Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun obtains skill cards, cash, and an unregistered points card at Big Ivan's Treasure Shop, winning a prize worth over a hundred thousand.
• He leaves Dark Rain Street, changes his clothes, and returns to the Black Market, spending over four million on skill cards and equipment.
• He overhears a conversation between Song Can (owner of Big Ivan's Treasure Shop) and Dong Qi (a gang member) about Song Can's background and plans.
• Ji Xun witnesses a murder and sees new Corpse Collectors in action, reminding him of his old job.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun gains two new skills: [Beginner Qi Gong Specialization] and [Beginner Combat Specialization], significantly improving his combat abilities.
• Song Can is revealed to be the legitimate young master of the Black Gold Merchant Association, exiled to Sinless City to avoid family disputes.
• Dong Qi is shown to be connected to the Hong Lou gang and has a friendly relationship with Song Can.

Significant Themes

• The power of money and the ruthlessness of business competition, as seen through Song Can's plans for Big Ivan's Treasure Shop.
• The transient nature of life and wealth in Sinless City, with the city's chaos attracting both opportunities and dangers.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with the shopkeepers and customers at Big Ivan's Treasure Shop and other Black Market shops, showcasing his new wealth and skills.
• Song Can and Dong Qi discuss business plans, family backgrounds, and a mutual acquaintance named Chaoyang.
• Ji Xun witnesses the actions of new Corpse Collectors, reminding him of his past and potential future in Sinless City.

Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun rejoins the Corpse Collectors under the alias Ji San.
• He discovers that the Incantation Pottery Jar amplifies his Curse Power cultivation by five times.
• Sinless City becomes increasingly chaotic due to the assassination attempts on Governor Cao Sihai.
• Corpse mutations and reanimations become more frequent, increasing the danger for Corpse Collectors.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun's physical attributes and Curse Power significantly increase due to consuming high-quality corpses and the jar's effect.
• He becomes more proficient in his skills and breathing methods.
• Ji Xun remains focused on his cultivation and training, avoiding involvement in the city's chaos.

Significant Themes

• The power of Cataclysmic Objects and their potential for enhancing cultivation.
• The dangers and increased workload of Corpse Collectors due to the city's chaos.
• Ji Xun's dedication to improving his physical abilities and Curse Power.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts minimally with his colleagues, who exploit him for labor but don't suspect his true abilities.
• He communicates with the mission dispatch through the copper pipe, receiving and responding to assignments.
• Ji Xun's interactions are primarily with corpses, which he consumes to enhance his attributes.

Plot Events

• Ji Xun and his colleagues are on a mission to collect bodies at the Gunpowder Factory after a worker brawl.
• A bright, silvery moon appears in the sky, an anomaly in the Underground City.
• Ji Xun realizes the moon is a projection, likely an illusion created by the Old God Cultists.
• He discovers the moon is causing faith pollution and understands it's a grand gesture by the cultists.
• The moon suddenly disappears, leading Ji Xun to suspect it's due to a lack of energy.
• He hypothesizes that the moon's energy source could be sacrificial rituals, like the one he witnessed on Tailor Street.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates his analytical skills and quick thinking, connecting seemingly unrelated events.
• He shows no fear or awe of the ancient gods, instead seeing them as a challenge and opportunity.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and resources between the Zaibatsu merchants and the local gangs.
• The manipulation of public opinion and unrest by unknown forces.
• The awakening of ancient gods and the threat of faith pollution.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun's colleagues show no interest in interacting with him, highlighting his loner persona.
• Ji Xun's thoughts and deductions are internal, with no direct interactions with others in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The moon appears and disappears in the sky, attracting the attention of high-level Spell Card Masters.
• Ji Xun returns to the morgue and uses his memory to map out the layout of the secret room in the Great Cemetery Maze, marking the approximate location of the "Four Pillars" on a Sinless City map.
• Ji Xun travels to the Redwood District in the northern part of Sinless City, suspecting it to be the location of the Old Ones cult's stronghold.
• After hours of searching, Ji Xun coincidentally spots a doctor in the Yanbian Clinic who matches the description of the mysterious cloaked figure who visited the Corpse Collector dormitory.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates his exceptional memory and analytical skills by accurately mapping out the secret room layout and estimating the location of the "Four Pillars."
• Ji Xun's intuition and keen observation skills lead him to suspect the Redwood District as the cult's stronghold, and later, he recognizes the doctor from his previous encounter.

Significant Themes

• The theme of investigation and discovery is prominent in this chapter, as Ji Xun uses his skills to gather information and piece together clues about the Old Ones cult.
• The theme of duality is also present, as Ji Xun encounters various places and people that initially seem ordinary but later reveal hidden secrets.

Character Interactions

• There are no direct interactions between characters in this chapter, but Ji Xun's observations of the doctor in the clinic and his recognition of him from their previous encounter set the stage for potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun encounters the doctor, a cultist of the Old Ones, while investigating.
• He sends anonymous tips to Golden Oak Security Company, leading them to raid the cult's stronghold.
• Ji Xun finds the second [Causal Medium] at the stronghold and takes it.
• He anticipates that the cult will investigate the theft and prepares accordingly.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates his cunning and strategic thinking, outsmarting the cult and Golden Oak Security Company.
• The doctor, a cultist, shows strong intuition and alertness.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and preparation in outsmarting enemies.
• The risks and rewards of taking extraordinary actions.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with the doctor briefly, assessing his opponent's strength and alertness.
• Ji Xun communicates with his fellow Corpse Collectors, appearing normal despite his secret plans.
• He anticipates the actions of the cult and Golden Oak Security Company, adjusting his plans accordingly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Golden Oak field agents leave the Yanbian Clinic scene.
• Three mysterious figures, later revealed to be special field agents from the Federation's "X Bureau," observe the clinic's ruins.
• One of the agents, Xie Guozhong, suspects internal issues within Golden Oak.
• A furtive figure is spotted returning to the clinic, leading the X Bureau agents to follow them.

Character Developments

• Xie Guozhong is introduced as a private detective and special field agent for the X Bureau, displaying keen observation and deduction skills.
• Ji Xun, a Corpse Collector, sets up a booby trap in the dormitory and begins devouring the medium in the morgue.
• Heisen, a follower of the Outer Gods, tracks the medium's scent to the Corpse Collector building and finds traces leading to the morgue and a dormitory room.

Significant Themes

• The presence of multiple factions (Golden Oak, X Bureau, Silver Moon Cult followers, and Ji Xun) in Sinless City, each with their own agendas.
• The power and allure of the medium, driving various characters to pursue it.
• The danger and consequences of faith contamination, as hinted by Xie Guozhong.

Character Interactions

• Xie Guozhong, his assistants (Awen and the mushroom-haired man), and the mysterious figure (Heisen) are the primary characters interacting in this chapter.
• Ji Xun's actions indirectly interact with Heisen's, as he sets up a trap to delay the follower of the Outer Gods.
• The X Bureau agents' conversation reveals their shared history and understanding of Sinless City's secrets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A violent explosion occurs at the Corpse Collector dormitory, caused by a Demon-Breaking Mechanical Bomb.
• Ji Xun, in the underground morgue, prepares to face the intruder instead of fleeing immediately.
• The explosion confirms the presence of the Causal Medium, leading the intruder to the morgue.
• Ji Xun sets a trap and waits for the intruder, aiming to eliminate them and keep the remaining Causal Medium.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and courage in the face of danger, indicating his growth as a character.
• The intruder, revealed to be a Silver Moon Cultist (Funeral Doctor), shows resilience and survival skills.

Significant Themes

• Strategy and Planning: Ji Xun's use of traps and potions showcases the importance of strategic planning and resourcefulness.
• Courage and Confidence: Ji Xun's decision to face the intruder instead of fleeing highlights his courage and self-confidence in his abilities.
• Risk and Reward: Ji Xun's actions reflect a gambler's mentality, seeking the greatest reward with the smallest stake, despite the high risks involved.

Character Interactions

• The interaction between Ji Xun and the intruder is tense and strategic, with Ji Xun setting traps and the intruder cautiously approaching.
• Xie Guozhong and his assistants discuss the situation, revealing Ji Xun's strategic planning and the intruder's identity and capabilities. Their conversation also highlights Xie Guozhong's analytical skills and understanding of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun detonates bombs in the morgue, creating an escape route and injuring the intruder, a Plague Doctor.
• The Plague Doctor pursues Ji Xun into the underground tunnels.
• Ji Xun uses jump mines and his gun to disrupt the doctor's charge and create an opening for an attack.
• The Plague Doctor uses a throwing knife that can change direction by mental control, wounding Ji Xun and causing paralysis.
• Ji Xun retreats and uses an antidote potion to counteract the paralysis.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates his strategic thinking, using the environment and his equipment to his advantage.
• The Plague Doctor reveals his cunning and ruthless nature, using his own body to close the attack distance and employing a controlled throwing knife as a deadly weapon.

Significant Themes

• The theme of using one's environment and resources to gain an advantage in combat is emphasized through Ji Xun's use of the underground tunnels and his explosives.
• The theme of understanding and countering an opponent's tactics is shown as Ji Xun quickly adapts to the Plague Doctor's methods.

Character Interactions

• The interaction between Ji Xun and the Plague Doctor is tense and strategic, with both characters attempting to outmaneuver and outwit the other.
• Ji Xun's use of his equipment and potions showcases his resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun, injured by Heisen, the Plague Doctor, escapes using Shadow Dive.
• Heisen pursues Ji Xun, revealing his self-healing ability using a green light.
• Ji Xun decides to wear Heisen down with explosives, hoping to deplete his Curse Power.
• Heisen stops pursuing, planning to retreat, but is suddenly struck by a divine spear from above, killing him.
• Three mysterious figures appear on the ceiling, revealing they had been watching the chase.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun shows strategic thinking and adaptability, trying to outsmart Heisen and wear him down.
• Heisen demonstrates his self-healing ability but is ultimately killed by the mysterious spear.

Significant Themes

• The power of Ancient Relics (Spear of Curse) can counter unique abilities like Heisen's self-healing.
• Ji Xun's resourcefulness and adaptability in combat.
• The tiers of Spell Card Masters and their Curse Power consumption in battles.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun and Heisen engage in a cat-and-mouse chase, with Ji Xun trying to wear Heisen down.
• The mysterious figures on the ceiling watch the chase, ultimately killing Heisen with the Spear of Curse.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author announces that the novel will be listed on the shelves the next day.
• The author reveals they had previously deleted their saved drafts due to plot issues.
• The author shares that they have written extensive outlines and settings for the book before starting to write it.

Character Developments

• The author: Expresses their urge to share stories, struggles with writing, and their desire to improve. They reflect on past mistakes and commit to writing better.

Significant Themes

• The author's relationship with their readers: Gratitude, responsibility, and the desire to improve for their readers.
• The author's writing process: Struggles, growth, and commitment to quality over speed.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with their readers, thanking them for their support and expressing their desire to create a better story for them.
• The author reflects on their past works and the feedback they received, indicating a willingness to learn and grow from their experiences.

Brief Reference

• Announcement of novel's listing.
• Author's struggle with writing and commitment to improvement.
• Author's gratitude and responsibility towards readers.
• Reflection on past works and commitment to better writing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun kills the Plague Doctor, who was an Old Ones follower.
• Three mysterious individuals from the X Bureau arrive, revealing they were tracking the doctor.
• They make a deal with Ji Xun: he provides information about the Silver Moon Cult in exchange for the doctor's storage rings and card slot.
• Ji Xun absorbs the Spirit Medium and the doctor's corpse, significantly increasing his stats.
• He inventories the spoils: a Tier 1 Ancient Relic scalpel, two storage rings filled with medical supplies and notes, and a mysterious copper fragment containing an ancient demonic forbidden art.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun's stats surge, making him even stronger.
• He obtains a powerful weapon, the Tier 1 Ancient Relic scalpel, which can pose a fatal threat to Spell Card Masters.
• Ji Xun learns about the secret healing technique, "Cellular Activity Boiling," which consumes life essence but can heal severe injuries.

Significant Themes

• The value of information and knowledge in this world.
• The power of ancient artifacts and forbidden arts.
• The importance of medical knowledge for survival.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with the X Bureau agents, making a deal with them.
• The X Bureau agents discuss their approach to law enforcement and the Great Cemetery Maze attack.
• Ji Xun interacts with the Plague Doctor's corpse, absorbing it to increase his stats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun finds books related to Cards in the Plague Doctor's storage ring.
• He discovers a Silver Moon Mirror that transmits Demonic Whispers, which he deciphers to reveal a meeting time and place for the Silver Moon Cult.
• Ji Xun learns about the Silver Moon Cult's escape from Golden Oak's encirclement and the high bounty on Baron.
• He visits Big Ivan's Treasure Shop to buy books, ammunition, and undead-related items.
• Ji Xun sets up surveillance on the abandoned building where he found the Silver Moon Mirror.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun's curiosity and intuition lead him to decipher the Demonic Whispers and understand the power of the Silver Moon Mirror.
• He becomes more cautious and strategic, setting up traps and surveillance to protect himself and gather information.
• Ji Xun's interest in mediums and undead creatures grows, leading him to buy relevant items and knowledge.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and understanding in the world of Card Masters.
• The danger and allure of Old God Cults and their methods.
• The importance of caution and preparation in dealing with unknown enemies.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with the salesperson at Big Ivan's Treasure Shop, learning about the value of extraordinary books and undead-related items.
• He observes the Black Market's reaction to the Silver Moon Cult's escape and the high bounty on Baron, gathering information from the crowd.
• Ji Xun sets up surveillance on the abandoned building, preparing to observe the Silver Moon Cult's activities without directly interacting with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun, a Hunter, visits the Rose Tavern on Downing Street to gather information about the Silver Moon Cult.
• He encounters an information broker, 'Downing Street Sister Bo,' who provides detailed information about the cult's members and their abilities.
• Ji Xun learns about the 'Cursed Spade 4' card, which enhances a Beast Walker's combat power significantly but causes mutation.
• He discovers that Golden Oak Security Company plans to auction off captured items from the Silver Moon Cult's strongholds, including the 'Light-Dark Holy Nail' and the 'Moon' (a sacred artifact).
• Ji Xun concludes that the Silver Moon Cult is planning something big and decides to attend the auction.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates his investigative skills and curiosity about the 'Cursed Spade 4' card.
• 'Downing Street Sister Bo' shows her extensive knowledge about the Silver Moon Cult and the card market.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the 'Cursed Spade 4' card.
• The intelligence gathering and countermeasures employed by both the Silver Moon Cult and Golden Oak Security Company.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with the hostess 'Wendy' and 'Downing Street Sister Bo' to gather information.
• The patrons of the Rose Tavern react to the gunfight outside, showing their familiarity with such incidents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun learns about a brewing conflict between two major gangs, "Hong Lou" and "Brotherhood," while at the Rose Tavern.
• He observes a man with uncontrolled Curse Power, suspecting him to be the Lone Wolf Baron, a member of the Silver Moon Cult.
• Ji Xun finds a letter in his book, seemingly written by a girl struggling to decipher Taren Script, which he translates.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates his ability to multitask by reading and meditating simultaneously.
• He shows curiosity and interest in learning about this new world, delving into the "Card Master's Introductory Encyclopedia."

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and conflicts between gangs in Sinless City.
• The struggle of learning and comprehension, as seen in the girl's letter.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with Sister Bo at the Rose Tavern, gaining information about the ongoing gang conflict.
• He observes the suspected Lone Wolf Baron but doesn't engage with him.

Additional Notes

• Ji Xun receives a new secret message in the Silver Moon Mirror, indicating that the Silver Moon Cult plans to act at the auction today.
• The letter found in the book serves as a minor distraction for Ji Xun, but he eventually translates it, seemingly fulfilling an unspoken agreement and feeling refreshed afterward.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Silver Moon Cult launches a daring daylight robbery at the auction house, using a Mana Deprivation Field and summoning a Zombie Giant and Bone Dragon.
• The cultists steal the 'Moon' artifact and flee, with pursuers in hot pursuit.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun, the protagonist, observes the events from a distance and deciphers messages from the Silver Moon Mirror.
• Xie Guozhong, the captain of the X Bureau agents, predicts the Silver Moon Cult's actions and decides to watch the situation unfold before intervening.

Significant Themes

• The power of faith and its corrupting influence, as seen through the actions of the Silver Moon Cult and their use of the 'Moon' artifact.
• The struggle between different factions in Sinless City, with the Silver Moon Cult, Golden Oak Security Company, and the Hunter's Guild all playing significant roles.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun communicates with the Silver Moon Cult through the Silver Moon Mirror, receiving information about their plans.
• Xie Guozhong and his assistants discuss their strategy, with Xie Guozhong deciding to wait and observe before acting.
• The Silver Moon Cult members work together to execute their robbery plan, with one cultist responsible for the rendezvous with 'Black Ghost' Old Lu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Silver Moon Cult successfully retrieves the "Moon" item from the auction.
• Ji Xun deduces a hidden Plan B by the Silver Moon Cult to steal other items using an inside informant.
• He intercepts an ambulance carrying the injured mole and the stolen items, killing the Silver Moon Cult members and retrieving the loot.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates his strategic thinking and combat skills, outsmarting and defeating the experienced Silver Moon Cult members.
• The Silver Moon Cult members show their desperation and recklessness in their plan, leading to their downfall.

Significant Themes

• The theme of intelligence and strategy: Ji Xun's ability to deduce the Silver Moon Cult's plan and outmaneuver them highlights the importance of intelligence and planning.
• The theme of risk and reward: The Silver Moon Cult's Plan B shows their willingness to take risks for high rewards, while Ji Xun's actions demonstrate the potential benefits of taking calculated risks.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with the Silver Moon Cult members, first deducing their plan and then engaging in combat with them.
• The Silver Moon Cult members interact with each other, showing their desperation and lack of coordination in the face of Ji Xun's counterattack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun obtains a Light-Dark Holy Nail and a Causal Medium from the Silver Moon Cult's stronghold.
• He discovers that the nail can't be contained due to its divinity and that his Clown Mask absorbs this divinity, upgrading the mask's attributes.
• Ji Xun consumes the Causal Medium, pushing his stats to the peak for a Card Master Apprentice, requiring him to consider a promotion card soon.
• He visits the Black Market and finds that Big Ivan's Treasure Shop is auctioning off legendary materials and a Cursed Spade 4 Bloody Fragment, which piques his interest.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun's stats reach the peak for a Card Master Apprentice after consuming the Causal Medium, making him consider a promotion card.
• Baron, the Tier 1 Spell Card Master, is presumed dead, and his Cursed Spade 4 professional card is extracted as a Bloody Fragment.

Significant Themes

• The acquisition and use of powerful relics and mediums.
• The struggle for resources and information among Spell Card Masters.
• The importance of divinity and its absorption by Ji Xun's Clown Mask.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with the Black Market and Big Ivan's Treasure Shop, learning about the auction and considering participating.
• Ji Xun reflects on his stats and the need for a promotion card, as well as the potential benefits of the Cursed Spade 4 Bloody Fragment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun attends an auction at Big Ivan's Treasure Shop, where he learns about a mysterious Cataclysmic Object, the [X-099-Useless Greatsword].
• The auction is disrupted by a conflict between Dong Qi (representing Hong Lou) and Atai (representing the Brotherhood), which is eventually resolved.
• Ji Xun bids on and wins a Brilliant Silver quality professional card, [Cursed Spade 4], which he learns is a Primal Template card with a high mutation risk.

Character Developments

• Ji Xun demonstrates his interest in powerful, high-risk items like the [Cursed Spade 4] and the [X-099-Useless Greatsword].
• Dong Qi and Atai show their influence and willingness to defend their territories, revealing the power dynamics in Sinless City.
• Big Ivan's owner, Song Can, displays composure and professionalism despite the disruption, showcasing his business acumen.

Significant Themes

• Risk vs. Reward: Characters are willing to take risks for potential gains, as seen in Ji Xun's interest in high-risk cards and the power struggle between Dong Qi and Atai.
• Power Dynamics: The auction reveals the shifting balance of power in Sinless City, with different factions vying for influence.
• Legacy of the Past: The Primal Template cards hint at the ancient history of spell card masters and the power they once wielded.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun interacts with the auction environment and the items on display, showing his interest in powerful cards.
• Dong Qi and Atai clash, representing the tension between different factions in Sinless City.
• Ji Xun doesn't interact directly with other characters in this chapter, but his actions are influenced by their presence and the power dynamics at play.

The chapter, "Greedy Mine," revolves around an auction where a legendary material, a Dragon Wing Bone, is up for bid. The auction takes an unexpected turn when a VIP with a black card arrives, causing the material to be withdrawn mid-auction. The VIP is revealed to be Master Merlin, a legendary Card Master, who takes the material. Ji Xun, present at the auction, learns about the Master's existence and decides to visit the Hunter's Guild the next day to find materials for his [Beast Walker] card. He considers two Alternate Dimensions, "Blood Moss Wasteland" and "Greedy Mine," with the latter piquing his interest due to its potential to yield ancient Werewolf materials, which could enhance his card's ancestral gain. Ji Xun checks into the Windmill Tavern, where he encounters Nan Jing, a familiar face from the Great Cemetery Maze, who recognizes him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Xun runs into Nan Jing at the Windmill Inn.
• Nan Jing and her companions are heading to the [Greedy Mine] Alternate Dimension to find a potion recipe for a cure.
• Ji Xun agrees to team up with Nan Jing for the [Greedy Mine] mission.
• Nan Jing asks Ji Xun if he has seen Chu Jiu recently, as she is missing.
• Ji Xun borrows some medical books from Nan Jing to study Curse Arts.

Character Developments

• Nan Jing: She is shown to be more open and friendly once she feels comfortable with someone. She is also quite worried about Chu Jiu's whereabouts.
• Ji Xun: He is more forthcoming with Nan Jing, revealing that he is a Gunner and expressing his intention to challenge higher difficulties in the [Greedy Mine].

Significant Themes

• Trust and friendship: Nan Jing's openness with Ji Xun after they've established trust, and Ji Xun's willingness to team up with her.
• The importance of medical knowledge: Ji Xun's need for medical texts to study Curse Arts, and Nan Jing's possession of many ancient medical books.

Character Interactions

• Ji Xun and Nan Jing: They catch up on their situations and decide to team up for the [Greedy Mine] mission. Nan Jing is more open with Ji Xun once she feels comfortable with him.
• Nan Jing and her companions: They are wary of strangers due to their sensitive backgrounds, as seen when they caution Nan Jing about trusting Ji Xun too easily.