Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing returns from Shanglin Garden, still affected by the dance and lights from the night before.
• Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing discuss the earnings from his dance accompaniments, with Jiang Yu taking half as her agent's fee.
• Jiang Yu gives Zheng Qing money to buy a gift for Dong Dong, suggesting they combine their gifts.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing learns about Jiang Yu's role in arranging his dance accompaniments and her feelings about it.
• Jiang Yu shows her thoughtfulness and generosity in wanting to give Dong Dong a meaningful gift.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of relationships and emotions, as seen in Jiang Yu's feelings about Zheng Qing's dance accompaniments.
• The difference in wealth and perspective between Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu, highlighted by Jiang Yu's suggestion to buy Dong Dong a small shop.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu have a candid conversation about the dance earnings, showing mutual understanding and respect.
• Jiang Yu's interaction with Zheng Qing reveals her care and consideration for Dong Dong, despite her initial reluctance to acknowledge their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing returns to school on the fifth Monday of the semester, worrying about his absence and the gossip it might cause.
• He meets Xiao Xiao at Feiyuan, accidentally breaking Xiao Xiao's protective barrier and compensating him with Jade Coins.
• A Fox Maidservant from Qingqiu arrives at the classroom, looking for Zheng Qing.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing is anxious about his absence and the potential gossip, showing his concern for his reputation and career.
• Xiao Xiao maintains his calm and logical demeanor, pushing Zheng Qing to confront his actions and their consequences.
• The Fox Maidservant from Qingqiu appears more formal and stern than usual, hinting at a serious matter.

Significant Themes

• Reputation and Consequences: Zheng Qing's actions have consequences, and he must face the potential gossip and scrutiny.
• Honesty and Self-Reflection: Zheng Qing struggles to find an excuse for his actions, highlighting the importance of honesty and self-reflection.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao's friendship is strengthened by Zheng Qing's compensation for breaking Xiao Xiao's barrier.
• Zheng Qing's interaction with the Fox Maidservant hints at an upcoming serious matter from Qingqiu.
• Zheng Qing's anxiety about his absence is evident in his interactions with Xiao Xiao and the Fox Maidservant.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing sneaks into the Two-Dimensional Evolution Laboratory to meet Su Shijun.
• He decides to confess his relationship with Jiang Yu to Su Shijun, prepared for any consequences.
• Su Shijun asks Zheng Qing about his whereabouts the previous night, catching him off guard.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with his feelings for Jiang Yu and his duty to the Su Clan. He decides to confess his relationship with Jiang Yu to Su Shijun, showing determination and courage.
• Su Shijun: Remains calm and composed, hinting at a deeper understanding of Zheng Qing's actions.

Significant Themes

• Relationship and duty: Zheng Qing grapples with his personal feelings and his responsibilities to the Su Clan and the Under the Moon Council.
• Honesty and confrontation: Zheng Qing prepares to be honest with Su Shijun about his relationship with Jiang Yu, ready to face the consequences.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun: Zheng Qing is anxious and nervous about confessing his relationship with Jiang Yu to Su Shijun. Su Shijun, on the other hand, remains calm and collected, hinting at a deeper understanding of Zheng Qing's actions. Their interaction is tense and filled with unspoken tension.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing visits Senior Councilor Su Shijun to present a gift, using money earned in Shanglin Garden.
• Su Shijun suggests Zheng Qing buy Wizard Alliance-Under the Moon Airlines stock for Dondon using the money.
• Su Shijun reveals she knows about Zheng Qing's actions with Jiang Yu in Shanglin Garden.
• Su Shijun punishes Zheng Qing by kissing him on the cheek.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with his feelings for Su Shijun, tries to confess but is repeatedly interrupted. Reacts strongly to Su Shijun's punishment, indicating his growing feelings for her.
• Su Shijun: Shows a playful and teasing side, enjoys making Zheng Qing uncomfortable. Reveals she's aware of Zheng Qing's actions and isn't pleased, but also shows she's not entirely disinterested in him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Su Shijun's position as a Senior Councilor and Zheng Qing's status as a new Wizard create a power imbalance, with Su Shijun having the upper hand.
• Emotional tension: The chapter explores the tension between Zheng Qing's growing feelings for Su Shijun and her playful, sometimes cruel, treatment of him.
• Punishment and reward: The theme of punishment and reward is explored literally (Su Shijun's punishment for Zheng Qing's actions) and metaphorically (Su Shijun's teasing and Zheng Qing's emotional turmoil).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun: Their interaction is filled with tension and unspoken feelings. Su Shijun teases and punishes Zheng Qing, while Zheng Qing struggles to confess his feelings. Their dynamic is complex, with Su Shijun holding the power and Zheng Qing trying to navigate his emotions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing returns to the classroom in a daze after Su Shijun's revelation.
• He steps in dog feces and is scolded by Old Yao for not cleaning his shoes before entering the classroom.
• Zheng Qing has a nosebleed during class, drawing attention from his classmates.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with the allure of Su Shijun's revelation, leading to a state of mental disarray. He tries to maintain composure but fails, ultimately having a nosebleed in class.
• Old Yao: Displays concern for Zheng Qing's well-being, scolding him for daydreaming and causing a disturbance in class.
• Xiao Xiao: Questions Zheng Qing about his odd behavior and facial expressions.
• Xin Fatty: Offers Zheng Qing an ice pack, showing concern and eagerness to gossip.

Significant Themes

• The power of temptation and its effect on one's mental state.
• The struggle between desire and self-control.
• The consequences of letting one's mind wander during class.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Old Yao: Old Yao scolds Zheng Qing for daydreaming and causing a disturbance in class, showing concern for his well-being.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Xiao Xiao questions Zheng Qing about his odd behavior, showing curiosity and concern.
• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty: Xin Fatty offers Zheng Qing an ice pack, showing concern and eagerness to gossip about his nosebleed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing returns to the dorm to find Xin Fatty and Xiao Xiao waiting, eager to know about his meeting with Su Shijun.
• Xin Fatty reveals he has black eyes, suspected to be a result of Su Shijun's revenge for Zheng Qing's injury.
• Zheng Qing is reluctant to discuss his time in Shanglin Garden, leading to tension.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Becomes more guarded about his personal life, especially regarding Su Shijun.
• Xin Fatty: Shows concern and curiosity about Zheng Qing's whereabouts and activities, hinting at a protective nature.
• Xiao Xiao: Demonstrates analytical skills and a calm demeanor, providing insights into the situation.

Significant Themes

• Privacy and personal space: Zheng Qing's reluctance to share details about his life.
• Trust and friendship: The dynamics between Zheng Qing, Xin Fatty, and Xiao Xiao.
• Power dynamics: The influence of Su Shijun's status and abilities on the characters' actions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty: Their dynamic shifts from friendly banter to tension due to Zheng Qing's secrecy.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Xiao Xiao shows understanding and support towards Zheng Qing's situation.
• Zheng Qing, Xin Fatty, and Xiao Xiao: The trio's dynamic highlights their shared history and camaraderie, despite the current strain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing compares his relationships with Su Shijun and Jiang Yu to intertwined parallel lines, which are both parallel and intersecting.
• He uses the example of king crabs and cockroaches to illustrate that seemingly unrelated or similar creatures can have unexpected similarities or differences.
• Dylan overhears their conversation and shares his perspective on interspecies relationships, using the example of Werewolves and the Blood Clan.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing reflects on his relationships with Su Shijun and Jiang Yu, trying to convey that true love isn't about overlapping lines but extending in the same direction.
• Dylan reveals his concerns about interspecies relationships and his unwillingness to meet a potential Zombie partner due to the high likelihood of their offspring not surviving.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of relationships and love, with Zheng Qing's metaphor of intertwined parallel lines suggesting both overlap and separation.
• The challenges and consequences of interspecies relationships, as discussed by Dylan.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing shares his thoughts on relationships with Xin Fatty and Xiao Xiao, who misinterpret and criticize his perspective.
• Dylan overhears their conversation and offers his own perspective on interspecies relationships, challenging Zheng Qing's views.
• Zheng Qing and Dylan have a light-hearted argument about their ages and the appropriateness of their potential partners.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing reviews reports about the Shanglin Garden Spring Hunt in various newspapers and magazines.
• He is concerned about his safety and potential misinterpretations of his actions at the event.
• Zheng Qing notices that reports about him are now "conservative and polite," unlike their previous objectivity.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows caution and awareness of potential public misinterpretations of his actions.
• He demonstrates humility and self-awareness in acknowledging the change in reporting tone about him.

Significant Themes

• The power of media and public perception.
• The delicate balance between personal actions and public image.
• The potential for misinterpretation and sensationalism in reporting.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with various characters at the Shanglin Garden Spring Hunt, including Tu Shan Chu Jiu, Betasy Black, Vivian O'Brien, and Jiang Yu.
• His relationships with these characters are misinterpreted in the media, leading to inaccurate portrayals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing returns to the dorm after classes, carrying materials for his Petites Mains Mission and planning to convert for three more hours.
• His roommates ambush him with questions about a rumor that he got a Horse Girl (Luna) pregnant at the Shanglin Garden.
• Xin Fatty uses a Truth Stone to confirm the rumor, and Zheng Qing reluctantly admits Luna expressed interest in having a foal with him.
• Zheng Qing reveals Jiang Yu was present and he rejected Luna's suggestion.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with the workload of his classes and missions, maintains his integrity by rejecting Luna's proposition.
• Xin Fatty: Shows concern for Zheng Qing's well-being, eager to document the details of the rumor.
• Xiao Xiao: Acts as a mediator, trying to get Zheng Qing to open up about the situation.
• Dylan: Skips class to support Zheng Qing, offers his family's experience with inter-racial exchanges.

Significant Themes

• Rumors and their consequences: The spread of rumors can cause significant distress and impact one's reputation.
• Inter-racial relations: The dynamics between different races are explored, with Luna's proposition highlighting potential cultural differences and misunderstandings.
• Friendship and support: Zheng Qing's roommates show concern for him, offering help and advice despite the unusual circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty: The Fat Wizard presses Zheng Qing for information, using a Truth Stone to confirm the rumor.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Xiao Xiao tries to coax Zheng Qing into sharing more about the situation.
• Zheng Qing and Dylan: Dylan offers support and advice, showing understanding of inter-racial exchanges due to his family's experiences.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Although not present, Jiang Yu's presence at the Shanglin Garden is mentioned, implying she might have witnessed Luna's proposition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing feels paranoid after the interrogation, sensing strange gazes and conspiracies everywhere.
• He accidentally throws Zhang Jixin to the ground while overreacting to a friendly gesture.
• Zhang Jixin invites Zheng Qing to be a 'Family Advisor' for his family, offering a monthly stipend and independence.
• Zheng Qing is invited to visit Zhang Jixin's home during the summer holidays.
• The discussion about the Starry Sky Hunting Team's rules and regulations ensues.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with paranoia and sensitivity after the interrogation, shows concern for his safety and freedom.
• Zhang Jixin: Shows maturity and understanding, trying to smooth over Zheng Qing's overreaction, and acts as a mediator between Zheng Qing and his family.

Significant Themes

• Paranoia and its effects on daily life.
• The tension between freedom and responsibility, as seen in the context of the 'Family Advisor' role.
• The importance of understanding and reacting appropriately to rules and regulations, as discussed in relation to the Starry Sky Hunting Team's rules.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Zhang Jixin: Their interaction shows Zheng Qing's paranoia and Zhang Jixin's understanding and patience.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Xiao Xiao shows concern for Zheng Qing's safety and offers practical advice.
• The group's discussion about the Starry Sky Hunting Team's rules reflects their differing opinions and perspectives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Divination class learns Face-Touching Divination, which interprets unconscious facial touches to predict events or thoughts about others.
• Zheng Qing struggles with the technique during practice, unable to predict anything about Jiang Yu or Su Shijun.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates the technique, touching his nose while thinking about Sima.
• Zheng Qing unconsciously slaps himself twice while trying to divine, drawing attention from the class.
• Xiao Xiao and the Fat Wizard analyze Zheng Qing's slaps, with the Fat Wizard suggesting Zheng Qing was thinking of multiple people or events.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with Face-Touching Divination, has an unconscious reaction (slapping himself) while trying to divine, and seems to have feelings for multiple people (Jiang Yu and Linda).
• Xiao Xiao: Demonstrates the Face-Touching Divination technique, shows pride in his knowledge, and analyzes Zheng Qing's slaps.
• Fat Wizard: Teases Zheng Qing about his divination mishap and suggests he was thinking of multiple people or events.

Significant Themes

• Divination: The chapter explores the Face-Touching Divination technique, its challenges, and its potential interpretations.
• Unconsciousness vs. Consciousness: The technique requires a separation between one's conscious thoughts and physical actions.
• Multiple Desires: Zheng Qing's divination mishap suggests he has feelings for more than one person, raising the theme of dealing with multiple desires.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: They discuss the Face-Touching Divination technique, with Xiao Xiao demonstrating it and Zheng Qing struggling with it.
• Zheng Qing and the Fat Wizard: The Fat Wizard teases Zheng Qing about his divination mishap, suggesting he was thinking of multiple people or events.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Zheng Qing thinks about Jiang Yu during the divination practice, but nothing happens. Jiang Yu notices Zheng Qing's divination mishap.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing meets with Xin Fatty and Xiao Xiao, who suggest hiring a professional to handle rumors about Zheng Qing's involvement with a Hui Yin Tribe girl.
• The 'professional' turns out to be Linda Barnes, a senior reporter with influential family connections in the Wizarding World's news sector.
• Zheng Qing initially hesitates to meet Linda due to her family's influence but eventually decides to go in.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows concern about the potential impact of the rumors on his future and is initially hesitant to involve Linda Barnes due to her family's influence.
• Xin Fatty: Demonstrates resourcefulness in finding Linda Barnes and understanding the potential benefits of her involvement.
• Linda Barnes: Shows professionalism and understanding of Zheng Qing's situation, indicating she might be more than just a reporter.

Significant Themes

• The power of influence and connections in society.
• The potential consequences of one's actions on their future.
• The importance of professional help in handling complex situations.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty: Zheng Qing is initially skeptical of Xin Fatty's suggestion to hire a professional, but eventually trusts his judgment.
• Zheng Qing and Linda Barnes: Zheng Qing is hesitant to meet Linda due to her family's influence but ultimately decides to engage with her professionally.
• Linda Barnes and Xin Fatty: They seem to have a friendly rapport, with Linda ordering dessert for Xin Fatty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing's dual identity as a student and teacher causes people to address him differently based on their relationship with him.
• Linda Barnes, a former school newspaper editor, interviews Zheng Qing, asking about his attendance at the Shanglin Garden Spring Hunt and his relationship with Su Shijun.
• Zheng Qing confirms his attendance but denies the rumors about his relationship with Su Shijun and being a live-in son-in-law.
• Zheng Qing expresses his desire to keep his presence at Shanglin Garden private.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Maintains composure under pressure, tries to control the narrative about his personal life, and shows a desire for privacy.
• Linda Barnes: Persistent in her pursuit of the truth, uses her journalistic skills to probe Zheng Qing's personal life, and offers to help him manage public opinion.

Significant Themes

• Rumors and their impact on one's reputation and privacy.
• The blurred line between public and private life for prominent figures.
• The power dynamics between journalists and their subjects.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Linda Barnes: Engage in a tense interview, with Zheng Qing trying to downplay his involvement in the Shanglin Garden Spring Hunt, and Linda Barnes pushing for more information.
• Zheng Qing and Fatty: Fatty tries to avoid getting involved in the conversation, showing loyalty to Zheng Qing but also hinting at his knowledge of Zheng Qing's personal life.
• Zheng Qing and the public: Zheng Qing expresses frustration with the public's interest in his personal life, highlighting the tension between his desire for privacy and his public role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing realizes that rumors about him and others from Shanglin Garden have been spreading, but there's no mention of him tossing Tu Shan Chu Jiu around.
• He expresses his desire to control these rumors, especially those about Jiang Yu and his encounter with Tu Shan Chu Jiu and Luna Hui Yin.
• Linda Barnes, a blonde witch, questions Zheng Qing about his relationships with other nobles mentioned in the newspaper, suggesting he's involved in a larger web of connections.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows concern for Jiang Yu and others, demonstrating a level of maturity and responsibility. He's also aware of the influence of old wizarding families and the potential consequences of his actions.
• Linda Barnes: Displayed caution and pragmatism, wanting to ensure she's not getting involved in something too large before helping Zheng Qing.

Significant Themes

• The influence of public opinion and the struggle to control it.
• The power dynamics and connections within the wizarding world, particularly among old wizarding families.
• The consequences of actions and their potential impact on others.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with Linda Barnes and Xin Fatty, seeking their help in controlling rumors about him. Linda questions him about his relationships with other nobles, showing a level of skepticism and caution.
• Xin Fatty, while humorous, also shows understanding and support for Zheng Qing's situation, acknowledging the futility of trying to escape public opinion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing seeks advice from Linda Barnes on handling rumors about his relationships with Betasy, Vivian, and others.
• Linda suggests using rumors to confuse and distract the public, comparing it to spreading a pile of broken glass to deter people from focusing on any single piece.
• She advises Zheng Qing to also take remedial measures to maintain his image, such as appearing with Councilwoman Su or staying out of sight.
• Linda reveals she wants Zheng Qing to honor their previous agreement: replacing an interview with Councilwoman Su with one with the North District Great Sage.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing becomes more humble and seeks professional advice, showing growth in handling public relations.
• Linda Barnes demonstrates her strategic thinking and understanding of public opinion manipulation.
• Xin Fatty shows loyalty to Zheng Qing and Linda.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation of Public Opinion: Linda uses the metaphor of broken glass to illustrate how to confuse and distract the public from focusing on negative rumors.
• Image Management: Zheng Qing learns the importance of maintaining his image and taking remedial measures to counteract negative rumors.
• Strategic Alliances: Zheng Qing and Linda's agreement highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving their respective goals.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing seeks Linda's advice, showing respect for her expertise.
• Linda provides clear, professional advice to Zheng Qing, demonstrating her willingness to help.
• Xin Fatty supports Zheng Qing and Linda, showing loyalty and camaraderie.
• Linda uses Zheng Qing's situation to further her own goals, showing pragmatism and ambition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty discuss Xin's relationship with Linda Barnes after Zheng Qing learns about it from Balash Sasan.
• Zheng Qing shares the news with Xiao Xiao, who is indifferent but offers a joke about truth and rumors.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows curiosity and eagerness to gossip about Xin's relationship. He also reveals his past relationships, including one with Councilwoman Su.
• Xin Fatty: Admits to dating Linda Barnes but expresses discomfort with Zheng Qing's prying. He counters Zheng Qing's questions with his own, revealing Zheng Qing's past relationships.
• Xiao Xiao: Remains indifferent to gossip and offers a joke about truth and rumors, showing his cynical view on public opinion.

Significant Themes

• Truth vs. Rumors: The chapter explores the difference between facts and truth, and how rumors can have both positive and negative effects.
• Gossip and Relationships: The characters discuss and gossip about each other's relationships, revealing their curiosity and judgment about others' personal lives.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty: They engage in a back-and-forth conversation about Xin's relationship, with Zheng Qing teasing Xin and Xin defending himself.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Zheng Qing shares the gossip with Xiao Xiao, who offers a joke and expresses his disinterest in such matters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing visits Colmar at Sakura Tavern to discuss the Colmar interview for his Petites Mains Mission.
• Colmar is engaged in tarot card divination when Zheng Qing arrives.
• Zheng Qing picks 'The Reversed High Tower' card from Colmar's deck.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows assertiveness in his late-night visit to Gu Diao Street, displaying a rare hint of confidence.
• Colmar remains mysterious and aloof, using tarot divination to gauge Zheng Qing's sincerity.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and its price: Colmar's phrase "Every gift from destiny has already been secretly priced" hints at the consequences of Zheng Qing's actions.
• Unconsciousness in divination: Colmar emphasizes the importance of unconsciousness in divination, suggesting that Zheng Qing should not overthink his card pick.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Colmar's interaction is brief but meaningful. Zheng Qing seeks Colmar's help, while Colmar uses tarot divination to assess Zheng Qing's intentions.
• Zheng Qing's visit to Sakura Tavern shows his determination to complete his Petites Mains Mission, despite the risks involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing draws the reversed High Tower card, which signifies chaos, drastic change, and destruction, but with a sliver of possibility.
• Colmar, the tavern owner, interprets the card, warning Zheng Qing about potential crises and the need for vigilance.
• Zheng Qing asks Colmar to contact Linda Barnes for an interview, and Colmar agrees.
• Dr. Duzem visits Colmar, discussing the progress of the 'Giant Spirit God' project and the need to choose between extending the timeline or accepting flaws for the greater good.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows concern for potential changes and crises, especially regarding the little fox in Qingqiu Mansion.
• Colmar: Demonstrates wisdom and understanding of divination, as well as her commitment to helping the North District Wizards.
• Dr. Duzem: Expresses concern about the project's progress and the need to make a choice between timeline extension and accepting flaws.

Significant Themes

• Change and its consequences: The reversed High Tower card foreshadows change and destruction, reflecting Zheng Qing's concerns about various aspects of his life.
• Hope and reality: Colmar's interpretation of the card and her discussion with Zheng Qing highlight the difference between people's hopes and the reality of their situations.
• Sacrifice for the greater good: Dr. Duzem's conversation with Colmar about the project emphasizes the need to make difficult choices for the benefit of others.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Colmar: Zheng Qing seeks Colmar's help in contacting Linda Barnes, and they discuss the interpretation of the High Tower card.
• Colmar and Dr. Duzem: They discuss the progress of the 'Giant Spirit God' project and the need to make a choice between timeline extension and accepting flaws.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing cautiously explores a deserted forest at night, encountering an eerie silence.
• He discovers a cult ritual involving the sacrifice of cultists around a bonfire with a giant goat's head.
• A mysterious entity from the sky consumes the goat's head and the cultists, expressing displeasure at their contaminated flesh.
• Zheng Qing witnesses his former Magical Creatures Studies teacher, Gan Ning, leading the cult.
• Zheng Qing awakens from a lucid dream or nightmare, unsure of its reality.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates courage and caution in exploring the forest.
• Gan Ning is revealed to be involved in dark rituals, suggesting a hidden side to his character.

Significant Themes

• The theme of the unknown and the uncanny is prevalent, with the mysterious entity and the cult's rituals creating an atmosphere of unease.
• The duality of human nature is explored through Gan Ning's transformation from a teacher to a cult leader.
• The theme of reality versus dreams is introduced, with Zheng Qing questioning whether his experience was a dream or a glimpse into reality.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with his Haha Beads, using them to scout the area.
• The mysterious entity in the sky interacts with Gan Ning, giving orders and expressing displeasure.
• Zheng Qing interacts with his Nightmare Dolls, using them to calm himself after the dream.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing shares his dream with Xiao Xiao, who interprets it as an illusion.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao discuss the possibility of Gan Ning's involvement and the nature of the cultists' sacrifice.
• Xiao Xiao senses a strange atmosphere in the classroom, with many students looking at Zheng Qing.
• Xin Fatty arrives, warning Zheng Qing about upcoming rumors spread by Linda Barnes.
• At lunch, Li Meng approaches Zheng Qing, having heard a rumor that he is a lizardman.
• Jiang Yu scolds Li Meng for spreading rumors and asks Zheng Qing to help with her Magical Cosmology homework.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Starts to question the nature of his dream and the school's involvement, remains cautious about sharing his concerns.
• Xiao Xiao: Demonstrates analytical skills in interpreting Zheng Qing's dream, shows concern for Zheng Qing's safety.
• Xin Fatty: Shows loyalty to Zheng Qing and Linda Barnes, follows Linda's plan to control the narrative about Zheng Qing.
• Li Meng: Spreads a rumor about Zheng Qing being a lizardman, showing curiosity and mischief.
• Jiang Yu: Shows concern for Zheng Qing's well-being, asks for his help with homework, indicating a growing friendship.

Significant Themes

• Rumors and their impact: The chapter explores how rumors can affect individuals and the dynamics between characters.
• Trust and caution: Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao discuss the reliability of information and the need for caution in sharing it.
• Friendship and loyalty: Xin Fatty's actions show loyalty to Zheng Qing and Linda Barnes, while Jiang Yu's request for help indicates a growing friendship with Zheng Qing.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Share their thoughts about Zheng Qing's dream, with Xiao Xiao providing analysis and advice.
• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty: Xin Fatty warns Zheng Qing about upcoming rumors, showing loyalty.
• Li Meng and Zheng Qing: Li Meng shares a rumor about Zheng Qing, showing curiosity and mischief.
• Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing: Jiang Yu asks Zheng Qing for help with homework, showing concern and a growing friendship.