Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing receives a white card with a tuft of black hair, two words ("Remember it"), and the letters "M·K·S" written in ornate ink.
• Xiao Xiao, a watermelon-headed individual, helps Zheng Qing analyze the card's contents using magic tools and knowledge.
• They determine the hair is likely from a large terrestrial mammal and is safe to touch.
• Zheng Qing touches the hair and feels a cold, sharp aura but no special information.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows curiosity and caution when dealing with the mysterious card. He's also shown to be resourceful, learning from Old Yao and using his knowledge to make connections.
• Xiao Xiao: Demonstrates expertise in magic and a keen interest in solving the mystery. He's thorough and meticulous in his analysis.
• Tuantuan (the fat cat): Shows mischief and independence, trying to steal Zheng Qing's breakfast and then leaving when ignored.

Significant Themes

• Mystery and Investigation: The chapter revolves around unraveling the mystery of the black hair and the card's message.
• Trust and Caution: Zheng Qing is initially wary of Xiao Xiao's intentions but eventually trusts him enough to follow his instructions.
• Knowledge and Expertise: Xiao Xiao's magical knowledge and Zheng Qing's learned wizard slang help them analyze the card's contents.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao work together to analyze the card, with Xiao Xiao providing expertise and Zheng Qing offering insights and making connections.
• Zheng Qing and Tuantuan have a playful interaction over breakfast, showing Zheng Qing's affection for the cat despite his stern demeanor.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao share a moment of understanding when Zheng Qing realizes the hair's origin, showing a growing bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing receives a mysterious letter with a tuft of demon fur.
• He identifies the fur as belonging to a Pig Demon he encountered in the past.
• Xiao Xiao reveals that the Pig Demon broke through 'Oster's Guardian,' a powerful warding spell.
• Zheng Qing learns that the Pig Demon's brother, Mike King Ceplano, is a powerful figure at Alpha Academy and likely sent the letter.
• Zheng Qing is warned about the potential consequences of offending Mike and other influential figures at Alpha Academy.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows determination and resilience in the face of potential danger.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates knowledge about Alpha Academy and its influential figures.
• Zheng Qing's pet cat, Tuantuan, shows a playful and resilient nature.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of defying them.
• The struggle between personal values and external pressures.
• The theme of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao's interaction shows a mix of tension, mutual respect, and camaraderie.
• Zheng Qing's interaction with Tuantuan shows a playful and affectionate side to his character.
• Zheng Qing's potential conflict with Mike King Ceplano hints at a larger power struggle within Alpha Academy.

Chapter Sixty-Seven: Dead Cat

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing discovers a crowd gathered near Linzhong Lake, where a kitten has been brutally murdered and left with its eyes plucked out.
• The kitten's death is considered unusual and disturbing by the Wizards, as small animals with spiritual energy are typically respected and cherished.
• Zheng Qing learns that the patrol team should have discovered the body the previous night but hadn't removed it yet.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing shows empathy and concern for the deceased kitten, demonstrating his compassionate side.
• Jiang Yu displays her punctuality and equality-mindedness by arriving early for their meeting and advocating against gender discrimination.

Significant Themes

• Respect for life and nature, as seen in the Wizards' reverence for small animals with spiritual energy.
• The consequences of unnatural deaths on campus, which can lead to negative energy and potential trouble for those responsible for the area.
• The importance of punctuality and equality, as shown by Jiang Yu's behavior.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with a Jamaican senior student, who provides information about the kitten's death and the school's lack of action.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu meet at the library entrance, where they discuss their early arrival and the importance of punctuality and equality. Their interaction improves Zheng Qing's mood.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yu changes her attire to a modified Jiuyou Academy Robe, surprising Zheng Qing.
• Jiang Yu reveals she's been secretly caring for a stray kitten, feeding it near the library.
• Zheng Qing learns about the murder of a small white cat by Linzhong Lake and its gruesome state.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yu shows a caring side towards animals, revealing her compassionate nature beyond her usual poise.
• Zheng Qing demonstrates empathy and understanding, trying to break the news of the kitten's death gently to Jiang Yu.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: Jiang Yu's modified attire challenges traditional expectations of her background, showing her individuality.
• Compassion and Empathy: Both Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing display kindness and understanding towards the kitten and each other.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu's interaction shows mutual respect and concern, with Zheng Qing trying to protect Jiang Yu from distress and Jiang Yu inviting Zheng Qing for a meal as a gesture of friendship.
• Jiang Yu's relationship with the kitten highlights her nurturing side, contrasting with her usual demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the "Mondel Paradox" or "Impossible Triangle Rule" in the wizarding world, which states that a wizard cannot simultaneously achieve free species transformation, independent will, and magical stability.
• A kitten with its eyes gouged out is found near Linzhong Lake, sparking Jiang Yu's outrage as she recognizes this as second-degree murder according to the Wizard Codex.
• Xiao Xiao explains the "Mondel Paradox" and the Wizard Codex's interpretation of criminal law to Zheng Qing, who is shocked to learn that harming certain small animals is considered murder.
• Jiang Yu reveals she had been caring for the kitten and plans to have her family handle its burial, demanding the school provide an explanation.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yu: She shows compassion and responsibility towards the kitten, demonstrating her caring nature. Her family's influence is hinted at, as she mentions having a meeting with the Doctor (likely a high-ranking official).
• Zheng Qing: He displays empathy and respect for Jiang Yu's feelings, trying to console her. He also shows concern for his sprites, indicating his growth as a responsible individual.
• Xiao Xiao: He shows initiative in investigating the situation, suggesting he is more involved than initially portrayed.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and Compassion: Jiang Yu's care for the kitten and Zheng Qing's concern for his sprites highlight the importance of responsibility and compassion in their world.
• Consequences of Actions: The "Mondel Paradox" and the strict wizarding laws regarding harming small animals emphasize the severe consequences of certain actions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: They bond over the kitten's fate, with Zheng Qing trying to console Jiang Yu, and Jiang Yu showing concern for Zheng Qing's sprites.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Xiao Xiao explains the complex wizarding laws to Zheng Qing, showing a mentor-like role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu visit Dr. Duzem, a private researcher off-campus, in Beta Town's East District.
• They navigate through a narrow, old alley leading to the Institute of Abnormal Life, which appears abandoned.
• Zheng Qing struggles to get a response from the seemingly deserted institute, finally getting the attention of an old man who asks for their purpose.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yu: She becomes more talkative and less melancholic as she explains the layout and history of Beta Town. She's embarrassed by the institute's state but maintains her composure.
• Zheng Qing: He shows curiosity and impatience, trying to engage with the seemingly deserted institute. He's also slightly critical of the institute's state.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: The institute's exterior suggests abandonment, contrasting with its supposed importance in the field of abnormal life.
• Social Hierarchy: The East District is inhabited by people who are "neither here nor there," reflecting the wizarding world's social stratification.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: They interact cordially, with Zheng Qing trying to lighten Jiang Yu's mood and Jiang Yu providing information about their surroundings. They share a moment of confusion and bewilderment when faced with the institute's state.
• Zheng Qing and the Old Man: Their interaction is brief and tense, with the old man appearing impatient and critical.

Summary of Key Points and Events

Terry Duzem's Rise to Prominence

• Born in 1980, Duzem became First University's most promising student at 17 with his exceptional S-class Alchemy Talent.
• By 20, he was already a Dr. and a specially appointed researcher at First University, with a dedicated laboratory named after him in Alpha Castle.
• "Wand" magazine predicted he would win the Logic Prize within a decade and become the youngest member of the Grand Wizard Council.

The Ban and Disappearance

• In 2005, First University terminated its employment relationship with Duzem, prohibiting him from any magical research involving the university.
• The reason for the ban remains unknown, leading to various rumors such as a severe laboratory accident, a secret research project, or demonic corruption.
• Despite the uproar, both parties maintained silence, and Duzem disappeared from public view.

Present Day

• Duzem lives in the West District of Beta Town, confined to his ancestral home due to his damaged soul, which prevents him from becoming an Archwizard.
• He continues his research, driven by his dream of achieving God Creation, despite his reduced magical abilities.
• His old servant supports and encourages his pursuits, believing in his potential.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Terry Duzem: Despite his setbacks, Duzem remains determined to pursue his dreams and make a name for himself. He is driven, persistent, and maintains a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.
• Old Servant: The old servant is loyal, supportive, and believes in Duzem's potential. He encourages Duzem's pursuits and stands by him, even in difficult times.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and Determination: Duzem's character is defined by his unwavering determination to succeed, despite his reduced magical abilities and the challenges he faces.
• The Price of Ambition: Duzem's rise to prominence came at a cost, and his fall from grace serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked ambition.
• The Jealousy of Heaven: This phrase reflects the idea that Duzem's talent was so great that it invoked heaven's jealousy, leading to his damaged soul and reduced abilities.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: These characters discuss Duzem's past and current situation, revealing the convoluted nature of his identity and the gag order issued by First University regarding the matter.
• Dr. Duzem and his Old Servant: The old servant supports and encourages Duzem's pursuits, believing in his potential and standing by him through difficult times.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dr. Duzem, engrossed in his work, falls into a deep sleep after completing a significant spell.
• He is awoken by his old servant, Constantine, who informs him that Miss Jiang, the eldest daughter of his major benefactor, the Zhongshan Jiang Family, has arrived for a meeting.
• Dr. Duzem hurriedly prepares to meet Miss Jiang, interacting with his talking Wardrobe Mirror along the way.
• Miss Jiang arrives with her classmate and friend, Zheng Qing, a Jiuyou Academy Scholarship Student.

Character Developments

• Dr. Duzem: Initially shown as a dedicated and somewhat eccentric scholar, he reveals a level of vanity and concern for appearances when preparing to meet Miss Jiang.
• Constantine: The loyal old servant who cares for Dr. Duzem's well-being, showing concern for his health and punctuality.
• Miss Jiang: Introduced as the eldest daughter of a powerful family and a potential benefactor to Dr. Duzem, she displays politeness and poise.
• Zheng Qing: A Jiuyou Academy Scholarship Student, he is polite and reserved, showing deference to Dr. Duzem and Miss Jiang.

Significant Themes

• The importance of appearances and first impressions, as seen in Dr. Duzem's rushed preparations.
• The power dynamics between benefactors and recipients, as Dr. Duzem treats Miss Jiang with deference.
• The contrast between Dr. Duzem's treatment of Miss Jiang and Zheng Qing, highlighting potential class or status differences.

Character Interactions

• Dr. Duzem and Constantine: The old servant shows concern for Dr. Duzem's well-being, while Dr. Duzem is dismissive of Constantine's concerns.
• Dr. Duzem and the Wardrobe Mirror: The Doctor interacts with his talking mirror, showing a mix of annoyance and dependence on it.
• Dr. Duzem and Miss Jiang: Dr. Duzem greets Miss Jiang with exaggerated politeness, kissing her hand and expressing his desire for a photo with her.
• Dr. Duzem and Zheng Qing: Dr. Duzem's greeting towards Zheng Qing is notably cooler compared to his interaction with Miss Jiang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing meets Dr. Duzem, who appears much older than his forty years, looking like a seventy or eighty-year-old man.
• Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing visit Dr. Duzem's research institute, the 'Center for Abnormal Life Research'.
• Zheng Qing notices a scroll with the calligraphy "Different fireworks, the same brilliance" and a glass tank containing Corpse Beetles and a human skull.

Character Developments

• Dr. Duzem: Despite his genius and youth, he appears worn out and dispirited, living in poverty and isolation. His appearance and demeanor contrast with the vibrant spirit typically associated with geniuses.
• Zheng Qing: He is initially astonished by Dr. Duzem's appearance and later shows curiosity and interest in the objects in the doctor's study.

Significant Themes

• Aging and Time: The discrepancy between Dr. Duzem's age and appearance highlights the passage of time and its impact on individuals.
• Genius and Madness: The doctor's eccentric behavior and living conditions suggest a connection between genius and madness, a common trope in literature.
• Death and Life: The Corpse Beetles and human skull in the glass tank symbolize death and decay, contrasting with the life and vitality of the living characters.

Character Interactions

• Dr. Duzem and Jiang Yu: The doctor is cautious and somewhat awkward in his interaction with Jiang Yu, likely due to his lack of social skills and his focus on his research.
• Zheng Qing and Dr. Duzem: Zheng Qing is initially shocked by Dr. Duzem's appearance but later shows interest in the doctor's work, engaging him in conversation about the Corpse Beetles and skull.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu visit Dr. Duzem's study to learn about corpse beetles.
• Dr. Duzem shows them corpse beetles from the Silent Forest, explaining their unique characteristics and behaviors.
• He demonstrates the difference between corpse beetles from the Silent Forest and those from outside the island (Qinling Corpse Beetle and Pyramid Scarab).
• Dr. Duzem exhibits a dehydrated scarab beetle, explaining its ability to absorb moisture and regain its form, and its vulnerability to fire.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows curiosity and interest in learning about corpse beetles; displays a calm demeanor despite being slightly unnerved by the insects.
• Jiang Yu: Exhibits keen interest in the insects, persistently asking questions to learn more.
• Dr. Duzem: Reveals his expertise and enthusiasm in sharing knowledge about corpse beetles; shows a slight nervousness when he thinks Zheng Qing is uncomfortable.

Significant Themes

• The adaptation and evolution of creatures in different environments.
• The vulnerability and strength of these insects, highlighting the duality of nature.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding in dealing with potentially dangerous entities.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu interact with Dr. Duzem, asking questions and learning from him.
• Dr. Duzem interacts with Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu, eager to share his knowledge and impress them.

Chapter Seventy-Five: Horus

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dr. Duzem shows Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu a scarab beetle that fears fire, despite preferring dryness and sunlight.
• The Doctor reveals that a group of uninvited guests, likely Corpse Beetles of the same kind, have entered the school.
• He identifies the intruders as "Horus," fallen wizards who consume animal eyeballs to regain their sight, preferring those with spiritual essence.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing becomes more accustomed to the island's bizarre creatures and their habits.
• Jiang Yu remains determined to find the truth behind the eyeball removals.

Significant Themes

• The duality of nature and nurture in the wizarding world, as seen in the scarab beetle's paradoxical fear of fire.
• The consequences of pursuing power at any cost, exemplified by the Horus wizards.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu collaborate to find information about the eyeball removals.
• Dr. Duzem shares his knowledge about the island's creatures and their habits with the two young wizards.

Chapter Seventy-Six: Blood Tears - Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing visit Dr. Duzem to seek help for Zheng Qing's ailing green sprites.
• Dr. Duzem examines the sprites and determines they've lost their master and are aging rapidly due to an unnatural death.
• Dr. Duzem discusses various methods to save the sprites, ranging from expensive 'Great Blessings' to demon contracts, and temporary solutions like royal jelly.
• Jiang Yu notices Dr. Duzem's eyes bleeding, indicating a severe reaction or effort from his examination.

Character Developments

• Dr. Duzem: Reveals his expertise and willingness to help, despite his initial reluctance. His eyes bleeding suggests a hidden power or cost to his abilities.
• Zheng Qing: Shows deep care and concern for his green sprites, despite his financial limitations. He's cautious about dealing with the Wanderer Wizard due to his friends' advice.
• Jiang Yu: Displayed boredom initially but shows interest in Dr. Duzem's methods. She's observant, noticing Dr. Duzem's bleeding eyes.

Significant Themes

• Cost and Value: Different methods to save the sprites have varying costs, reflecting the theme of value and sacrifice.
• Power and Its Price: Dr. Duzem's bleeding eyes hint at the hidden cost of using powerful abilities.
• Relationship with Creatures: Zheng Qing's attachment to his sprites contrasts with Dr. Duzem's initial indifference, highlighting the different values people place on life.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing: They work together to find a solution for Zheng Qing's sprites, with Jiang Yu taking the lead in questioning Dr. Duzem.
• Dr. Duzem and Jiang Yu/Zheng Qing: Dr. Duzem provides information and options, while Jiang Yu and Zheng Qing ask questions and express concerns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu visit Dr. Duzem to check Zheng's sprite.
• Dr. Duzem's eyes bleed and he removes his eyeballs for a "spa" in a yellow liquid.
• Dr. Duzem performs a "suspending thread diagnosis" on Zheng's sprite.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows discomfort and fear at Dr. Duzem's actions but maintains composure.
• Jiang Yu: Initially frightened, she regains composure and engages in a debate with Dr. Duzem.
• Dr. Duzem: Reveals his eccentric and unorthodox methods, displaying a disregard for conventional norms.

Significant Themes

• The unconventional methods of alchemy and their acceptance.
• The challenge of understanding and acceptance of new or unusual phenomena.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: They react with fear and disgust at Dr. Duzem's actions but maintain respect.
• Dr. Duzem and Zheng Qing/Jiang Yu: Dr. Duzem dismisses their concerns and engages in a debate with Jiang Yu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu visit Dr. Duzem at the Non-Humanoid Creature Research Institute to seek help for the ailing sprites.
• Dr. Duzem explains the pulse diagnosis of sprites and the concept of 'feigned death.'
• He offers two prescriptions: 'Yu Yuan Ling San' (inexpensive, short-term effect) and 'Philosopher's Powder' (expensive, long-lasting effect).
• 'Philosopher's Powder' is a byproduct of refining the 'Philosopher's Stone' and is rare and valuable.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Struggles to understand Dr. Duzem's medical terminology, shows impatience and eagerness to save the sprites, feels regret for spending money on amulets.
• Jiang Yu: Initially bewildered, later excited about the two available methods, feels troubled about the cost of 'Philosopher's Powder.'
• Dr. Duzem: Proud of his ability to provide 'Philosopher's Powder,' expresses discontent with the wizarding world's disdain for refining the 'Philosopher's Stone.'

Significant Themes

• The value of life and the struggle to save it.
• The cost of rare and powerful resources.
• The disdain for certain tasks within the wizarding world.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu interact with Dr. Duzem, seeking his medical expertise.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu exchange silent glances, expressing their shared understanding of their financial constraints.
• Dr. Duzem addresses Jiang Yu, showing favoritism and offering a friendly price for the 'Philosopher's Powder.'

Summary

• Setting: A rocky mountain with a red wood tree bearing red fruit, a dark yellow stone, and a Spirit Turtle with a horn on its forehead. The turtle is mystical, and its age determines its abilities: at 100 years, it turns white; at 1000 years, its shell grows hair; and at 10,000 years, it can speak with humans.
• Event: Dr. Duzem, a blind man with a thousand-year-old Spirit Turtle, plans to use the turtle's shell to create a medicine for Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu, who need to extend the lifespan of their Sprites. The turtle is reluctant to part with its shell, leading to a negotiation.
• Misunderstanding: Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu initially think Dr. Duzem plans to kill the turtle for its shell. They object, but Dr. Duzem clarifies that he only needs a few hairs from the turtle's back, not its entire shell.
• Task: Dr. Duzem sends Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu to cut twelve tender leaves with fruit from an old mulberry tree in the yard. He also asks them to bring him his eyeballs, which have been soaking in a cup.
• Preparation: Dr. Duzem begins to prepare the medicine by finely chopping the turtle's hairs with a silver short knife. Constantine, the old servant, appears and reminds Dr. Duzem that it's lunchtime.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu collect mulberry leaves from Dr. Duzem's garden for the potion.
• They discuss societal norms and the importance of conforming to them.
• Dr. Duzem prepares a complex nested formation for the potion.
• The potion-making process involves several steps: igniting herbs, adding jade powder, mulberry leaf juice, and finally, the spirit turtle's saliva as a catalyst.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing expresses his desire for a simple, secluded life in the future.
• Jiang Yu shares her tutor's perspective on societal norms and the importance of conformity.
• Dr. Duzem demonstrates his advanced alchemy skills and reveals his potion-making process.

Significant Themes

• Conformity vs Individuality: Zheng Qing's struggle to fit into society and express his thoughts.
• The Price of Knowledge: The complex and labor-intensive process of creating a potion, reflecting the high cost of acquiring advanced knowledge.
• Responsibility and Sacrifice: The spirit turtle's role in the potion-making process, highlighting the theme of sacrifice for the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu bond over their shared experience and understanding of societal norms.
• Zheng Qing and Dr. Duzem work together to prepare the potion, with Zheng Qing assisting in the final steps.
• Dr. Duzem involves Jiang Yu in the potion-making process, acknowledging her knowledge and skills.

Chapter Eighty-One: Awakening

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dr. Duzem successfully revives Zheng Qing's Sprites using a potion.
• The Sprites, after being asleep for over a week, wake up one by one.
• The Doctor explains that the Sprites regain energy through light, not food.
• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu visit Dr. Duzem for a follow-up check the next Saturday.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing: Shows determination and desperation to save his Sprites, willing to spend his scholarship money and work extra to afford the potion. He also demonstrates enthusiasm and excitement when the Sprites wake up.
• Dr. Duzem: Reveals his expertise and kindness as an Alchemist, going out of his way to help Zheng Qing. He also shows a playful side, teasing Zheng Qing about his rigid professors and expressing his desire for more visits from the young Wizards.
• Jiang Yu: Displays concern and care for the Sprites, asking about their needs after they wake up. She also shows a bashful reaction when Zheng Qing holds her hand in excitement.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Help: Dr. Duzem helps Zheng Qing out of friendship and kindness, not just for the Gold Beans. Zheng Qing, in turn, offers to introduce a talented Young Alchemist to Dr. Duzem.
• Responsibility and Dedication: Dr. Duzem takes his duty as an Alchemist seriously, even helping with cases others deem hopeless. Zheng Qing shows dedication to his Sprites, willing to work extra to afford their revival.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing and Jiang Yu: Their friendship deepens as they share the joy of the Sprites' revival. Zheng Qing's excitement leads to a brief, awkward moment when he holds Jiang Yu's hand.
• Dr. Duzem and Zheng Qing/Jiang Yu: The Doctor interacts warmly with the young Wizards, showing genuine interest in their well-being and inviting them to visit more often. He also teases Zheng Qing about his professors.
• Dr. Duzem and Constantine: The Doctor and his old servant share a warm, affectionate relationship. Constantine shows understanding and care for Dr. Duzem, while Dr. Duzem shows appreciation for Constantine's service.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The students of Astronomy 08-1 gather for their first evening meeting in Room 601.
• Zheng Qing's Sprites, which he saved, are a hit among his classmates, especially the girls.
• Zheng Qing submits leave request forms for Li Meng and Jiang Yu, who can't attend due to personal reasons.
• Zheng Qing's successful rescue of the Sprites surprises his classmates, and he expresses concern about their full recovery.
• The class discusses the recent Level 2 murder case by Linzhong Lake, with Zhang Jixin expressing a desire to catch the killer.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qing demonstrates responsibility and kindness towards the Sprites, showing growth in his role as their caretaker.
• Zhang Jixin shows courage in wanting to confront the killer but also displays fear when Zheng Qing enters the conversation.
• Jiang Yu shows consideration for Li Meng's well-being by staying with her instead of attending class.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Responsibility: Zheng Qing's actions towards the Sprites highlight the theme of kindness and responsibility, showing that even when faced with adversity, one should not give up on those in need.
• Courage and Fear: Zhang Jixin's bold statements about confronting the killer contrast with his fear when Zheng Qing enters the conversation, illustrating the complex nature of courage and fear.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qing interacts with his classmates, who are amazed by his successful rescue of the Sprites.
• Zheng Qing submits leave requests for Li Meng and Jiang Yu, showing his consideration for their well-being.
• Zhang Jixin interacts with his peers, expressing his desire to catch the killer but also showing fear when Zheng Qing is present.
• Zheng Qing and his classmates discuss the recent murder case, showing their interest and concern about the event.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xin Banner has a nightmare where he and Zhang Jixin are enslaved, towing a boat through mud and rain, while Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao oversee them. Xin Banner wakes up in the Magic Spell Class.
• Professor Yao addresses the class about recent disturbances, including a Level 2 murder on campus, warning students not to act on their own initiative or take risks.

Character Developments

• Xin Banner is shaken by his nightmare and feels betrayed by Zheng Qing, but later accepts his apology.
• Zheng Qing shows leadership and bravery in the nightmare, and later receives praise and credits from Professor Yao for his actions at the Wander Bar.
• Zhang Jixin displays loyalty and determination, standing up for Zheng Qing and Xin Banner.

Significant Themes

• Slavery and Debt: The nightmare explores the theme of slavery and debt, with Xin Banner and Zhang Jixin towing a boat to pay off a debt, reflecting the harsh consequences of their actions.
• Power Dynamics: The power dynamics between the enslaved and the enslavers are evident in the nightmare, with Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao overseeing the work, mirroring real-world power imbalances.
• Consequences of Actions: The chapter emphasizes the consequences of one's actions, with Professor Yao warning students about the severity of the murder case and the risks of acting independently.

Character Interactions

• Xin Banner and Zheng Qing: Xin Banner feels betrayed by Zheng Qing after his nightmare but later accepts his apology, showing their growing friendship.
• Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao: Zheng Qing and Xiao Xiao work together in the nightmare, reflecting their partnership and shared goals.
• Professor Yao and Students: Professor Yao warns the students about the murder case and the risks of acting independently, showing his protective and authoritative role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nicholas, a tail-ender (a student who has been held back), enters the library, Book Mountain Hall, after a long time.
• He is searching for Liu Feifei, a Scholarship Student, to study together as he promised her earlier.
• Liu Feifei is already in the library, engrossed in a book but distracted by thoughts of her past and her agreement with Nicholas.

Character Developments

• Nicholas: He is trying to improve himself for his studies and his sister. He feels out of place in the library, surrounded by diligent students, and is embarrassed about being a tail-ender.
• Liu Feifei: She is introspective, thinking about her past and the circumstances that led her to First University. She is determined and independent, not caring about what others think of her studying with Nicholas.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming Challenges: Both Nicholas and Liu Feifei are facing their own challenges—Nicholas is trying to catch up academically, while Liu Feifei is trying to adapt to her new life at the university.
• Perseverance: Both characters are determined to improve themselves and achieve their goals, despite the obstacles they face.
• Acceptance: Liu Feifei is learning to accept help from others, as seen in her agreement to tutor Nicholas, while Nicholas is trying to accept his place at the university despite being a tail-ender.

Character Interactions

• Nicholas and Liu Feifei: They have agreed to study together, with Liu Feifei tutoring Nicholas. Their interaction is brief but shows a growing understanding and acceptance of each other.
• Nicholas and his classmates: Nicholas is embarrassed about being seen by his classmates in the library, highlighting his self-consciousness about being a tail-ender.
• Liu Feifei and her past: Liu Feifei reflects on her past, showing her introspective nature and the challenges she has faced.