Chapter Summaries

After the Evil Sin incident, Shi Yu and Huo Qiuliang left the school together, and Shi Yu reasoned that the authorities were divided over whether to reveal supernatural threats to the public. Shi Yu decided to join Huo Qiuliang’s team and try to persuade Hu Zihao to join as well, then asked how much their allowance would be.

• Huo Qiuliang arranged to take Hu Zihao to the hospital and offered to cover Shi Yu and Han He's fare home; Han He asked to stay at Shi Yu’s home instead.
• Shi Yu and Huo Qiuliang left the school, and Huo Qiuliang told their taxi driver a sensationalized story about a cult to spread awareness of the danger.
• Shi Yu deduced that conservative officials were concealing the truth about Evil Sins and that Heirs and gifted people might be at risk.
• Shi Yu told Huo Qiuliang he would join the team and try to convince Hu Zihao to join too.
• As they entered Shi Yu’s apartment building, Shi Yu asked how much the team paid, and Huo Qiuliang corrected him that it was an allowance.

Shi Yu asked Huo Qiuliang to explain the Netherworld and learned about its common types and a rare dream-based case. Huo Qiuliang revealed that the Haishi Night Wandering Incident had been resolved by a talent user called “Night Beyond Sight,” whose recorded stairway and rank were “Silence.”

• Shi Yu let Huo Qiuliang into his home, and Huo Qiuliang explained that their official allowance was 4,000 yuan, with additional funds available for reasonable expenses.
• At Shi Yu’s request, Huo Qiuliang described inward-converging Netherworlds, which had visible entrances that only Evil Sins could pass through, and outward-expanding Netherworlds, which enveloped areas of reality.
• Huo Qiuliang explained that rare Netherworlds could exist in dreams or the subconscious, and said one had caused the Haishi Night Wandering Incident ten years earlier.
• Huo Qiuliang said a talent user had resolved the incident with others’ help and named the user’s stairway as “Night Beyond Sight.”
• Huo Qiuliang recalled the classified record identifying “Night Beyond Sight” as seventh rank, “Silence.”

Huo Qiuliang explained the Staircase and revealed why Shi Yu needed to hide his ten steps. He warned Shi Yu about the danger of attracting the conservatives’ attention, then disclosed that his own unusual Staircase was called the Staircase of Lies.

• Huo Qiuliang explained that Gifted climbed the Staircase while Heirs pursued Arts, and said talent determined a Gifted person's potential and number of steps.
• Shi Yu admitted he had ten steps, and Huo Qiuliang recognized that he was telling the truth.
• Huo Qiuliang warned Shi Yu to claim he had seven steps, explaining that powerful officials in major cities might seize and control someone with ten.
• Huo Qiuliang said he and others had been exiled to the remote county town, then urged Shi Yu to keep his steps hidden and expressed hope that someone would destroy every Evil Sin.
• Huo Qiuliang revealed that he had never seen his own Staircase's steps or door, and named it the Staircase of Lies.

Shi Yu tested his ability on Huo Qiuliang, then spent the evening with Han He, who gave him a protective Talisman and urged him to keep moving forward. Shi Yu found courage in Han He’s words, while Han He ended the night questioning whether he had made the right choice in the past.

• Huo Qiuliang demonstrated his ability to overwhelm Shi Yu with unease and curiosity, then Shi Yu retaliated by causing him to sneeze and suffer stomach trouble.
• Huo Qiuliang tried to discover Shi Yu’s ability, but Shi Yu refused to reveal it and caught him hiding in the house before he finally left.
• Han He arrived with food and ritual materials, gave Shi Yu a Talisman, and told him not to fear failure or death.
• Han He encouraged Shi Yu to keep moving forward, and Shi Yu cried before composing himself and preparing for bed.
• Han He remembered his grandfather’s words and, holding his dagger, wondered whether he had been right.

Shi Yu, Huo Qiuliang, and Han He visited Hu Zihao in the hospital, where they uncovered an attack by an impostor nurse. Shen Bai identified the captured attacker as a Curtain-Caller, and Hu Zihao’s mother demanded an explanation.

• Shi Yu, Huo Qiuliang, and Han He went to the hospital to visit Hu Zihao and met his mother, Feng Wanshu.
• Feng Wanshu told them Hu Zihao had briefly woken the previous night, then fallen back asleep after acting strangely.
• Shi Yu sensed something was wrong with the nurse, and Huo Qiuliang challenged her story.
• Li Yan injected Hu Zihao with a syringe, but Hu Zihao woke unharmed as Shi Yu, Huo Qiuliang, and Han He subdued her.
• Shen Bai entered the room and identified Li Yan as a Curtain-Caller, and Feng Wanshu demanded an explanation.

Shen Bai escorted Hu Zihao, Feng Wanshu, and their captured attackers from the hospital while explaining that Xi Yao of “Lichuan” was treating the injured students and teachers. At the hospital, Xi Yao used her power to repair the damage to their minds, leaving the wards restored.

• Hu Zihao reassured Feng Wanshu that Shen Bai and the others were his classmates, and she agreed to leave with them after warning that her butler would call the police if she did not check in.
• Shen Bai and the group found the attackers’ accomplice outside the ward and used his scissors to sever the invisible restraint or concealment affecting him.
• Shen Bai drove Feng Wanshu, Hu Zihao, and the others away from the hospital, explaining that Xi Yao of “Lichuan” was treating the injured teachers and students.
• Xi Yao expanded her perception through the Surgery Building and identified teachers and students whose minds had been damaged.
• Xi Yao unleashed her power across the hospital wards, filling the gaps in the teachers’ and students’ minds before the distorted surroundings returned to normal.

At the police station, Liu Yiyi explained the supernatural incident and the danger facing Hu Zihao, who had awakened as one of the Gifted. Feng Wanshu accepted that her son needed to join Liu Yiyi’s group, and Hu Zihao broke down crying in her arms.

• Shen Bai spoke with Xi Yao by phone, then joined Liu Yiyi and the others at the police station.
• Liu Yiyi told Feng Wanshu that supernatural forces were involved in the school incident and that Hu Zihao was one of the Gifted.
• Shi Yu warned Hu Zihao that the authorities and the Curtain-Callers could both threaten him, leaving him little choice but to join Liu Yiyi’s group.
• Feng Wanshu asked to speak alone with Hu Zihao, comforted him, and learned that he had become a Gifted.
• Feng Wanshu agreed that Hu Zihao should join Liu Yiyi’s group, and he sobbed in his mother’s arms.

Shen Bai presented Feng Wanshu with a chance to join [Stars] and arranged protective measures for her; she accepted and left with He Siying. Shi Yu, Han He, and Hu Zihao signed their contracts and were welcomed into the organization as new members.

• Shen Bai told Liu Yiyi that she had broken her father’s arm when her inheritance awakened, then sent Li Yanguo and the other officers away.
• Feng Wanshu agreed to Shen Bai’s proposal, and he arranged rotating protection while allowing Hu Zihao to visit her at home.
• Feng Wanshu hugged Hu Zihao and left with He Siying, while Shen Bai told the young men to read their contracts and warned them that fighting the Netherworld and Evil Sin was dangerous.
• Shi Yu signed his contract, and his name turned gold on a black page that filled with the names of [Stars] members before dissolving into golden dust.
• Shen Bai and Liu Yiyi welcomed Shi Yu, Han He, and Hu Zihao into [Stars], identifying them as members of number 597, “Snow Cedar.”

Shen Bai explained how an Evil Sin disguised itself as Yang Desheng and moved a Netherworld into the school, leading to the incident Shi Yu and the others survived. He left the newcomers with the case’s remaining details to learn, including the suspected involvement of a Curtain-Caller.

• Shen Bai welcomed Shi Yu, Hu Zihao, and Han He into the group and asked them to report their Staircases or inheritances and share abilities where appropriate.
• Shi Yu realized Huo Qiuliang had asked him about information he was not required to disclose, and Shen Bai assigned Huo Qiuliang extra training as punishment.
• Shen Bai explained that a level 4 Evil Sin used cognitive distortion and memory manipulation to merge with Yang Desheng, then killed Yang Desheng’s wife and son to move a small Netherworld into the school.
• The disguised Evil Sin performed a Birth in the boys’ restroom, creating a second Evil Sin, and the pair hunted students and teachers while growing stronger.
• Shen Bai clarified that the newcomers had sensed the aura of molting ascension rather than the Evil Sins themselves, and explained that Evil Sins could advance by fulfilling their individual requirements.
• Shen Bai said the Evil Sin had used Yang Desheng’s authority to control the school and tamper with people’s memories, and might have colluded with a Curtain-Caller.

After the school incident, Shi Yu, Hu Zihao, and Han He filled out ability registration forms and learned why Curtain-Callers targeted newly awakened Gifted. Liu Yiyi began explaining how Heirs advance, leaving Han He's question unanswered.

• Shen Bai confirmed that Shi Yu, Hu Zihao, and Han He's teacher and former classmates had died, and praised Huang Qingyang and the three boys for surviving the Evil Sins.
• Shi Yu wrote “Psychological Suggestion” on his form, Han He listed his “Hunter” inheritance, and Hu Zihao reluctantly reported that he could heal himself.
• Liu Yiyi introduced herself as Snow Cedar's captain and explained that Hu Zihao's Origin leakage after awakening had exposed him as a Gifted.
• Liu Yiyi described Curtain-Callers as traitors who aid Evil Sins, relay written information, and kill Gifted who oppose them.
• Han He asked Liu Yiyi how Heirs advanced.

Liu Yiyi explained how Heirs advanced through insight and warned that growing stronger could intensify their desires and lead to a Heart Nightmare. After Shen Bai arrived, he said the higher-ups had received the files and footage, then prepared to discuss Shi Yu and the others' Staircases and focuses.

• Liu Yiyi learned that Han He had awakened at the Ninth Art without passing through the Hunter's Entering the Wild stage, and she was impressed by his unusual advancement.
• Liu Yiyi explained that Heirs could keep advancing in theory, but each person faced a personal bottleneck and needed insight connected to their inheritance and focus.
• Liu Yiyi warned Shi Yu, Han He, and Huo Qiuliang that growing stronger could make their desires and madness harder to control, eventually creating a Heart Nightmare.
• Huo Qiuliang interrupted Liu Yiyi, who admitted she had been trying to scare them while insisting that balancing desire and power was important.
• Shen Bai entered and told them the footage and replay files had been sent to the reviewers, then said they could discuss their Staircases and focuses.

Shen Bai, Liu Yiyi, Han He, and Huo Qiuliang introduced their inheritances and abilities to Shi Yu and Hu Zihao. After Liu Yiyi suggested a future practice session, she turned to the two Gifted and asked them to speak.

• Shen Bai introduced himself as Snow Cedar’s deputy captain and explained that his Tailor inheritance focused on cutting things apart.
• Liu Yiyi introduced herself as Snow Cedar’s captain, described her Smelting inheritance’s focus on heat, and demonstrated it with a burst of sparks.
• Liu Yiyi revealed that Han He had awakened at the Hunter inheritance’s Ninth Art, and Han He said he might focus on preparation.
• Huo Qiuliang described his Thin Moon Staircase abilities and joked that he lacked direct combat strength, while Shi Yu privately doubted him.
• Liu Yiyi proposed that the group practice elsewhere another day, then asked Shi Yu and Hu Zihao to introduce themselves as the Gifted.

Hu Zihao and Shi Yu explained their Staircase abilities to their new teammates, who warned Shi Yu to conceal how powerful and versatile his gift was. The group exchanged contact information and protective gifts before Shen Bai drove them home, while Liu Yiyi promised the newcomers training.

• Hu Zihao described the Staircase of Resilience and its strengthening, healing, and adversity-driven abilities, and Liu Yiyi welcomed him as a fighter who could charge alongside her.
• Shi Yu explained the Staircase of Thought and its ability to make reasonable outcomes happen, reach conclusions, and move objects; Shen Bai and Liu Yiyi warned him to keep its true nature secret.
• Liu Yiyi told Shi Yu to describe his abilities vaguely if questioned, while Huo Qiuliang joked about how Shi Yu's gift had caused his diarrhea.
• Shen Bai arranged protection for Hu Zihao's mother, gave Shi Yu and Han He protective items, and told the newcomers where and when they would meet next.
• Liu Yiyi revealed her heavily muscled arm, assessed the boys' physiques, and promised to train them; Shen Bai then led the group out of the Police Station and offered them a ride home.

Shen Bai explained the Curtain-Callers’ attack pattern and arranged protection for Hu Zihao’s family before dropping Shi Yu and Han He off. Shi Yu and Han He headed to the supermarket, while Shi Yu reflected on joining the police system.

• Shen Bai told Liu Yiyi that Xi Yao had treated the hospitalized teachers and students, and stopped Liu Yiyi from dwelling on Sister Yuan’s murder.
• Shen Bai drove Hu Zihao, Shi Yu, and Han He home, while Shi Yu and Han He privately misunderstood each other’s thoughts about Han He staying at Shi Yu’s place.
• Liu Yiyi drove Huo Qiuliang away on her motorcycle, frightening him with her speed.
• Shen Bai explained that the Curtain-Callers usually stop targeting someone after two failed attacks, but warned that Hu Zihao’s mother could be used as leverage.
• Shen Bai said He Siying would guard Hu Zihao’s mother and told Shi Yu that official paperwork would soon add him to the police system.
• Shi Yu and Han He got out near Shi Yu’s residential complex to buy groceries.

Shi Yu and Han He went to a supermarket to buy food, but Han He rejected the meat because it was not fresh. They bought vegetables instead, and Han He paid before Shi Yu could offer, leaving Shi Yu to plan to pay next time.

• Han He stopped Shi Yu outside the supermarket to complain that its meat was no longer fresh.
• Shi Yu agreed to buy vegetables, and Han He explained that he accepted poor food at school because surviving there was enough.
• Han He picked out vegetables and took the basket from Shi Yu after misunderstanding his gesture.
• Shi Yu considered paying because he suspected Han He was poor, but Han He paid at the checkout before Shi Yu could scan his phone.
• Shi Yu followed Han He out, deciding he would pay next time.

Liu Yiyi brought Huo Qiuliang to the abandoned factory where two Curtain-Callers awaited interrogation, but she held back from attacking them until Shen Bai arrived. While she waited, she remembered a young teammate killed by a Curtain-Caller, and her anger began to kindle her flames.

• Liu Yiyi sped Huo Qiuliang to the abandoned factory, where he recovered from the ride and learned that Shen Bai had arranged for two Curtain-Callers to be brought there under Xi Yao's supervision.
• Liu Yiyi prepared to hurt the Curtain-Callers for attacking her rookies, but Huo Qiuliang showed her Shen Bai's message asking them to wait.
• Liu Yiyi remembered a sixteen-year-old teammate with the Glimmering Flame Staircase who had been stabbed by a Curtain-Caller while protecting someone she thought was ordinary.
• Liu Yiyi recalled burning her teammate's body and how she had once sought comfort by using her flames against Evil Sins and Curtain-Callers.
• Liu Yiyi's anger made heat radiate from her as Huo Qiuliang hoped Shen Bai would arrive before nightfall.

Shi Yu reunited with Granny Sun, used Thought to check that she was safe, and learned from Han He that his eyes glimmered when he used the ability. Meanwhile, Liu Yiyi met Shen Bai at an abandoned factory to question two captured Curtain-Callers.

• Shi Yu reassured Granny Sun that he was unharmed and introduced Han He as his deskmate, who was staying with him.
• After Granny Sun left, Shi Yu used Thought to check that her walk would be safe, and Han He warned him that his eyes glimmered when he used the ability.
• Han He explained that Shi Yu's eyes had not glowed when he used Telekinesis, and Shi Yu resolved to be more careful with Thought.
• A car horn roused Liu Yiyi from her memories, and she hurried to meet Shen Bai, eager to question the two captured Curtain-Callers.
• Shen Bai and Liu Yiyi reached the factory location Xi Yao had provided, where the captives had been secured, and he warned Liu Yiyi not to start a fire while burning them.

Xi Yao had restrained two Curtain-Callers by merging their limbs into a wall, and Shen Bai, Huo Qiuliang, and Liu Yiyi came to inspect them. Li Yan broke down as she remembered how she had killed people for an Evil Sin, and Xi Yao warned Shen Bai to be careful when burning the prisoners.

• Liu Yiyi lit the way through the ruined factory, and she, Huo Qiuliang, and Shen Bai entered the room where Xi Yao had secured two Curtain-Callers.
• Huo Qiuliang saw that Li Yan and a man had merged into the walls, with Li Yan struggling and crying.
• Li Yan remembered awakening her gift after an Evil Sin attacked her shop, then being ordered to kill her two surviving coworkers to live.
• Li Yan recalled going on to kill people of all ages and occupations, telling herself that any ordinary person would do the same when forced.
• Li Yan broke down, and Xi Yao messaged Shen Bai that the prisoners were secured and warned him not to start a fire while burning them.

Liu Yiyi interrogated Li Yan about the Curtain-Callers, but when Li Yan tried to describe the being that recruited her, Evil Sin’s influence triggered a mutation and an attack. Liu Yiyi destroyed the purple substance with her power, leaving the factory wall shattered as Shen Bai began repairing it.

• Shen Bai showed Liu Yiyi the muddled memories of the man affected by Evil Sin, and Liu Yiyi decided to question Li Yan instead.
• Liu Yiyi burned Li Yan’s skin and broke her arm and leg to make her answer only the questions asked; Huo Qiuliang kept her conscious and more resistant to pain.
• Li Yan began describing the being that had brought her into the Curtain-Callers, but purple substance erupted from her body and transformed her into a threat.
• Huo Qiuliang realized Evil Sin had seen through the attempt, while Liu Yiyi moved to shield him and Shen Bai at the doorway.
• Liu Yiyi unleashed a powerful punch that destroyed Li Yan, the man, and the purple substance, blasting open the factory wall.
• Liu Yiyi withdrew the remaining heat, and Shen Bai began repairing the damaged wall.

After dinner, Han He tested Shi Yu’s Telekinesis and Thought, revealing that Shi Yu struggled to react to surprise attacks but could compel Han He to turn his head. The test ended with Han He throwing a persimmon at Shi Yu, who stopped it just before it hit his nose.

• Shen Bai, Huo Qiuliang, and Liu Yiyi assessed the remnants of the attack, confirmed they were harmless, and prepared to report what they had learned.
• Shi Yu enjoyed Han He’s cooking, explained why he avoided Grandma Sun’s meals, and used Telekinesis to move dishes toward the sink.
• Shi Yu explained how he had identified the impostor nurse, and Han He proposed testing his abilities.
• Han He surprised Shi Yu with a tangerine, exposing how difficult it was for Shi Yu to respond to sudden attacks.
• Shi Yu used Thought to make Han He turn his head, and Han He described how the compulsion felt while resisting it.
• Han He threw a persimmon at Shi Yu, who halted it less than two centimeters from his nose.