Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing checks on the sprites' health, noticing a slow decline in their health index.
• He plans to discuss this with Dr. Duzem during the weekend.
• Zheng Qing and Zhang Jixin visit the office building during the recruitment fair.
• Zheng Qing expresses interest in the First University Student Union, despite not having an invitation letter.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows concern for the sprites' health and responsibility in caring for them.
• Zhang Jixin reveals his interest in joining the Jiuyou Academy hunting team or a similar small hunting team.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and care for others (Zheng Qing's concern for the sprites).
• Ambition and career aspirations (Zhang Jixin's interest in the hunting team).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Zhang Jixin discuss their plans for the recruitment fair.
• Zheng Qing expresses his intention to join the First University Student Union, despite not having an invitation letter.
• Zhang Jixin shows concern for Zheng Qing's decision, mentioning other clubs that might be interested in him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing submits his application for the First University Student Union.
• He encounters an unfamiliar term, "Bloodline Origin," on the application form.
• He learns about the significance of this term from a senior student union executive.
• Zheng Qing fills out the application form, choosing the Foreign Affairs Department.
• He submits his application and inquires about the department's activities.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates his curiosity and eagerness to join the Student Union.
• He shows a willingness to learn and adapt to new information, as seen in his response to the "Bloodline Origin" term.
• Zheng Qing's confidence in his application is evident, though he's unaware of his recent disciplinary action.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Learning: Zheng Qing's eagerness to understand and learn new things is highlighted.
• Identity and Belonging: The concept of "Bloodline Origin" touches on the theme of personal identity and heritage.
• Ambition and Aspiration: Zheng Qing's desire to join the Student Union, particularly the Foreign Affairs Department, reflects his ambitions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with a senior student union executive, who provides him with information and reassurance.
• The interaction is cordial and helpful, with the senior student offering guidance without judgment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing receives his application results from the First University Student Union, passing the preliminary review.
• He is invited for a membership interview on Sunday, required to bring his commonly used spellbooks and magic equipment.
• The roommates discuss the recruitment methods of different academies' student unions.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows interest in joining the First University Student Union, despite knowing it might involve exams.
• Xiao Xiao displays knowledge about the different academies and their student union recruitment methods.
• Xin Fatty shows off his knowledge of the Jiuyou Academy Student Union's history and current state.

Significant Themes

• The influence of academy culture on students and their methods of operation.
• The importance of competition and exams in Jiuyou Academy and its Student Union.
• The role of figures in shaping the success and legacy of institutions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing shares his application results with his roommates, seeking their input.
• Xiao Xiao and Xin Fatty engage in a conversation about the different academies' student unions, with Zheng Qing listening in.
• Zheng Qing interacts with the fat cat Tuantuan, feeding it sunflower seeds and comforting it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing receives a thick stack of newspapers from Xiao Xiao.
• The newspapers are filled with news about the wizarding world, including a debate on the Demon Law Bill, protests by the Blood Clan Council, and mysterious curses spreading in villages.
• Zheng Qing learns that the Student Union exam places emphasis on current events and debates.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown aspects of the wizarding world.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates his knowledge of the wizarding world's history and customs.
• Xin Fatty reveals he has noticed an oversight in Zheng Qing's plans for the Student Union exam.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the advanced technology of the ordinary world and the ancient magical techniques used by wizards.
• The power of tradition and the reluctance of wizards to change their ways.
• The importance of keeping up with current events in the wizarding world.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with Xiao Xiao and Xin Fatty, discussing the newspaper and the Student Union exam.
• Zheng Qing's familiar, the cat, and the sprites react to his actions.
• Zheng Qing shows concern for Ilena's well-being when reminded of his prior commitments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing has a restless night due to nightmares featuring disturbing faces.
• He dreams of a white turtle transforming into a kappa, which is then attacked by carrion worms.
• A green paper crane taps on his window, delivering a letter that wasn't accepted by Ilena.
• Zheng Qing receives an emergency summons from the School Labor Committee's Patrol Team.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows determination to apologize to Ilena in person, despite his initial plan to send more paper cranes.
• He demonstrates responsibility by promptly responding to the emergency summons.

Significant Themes

• Persistence: Zheng Qing's resolve to apologize to Ilena despite her initial rejection.
• Responsibility: Zheng Qing's immediate response to the emergency summons.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with Xiao Xiao and Xin Fatty, discussing his plan to apologize to Ilena and his reaction to the summons.
• Zheng Qing communicates with Ilena through paper cranes, showing his effort to reach out to her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing arrives at the lakeside dock to find a gathering of wizards in different colored robes.
• The wizards are discussing a recent incident involving magical creatures that drain time from other creatures, causing rapid aging.
• Old Man Vernal reveals he has captured some of these creatures' eggs, which are shimmering, transparent granules in a glass bottle.
• The wizards decide to train the students and send them into the Silent Forest to find the source of the eggs and end the chaos.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows curiosity and a bit of impatience with the wizards' formal language.
• Old Man Vernal: Demonstrates knowledge and experience in dealing with magical creatures, earning respect from the teaching assistants.
• Hilda, Thomas, and Brother Yu: Show differing opinions and levels of experience in handling the situation.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of magical creatures.
• The importance of knowledge and experience in dealing with magical threats.
• The responsibility of wizards in maintaining order and protecting the wizarding world.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Lin Guo: Zheng Qing seeks information from Lin Guo about the situation.
• Old Man Vernal and the teaching assistants: The old groundskeeper shares his knowledge and experience, earning respect from the teaching assistants.
• The wizards: They discuss and debate the situation, ultimately deciding on a course of action.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the magical creature, Sand Hour (Time Killer), which feeds on the "time" of other creatures, causing premature death and desertification.
• Sand Hours are social creatures with a mother and hundreds to thousands of ordinary Sand Hours. The mother maintains the nest's stability, while others collect "time."
• Sand Hours prefer to attach themselves behind wizards' earlobes, secreting a paralyzing agent and vibrating their wings to hypnotize prey and extract time.
• Lazy Worms, the larvae of Sand Hours, hide in wizards' wrinkles or hair, nibbling at their timeline and causing sluggishness. They are also a natural stimulant and energy source.
• Sand Hour Royal Jelly, brewed by the Sand Hour Mother, is a gentle life-extending medicine.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing learns about Sand Hours and Lazy Worms, realizing they might be the cause of his recent lack of focus.
• Professor Dolag Barton, from the Magical Creatures Research Institute, trains students in capturing Sand Hours.

Significant Themes

• The preciousness of time and its loss due to Sand Hours.
• The dual nature of magical creatures, being both harmful and beneficial (e.g., Sand Hours providing valuable derivatives like paralyzing agent and Lazy Worms).
• The potential value of magical creatures in extending lifespan (Sand Hour Royal Jelly).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with Professor Dolag Barton, learning about Sand Hours and Lazy Worms.
• Zheng Qing overhears other students discussing the disposal plan and potential gains after discovering Sand Hours.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing learns about 'Sand Hour', a magical insect that can extend the lifespan of magical creatures, potentially helping the sprites.
• The Silent Forest is the only place where Sand Hours can be found, but it's dangerous for first-year students like Zheng Qing to venture there.
• The effects of Sand Hour's secretion are short-lived, and high-level hunting teams have a low success rate in finding them.
• Zheng Qing and his team discover the Sand Hour nest in the Academy's forest, hidden within a thicket.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing becomes determined to help the sprites, despite the risks.
• Lin Guo shows his quick wit and resourcefulness by collecting an activated medicinal herb without being noticed.
• Old Man Vernal, the groundskeeper, shows tolerance and understanding towards Lin Guo's actions.
• Professor Dolag, despite his old age, maintains his passion for teaching and sharing knowledge.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against time and mortality, represented by the sprites' declining health and the Sand Hours' short-lived effects.
• The value of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity, shown by Zheng Qing's resolve to help the sprites.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding, emphasized by Professor Dolag's detailed explanations.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Lin Guo share a moment of camaraderie, with Zheng Qing ruffling Lin Guo's hair and Lin Guo responding with playful dissatisfaction.
• Old Man Vernal and Professor Dolag work together to explain the Sand Hour situation to the patrol team, showing respect and understanding for each other's expertise.
• Zheng Qing and the patrol team work together to discover and study the Sand Hour nest, demonstrating teamwork and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ilena, a Gypsy Witch, is observed by Liu Feifei, a first-year top student, in the Book Mountain Hall.
• Liu Feifei reveals that Nicholas told her Ilena is dating Zheng Qing.
• Liu Feifei asks Ilena to watch her pet snake, 'Little Dragon', while she steps out.
• Ilena discovers that 'Little Dragon' is a Demon disguised as a pet snake.
• Ilena warns the Demon not to cause trouble on campus.

Character Developments

• Ilena: She is shown to be calm, collected, and resourceful, able to identify the Demon and handle the situation.
• Liu Feifei: She is portrayed as nervous and eager to please, especially around Ilena.
• 'Little Dragon' (Demon): The Demon is cunning and manipulative, trying to gain an advantage over Ilena.

Significant Themes

• Deception: The Demon is disguised as a pet snake, and Liu Feifei is deceived about Ilena's relationship with Zheng Qing.
• Power Dynamics: Ilena's calm control over the situation demonstrates her power and authority.

Character Interactions

• Ilena and Liu Feifei: Their interaction is friendly but tense, with Liu Feifei being nervous around Ilena.
• Ilena and 'Little Dragon' (Demon): Their interaction is hostile, with Ilena warning the Demon not to cause trouble and the Demon trying to manipulate Ilena.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing is awoken by Xiao Xiao, who shows him a paper crane that couldn't find Ilena, despite numerous attempts.
• Zheng Qing realizes Ilena might be in danger or in a sealed Mystic Realm, as the paper crane couldn't deliver his letter.
• He decides to leave the letter on their usual tutoring desk in the Library, but Ilena doesn't arrive by 2:30 PM.
• Zheng Qing has to leave for his Student Union interview, worrying about Ilena's whereabouts.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows concern and responsibility for Ilena's safety, willing to look for her despite his busy schedule.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates his analytical skills and knowledge of magical phenomena, providing possible reasons for Ilena's unfindability.

Significant Themes

• Communication and Connection: Zheng Qing's attempts to reach Ilena highlight the theme of communication and connection, both emotional (apologizing for rescheduling) and physical (using paper cranes to deliver letters).
• Responsibility and Duty: Zheng Qing feels responsible for Ilena's well-being, showing concern for her safety despite his own commitments (the Student Union interview).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao interact, with Xiao Xiao providing explanations and Zheng Qing seeking Xiao Xiao's help in understanding the situation and finding Ilena.
• Zheng Qing's concern for Ilena is evident in his interactions with Xiao Xiao, showing their growing bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing arrives at the First University Student Union Office, miraculously on time despite obstacles.
• The Student Union Office is bustling with activity due to recruitment season.
• Zheng Qing encounters Colmar, a third-year student and Vice President of the Student Union, who recognizes him from the Wizard College Entrance Exam incident.
• Zheng Qing is interviewed for the Foreign Affairs Department of the Student Union.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows determination and adaptability in facing challenges and unexpected encounters.
• Colmar: Demonstrates eccentric behavior, high expectations, and a strong personality, setting a unique tone for the Student Union.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Zheng Qing's ability to adapt to new situations and challenges.
• First Impressions: Colmar's strong first impression and her impact on Zheng Qing's perception of the Student Union.
• Expectations: Colmar's high expectations for Zheng Qing, setting a personal challenge for him.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Colmar: Their encounter is filled with surprise and tension, setting a dynamic for their potential interactions in the future.
• Zheng Qing and Student Union Staff: Zheng Qing's interaction with the Student Union staff is professional and cordial, providing a contrast to Colmar's eccentric behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing arrives at First University for his Student Union interview, greeted by a large, temperamental Persian Tiger Parrot serving as an honorary member of the Student Union Presidium.
• The parrot calls out candidates' numbers for interviews, with Zheng Qing's number being fifty-six.
• Zheng Qing overhears two girls discussing the recent capture of a monster from Jiuyou Academy and speculating about the interview process.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows patience and adaptability while waiting for his interview, despite the unusual circumstances.
• The Persian Tiger Parrot is established as a formidable and respected figure in the Student Union, with a history of serving as the honorary president for ten terms.

Significant Themes

• The unusual and sometimes absurd nature of the Wizarding World is highlighted through the presence of an intelligent, talking parrot holding a crucial position in the university's student government.
• The theme of waiting and preparation is emphasized as Zheng Qing bides his time before his interview, reflecting on his skills and knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts briefly with a short male wizard who guides him and offers encouragement.
• Zheng Qing overhears a conversation between two girls, providing insight into the current events and interview process at the university.
• Zheng Qing's interaction with the Persian Tiger Parrot is limited to hearing its announcements, but the parrot's presence looms large, influencing the atmosphere and Zheng Qing's mindset.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing undergoes an interview for the Foreign Affairs Department, conducted by an upperclassman named Joe Nesbitt.
• Zheng Qing discusses his background, personality traits, and aspirations, including his interest in Talismans and Astronomy Studies.
• Nesbitt asks about Zheng Qing's lineage, to which Zheng Qing responds ambiguously.
• Zheng Qing is informed that the interview results will be released within a week.
• A white-robed witch named Coty, who seems hostile towards Zheng Qing, is present during the interview.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows self-awareness and growth, acknowledging his mediocre aspects but expressing a desire for self-improvement. He also demonstrates confidence in his magical abilities and aspirations.
• Joe Nesbitt: Shows professionalism and a keen interest in assessing Zheng Qing's personality and aspirations.
• Coty: Reveals a hostile attitude towards Zheng Qing, likely due to his past actions at First University.

Significant Themes

• Self-awareness and growth: Zheng Qing acknowledges his mediocrity but expresses a desire to improve and learn more.
• Perception vs. reality: Coty's negative perception of Zheng Qing contrasts with his self-assessment and Nesbitt's positive evaluation.
• Fate and destiny: Zheng Qing discusses how fate has given him an opportunity to pursue magic, challenging the idea of destiny being in the hands of fate.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Joe Nesbitt: Zheng Qing is initially nervous but grows more comfortable during the interview, while Nesbitt remains professional and engaged.
• Zheng Qing and Coty: Coty's hostile attitude towards Zheng Qing is evident, with her dismissing his application due to his past actions.
• Zheng Qing and Nesbitt: Zheng Qing's interaction with Nesbitt is cordial and respectful, with Nesbitt showing appreciation for Zheng Qing's self-analysis.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing, a Scholarship Student from Jiuyou Academy, is in love with Ilena Jones, a Gypsy Witch and his classmate, who is interested in Talisman Studies.
• Zheng Qing tries to contact Ilena on Sunday, but his paper cranes return unopened. He decides to find her before the first class on Monday to apologize for missing their appointment.
• Upon reaching the classroom, Zheng Qing is surrounded by students asking about the recent Demon incident, which he was involved in.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: He is shown to be deeply in love with Ilena, to the point of being preoccupied with finding her and apologizing. He is also willing to go out of his way to help her with her studies.
• Ilena Jones: Although not physically present, her influence on Zheng Qing is evident. She is portrayed as mysterious, alluring, and passionate, with a keen interest in Talisman Studies.

Significant Themes

• Love and Infatuation: Zheng Qing's feelings for Ilena are a significant theme, showing the power of love and its ability to consume one's thoughts and actions.
• Mystery and Intrigue: Ilena's character is shrouded in mystery, reflecting the allure and intrigue of the Gypsy culture and Tarot divination.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Ilena: Their relationship is one-sided at this point, with Zheng Qing actively pursuing Ilena, while her feelings remain unclear.
• Zheng Qing and his Classmates: Zheng Qing is surrounded by his classmates, who are eager to know about the Demon incident, showing their interest and curiosity in the events happening around them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sand Hour Royal Jelly, a translucent gel produced by Sand Hour Worms, is highly sought after for its life-extending properties.
• The overhunting of Sand Hour Worms has led to a decrease in their population, making them rare and valuable.
• Zheng Qing obtains a small bottle of Sand Hour Royal Jelly as a reward for helping capture a Sand Hour Worm nest.
• Students offer various items in exchange for the royal jelly, but Zheng Qing refuses, intending to use it to save his dying Sprites.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates responsibility and selflessness by prioritizing the lives of his Sprites over personal gain.
• Li Meng shows maturity and approval of Zheng Qing's decision to use the royal jelly for the Sprites' sake.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Zheng Qing's commitment to saving his Sprites despite the valuable reward he could have gained.
• Greed vs. Altruism: The contrast between students' desire for the Sand Hour Royal Jelly and Zheng Qing's selfless decision.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with various classmates, including Dunton, Matthew, Li Meng, and Xin Fatty, discussing the Sand Hour Royal Jelly and the Lazy Worm situation.
• Zheng Qing shares his knowledge about Sand Hour Worms and Lazy Worms with his classmates, reassuring them about the deworming plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Professor Yao enters the classroom with a stern-faced female school worker.
• Students are to discuss their understanding of 'Yuan Chen Shou Hu' before the class begins.
• The class is cancelled for the morning, and students are told to help capture loose Sand Hour and Lazy Worms on campus.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Excited about skipping class and meeting Dr. Duzem, but later realizes the seriousness of the situation.
• Xiao Xiao: Still upset about not finding the answer to 'Yuan Chen Shou Hu', predicts Old Yao has other plans for the class.
• Old Yao: Shows amusement at students' complaints, reveals he has other plans for the class.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and its control/loss, symbolized by Sand Hour.
• The responsibilities and challenges of being a wizard, as seen in the capture operation and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Discuss their plans for the day, with Zheng Qing excited about skipping class and Xiao Xiao more cautious.
• Old Yao and the female school worker: There's an unspoken tension and power dynamic between them, hinting at a potential past or ongoing conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces First University's research institutes, focusing on the Applied Magic Research Institute, which develops and promotes common magic techniques.
• A "Sand Hour Crisis" occurs at Jiuyou Academy, leading to a school-wide deworming and insect repellent distribution.
• Students react casually to the crisis, more concerned with "passing the buck" than the actual issue.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: A scholarship student who tries to shirk responsibility for his actions, blaming Sand Hours for his mistakes.
• Li Meng: A young Spirit Witch who criticizes her peers for their laziness and lack of responsibility.
• Duan Xiaojian: A student who tries to use the Sand Hour incident to avoid writing homework, showing his laziness and lack of accountability.

Significant Themes

• Laziness vs. Responsibility: The students' casual attitude towards the Sand Hour crisis contrasts with the seriousness of the situation, highlighting their lack of responsibility.
• Accountability: The students try to avoid accountability for their actions, blaming external factors like Sand Hours instead of taking responsibility for their own behavior.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Li Meng: Zheng Qing tries to get Li Meng to help him, but she refuses, showing her disapproval of his behavior.
• Duan Xiaojian and Dunton: Duan Xiaojian tries to convince Dunton to let him off the hook for not writing homework, showing his manipulative nature.
• Group Dynamics: The students' interactions show their collective lack of responsibility and accountability, focusing more on their own interests than the school's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing brings Sand Hour Royal Jelly to Dr. Duzem for his sprites.
• Dr. Duzem confirms the jelly's quality but doubts its effectiveness on sprites.
• Zheng Qing decides to use the jelly on his sprites despite the uncertainty.
• Dr. Duzem mentions recent rumors about uninvited guests in town, linking them to the potential early return of the Silent Forest.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows determination and willingness to take risks for his sprites.
• Jiang Yu: Demonstrates concern for Zheng Qing's decisions and supports him.
• Dr. Duzem: Reveals expertise in alchemy and concern for Zheng Qing's well-being.

Significant Themes

• The uncertainty and risk involved in alchemy.
• The potential danger posed by the early return of the Silent Forest.
• The bond between Zheng Qing and his sprites.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Dr. Duzem: Zheng Qing seeks Dr. Duzem's expertise, and the doctor provides guidance and caution.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Jiang Yu supports Zheng Qing's decisions and shows concern for his well-being.
• Zheng Qing and his sprites: Zheng Qing displays a strong bond with his sprites, willing to take risks for their sake.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The annual Silent Tide phenomenon occurs earlier than usual, bringing Wenyao Fish upstream to spawn or transform.
• The early arrival of Wenyao Fish disrupts the ecosystem, threatening small creatures and magical beasts alike.
• The Doctor warns about potential consequences, including attacks on Beta Town and First University by desperate beasts.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows empathy for small creatures and learns about the delicate balance of ecosystems.
• Dr. Duzem demonstrates his knowledge of the island's ecosystem and its magical creatures.

Significant Themes

• The delicate balance of ecosystems and the consequences of disrupting it.
• The interconnectedness of magical creatures and their environments.
• The potential for danger when magical creatures are desperate.

Character Interactions

• Dr. Duzem explains the Silent Tide phenomenon and its implications to Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu discuss the situation and its potential consequences.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu express concern for Zheng Qing's health, as advised by Dr. Duzem.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing struggles to keep up with Professor Yi's Divination class due to lack of sleep from recurring nightmares.
• Professor Yi, known for his traditional teaching methods and use of a bamboo whip, lectures on the nature of Divination, emphasizing calculation over guesswork.
• He explains that life is predetermined by decisions, and understanding a person's life requires grasping comprehensive information about them.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with Divination class due to sleep deprivation, feels he's underperforming compared to his Scholarship Student peers, particularly Liu Feifei.
• Professor Yi: Reveals his strict teaching methods and deep understanding of Divination, aiming to instill respect and discipline in his students.

Significant Themes

• Predetermination vs. Free Will: Professor Yi's lecture suggests that life is predetermined by decisions, challenging the idea of free will.
• Discipline and Respect: The professor's use of a bamboo whip and his strict rules emphasize the importance of discipline and respect in his class.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Dr. Xiao: Zheng Qing laughs inappropriately during class, drawing Dr. Xiao's attention but no reprimand.
• Professor Yi and the Class: The professor's stern demeanor and use of a bamboo whip keep the students obedient and attentive.