Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Silver Wolf reunites with Bai Heng after a long time.
• They awkwardly greet each other, with Silver Wolf making a scissor gesture instead of a heart, which Bai Heng mimics.
• Silver Wolf asks Bai Heng to carry her, and they walk together, buying snacks along the way.
• Silver Wolf shows Bai Heng her smart pistol, Prometheus, which has a virtual HR personality reciting deceptive Stellaron Hunters' recruitment slogans.
• Bai Heng declines Silver Wolf's invitation to join the Stellaron Hunters.
• Bai Heng mentions he'll take Silver Wolf to meet his sister-in-law the next day, but Silver Wolf expresses reluctance.

Character Developments

• Silver Wolf: She's grown up and is more reserved than before, struggling to express her feelings. She's also more assertive and independent.
• Bai Heng: He remains caring and patient, accepting Silver Wolf's quirks. He's also more mature and responsible.

Significant Themes

• Reunion and change: Both characters have grown and changed since their last meeting, leading to some initial awkwardness.
• Familial bonds: Their sibling-like relationship is strengthened, with Bai Heng acting as a protective older brother and Silver Wolf seeking comfort and closeness from him.
• Career and independence: Silver Wolf's invitation to Bai Heng to join the Stellaron Hunters reflects her desire for them to work together but also highlights her newfound independence and career focus.

Character Interactions

• Silver Wolf and Bai Heng's reunion is filled with awkwardness and tension, but they quickly revert to their familiar dynamic, bickering playfully.
• Their interaction is marked by physical closeness, with Silver Wolf asking Bai Heng to carry her, reflecting her desire for intimacy and comfort.
• Bai Heng's mention of his sister-in-law causes a shift in Silver Wolf's demeanor, hinting at potential tension or discomfort in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Heng and Silver Wolf go out together, with Silver Wolf showing possessiveness and dependency on her brother.
• They visit a lively market, eat street food, and Silver Wolf buys Bai Heng food but doesn't share it with him.
• They meet a fortune-teller who predicts Bai Heng's future, mentioning romance and bloodshed, and offers a blessing for 999 Stellar Jades.
• Bai Heng takes Silver Wolf to a card room to play Di Yuan Jade Tiles, where she enjoys herself despite losing.
• They spend the night gaming at Silver Wolf's secret base, an internet cafe on the Luofu.

Character Developments

• Silver Wolf: Shows possessiveness and dependency on Bai Heng, enjoys gaming, and has a fondness for breaking rules.
• Bai Heng: Patient and understanding with Silver Wolf, tries to give her space and normalcy.

Significant Themes

• Sibling bond: Silver Wolf's possessiveness and dependency on Bai Heng highlight their strong sibling bond.
• Normalcy and relaxation: Bai Heng tries to provide Silver Wolf with normal, relaxing experiences, like gaming.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and Silver Wolf: Their interaction is filled with Silver Wolf's possessiveness and Bai Heng's patience and understanding.
• Bai Heng and Qingque: They meet briefly, with Qingque greeting Silver Wolf warmly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Heng, after a gaming marathon, falls asleep with Silver Wolf on his shoulder.
• Silver Wolf wakes up and changes into a cute outfit, hoping to make a good impression on Bai Heng's sister-in-law.
• Bai Heng and Silver Wolf go to Bai Heng's residence, where they find Jingliu practicing swordsmanship.
• Jingliu asks if Silver Wolf is the third person Bai Heng mentioned.

Character Developments

• Bai Heng: Shows a caring side towards Silver Wolf, but maintains a stern demeanor.
• Silver Wolf: Exhibits a desire to make a good impression and shows nervousness upon meeting Jingliu.
• Jingliu: Demonstrates hostility towards Silver Wolf, suggesting she might be jealous or protective of her relationship with Bai Heng.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: Silver Wolf's outfit change highlights the theme of appearance not necessarily reflecting one's true nature or intentions.
• Jealousy and Possessiveness: Jingliu's hostile reaction towards Silver Wolf suggests she may feel jealous or possessive of Bai Heng.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and Silver Wolf: Their dynamic is playful and teasing, with Bai Heng acting like an older brother.
• Bai Heng and Jingliu: Tension and unspoken tension between them, with Jingliu's hostility towards Silver Wolf hinting at potential romantic feelings for Bai Heng.
• Silver Wolf and Jingliu: Hostility and tension, with Silver Wolf seemingly unaware of Jingliu's feelings and Jingliu viewing Silver Wolf as a potential rival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Heng introduces Silver Wolf (Brownie) to Jingliu, his fiancée.
• Bai Heng reveals he needs to leave the Xianzhou to meet another sister-in-law, causing Silver Wolf to realize Bai Heng has multiple romantic entanglements.
• Bai Heng decides to go alone, promising to make it up to Silver Wolf later.

Character Developments

• Bai Heng: Shows his carefree and humorous nature, but also reveals his complicated romantic life, hinting at his scumbag past.
• Silver Wolf (Brownie): Initially surprised and confused by Bai Heng's revelation, she eventually agrees to let him go alone, showing understanding and acceptance.
• Jingliu: Shows her possessiveness and cold demeanor, but also her affection for Bai Heng's younger siblings, Dabao and Erbao.

Significant Themes

• Romantic Entanglements: The chapter explores Bai Heng's complex romantic life, raising questions about his past actions and their consequences.
• Family Dynamics: The relationship between Bai Heng and Silver Wolf highlights the complex dynamics of a non-traditional family, with Bai Heng acting as both a brother and a romantic partner to his sisters.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and Silver Wolf: Their interaction reveals their close bond, with Silver Wolf showing understanding and acceptance of Bai Heng's situation.
• Bai Heng and Jingliu: Their interaction shows Jingliu's possessiveness and affection, as well as Bai Heng's care for her feelings.
• Bai Heng and Jingliu vs. Silver Wolf: The dynamic between the three characters highlights the tension and understanding between them, with Bai Heng acting as a bridge between his fiancée and his sister.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Heng travels to Finlay-V, a planet known for its exhibitions and scenic beauty.
• He arrives at Lanzhou District, where he takes a tour boat to an island in the middle of a lake, where an exhibition is being held.
• Bai Heng meets a middle-aged man who serves as his guide but declines the offer, preferring to explore alone.
• Bai Heng inquires about Ruan Mei, and after a brief conversation, she agrees to meet him at the southeast corner of the island.
• Bai Heng finds Ruan Mei waiting for him on a small boat in the rain.

Character Developments

• Bai Heng: He shows determination and persistence in finding Ruan Mei, even traveling to another planet. He also displays politeness and respect in his interactions with others.
• Ruan Mei: She initially seems hesitant to meet Bai Heng but eventually agrees. Her calm and collected demeanor is maintained throughout their brief encounter.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change: The planet Finlay-V has maintained much of its original ecology, contrasting with the typical urbanization of other planets.
• Love and relationships: The chapter explores the complex dynamics of Bai Heng and Ruan Mei's relationship, with Ruan Mei's ambiguous response to Bai Heng's claim that he is her lover.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and the middle-aged man: They have a polite and respectful interaction, with the middle-aged man serving as a guide and Bai Heng politely declining his offer.
• Bai Heng and Ruan Mei: Their interaction is brief but significant, with Ruan Mei initially hesitant to meet Bai Heng but eventually agreeing. Their conversation is calm and collected, with neither expressing strong emotions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Heng visits Ruan Mei on a boat during a rainstorm.
• They recall a childhood memory of catching rain together.
• Bai Heng reveals he hasn't forgotten their past and can't forget certain people.
• Ruan Mei expresses regret about not being Bai Heng's ideal match.
• Bai Heng recites a poem about sharing snow and growing old together, hinting at his feelings.

Character Developments

• Bai Heng: Shows nostalgia for his past with Ruan Mei, implies he still cares for her, and hints at his complex feelings through a poem.
• Ruan Mei: Reminisces about their past, feels regret for not being the one for Bai Heng, and finds solace in his poem.

Significant Themes

• Memory and Nostalgia: Both characters reminisce about their past, highlighting the theme of nostalgia and the power of shared memories.
• Regret and Acceptance: Ruan Mei grapples with regret but ultimately finds acceptance in Bai Heng's words.
• Unspoken Feelings: The poem Bai Heng recites hints at his complex emotions and understanding of Ruan Mei's feelings.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and Ruan Mei: Their interaction is filled with nostalgia, regret, and unspoken feelings. They share a moment of understanding and acceptance, with Bai Heng's poem serving as a turning point in their conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Heng and Ruan Mei discuss their relationship and Bai Heng's "illness" on a cruise ship.
• They attend an exhibition at the North District hall, where they observe various scientific novelties.
• One exhibit, a simulated planet, tells the story of Oden Stones, a genius who tried to lead his people to the stars but discovered the universe was just a simulation.

Character Developments

• Bai Heng shows his commitment to Ruan Mei, promising to be responsible for her and not forget her even in the next life.
• Ruan Mei expresses her concern about Bai Heng's "amorous heart" and his inability to repay his debts.

Significant Themes

• The power of Erudition and its potential to transcend reality.
• The consequences of false hope and the danger of pursuing unrealistic goals.
• The importance of responsibility and commitment in relationships.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and Ruan Mei have a heart-to-heart conversation about their relationship, with Bai Heng reassuring Ruan Mei of his intentions.
• They attend the exhibition together, presenting themselves as a couple to avoid unwanted social interactions.
• They observe the simulated planet together, with Bai Heng sharing his thoughts on the story of Oden Stones.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Heng encounters a data entity elevated to "human" status, guided by "Erudition."
• He downloads a software called "Tysonberg" to monitor the civilization's progress.
• At a dinner event, Bai Heng interacts with Ruan Mei, who is understanding but warns him against flirting.
• They meet Bonesm, who reveals that he knows the president of the Interastral Astronomical Society.
• Bai Heng and Ruan Mei explore an exhibition room containing relics of the Izumo and Takama-ga-hara civilizations.

Character Developments

• Bai Heng: Shows restraint in his interactions with women due to Ruan Mei's presence. He also demonstrates his knowledge of civilizations and his ability to navigate social situations.
• Ruan Mei: Shows understanding and calmness in her interactions with Bai Heng. She also reveals her interest in the Izumo and Takama-ga-hara civilizations.
• Bonesm: Reveals his age and his connection to the president of the Interastral Astronomical Society. He shows interest in Bai Heng and Ruan Mei's relationship.

Significant Themes

• The interaction between humans and data entities elevated to human status.
• The exploration of ancient civilizations and their relics.
• The dynamics of relationships and age differences.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and Ruan Mei: They interact with each other in a way that shows understanding and mutual respect. Ruan Mei warns Bai Heng against flirting, and Bai Heng respects her wishes.
• Bai Heng and Bonesm: They meet for the first time and exchange pleasantries. Bonesm reveals his connection to the president of the Interastral Astronomical Society and shows interest in Bai Heng and Ruan Mei's relationship.
• Ruan Mei and Bonesm: They seem to have a history together, as Bonesm comments on Ruan Mei's age and their past interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ruan Mei shows Bai Heng two civilization models, Izumo and Takama-ga-hara, which exhibit a cycle of reincarnation around a black hole.
• Bai Heng observes the reincarnation cycle breaking, leading to the destruction of both civilizations.
• Bonesm offers Bai Heng the broken Imperial Edict Blade, a relic from the two civilizations, on the condition that Bai Heng shares his thoughts on the reincarnation cycle.

Character Developments

• Bai Heng: Shows curiosity and insight into the reincarnation cycle, demonstrating his intellectual depth. He also displays humility and honesty in his interaction with Bonesm.
• Ruan Mei: Shows interest in the Izumo and Takama-ga-hara civilizations, hinting at her knowledge and curiosity about their unique reincarnation cycle.
• Bonesm: Reveals his generosity and appreciation for intellectual discourse. He values Bai Heng's insights and offers him the Imperial Edict Blade as a gift.

Significant Themes

• Reincarnation: The cycle of life and death, destruction and rebirth, as seen in the Izumo and Takama-ga-hara civilizations.
• Nihility: The concept of nothingness, emptiness, or the void, symbolizing the ultimate fate of all existence.
• Gift and Exchange: Bonesm's offer of the Imperial Edict Blade to Bai Heng, highlighting the power dynamics and social norms of their society.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and Ruan Mei: They share a mutual interest in the reincarnation cycle, demonstrating a level of intellectual compatibility.
• Bai Heng and Bonesm: Bai Heng's honest and insightful response to Bonesm's question about the reincarnation cycle leads to a display of respect and generosity from Bonesm, culminating in the gift of the Imperial Edict Blade.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bonesm expresses his intention to attend Ruan Mei and Bai Heng's wedding if he can make it.
• Ruan Mei and Bai Heng discuss the possibility of holding their weddings simultaneously.
• Ruan Mei suggests meeting Bai Heng's other partner, Jingliu, this week.
• Bai Heng decides to send the Imperial Edict Blade and Trumm to the Xianzhou "Zhuming" for reforging.

Character Developments

• Ruan Mei shows understanding and acceptance of Bai Heng's situation, expressing willingness to meet Jingliu and even consider holding simultaneous weddings.
• Bai Heng struggles with his emotions but maintains composure, deciding to prioritize work and delay meeting Ruan Mei and Jingliu until after the Penacony Harmony Gala.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance and understanding in a complex relationship.
• Prioritizing work and responsibilities over personal matters.
• The importance of communication and honesty in relationships.

Character Interactions

• Ruan Mei and Bai Heng have an open and honest conversation about their wedding plans and meeting each other's partners.
• Bai Heng considers Ruan Mei's feelings and agrees to her suggestions, showing respect for her decisions.
• Bai Heng prioritizes work responsibilities, deciding to delay meeting Ruan Mei and Jingliu until after the Harmony Gala.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Topaz and Bai Heng meet before their departure to Penacony.
• Bai Heng reveals he's joining the Strategic Investment Department and will be Topaz's superior.
• They discuss the Penacony case and the various forces involved, including the Stellaron Hunters.
• Bai Heng reveals he's going to Penacony to see an old friend from the Stellaron Hunters and adjust his wedding date.
• Bai Heng discovers his Life Simulator's cooldown has ended and decides to use it again in Penacony.

Character Developments

• Topaz: Shows concern for Bai Heng's personal life and teases him about his upcoming marriage.
• Bai Heng: Reveals his dedication to work over romance and his intention to use the Life Simulator again in Penacony.

Significant Themes

• Work-life balance: Bai Heng prioritizes his work over his personal life, especially his upcoming marriage.
• Friendship: Bai Heng's decision to go to Penacony is partly driven by his desire to see an old friend.
• Power dynamics: Bai Heng's new position in the Strategic Investment Department makes him Topaz's superior.

Character Interactions

• Topaz and Bai Heng: They have a friendly, bantering relationship, with Topaz teasing Bai Heng about his marriage and Bai Heng being open about his work priorities and personal life.
• Bai Heng and his old friend (from the Stellaron Hunters): Their friendship is hinted at, with Bai Heng mentioning he's going to Penacony partly to see this friend.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Heng arrives at Penacony, a transformed prison hotel, with extra time due to an earlier arrival.
• He enters a new simulation, choosing the talents [Heterochromia], [Born with a Rebel Bone], and [Oni Clan].
• In the simulation, Bai Heng is born into the Beichen Clan, one of the Twelve Families of Izumo, controlling the Imperial Edict Blade "Inferno."
• His mother, Beichen Xueyi, is the current head of the Beichen Clan and a former shrine maiden.
• At age four, his mother sacrifices herself to slay an evil god, turning into an Oni and leaving Bai Heng in his father's care.
• At age five, Bai Heng becomes the head of the Beichen Clan, with his father acting as the clan head.
• At age seven, Bai Heng attends the "Amaterasu Conference" and meets Raiden, Wàngchuān Guardian, Mei, with whom a betrothal was once proposed.

Character Developments

• Bai Heng: Initially a carefree and materialistic character, Bai Heng becomes the head of the Beichen Clan at a young age, displaying maturity and understanding beyond his years. He struggles with his mother's death and his hatred for the katana that killed her.
• Beichen Xueyi: A strong and dedicated mother, she sacrifices herself to protect her family and Izumo. Her death deeply affects Bai Heng and his father.
• Beichen Kong: Initially portrayed as a stay-at-home dad and asset manager, Beichen Kong becomes the acting clan head after his wife's death. He emerges from his despondency over time, fulfilling his duties diligently.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Beichen Xueyi's sacrifice to protect her family and Izumo highlights the theme of sacrifice for the greater good.
• Growth and Maturity: Bai Heng's journey from a carefree child to the head of the Beichen Clan illustrates his growth and maturity.
• Hatred and Acceptance: Bai Heng's hatred for the katana that killed his mother and his struggle to accept his mother's death are central themes in his character development.

Character Interactions

• Bai Heng and Beichen Xueyi: Their relationship is marked by love, understanding, and Bai Heng's struggle to accept his mother's death.
• Bai Heng and Beichen Kong: Despite their shared grief, they support each other, with Beichen Kong acting as a father figure and guide to Bai Heng.
• Bai Heng and Raiden, Wàngchuān Guardian, Mei: Their first meeting is marked by curiosity and a hint of future connection, given the previously proposed betrothal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the Tenchō-setsu Festival, an ancient Izumo tradition commemorating Izumo Tenchō, the first swordsmith of Izumo.
• The festival coincides with the blooming of the Shūshin'i Flower and is celebrated with Shūshin'i Cakes and cherry blossom wine.
• At the Izumo Twelve Houses family banquet, children are segregated from adults. Beichen Heng initiates games, breaking the stiffness and attracting other children and female relatives.

Character Developments

• Beichen Heng, despite being only seven, shows maturity and psychological understanding beyond his years, caring for the youngest child, Sakurai Satsuki.
• He also demonstrates his inherited divination skills, impressing the female relatives with his accuracy and eloquence.

Significant Themes

• The theme of tradition and its evolution is highlighted through the description of the Tenchō-setsu Festival's origins and modern celebrations.
• The importance of social etiquette and the pressure of expectations on the young direct descendants of the Izumo Twelve Houses is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Beichen Heng interacts with other children, notably Himejima Yūta and Sakurai Satsuki, showing leadership and kindness.
• He also interacts with female relatives, impressing them with his divination skills and winning their affection, even sparking discussions about potential marriages.
• Mei, Raiden's daughter, shows no interest in the games or divination, maintaining a reserved demeanor around Beichen Heng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Beichen Heng spends the morning at a tea party, occasionally noticing Mei's strange glances.
• Mei practices swordsmanship in the courtyard, and Beichen Heng watches from afar.
• It starts raining, and Mei returns to the entrance. Beichen Heng decides to practice Kyūdō (archery).
• Beichen Heng demonstrates exceptional archery skills, drawing the attention of the children.
• The children, except for Mei, ask Beichen Heng to teach them Kyūdō. Mei refuses but engages in conversation with the ladies.
• The day ends with a grand family banquet, where Mei and Beichen Heng have a brief exchange.

Character Developments

• Beichen Heng: Shows proficiency in Kyūdō, further proving his hidden talents. He also displays curiosity and concern for Mei's well-being.
• Mei: Initially seems aloof and disinterested in Beichen Heng, but later shows confidence and proper etiquette in social interactions. She maintains her distance from Beichen Heng but doesn't actively avoid him.

Significant Themes

• Talent and skill: Beichen Heng's hidden talents in Kyūdō are revealed, adding depth to his character.
• Social dynamics: The interactions between Beichen Heng and Mei highlight the complexities of social relationships and communication.
• Etiquette and propriety: Mei's elegant dining etiquette contrasts with Beichen Heng's more casual demeanor, emphasizing the importance of social norms.

Character Interactions

• Beichen Heng and Mei: Their interactions are minimal but significant. Mei's initial aloofness gives way to brief conversations, showing a shift in her attitude towards Beichen Heng.
• Beichen Heng and the children: Beichen Heng teaches the children Kyūdō, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Mei and the ladies: Mei engages in conversation with the ladies, displaying her confidence and social skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Beichen Heng and Tsuyi have a brief, awkward conversation at the banquet.
• Tsuyi reveals she knows about their arranged marriage and challenges Beichen Heng to a duel.
• Beichen Heng spends the next day exploring the city with Tsuyi and other children.
• On the third day, Tsuyi performs at the Kagura Dance Festival, and Beichen Heng misses his mother.
• Tsuyi finds Beichen Heng at the torii gate, and they have a silent moment together.
• An old man approaches them, and Beichen Heng, misinterpreting his intentions, defends Tsuyi.

Character Developments

• Beichen Heng: Shows kindness and understanding towards Tsuyi, misses his mother, and protects Tsuyi from a perceived threat.
• Tsuyi: Initially reserved and formal, she opens up to Beichen Heng, shows concern for his feelings, and is protective of him.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding between individuals.
• The importance of family and heritage, as seen through the Kagura Dance Festival.
• Misunderstandings and misinterpretations leading to conflict.

Character Interactions

• Beichen Heng and Tsuyi: Their interactions are initially awkward but gradually become more comfortable. They share a moment of understanding and connection at the torii gate.
• Beichen Heng and the old man: Their interaction leads to a misunderstanding and a tense moment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Beichen Heng meets Raiden, Wàngchuān Guardian, Mei's great-grandfather, who is still alive and vigorous despite his age.
• The old man initially mistakes Beichen Heng's swordsmanship skill, but later recognizes him as Xueyi's son.
• They spend the Tenchō-setsu Festival together, and the old man shares stories about Beichen Heng's ancestors.
• The "Amaterasu Conference" concludes, and the children promise to keep in touch, including Raiden Mei.
• Beichen Heng's father expands the clan's business and invests in a research institute to slow down the erosion of the Imperial Edict Blade.
• The research is halted, but Beichen Heng's father continues to visit the abandoned institute secretly.
• He eventually shows Beichen Heng a vial of Serum.

Character Developments

• Beichen Heng: Beichen Heng shows courage and respect when facing the old man. He also demonstrates adaptability and openness to making new friends, including Raiden Mei.
• Raiden, Wàngchuān Guardian, Mei: Mei remains quiet and reserved but shows kindness and understanding towards Beichen Heng.
• Beichen Heng's father: He becomes obsessed with finding a solution to the Imperial Edict Blade's erosion, leading him to invest heavily in research and keep secrets from Beichen Heng.

Significant Themes

• Longevity and legacy: The contrast between the Raiden and Beichen clans highlights the theme of longevity and the importance of preserving family legacies.
• Friendship and connection: The children form bonds during the conference, emphasizing the value of friendship and maintaining connections despite distance.
• Obsession and its consequences: Beichen Heng's father's obsession with finding a solution to the blade's erosion leads him to keep secrets and make questionable decisions.

Character Interactions

• Beichen Heng and Raiden, Wàngchuān Guardian, Mei: They spend time together during the festival, with Mei acting as a guide and companion. Their interaction is cordial but reserved, with Beichen Heng showing openness to friendship.
• Beichen Heng and his father: Their relationship remains distant, with Beichen Heng's father keeping secrets about his research and not involving Beichen Heng in his plans.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Beichen Heng's father, Beichen Kong, injects him with a serum to test its ability to slow down erosion from the Imperial Edict Blade.
• After months of injections, Beichen Heng experiences subtle physical changes.
• Beichen Kong is mortally wounded and transforms into an Oni (a monster) due to severe erosion from the Imperial Edict Blade.
• Beichen Heng finds his father, now an Oni, in their courtyard. The father embraces the son before dying.
• The Twelve Houses of Izumo arrive, revealing that Beichen Kong had been secretly conducting human experiments to create artificial Oni, using condemned prisoners and eventually Beichen Heng as test subjects.

Character Developments

• Beichen Heng: Trusts his father unconditionally, experiences physical changes due to the serum, witnesses his father's transformation into an Oni, and learns the truth about his father's experiments.
• Beichen Kong: Secretly conducts human experiments to create artificial Oni, transforms into an Oni due to severe erosion, and dies while embracing his son.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Beichen Heng's unconditional trust in his father is betrayed when he learns about the experiments.
• Consequences of secrecy: Beichen Kong's secret research leads to his transformation into an Oni and his eventual death.
• The cost of power: Beichen Kong's desire to control the erosion of the Imperial Edict Blade leads him to conduct unethical experiments.

Character Interactions

• Beichen Heng and Beichen Kong: The father-son relationship is strained when Beichen Heng learns the truth about his father's experiments.
• Beichen Heng and the Twelve Houses of Izumo: The family heads reveal the truth about Beichen Kong's experiments to Beichen Heng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Beichen Heng learns about his lineage's curse from the Yabuki family head: his eyes allow him to divine destinies but also accelerate his physical decay, leading to transformation into an 'Oni'.
• His father, Beichen Kong, conducted secret research on transforming humans into Oni to prevent his son's fate, leading to his death and the termination of his research by the Twelve Houses of Izumo.
• Beichen Heng uses the Imperial Edict Blade 'Lie' to stop the rain, but his attack on the Black Sun fails.

Character Developments

• Beichen Heng: Accepts his fate and the truth about his lineage, uses the 'Lie' to stop the rain, and is later sent to the Raiden Clan's ancestral land for restriction and protection.
• Beichen Kong: Revealed to be a complex figure, not entirely good but driven by love for his son, conducting controversial research to save him.

Significant Themes

• The curse of destiny and the struggle against it.
• The consequences of unorthodox research and experimentation.
• The responsibility of power and the struggle against overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Beichen Heng and the Yabuki family head: She reveals the truth about his lineage and his father's research, showing empathy and respect for his sacrifice.
• Beichen Heng and the Twelve Houses of Izumo: They decide to terminate his father's research, restrict his freedom, and seal the 'Lie' due to the risks and uncertainties posed by his existence and his father's work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eleven-year-old Beichen Heng arrives at the Raiden Clan's ancestral home, posing as an orphan.
• He integrates into local life, enjoying a period of peace under Ryoma's patriarch's protection.
• At twelve, Heng receives confessions from many girls due to his outstanding appearance and maturity.
• Mei's great-grandfather begins teaching Heng Raiden Clan swordsmanship and forges an Imperial Edict Blade named 'Chi' for him.
• At thirteen, Heng's swordsmanship improves, and Mei's great-grandfather shares more about Mei's pressured life and her impression of Heng.

Character Developments

• Beichen Heng: Quieter and more reserved than before, he focuses on learning swordsmanship and integrates well into local life. He remains interested in Mei but keeps his feelings in check due to his Peach Blossom Star Affliction calculation.
• Mei's Great-Grandfather: Initially unreliable, he becomes a dedicated teacher to Heng in swordsmanship and shares more about Mei's life, revealing his caring side.

Significant Themes

• Identity and belonging: Heng struggles with his new identity as an orphan and his desire to fit in.
• Pressure and expectations: Mei faces immense pressure as the Raiden Clan's future hope, while Heng feels the weight of his past and his feelings for Mei.
• Swordsmanship: It becomes a significant part of Heng's life, serving as a distraction from his emotional turmoil and a way to connect with Mei's family.

Character Interactions

• Heng and Mei's Great-Grandfather: Their relationship deepens as the old man teaches Heng swordsmanship and shares stories about Mei, fostering a bond between them.
• Heng and the local girls: Heng receives maternal care and confessions from girls at school, but he doesn't reciprocate their feelings.
• Heng and Mei: Though they haven't interacted much, Heng remains interested in Mei, and she has an impression of him, albeit not a positive one yet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Beichen Heng, now 14, hasn't seen Mei (Raiden, Wàngchuān Guardian) in seven years due to her father's protective measures against Beichen Heng's perceived ulterior motives.
• The old man, Beichen Heng's great-grandfather, borrows the Raiden Clan's Imperial Edict Blade "Chime" to slay an evil god and returns safely but with a broken arm.
• The old man passes away, and his funeral is held in a grand manner. Beichen Heng and Mei attend the funeral.

Character Developments

• Beichen Heng has refined his swordsmanship and his Imperial Edict Blade "Chi" has started to possess inscription mantra characteristics. He shows maturity and wisdom beyond his age, comforting Mei at the funeral.
• The old man remains lively and stubborn until his death, slaying an evil god in his twilight years and leaving a lasting impact on everyone.
• Mei has grown into a beautiful girl and is deeply grieving her great-grandfather's death.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and aging (represented by the old man's actions and eventual death).
• The importance of facing grief and the purpose of funerals (explained by Beichen Heng to Mei).
• The strength and resilience of the human spirit (shown by the old man's actions and the clan's response to his death).

Character Interactions

• Beichen Heng and the old man: They share a close bond, with the old man guiding Beichen Heng's swordsmanship and Beichen Heng caring for the old man until his death.
• Beichen Heng and Mei: They haven't seen each other in seven years but maintain a nodding acquaintance at the funeral. Beichen Heng comforts Mei, showing understanding and empathy.
• The old man and the Raiden Clan: The old man's actions cause a mix of reactions from the clan, ranging from inspiration to sadness and puzzlement. They honor him with a grand funeral.