Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and his companions, along with Nikita (a Banshee), are teleported by Elder Attar to an unfamiliar forest near Kela Mountain.
• They find a fork in the road with signs pointing to 'Bewitching Forest · Zuge', 'Wusa City', and 'Kela Mountain · Engra Old House'.
• Zheng Qing decides to proceed towards the Engra Old House, where a Dark Wizard resides, despite the late hour.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing gains confidence in his abilities as a wizard and takes the lead in decision-making.
• Nikita, the Banshee, remains cunning and sarcastic but is currently powerless due to a sealing talisman.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates analytical thinking and suggests that the old house might reveal its true nature at night.

Significant Themes

• The power of magic and its limitations (Elder Attar's teleportation, Nikita's sealing, Zheng Qing's Talisman Gun).
• The courage to face danger and uncertainty (Zheng Qing's decision to proceed, the group's acceptance of the challenge).
• The importance of teamwork and mutual support (the group's dynamics, Zheng Qing's concern for Wusa City).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing maintains a cautious stance towards Nikita, keeping his Talisman Gun pointed at her.
• Nikita taunts Xin Fatty, leading to a brief exchange of insults.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao discuss the situation and Elder Attar's intentions, showing a growing partnership in decision-making.
• The group dynamic is one of camaraderie and shared determination, with each member contributing to the conversation and the plan to proceed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jixin and Xin Fatty describe the Engra Old House as abandoned and in disrepair.
• The group arrives at the old house, finding it well-maintained and inhabited.
• Zheng Qing sends Nikita, the Banshee, to knock on the door and ask for entry.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows reluctance to torture or mistreat Nikita, indicating his compassion and reluctance to inflict unnecessary suffering.
• Nikita, despite being a captive, maintains her dignity and defiance, showing resilience and a strong will.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: The old house's true appearance is revealed only at night, highlighting the theme of things not being as they seem.
• Power Dynamics: Zheng Qing's reluctance to mistreat Nikita challenges the power dynamics between captor and captive, showing a more humane approach.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing, Zhang Jixin, and Xin Fatty discuss their plans and strategies, showcasing their camaraderie and teamwork.
• Zheng Qing and Nikita have a tense interaction, with Zheng Qing trying to maintain control while also showing some consideration for Nikita's well-being.
• Nikita and the door-ring beast have a humorous exchange, highlighting Nikita's determination and the door-ring beast's stubbornness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at an old house in the Illusory Dream Realm, expecting to find a Dark Wizard.
• The door is opened by a Black-skinned Male Wizard, who is polite and well-dressed, contradicting their expectations of a Dark Wizard's appearance.
• The visitors are initially surprised and confused by the discrepancy between their expectations and reality.
• The Black Wizard allows them to enter after hearing that Elder Attar recommended them.

Character Developments

• Nikita (Banshee): She's initially taken aback by the Black Wizard's appearance but quickly recovers and tries to gain entry by mentioning Elder Attar.
• Zheng Qing: He's impressed by Jiang Yu's observational skills and shows admiration for her.
• Zhang Jixin: He's disappointed by the lack of stereotypical Dark Wizard aesthetics in the house and its surroundings.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: The chapter explores the contrast between the visitors' expectations of a Dark Wizard's residence and the reality they encounter.
• Stereotypes and Prejudice: The visitors' initial reactions reflect their preconceived notions about Dark Wizards, highlighting the theme of stereotypes and prejudice.

Character Interactions

• Visitors vs Black Wizard: The visitors interact with the Black Wizard, initially surprised and confused, but eventually gain entry due to Elder Attar's recommendation.
• Visitors among themselves: They discuss their expectations and observations, revealing their thoughts and reactions to the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The guests arrive at the ancient mansion under the guidance of the Dark Wizard butler.
• The courtyard is initially described as beautiful and tranquil, but later revealed to be dilapidated and desolate.
• The old mansion's owner appears on the steps, draped in a cloak and wearing a thorn headdress.
• The owner discusses the starry sky in the Illusory Dream Realm, explaining that it's influenced by human consciousness and thought.
• Zheng Qing fires a Talisman Bomb at the starry sky, causing their surroundings to shatter and reveal the true state of the courtyard.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows initiative in greeting the mansion owner and later fires the Talisman Bomb, revealing the true state of their surroundings.
• The old mansion owner is initially mysterious and enigmatic but reveals deep knowledge about the Illusory Dream Realm's starry sky.

Significant Themes

• The power of consciousness and thought in the Illusory Dream Realm.
• The contrast between appearance and reality.
• The influence of human imagination on the world around them.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with the old mansion owner, asking about Mars and the starry sky.
• The guests, including Zheng Qing, the Banshees, the You Zui Hunting Team, and Maodou, are vigilant and focused during their encounter with the mansion owner.
• Zheng Qing's actions reveal the true state of the courtyard, awakening the other guests from their entranced state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and his team are captured by Engra, the master of the house, who uses an Illusionary Technique to incapacitate them.
• Zheng Qing breaks free from the Illusion and confronts Engra, who reveals he was only 'testing' their resistance to nightmares.
• Engra offers to cook mushroom soup for them, hinting at his sinister intentions if they had remained in the Illusion.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates his strong will and resistance to Illusions, breaking free first and protecting his team.
• Xiao Xiao shows his proficiency in Illusion-breaking techniques, quickly regaining consciousness and aiding his teammates.
• Engra is revealed to be a malevolent being with a twisted sense of hospitality, enjoying 'experiments' on his guests.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of underestimating one's opponents and the importance of vigilance.
• The corrupting influence of power and the potential for magical pursuits to lead to darkness.
• The theme of hospitality and its potential sinister undertones.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao work together to assess the situation and wake their teammates.
• Engra interacts with Zheng Qing, attempting to deceive him with false hospitality.
• Nikita and Zhuzhu, the Banshees, express their desire to eat the wizards, highlighting their wicked nature and contrasting with the wizards' values.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters a strange entity, Engra, who tries to offer them mushroom soup.
• Engra only shows his face and refuses to enter the room.
• The group breaks free from an illusion and prepares for the upcoming challenges.
• Jiang Yu uses a Nightmare doll to help Zhu Si cope with her trauma from the illusion.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows politeness and courage in refusing Engra's invitation.
• Zhu Si: Struggles with trauma from the illusion but finds comfort in Jiang Yu's Nightmare doll.
• Jiang Yu: Demonstrates kindness and resourcefulness in helping Zhu Si.
• Zhang Jixin: Shows excitement and naivety in his interactions with the group.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion towards strangers, especially dangerous ones like Engra.
• The power of comfort and support among companions, as seen in Jiang Yu's help to Zhu Si.
• The fear and trauma caused by illusions, mirroring real-life nightmares.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing politely refuses Engra's invitation, showing courage and caution.
• Jiang Yu comforts Zhu Si using a Nightmare doll, displaying kindness and resourcefulness.
• Zhang Jixin teases Zheng Qing about the letters on the Nightmare doll, lightening the mood.
• The group works together to break free from the illusion and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The old house owner returns a Gold Bean to Zhang Jixin through a tentacle, asking the team to leave the mountain in exchange.
• Zheng Qing asks about the path up the mountain, and the old house owner asks for life in return.
• Nikita offers to stay on the mountain to help the old house owner, but her fate is not hers to decide.
• The old house owner reveals that climbing the mountain brings one closer to reality, but losing lucidity can lead to tragic falls.
• The team decides to continue climbing the mountain despite the risks.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows decisiveness and directness in negotiations.
• Nikita reveals her willingness to stay on the mountain to escape her current predicament.
• The old house owner displays knowledge of the New World and its dangers.

Significant Themes

• The value of life and the choices one makes.
• The risks and rewards of pursuing knowledge and power.
• The balance between magic and reality.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and the old house owner engage in a tense negotiation.
• Zheng Qing and his team discuss their options and decide to continue climbing the mountain.
• Nikita's offer to stay on the mountain highlights the desperation of her situation and the lengths she's willing to go to escape it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A tendril from the old house's owner snaps off and falls into the crucible, turning golden and calming.
• The old house's owner reveals he wants to forget the appearance of the Gods, as They don't like being observed and have erased their traces.
• Zheng Qing and his companions are affected by forbidden knowledge, with Jiang Yu warning them not to listen or ask more.
• The old house's owner expresses confidence in Zheng Qing's calmness after hearing forbidden things.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows resilience against forbidden knowledge, hinting at his unique resistance.
• Jiang Yu demonstrates concern and knowledge about forbidden knowledge's effects.
• The old house's owner reveals more about his past and his desire to forget.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of forbidden knowledge.
• The fear and resentment towards the Gods.
• The consequences of defying divine will.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu share a moment of understanding, with Jiang Yu warning Zheng Qing about the danger of forbidden knowledge.
• The old house's owner and Zheng Qing engage in a conversation, with the old house's owner expressing confidence in Zheng Qing.
• The You Zui Hunting Team members show concern for each other, with Fatty offering Lourdes Holy Water to protect them from contamination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The young wizards hold an emergency meeting to discuss their deal with the old house's owner, Engra, an Archwizard contaminated by the Starry Sky.
• They need to make a final decision as the mushroom soup, which is part of the deal, is almost ready.
• Engra's tentacle appears, stirring the soup and confirming the urgency of their decision.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles with the danger of the deal and the potential consequences of Engra's memory contamination.
• Xiao Xiao: Shows maturity and pragmatism, focusing on the necessity of returning to school for their studies and to avoid expulsion.
• Zhang Jixin: Expresses concern about the school's disciplinary actions and the possibility of expulsion.
• Jiang Yu, Xin Fatty, and others: Contribute to the discussion, analyzing Engra's power level and unstable mental state.

Significant Themes

• The danger and consequences of dealing with powerful, unstable wizards.
• The importance of returning to school for the young wizards' academic and personal safety.
• The potential risks and backlash of casting the Forgetfulness Spell on a powerful Archwizard.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Zheng Qing seeks Xiao Xiao's opinion on the deal, and Xiao Xiao provides a pragmatic perspective.
• Zhang Jixin and Xin Fatty: They discuss the potential consequences of their actions on their academic status.
• The group: They collaborate to analyze Engra's power and mental state, demonstrating their understanding of magic and wizards.
• Engra and the young wizards: Engra's tentacle appears, addressing the young wizards and providing information about his current state and the Forgetfulness Spell's backlash.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The old mansion's sentient tentacle attempts to eavesdrop on the hunting team's meeting, but Zheng Qing dismisses it.
• The team discusses potential plans to deal with the old mansion owner, including using the Obliviation Spell and physical obliteration.
• Zheng Qing realizes his teammates are serious about their suggestions, and Xiao Xiao records the plans on a parchment.
• Xin Fatty remembers he has Truth Serum and Peaceful Whiskey, but he needs Buckeye Flower to complete his plan.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows skepticism towards the sentient tentacle and the old mansion owner, questioning their intelligence and intentions.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates his leadership by recording the plans and encouraging everyone to share their ideas.
• Xin Fatty proves his usefulness by remembering and offering Truth Serum and Peaceful Whiskey as potential solutions.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between intelligence and brute force in problem-solving.
• The importance of considering all possibilities and sharing ideas in a team.
• The uncertainty and risks involved in dealing with powerful and unpredictable enemies.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with the sentient tentacle, expressing his disbelief in its intelligence and intentions.
• Xiao Xiao interacts with the team, encouraging them to share their ideas and recording the plans on a parchment.
• Xin Fatty interacts with the team, offering his knowledge of Truth Serum and Peaceful Whiskey as potential solutions.
• The team members discuss and debate their plans, showing their individual perspectives and concerns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Tochigi flower's fruit enhances memory, while the flower itself damages it. A potion can be made from the flower juice to induce forgetfulness.
• Xin Fatty suggests using this potion to make the old homeowner, Mister Engra, forget his memories of the house and the mountain path.
• The group discusses the feasibility of stealing the Gold Bean from the Mushroom Soup, which supposedly holds the path to the mountain.
• Zheng Qing remembers Nikita's 'Memory' potion and suggests using it to extract the path from Mister Engra's memories.

Character Developments

• Xin Fatty shows initiative and knowledge in suggesting the Forgetfulness Potion, but his lack of full information about its side effects causes concern.
• Zheng Qing demonstrates leadership and quick thinking in proposing Nikita's potion as an alternative solution.
• Nikita maintains her wariness around the group, but her honesty about her potion's capabilities shows a level of trust.

Significant Themes

• The duality of memory: beneficial (fruit) and harmful (flower).
• The consequences of incomplete information (Xin Fatty's lack of full knowledge about the potion's side effects).
• The importance of trust and honesty (Nikita's openness about her potion).

Character Interactions

• Xin Fatty and Zheng Qing display a dynamic of initiative and leadership, with Zheng Qing stepping in to correct Xin Fatty's incomplete plan.
• The group shows a mix of fear, awe, and respect towards Mister Engra, discussing his potential reaction to their plans.
• Nikita's interaction with the group is cautious but cooperative, showing a level of trust in their intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing tries to persuade Nikita (the Banshee) to help them leave the Illusory Dream Realm by threatening her with his Talisman Gun.
• Nikita refuses, stating that being shot or contaminated by the Dark Wizard's memories is no different for her.
• Zheng Qing suggests using Lourdes Holy Water to prevent contamination, but Nikita remains unconvinced.
• The old house owner (Dark Wizard) proposes using a Forget Talisman wrapped in a Talisman Bomb to influence the Dark Wizard's memories.
• Zheng Qing agrees to draw the talisman, but expresses uncertainty about the properties of his blood in the Illusory Dream Realm.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates his firmness and determination in negotiations, but also shows a willingness to listen and adapt to new ideas.
• Nikita maintains her unyielding stance, showing no fear of death or contamination, and displays a sharp intellect.
• The old house owner reveals his understanding of the power within Zheng Qing's Talisman Gun and offers a solution to their problem.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The power struggle between Zheng Qing, Nikita, and the old house owner is a central theme. Each party tries to assert control over the situation.
• Trust and Cooperation: The characters must decide whether to trust each other and work together to achieve their goals.
• The Price of Power: The chapter explores the consequences of using powerful, potentially dangerous magic, such as the Dark Wizard's memories and Zheng Qing's Blood Talisman Bomb.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Nikita engage in a tense negotiation, each trying to gain the upper hand.
• Zheng Qing and the old house owner have a more cooperative interaction, with the old house owner offering a solution to their problem.
• Zhang Jixin, the Red-faced Male Wizard, provides comic relief with his commentary and reactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing creates a Forgetfulness Talisman using his blood and magical power, loading it into a Talisman Gun.
• The old mansion owner reveals that a prayer to Merlin is needed before using the Talisman Bomb.
• Zheng Qing aims and fires the Talisman Bomb at the blurred face behind the door, revealing a vast, distorted world and a colossal shadow.
• The Talisman Bomb enters the room, and the door slams shut.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates his magical prowess and determination by creating a powerful Talisman Bomb.
• The old mansion owner shows his manipulative nature by setting conditions for the Wizards to obtain the bean.
• Xiao Xiao exhibits trust in Zheng Qing's abilities and agrees to fire the Talisman Bomb.

Significant Themes

• The power of magic and its potential consequences.
• Manipulation and trust in relationships.
• The blurred line between reality and illusion.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and the old mansion owner engage in a conversation about the Talisman Bomb and its use.
• Zheng Qing seeks Xiao Xiao's opinion before firing the Talisman Bomb.
• The old mansion owner's tentacles express their thoughts on the situation disjointedly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing's team waits for the owner of the old mansion to uphold his end of the bargain.
• Zheng Qing reloads his Talisman Gun, worrying about its durability.
• Jiang Yu expresses concern about the shot damaging the house, leading to a discussion about the shot's power and the rules it might have invoked.
• Zheng Qing tries to wake up Nikita and Zhuzhu, who were previously bound by tentacles. Zhuzhu wakes up, but Nikita pretends to be unconscious.
• Xiao Xiao attempts to retrieve the Gold Bean from the mushroom soup using various utensils, but only manages to scoop out soup.
• Zhang Jixin suggests that the Dark Wizard might be cheating.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows concern for his Talisman Gun's durability, hinting at his responsibility and care for his equipment.
• Jiang Yu demonstrates her caution and consideration for potential consequences.
• Xiao Xiao displays his persistence and thoroughness in trying to retrieve the bean.
• Nikita and Zhuzhu show their cunning and manipulative nature, trying to exploit the situation to their advantage.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: The team suspects the Dark Wizard of cheating, highlighting the theme of trust and deception in negotiations.
• Power and control: The discussion about the shot's power and the rules it invoked touches on the theme of power and control in magical abilities.
• Responsibility and care: Zheng Qing's concern for his Talisman Gun shows his sense of responsibility and care for his equipment.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu discuss the shot's power and the rules it might have invoked, showing their strategic thinking and mutual respect.
• Zheng Qing interacts with Nikita and Zhuzhu, demonstrating his authority and determination in dealing with demons.
• Xiao Xiao and Zheng Qing discuss the bean retrieval process, showing their teamwork and shared goal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The You Zui Hunting Team gathers around a black crucible containing a mysterious Mushroom Soup, trying to retrieve a bean from it using various spells and methods, but fail.
• The Banshee, Nikita, suggests that drinking the soup is the simplest way to retrieve the bean, but refuses to do so herself.
• The team members discuss who should drink the soup, with Zhang Jixin and Xin Fatty volunteering. Xiao Xiao suggests that each person should drink a little to increase their chances of finding their way home.
• Maodou (Doggy) drinks the soup first, transforming into a more monstrous form, with tentacles sprouting from its body and blood-red eyes. Its body becomes gaunt and emaciated.
• The team forms a battle formation, preparing to face the transformed Maodou, while Nikita watches seriously.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows concern for his team's safety and well-being, considering the risks of drinking the soup.
• Nikita: Initially playful, she becomes serious when Maodou transforms, showing she understands the gravity of the situation.
• Maodou: Transforms into a more monstrous form after drinking the soup, revealing its true nature as a Hound of Tindalos.

Significant Themes

• Courage and sacrifice: Team members volunteer to drink the soup, potentially putting themselves at risk.
• Transformation: Maodou's transformation highlights the power of the soup and the dangers it poses.
• Trust and unity: The team forms a battle formation, showing their willingness to support each other in facing the transformed Maodou.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Nikita: Zheng Qing seeks Nikita's advice, and she provides it, but also teases him.
• The You Zui Hunting Team: Team members discuss and decide who should drink the soup, showing their willingness to work together.
• Maodou and the team: After transforming, Maodou is seen as a threat by the team, leading them to form a battle formation against it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with a monstrous creature in the Wilderness, scraping off colorful marks from its forehead using a green dagger, symbolizing the removal of contamination from the Starry Sky.
• The creature stops when it senses something, expressing regret that its Mushroom Soup was eaten by a dog.
• Bean Bean, a dog, is undergoing a transformation in a courtyard, surrounded by its companions and human friends.
• After the transformation, Bean Bean is cleaner, and other 'Bean Beans' emerge from the void, redistributing the mutation energy across dimensions.
• True Hounds of Tindalos, servants of Mhysisha, appear outside the courtyard, hungry and threatening.

Character Developments

• Bean Bean undergoes a significant transformation, becoming more like a true Hound of Tindalos, but still recognizable as Bean Bean.
• Zheng Qing, the Male Wizard, shows concern for Bean Bean and understands the redistribution of mutation energy.
• Xiao Xiao, the Diviner of You Zui, remains calm and knowledgeable about the Hounds of Tindalos and Mhysisha.

Significant Themes

• Contamination and Purification: The creature in the Wilderness is scraping off contamination, and Bean Bean is undergoing a purification process.
• Transformation and Identity: Bean Bean transforms but still retains its original identity.
• Hunger and Threat: The Hounds of Tindalos represent a threat due to their hunger.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with Bean Bean, expressing pride in its accomplishment.
• Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing discuss the Hounds of Tindalos, showing unease.
• Xiao Xiao provides information and a plan of action to the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and his team find a green pea in the old house, which they suspect might help them ascend the mountain.
• Zheng Qing hears whispers from the mountain, fragments of history, when he holds the pea.
• Xin Fatty tries to touch the pea and grows flesh buds, which dissolve in Lourdes Holy Water.
• Xiao Xiao suggests Zheng Qing "talk" to the pea by focusing on the thought of going up the mountain.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows leadership and caution in handling the mysterious pea.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of the Illusory Dream Realm's nature.
• Xin Fatty's impulsiveness leads to a minor mishap, but he quickly recovers with the help of holy water.

Significant Themes

• The power of words and intentions, as demonstrated by the Dark Wizard's manipulation of language and Zheng Qing's attempt to communicate with the pea.
• The danger of unknown entities and the importance of caution, as seen in Xin Fatty's reaction to the pea.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing consults with Xiao Xiao and Jiang Yu on how to handle the pea.
• Xin Fatty's impatience and impulsiveness contrast with Zheng Qing's careful approach.
• The team works together to understand and handle the mysterious pea, showing unity and trust in each other's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing, trying to communicate with Kela Mountain, hears echoes about the mountain's deities, everyone's inner beast, and the deities' envy of humans.
• The team realizes they should climb towards the highest point to ascend the mountain.
• Zheng Qing is suddenly transported to a different location on Kela Mountain, with his team and captives, while the Hounds of Tindalos pursue them.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: He becomes more determined to understand and communicate with Kela Mountain, demonstrating patience and strategic thinking.
• Zhu Si: She shows initiative and strategic insight, suggesting they climb towards the highest point.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding with the unknown (Kela Mountain).
• The duality of human nature and the inner beast within everyone.
• The deities' envy of humans and their detachment from the world.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Zhu Si: They work together, with Zhu Si providing strategic input and Zheng Qing acting on it, showing a good team dynamic.
• Zheng Qing and Nikita: Zheng Qing is cautious around Nikita, aware of her potential threat and the need to maintain control.
• The team: They are united in their goal to ascend Kela Mountain, despite their individual concerns and fears.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing reaches the peak of Kela Mountain, realizing that proximity to truth isn't always straightforward.
• He finds Zhu Si, but she's not the seven-year-old he remembers. She's an older version who's lived in the Mirror World and Illusory Dream Realm for centuries.
• Zhu Si reveals that time in the Mirror World is unstable and chaotic, causing a contradiction in their perceived timelines.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles to grasp the reality of the situation and Zhu Si's transformation.
• Zhu Si: Has grown into a mature, weary individual due to her prolonged existence in the Mirror World and Illusory Dream Realm.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: The instability of time and perception in the Mirror World challenges Zheng Qing's understanding of reality.
• Time Distortion: The vast difference in their perceived timelines highlights the chaotic nature of the Mirror World.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Zhu Si: Their reunion is strained as Zheng Qing struggles to accept Zhu Si's transformation and the truth about their time difference.
• Zhu Si and Maodou: Zhu Si commands Maodou to hide in its dimensional rift, showing her control over the creature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing, a young man, meets a witch on Kela Mountain, who reveals she's a projection in someone's dream.
• The witch explains that she's awake because the dreamer needs help, and this is her final journey back to reality.
• Zheng Qing learns that the old house at the foot of the mountain is bound to souls, with each soul calling itself Engra. The current owner is Balsai, a sage from the Illusory Dream Realm, driven mad by trying to ascend the mountaintop.
• The witch reveals that earth gods once resided on the mountaintop but have since dissipated or changed names due to various reasons.
• Zheng Qing realizes that Elder Attar sent them on this path for multiple reasons, including saving his mentor and fulfilling his duty to Bastet.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Becomes more aware of the risks and complexities of the Illusory Dream Realm and the consequences of his actions.
• The Witch: Shows a mix of acceptance and fear regarding her impending disappearance, displaying a sense of self-preservation while also caring for the dreamer.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Virtuality: The blurring line between reality and dreams/virtuality is a central theme, with the witch's existence challenging Zheng Qing's understanding of what's real.
• Consequences of Actions: The characters face the consequences of their choices, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full extent of one's actions.
• The Power of Knowledge: The earth gods' actions and Balsai's fate illustrate the power and danger of knowledge, particularly when it's not meant for mortals.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and the Witch: They engage in a dialogue that reveals their respective situations and concerns, with the witch providing guidance while Zheng Qing seeks understanding and direction.
• Zheng Qing and Elder Attar: Zheng Qing questions Attar's intentions, showing a growing awareness of the complexities of the characters he interacts with.