Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Ming allows Zhao Xiaoya to leave the city with Liu Siyue, under Yang Jian's condition that she be monitored.
• Yang Jian is summoned to headquarters by Deputy Minister Cao Yanhua.
• Yang Jian encounters a golden statue at headquarters, which he suspects contains a person, possibly a top-tier ghost wielder like Old Qin, sealed within for preservation.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian demonstrates his supernatural abilities, sensing Liu Siyue's powerful aura from a distance.
• Gao Ming shows interest in the wish-granting power of the ghost Zhao Xiaoya, hinting at a larger plan by headquarters.
• Yang Jian reveals his disinterest in Qin Meirou, preferring to keep her as an operator for Gao Ming.
• Old Qin, a mysterious and influential figure from the past, is revealed to be sealed within the golden statue to prevent a ghost resurgence upon his death.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and costs of supernatural power.
• The preservation of supernatural knowledge and power.
• The influence of the past on the present in the supernatural circle.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Gao Ming discuss the handling of Zhao Xiaoya and Liu Siyue, leading to an agreement.
• Yang Jian and Qin Meirou have a brief interaction, with Yang Jian expressing his disinterest in her.
• Yang Jian and Shen Liang discuss the golden statue, leading to the revelation about Old Qin's situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The golden statue of Old Qin, sealed and displayed at Headquarters, serves as a deterrent and a reminder of his presence.
• Yang Jian learns about different methods of controlling vengeful ghosts: balance, deadlock, anomaly, and curse.
• The Ghost Lake Incident escalates to an S-class supernatural event, with two captains missing, and Yang Jian is recruited to help.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian becomes more aware of the risks and uncertainties of being an anomaly and the potential threat of supernatural erosion.
• Wang Xiaoming is ill and accepts his fate, choosing to work until he can no longer live.
• Cao Yanhua displays his authority as Deputy Minister, pushing for the discussion to proceed.

Significant Themes

• The consequences and limitations of using supernatural powers.
• The importance of unity and teamwork in facing powerful supernatural threats.
• The acceptance of one's fate and the choices made in the face of death.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian interacts with Shen Liang, Qin Meirou, Deputy Minister Cao Yanhua, Wang Xiaoming, and Li Jun.
• Yang Jian and Wang Xiaoming discuss the Ghost Lake Incident and Yang Jian's involvement.
• Yang Jian negotiates with Wang Xiaoming for better compensation before agreeing to participate in the Ghost Lake Incident.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian agrees to handle the Ghost Lake Incident, given the gravity of the situation and the failure of other captains.
• He negotiates for double salary and is offered a 'Ghost Incense' stick, which can make vengeful ghosts stop their actions and fall into a state of slumber.
• The operation will involve four captains: Yang Jian, Liu San, Li Jun, and Shen Lin, with potential helpers. The decision between Li Jun and Wei Jing is still pending.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian demonstrates his strategic thinking and bargaining skills, showing he's not just a nominal captain.
• Cao Yanhua reveals his concern for the overall situation and the limited resources available.
• Wang Xiaoming shows his calm and collected demeanor, revealing information about the 'Ghost Incense' without being pressed.

Significant Themes

• The importance of unity and cooperation in dealing with supernatural threats.
• The value and rarity of supernatural items, and the need to be cautious when using unfamiliar ones.
• The consequences of failure in high-stakes missions, both for the characters and the world they inhabit.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian interacts with Cao Yanhua and Wang Xiaoming, negotiating terms and showing his determination to handle the mission.
• Cao Yanhua and Wang Xiaoming discuss the operation's prospects and the possibility of requisitioning more captains.
• Yang Jian and Shen Liang briefly discuss Shen Lin, with Shen Liang defending Shen Lin's capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian returns to the villa given by He Tianxiong, where Miao Xiaoshan and her roommates live.
• Miao Xiaoshan decides to return to Dachang City after graduation and help Yang Jian at his company.
• Yang Jian visits Hell Apartment in Dahan City to store the Ghost Painting.
• Yang Jian convenes an emergency meeting in Dachang City to discuss the upcoming S-class supernatural event, Ghost Lake.
• Yang Jian decides to bring Feng Quan, who controls three ghosts, to assist in the Ghost Lake incident.

Character Developments

• Miao Xiaoshan expresses her intention to return to Dachang City and help Yang Jian.
• Liu Zi and Sun Yujia express their desire to stay at the villa and work for Yang Jian.
• Yang Jian shows concern for Miao Xiaoshan's safety and advises her to stay in the city or return to Dachang City.
• Xiong Wenwen, fearing danger, tries to avoid participating in the Ghost Lake incident.
• Yang Jian considers the capabilities of his team members and decides to bring Feng Quan due to his experience and strong survival skills.

Significant Themes

• The importance of teamwork and strategic planning in dealing with dangerous supernatural events.
• The responsibility and burden carried by captains in the supernatural circle.
• The tension and fear that come with facing S-class supernatural events.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian interacts with Miao Xiaoshan, showing care and concern for her safety.
• Miao Xiaoshan discusses her future plans with her roommates, Liu Zi and Sun Yujia.
• Yang Jian interacts with Sun Rui at Hell Apartment, discussing the Ghost Painting.
• Yang Jian convenes a meeting with his team members, discussing the Ghost Lake incident and deciding who to bring along.
• Xiong Wenwen tries to avoid participating in the Ghost Lake incident, highlighting his fear of danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian and Feng Quan prepare for the Ghost Lake Incident at Safe House No. 1.
• Yang Jian creates a supernatural item, a ring that makes its wearer undetectable, using a vengeful ghost.
• Upon returning home, Yang Jian finds his house flooded with water, leading to his room where the Ghost Cabinet, thought to be destroyed, has reappeared and is now a curse.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian: Shows his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in creating a supernatural item and preparing for the Ghost Lake Incident. He also demonstrates caution and foresight in leaving contingency plans.
• Feng Quan: Shows understanding of his role as an experienced supervisor, requesting only items necessary for self-preservation and assistance.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of supernatural items and curses.
• The importance of preparation and contingency planning in facing unknown threats.
• The potential consequences of making deals with supernatural entities.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Feng Quan interact professionally, with Yang Jian providing guidance and Feng Quan showing understanding and respect for Yang Jian's decisions.
• Yang Jian's interaction with the Ghost Cabinet hints at a past deal and the potential for future consequences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian encounters the ghost cabinet again and decides to leave it behind, planning to deal with it later.
• He receives a message about the Ghost Lake Incident's source in Zhongzhou City and departs immediately.
• Captains Li Jun, A Hong, Liu San, and Shen Lin gather in Zhongzhou City. Liu San arrives as a paper figure, causing tension with Li Jun.
• Yang Jian and Feng Quan arrive, and a mysterious spear falls from the sky.
• Shen Lin appears on a bench in the park, manifesting from a shared memory, revealing his codename, Ghost Portrait.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian: Shows determination to deal with the ghost cabinet later and takes the lead in the gathering of captains.
• Li Jun: Displays a strong dislike for Liu San due to past events and insists on seeing Liu San's real body.
• Liu San: Arrives as a paper figure, causing friction with Li Jun, but later reveals his real body to prove his sincerity.
• Shen Lin: Manifests from a shared memory, introducing himself as Ghost Portrait and agreeing to Yang Jian's leadership.

Significant Themes

• Trust and cooperation among captains.
• The importance of sincerity and commitment in facing supernatural events.
• The consequences of past actions and their impact on current relationships.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Li Jun: They seem to have a better understanding and cooperation, with Li Jun supporting Yang Jian's leadership.
• Li Jun and Liu San: There is clear tension between them due to past events, leading to a standoff.
• Yang Jian and Shen Lin: They have a brief interaction, with Shen Lin agreeing to Yang Jian's leadership.
• Liu San and Shen Lin: There is no direct interaction between them, but Liu San seems to respect Shen Lin's abilities.

Summary of "Submerged Streets"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Four captain-level figures (Yang Jian, Li Jun, Liu San, and Shen Lin) investigate the Ghost Lake Incident in a strange, silent city.
• They discuss their approach while patrolling, with A Hong providing background information.
• Yang Jian disperses dark clouds with his ghost eye, revealing a clear blue sky.
• Liu San lights a white ghost candle, attracting supernatural phenomena and causing water to accumulate throughout the city.
• Li Jun burns the area with his ghost fire, temporarily dispelling the supernatural phenomena, but they reappear once he stops.
• The group decides to continue burning the ghost candle to see the city's transformation.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian demonstrates his powerful ghost domain, easily dispersing clouds over the entire city.
• Li Jun impulsively uses his ghost fire, which, while effective, doesn't solve the root problem.
• Liu San shows caution and restraint, preferring to gather more information before acting.
• Shen Lin remains calm and analytical, contributing to the group's decision-making process.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of supernatural forces.
• The importance of gathering information and understanding the situation before acting.
• The contrast between reality and the supernatural, creating a sense of strangeness and unease.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Li Jun have a brief disagreement about the approach to the investigation, with Yang Jian advocating for more drastic measures and Li Jun preferring caution.
• Liu San and Shen Lin work together to assess the situation and make decisions, showing a good working dynamic.
• A Hong provides background information, contributing to the group's understanding of the Ghost Lake Incident.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group observes a white ghost candle burning unusually long, attracting supernatural phenomena.
• The city is gradually submerged in water, with no floating debris, suggesting supernatural interference.
• They relocate to a rooftop to avoid drowning. Liu San suggests splitting up to investigate the city for clues.
• Yang Jian discovers a corpse in the water and uses his cleaver medium to investigate, but finds no traces of the corpse's life in the city.
• Yang Jian sends Feng Quan to light white ghost candles at the city's cardinal directions to help pinpoint Ghost Lake's location.

Character Developments

• Liu San shows leadership by suggesting splitting up to investigate and offering a paper figure to protect Shen Lin.
• Yang Jian demonstrates his powerful ghost domain and uses it to investigate the corpse's medium.
• Feng Quan shows loyalty and follows Yang Jian's orders without question.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between reality and supernatural phenomena.
• The importance of finding a medium or method to interact with the real Ghost Lake.
• The danger and unpredictability of supernatural events.

Character Interactions

• Liu San and Shen Lin discuss the possibility of needing a medium to enter Ghost Lake and the risks involved.
• Yang Jian and Feng Quan work together to investigate the corpse and light white ghost candles.
• Li Jun warns Shen Lin and Liu San to be cautious and support each other during the investigation phase.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian uses white ghost candles to provoke supernatural influences and search for clues.
• A paper figure of Liu San appears in a silent residential building, finds a female corpse in a bathtub, and replaces it with his paper figure.
• Shen Lin and another Liu San explore the city; Shen Lin uses his abilities to transform into a local young man to experience his life and death, aiming to uncover Ghost Lake's secrets.

Character Developments

• Liu San's paper figure displays autonomy and investigates by replacing the female corpse.
• Shen Lin demonstrates his unique ability to integrate into the city's events, showing initiative and determination to solve the case.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural influence causing death and reenactment of events in the city.
• The investigation methods employed by the characters, each using their unique abilities.

Character Interactions

• Liu San and Shen Lin work together but maintain a level of wariness and mistrust.
• Liu San's paper figure interacts with the female corpse, replacing it, suggesting a connection between the two.
• Shen Lin interacts with a young man in the city, ultimately replacing him to experience his life and death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian, with Feng Quan's help, uses ghost candles to trigger supernatural phenomena in Zhongzhou City, leading to the appearance of corpses.
• Yang Jian finds a middle-aged man's corpse and uses his ghost eye to trace the man's life, discovering the location of his death.
• Yang Jian finds the middle-aged man's last moments in a hotel room, realizing that the man died while soaking his feet in murky water.
• Yang Jian concludes that contact with the cursed lake water is a prerequisite, but not the sole cause of death. He sends Wang Shan, a messenger ghost, to test the conditions.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian: Shows his investigative skills and understanding of supernatural phenomena, getting closer to uncovering Ghost Lake's secret.
• Wang Shan: Transforms into a tool for Yang Jian, calmly assisting in triggering the vengeful ghost's killing rule.
• Liu San: Continues to probe the truth of the supernatural, nearing a breakthrough.
• Shen Lin: Experiences the final moments of a young man's life, about to discover the truth about Ghost Lake.
• Li Jun and A Hong: Struggle to find clues, making little progress.

Significant Themes

• Investigation and discovery of supernatural phenomena.
• The importance of understanding the rules behind supernatural events.
• The use of tools and assistants in solving complex problems.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Feng Quan: Yang Jian gives instructions, and Feng Quan follows, extinguishing the ghost candles.
• Yang Jian and Wang Shan: Yang Jian sends Wang Shan to test the conditions, showing trust in his abilities.
• Other characters (Liu San, Shen Lin, Li Jun, A Hong): Each is independently investigating the supernatural, with varying degrees of success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian, Liu San, and Shen Lin independently investigate Ghost Lake's source.
• Wang Shan, revived by Yang Jian, attempts to trigger the killing rule by soaking his feet in water and closing his eyes.
• Wang Shan is enveloped by water and transported to Ghost Lake, marking its discovery.
• Liu San, using a female corpse as a medium, sinks into Ghost Lake through a bathtub.
• Shen Lin, another victim, appears in Ghost Lake and stands on its surface, unaffected.

Character Developments

• Wang Shan accepts his role as a tool for Yang Jian's investigation, showing no fear of death.
• Liu San's paper figure disintegrates upon entering Ghost Lake, revealing a female corpse.
• Shen Lin demonstrates immunity to Ghost Lake's effects, suggesting unique abilities or resistance.

Significant Themes

• The theme of death and revival is explored through Wang Shan's character.
• The supernatural interference with reality is evident in Ghost Lake's appearance and effects on Liu San and Shen Lin.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Wang Shan: Yang Jian uses Wang Shan as a tool to find Ghost Lake, showing no concern for his life.
• Liu San and the female corpse: Liu San's paper figure disintegrates, revealing the female corpse, suggesting a connection between them.
• Shen Lin and Ghost Lake: Shen Lin's immunity to Ghost Lake's effects implies a special relationship or resistance to its supernatural influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Lin enters the real Ghost Lake using a memory invasion technique.
• He encounters ghost slaves (female corpses) on the lake, which he defeats using a supernatural axe.
• After defeating the ghost slaves, Shen Lin becomes a vengeful ghost within Ghost Lake.
• Meanwhile, Yang Jian, Liu San, and Li Jun gather to discuss strategies for dealing with the Ghost Lake Incident.
• Liu San shares his findings about the lake's killing rule and the death of Cheng Hao, the city's in charge.
• Yang Jian suggests finding Ghost Lake's real-world location to invade the ghost domain directly.
• Shen Lin reappears, revealing he knows where Ghost Lake is located.

Character Developments

• Shen Lin: Shows his ability to invade memories and defeat vengeful ghosts. He becomes a vengeful ghost himself after defeating the ghost slaves.
• Yang Jian: Quickly finds Ghost Lake's killing rule and a method to enter the real Ghost Lake.
• Liu San: Discovers the lake's killing rule and the death of Cheng Hao through his paper figures.
• Li Jun: Awaits updates from Yang Jian and Liu San, contributing little to the investigation.

Significant Themes

• The power of memory and its connection to reality.
• The dangers of vengeful ghosts and supernatural spaces.
• The importance of gathering information and intelligence to counter supernatural threats.

Character Interactions

• Shen Lin interacts with the ghost slaves, defeating them and becoming one himself.
• Yang Jian, Liu San, and Li Jun gather to discuss the Ghost Lake Incident, sharing their findings and suggestions.
• Shen Lin reappears, surprising the others with his knowledge of Ghost Lake's location.

Plot Points and Events

• Shen Lin emerges from a drainpipe, revealing he's found crucial information about Ghost Lake.
• The group learns Ghost Lake can appear anywhere and influence reality but doesn't exist in reality.
• They discover a river leading to Ghost Lake, which passes through Taiping Ancient Town.
• Yang Jian encounters a couple with a peculiar mask, which reminds him of Tong Qian's ghost faces.
• The group splits up to investigate the town, with Yang Jian exploring an invisible street.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian shows impatience and disregard for ordinary people's feelings when investigating.
• Shen Lin displays caution and unwillingness to delve too deeply into the invisible street.
• Liu San uses his paper figures to explore the town simultaneously.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between reality and the supernatural.
• The consequences of human greed and disregard for the supernatural (as seen in the ancient town's development).

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and the couple: Yang Jian's aggressive questioning and seizure of the mask cause tension.
• Yang Jian and Li Jun: Yang Jian's insistence on investigating the invisible street causes a temporary split in the group.
• Shen Lin and Yang Jian: Shen Lin shows interest in the invisible street but decides to prioritize confirming the connection point with Li Jun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group splits up in Taiping Ancient Town, with Yang Jian investigating the nonexistent ancient street, Li Jun and Shen Lin searching for the reality-to-supernatural connection point, and Liu San exploring the town with paper figures.
• Yang Jian activates his five-layered ghost domain to see the ancient street, which is not visible to ordinary people. He sees a woman in a red qipao with a black jade bracelet, identical to the one he has, which is now red and bloodstained.
• Yang Jian enters the street, leaving Liu San's paper figure outside. The street is deserted, and he finds a mask stall with an angry human face mask that he had previously bought. After returning the mask, he receives a three-yuan bill, similar to the seven-yuan bill he found at the Ghost Post Office.
• Liu San's paper figure approaches an ancestral hall in Taiping Town but is stopped by an old man with a blind eye, who orders him to leave.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian's curiosity and determination lead him to investigate the ancient street despite potential risks.
• Liu San's paper figure shows curiosity and caution when approaching the ancestral hall.

Significant Themes

• The boundary between reality and the supernatural.
• The consequences of interacting with the supernatural, as seen through the couple who bought the mask and the paper figure encountering the old man.
• The connection between the ancient street and the Ghost Post Office, suggesting a shared supernatural currency.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Liu San's paper figure act independently, with Yang Jian entering the street and Liu San's figure approaching the ancestral hall.
• Yang Jian's ghost domain allows him to see the ancient street, while Liu San's paper figure encounters resistance from the old man in the ancestral hall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian enters a mysterious street in Taiping Ancient Town, returning a mask and receiving a three-yuan paper bill in return.
• Liu San, a paper figure, encounters a one-eyed old man at the ancestral hall, who warns him not to trespass.
• Liu San enters the ancestral hall, and his paper figures outside lose connection with him.
• Shen Lin, Li Jun, and A Hong find the connection point between Ghost Lake and reality, planning to enter at midnight.
• Yang Jian discovers a pharmacy and a paper crafting shop on the mysterious street, with eerie phenomena occurring in the latter.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian: Shows curiosity and caution in exploring the mysterious street.
• Liu San: Demonstrates bravery and determination in investigating the ancestral hall.
• Shen Lin: Reveals his infiltration of Ghost Lake's ghost slaves and his knowledge of a black boat appearing at midnight.
• A Hong: Expresses concern about the risks of entering Ghost Lake without proper preparation.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural phenomena and their restraints.
• The eerie and mysterious nature of the ancient street and its shops.
• The potential danger and urgency of the Ghost Lake Incident.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and the eerie voice in the paper crafting shop.
• Liu San and the one-eyed old man at the ancestral hall.
• Shen Lin, Li Jun, and A Hong discuss their plan to enter Ghost Lake.
• Yang Jian's internal dialogue about the mysterious street and its shops.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian visits a paper crafting shop where he spends three yuan to buy a paper boat, avoiding the eerie paper figures.
• He explores a supernatural street with no end, finding a Coffin Shop at the farthest point.
• The Coffin Shop offers coffins at eighteen yuan each, which Yang Jian can't afford.
• Yang Jian leaves the street as it's about to close at 6:00 PM.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian demonstrates caution and wisdom in his decisions, avoiding potential trouble and provocation.
• He shows a sense of urgency and responsibility in completing his mission, keeping track of time.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural occurrences and their connection to the living world.
• The passage of time and the impermanence of things, as seen in the abandoned shops and the shortening street.
• The cost of living and death, represented by the prices in the shops and the Coffin Shop's offer.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian interacts with the inanimate objects and entities in the shops, such as the paper figures and the voice in the Coffin Shop.
• He briefly tries to engage with a man ahead of him on the street but receives no response.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian encounters a mysterious figure, the Faceless Man, on Ghost Street.
• The Faceless Man is looking for a face, possibly his own, which he believes is on Ghost Street.
• Yang Jian follows the Faceless Man but loses him at the end of Ghost Street.
• Liu San, a fellow ghost wielder, reappears and expresses interest in the paper boat Yang Jian bought.
• Liu San reveals he found a strange place, possibly the ancestral hall, guarded by a top ghost wielder.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian: Shows curiosity and caution in dealing with the Faceless Man and Liu San. He decides to investigate the ancestral hall with Liu San.
• Faceless Man: Reveals no personal information but hints at a supernatural attack that left him faceless. He seems to have a strong supernatural power.
• Liu San: Shows eagerness to investigate the ancestral hall and interest in the paper boat. He reveals he has more lives, implying he's not human.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural powers and their consequences.
• The importance of caution and trust in the supernatural world.
• The allure of mysterious items and their potential uses.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and the Faceless Man: Yang Jian tries to communicate with the Faceless Man but gets little information. The Faceless Man leaves without revealing his true intentions.
• Yang Jian and Liu San: They decide to investigate the ancestral hall together, but Yang Jian is cautious due to Liu San's mysterious nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu San and Yang Jian investigate the ancestral hall at night, finding it empty despite signs of recent activity.
• Shen Lin, Li Jun, and A Hong wait at the old ferry crossing for the Ghost Lake Incident, observing a mysterious woman washing clothes by the river at night.
• The woman's basin is found empty despite the sounds of washing, raising suspicion.
• The couple Yang Jian encountered earlier is found dead in a hotel.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian: Shows curiosity and caution in investigating the ancestral hall, recording the names on the spirit tablets.
• Liu San: Reveals his determination to find the 'path' connecting reality and the supernatural in the ancient town.
• Li Jun: Demonstrates restraint and strategic thinking, deciding not to act on the mysterious woman despite her odd behavior.
• Shen Lin: Expresses his belief that the ancient town's secrets are more dangerous than the Ghost Lake Incident, hinting at potential regrets in Li Jun's decision not to act.

Significant Themes

• The mysterious and interconnected nature of the ancient town and its supernatural elements.
• The tension between immediate action and strategic patience, as seen in Li Jun's decision not to act on the mysterious woman.
• The potential consequences of ignoring or delaying the investigation of strange occurrences, as suggested by the deaths of the couple Yang Jian encountered.

Character Interactions

• Liu San and Yang Jian: Liu San tries to persuade Yang Jian to team up, but Yang Jian remains cautious and independent.
• Li Jun, Shen Lin, and A Hong: The trio waits together, with Shen Lin suggesting action against the mysterious woman, but Li Jun decides against it, prioritizing the Ghost Lake Incident.
• Yang Jian and the couple: Although not present, the couple's deaths serve as a reminder of Yang Jian's earlier encounter and the potential dangers in the ancient town.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at the abandoned ferry crossing in Taiping Ancient Town at 11:30 PM.
• A dense fog rises from the river, and a small wooden boat with an oil lamp approaches, marking the connection point to Ghost Lake.
• The boat requires a special payment to cross, a seven-yuan joss paper bill, which Yang Jian provides.
• After the payment, the boat begins to drift downstream, taking the group into an unfamiliar, eerie river that is not part of reality.

Character Developments

• Liu San arrives late but provides crucial information about the boat's payment requirement.
• Yang Jian shows his willingness to take risks by being the first to board the boat.
• Li Jun demonstrates assertiveness in gathering the group and leading them onto the boat.
• Shen Lin reveals his knowledge about the boat's memory but keeps his own abilities mysterious.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Connection: The boat serves as a connection point between the real world and the supernatural realm of Ghost Lake.
• Trust and Uncertainty: The group must trust each other to board the boat, but the uncertainty about who was judged to be a ghost creates tension.
• Payment and Sacrifice: The seven-yuan joss paper bill represents a sacrifice or payment to cross into the supernatural realm.

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Liu San have a brief exchange about Liu San's eagerness to investigate the paper crafting shop and his supernatural abilities.
• Yang Jian expresses curiosity about Shen Lin's abilities but is met with a vague response.
• Li Jun and Liu San work together to gather information and board the boat, while Yang Jian takes the lead in boarding.
• The group remains on guard as they drift into the unfamiliar river, highlighting their collective determination to face the supernatural threat together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The four captains and A Hong board a small black boat, drifting into an unknown supernatural land.
• They realize they've entered a supernatural realm, similar to the supernatural bus incident.
• The boat approaches a second ferry crossing, with an old, deserted village in the distance.
• An unfinished joss paper appears on the boat, indicating that someone boarded without their knowledge.

Character Developments

• Shen Lin: He shows his analytical skills, suggesting the boat they see might differ from what others see.
• Yang Jian: He uses his ghost eye to inspect the boat but finds no one. He reflects on the nature of ghost stories and legends.
• Li Jun: He remains focused on the mission, refusing to let fear or uncertainty affect morale.
• A Hong: She's curious and observant, noticing the unusual river water and the appearance of the joss paper.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Realms: The chapter explores the concept of supernatural lands and their connection to folklore and legends.
• Illusion vs. Reality: The boat's passengers grapple with the idea that their perception of reality might not align with others'.
• Uncertainty and Danger: The group faces an unknown threat, represented by the mysterious passengers on their boat.

Character Interactions

• Shen Lin and Li Jun: They share a moment of understanding, with Li Jun appreciating Shen Lin's confidence.
• Yang Jian and Liu San: They both seem uneasy about the situation, with Yang Jian reflecting on Sister Hong's words about ghost stories.
• The Group: They discuss the situation, trying to make sense of the strange occurrences and decide on a course of action.