sharing his concerns and hopes for the school.
• Professor Yao and Other Faculty: The power struggle between Professor Yao, Professor Emma, and Vice Principal Ruo Yu is hinted at, showing the complex relationships and dynamics among the faculty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing, a scholarship student, is practicing magic with Dr. Xiao, who expresses doubt in Zheng Qing's dedication and likelihood of passing his Charm class practical exam.
• Zheng Qing confides in Dr. Xiao about his intention to graduate early.
• Dr. Xiao discusses the reasons why some students choose to graduate early, using examples of successful students who didn't.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with the decision to graduate early due to fear and uncertainty about the consequences.
• Dr. Xiao: Shows a rare irritable demeanor when Zheng Qing is indecisive. He provides guidance and advice to Zheng Qing, encouraging him to make his own decision.

Significant Themes

• The purpose of attending university: While some students focus on studying and accumulating knowledge, others view it as a social venue for experience, friendship, and freedom.
• Fear of the unknown: Zheng Qing's fear of the consequences of his decision to graduate early is a significant obstacle in his decision-making process.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Dr. Xiao: Zheng Qing seeks advice from Dr. Xiao about his decision to graduate early. Dr. Xiao provides guidance and encourages Zheng Qing to make his own decision, ultimately helping Zheng Qing gain clarity on his feelings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing struggles with the Alchemy exam, failing to capture a clear photo of his Synthetic Beast due to its light sensitivity and his oversight in applying a Weak Leg Curse.
• The semester's exams conclude on January 18th, the day of the Great Cold.
• The You Zui Hunting Team gathers at the Wander Bar, with Zheng Qing dwelling on his exam failure.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing feels a new sense of urgency and responsibility, possibly due to his suspected connection to Mister, which influences his perspective on his exam failure.
• The Fat Wizard shows increased anxiety about his appearance and Linda's arrival, hinting at romantic developments.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and Urgency: Zheng Qing feels a new sense of responsibility and urgency, likely due to his suspected connection to Mister, affecting his reaction to his exam failure.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The Fat Wizard's extravagant appearance contrasts with his anxious behavior, highlighting the theme of appearances not reflecting reality.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with his You Zui Hunting Team members, expressing his frustration over his exam failure.
• The Fat Wizard and Zhang Jixin tease each other about their appearances and romantic interests.
• Zheng Qing and the Fat Wizard share a moment of understanding about the increased liveliness of the Sprites in their dormitory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing feels out of place in the lively Wander Bar.
• Elder Zhang and Xin Fatty complain about being sent home for the New Year instead of going on a mission.
• Jiang Yu overhears them and expresses her displeasure at not being included in the mission.
• Zheng Qing follows Jiang Yu to the bar, and they have a brief conversation.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows interest in Jiang Yu's well-being and tries to engage in conversation with her.
• Jiang Yu displays her sharp wit and independence, expressing her dissatisfaction with the hunting team's decisions.
• Elder Zhang and Xin Fatty reveal their frustration with being excluded from the mission.

Significant Themes

• Loneliness in Crowds: Zheng Qing feels isolated despite being surrounded by people, highlighting the theme of loneliness and disconnection.
• Inequality and Exclusion: Jiang Yu's exclusion from the mission, along with the complaints of Elder Zhang and Xin Fatty, underscores the theme of inequality and unfair treatment.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu have a brief, somewhat awkward conversation, with Zheng Qing trying to compliment Jiang Yu and Jiang Yu responding with sarcasm.
• Elder Zhang and Xin Fatty commiserate over their exclusion from the mission, bonding over their shared frustration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing meets a Witch in a bar who gives him 'Haha Beads,' ancient Alchemy Dolls that can transform into helpful entities in combat.
• Zheng Qing learns about the upcoming hunting mission from the Alliance, which will be confirmed by Friday.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao discuss their plans for the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day, with Zheng Qing promising a generous gift to Jiang Yu.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows interest in the Haha Beads and accepts them as a gift.
• Zheng Qing is conflicted about spending the New Year with Jiang Yu due to potential backlash from fans.
• Xiao Xiao shows concern for Zheng Qing's safety and offers advice.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Rivalry: Zheng Qing's relationship with Jiang Yu is a mix of friendship and rivalry, causing concern among his friends.
• Gift-giving and Obligations: Zheng Qing feels obligated to give a generous gift to Jiang Yu for the New Year, reflecting the expectations and pressures of gift-giving in their culture.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with the Witch, who gives him the Haha Beads and offers advice about the upcoming hunting mission.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao discuss their plans for the New Year, with Xiao Xiao expressing concern for Zheng Qing's safety.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao share a moment of camaraderie, clinking mugs and wishing for a smooth mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two older wizards, the Wanderer Wizard (bar owner) and Professor Monteria, discuss a secret experiment and its consequences.
• The experiment, conducted by students (the Crows), has led to several laboratories being shut down by the school.
• The Wanderer Wizard criticizes Professor Monteria's actions, while Monteria defends his decisions, arguing that the experiment is at a critical stage and requires sacrifices.

Character Developments

• The Wanderer Wizard: Shows concern for the Crows and disapproval of Professor Monteria's methods, hinting at a moral compass despite his Dark Wizard past.
• Professor Monteria: Reveals a more complex character, willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the experiment's success, but also acknowledging the importance of principles and restraint.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice vs. Principles: Both characters grapple with the idea of making sacrifices for a greater cause versus adhering to principles and restraint.
• The Struggle for Survival: Both characters see themselves as struggling to survive on the fringes of the Wizarding World, highlighting the precariousness of their positions.

Character Interactions

• The Wanderer Wizard and Professor Monteria engage in a tense discussion, with the Wanderer Wizard criticizing Monteria's actions and Monteria defending his decisions.
• The Wanderer Wizard draws a parallel between Professor Monteria and Colmar, suggesting a similarity in their temperaments and situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Wanderer Wizard and Professor Monteria discuss the Black Prison and the possibility of Monteria being declared fallen.
• A crow, a familiar of Monteria, interrupts their conversation and later flies out of the bar, transforming into a meteor-like streak in the night sky.
• The crow, now in its true form, observes a Merfolk professor, Elder Garcia, meeting with an Archwizard from the North District by Linzhong Lake.

Character Developments

• The Wanderer Wizard shows persistence in his principles and a willingness to protect his friends.
• Professor Monteria reveals his resilience and freedom of spirit despite potential threats.
• Elder Garcia, the Merfolk professor, displays hospitality and wisdom, while also maintaining a sense of distance and mystery.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and alliances in the face of adversity.
• The struggle between ideals and reality.
• The preservation of freedom and spirit despite imprisonment or persecution.

Character Interactions

• The Wanderer Wizard and Professor Monteria engage in a tense yet friendly conversation, with the Wanderer Wizard trying to convince Monteria to avoid the Black Prison.
• The crow serves as a silent observer and messenger, connecting the events at the bar to the lakeside meeting.
• Elder Garcia and the Archwizard have a polite, cautious exchange, with Garcia offering hospitality while maintaining a degree of detachment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Colmar visits the Merfolk Tribe elders at Linzhong Lake on Christmas night.
• She proposes a union between the marginalized North District Wizards and the Merfolk Tribe to challenge First University and the Alliance.
• Professor Garcia, the Merfolk elder, rejects the idea, comparing their situation to ants trying to change an elephant's path.
• Colmar suggests inviting the Rat Immortal and the Rat Tribe to join their cause.

Character Developments

• Colmar: She shows determination in her plans to challenge the status quo and help marginalized groups. She's also more open to negotiation and alliance-building.
• Professor Garcia: He displays reluctance to Colmar's plans, preferring to maintain the Merfolk Tribe's independence. He's also more open to discussing their situation after Colmar's persistence.

Significant Themes

• Marginalization and ostracism: The struggle of marginalized groups (North District Wizards, Merfolk, Rat People, etc.) to gain acceptance and power.
• Alliance and unity: The importance of marginalized groups uniting to challenge the mainstream and gain recognition.
• Pragmatism vs. idealism: Colmar's pragmatic approach to achieving her goals, while Professor Garcia is more idealistic about maintaining the Merfolk Tribe's independence.

Character Interactions

• Colmar and Professor Garcia: They engage in a tense but productive discussion about their respective views on challenging the mainstream and the possibility of an alliance. Colmar's persistence leads Professor Garcia to consider her ideas more seriously.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Colmar, an Archwizard, visits Professor Garcia, an elder of the Merfolk Tribe, at Linzhong Lake after Christmas.
• She proposes an alliance between the North District Wizards and the Merfolk Tribe to negotiate with First University or the Alliance.
• Professor Garcia rejects the idea, comparing their situation to ants trying to change an elephant's path.
• Colmar suggests including the Rat Immortal in their alliance, and proposes founding a new academy for marginalized groups.

Character Developments

• Colmar shows determination in her plans and is willing to take risks to improve the situation of marginalized groups.
• Professor Garcia is initially reluctant but shows understanding and consideration for Colmar's perspective.

Significant Themes

• Marginalization and discrimination against certain groups in society.
• The struggle for survival and recognition of these marginalized groups.
• The power dynamics between the mainstream and the marginalized.

Character Interactions

• Colmar and Professor Garcia have a candid conversation, with Colmar trying to persuade him to join her cause.
• Their interaction shows respect and understanding, despite their initial disagreement.
• Colmar uses her wit and determination to convince Professor Garcia of her vision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Trident Sword headquarters is surprisingly small and inconspicuous despite its significant reputation.
• The office is protected by runes, a Guardian Formation, and Incantation Light that scans visitors for curses or dark magic.
• Agatha, the receptionist, has been working there for over thirty years, providing keys to visitors based on their destinations.
• A portly Old Wizard, Marvin Smith, tries to bribe Agatha but is rebuked and eventually leaves.
• A team of young Hunters arrives to meet an Examiner for an Alliance Hunting mission.

Character Developments

• Agatha: Initially stern and indifferent, she softens when interacting with the young Hunters, revealing maternal instincts.
• Marvin Smith: He initially tries to impress the young Hunters with his lineage but is humiliated by Agatha, showing his pompous and deceitful nature.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: The Trident Sword's office is small and unassuming, contrasting with its formidable reputation.
• Corruption and Integrity: Marvin Smith's attempt at bribery is rebuked, emphasizing the importance of integrity.
• Youth and Experience: The young Hunters represent youth and inexperience, while Agatha and Marvin Smith represent older, more experienced figures.

Character Interactions

• Agatha is dismissive and stern with Marvin Smith but gentle and patient with the young Hunters.
• Marvin Smith tries to impress the young Hunters but is embarrassed by Agatha's rebuke.
• The young Hunters are initially nervous but gain confidence as they interact with Agatha.