Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing undergoes experiments by Thomas, who draws blood and removes flesh from him.
• Nikita, a banshee, takes some of Zheng Qing's blood and flesh, then leaves through a hidden passage.
• Thomas receives a visitor, a crow-masked individual, who warns him about the School Labor Committee's investigation.
• Thomas gives Zheng Qing a black liquid to calm him and aid recovery.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing maintains his wit and defiance despite the experiments, showing resilience.
• Thomas demonstrates concern for Zheng Qing's well-being, despite his role in the experiments.
• Nikita shows determination and loyalty, following Thomas's instructions and taking Zheng Qing's blood and flesh.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of experimentation on living beings.
• Trust and loyalty among unusual allies (Thomas and Nikita, Zheng Qing and Thomas).
• The struggle between morality and ambition in scientific pursuits.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Thomas: Zheng Qing challenges Thomas's actions, while Thomas shows a mix of concern and detachment towards Zheng Qing.
• Thomas and Nikita: Thomas gives Nikita instructions and supplies, showing trust in her.
• Thomas and the Crow: They have a tense, secretive exchange, hinting at shared knowledge and potential threats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing awakens from a coma-like state, finding himself in the School Hospital.
• He overhears a conversation between Zhang Yu and Hilda about Thomas' disappearance and Zheng Qing's ordeal.
• Zheng Qing asks about Thomas, but Zhang Yu discourages discussing it further, awaiting the School Labor Committee's investigation.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows resilience and concern for others, asking about Thomas despite his own predicament.
• Zhang Yu: Demonstrates leadership and empathy, expressing disappointment in Thomas' actions.
• Hilda: Exhibits concern for Zheng Qing's well-being and shares Zhang Yu's disappointment in Thomas.

Significant Themes

• Forgiveness and Redemption: Hilda's statement, "Forgiveness requires three nails and a cross," suggests that true forgiveness is difficult and requires effort, much like the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
• Trust and Betrayal: Thomas' actions have led to a breach of trust within the Teaching Assistant Group, causing disappointment and distress among his colleagues.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Hilda: The two teaching assistants show unity and concern for Zheng Qing, working together to provide him with information and support.
• Zheng Qing and Zhang Yu/Hilda: Zheng Qing expresses gratitude and understanding towards the teaching assistants, while they show empathy and concern for his well-being and the situation at hand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thomas seeks Professor Monteria's advice regarding Nia's failed experiment, but decides to handle it alone.
• Professor Monteria uses a chess analogy to explain control and identity in their situation.
• The Professor advises Thomas to embrace his role as a 'black piece' (outsider) and put on a Crow Mask to face the consequences.
• The Professor reveals his admiration for crows and their symbolism, hoping Thomas will maintain balance between rules and freedom.
• The Professor reassures Thomas that his actions, though deviating from rules, were not without value and encourages him to embrace new experiences.

Character Developments

• Thomas: Struggles with responsibility and identity, ultimately accepts his role as an outsider and decides to face the consequences.
• Professor Monteria: Shows wisdom and understanding, using chess as a metaphor to guide Thomas. Reveals his admiration for crows and their symbolism.

Significant Themes

• Identity and control: Characters grapple with their roles and the extent of their control over situations.
• Rules vs. freedom: The tension between adhering to rules and embracing personal freedom.
• Embracing experiences: The Professor encourages Thomas to learn from his actions, regardless of their outcome.

Character Interactions

• Thomas seeks guidance from Professor Monteria, who uses a chess game to explain their situation and provide advice.
• The Professor reveals his personal beliefs and hopes for Thomas, showing a more personal side.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing is captured by Thomas on Saturday night but returns to school on Sunday, with minor injuries.
• He is discharged from the hospital against medical advice to avoid missing classes.
• The chapter takes place during the tenth week of the second semester, with less than two months left until final exams.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows signs of trauma from his recent experience, affecting his focus in class.
• He feels exhausted and unwell, with disturbing dreams about Nikita.
• Zheng Qing's magical creature, Maodou, doesn't respond to his calls during the incident.

Significant Themes

• The importance of magic power and freedom, as discussed by Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao.
• The struggle against helplessness and the desire for control, as Zheng Qing feels when restrained.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing shares his experience with his roommates, Xiao Xiao and Xin Fatty.
• Xin Fatty tries to interview Zheng Qing about his experience but is rebuffed.
• Zheng Qing and Xin Fatty have a brief argument about their eating habits.
• Xiao Xiao provides a philosophical perspective on Zheng Qing's experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing has another "beautiful nightmare" on Monday night.
• On Tuesday, Professor Yi teaches about Gnosticism using modified Brass Telescopes that can observe stars during the day.
• Zheng Qing shares his knowledge about Gnosticism, leading to a brief discussion on the sect's views on good and evil.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows increased confidence and willingness to participate in class, even when discussing complex topics.
• Professor Yi demonstrates flexibility in teaching methods and concern for students' understanding and engagement.

Significant Themes

• Knowledge and Ignorance: Gnosticism's belief in 'Gnosis' (true knowledge) as a means to escape suffering and ignorance is a central theme.
• Good and Evil: The sect's views on the necessity of evil and its relation to good are briefly explored.
• Astrology: The importance of Astrology in Gnosticism and its relation to the class's lesson is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with Professor Yi, answering his question about Gnosticism and receiving praise for his knowledge.
• Zheng Qing glances at Xiao Xiao, hinting at their shared knowledge about the Gospel of Judas and Gnosticism.
• The class collectively participates in the lesson, with Professor Yi engaging them in discussion and assigning a task.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing asks Xiao Xiao why he didn't raise his hand when the professor mentioned 'Gnostics.'
• Xiao Xiao explains the opposition between his family and the 'Gnostics.'
• Zheng Qing is reminded of Jiang Yu and his failure to tell her about being taken by Thomas.
• Su Ya reveals to Zheng Qing that Jiang Yu knows about his abduction.
• Jiang Yu avoids Zheng Qing after class, causing him to seek advice from Xiao Xiao.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with how to handle the situation with Jiang Yu, shows concern for her feelings, and seeks advice from Xiao Xiao.
• Xiao Xiao: Provides insight into the 'Gnostics' and offers advice to Zheng Qing on how to handle his situation with Jiang Yu.
• Jiang Yu: Shows concern for Zheng Qing's well-being but avoids him after learning about his abduction, indicating she's upset with him.

Significant Themes

• Communication and honesty: Zheng Qing's failure to tell Jiang Yu about his abduction leads to tension between them, highlighting the importance of open communication.
• Trust and responsibility: Jiang Yu's avoidance of Zheng Qing suggests she feels he has betrayed her trust, emphasizing the importance of responsibility in their relationship.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Zheng Qing seeks Xiao Xiao's advice on how to handle his situation with Jiang Yu, showing their close friendship.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Tension exists between them due to Zheng Qing's failure to tell Jiang Yu about his abduction, leading to Jiang Yu's avoidance of him.
• Zheng Qing and Su Ya: Su Ya inadvertently reveals to Zheng Qing that Jiang Yu knows about his abduction, causing him distress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing fails to catch up with Jiang Yu and apologizes.
• He attends classes and can't find a chance to apologize to Jiang Yu.
• Zheng Qing goes to Qingqiu Mansion for dinner and encounters a prank by Su Ya, leaving him with a strong smell.
• Su Shijun notices the smell and questions Zheng Qing about it.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles to apologize to Jiang Yu, becomes a target of Su Ya's prank, and tries to hide his thoughts from Su Shijun.
• Jiang Yu: Avoids Zheng Qing, maintaining her distance.
• Su Ya: Plays a prank on Zheng Qing using a four-leaf clover with a protection charm.
• Su Shijun: Notices Zheng Qing's unusual state and uses a spell to reveal the cause.

Significant Themes

• Avoidance and missed opportunities (Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu)
• Prank and consequences (Su Ya's prank on Zheng Qing)
• Perception and truth (Su Shijun discovering Zheng Qing's state)

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Zheng Qing tries to apologize, but Jiang Yu avoids him.
• Zheng Qing and Su Ya: Zheng Qing encounters Su Ya's prank, leading to an embarrassing situation.
• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun: Su Shijun questions Zheng Qing about his state, revealing the prank's aftermath.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing, desensitized to ghosts, is surprised when an infant spirit clings to his shoulder.
• He captures the spirit using a ghost-capturing method and seeks Su Shijun's advice.
• Su Shijun reveals that Zheng Qing has been assigned school guards due to recent incidents.
• Zheng Qing asks Su Shijun's opinion on handing the captured spirit to the guards.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows composure in handling the ghost, seeks Su Shijun's guidance, and reflects on his responsibilities.
• Su Shijun: Provides guidance and advice to Zheng Qing, emphasizes his new position and responsibilities.

Significant Themes

• Zheng Qing's new position and responsibilities as a Teaching Assistant.
• The dangers of Zheng Qing's "egg" mindset and the need for him to embrace his true power and role.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Su Shijun: Zheng Qing seeks Su Shijun's advice, and she provides guidance, emphasizing his new responsibilities and the dangers of his current mindset. Their interaction highlights their close relationship and Su Shijun's protective role towards Zheng Qing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing is punished by Su Shijun for his recent actions.
• Su Shijun pinches Zheng Qing's ear, causing him to recall past intimate moments.
• Su Shijun reveals that Thomas's defection won't be publicized, easing the school's pressure.
• Zheng Qing is hung upside down by Su Shijun's tails for his punishment.
• The Head Maid interrupts the punishment, reminding them of dinner.
• Su Shijun presents Zheng Qing with a purchase contract for stocks, which he signs with a hand seal.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates self-awareness by acknowledging his mistakes and trying to control his emotions.
• Su Shijun shows a playful and seductive side while punishing Zheng Qing.
• The Head Maid maintains her professionalism and composure, acting as a buffer between Su Shijun and Zheng Qing.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between Su Shijun and Zheng Qing.
• The consequences of Zheng Qing's actions and his attempts to learn from his mistakes.
• The tension and intimacy between Su Shijun and Zheng Qing, with Su Shijun using her power to both punish and tease Zheng Qing.

Character Interactions

• Su Shijun and Zheng Qing: Their interaction is playful yet intense, with Su Shijun using her power to punish Zheng Qing while also teasing him. Zheng Qing struggles to maintain control over his emotions and actions.
• The Head Maid and Su Shijun: The Head Maid acts as a neutral party, interrupting the punishment and reminding them of dinner, maintaining her professional demeanor despite the unusual situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing experiences bondage play at Qingqiu Mansion, which leaves him distracted and unfocused.
• He forgets about his apology gift for Jiang Yu until reminded by Xiao Xiao.
• In class, Zheng Qing asks Jiang Yu for help with an infant spirit he found on his shoulder, suspecting it might be related to the Crow incident.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with the consequences of his actions, seeks Jiang Yu's help, and shows vulnerability.
• Jiang Yu: Initially expressionless, shows concern and willingness to help Zheng Qing.

Significant Themes

• Trust: Zheng Qing's lack of trust in the school and his decision to confide in Jiang Yu.
• Consequences: Zheng Qing grapples with the aftermath of his actions, including the infant spirit and his apology to Jiang Yu.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Despite their strained relationship, they work together to address Zheng Qing's problem with the infant spirit.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Xiao Xiao reminds Zheng Qing about his apology gift, showing concern for his well-being.
• Zheng Qing and the other Male Wizards: They avoid being grouped with Zheng Qing for the class discussion, indicating their discomfort around him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing gifts Jiang Yu trust, but she feels overlooked and unimportant.
• Jiang Yu investigates an infant spirit attached to Zheng Qing, finding no signs of harm or malicious intent.
• Professor Yao teaches Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing about 'Clone Transformation' and 'Alienation', demonstrating with a double bed in the classroom.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yu understands Zheng Qing's protective nature and feels undervalued, leading her to demand more trust and importance.
• Zheng Qing realizes Jiang Yu's feelings and tries to compensate for his oversight.
• Professor Yao shows concern for his students' progress in 'Clone Transformation'.

Significant Themes

• Trust and communication in relationships.
• The importance of understanding and valuing each other's feelings.
• The development of magical abilities and skills.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing's relationship deepens as they navigate misunderstandings and express their feelings.
• Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing work together to investigate the infant spirit, showing teamwork and mutual support.
• Professor Yao interacts with Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing, guiding them in their magical studies and showing care for their progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the 'Dream Entry Technique' for the first stage of Clone Transformation, 'Primary Assimilation.'
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu attempt to manifest a spirit through this technique while lying on the same bed.
• The technique allows them to create a clone but with limitations: the clone's duration is limited, its range of activity is close to the main body, and the main body forgets the clone's activities upon waking up.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Initially hesitant and reserved, he overcomes his discomfort and participates in the exercise.
• Jiang Yu: Calm and collected, she immediately understands and attempts the technique without hesitation.

Significant Themes

• Mysticism: The technique's effectiveness is enhanced when performed together, a phenomenon unexplained by magical theories.
• Overcoming Inhibition: Zheng Qing's initial reluctance to lie on the bed with Jiang Yu is overcome, symbolizing his growth in facing discomfort.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Their interaction is awkward due to Zheng Qing's initial hesitation, but they eventually perform the technique together.
• Professor Yao: He teases Zheng Qing but also provides valuable guidance and encouragement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu's cat clones grow larger after being infused with souls.
• Zheng Qing retains his memories from before transformation, unlike typical cat clones.
• Jiang Yu, upon waking, can speak and retain her human consciousness and memories.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Accepts his cat form and retains his memories, showing adaptability.
• Jiang Yu: Awakens with full human consciousness and memory, demonstrating resilience and understanding of her transformation.

Significant Themes

• Uniqueness/Focus: Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu's ability to maintain their individual cognitive thinking modes, allowing them to retain memories and consciousness in their cat forms.
• Rest and Spiritual Nourishment: The clones' actions allow the physical body to rest, nourishing the spirit, highlighting the interconnectedness of body and spirit.

Character Interactions

• Professor Old Yao and Zheng Qing: The professor guides Zheng Qing, helping him understand his transformation and its implications.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: They discuss their transformations and experiences, learning from each other.
• Professor Old Yao and Jiang Yu: The professor praises Jiang Yu for her successful transformation and clear-headedness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on the class about Clone Transformation, where the Professor explains that the real Energy Potion is hidden within clones for wizards at the Intermediate Synchronization stage and above.
• Zheng Qing experiences the energy recovery from his clone after the Clone Transformation phase ends.
• After class, Zheng Qing seeks Old Yao's consultation about the Infant Spirit he found.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing gains a deeper understanding of Clone Transformation and becomes more eager to master it.
• Zheng Qing is finally at ease about the Infant Spirit after Old Yao examines it and finds no danger.

Significant Themes

• The power of clones and their role in energy recovery for wizards.
• The concept of 'miracle' in the Magic World and its connection to the appearance of the Infant Spirit.
• The past as a 'vortex' that can suck people in, reflecting on Thomas's fate and the impact of Nia on him.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Old Yao: Zheng Qing seeks Old Yao's advice about the Infant Spirit, showing respect and trust in the Professor's knowledge.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: They both attend the Clone Transformation class together and later discuss the Infant Spirit, showing a growing bond and shared curiosity.
• Old Yao and Zheng Qing: The Professor provides guidance to Zheng Qing about the Infant Spirit and offers philosophical insights about the past and 'miracle.'

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing reflects on Professor Yao's words about destiny and vortices, feeling a sense of awe towards a potential destiny connecting seemingly unrelated events.
• The Black Prison Battle and the crows' illegal magic experiments are linked by destiny, with Professor Emma's promotion to Vice Principal of First University downplaying the scandals.
• Zheng Qing finds a cockroach in his dorm and expresses his annoyance about the recent issues with crows and spirits.
• He receives two exam notifications for 'Registered Talisman Painter' and 'Licensed Talisman Bomb Maker,' both scheduled for the upcoming weekend in the Magic Spell Class classroom.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing becomes more suspicious and sensitive to potential threats, showing growth in his magical awareness.
• Xiao Xiao and Xin Fatty provide insights on the nature of magic and the wizard society, revealing their maturity and wisdom.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and its mysterious nature, connecting seemingly unrelated events.
• The struggle for resources and truth in the magical world, leading to conflicts and disagreements.
• The admiration for strength within the wizard society and its impact on relationships between wizards.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing confides in his roommates about his concerns regarding the crows and the infant spirit.
• Xiao Xiao and Xin Fatty offer support and guidance to Zheng Qing, demonstrating their camaraderie and shared understanding of the magical world.
• Zheng Qing's interaction with the paper crane and the unknown watchers outside his window hints at potential external threats or allies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing is kept back after class by Professor Celerus.
• The professor informs Zheng Qing that he is an invigilator for the upcoming 'Licensed Talisman Bomb Maker' exam.
• Zheng Qing learns that his exam time conflicts with his morning classes, and Professor Celerus suggests applying for an additional Time Conversion opportunity to resolve the conflict.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows responsibility and honesty in admitting his struggles with homework, and later, in acknowledging the risks of additional Time Conversion.
• Professor Celerus demonstrates care and consideration for Zheng Qing's academic and safety concerns, suggesting solutions and providing guidance.

Significant Themes

• Time management and the consequences of manipulating time, as seen in Zheng Qing's struggle with Time Conversion and the potential risks of additional use.
• Academic responsibility and the importance of balancing exams and coursework, highlighted by Zheng Qing's conflicted schedule.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Professor Celerus have a mentor-mentee-like conversation, with the professor offering advice and the student showing respect and honesty.
• Zheng Qing's classmates show curiosity about his being kept back, indicating a level of interest and engagement in the class.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing, a young wizard, decides to use a modified Life-Death Water to extend his clone's (a Black Gemstone Cat) active time, allowing it to practice and understand Transfiguration magic more deeply.
• The Black Gemstone Cat, after transforming, follows a memorandum left by Zheng Qing, which includes going to the Cat Fruit Tree.
• The cat avoids the school's guards and successfully reaches the Cat Fruit Tree.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates responsibility and dedication to his studies by using the Life-Death Water to enhance his clone's practice time.
• The Black Gemstone Cat shows intelligence and stealth in evading the school's guards.

Significant Themes

• Dedication to study and practice of magic.
• The use of clones as tools for learning and growth.
• The importance of privacy and personal time.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing's roommates, Xiao Xiao and the Fat Wizard, discuss Zheng Qing's nightly activities, highlighting their awareness of his habits and their acceptance of his peculiar behavior.
• The Black Gemstone Cat interacts with the school's guards, showcasing its ability to evade them without causing trouble.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gray Robed Wizards discuss protecting Zheng Qing's main body rather than his clone, as the clone can be replaced if harmed.
• Zheng Qing, unaware of the discussion, is asleep in his dormitory.
• The Black Gemstone Cat (Zheng Qing's clone) visits the Cat Fruit Tree, where it's blocked by a Norwegian Forest Cat and falls off the tree.
• The White Jade Cat arrives and converses with the Black Gemstone Cat.
• Zheng Qing reveals he has two qualification certification exams the next day: Registered Talisman Painter and Licensed Talisman Bomb Maker.
• Zheng Qing asks the White Jade Cat about Professor Jiang Qianli, who was supposed to invigilate his exam but couldn't due to a special relationship recusal policy.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing's clone is smaller and weaker than the other cats on the Cat Fruit Tree, causing him to feel dejected.
• Zheng Qing realizes he's a clone, not a transformed version of his main body.
• The White Jade Cat shows concern for Zheng Qing's upcoming exams and their relationship with Professor Jiang Qianli.

Significant Themes

• Identity and self-discovery (Zheng Qing's realization about his clone's nature)
• Power dynamics and hierarchy (among the cats on the Cat Fruit Tree)
• Relationships and responsibilities (between Zheng Qing, the White Jade Cat, and Professor Jiang Qianli)

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing's clone interacts with the Norwegian Forest Cat, leading to his fall from the tree.
• Zheng Qing and the White Jade Cat discuss his upcoming exams and Professor Jiang Qianli.
• Zheng Qing shows affection towards the White Jade Cat, stroking her back and nudging her with his mouth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing discovers he has an exam after a week of thinking he wouldn't.
• He applies for and receives approval to use the Time-Turner for additional hours.
• The exam is for the 'Licensed Talisman Painter' qualification, held on a Saturday morning.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows adaptability and calmness under scrutiny, unlike his past self.
• Violet Jessop remains cold and formal, correcting Zheng Qing's greeting.

Significant Themes

• The stark contrast between the current student culture and the formal, quiet atmosphere of the exam.
• The seriousness and importance of the qualification exam, as indicated by the presence of multiple invigilators.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts briefly with Violet Jessop, acknowledging their acquaintanceship.
• The invigilators, Dolag Barton, Jiang Jizhou, and Gregory Le Bon, introduce themselves and outline the exam rules.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Registered Talisman Master exam consists of a morning theoretical exam and an afternoon practical exam.
• The theoretical exam includes three main subjects (Basic Talismans, Rune Structures, Talisman Foot Cryptography) and eight secondary subjects, with candidates choosing two main and three secondary subjects.
• The practical exam requires candidates to accurately draw 90 standard talismans within the allotted time, with each talisman taking 2 minutes to complete.
• Professor Dolag Barton provides instructions and advice, warning candidates about the challenges and potential pitfalls of the exam.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing, the protagonist, demonstrates confidence in his chosen subjects for the theoretical exam (Basic Talismans, Rune Structures, Cloud Seal Script, Ink Talismans, Yin and Yang Talismans) and expresses concern about the practical exam's demands.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and challenge of examinations, particularly the random nature of the practical exam.
• The influence of mysticism and superstition on wizards, as seen in the candidates' belief in merit and luck.
• The importance of persistence and determination, balanced with the need for adaptability and time management in exams.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts indirectly with Professor Dolag Barton, who provides instructions and advice to the candidates.
• Zheng Qing observes the reactions of other candidates to the exam announcements, noting their shared amusement and tension.