Danmei Recap Site

Seven Seas

Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu

Peerless: Wushuang

You’ve Got Mail: The Perils of Pigeon Post - Fei Ge Jiao You Xu Jin Shen

Run Wild: Sa Ye

Legend of Exorcism: Tianbao Fuyao Lu

Riverbay Road Men's Dormitory

Dinghai Fusheng Records

Joyful Reunion

Astrolabe Rebirth

My Husband and I Sleep in a Coffin

The Earth is Online

Wine and Gun

A Break in the Clouds (Poyun)

Art Thou Ailing?

Beyond the Snowstorm: A Windborne Love

Gold Class Enforcers

Hunt for the Leviathan

Obsessed

The Killer of Killers

Title1

The Earth is Online, Vol. 1

PreludeSix months before the story begins, enormous illusory black spires appear above cities around the world.
These spires resemble behemoth towers and are completely silent, provoking widespread attention and confusion.
Scientific and religious communities fail to provide any satisfactory explanation for the phenomenon.
Over time, humanity becomes desensitized to the spires and stops paying attention to them.
Tang Mo personally witnesses a small but critical anomaly: an insect crashes into a spire instead of passing through it, suggesting the spires are no longer illusions.
The day after Tang Mo's discovery, a mysterious childlike voice broadcasts a message to all humans globally.
The announcement, cheerful yet ominous, declares: “Ding-dong! It is the 15th of November, 2017. The Earth is now online.”
The event signals a new reality governed by unknown forces connected to the spires.
Following the announcement, three absolute laws of the Dark Spire are revealed: 1. The Dark Spire is the final authority. 2. Game time is between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. 3. All players must strive to conquer the Spire.

Chapter 1
The Earth Is OnlineTang Mo, a librarian in Suzhou, is working a routine day at the public library, dealing with visitors and colleagues like Zhao Yan and Mr Wang.
A strange man referred to as the "charlatan" (later revealed as Chen Fangzhi) is caught muttering about “God” and the Mayan civilization. He points at a mysterious levitating Dark Spire outside the library, claiming "God is coming."
The Dark Spire is described as a black, pyramid-like structure hovering 100 meters above Suzhou. It appeared six months ago without explanation, alongside over 1,000 others worldwide.
Initially a source of panic, the Spires eventually become normalized by society. Tang Mo regularly sees the one near his workplace but is largely indifferent to it now.
Tang Mo enjoys playing online bridge with a skilled player named Victor. Victor suddenly warns Tang Mo to stay away from the Dark Spire in the coming days.
Three days later, while Tang Mo is preparing to leave home for work, the Dark Spire plays “Jingle Bells” and emits a high-pitched child’s voice announcing: “The Earth is now online.”
Blue text appears on the Spire stating: "All players must eliminate another player within three days through methods including but not limited to games."
Global panic reignites, though many people either joke about or disbelieve the announcement. Tang Mo experiences anxiety, a racing heart, and restlessness.
He finds solace in bridge games, using them to calm himself over the next couple of days.
On the third day after the Spire’s announcement, a large crowd gathers outside the Spire. Some believe it heralds the apocalypse, while others treat it as a hoax or government experiment.
Tang Mo returns to the library to retrieve personal belongings before it is repurposed for research.
He hears sounds in the southeastern section and finds the charlatan Chen Fangzhi hiding a book. Despite suspicious behavior, nothing appears stolen.
Suddenly, a game is triggered: "Who Stole My Book?" The library becomes eerily quiet, and a childlike voice sings a creepy nursery rhyme. The library is now isolated in a white void.
A pixelated little girl with twin ponytails and no facial features appears, claiming she lost her book and asking Tang Mo and Chen Fangzhi to find it. She casually threatens to kill them if they don’t help.
She refers to her mother, "Mama," as a terrifying figure who will kill her if the book isn’t found.
After the girl vanishes, a diary appears on the library computer, describing her fear of her mother discovering the lost book. It ends ominously on November 18th with “I’m really dead this time.”
The confrontation game formally begins with the rules: 1. Violence is prohibited. 2. The Angel (one of the players) can receive one hint during the daytime. 3. The Demon (the other player) can burn one bookshelf at night.
The narrative introduces roles of Angel and Demon in the game, but doesn't clarify who is which.
The game setting turns twisted as the girl, named Mosaic, is described as sweet but fearful of her mother’s punishment for losing a book.
A bizarre fairytale is revealed: a demon stole the book, an angel stopped him, and the book was hidden in the library.
The voice declares: “O Kind and Wise Angel, after three days, Mosaic will be killed by her furious mother. Surely you cannot watch such an adorable little girl die.”
The chapter ends with Tang Mo fully immersed in the surreal, ominous game scenario with real stakes — he and Chen Fangzhi are trapped, and the game is about to begin.

Chapter 2
Who Stole My BookTang Mo and Chen Fangzhi (referred to as “the charlatan”) find themselves in a game triggered by the Dark Spire, inside a replica of the Suzhou Library’s third floor.
They discover they are part of the “Angel” camp, marked by wing patterns on their right hands.
Tang Mo suspects Chen Fangzhi may be hiding something due to his nervous behavior.
They realize they are trapped on the third floor; elevators and stairs are inaccessible.
A pixelated girl named Mosaic appears, demanding help to find her stolen book or else she will “die.”
Mosaic gives them vague hints daily. On Day 1, she provides “The Demon’s Feather.”
At night, the library darkens, and the Demon can burn one bookshelf. Shelf I is burned the first night.
Tang Mo deduces that each day/night cycle lasts 2 hours, not 24, making the total game span 12 hours.
On Day 2, Mosaic delivers another cryptic hint, “Mosaic's Stink Eye,” implying the Angel should know the book.
They try to brute-force shelf H by removing books one-by-one but are stopped at nightfall.
Shelf H is burned during the second night, shocking both of them since they were working on it.
On Day 3, Mosaic appears again, complaining. She gives a third hint, suggesting both Angel and Demon know the book.
Tang Mo tests Mosaic by provoking her emotionally and retrieves a book: The Secret Behind the Lost Mayan Civilisation.
Mosaic confirms it is her book, ending the game.
Chen Fangzhi reveals he was the Demon and brought Tang Mo into the game by deliberately luring him in.
He explains he worships the Dark Spire and had been selected for a 1v1 confrontation game but needed another player.
Tang Mo reveals he suspected Chen Fangzhi all along, citing inconsistencies in language and logic.
Tang Mo also deduced Mosaic assisted in setting the fires (her hair ends were singed).
The three hints from Mosaic indicated: 1. The Demon was deceptive and close by. 2. The Angel already knew the book. 3. The Demon also knew the book—narrowing the candidate to one they had both previously discussed.
Tang Mo’s victory is announced; he wins “Mosaic’s Giant Match” and “Mosaic’s Stink Eye.”
Chen Fangzhi loses and doesn’t know what the penalty entails.
They are still trapped in the library after the game ends.
At 6:00 a.m., Tang Mo suffers a sudden, dangerous increase in heart rate (over 500 bpm) but miraculously survives.
Chen Fangzhi helps him recover with cold towels, deepening their bond briefly.
When the door finally opens, Tang Mo's colleague Zhao Yan enters.
Tang Mo notices her legs are disappearing due to an invisible force.
Zhao Yan begs for help but is completely erased from existence within a minute.
The same fate begins to happen to Chen Fangzhi, revealing this is the penalty for losing.
In a panic, Chen Fangzhi begs Tang Mo to find his daughter Chen Shanshan in Shanghai and ensure she’s safe.
As he disappears, he provides her school and grade: Shibei Junior High, Year Seven.
Tang Mo promises to find her, and Chen Fangzhi disappears tearfully.
Alone and traumatized, Tang Mo kneels as the clock strikes eight.
A childlike voice announces: 498.16 million players have loaded into the global game.
The Three Absolute Laws of the Dark Spire are declared: 1. The Dark Spire is the final authority. 2. Game time is between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. 3. All players must strive to conquer the Spire.
Tang Mo stares up at the looming Dark Spire, now truly understanding the horrifying new world he’s been forced into.

Chapter 3
I'm Not Paying For ThatTang Mo leaves the library after the charlatan and Zhao Yan vanish with many others at 8:00 AM.
At the Dark Spire, scientists and law enforcement are also gone; Tang Mo doesn't linger, recognizing the mystery is beyond him.
With no public transport or working systems, Tang Mo steals a yellow rental bike by smashing its lock and cycles home.
His apartment is empty; Tang Mo grabs clothes and plans to go to Shanghai—partly to search for the charlatan’s daughter and reconnect with a university friend.
Tang Mo breaks into his elderly landlords’ apartment to borrow their car. They’re gone, and gas is leaking.
He finds the car key and drives off but suffers a sudden intense fever and chest pain, losing consciousness for ten hours.
Upon waking, Tang Mo discovers he has a supernatural ability tied to a sarcastic book titled “I’m Not Paying For That”. The book records his ability to collect others' powers.
His first test comes at a petrol station. While refueling using a staff card, he leaves two hundred yuan under a rock in symbolic payment.
Tang Mo is mugged by Qian Sankun, a shady man with unkempt hair and a knife, who steals Tang Mo’s wallet and attempts to take his car.
Tang Mo deceives Qian Sankun into letting him retrieve clothes from the boot, using the opportunity to test his new toughness and strike with the Giant Match.
The Giant Match proves immensely powerful, breaking Qian Sankun’s knife and injuring him.
A surprise burst of banknotes softens Tang Mo's second strike. Qian Sankun reveals his ability: tattoos on his wrists allow him to store items like money and weapons.
When Qian Sankun tries a sneak attack with a hidden knife, Tang Mo kills him with the Giant Match.
Tang Mo uses the book to absorb Qian Sankun’s ability, revealed to be “What Does He Have That I Don’t”, which lets users store inanimate objects as tattoos.
He stores the Giant Match in his wrist, gaining access to it at will.
The book teases that murder isn’t the only way to acquire powers but won’t clarify further.
Tang Mo buries Qian Sankun using the cash he loved so much.
On the road to Shanghai, Tang Mo demonstrates his new strength by physically clearing wrecked cars blocking the highway.
He encounters Li Wen, a dazed survivor of a car crash, and lets him hitch a ride. Tang Mo remains cautious but sees little threat in him.
Tang Mo shares limited info about his goals, including searching for a seventh-grade girl at Shibei Junior High.
A strange broadcast from the Dark Spire plays a cheerful Thanksgiving song. Then a system announcement repeats three times: Irregular Fu Wenduo has unlocked the first floor, and all players in China must challenge the Spire.
Tang Mo and Li Wen are pulled into darkness and fall into an underground cave.
Five others soon arrive through similar falls: Peng Yuwen, Lei Bin, Lin Qiao, Zhao Xiang, and Luo Fengcheng.
The group introduces themselves. Luo Fengcheng, a game designer who studied hydrology, deduces they’re in a subterranean cave near a water source.
Lei Bin, the PR worker, proposes they cooperate and theorizes this scenario is part of “conquering the Spire” as per the Three Absolute Laws.
They discuss the announcement and the possible purpose of their current trial.
A new announcement is made: “Dark Spire 1F initiated on dummy mode… Loading seven-player survival game… Story quest released: O Chosen Seven, survive!”

Chapter 4
Happy ThanksgivingThe seven characters—Tang Mo, Luo Fengcheng, Lei Bin, Zhao Xiang, Li Wen, Lin Qiao, and Peng Yuwen—wake up trapped in a cave by the Dark Spire.
A survival game is triggered by the Dark Spire: a seven-player escape challenge.
Lin Qiao hears digging sounds approaching the cave wall.
A giant, humanoid mole bursts into the cave, declaring it wants to roast a turkey using the humans as fuel, celebrating Thanksgiving.
The mole drops a giant turkey and identifies the humans as cooking fuel.
Zhao Xiang tries to flee and is instantly swatted unconscious by the mole.
The mole selects Peng Yuwen as kindling for the fire, grabs her by the head.
Lei Bin, Tang Mo, Li Wen, and Lin Qiao rush to save Peng Yuwen, pulling her back while Luo Fengcheng stomps on the mole’s toe.
They temporarily rescue her, triggering a quest: “Roast a turkey for the adorable Mr Moley.”
Luo Fengcheng throws a turkey leg as a weapon; Lin Qiao picks it up, and together with Luo Fengcheng they try attacking the mole.
Tang Mo summons a giant match using his ability, surprising everyone, and attacks the mole.
The mole easily catches the match but recognizes it as “Mosaic’s Match,” a powerful item, and begins roasting the turkey instead of fighting.
The mole happily cooks and eats the turkey, explaining that turkey roasted with Mosaic’s Match is the best.
The mole reveals knowledge of the game system: players are divided into official players, reserve players, and irregulars.
Official players participate and win Dark Spire games.
Reserve players do not win Dark Spire games but may participate in other challenges.
Irregulars are those who kill another person during the three-day initiation period.
The mole reveals that irregulars are rare, hated by the Dark Spire, and highly desirable to be eaten due to their powers.
A second side quest is triggered: “Find that wretched irregular!”
The mole detects one irregular among the seven humans and gives them one hour to identify the irregular—or he will eat one person every hour.
Tang Mo pretends to cooperate and asks how to identify the irregular.
Luo Fengcheng explains three categories of killers: unintentional, sociopathic, and premeditated but not inherently murderous.
Lei Bin accuses Tang Mo of being the irregular due to his ability but is countered by Li Wen and Luo Fengcheng.
Tang Mo and Lei Bin both confirm they are official players.
Lei Bin demonstrates his minor ability—drawing perfect circles—to prove his official player status.
Each person recounts their whereabouts during the three-day initiation: 1. Luo Fengcheng claims to be a Dark Spire researcher with verified credentials. 2. Lin Qiao stayed in her dorm the entire time gaming. 3. Li Wen was clubbing in Nanjing and was rear-ended in a car crash. 4. Zhao Xiang was doing food deliveries, including to two upscale estates. 5. Peng Yuwen was at home with her mother studying until her mother disappeared.
Lei Bin shares his game experience inside the Dark Spire, confirming his status as an official player.
Luo Fengcheng explains that people who kill show behavioral anomalies when confronted, except sociopaths or naïve murderers.
Tang Mo and Luo Fengcheng accuse Peng Yuwen of being the irregular based on her earlier behavior and reactions.
Peng Yuwen denies the accusation, crying and panicking.
Tang Mo firmly declares her to be the irregular, ending the chapter.

Chapter 5
A Large Turkey EggTang Mo accuses Peng Yuwen of being the irregular based on her statement and too-perfect recollection.
Lei Bin and Zhao Xiang agree with Tang Mo; Luo Fengcheng confirms the deduction with further reasoning.
Peng Yuwen tries to deny it but eventually admits she is the irregular and also admits to killing someone.
She reveals she murdered her newborn child because she never wanted to be a mother and couldn’t handle the burden.
Lin Qiao accuses her of cruelty, and Tang Mo points out that the child had the right to live.
Zhao Xiang celebrates finding the irregular, assuming their side quest is now complete.
Tang Mo asks Peng Yuwen about her ability, suspecting it relates to the torch she used.
Peng Yuwen reveals her power and violently lashes out, summoning a massive match identical to Mosaic’s Match.
She attacks Zhao Xiang and smashes his head with the match, fatally injuring him.
The mole intercepts Peng Yuwen's next attack, breaks her match, then brutally kills and eats her.
Tang Mo checks Zhao Xiang’s condition and confirms he is dead.
The mole critiques Peng Yuwen’s ability: she could replicate objects seen within 24 hours, but only twice daily and at reduced strength.
Luo Fengcheng and Tang Mo discuss how Peng Yuwen’s use of a torch indicated her ability.
The Dark Spire announces side quest 2 is complete.
Tang Mo asks about the real Mosaic’s Match; the mole instead gives him a “Large Turkey Egg” as a reward.
The mole reveals the egg can’t be hatched by humans and shows off thousands of similar eggs.
Tang Mo notices the mole has grown stronger, likely due to consuming Peng Yuwen.
The mole refuses to reward the others and mocks them by farting.
Lin Qiao and Lei Bin cover the remains of the deceased with clothing in a somber moment.
Tang Mo receives Lei Bin’s ability, “Cranky Curse Circle,” after taking the torch without payment.
He discovers his ability book shows Lei Bin’s curse ability, now linked to himself.
The turkey egg doesn’t break despite attempts to crack it; instead, it damages everything else.
On the first floor of the Dark Spire, Fu Wenduo finishes a deadly fight against a giant turkey and steals its rare egg.
Fu Wenduo barely survives and escapes the Dark Spire, receiving the same egg-type item as Tang Mo.
His egg is undamaged and reveals it is called Momo, with the ability to “save game progress.”
Tang Mo’s egg is damaged, displaying corrupted text and incomplete info.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo unknowingly contact each other via the turkey eggs, discovering they function like magical phones.
Both are surprised at the egg's communication range: from Shanghai to Beijing.
They test how to initiate and end calls: three taps to connect, holding it with both hands to end.
Fu Wenduo refuses to share much information; Tang Mo mirrors this, leading to mutual suspicion.
The name Momo causes confusion and awkwardness as Fu Wenduo unknowingly calls Tang Mo by a pet name.
The two part on civil but cautious terms.
Tang Mo returns to Shanghai with the egg, trying to locate Shibei Junior High to find a specific student.
The streets of Shanghai are chaotic; people are looting, wounded, or dying.
Tang Mo navigates carefully and observes survivors scavenging in small groups.
He finally finds the school and hears an announcement that players in the USA are about to enter the Dark Spire.
Tang Mo grows disturbed by the news that 80 million players have died since the game began.
Approaching the school, he encounters strange attacks like invisible nails, clearly set up as traps.
A voice tells him to stay away; Tang Mo suspects a trap and confirms it by springing it intentionally.
Tang Mo evades a deadly pitfall and corners a boy who had tried to trick him.
Another man—Mr Qin—appears, thinking Tang Mo is dangerous.
Just as tensions rise, Li Wen appears and explains the misunderstanding, recognizing Tang Mo and confirming he is trustworthy.

Chapter 6
Shibei Junior HighLi Wen reunites with Tang Mo at Shibei Junior High, bringing four students and a teacher, Mr Qin.
Tang Mo meets Chen Shanshan, the cool and intelligent girl he's been searching for.
Tang Mo reveals he knew Chen Fangzhi, her father, and informs her of his death, which she accepts with visible sadness but composure.
Mr Qin explains that only two teachers and sixteen students remain at the school after the Dark Spire games began; the rest disappeared.
Tang Mo is shown five corpses, including three students killed by irregulars in a post-game assault.
Li Wen and Mr Qin recount how irregulars demanded a matchstick item from Wang Chao, one of the students, and killed him and Mr Wang when they resisted.
Tang Mo stores the large matchstick item on his body with his ability.
Mr Qin introduces two official players among the students: Zhao Ziang (offensive ability) and Qiao Feifei (can identify others' roles).
Qiao Feifei can't see Tang Mo's identity until touching him, confirming he's an official player.
Chen Shanshan deduces that people became reserve players by winning games where the loser said “I’ve been eliminated,” influenced by the Dark Spire terminology.
Chen Shanshan has a genetic ability—“Genius-Level Intellect”—that enhances her cognitive skills and judgment accuracy.
Tang Mo receives Chen Shanshan's ability when she offers him biscuits and asks him to kill the irregulars.
Tang Mo and the group prepare for a nighttime assault from the remaining three irregulars: a gunner (infinite bullets), a fire-breather (emits 961°C flames), and a one-armed man who can grow flowers that bloom into deadly poison.
That night, the irregulars attack. Tang Mo kills the fire-breather using the Mosaic’s Match after a fierce battle.
Zhao Ziang shoots and kills the gunner from a clock tower.
The final irregular, the flower man, ambushes and fatally wounds Mr Qin.
Chen Shanshan and Zhao Ziang coordinate to destroy the flowers before they bloom and release poison.
The irregular reveals he never left the school and had been watching them the whole time.
The group desperately tries to destroy the flowers. Tang Mo bashes them with the match while others use nails, kitchen tools, and a pistol.
Just as the flowers begin to bloom under a cloud-covered moon, the clouds clear, stopping the process.
Tang Mo destroys the remaining flowers. Zhao Ziang kills the last irregular with a nail to the head.
The children stomp on the irregulars’ corpses and place them in a toilet. They then mourn Mr Qin’s death.
Zhao Ziang vomits from the emotional toll. Tang Mo consoles him and tells him to grow stronger.
Tang Mo acquires Xu Qiang’s (the fire-breather’s) ability, but vows never to use it due to its humiliating activation phrase.
Chen Shanshan offers Tang Mo water and thanks him for fulfilling her father’s wish. She chooses to stay with her schoolmates.
Tang Mo admits he wanted to take her with him for her intellect, but respects her decision.
Chen Shanshan asks for a hug, but the moment is ruined when Tang Mo hears the voice of Fu Wenduo in his head via the turkey egg.
Fu Wenduo contacts Tang Mo telepathically to use the egg's true ability—Momo—the "save game" function.
Fu Wenduo explains the egg allows a save file that lasts one hour and can only be created jointly.
Tang Mo activates the save file, and for the next hour, hears Fu Wenduo engaged in a brutal, one-sided fight.
At the 59th minute, Fu Wenduo, unable to draw the "L" to load the save, kills himself so the file auto-loads.
Fu Wenduo revives thanks to the save file and apologizes for wasting Tang Mo’s time.
Tang Mo realizes Fu Wenduo now owes him a favor and contemplates leveraging it later.

Chapter 7
Parting of WaysTang Mo and the students recover from the recent battle, sleeping in late due to exhaustion.
Tang Mo and Li Wen gather supplies from the campus supermarket and prepare to leave.
Tang Mo advises the five students (Zhao Ziang, Chen Shanshan, Qiao Feifei, and two boys) to split into two groups to reduce danger and avoid attention.
Chen Shanshan agrees with the plan, understanding the risks of traveling in a large group.
Tang Mo informs Chen Shanshan he is heading to Pudong to find a friend and may return in ten days.
Li Wen decides to search for his parents and leaves with Tang Mo since his house is along the way.
On the way, Li Wen appears cheerful but is clearly anxious about the possibility of finding his home empty.
At his villa, Li Wen hesitates to enter until Tang Mo breaks the gate open, offering silent support.
Inside, Li Wen finds no one but discovers a note from his mother saying she is alive and waiting in Kunshan.
Tang Mo encourages Li Wen to find his mother, and the two part ways near the Huangpu River.
As a final gesture, Tang Mo warns Li Wen not to blindly trust people, showing care with a playful tone.
Tang Mo continues alone to Pudong, becoming more aware of the population loss and danger now that he’s traveling solo.
He secures himself inside an abandoned eatery for the night using makeshift alarm traps.
Reflecting on his actions and the people he’s killed (Qian Sankun, the fire-breather, and others), Tang Mo remains emotionally detached.
He thinks about Fu Wenduo and the mysterious turkey egg, wondering how Fu Wenduo became an irregular.
The next day, Tang Mo meets a friendly university student and briefly ponders whether he's too cynical, but this feeling vanishes after discovering two headless corpses.
He reaches his friend Haozi’s neighborhood and encounters a disturbing scene: six corpses in a garden, all seemingly having killed each other.
Tang Mo investigates the corpses cautiously and then heads to Haozi’s apartment.
The flat is abandoned, with leftover food and signs of sudden disappearance; no note is left.
Tang Mo reminisces over a photo of himself, Haozi, and another friend from graduation, showing bittersweet emotion before leaving.
As he exits the complex, a suspicious old man pretends to need help with a sprained ankle.
Tang Mo is wary and walks away, but is ambushed by a group of seven players trying to drag him into a game.
Despite his quick reaction and escape, Tang Mo accidentally touches a planter, triggering a multiplayer game dungeon called "Pipes and Ladders".
Eight players, including Tang Mo, are forcibly entered into the game at 5:02 p.m., November 22, 2017.
The setting morphs into a massive spiral board game hosted by a disturbingly cheerful cartoon giant named Mario.
The board has 150 squares, various types (blank, prize, penalty, warp, king, convict, and game-clear), and a glowing red “START” square.
Mario explains the rules: roll dice, move forward, win rewards or face punishments depending on the square landed on.
Rewards include items like abilities and game saves; punishments can be fatal.
Tang Mo cleverly proposes using the order of names called by the Dark Spire to determine the rolling order, protecting himself from being the first to go.
First player Li Zhen lands on a blank square and survives; others get Magic Mushrooms (healing items) or land safely.
Tang Mo rolls last, lands on a level 1 penalty square, and must confess a misdeed (he glued a bully to a chair in school).
He plays it cool and gains Mario’s approval.
The next few rounds proceed: Tang Mo advances to square 20 and receives an Invincibility Flower (5 minutes of immunity).
Tang Mo deduces that some squares are safe or dangerous based on their effects: blank, prize, penalty, warp.
A level 3 penalty square triggers a fight against a Goomba for one player, resulting in severe injury.
Tang Mo grows suspicious about the reward mechanics, realizing that some rewards like the flower may be traps due to timing limitations.
Just as Li Zhen is about to roll again, Mario ominously announces he "forgot something important," causing Tang Mo to feel dread about a twist yet to be revealed.

Chapter 8
Pipes and LaddersMario announces a new game rule called "We Are Not In This Together", triggered from round five onward: if multiple players land on the same square, it turns into a level 7 penalty square, remaining deadly until only one player is left on it.
Tang Mo realizes the Invincibility Flower is meant to bait players into deadly traps once others follow into the same square.
The LED board displays the total number of Mario’s victims: 6,463 dead players, with Tang Mo and his group becoming the 6,464th group.
Li Zhen is terrified but rolls a three, landing her on square 20, sharing it with Tang Mo—but the effect isn't triggered since it's her first round.
The balding man avoids landing on square 20 by rolling a three and moves to square 22.
The beer-bellied man narrowly avoids triggering the rule and lands on square 21.
The taciturn man Zhao Guo rolls one and moves to square 16.
The young man rolls and reaches square 18; the young woman rolls five and jumps to square 27.
The young woman lands on a level 4 penalty square and is attacked by a black Koopa Troopa; she is brutally wounded but survives by timing her attack and beheading it.
The old man lands on square 24, and it becomes Li Zhen's target in her next turn.
Li Zhen rolls four, landing on square 24, triggering the level 7 penalty as it now has two players.
Black Mario spawns and attacks both players. Li Zhen stabs the old man in desperation, but he shoots her instead, killing her.
The old man is revealed to be named Qi Feng, who had faked a limp to manipulate Tang Mo into joining the game.
Tang Mo suspects one among the players has an ability, most likely the beer-bellied man or the balding man.
The game progresses several rounds without triggering the effect. The balding man reaches square 59, Tang Mo at square 53.
Qi Feng chooses to retreat using a warp square to square 29 instead of advancing, to maintain distance and avoid the effect again.
Tang Mo rolls a six, landing on square 60, which is already occupied by the balding man, triggering the deadly rule.
The balding man attacks with a knife, but Tang Mo easily defeats him with superior physical power.
Black Mario appears again. Tang Mo fights using Mosaic’s Match, suffering severe injuries, including a broken arm, while barely surviving.
When it becomes clear that only one person can survive the square, Tang Mo kills the already-dying balding man to end the effect.
Tang Mo draws a circle in blood and sarcastically wishes Mario health and longevity.
The players now fear Tang Mo, and his presence dominates the board.
A middle-aged man later dies gruesomely to level 5 penalty Cheep Cheeps, eaten alive until nothing is left.
The young woman rolls a six, which would land her on her boyfriend’s square. They promise to die together.
At the last moment, both betray each other: she stabs his chest, he stabs her abdomen. They die together in agony and betrayal.
Only Tang Mo (square 80), the beer-bellied man (62), and Qi Feng (55) remain.
Tang Mo reaches square 83 and triggers a free jump square.
Tang Mo asks Mario four key questions: 1. All 6,456 past players died here—Mario says they chose to "stay." 2. If one player finishes the board alone, he is not last place. 3. Mario confirms the existence of king and convict squares, though none appeared yet. 4. He also confirms the presence of a game clear square.
Tang Mo activates the turkey egg communication device to contact Fu Wenduo thousands of kilometres away.
Fu Wenduo answers mid-shower. Tang Mo requests: “Could you activate the game save function?”

Chapter 9
The ChallengersTang Mo receives a telepathic message from Fu Wenduo via a turkey egg, giving him one hour to use the save file, usable only once.
In the Pipes and Ladders dungeon game, Tang Mo confronts Black Mario, questioning the absurd odds of no one winning out of 6,456 players.
Tang Mo deduces that the game has been rigged: six convict squares in a row near the end make it impossible to win via standard progression.
Tang Mo reasons that warp squares were the only possible way to reach otherwise unreachable squares like square 1.
Despite skepticism from Qi Feng and the beer-bellied man, Tang Mo boldly decides to warp back to square 1 instead of advancing.
Black Mario reacts furiously to Tang Mo’s choice, but is confined to the stage and unable to attack him.
Tang Mo reaches square 1, triggering the hidden game clear square and winning Mario's Treasure.
As gold and gems rain down, a ruby marks the true game reward. Tang Mo takes it, which ends the dungeon and returns them to the real world.
Black Mario, enraged, slips on his own tears and accidentally kills himself by smashing his head on a coin stuck in the stage.
Tang Mo, Qi Feng, and the beer-bellied man return to the Shanghai residential complex and verify that four players have died; one corpse is missing.
Tang Mo uses his match ability to break the beer-bellied man's leg as punishment for dragging them into the dungeon.
The beer-bellied man reveals his ability: controlling wind, which he uses in a failed counterattack.
Tang Mo strips the beer-bellied man of his jacket to claim ownership of his ability and walks off.
A stranger named Nie Fei appears, identifying them as survivors of “Dungeon 2.” He invites them to his organisation’s base.
Qi Feng confirms they survived the game; Nie Fei calls in Tang Qiao and Ye Yuanze for support and proposes an information exchange.
The trio of strangers identify themselves as part of a 17-member organisation of powerful ability users called The Challengers.
The Challengers had previously found 7 dungeons; Dungeon 2 (Pipes and Ladders) was thought to be unbeatable with no known survivors—until now.
Tang Mo is wary but follows them to their base inside a massive shopping complex.
There, they meet Ajax, a towering foreigner, and are led to a researcher named Luo Fengcheng.
Luo Fengcheng and Tang Mo recognise each other—they survived the first floor of the Dark Spire together on November 19.
Luo Fengcheng confirms Tang Mo's identity and dismisses the others to speak with him privately.
They discuss login methods for the Dark Spire and player categories (official vs. reserve).
Tang Mo agrees to an information trade: he’ll reveal the contents of Dungeon 2 in exchange for knowledge about dungeons and Spire mechanics.
Tang Mo recounts the mechanics of Pipes and Ladders, the “We Are Not In This Together” effect, and how players were doomed by design.
Luo Fengcheng provides classified documents detailing three known dungeons: Dungeon 1: High death toll, mysterious animal attacks, players lose their hearts. Dungeon 2: Multiplayer deathmatch (Pipes and Ladders), with most players killing each other. Dungeon 3: Asphyxiation deaths, possibly an extreme survival game.
Tang Mo also receives a marked map of dungeon entrances in Pudong.
The Challengers' goal is to proactively raid dungeons to grow stronger, despite the dangers.
Luo Fengcheng reveals that the group was originally named Exist, formed by players who realised they couldn’t speak about the games and posted cryptic messages online.
After players began dying in the Dark Spire challenges, the group changed to a more offensive strategy and became The Challengers.
Tang Mo realizes their radical approach: they trade for information to prepare for harder dungeons, risking everything to grow.
He acknowledges the risk of joining such a group and ends by saying, “I’ll give joining some thought.”

Chapter 10
Kill BillTang Mo hides in a mall shop after leaving Luo Fengcheng’s office, disabling the security camera and examining his ability book.
He reviews his abilities, now possessing six: a storage skill, a curse circle, identity check, Chen Shanshan’s passive buff, and two offensive powers—fire-breathing and “Roar of the Tiger”.
Tang Mo inspects a ruby found in the last dungeon; after some handling, it turns into Mario’s Cap—an item that lets him headbutt for a chance at magical items, but he finds it silly and disappointing.
At night, Tang Mo leaves the mall; a shadow reports his departure to Luo Fengcheng, who cryptically notes a change in Tang Mo's file: “391” becomes “6461”.
Tang Mo visits Shibei Junior High’s gym and finds a moldy piece of bread and a farewell message on the wall from Chen Shanshan and Zhao Ziang.
A broadcast announces someone in Europe cleared the Dark Spire’s 1st floor; shortly after, Tang Mo receives notice that he has qualified to challenge the Dark Spire in 10 days.
In Shanghai, Zhao Ziang and Liu Chen scavenge for food. They suspect “Matchman”—a mysterious attacker using a giant match—is Tang Mo but dismiss the thought.
The real Matchman (Tang Mo) observes a target with a periscope, attacks and humiliates a beer-bellied irregular, and steals his ability: “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” which lets the user displace nearby objects as shields.
Tang Mo reflects on his limitations; although he has six abilities, most are restricted or passive, making him weaker in sustained fights.
He starts using Qiao Feifei’s “Buddy-o-Radar” ability to identify irregulars (murderers who awakened abilities before the games), ambushing and stealing their abilities.
Tang Mo camps near Nanjing Road, hunting irregulars and gaining the nickname “Matchman”. As players become more cautious, he plans to shift to targeting safe dungeons.
Tang Mo tails Ajax, the strongest Challenger, who enters a factory and vanishes through a manhole. Tang Mo follows and triggers the dungeon “Kill Bill”.
In a dark tunnel, Tang Mo meets a red-haired man who thinks Tang Mo is his shift replacement. The man says “Bill has gone mad” and flees.
Tang Mo finds a dying blond named Carris, wearing the same uniform. Carris warns of a terrifying monster and offers Tang Mo a wooden club as a weapon.
The quest “Kill Bill” begins with three rules: abilities are prohibited, only a kerosene lamp may be used, and only the wooden club can hurt the monster.
Tang Mo encounters Bill, revealed to be a massive earthworm kept as a circus exhibit. The earthworm attacks violently and is nearly impervious to the club.
Tang Mo fights it but fails to defeat it within 20 minutes. He is ejected from the dungeon unharmed—the game resets, confirming it’s a safe dungeon.
On his second attempt, Tang Mo burns Carris’s uniform and his own clothes to use fire to trap and limit the earthworm, combining fire and melee strikes with the club.
He deals damage to the worm's bulging pink ring (a weak spot), but the flames extinguish and the worm regains mobility. Tang Mo barely survives, and the game resets again.
On the third run, Tang Mo proceeds more cautiously, questioning the purpose of the dungeon. He realizes: Carris is Bill.
Tang Mo meets the ginger man again, then confronts the injured Carris. Instead of going deeper into the tunnel, he bludgeons Carris to death with the wooden club.
The chapter ends with Tang Mo reflecting on the cryptic nature of the Dark Spire's game logic: Bill was not the earthworm but the dying man, and the real objective was to kill him.

Chapter 11
CountdownAjax appears at the factory entrance, meeting Tang Qiao.
Ajax excitedly tells Tang Qiao he defeated the earthworm in Dungeon S3 but still failed the quest.
Tang Qiao is shocked; she suspects the dungeon objective might not be to kill the earthworm.
Tang Mo clears the "Kill Bill" dungeon, obtaining the reward Earthworm Tear, but is not teleported out.
Tang Mo reenters the tunnel, discovering the earthworm is still caged and acting pitiful, speaking in a childish, emotional voice.
The earthworm, assuming Tang Mo is friendly, snuggles against him. Tang Mo tries comforting it to elicit a tear.
Tang Mo realizes he was misled by Ajax’s assumption that the earthworm was the dungeon boss.
He identifies hints suggesting Bill is the real "monster" of the story, not the earthworm.
Tang Mo analyses clues: 1. Ginger man’s wounds came from sharp objects, not the earthworm. 2. "Bill is a monster" could be literal or metaphorical. 3. Earthworm may be a misunderstood victim, not the objective.
Tang Mo deduces the story: Bill beat the earthworm while drunk, injuring the ginger man in the process.
Earthworm escaped the cage and injured Bill in self-defense.
Tang Mo comforts the crying earthworm but cannot get it to shed a real tear.
Eventually, the earthworm wakes up and searches for an exit, accidentally triggering a secret door.
As it tries to leave, Tang Mo begs for a tear and prepares to use Mosaic’s Match to stun it.
Just before being struck, the earthworm gives him a real tear and flees the dungeon.
Tang Mo is teleported back to the factory in Pudong and safely leaves the area.
Tang Mo stores the tear in a garage. The tear solidifies into a crystal with healing properties.
Item Description: Earthworm Tear heals wounds and traumatic injuries, usable three times.
Tang Mo reflects that it was worth the uncomfortable process to get such a useful item.
Meanwhile, Ajax reports his failure again to Luo Fengcheng.
Luo Fengcheng deduces the real target in S3 is the blond man, not the earthworm.
Ajax is shocked and resolves to try again the next day, but the dungeon entrance no longer works — it has been cleared by Tang Mo.
Ajax’s opportunity is lost; he decides to try Dungeon S1 instead.
Tang Mo, unaware he stole Ajax’s chance, continues hunting for safe dungeons.
Tang Mo clears another solo dungeon while tailing a player; it is long but not difficult.
He prepares for the floor challenge, ensuring weapons are ready and food is stocked.
Tang Mo eats and reflects on his reduced hunger due to physical changes after previous dungeons.
He contacts Fu Wenduo using the turkey egg to ask about the floor challenge.
Fu Wenduo describes his floor challenge: his quest was to steal the turkey egg, while his teammates had to protect it.
Fu Wenduo and his team entered a divided world: Underland and Monster World, separated by a pink river.
Players had to use a ferry with game constraints to cross to Monster World.
A fierce battle with a giant turkey ensued; three died, one escaped. Fu Wenduo succeeded and claimed the egg.
Tang Mo reflects on his chances: Fu Wenduo’s offensive ability helped him, but Tang Mo is not an irregular, which makes his situation slightly safer.
Tang Mo thanks Fu Wenduo, who wishes him luck and hopes the turkey egg retains its save feature.
Tang Mo prepares and walks to the Dark Spire in Jing'an, determined but calm.
Meanwhile, two injured men stumble into Shanghai, terrified and desperate, searching for irregulars.
They fear the Cannibals, a murderous irregular group, might be in Shanghai.
They break down upon hearing Shanghai also has irregulars.
The chapter ends with Tang Mo standing under the Dark Spire as it initiates: "Ding-dong! Dark Spire Floor 1 initiated on normal mode..." "Welcome to Monster World!"

The Earth is Online, Vol. 2

Chapter 12
Monster ValleyTang Mo enters the Dark Spire’s first floor and finds himself in a surreal forest rather than the usual game environment.
He receives no immediate quest, only a brief “Welcome to Monster World” message, so he starts exploring cautiously.
Spotting a knife-shaped mountain peak in the distance, Tang Mo uses it as a landmark but fails to reach it even after walking for an hour.
While moving, he hears rhythmic thuds approaching and is soon chased by a giant three-meter-tall white rabbit with red eyes.
Tang Mo uses his powerful ability “I Am Fire, I Am Death” to burn the rabbit and the forest, triggering a massive wildfire.
The destruction forces Tang Mo to flee. A side quest is triggered: “Impersonate Little Red Riding Hood and infiltrate Monster Valley.”
As he tries to escape, he encounters a group of humanoid monsters heading to fight the fire, including a gorilla-headed man, pig-headed man, and monkey-headed creatures.
Tang Mo hides in a tree but is detected by a dog-headed monster who smells him out.
He is surrounded by the monsters who chant about eating Underlanders. Tang Mo is forced to think quickly.
He uses a ruby to summon Mario’s Cap and declares he is Little Red Riding Hood to fulfill the side quest.
The monsters are confused but a parrot recalls that Little Red Riding Hood is the hybrid granddaughter of Grandma Wolf.
Mr Gorilla believes the disguise and offers to escort “Little Red Riding Hood” to her grandma’s house.
They exit the forest and enter Monster Valley, a strange underground realm.
Tang Mo is led to Grandma Wolf’s pink cottage and meets her — a massive, muscular werewolf in a tutu with a bowler hat.
Grandma Wolf immediately suspects Tang Mo but believes his disguise because of the foul smell of the cap (which belonged to his “father”).
She drags him inside, reveals she eats Underlanders, and assigns Tang Mo seven days of labor in exchange for seven bronze coins.
The story quest is then triggered: “Monster Valley’s Jolly Whac-A-Gopher.”
Tang Mo must catch a golden gopher in the next seven days or be eaten by Grandma Wolf.
The golden gopher appears only at 6 p.m., once per day, in one of nine tunnels, attracted by yam made from Underland objects.
Black gophers may appear instead, which eat Underlanders.
Tang Mo tests the pink jar that converts Underland objects into yam, but it rejects decomposed Underlander hair as "bleurgh!"
He tries fresher hair, also rejected. Finally, he uses Mario’s Cap to knock out a set of filthy dentures, which the jar accepts, producing proper yam.
With three attempts per day using Mario’s Cap, Tang Mo obtains usable items but notes the drop rate is low and the items are mostly junk.
He scouts the nine tunnels and finds deep claw marks and mixed fur, deducing that the black and golden gophers are equally large and powerful.
On Day 1, Tang Mo places yam outside the fifth tunnel but hides ten meters away instead of standing with the food.
A black gopher appears, devours the yam, then stares directly at Tang Mo, radiating bloodlust before retreating.
Tang Mo confirms the golden gopher cannot appear unless he stands at the same tunnel as the food; otherwise, the black gopher may show up.
He decides to avoid placing the bait again until later days to gather more information and avoid unnecessary danger.
Tang Mo returns to the cottage, planning the rest of the seven-day challenge with the goal of catching the golden gopher and surviving.

Chapter 13
Whac-A-GopherTang Mo uses Mario’s Cap to obtain junk and exchanges one for a yam via the pink jar.
He prepares to bait a gopher by placing the yam at the fifth tunnel at 6 p.m., hoping to attract the golden gopher.
Instead, Tang Mo is ambushed by the black gopher, which is extremely intelligent and aggressive.
Tang Mo uses darts and the Giant Match to fight and manages to injure it by snapping one of its claws.
The black gopher traps Tang Mo in the tunnel, forcing him to confront it head-on before narrowly escaping with a torn back.
Tang Mo notices crushed porcelain powder in the third tunnel, deduces someone else placed a plate there during the time he was distracted by the black gopher.
He confirms that when food is placed in multiple tunnels, the golden gopher cannot appear, only the black gopher does.
Realizes the plate count in Grandma Wolf's kitchen is unchanged—meaning someone else placed a plate.
Attempts to leave the mountain but is blocked by force fields, confirming he’s trapped in the game space.
Reassesses the Dark Spire's rules, concluding they never stated he was the only player in the game.
Suspects the unknown player may also be trying to catch the golden gopher or possibly aiming for the black one.
Tries to use Cranky Curse Circle to target the other player but finds his active abilities are disabled in the dungeon.
Tests multiple abilities—all fail except storage abilities, such as summoning the Giant Match and using Mario’s Cap.
Attempts to use the Earthworm Tear (a healing item) and turkey egg (to contact Fu Wenduo) but both initially fail.
Uses Mario’s Cap again and successfully retrieves a Phantom’s Pocket Watch, which can grant five minutes of invisibility.
Later manages to contact Fu Wenduo using the turkey egg, and learns it's actually December 6th, not December 1st as he thought.
Fu Wenduo reveals Tang Mo contacted him on December 3rd, saying he needed to "save the game" because the challenge might end early.
Tang Mo deduces a time loop or memory manipulation is in play, and he's caught in a repeating cycle.
Figures out the Circus of Curiosities is involved, tying back to a prior dungeon called Kill Bill, where he released one of the circus’s treasures.
Suspects Grandma Wolf might return early, affecting the game timeline.
Tang Mo asks Fu Wenduo to ask “Tang Mo” tomorrow what his lucky number is, to verify continuity.
Tang Mo's lucky number is nine, tied to his crush’s birthday on September 9th.
Uses the ability I Am Your Father on himself, changing his name to Momo for three days, revealing his deepest secret: he has quietly crushed on Victor.
Under the ability's influence, Tang Mo (now Momo) believes his name is Momo, even though he knows it’s not.
Realizes his own ability changed his name universally, even altering the ability book and external references.
Contacts Fu Wenduo again, who now also calls him Momo, further confirming the ability's impact.
Tang Mo reflects that the Spire game’s simplicity is deceptive, and something is fundamentally wrong—especially regarding time.
Considers two theories: 1. The Dark Spire wipes or resets his memory, making him think it’s always Day 1. 2.There are multiple versions of Tang Mo in the same game, all unaware of each other, possibly acting at the same time.
Ends the chapter preparing for the final day, now fully aware that time has passed and that he may not be the only “him” in the game.
Fu Wenduo affirms his support and says he hopes to see Tang Mo/Momo in Shanghai.

Chapter 14
Devouring HeartsTang Mo collects items to prepare food for the golden gopher, ultimately offering a large yam at the ninth gopher tunnel at exactly 6:00 p.m.
At moonlight, a golden gopher appears and eats the yam enthusiastically; just as it finishes, the illusion around Tang Mo shatters.
The massive golden gopher vanishes, replaced by a tiny one with a swollen belly; Tang Mo traps it in a sack.
Tang Mo investigates the other tunnels and finds evidence of repeated timelines involving plate traces, indicating looping events.
Tang Mo realizes the golden gopher is manipulating time; each day since December 1st, a new version of himself appears.
Tang Mo names these versions TM-1 to TM-7; each version believes they are in the original timeline, causing desynchronization.
The timelines synchronize every day at 6 p.m., causing loss of ability precedence for earlier versions.
Tang Mo deduces that precedence determines who can use abilities or affect the timeline.
Tang Mo concludes that the game is single-player and the other "player" is always himself in another timeline iteration.
TM-3 tries to catch the golden gopher early due to a newspaper headline suggesting the game might end prematurely.
TM-6 uses Phantom's Pocket Watch to enter the tunnel unseen and "I Am Your Father" ability to synchronize names across timelines, revealing a hidden confession: Tang Mo has quietly crushed on Victor for the longest time.
On the seventh day, all seven Tang Mo variants converge on the ninth tunnel and catch the golden gopher, completing the quest.
Tang Mo earns five bronze coins and exchanges them with Grandma Wolf for a powerful magical parasol.
Grandma Wolf attempts to cook Tang Mo, but is interrupted by Mr Gorilla who comes to escort Tang Mo to safety.
Grandma Wolf reacts with shock upon seeing the golden gopher, calling it the Golden Spacetime Gopher.
Grandma Wolf demonstrates the gopher's ability to multiply through time loops using a hamster wheel.
Tang Mo refuses to follow Grandma Wolf to her bedroom and narrowly avoids another trap.
Mr Gorilla arrives and offers Tang Mo a way out; Tang Mo leaves the cottage.
Quest complete: Tang Mo receives 21 points, unlocking the hidden story quest and clearing the Dark Spire’s first floor on hard mode.
Global notification announces “Player Momo” (Tang Mo) has cleared the floor on hard mode; many players around the world take note of the name.
Tang Mo vents his anger by smashing a monument, then reflects on the misleading challenge and hidden difficulty escalation.
Tang Mo examines his rewards: Grandma Wolf's Parasol (excellent defense/offense) and King’s Gold Coin (lets player skip a Dark Spire game once).
Tang Mo falls asleep for the first time in a week but is awakened by screams and discovers a man with his heart ripped out.
Tang Mo finds another corpse in a car trunk with the same missing heart.
He drives through an increasingly deserted Shanghai, encountering more heartless corpses.
At a megamall, Tang Mo meets Luo Fengcheng and learns that "irregulars"—humans, not monsters—are behind the killings.
Luo Fengcheng reveals that these irregulars consume hearts within three minutes of death and have killed Nie Fei, a former ally of Tang Mo.
Tang Mo deduces that heart consumption may be linked to gaining strength.
Luo Fengcheng suggests two theories: societal collapse freeing cannibalistic urges, or that cannibalism directly increases power.
Tang Mo and Luo Fengcheng agree: the irregulars consume hearts to become stronger.

Chapter 15
30-Second ManQiao Feifei and Chen Shanshan discover a second corpse with its heart gouged out in Fengxian, Shanghai. Qiao Feifei vomits from shock, while Chen Shanshan examines the body methodically.
Chen Shanshan suspects that Zhao Ziang and Liu Chen may have headed west, toward the danger, and decides to search for them despite the cannibal threat.
In Pudong, Tang Mo tells Luo Fengcheng about a man who died quietly while Tang Mo was asleep just 100 meters away. This raises alarm about the cannibals' stealth.
Ajax, the strong blond man, brings back two boys — Zhao Ziang and an unconscious Liu Chen, who was critically injured by an irregular named Electroman.
Lizzie and Tang Qiao attempt to save Liu Chen with limited equipment. Tang Mo intervenes with a magical item, Earthworm Tear, healing Liu Chen temporarily.
Tang Mo talks privately with Zhao Ziang, learning that they had been isolated and unaware of the cannibals’ spread until it was too late.
Zhao Ziang reveals his growing telekinetic ability — he can now throw stones (and knives) with force within a short range, but it exhausts him.
Tang Mo reflects on Zhao Ziang’s evolving powers and suspects abilities may have “levels.” He checks his own ability book but finds his ability lacks clear restrictions or level designations.
To test ability collection, Tang Mo asks Zhao Ziang for his knife willingly, but the boy’s power doesn’t appear in the book — indicating deeper collection restrictions.
Luo Fengcheng shares intel on the seven known irregular cannibals from Suzhou, who have killed over 1,000 players. Notable ones: 1. Electroman: lightning powers, cooldown of 32 seconds. 2. Blindfold: ability unknown, always accompanied by another irregular, possibly vision-related. 3. Flash: superhuman speed, alias for a scarred man.
Zhao Ziang chooses to join the Challengers to grow stronger and protect friends. He shares Chen Shanshan’s message-drop system at their school using hidden notes.
Tang Mo agrees to leave a note for Chen Shanshan. Disguised as a casual jogger, he makes a stealthy journey to Shibei Junior High.
At the school, Tang Mo lays the note but is ambushed by the scarred man — Flash, one of the seven cannibals.
Tang Mo fights Flash using Grandma Wolf’s Parasol (a dual-mode weapon), Zhao Ziang’s defensive debris ability, and clever misdirection.
Tang Mo tricks Flash by lodging the parasol into the security door, blocking his escape. He then activates his ability “I Am Fire, I Am Death,” incinerating Flash with 800°C flame.
As Flash attempts a last strike, Tang Mo finishes him off using a summoned massive match from another ability.
Flash dies with the words: “Why... do you... have... three abilities…” confirming Tang Mo has multiple powers — unusual and dangerous.
Tang Mo rewrites and replaces the burned letter for Chen Shanshan and returns to base, concealing most of the battle details.
In a parallel scene, Fu Wenduo enters Suzhou. He survives an ambush by a bald man using bladed weapons, revealing Fu Wenduo's steel-like body and deadly combat skills.
Back in Pudong, Tang Mo confirms to Luo Fengcheng that he killed Flash. The Challengers suspect someone is leaking information to the cannibals.
Tang Mo learns Flash may have targeted him because he resembled another irregular named Gluttony, who Flash hated but couldn't attack.
Luo Fengcheng suspects Gluttony is either Blindfold or a refined man seen at the Bund.
Luo Fengcheng plans to go on the offensive. They track the cannibals to a cinema above Madame Tussauds in Puxi. A raid is scheduled in three days during a rainstorm.
Tang Mo gains a new ability: “30-Second Man” (from Flash), which allows movement at Mach 1 speed for 30 seconds — but shortens lifespan and causes daily side effects. It's a double-edged sword.
The chapter ends with Tang Mo being told he has visitors — revealed to be Chen Shanshan and Qiao Feifei, who have returned to the base safely.

Chapter 16
Brewing StormHere is a full spoiler-filled bullet-point summary of Chapter 16: Brewing Storm with every major plot point:
In Suzhou Industrial Park, Fu Wenduo kills a cannibalistic woman using a tetrahedral obsidian weapon. Her severed right hand and psychokinetic attacks fail to stop him.
He gets a minor cheek injury but defeats her with a final stab to the throat. Her death avenges a victim named Lulu.
Fu Wenduo departs the scene and his wound heals rapidly due to his abilities.
In Shanghai, Tang Mo reunites with Chen Shanshan and Qiao Feifei after they find his message at their school. They risk travel despite irregulars patrolling the city.
Luo Fengcheng questions how much Tang Mo told them; Tang Mo insists he only mentioned they joined an ability-user organisation.
Chen Shanshan deduces Tang Mo’s group opposes the Cannibals, inferring from subtle clues.
She reveals a schoolmate stayed behind due to reuniting with surviving family.
Tang Mo confirms to Chen Shanshan that they plan to eliminate the remaining irregulars (Cannibals). Six remain, but only one’s ability is known.
Chen Shanshan displays improved deduction and insight since they last met.
Tang Mo and Ajax prepare to clear dungeon S4 but expect it won’t aid the upcoming fight.
Zhao Ziang tells Feifei and Shanshan about his injuries and dramatic rescue. Chen Shanshan focuses on Liu Chen’s condition.
Luo Fengcheng confirms rain is forecast and the team will launch a surprise attack during the storm.
Tang Mo and Luo discuss "Gluttony"—a key Cannibal member. Two suspects: a bespectacled man and a blindfolded teenager.
Chen Shanshan is consulted; she picks the blindfolded teen based on intuition alone.
Tang Mo trusts her judgment due to her innate ability to guess unknowns with up to 50% accuracy.
The next evening, Tang Mo and 10 Challengers begin the raid. They split into teams and ascend to the cinema on the twelfth floor during the rainstorm.
Tang Mo enters a theatre alone and ambushes the bespectacled man using a parasol and wind-based ability “Roar of the Tiger.”
After a strategic aerial fight, Tang Mo impales the man’s chest, killing him.
He finds three Challenger corpses and four Cannibal corpses, confirming only two Cannibals remain.
He saves Ajax from a pyrokinetic woman, Dong Si, using the rubber rope ability he just gained.
Dong Si nearly kills Tang Mo in hand-to-hand combat. She is the most formidable foe he’s ever faced.
Tang Mo uses another ability—time-freeze—to fatally stab her from behind. It costs him four minutes of his life and weakens his body.
Before dying, Dong Si slaps the ground to warn Blindfold. He summons fire to block Tang Mo and escapes toward another building.
Tang Mo chases but finds Blindfold killed by Zhao Ziang using a nail through the skull. It’s Zhao Ziang’s second kill, motivated by revenge for Liu Chen.
All six Cannibals are now confirmed dead.
Tang Mo and Zhao Ziang return to find Ye Yuanze has died from injuries. Only Tang Qiao remains from Tang Mo’s original companions.
The team recovers at the building overnight. Four Challengers died in the operation, bringing total losses to five with Nie Fei.
Tang Mo burns down the Cannibals’ base the next day, symbolizing freedom for the locals.
Back at base, Luo Fengcheng and Tang Mo reflect on Blindfold likely being Gluttony due to his support role and possible link to the Cannibals’ heart-consuming powers.
Tang Mo decides to return to Suzhou, home of the Cannibals, where others may still be alive.
Luo reveals Chen Shanshan asked to become his student. He agrees, seeing her raw intelligence but limited knowledge.
Qiao Feifei also joins the Challengers due to her power to detect other abilities, making her valuable for security.
Tang Mo gains two new powers: 1. “I’m Gonna Be The Pirate King’s Man” from Liu Zhen: launches rubber ropes that can’t be removed for 30 seconds (Tang Mo edition). 2. “Raging Inferno” from Dong Si: creates fire up to 1535°C with rapid water loss as side effect (Tang Mo edition: max 3 uses/day).
Tang Mo prepares to leave. He tells Chen Shanshan she can decide whether to join him or not.
As he walks away on Christmas Eve, a Dark Spire announces a global event: the “Christmas Eve Surprise Dungeon.”
Despite the claim that all players in China will enter a dungeon in 3 minutes, Tang Mo remains untouched and unaffected.
Suddenly, Santa Claus appears in the sky with reindeer and starts dropping “Christmas Tree Twigs” (entry tokens for the dungeon).
Tang Mo fights other players for a twig and wins after fending off a boomerang-wielding woman.
He enters Christmas Eve Surprise Dungeon 419 in China Zone 2.
Inside, he finds himself on a white battlefield with 7 others—4 players per side, divided by a central golden star.
As plaques rise before each player, Tang Mo’s attention is caught by a man in black who returns his stare.
They exchange a silent but charged look, setting the stage for what comes next.

Chapter 17
Christmas SpecialTang Mo and seven other players encounter a singing puppet named Pinocchio in a white void, marking the start of a Christmas-themed dungeon game.
Pinocchio, clearly unstable and unpredictable, introduces “Pinocchio’s Honest Card Game” as part of Santa Claus’s Christmas Eve Surprise Dungeon.
He berates humans for being dishonest and reveals that multiple "irregulars" are present, meaning players with unusual status or abilities. Tang Mo suspects the man in black is one.
Pinocchio announces the prize: a King’s Gold Coin, which grants the ability to skip a Dark Spire game, enter and exit Underland cities, and has immense value.
The game setup involves two teams of four, each with a set of four cards: Slave, Knight, Chancellor, and King/Queen.
The card mechanics are cyclical: Slave defeats King/Queen, King/Queen defeats Chancellor and Knight, Chancellor defeats Knight and Slave, Knight defeats Slave.
The game is supposed to be peaceful if both teams play cards in a specific honest order: Slave → Knight → Chancellor → King/Queen. If both teams match cards, they are discarded. If they don’t match, a duel is triggered in the "Field of Honour."
Pinocchio bets Santa Claus that the players will cheat; if so, he gets to give out the Gold Coins to the winning team.
Tang Mo’s team (Tang Mo, Zhao Wenbin, Qiang, and high school girl Lulu) discusses strategy. Zhao Wenbin leads, proposing they start with Chancellor to play it safe. Tang Mo suggests Queen but doesn’t object when outvoted.
Tang Mo still stands on the Queen card’s position during the selection phase, potentially testing the mechanics.
The opposing team plays the King. Tang Mo’s team plays the Chancellor. Since King beats Chancellor, Lulu (the representative) is forced to duel.
Lulu panics, pulls a gun, and fires at the man in black but accidentally hits the middle-aged woman on his team.
She empties two pistols and attacks with a knife, all failing. The man in black is calm and precise; he ends the duel with a dagger at her throat and forces her to yield.
After tricking him with a last-ditch weapon, she is finally defeated and pulled into a black portal—sent to the next brutal game.
The first round ends, and Tang Mo’s team now has only three cards left.
Tang Mo announces loudly they will play the Queen next round, likely as a psychological tactic.
Zhao Wenbin and Qiang panic, accusing Tang Mo of sabotage. He remains calm.
Tang Mo deduces something critical: the opposing team didn’t reach a consensus to play the King—they were likely a single unit.
He realizes the three teammates of the man in black don’t think independently and only the man in black is real, controlling all decisions.
Tang Mo uses a magical pink parasol weapon and asserts dominance over his team, injuring Qiang and flooring Zhao Wenbin effortlessly.
He declares that he alone will lead the team and make all decisions. If they disobey, he will kill them after the game.

Chapter 18
Grovel to Your QueenFu Wenduo and Tang Mo's teams face each other in the next round of Pinocchio's Honest Card Game.
Tang Mo tricks Pinocchio into almost violating the rules, testing his boundaries and confirming some game mechanics.
Tang Mo aggressively takes control of his team’s card decision, forcing them to play the Queen card.
The opposing team’s card clashes with Tang Mo's team’s, triggering a “Field of Honour” duel.
Qiang, who is forced to play the Queen, is chosen as the representative and duels a young woman.
The young woman uses a strange bullet-bending ability to kill Qiang, becoming the first confirmed death of the game.
Tang Mo deduces Fu Wenduo played the Knight to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, despite having the chance to play a more aggressive card.
A deep conversation occurs between Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo. Tang Mo asks if the King's Gold Coin is more important than “Momo” (his turkey egg). Fu Wenduo answers “No” but clarifies he wouldn’t give up the Gold Coin for it.
Tang Mo realizes Fu Wenduo knows he possesses a King’s Gold Coin, despite his attempts to conceal it.
Tang Mo figures out Fu Wenduo's identity before the second round ends; Fu Wenduo had recognized Tang Mo’s voice before the first.
Tang Mo bets Fu Wenduo that they’ll end up standing in the same space again in the third round.
The bet's stakes: If Tang Mo wins, they end the game peacefully; if Fu Wenduo wins, their relationship with Momo won’t be affected.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo purposely stand on the border between spaces, skirting the game’s conditions and winning the bet.
Fu Wenduo keeps his word and agrees to end the game peacefully, frustrating Pinocchio.
Tang Mo defeats the bullet-wielding young woman in a duel, surviving her deadly power through skill and item use.
A middle-aged woman forfeits instantly upon seeing Tang Mo, mistaking him for a deadly irregular.
Only Tang Mo and Zhao Wenbin remain on one team; Fu Wenduo and an old man remain on the other.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo agree to follow the standard card sequence to end the game without further death.
Fu Wenduo plays the King card while Tang Mo plays the Slave card; Tang Mo wins the round.
Pinocchio, excited by the game, accidentally violates the rule by admitting he knows the card contents.
Pinocchio loses his Underland citizenship. The dungeon is renamed from “Pinocchio’s Honest Card Game” to “Santa’s Honest Card Game.”
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo immediately attack Pinocchio for cheating.
A fast-paced battle erupts; Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo work in seamless coordination, gradually overpowering Pinocchio.
Both reveal a portion of their abilities during the fight—Fu Wenduo's body-weapon transformation, Tang Mo's item-based matchstick attack.
Fu Wenduo restrains Pinocchio with a magical binding rope, completely subduing him.
Tang Mo reminds Pinocchio he no longer represents Underland or the game, nullifying his threats.
A duel is still technically active between Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo because of the King-Slave matchup.
Just as Tang Mo prepares to use the turkey egg to escape the duel, a crack breaks the glowing ribbon of challenge.
A voice booms, “Hohoho, Merry Christmas!” ending the chapter.

Chapter 19
Dark Spire Version 2.0Santa Claus arrives dramatically in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, scaring everyone with his presence.
Santa Claus is furious at Pinocchio for stealing his golden star and starting the dungeon without permission.
Santa Claus captures Pinocchio by sucking him into a gift sack and declares Pinocchio will be exiled to Monster World.
Tang Mo and the others learn that the real reward of the game was always the Christmas Tree Twig, not the golden star.
Santa Claus announces a peaceful version of the Honest Card Game will now begin with less dangerous rules.
Tang Mo reflects on how Pinocchio was uniquely included in the game rules, unlike other dungeon bosses.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo secretly coordinate through the turkey egg's save file function to trap Pinocchio.
The trap involved manipulating Pinocchio into breaking the game rules by pretending to share card choices.
Fu Wenduo and Tang Mo work together silently using logic and subtle signals, exploiting Pinocchio’s fear of being punished by the Dark Spire.
The Honest Card Game ends peacefully with both teams playing their last cards simultaneously.
Santa Claus gives his farewell and flies off in his sleigh.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo exchange respectful parting words, acknowledging each other's strength and cooperation.
After exiting the dungeon, Tang Mo watches as his Christmas Tree Twig flies into the sky.
All across China, twigs turn into beams of light forming a giant glowing Christmas tree.
Santa Claus appears and throws gifts from the sky; Tang Mo catches a glowing star which enhances his physical strength slightly.
The Dark Spire announces the Version 2.0 update going live on January 1st, 2018.
Key additions include: real-world dungeons, monthly open dungeons, and mandatory Spire challenges every three months.
Tang Mo records known rules and regional structures of the Dark Spire, preparing for future strategy.
Tang Mo returns to the Challengers’ base and learns many failed to receive rewards or survive the Christmas dungeons.
Luo Fengcheng reveals that difficulty scales with player strength and only side-quest players received the star reward.
Tang Mo is shaken upon learning Chen Shanshan hasn’t returned from her dungeon and was likely forced into a floor challenge.
He decides to stay in Shanghai for ten days, waiting for Chen Shanshan.
Seven days pass. On New Year's Eve, Tang Mo, Ajax, and Luo Fengcheng stake out the Dark Spire for the version update.
At midnight, the Spire lights up and a childlike voice announces the 2.0 update officially begins.
Tang Mo notices a white dot blinking 62 times at the top of the Spire before the update starts.
He returns to his companions and reports what he saw. Luo Fengcheng agrees it's important and symbolic.
They confirm that over 300 million players have died since the start—over 75% of the total.
On January 1st, Tang Mo spots a suspicious player and eavesdrops to confirm real-world dungeons are active.
A Shoemaker entity dragged a player named Li Qiang into a real-world dungeon; the Spire’s monsters now roam Earth.
Tang Mo confronts the witnesses and threatens them to get the truth, confirming the start of a new, far more dangerous phase.

Chapter 20
Untimely EncountersTang Mo reports to Luo Fengcheng that a real-world dungeon has appeared.
A middle-aged man explains how he and Li Qiang encountered a dangerous Spire entity named the Shoemaker during what was supposed to be a safe dungeon attempt.
The team investigates the site; they confirm the Shoemaker's presence based on blood evidence and the Shoemaker’s verbal self-identification.
A real-world dungeon notification triggers for the side quest “Chance encounter with the Shoemaker.”
The group encounters a transparent force field that blocks physical entry but allows natural elements like wind and sunlight through.
Luo Fengcheng hypothesizes that natural phenomena can pass, but manipulated or artificial objects are repelled.
A public real-world open dungeon is announced by the Dark Spire, to occur at Banana Tavern.
Tang Mo chooses not to join, stating risks and past experience with Mario, a dangerous character linked to the location.
Tang Mo trades a Banana Tavern help-wanted poster to Luo Fengcheng in exchange for a report on the dungeon outcome.
Tang Mo uses Mario’s smelly cap to slam into a wall three times to acquire dungeon drops, getting random items.
After using the cap, Tang Mo is attacked in the darkness by a skilled fighter.
A tense, close-quarters fight ensues, ending in a deadlock where Tang Mo’s parasol is at the attacker’s neck, and a dagger is at Tang Mo’s stomach.
Tang Mo realizes the attacker is Fu Wenduo, whom he met during the Christmas dungeon.
Fu Wenduo reveals he’s looking for Luo Fengcheng.
Tang Mo takes Fu Wenduo to meet Luo Fengcheng, who recognizes Fu Wenduo as Major Fu, a national-level soldier.
They discuss the "Dark Spire Selection", a mysterious pre-game phenomenon involving increased heart rate and emotional instability.
Luo Fengcheng reveals some patients exhibited this phenomenon just before the Earth went online; he suspects it’s how the Dark Spire identifies powerful individuals.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo both confirm they experienced these symptoms.
Luo Fengcheng shares data from Nie Fei, a former Challenger whose rapid growth in ability hinted at this selection pattern.
Luo Fengcheng proposes two theories: 1. The Dark Spire bestows abilities. 2. The Spire unlocks latent abilities that some individuals already possess.
Fu Wenduo confirms his own irregular status originated from a military mission where he killed someone.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo discuss the state of China, especially Beijing.
Fu Wenduo reveals he killed three irregulars in Suzhou, essentially wiping out the Cannibals there.
He says Beijing is similarly chaotic but more stable than Suzhou; its most powerful organisation is the Chosen Ones, made up of irregulars.
Fu Wenduo sparred with a first-floor-cleared irregular in Beijing, suggesting many elite players exist whose names remain unknown.
Tang Mo is shocked to learn that only his name was broadcast globally after clearing the first floor, making him a visible target.
Fu Wenduo offers Tang Mo information freely, partly due to their shared past and Momo connection.
They discuss the implications of name anonymity, player tracking, and social breakdown post-Spire.
Lizzie arrives and informs Tang Mo that Chen Shanshan has returned alone, injured but alive.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo begin heading back to the mall together.
On their way, they hear the ominous sound of metal chains being dragged, signaling the Shoemaker’s return.

Chapter 21
The ShoemakerTang Mo and Fu Wenduo encounter the Shoemaker, a towering, grotesque man holding chains and a rusted spike.
The Shoemaker appears menacing but doesn’t immediately attack; instead, he smirks and speaks ominously.
Tang Mo remembers a previous warning that encountering the Shoemaker doesn’t guarantee being captured.
Tang Mo suddenly apologizes to Fu Wenduo and runs away, hoping the Shoemaker was after Fu Wenduo instead.
The Shoemaker captures Tang Mo with a chain that cannot be removed—he triggered the game.
The Shoemaker then binds Fu Wenduo as well, ignoring his resistance and confirming both have entered the “Shoemaker’s Game World.”
Fu Wenduo echoes Tang Mo’s earlier “Sorry,” mocking his failed betrayal.
A game announcement from the Dark Spire confirms a side quest: "Chance Encounter with the Shoemaker," and both players must follow him into the workshop.
The Shoemaker drags them to a factory and separates them. Tang Mo is forced inside first while Fu Wenduo is taken elsewhere.
Tang Mo explores the factory, realizing it is a food processing plant. He uses a glowing pebble as a makeshift light source.
In an office, he finds a young man, Xing Feng, severely injured and unable to walk. Xing Feng reveals he's been trapped for days and that previous teammates were killed.
A strange event occurs: a computer powers on with a video call from Fu Wenduo, despite having no electricity.
They confirm they share the same quest—to find the Shoemaker's missing shoe polish.
Both Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo realize they’ve lost the ability to use their powers or items after being separated.
They cautiously share their side quests and verify they're the same by writing the answer and revealing it together.
Fu Wenduo reveals he is locked in a storeroom containing three crucified, bloodless corpses—similar to what Xing Feng described.
Xing Feng becomes increasingly agitated, revealing that a “wolf” is coming, not the Shoemaker.
A system announcement from the Dark Spire warns of incoming “Shoeshine Wolves” and states that killing them will yield shoe polish.
Tang Mo hears banging and snarling from outside the office, indicating a Shoeshine Wolf is attacking.
He prepares for battle, while Fu Wenduo’s monitor goes dark, then plays a bizarre show hosted by a cartoonish Cinderella.
The strange TV show teases cryptic lore about the Underland, including “Underland’s Ten Unsolved Mysteries.”

Chapter 22
Missing Shoe PolishTang Mo hides in an office with Xing Feng as a Shoeshine Wolf lurks outside.
Tang Mo uses a glowing pebble to gain the visual advantage and ambushes the wolf, fighting it with a broken vase.
He kills the Shoeshine Wolf with a shard of porcelain, and the wolf drops a black liquid – a single drop of shoe polish.
Tang Mo interrogates Xing Feng, demanding answers about the Shoeshine Wolf, past deaths, and his injuries.
Xing Feng explains the wolves spawn every 3 hours, increasing in number (1, then 2, then 3…), and killing one gives a drop of shoe polish.
If not killed within 5 minutes, the wolves disappear, but 10 minutes later, the Shoemaker arrives asking for shoe polish.
The Shoemaker bursts into the room, threateningly demanding his shoe polish and leaves after taking the drop.
In a separate location, Fu Wenduo watches a bizarre game show called Happy Q&A hosted by Cinderella.
Cinderella introduces Fu Wenduo as the first irregular and famous player to clear the Dark Spire’s 1st floor.
Fu Wenduo correctly answers question 1, wrongly answers question 2, and gets "drowned for an hour" as penalty.
Tang Mo gives the shoe polish to the Shoemaker, who complains it's only one drop and not enough.
Tang Mo confirms with Xing Feng that substitute polish (from wolves) only works once and the Shoemaker will demand more every time.
If players don’t have polish, the Shoemaker takes blood—400cc per drop—painful but survivable.
Fu Wenduo calls Tang Mo, drenched from the drowning penalty. They share updates.
Fu Wenduo explains the quiz relates to shoe polish. Tang Mo agrees and decides to search the factory for clues.
Tang Mo hides a plastic bag of samples (e.g., water, soil) while preparing for the next wave of wolves.
Two Shoeshine Wolves spawn. Tang Mo hides, then ambushes them when Xing Feng makes noise.
After a brutal fight, Tang Mo kills both wolves, though he suffers a bite and torn flesh.
Xing Feng is shocked Tang Mo could do it alone. He admits past attempts with others failed horribly.
The Shoemaker took their blood when they couldn’t supply enough polish. The others died from over-extraction.
Tang Mo presses him further and learns Xing Feng lied to others to hoard polish and let them die.
Tang Mo reveals he plans to let the Shoemaker take Xing Feng’s blood next time instead of using his own.
Shoemaker returns, takes two drops, and demands three for next visit, or else he’ll take blood.
Tang Mo later discovers Xing Feng had two hidden drops of shoe polish in a coffee cup, disguised as liquid.
Tang Mo keeps Xing Feng alive for utility—as a blood bank—but trusts him very little.
Fu Wenduo later calls again. His penalties escalate—he fails question 5 and gets slashed by violent winds.
Cinderella reveals Grandma Wolf as punishment for another wrong answer, but Missy Turkey donates enough to skip it.
Fu Wenduo correctly answers a question about the source of the Shoemaker's polish—“humans”.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo theorize polish might be blood, since everyone’s seen it from birth.
But Tang Mo realizes if it were blood, Shoemaker wouldn’t search for it—so they remain uncertain.
Tang Mo fights three wolves in the next cycle and barely survives, suffering a deep wound across his stomach.
Fu Wenduo fails another question and avoids a duel with Grandma Wolf thanks to sponsorship again.
He’s asked: “Where does the Shoemaker get his polish?” and chooses “humans” — a confirmed correct answer.
Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo regroup via video. Tang Mo says blood isn’t the polish and he’s near his limit.
Fu Wenduo reveals his next quiz question gave no helpful clue.
Tang Mo, gravely wounded, says if a fourth wolf spawns next, he might not survive the battle.
The chapter ends with the two of them still searching for the real shoe polish’s identity, low on time and hope.

The Earth is Online, Vol. 3

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The Earth is Online, Vol. 4

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The Earth is Online, Vol. 5

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The Earth is Online, Vol. 6

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The Earth is Online, Vol. 7

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The Earth is Online, Vol. 8

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Wine and Gun, Vol. 1

Prologue
WPD Open Serial Killer Case FilesThe file is presented as internal case files from the Westland Police Department with margins annotated by a woman’s handwriting.
Case File T144-0736 introduces the serial killer called “The Sunday Gardener,” active since at least 2006, who decorates victims’ bodies with flowers and displays them publicly on Sundays.
The Sunday Gardener does not torture victims during the killing but arranges corpses afterward, often with symbolism tied to the victim’s past.
His signature is not extremely distinct, leading to confusion with possible copycats.
October 8, 2006: Benjamin Maurrin is found dead in his car, initially mistaken for CO poisoning until oleander petals are discovered in his mouth and nose. He had restraint injuries and died of asphyxiation. This is considered the first confirmed murder. His corpse was not publicly displayed, suggesting the killer’s early inexperience.
September 23, 2007: A woman known as “Ophelia” is found in Fernando Park lake dressed in white with a garland of flowers, resembling the Hamlet character’s drowning. She is suspected to have been a prostitute but remains unidentified.
February 14, 2016: Mischa Tamir and Thomas Monroe, called “The Mogel Street Lovers,” are found embracing on frozen river ice, each holding the other’s heart, chests filled with roses and snow. Authorities suspected a copycat, but the notes argue this was still the Sunday Gardener’s work.
June 26, 2016: “The Bridal Boat” case is discovered outside Christ Child Church, with a human skeleton in a wedding dress, ribcage filled with roses dyed red by blood, and more white roses scattered. The skeleton was bleached and unidentifiable.
Investigators profile the Sunday Gardener as a white male, age 28–38, height 5’11”–6’1”, with strong anatomical knowledge suggesting surgical training.
His murders escalate in complexity over time, and some bodies are never recovered.
Theories suggest water imagery and Sunday timing may reflect commemorative trauma, possibly tied to a loved one drowning rather than personal experience.
The annotations critique WPD for focusing too narrowly on suspects with personal water trauma instead of family-related tragedies.
Case File T209-1948 introduces “The Westland Pianist,” active since 2010, who strangles victims with piano wire.
The Westland Pianist targets men with criminal histories, mostly tall blond men, and tortures them severely before killing them.
February 18, 2010: Tom Green, acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and her children, is found with his face skinned, body stabbed 107 times, and lying in a blood-painted target.
July 10, 2010: Edward Tasmeer, linked to deadly bank robberies, is found at a construction site, joints smashed, gold coins in his throat, and body suspended by piano string in a pose matching an angel relief.
April 29, 2016: Trappe Callahan, suspected rapist and murderer, is found in his home mutilated—limbs severed, organs removed while alive, body stuffed with his own severed parts.
The Pianist demonstrates a consistent and mature method, suggesting prior experience in other states before arriving in Westland.
He may have access to a large vehicle, strong physique, and combat training, possibly from an affluent background.
He taunts police by sending anonymous letters with crime locations, but the commentary suggests this is not arrogance but a cautious way to distinguish his work from unrecognized earlier crimes.
His victim selection suggests personal trauma involving violence by an older blond man.
The annotations argue he is extremely cautious and effective at disguising himself, possibly misleading police with false clues.
Some consider the Westland Pianist more dangerous than the Sunday Gardener, though the notes argue the Sunday Gardener is more enigmatic and unfathomable.
The annotator speculates about what would happen if both killers crossed paths, imagining one might become prey to the other, and calls the idea a spectacle worth witnessing.

Chapter 1
The Mark of Cain Part IAlbarino Bacchus, the chief forensic pathologist, is called to a late-night crime scene in Westland, a city overwhelmed by violence and serial killings.
Detective Bart Hardy is already at the scene and warns that this case is serious—it’s likely the work of the notorious serial killer known as the Westland Pianist.
The crime scene is an apple orchard where a scarecrow-like corpse has been displayed grotesquely: impaled on a stake, mouth stitched into a grin, buttons nailed into the eyes, dressed like a scarecrow.
Olga Moroz, a former FBI profiler now consulting for the WPD, arrives to profile the killer.
The victim is quickly suspected to be Richard Norman, a known gang leader.
Albarino examines the body at the scene and confirms the killer is left-handed, a known trait of the Pianist.
Victim was tortured while alive: face mutilated and sewn crudely, buttons nailed in eyes, impaled on a stake, strangled, arms manipulated using wires.
During autopsy, Albarino and Bates Schwandner discover the heart was removed and replaced with an apple.
In the abdominal cavity, they find wheat stuffed between the organs.
Albarino deduces the killer tortured Richard Norman alive, manipulated his limbs, then impaled him, mutilated his body, strangled him to death, and finally removed his heart and inserted symbolic items.
Olga notes the killer’s symbolic consistency: the use of strangulation in every killing.
Albarino theorizes the Pianist’s symbolic use of apples and wheat to reflect judgment or punishment of the victim's criminality.
They confirm the time of death to be around 11 PM to midnight the previous evening.
Detective Bart Hardy interviews potential witnesses, including gang members and Richard Norman’s younger brother, Thomas Norman.
Thomas Norman shows no remorse, claims he’s happy his brother is dead, but denies involvement.
Olga and Albarino agree Thomas is arrogant and self-centered but not the killer.
Attention shifts to Herstal Armalight, the Norman brothers’ mob lawyer.
Armalight is cold, calculating, and fits the mold of a stereotypical amoral defense attorney.
Albarino becomes captivated by Herstal Armalight’s face and personality, viewing him artistically as a potential future victim for his own homicidal urges.
Albarino is revealed to be the Sunday Gardener, another active serial killer in Westland, who plants flowers in his victims.
Albarino had been watching Richard Norman for three months, planning to kill him, but is furious that the Pianist got to him first—he considers it artistic theft.
Albarino now sees the Westland Pianist not only as a rival but someone who must be punished.
He mentally adds Herstal Armalight as a future victim, second on his hit list.
Albarino vows to go after the Pianist next—he has a plan in mind.

Chapter 2
The Mark of Cain Part IIHerstal Armalight, the Norman brothers’ lawyer, is interrogated by Detective Hardy about the brothers’ relationship and the murder of Richard Norman.
Herstal explains that Richard Norman and Thomas Norman had a long-standing, bitter rivalry due to Richard’s incompetence and jealousy toward the more capable Thomas Norman.
Herstal bluntly suggests that the murder method doesn't match Thomas Norman's personality and implies the Westland Pianist is responsible.
Hardy suspects Herstal is withholding information but can't push further due to lack of a warrant.
Richard Norman was last seen with Herstal, then with a lover, and disappeared until his body was found grotesquely displayed.
Herstal leaves the interrogation, clearly confident, only to be stopped by forensic pathologist Albarino Bacchus, who informs him he needs to sign documents as Thomas Norman’s representative.
They walk to the morgue together, passing a horde of media, and there Herstal views Richard Norman’s mutilated body without reaction and signs the documents.
Albarino becomes unusually intrusive and vividly describes how the Westland Pianist killed Richard Norman: drugged, sewn shut, impaled alive, disemboweled, and heart ripped out.
Albarino almost mimics the murder in demonstration, touching Herstal intimately while explaining. Herstal remains calm but wary.
Albarino appears obsessed with Herstal, subtly threatening him while hiding predatory tendencies.
The media fixates on the case due to the victim being a known criminal. Debate erupts on whether the Pianist is a vigilante.
Albarino receives a call from Detective Hardy about another suspected Pianist killing—Thomas Norman is dead.
Albarino visits the crime scene, a private estate with a stream, where Thomas Norman is found upside-down, nailed to a stake underwater.
Herstal had discovered the body after receiving a text from Thomas Norman asking to meet; Herstal claims his dashcam proves he didn’t kill him.
Albarino, clearly the actual killer of Thomas Norman, sent Herstal the text from the dead man’s phone as part of a twisted artistic expression.
Thomas Norman's corpse is staged: upside-down, nailed, flower-stuffed chest, sheep horns sewn to his head, and draped in symbolic flowers.
Forensics indicate the body was arranged post-mortem, with no signs of pain or vital reaction, unlike the Pianist’s usual style.
Albarino suspects that this murder was not the Pianist’s doing, but rather the work of the Sunday Gardener.
Olga Moroz excitedly deduces that the Sunday Gardener mimicked the Pianist’s previous motif to send a message of recognition and response.
The murder of Richard Norman was revealed to reference Cain: a jealous older brother.
The murder of Thomas Norman reflects Abel, complete with symbolism of sheep horns, blood, soil, and inverted staging to mirror Richard Norman.
Albarino realizes the Gardener understood the Pianist’s artistic message better than the police ever did and responded with his own artistic murder.
The forensic team confirms the symbolism: wheat and apple blossoms, soil in wounds, and mirrored compositions.
Dialogue quotes from Byron’s play “Cain” emphasize the biblical metaphor being enacted.
Olga states the two serial killers—Westland Pianist and Sunday Gardener—are now acknowledging each other through their kills.
The chapter ends with unsettling consensus: the city’s two most dangerous serial killers are no longer working in isolation, but communicating through murder.

Chapter 3
Confession to Persephone Part IHerstal Armalight is introduced as a composed, morally ambiguous mob lawyer working at Armalight & Holmes.
Reporters swarm the office following the latest murder by the Sunday Gardener.
Albarino Bacchus, chief forensic pathologist, unexpectedly visits Herstal at work under the pretense of lunch and concern from Detective Bart Hardy.
Albarino reveals the Sunday Gardener used the victim's phone to text Herstal, a major deviation from the killer’s usual behavior.
Herstal is disturbed that Albarino brings him lunch without prior notice and comments on his lack of interpersonal boundaries.
They eat together in Herstal’s pristine, impersonal office. Albarino’s food is surprisingly good, which Herstal admits.
Albarino hints he’s intrigued by Herstal for unknown, possibly sinister, reasons and continues to blur boundaries under the guise of "inspiration."
A gunman named Mark Jones storms into the law office and opens fire, targeting Davis, an employee who defended Jones’s daughter in court.
Jones blames Davis for his daughter’s three-year sentence. His daughter recently died in a prison riot, triggering the shooting.
Davis is critically injured. Albarino saves Herstal by tackling him to the ground just as Jones fires.
Herstal and Albarino assist the wounded before the police arrive. Herstal remains calm, unsettling Albarino.
Detective Bart Hardy identifies the shooter as Mark Jones. They discover Davis’s daughter has been kidnapped by Jones as well.
Herstal and Albarino give statements. Albarino observes Herstal may be left-handed, linking him to the Westland Pianist based on crime scene patterns.
Suspicion arises that Herstal may have known about a secret murder attempt by Richard Norman against his brother Thomas.
Albarino begins suspecting Herstal could be the Westland Pianist due to his age, profession, knowledge of crimes, and possible left-handedness.
Albarino invites Herstal for drinks with Olga Moroz. Surprisingly, Herstal agrees.
At the bar, Olga points out that the Sunday Gardener specifically choosing Herstal to discover the body is suspicious.
Albarino realizes he may have accidentally shown one of his murders (as the Sunday Gardener) to the Westland Pianist (possibly Herstal).
Olga asks Herstal if he knows anyone who could be the Sunday Gardener. Before answering, Herstal gets a call.
Detective Bart Hardy informs them that Mark Jones is demanding a ransom for Davis’s daughter and insists Herstal deliver it himself.
Herstal agrees to go, believing he has no choice. Albarino protests but eventually relents.
Olga privately asks Albarino if he has romantic or sexual interest in Herstal. Albarino deflects.
Albarino admits internally that he wants to confirm whether Herstal is the Pianist—he would prefer it to be true for artistic and personal reasons.
Herstal meets with Detective Bart Hardy, who gives him a tracker and a ransom bag, promising backup during the exchange.
Meanwhile, Albarino goes rogue and hunts down Richard Norman’s former subordinate in a dark alley.
Albarino tortures and interrogates the man, confirming that Richard Norman once tried to have Thomas Norman killed.
The subordinate confesses that only Richard Norman, Herstal Armalight, and himself knew about the assassination attempt.
To keep the secret buried, Albarino kills the subordinate, dismembers the body, and outlines how he will dispose of the remains using his usual gruesome methods.
He calls Detective Bart Hardy, pretending to be concerned and asks to join the police at the ransom location.
Albarino smiles coldly, fully aware he may have just uncovered the Pianist and that events are now spiraling into a deadly confrontation between two serial killers.

Chapter 4
Confession to Persephone Part IIHerstal Armalight follows Mark Jones’s instructions to a remote location for the ransom exchange, knowing Hardy’s team is tailing him.
Herstal drives into a narrow alley that traps the pursuing police cars, exits via sunroof, and proceeds into the darkness with the ransom money.
Albarino Bacchus arrives at the scene where police are stuck at the alley entrance; unknown to them, a murdered lieutenant's body is in his trunk.
Herstal enters an abandoned factory where Mark Jones is waiting with a gun and the kidnapped girl tied up nearby.
Mark Jones is agitated and irrational, believing his daughter is dead and demanding the ransom money.
Herstal tries to reason with Mark Jones, suggesting that escaping with the money without killing would reduce his charges.
Herstal kicks the backpack over; Mark Jones moves forward to inspect it, distracted.
Herstal lunges at Mark Jones in a panther-like attack; a gunshot goes off and grazes Herstal's leg.
The two struggle; Herstal disarms Mark Jones, subdues him, and nearly strangles him to death until police arrive.
Police rescue the girl and arrest Mark Jones; Herstal is injured but walks away with Albarino’s help.
Outside the factory, Albarino pushes Herstal against the wall and inspects his wound inappropriately, touching it with unnerving fascination.
Albarino asks if Herstal enjoyed the act of strangling Mark Jones; Herstal coldly denies it.
Albarino insinuates Herstal might have gotten aroused from imagining murder, which Herstal sternly rejects.
Albarino discovers Herstal’s hidden knife sheath strapped to his left leg.
In the following week, Herstal resumes life at the firm, constantly visited by Olga Moroz and Albarino Bacchus under the guise of protection.
Olga takes Herstal to an expensive restaurant; they discuss the psychological profiles of the Westland Pianist and the Sunday Gardener.
Olga theorizes the Sunday Gardener acts by choice rather than compulsion and could change his victim profile or methods at will.
Olga speculates the Sunday Gardener may shift from killer to torturer or artist, based on whims.
On Sunday, police cordon off Herstal's office; a skull adorned with flowers, gold leaf, and pomegranate seeds is found on his desk.
The skull is clean, bleached, partially decorated, and artfully filled with Persephone-themed symbols (wheat, narcissi, pomegranate).
The victim is revealed to be the body in Albarino’s trunk during the kidnapping case—killed the same night.
Albarino and Olga conclude the skull is a personalized message from the Sunday Gardener to Herstal.
The symbolism draws on Greek mythology: Herstal is likened to Persephone, abducted to the underworld by Hades.
Albarino provocatively suggests Herstal is being courted by the killer, albeit in a twisted, predatory way.
Olga clarifies it’s not love but a possessive, violent metaphor meant to claim Herstal as an object.
Bates Schwandner is disturbed; Olga flippantly describes it as a slap on the ass from the Sunday Gardener.
The chapter ends with the realization that the Sunday Gardener has focused on Herstal, possibly romantically, but more likely obsessively.

Chapter 5
Olga's Journal: September 25, 2016Olga received an email from Lavazza Mercader at the BAU rejecting her request to include two old cases in her upcoming book.
Lavazza Mercader also included a long sermon warning against publicizing the cases, citing societal panic and risk of copycats.
Lavazza Mercader expressed concern about Olga’s move to Westland and implied it was bad for her mental health.
Olga recalled how her relationship with Lavazza Mercader ended badly, including a physical altercation and deep ideological differences.
Lavazza Mercader believes in a strict moral binary between “good people” and “bad people,” which clashes with Olga’s analytical and nuanced view.
Olga reflected on why she writes about murderers—not to admire them but to study and understand them with objectivity.
Olga planned to get drunk with Albarino to forget Lavazza Mercader’s rejection but was interrupted by major news.
The Sunday Gardener struck again, this time placing a skull filled with fresh flowers on Herstal Armalight’s office desk.
Olga was excited by this development because it showed a new change in the Sunday Gardener's modus operandi.
Olga theorized that Herstal Armalight might have triggered the change and noted that the killer is still evolving.
Bart was distraught because the Sunday Gardener bypassed all surveillance systems, and the skull was cleaned to the point of seeming fake.
Bart informed Olga that Herstal Armalight had been at the WPD again to give another statement, continuing a recent pattern.
Olga learned from Bart that the skull belonged to Richard Norman’s lieutenant, known as Mr. Armalight.
Within two weeks, the Westland Pianist had killed once, and the Sunday Gardener had killed twice, all victims being connected to Herstal Armalight.
Bart was so worried he considered putting Herstal Armalight into the FBI’s witness protection program.
Olga made a comment regretting the loss of the lieutenant, as she wanted to ask him if Richard Norman had ever planned to kill his brother, tying into her theory about the "Cain" motif.
Bart regretted not following up on Olga’s theory earlier, but it had been low priority due to lack of evidence.
Herstal Armalight found Olga’s theory plausible but said he never heard Richard mention such a plan and doubted the lieutenant knew anything.
Olga speculated that the Sunday Gardener might be helping the Westland Pianist get rid of evidence, implying a connection between the two killers.
Herstal Armalight pushed back, arguing that even if the two killers knew each other, they’d probably want to kill each other, not help.
Olga countered that contradiction is a core human trait, citing the contradiction between love and death as embodied by the Sunday Gardener’s floral skull gift.
Herstal Armalight mocked her philosophical references and sarcastically called her “Miss Encyclopedia,” a nickname he likely learned from Albarino.
Olga reminded him of the dangers of underestimating evil, invoking Mephistopheles as a metaphor.
Herstal Armalight joked in return, implying classical music (and not demons) was the threat.
Olga warned him that unless the Sunday Gardener gets distracted, he would come back again.
Herstal Armalight only smiled in response, not indicating whether he took her seriously.

Chapter 6
The Mint MetaphorOlga greets Herstal Armalight at the bar, teasing him about being alive after the Sunday Gardener left flowers on his desk twelve days earlier.
Herstal is exhausted from a migraine-inducing case involving a client whose son dumped a prostitute’s body after an S&M incident.
Despite normally preferring silence at home, Herstal joins Olga and Albarino Bacchus at the bar, ordering a cocktail called “Glory Hole.”
Olga remarks that the Westland Pianist will inevitably retaliate against the Sunday Gardener, since their Bible-themed murder contest is all over the internet.
Olga leaves to take a call, and Herstal and Albarino continue the conversation about killers and “competition.”
Albarino suggests a “romantic” perspective on murder, quoting Nietzsche. Herstal challenges him but suddenly kisses him briefly.
Albarino exaggerates surprise, while Herstal claims it’s part of a “game.”
A woman in a red dress, Albarino’s lover Sarah, storms over and punches him in the face for kissing another man.
Olga returns to find Albarino bleeding and Herstal sipping his drink; Albarino calls his lovers “steady bed partners,” downplaying relationships.
The next morning, Detective Bart Hardy arrives at Albarino’s home with police officers, showing him a crime scene photo of Sarah brutally murdered in a red dress with mint leaves placed in her chest.
The murder weapon has Albarino’s fingerprint, and he mutters that he needs a lawyer.
Albarino calls Herstal from detention, demanding legal representation and invoking their “game.”
Police search Albarino’s house with Olga and Bates present; they find scorched fragments of burned bone in his shed.
In interrogation, Hardy lays out evidence: Sarah’s death, witnesses to their fight, Albarino’s fingerprint on the knife, and no alibi.
Herstal arrives as his lawyer, and when alone, Albarino accuses him of framing him with the fingerprint.
Flashback reveals Herstal had lifted Albarino’s print from a glass container and made a 3D-printed mold, later planting it on the murder weapon.
Albarino pins Herstal to the table, reenacting Sarah’s murder, nearly choking him before stopping and remarking that Herstal is aroused by asphyxiation.
They exchange taunts about Sarah’s killing; Herstal had tailed Sarah and witnessed her murder, then placed the fingerprint to frame Albarino.
Herstal outlines possible trial outcomes: second-degree murder charges, potential parole after fifteen years, unless evidence clears him.
Meanwhile, police find burned canine bones in Albarino’s shed—later confirmed to be coyote remains from his hunting.
A second victim in red is found dumped outside the police station, killed in a similar way to Sarah, undermining Albarino’s guilt.
In detention, Hardy, Olga, Bates, and Albarino profile the killer: a man in his 30s–40s, likely poor, with domestic violence history, fixated on women resembling an ex.
Investigation identifies Bob Langdon, recently bailed for domestic violence against his black-haired ex-wife who often wore red.
Hardy says officers are already after Langdon, but Albarino insists on calling Herstal again.
Over the phone, Albarino describes killing and dissecting a coyote, emphasizing blood and heat, unnerving Herstal.
Albarino warns that if Langdon dies before capture, Herstal’s frame will stick and he’ll remain the prime suspect.
Their conversation ends with Albarino laughing, leaving Herstal unsettled at a cocktail party as he plans his next move.

Chapter 7
The Pianist's Interlude: Serial Killer Bob LangdonBob Langdon was charged with domestic violence in April 2016 and, while out on bail, murdered four women who resembled his ex-wife.
His murders initially went unnoticed by the Westland Police Department because he stole from his victims, so the first two cases were classified as robbery-homicides.
During the same time, the Westland Pianist and the Sunday Gardener committed multiple high-profile murders, overshadowing Bob Langdon’s crimes.
One of the Sunday Gardener’s most infamous cases, the Bridal Boat murder, drew massive attention, further delaying investigation into Langdon’s victims.
On October 8, 2016, Sarah Aardman was found stabbed 41 times with a switchblade that had Albarino Bacchus’s fingerprint on it.
Albarino Bacchus, the WPD’s chief forensic pathologist, was arrested despite being a respected figure with an outstanding track record.
The night before Sarah Aardman’s murder, she had argued with Albarino Bacchus in front of Herstal Armalight and Olga Moroz.
Albarino Bacchus was arrested and oddly chose Herstal Armalight, a mob lawyer, to represent him.
Herstal Armalight barely defended Albarino Bacchus and did not argue strongly for bail, which was denied.
On October 9, a second woman’s corpse, similar in appearance and dressed like Sarah Aardman, was dumped in front of the police station while Albarino Bacchus was in jail.
The police reopened previous cases and linked the murders, finally focusing on Bob Langdon as a suspect.
Bob Langdon lived close to the crime scene and had a history of violence; his DNA was found on the van used to dump the second victim.
When police went to arrest Bob Langdon, he had vanished from his filthy apartment, indicating he had fled.
The WPD could not determine who killed Sarah Aardman, why the knife had Albarino Bacchus’s fingerprint, or what the bundle of mint on her body meant.
On October 17, the Westland Pianist sent a letter to Detective Bart Hardy that led police to Bob Langdon’s mutilated corpse.
Bob Langdon had been brutally killed by the Pianist, with piano strings suspending him, over 50 stab wounds, and his chest cut open with mint and lavender blossoms in place of his heart.
The mint ball echoed the mint bundle left on Sarah Aardman, suggesting the Pianist was mocking Langdon.
That same day, police found incriminating evidence in Langdon’s apartment: his murder diary and victims’ hair bundles, clearing Albarino Bacchus of all charges.
Albarino Bacchus was released just as Bob Langdon’s body was found, as if orchestrated by the Pianist to create poetic irony.
Questions remained about how Albarino Bacchus’s fingerprint got on the murder weapon and whether the Pianist framed him.
Speculation grew that the Westland Pianist’s real target had always been Albarino Bacchus and that Bob Langdon was just a pawn.
Albarino Bacchus had dissected the Pianist’s and Sunday Gardener’s victims in previous cases, possibly inciting the Pianist’s rage.
Psychologists speculated that the Pianist’s attack on Albarino Bacchus later that year was not about pleasure but symbolic revenge.
The Pianist tortured and sexually assaulted Albarino Bacchus but did not kill him, an anomaly meant to send a message to the authorities.
Olga Moroz explained that the Pianist used the assault as a metaphor, showing contempt for police who "destroy" his artistic crimes.
When Herstal Armalight was later arrested, blood found in his condo was confirmed to belong to Albarino Bacchus.
Albarino Bacchus’s body was never recovered, and in February, police officially declared him dead.
The mint-filled chest of Bob Langdon may have been a symbolic love letter from the Westland Pianist to the Sunday Gardener.
The chapter ends with the idea that Albarino Bacchus was the only victim of the Pianist who survived his attack—temporarily—and that all the events from 2016 to 2017 were possibly part of an elaborate personal vendetta or a twisted homage.

Chapter 8
Bounty Hunter Alan Todd's Work LogAlan Todd is woken by a late-night phone call from an unfamiliar number; the caller introduces himself as William Smith, a bail bondsman from Westland.
Smith asks Alan to capture Bob Langdon, who skipped bail before his trial for attempted second-degree murder.
Langdon’s bail is $150,000, and Smith offers Alan 15% ($22,500) if he brings him back.
Alan hates Westland for its crime and serial killers but accepts the job due to the payout.
He travels to Westland, staying in a moldy motel near Langdon’s old residence.
Smith explains that Langdon disappeared recently and can’t be contacted.
Alan investigates rental agencies and discovers Langdon used a fake name to rent a car cheaply, then vanished without returning it.
Alan suspects Langdon left Westland and starts searching routes out of the city.
Alan meets his injured old friend Hunter, who warns him about Westland gangs and offers secret exit routes from the city.
Hunter urges Alan to join him in chasing serial killers for bigger payouts, but Alan refuses.
Using Hunter’s advice, Alan searches smaller towns and gas stations off main roads.
At a gas station, Alan gets confirmation that Langdon was there recently, driving north.
In another town, a waitress recalls Langdon nervously watching TV while eating. She says he left quickly afterward.
Alan informs Smith of his progress; Smith seems dissatisfied but thanks him anyway.
Alan finally tracks Langdon to a rundown motel, where Langdon drunkenly attacks him with a knife, stabbing Alan in the shoulder.
Alan manages to knock Langdon unconscious with his gun and ties him up.
While waiting in the ER, Alan reads about the Westland Pianist, a serial killer who mutilates victims and has terrorized the city for years.
Alan delivers Langdon to a nearly empty apartment per Smith’s instructions, locks him inside, and leaves the key under the mat, never meeting Smith in person.
Soon after, Alan learns from the news that Langdon has been brutally murdered by the Westland Pianist, strung up with piano wire and disemboweled.
Realizing Smith must be the Pianist, Alan recalls Smith’s cold voice and suspicious instructions.
Horrified, Alan calls Smith’s number, expecting it to be disconnected, but Smith answers.
Smith coolly admits nothing directly, but warns Alan against reporting him, implying Alan should not antagonize forces beyond his control.
Alan realizes Smith used him to capture Langdon and deliver him straight to the Pianist’s hands.
Their conversation ends with Smith casually saying it is time for his breakfast, leaving Alan shaken, knowing they will likely never “meet” again.

Chapter 9
Golden RainHerstal Armalight returns home from a murder, blood still on his hands, when Albarino Bacchus unexpectedly arrives at his door, soaked in rain.
Albarino had recently been released from prison due to new evidence proving Bob Langdon was the true killer of Sarah Aardman; evidence includes Langdon’s trophy journal and victims’ hair.
Albarino shows Herstal a photo of Bob Langdon's mutilated corpse: hanged with a piano wire, chest opened, ribs exposed, and a mint flower sphere placed where the heart should be.
Albarino subtly accuses Herstal of being the killer, pointing out blood on his hands and mocking him about using gloves versus skin-to-skin contact.
The two engage in a disturbingly intimate confrontation where Albarino undoes Herstal’s bloody cufflink and examines old self-harm scars on Herstal’s wrist.
Albarino begins licking the blood off Herstal’s fingers while philosophizing about killing as artistic expression.
Herstal compares the experience to playing a theremin—touching flesh but controlling intangible music (soul).
The tension turns erotic as Albarino presses himself close, kisses Herstal’s knuckles, and licks his wounds.
Herstal puts a knife to Albarino’s throat as the mood oscillates between seduction and deadly threat.
They exchange literary and artistic metaphors (Titian's Danae, Klimt’s Danae) implying romanticized violence and obsession.
Albarino kneels in front of Herstal and disarms him by removing the knife strapped to Herstal's ankle, claiming he wants mutual honesty.
They engage in a power play where Herstal counters by discovering Albarino’s concealed gun and throwing it aside.
Albarino sexually provokes Herstal, undoing his belt while claiming Herstal is the one who can’t stop killing.
The encounter escalates into a graphic sexual act with Herstal eventually dropping his knife and forcing himself into Albarino’s mouth.
Albarino deepthroats him while reflecting on Herstal’s obsessive, compulsive tendencies and monstrous nature.
Herstal climaxes violently and then collapses to the floor, still tangled with Albarino.
They kiss, Herstal bites Albarino’s throat, and they both reflect on their deadly attraction.
The next morning, Herstal wakes up with a headache and regrets letting Albarino stay the night, even though nothing went further.
Albarino, now dry and in Herstal’s apron, has cooked breakfast, showing complete ease in Herstal’s condo.
Herstal receives a call from bounty hunter Alan Todd, who is terrified and unsure whether to report Herstal.
Herstal warns him off and then destroys the burner phone, dismissing Todd as too cowardly to pose a threat.
Over breakfast, Albarino casually discusses Herstal’s food habits and critiques his lifestyle, mocking his Southern accent.
They verbally spar about theatricality in murder, mocking each other’s artistic methods.
Albarino pries into Herstal’s past, noting his Southern roots and speculating about his childhood trauma based on his self-harm scars.
Albarino claims he had a normal childhood, reinforcing Olga Moroz’s theory that he is a born psychopath rather than made by trauma.
Herstal acknowledges the fundamental difference between them: Herstal may have been shaped by experience, but Albarino is inherently monstrous.
Albarino states openly he wants to kill Herstal, dismember him, devour him—but also savor him, understand him, and find the place he “suits” best.
The chapter ends with Albarino quoting Shakespeare, warning Herstal never to show weakness.

Chapter 10
Rain Rain Go Away Part IBart Hardy investigates a dumped corpse in the Westland wilderness, assuming it’s a gang-related case.
Albarino Bacchus, supposed to be on paid leave, unexpectedly arrives at the crime scene out of boredom.
The corpse is of a handsome blond man with his throat slit and signs of having been stuffed into a small space before being respectfully arranged postmortem.
Albarino deduces that the killer may have had emotional ties to the victim based on how the body was treated and the blood cleaned from the victim’s face.
Bart Hardy realizes the murder fits the M.O. of “Johnny the Killer,” a serial killer who targets handsome blond men, kidnaps, sexually assaults, and kills them after rainstorms.
Johnny’s victims are kept alive and cared for, then killed and dumped post-rain.
The FBI is contacted, and Lavazza Mercader from the BAU arrives.
Mercader and Olga Moroz have a hostile professional history involving disagreements about a prior case and a blocked book publication.
Albarino and Mercader meet, but tension lingers between Mercader and Olga.
Albarino is officially brought into the Johnny case due to his experience.
The victim from the current case is confirmed to have been restrained, sexually assaulted, and fed well before death—consistent with Johnny’s pattern.
Olga and Albarino profile Johnny as someone who believes he “loves” his victims, selecting them as ideal lovers, caring for them, and eventually killing them in a fit of rage or disappointment.
Herstal Armalight, a defense lawyer and acquaintance of Albarino, is stalked and later abducted after a staged tire incident.
Johnny the Killer, revealed to be a young man named Elliot, incapacitates and kidnaps Herstal.
Elliot shows obsessive affection toward Herstal, feeding him, tending to him, and expressing love, which Herstal quickly deduces is pathological.
Herstal pretends to reciprocate Elliot’s emotions to stay alive, using manipulation to gain Elliot’s trust.
Elliot masturbates on Herstal while proclaiming his love, reinforcing that his affection is rooted in control and dependency.
Herstal internally compares Elliot to a mentally ill man who equates captivity with love, realizing Elliot finds joy in complete dominance.
Albarino, Olga, and the team discover Herstal’s abandoned bloodied car, analyze the scene, and deduce there was a struggle.
Evidence suggests Herstal injured Elliot during the fight, and Elliot subdued Herstal with a stun gun.
Mercader provides Quantico’s case files to Albarino, hinting at deeper involvement.
Olga warns that Mercader’s extreme righteousness is dangerous, just like excessive wickedness.
Olga agrees to continue assisting the case despite her grudge.
Herstal, bound in Elliot’s hideout, pretends to be emotionally dependent to buy time and learn Elliot’s behavior.
Elliot feeds Herstal and acts like a devoted lover, but also sexually assaults him, reinforcing that his love is twisted and rooted in dominance.
Herstal deduces that Elliot loves victims only when they are utterly helpless and dependent on him.
Albarino had earlier quoted Plato’s Phaedrus about lovers preferring inferior partners, which Herstal now realizes foreshadowed Johnny’s obsession.
Elliot proclaims his love for Herstal, unaware of Herstal’s cold and calculating inner thoughts.
The chapter ends with Herstal brooding over Elliot’s twisted nature and the deeper implications of Albarino's cryptic warnings.

Chapter 11
Rain Rain Go Away Part IIHerstal Armalight dreams of a fatherly figure blessing him like Joseph, then wakes up bound and imprisoned by Elliot Evans, dehydrated and in pain.
Herstal reflects bitterly that his capture is Albarino Bacchus's revenge for an eight-day wrongful imprisonment during the Bob Langdon case.
Herstal is determined to escape and starts planning to use a broken ceramic shard to cut his restraints.
At WPD, Olga Moroz and Albarino Bacchus pull an all-nighter investigating Johnny the Killer with Detective Hardy and Lavazza Mercader.
DNA evidence confirms the blood at the crime scene isn’t Herstal Armalight’s, but Johnny the Killer’s DNA has no matches in the criminal database.
Olga believes the existing criminal profile is flawed and suspects the killer’s choice of when to kill is emotionally driven, not purely timed with rain.
Albarino analyzes the rainfall pattern between kidnappings and murders, concluding Johnny doesn’t kill after the first rainfall but when emotionally “bored.”
Olga proposes the killer responds differently to victim personality types—those who resist or show fear die sooner, those who feign compliance survive longer.
They profile Johnny as a socially awkward white male under 35, possibly short, not strong, doing temp work, and harboring deep control fantasies.
Victim interviews suggest survivors lasted longer due to submissive behavior rather than appearance; Olga and Albarino believe emotional reactions are key.
A new suspect list is created based on psychological and logistical profiling; Albarino recognizes Elliot Evans from a photo and reveals past interactions.
Elliot had a minor run-in with Albarino at a convenience store, which led to them eating together and forming a casual friendship.
Albarino and Mercader visit Elliot’s filthy apartment for questioning. Elliot appears anxious and bandaged. He claims he was home during the time of Herstal’s disappearance.
Albarino asks to use the bathroom and secretly searches the apartment, finding a locked basement door, which he picks open.
Herstal is discovered by Albarino, bound and gagged in the basement. He has been trying to escape using a ceramic shard.
Albarino mocks Herstal, kisses him forcibly, and steals the shard from his hand, thwarting Herstal’s escape attempt.
Albarino re-locks the door, returning to Elliot and Mercader without revealing what he found, planning to watch Herstal “burn.”
Herstal is left seething with fury, knowing Albarino will act innocent while he remains helpless.
Herstal vows inward revenge, murder in his eyes.

Wine and Gun, Vol. 2

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Wine and Gun, Vol. 3

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Wine and Gun, Vol. 4

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Wine and Gun, Vol. 5

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Wine and Gun, Vol. 6

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Wine and Gun, Vol. 7

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A Break in the Clouds (Poyun), Vol. 1

1Jiang Ting experiences recurring nightmares about a catastrophic explosion where he sees a mysterious figure taunting him in the flames.
The dream ends with Jiang Ting consumed by fire and darkness as sirens wail.
Three years later, Jiang Ting wakes from a coma in a Jianning hospital.
Nurses gossip about his miraculous recovery after being unconscious for so long.
Yang Mei, stylish and confident, arrives to take him home, revealing she pretended to be his fiancée on hospital forms.
Jiang Ting acknowledges he owes Yang Mei for looking after him, but warns her he is still in danger from old enemies.
Yang Mei pushes him in a wheelchair to her car and takes him to her karaoke bar, Nightless, where she lives upstairs.
They encounter a young man with a backpack in the alley who quickly flees when spotted by Jiang Ting.
Yang Mei insists they are safe in Jianning, but Jiang Ting insists he will return to Gongzhou to settle unfinished business.
He asks Yang Mei to obtain false IDs, phones, and unregistered SIM cards.
A commotion breaks out in the bar when a drunk, handsome man argues with the bartender about a non-alcoholic cocktail.
At the same time, the chef discovers a dead body in the freezer and panics.
Jiang Ting examines the body with gloves, concluding the man froze to death inside the freezer.
Jiang Ting insists Yang Mei call the police despite her reluctance.
Yan Xie, senior sergeant of Jianning CID, arrives with his men, including Ma Xiang and Wan Zhenguo.
Yan Xie inspects the body, noting signs of hypothermia and expensive clothing that suggest the victim was wealthy.
He suspects the victim entered the freezer while hallucinating, not after being killed.
Officers find the victim’s jumper but no wallet, phone, or backpack.
Yan Xie questions Jiang Ting, who identifies the jumper as belonging to the man he saw earlier in the alley.
Jiang Ting gives a fake name, “Lu Chengjiang,” when questioned by Yan Xie.
Yan Xie feels the man looks familiar but cannot place him.
Jiang Ting later confides to Yang Mei that he recognizes Yan Xie from a case years ago where Yan Xie fought a drug trafficker with a beer bottle.
Meanwhile, Yan Xie remains troubled by the feeling he has seen Jiang Ting before.
The next day, the forensic pathologist Gou Li discovers an unknown hallucinogen in the victim’s system, 1,600 times stronger than scopolamine, mixed with methamphetamine.
The drug caused hallucinations, loss of thermoregulation, and led the victim to strip and lock himself in the freezer.
CID officers, narcotics bureau officer Qin Chuan, and Deputy Commissioner Wei hold a meeting to review the case.
Surveillance footage shows the victim acting erratically before stumbling into the bar’s back door.
Yan Xie deduces the man had a backpack earlier and must have met a dealer before the drug took effect.
He theorizes the man was testing a new drug from a dealer in a nearby vehicle.
Traffic police identify twelve possible cars near the scene; Yan Xie narrows it to those with two or fewer occupants.
While investigating, Yan Xie saves Jiang Ting, who freezes in the middle of an intersection, reliving the trauma of his accident years ago.
Yan Xie carries him to safety and notices his face closely, struck by the sense of familiarity.
Jiang Ting thanks him but quickly regains composure, maintaining his guard.
The chapter closes with Yan Xie still troubled by the mystery of Jiang Ting’s true identity and the origins of the deadly new drug.

2Yan Xie finds Jiang Ting alone and frail near Nightless and offers to walk him back.
Jiang Ting says he's recovering and taking a walk alone, joking about PTSD after seeing a car crash.
Yan Xie teases Jiang Ting about his wealthy girlfriend, Yang Mei, and how lucky he is.
Jiang Ting explains he and Yang Mei met while working in Gongzhou, but he had an accident on the way to Jianning and now feels like a burden.
Inside Nightless, Yang Mei fusses over Jiang Ting and thanks Yan Xie profusely for his help.
Yan Xie inspects the kitchen where the body was found and finds Yang Mei unusually composed and polished.
He starts suspecting inconsistencies in Jiang Ting and Yang Mei’s relationship and backstory.
Yan Xie calls Ma Xiang to investigate Lu Chengjiang (Jiang Ting's fake identity).
They discover Lu Chengjiang and Yang Mei used to manage a nightclub in Gongzhou and were involved in shady activities like gambling and assaults.
Yan Xie finds a Fendi zipper pull near the crime scene and sends it for analysis, believing it could lead to a major break.
At the station, Yan Xie confirms the zipper pull belongs to a luxury Fendi men's backpack, recently released, priced at 18,000 yuan.
CCTV footage shows the deceased, Feng Yuguang, bought the backpack in April under the name Chu Ci.
Chu Ci is interrogated and claims Feng was his annoying, loud, and irresponsible roommate.
Chu Ci admits Feng tried to reconcile with him by gifting the bag, but he refused.
Chu Ci had tried multiple times to switch dorms due to Feng’s disruptive behavior.
Yan Xie deduces Feng’s sudden academic ambition and bag gift were efforts to win Chu Ci over and possibly get help with research.
Chu Ci recounts the last conversation: Feng wanted to bet on getting into a doctoral program. Chu Ci didn't take it seriously.
Surveillance for Chu Ci's lab alibi was faulty, and there's no footage confirming he was working during the murder timeframe.
Yan Xie warns Chu Ci he has motive, means, and no alibi, making him the only suspect unless he cooperates.
Chu Ci insists he didn't do it but says Feng read about an experiment and asked for help before the bet.
When asked why he denied knowing about the bag initially, Chu Ci says he didn’t want to be involved.
Yan Xie believes Chu Ci is hiding something but not necessarily guilty.
They receive a call about the discovery of the Fendi backpack in a second-hand shop called Jora Luxury.
Jiang Ting and Yang Mei are found at the shop; Jiang Ting claims they were there to sell a bag and happened to see the Fendi bag.
Jiang Ting points out chocolate wrapper-like tinfoil in the front pocket, which Yan Xie confirms is blister pack foil.
Yan Xie becomes increasingly suspicious of Jiang Ting’s calm demeanor and unusually high awareness for a former small-town labourer.
Forensics identify the bag's seller as a man driving a Toyota with fake plates, throwing the investigation off.
Yan Xie confronts Jiang Ting, subtly accusing him of knowing more, but Jiang Ting deflects coolly.
Jiang Ting is officially labelled a “person of interest” and banned from leaving Jianning.
Back at the station, Yan Xie tells Ma Xiang he doesn’t believe Jiang Ting is guilty but acknowledges something is off about him.
Yan Xie realises Jiang Ting is too composed, too aware, and not acting like a weak, dependent man he claims to be.
While pondering the tinfoil, Yan Xie suddenly recognises the material as not chocolate foil but blister packs.
He calls forensic expert Gou Li and asks if a study-enhancing drug exists that mimics motion sickness or ecstasy.
Gou Li confirms the drug Adderall, which contains amphetamine, is used by students and can cause hallucinations if overdosed.
Yan Xie theorizes Feng Yuguang might have thought he was taking Adderall but was sold scopolamine and MDMA instead, leading to an overdose.
The true cause of death is now suspected to be a deliberate substitution of a “study drug” with deadly narcotics.

3Yan Xie instructs the CID to compile lists of students from wealthy families with drug issues and individuals with records of illegal prescription drug dealings.
Qin Chuan presents a case file of Hu Weisheng, a recently released convict who once smuggled counterfeit ADHD medications.
Hu Weisheng's vehicle matches the one seen near the crime scene; Yan Xie sends a team to arrest him.
Yan Xie reviews Hu Weisheng’s criminal record and finds inconsistencies, especially the attempted rape conviction which seems suspiciously resolved.
Yan Xie accesses old digital case files using Deputy Wei Yao's credentials and finds the attempted rape case involved Liu Xue, a student who was drugged and left unconscious in an illegal clinic.
Yan Xie suspects Hu Weisheng used fake Adderall-like substances, not a date rape drug, and notes the case was handled unusually fast.
The supervising officer of that old case was Jiang Ting, a name that triggers intense memories for Yan Xie.
Jiang Ting was believed to have died in a failed drug raid three years ago, which also killed 13 officers; he was never awarded posthumously.
Yan Xie confronts Wei Yao about Jiang Ting’s case. Wei Yao shares details of the operation, explaining suspicions around Jiang Ting’s last-minute plan changes.
The raid was compromised; a mole named Rivet was also killed. An email Rivet sent prior showed the original raid plan—implying Jiang Ting ignored key intel.
Yan Xie remembers Jiang Ting once helped him earn a medal, despite having no obligation to, which makes Jiang Ting’s motives unclear.
Yan Xie insists Hu Weisheng’s background and Jiang Ting’s involvement are connected.
Meanwhile, Jiang Ting visits the nursing home for a medical checkup. He notices someone watching him—a man with a baseball cap.
The doctor mentions a “relative” visited asking about Jiang Ting and for Yang Mei’s contact. Jiang Ting identifies the visitor as the stalker from the café.
Jiang Ting dodges the stalker with a slick trick—spilling soup behind him to create a distraction.
Jiang Ting leads the stalker into chaos and escapes unnoticed. He spots Yan Xie at the nursing home but pretends it’s coincidence.
Jiang Ting later secretly texts Yang Mei instructions to set up an ambush at a restaurant backdoor where he will lure the stalker.
Yan Xie, however, has been tracking both Jiang Ting and the stalker, confirming Jiang Ting’s suspicious behavior.
Yan Xie confronts the stalker, fights him off, and survives an attempted shooting.
The stalker escapes with help from a mysterious man named Jie who drives a black SUV and extracts him from Jianning.
Jie, acting under mysterious orders, kills the stalker (Delta) during the escape, snapping his neck and disposing of the body.
Yan Xie and Jiang Ting continue their tense cat-and-mouse game; they both suspect each other but aren’t showing their full hand.
Yan Xie joins Jiang Ting for lunch, keeping close watch, while Jiang Ting pretends to be innocent.
Both Jiang Ting and Yan Xie play subtle mind games, suspecting more lies than truths in each other’s actions.
The chapter ends with major revelations: Jiang Ting is alive, possibly hiding from both criminals and police, and there’s a bigger conspiracy involving narcotics, old cases, and Jiang Ting’s fall from grace.

4Yan Xie communicates with officers during a manhunt while forensic pathologist Gou Li extracts DNA from under Yan Xie’s nails due to a fight with a suspect.
A bullet is found to be fired from a high-quality homemade gun, complicating the trace.
Gou Li and Yan Xie have a humorous exchange, showcasing their close (and combative) relationship.
Han Xiaomei returns with food, which Yan Xie steals, teasing Gou Li about his weight.
Yan Xie escapes Gou Li’s wrath and returns to his car, where Jiang Ting is waiting.
Yan Xie updates Jiang Ting on the failed attempt to catch the shooter; Jiang Ting remains calm and seemingly indifferent.
Yan Xie attempts to get insight from Jiang Ting about the suspect’s escape but is repeatedly stonewalled.
Jiang Ting deduces that the shooter was picked up by a driver in a dark SUV, who is likely his accomplice.
Jiang Ting points out the alley's one-way direction and its difficulty for large vehicles, highlighting the driver’s local knowledge and planning.
Jiang Ting suggests the SUV had fake plates, and the driver is a professional.
Police find the suspect’s mangled corpse on a highway, likely run over by multiple lorries.
Gou Li believes he was dumped or killed after betrayal; Jiang Ting determines he was strangled before being dumped.
Jiang Ting deduces the killer used a single hand, was trained, and likely a professional hitman.
Yan Xie orders the surveillance tracking of the SUV and initiates DNA analysis.
Jiang Ting implies the killer was sending a message with the corpse’s condition—an act of warning or dominance.
Jiang Ting references Hu Weisheng, shocking Gou Li and exposing Jiang Ting’s insider knowledge.
Yan Xie confronts Jiang Ting about knowing too much, but Jiang Ting deflects and warns of deeper secrets.
Jiang Ting suggests Hu Weisheng was hiding more than just drug possession—possibly tied to drug manufacturing.
Jiang Ting explains the killer’s brutality wasn’t to hide a gun’s origin, but a calculated psychological tactic.
Back at the Phaeton, Yan Xie corners Jiang Ting against the car and confronts him about being targeted.
Jiang Ting turns the tables by psychoanalyzing Yan Xie, suggesting unresolved feelings or rivalry.
Han Xiaomei walks in on the tense scene, hilariously misinterpreting it, flustering both men.
Yan Xie receives news that incriminating chemistry books and a wiped iPhone were found at Hu Weisheng’s home.
At Yan Xie’s upscale apartment, the two share awkward domesticity. Yan Xie showers while Jiang Ting explores the flat.
Yan Xie reveals his past: a delinquent saved from jail by being pushed into the police academy.
He tried to join the Narcotics team in Gongzhou but was stopped by Deputy Commissioner Wei due to internal dangers.
Jiang Ting hints at how corrupt and complex Gongzhou was, as Yan Xie realises Jiang Ting survived what would've killed him.
They clash over Hu Weisheng’s release and the appearance of a new drug right after Jiang Ting’s reappearance.
Yan Xie accuses Jiang Ting of being involved; Jiang Ting deflects with the metaphor of peeling an onion.
Jiang Ting agrees to stick close to Yan Xie for protection until the case is solved.
Jiang Ting is offered the guest room in Yan Xie’s flat for the night.
Yan Xie ponders Jiang Ting’s evasive behaviour, convinced he's both a source of truth and trauma.
In the morning, Qin Chuan calls and wakes Yan Xie, revealing a breakthrough in forensics.
Jiang Ting wakes up from a nightmare, visibly sick and soaked in sweat, alarming Yan Xie.
Yan Xie shares that the shooter, an ex-con named Fan Zhengyuan (nickname Delta), had narcotics on him—a match with the unknown drug found earlier.
Jiang Ting accompanies Yan Xie to HQ wearing a mask to avoid recognition.
Yan Xie hides Jiang Ting in his office and instructs him to act as a witness if discovered.
A case briefing reveals Delta was likely silenced by the hitman to prevent him from talking.
Qin Chuan suspects the killer used Delta's trust to get close and kill him after the job.
Yan Xie questions the plausibility of a heroin user switching to amphetamines, raising suspicion about the drug capsule in Delta’s pocket.
Jiang Ting, left alone in Yan Xie’s office, suffers a dizzy spell from low blood sugar.
While searching for food, Jiang Ting finds stale crackers but is interrupted by Han Xiaomei.
Jiang Ting bribes Han Xiaomei with 50 yuan to buy him buns and soy milk, falsely saying it was Yan Xie’s order.
Han Xiaomei leaves confused and flustered, further convinced there's a secret relationship between Jiang Ting and Yan Xie.

5Huang Xing explains the recovery of data from Feng Yuguang's phone, revealing a last call from an unregistered SIM and another call to Ding Dang, Feng Yuguang's internship supervisor's daughter.
Yan Xie argues with Huang Xing about the nature of Feng Yuguang and Ding Dang’s relationship, asserting they weren’t dating.
Han Xiaomei is scolded by Yan Xie for fetching breakfast, mistakenly believing Jiang Ting had sent her. Yan Xie orders Huang Xing to identify Feng Yuguang’s contacts and bring them in.
Yan Xie teases Jiang Ting with food but backs off when Jiang Ting shows signs of low blood sugar. Jiang Ting drinks and eats.
Jiang Ting challenges the assumption that Fan Zhengyuan used amphetamines, deducing the amount found was too small for recreational use and might’ve been planted.
Yan Xie receives a call that a second drug stash has been located; he brings Jiang Ting along.
They search Hu Weisheng’s dilapidated dorm, discovering shoeprints on a dusty windowsill indicating someone used the fire escape.
They find an illegal rooftop shack housing a meth lab and a fridge containing various chemicals and a suspicious packet labeled "Group C Box 9 #7704" with light blue powder.
Jiang Ting shows signs of recognition and distress over the packet, recalling a haunting memory of a massive drug operation.
Yan Xie catches Jiang Ting trying to keep the packet and demands an explanation. Jiang Ting refuses, prompting a standoff.
Jiang Ting sarcastically claims he might be using the drug, triggering Yan Xie to physically drag him out of the shack.
A professional killer named Jie ambushes them. Yan Xie fights him, gets temporarily blinded with sand, and is stabbed in the leg.
Jie tries to steal the packet from Yan Xie’s pocket; they fight viciously. Jie nearly throws Yan Xie off the roof.
Jiang Ting is held at gunpoint by a mysterious man who taunts him with whispers. Yan Xie dangles off the roof as Jie stomps on his fingers.
Jiang Ting dares the man to shoot him, then breaks free, tackles Jie, and they crash through a door down the stairs.
Yan Xie climbs back up as another man appears and shoots at him. Meanwhile, Jiang Ting and Jie tumble down the stairwell, Jiang Ting gravely injured.
Jiang Ting blacks out from injuries; a dream sequence reveals childhood memories, a mysterious friend, and a betrayal promise.
Jiang Ting wakes up in the hospital with Yang Mei and Yan Xie by his side. He asks about Jie, confirming the killer escaped.
Jiang Ting warns Yan Xie not to pursue the case due to the dangerous syndicate involved. Yan Xie refuses to back down.
Yan Xie confronts Jiang Ting over hiding the drug packet and accuses him of lying about drug use since his bloodwork shows two years clean.
Jiang Ting coldly deflects Yan Xie’s interrogation, hinting at having suffered but never tortured. Yan Xie finds this suspicious, implying possible connections with the drug syndicate.
Yan Xie challenges Jiang Ting’s integrity and threatens to investigate him further if he hinders the case.
A flashback to the police station shows Deputy Commissioner Wei exploding in rage over the rooftop incident and nearly suing situation.
Yan Xie is reprimanded for acting alone and not reporting the rooftop operation. He remains sarcastic.
Gao Panqing reports that Hu Weisheng's fingerprints were only on non-critical parts of the equipment, suggesting he wasn’t the manufacturer.
Yan Xie concludes Hu was only the caretaker of the lab; someone else did the cooking.
Deputy Commissioner Wei gives Yan Xie 72 hours to solve the case or lose his job.
Yan Xie confidently promises to crack it, challenging Hu Weisheng in an interrogation, vowing to get a confession in one hour or eat his own shoes.

6Hu Weisheng is being interrogated by the police for selling fake Adderall and his fingerprints were found on rooftop drug-manufacturing equipment.
He denies all charges and refuses to give information about the person in the backseat of his car on May 2nd, claiming it was a hitchhiker.
Ma Xiang wants to use torture methods but Yan Xie lectures him about the law and ethics.
Yan Xie uses psychological tactics instead, including showing Hu Weisheng a gruesome photo of a body claiming it’s his accomplice.
Hu Weisheng is visibly shaken but denies knowing the person.
Yan Xie presents copper hydroxide in an evidence bag pretending it's the mysterious blue drug.
Yan Xie manipulates Hu Weisheng using pressure and emotional leverage, suggesting his accomplice is already dead.
Yan Xie mentions the Liu Xue case and Hu Weisheng panics, referencing Jiang Ting who allegedly led that case.
Hu Weisheng reveals Jiang Ting had a “brother” who may have sought revenge.
Yan Xie claims Jiang Ting is dead and was crushed on a motorway, mirroring the body in the photo.
Hu Weisheng almost confesses but then realizes the body is not his accomplice, deducing the victim had short hair while his accomplice is a long-haired woman.
Yan Xie realizes the accomplice is female and likely someone Hu Weisheng cared for romantically.
Yan Xie instructs the team to dig into Hu Weisheng's romantic connections for leads.
Yan Xie goes undercover at Breezy Blossom nightclub, posing as a wealthy drug buyer.
He uses money and charm to gain access to drug dealers, guided by an informant nicknamed Chubbs.
Two enforcers named Wyvern and Astro escort Yan Xie to meet their boss, but demand to search him.
Jiang Ting appears in disguise as a drunken gay lover, causing a scene that allows Yan Xie to avoid suspicion and buy time.
Yan Xie and Jiang Ting are taken to a private VIP room with Chubbs and the two enforcers.
Yan Xie continues his undercover persona and offers a bribe to convince the dealers of his credibility.
Jiang Ting fakes drug withdrawal symptoms to help Yan Xie’s cover.
Wyvern searches Yan Xie thoroughly but finds nothing incriminating.
Jiang Ting is also searched and passes without issue.
The boss Mr Zong arrives and warms up to Yan Xie once he claims to be a friend of Hu Weisheng.
Mr Zong offers white capsules but Yan Xie stalls, saying he wants a new product Hu Weisheng mentioned—red capsules used to lure young women.
Mr Zong laughs and agrees, praising Yan Xie’s taste and confirming he has such drugs.
Mr Zong insists Yan Xie try the white capsules first to confirm quality.
Yan Xie is caught in a dilemma since taking drugs is forbidden and dangerous.
Jiang Ting intervenes by pretending to snort the drugs, but secretly hides the powder in his hand.
Yan Xie carries Jiang Ting to the restroom, playing along with the act, and hides from the dealers.
Inside, Yan Xie berates Jiang Ting who reveals he didn’t actually take the drugs.
Jiang Ting tries to reveal something about the new blue psychedelic drug but they are interrupted.
Police from Yihe Station burst in, shouting they received a report of sodomy and solicitation.
Yan Xie and Jiang Ting realize these are not their backup officers and panic.
The chapter ends with the police demanding IDs and threatening to break down the door.

7Jiang Ting and Yan Xie are interrupted during a covert operation when the local police raid the nightclub unexpectedly.
Yan Xie helps Jiang Ting escape through a window while he stays behind to confront the officers.
The local police mistakenly believe Yan Xie is a criminal and assault him, ignoring his protests.
Qin Chuan and the municipal police arrive too late to stop the chaos and are horrified to see Yan Xie get hit and arrested.
Qin Chuan tries to de-escalate by asserting jurisdiction, but the local officers accuse Yan Xie of assault, resisting arrest, and involvement in solicitation.
Yan Xie is forcefully restrained in front of his subordinates, damaging his reputation and morale.
Qin Chuan improvises by citing internal restructuring and jurisdiction, taking control of the case to protect Yan Xie’s identity and mission.
The local officers remain hostile, insisting Yan Xie beat up several of them and calling him dangerous.
The situation is further complicated when local officers accuse Yan Xie of helping a suspect escape through the window and imply a homosexual encounter occurred.
Qin Chuan is forced to pretend to agree to avoid further suspicion from the drug traffickers.
Yan Xie is reluctantly escorted out while everyone involved misunderstands the situation.
Qin Chuan and Gou Li tend to Yan Xie's injuries in a van outside the nightclub.
Yan Xie believes something is suspicious about the timing of the raid and insists on checking previous solicitation reports for matching records.
He suspects the report triggering the local raid was a setup meant to sabotage the municipal operation.
Qin Chuan confirms the report was oddly timed and agrees to help investigate.
Yan Xie orders surveillance footage analysis and interrogation of the suspects, especially the red-haired man.
Yan Xie worries why they haven’t heard from their superior yet.
Qin Chuan gets a call from Fang Zhenghong, who informs them that Hu Weisheng is dead.
Fang Zhenghong ominously says "Deputy Commissioner Wei" in relation to Hu Weisheng’s death.
Chu Ci infiltrates a chemical plant at night using a stolen access card and renders a guard unconscious.
Chu Ci searches for specific chemicals, indicating his involvement in something nefarious.
Jiang Ting calmly confirms with Yan Xie over the phone that Hu Weisheng’s death was intentional and expected.
Yan Xie realises that Hu Weisheng’s death was related to a small drug packet and not Breezy Blossom.
Jiang Ting tells Yan Xie the money found at the nightclub was Yang Mei’s and tells him to get reimbursed.
Yan Xie attends a meeting with Commissioner Lyu, provincial reps, and others.
Gou Li explains the use of heroin (diacetylmorphine) was approved by Deputy Commissioner Wei Yao to get Hu Weisheng to talk.
The provincial rep Mr Chen blames Jianning Police for Hu Weisheng’s death and demands Gou Li be taken off the case.
Commissioner Lyu calmly takes responsibility and launches into a long, deliberate speech to stall for time.
Yan Xie receives a text confirming the task they were waiting for is done.
Mr Chen is called by Director Liu, who sides with Jianning Police and gives them jurisdiction over Hu Weisheng’s case.
Mr Chen storms back in, realising he was played and scolds Yan Xie, warning him of consequences.
Yan Xie jokes that his family is no longer the wealthiest in Jianning.
Commissioner Lyu ends the meeting and instructs everyone to move fast on the investigation.
Commissioner Lyu privately warns Yan Xie that if Wei Yao is involved, they'll all be in trouble.
Yan Xie tries to unwind but is startled to see Jiang Ting waiting for him outside in Yang Mei’s Mercedes.
Jiang Ting returns Yan Xie's undercover earpiece, causing Yan Xie emotional turmoil wondering how it was retrieved from his body.
Yan Xie awkwardly takes the earpiece, fearing contamination.
Jiang Ting remains calm and unbothered, confusing Yan Xie.
They go out to eat at Ippinkyo, where Jiang Ting asks for an update on the case.
Yan Xie confirms that the raid report wasn't faked but was based on real calls from a payphone.
Jiang Ting finds it suspicious that a man in his 50s would report prostitution, implying it was staged.
Jiang Ting hints he knew about the raid because Yang Mei planted someone at the police station to watch Yan Xie’s car.
They discuss the issue of heroin handling within the department and the possibility of corruption or tampering.
Jiang Ting confirms Commissioner Lyu is trying to plug loopholes in evidence handling procedures.
Yan Xie mistakenly thinks Jiang Ting might be dating Yang Mei and gets jealous, leading to awkward banter.
Jiang Ting denies being with Yang Mei and suspects Yan Xie has feelings for her, or possibly something else.
Yan Xie dodges the topic and makes inappropriate jokes, confusing Jiang Ting further.
Yan Xie is interrupted by a call reporting a break-in at a chemical plant.
Yan Xie storms into the bathroom where Jiang Ting is, leading to more awkwardness.
They learn Chu Ci attacked guards and stole chemicals from the plant where he works.
Han Xiaomei briefs them on the crime scene; Chu Ci incapacitated two strong guards with surprising ease.
Ding Jiawang, Chu Ci’s supervisor, arrives and tells Yan Xie about Chu Ci’s behaviour.
Yan Xie and Jiang Ting suspect Chu Ci is not just a chemistry student but also potentially dangerous and trained.

8Han Xiaomei suspects Yan Xie is overly possessive of Jiang Ting and imagines melodramatic romance plots between them.
Yan Xie interrupts a conversation between Han Xiaomei and Jiang Ting, pulling Jiang Ting aside and asserting dominance.
Ding Jiawang reveals Chu Ci had a violent altercation with Feng Yuguang a week before Feng Yuguang’s death, which had not been previously disclosed.
Yan Xie scolds Ding Jiawang for withholding information that could have prevented the incident.
Jiang Ting deduces from Ding Jiawang’s account that Feng Yuguang had accused Chu Ci of theft, leading to the fight.
Yan Xie and Jiang Ting analyze the blood at the crime scene; Jiang Ting notes the lack of struggle and suspects the attack was swift.
Jiang Ting playfully questions the “Watson” nickname Yan Xie uses for him.
Jiang Ting identifies three key chemicals in the missing inventory list that can be used to produce amphetamines.
Jiang Ting recommends issuing a warrant for Chu Ci’s arrest.
Ding Dang, Ding Jiawang’s daughter and art student, appears and defends Chu Ci, saying he was supportive and hardworking.
Yan Xie questions Ding Dang and suspects the fight between Chu Ci and Feng Yuguang was related to her.
Jiang Ting notes that Chu Ci had begun erratic and varied experiments after the interrogation on May 5th, using stolen chemicals.
Jiang Ting deduces Chu Ci has OCD based on extremely precise notes and alignment of storage tank outlets.
Jiang Ting finds signs that the chemical outlets used for the theft were misaligned, indicating someone else staged the theft.
Jiang Ting deduces Chu Ci has been abducted and used chemical book titles during a phone call to secretly call for help.
Jiang Ting concludes that the security supervisor Diao Yong is involved and instructs to detain him.
Diao Yong is arrested; Jiang Ting exposes inconsistencies in Diao Yong’s story using a reenactment and measurements.
Jiang Ting proves that Chu Ci couldn’t have inflicted Diao Yong’s injuries due to height and angle inconsistencies.
Diao Yong is exposed for fabricating the encounter and is taken into custody, still denying wrongdoing.
Jiang Ting and Yan Xie confirm Diao Yong faked injuries and acted as part of the kidnappers.
Chu Ci is identified as a victim, not a perpetrator; he's been abducted by a drug syndicate.
Yan Xie and Jiang Ting determine that Chu Ci was investigating discrepancies in chemical storage post-Feng Yuguang’s death.
Jiang Ting explains that water had been added to chemical tanks to hide theft, and Chu Ci's OCD helped him detect it.
Chu Ci’s investigation into solution density after Feng Yuguang’s death suggests he suspected foul play.
They deduce Chu Ci was framed and went to investigate on his own, leading to his kidnapping.
The forensic evidence suggests the female suspect stabbed Diao Yong, as the wound angle fits a shorter person.
Han Xiaomei is starstruck by Jiang Ting and watches him work in awe.
The team confirms the presence of a red Camry with covered plates at the scene at 3:06 a.m.
Jiang Ting connects the book titles to known meth synthesis methods, confirming Chu Ci’s silent plea for help.
Professor Niu confirms Chu Ci called during the heist, speaking calmly, signaling his abduction.
Yan Xie issues an urgent warrant and orders citywide surveillance and tracking of the Camry.
A forensics report reveals the stab wounds were shallow, and Jiang Ting concludes Diao Yong's accomplice is female.
Back at the station, Jiang Ting and Yan Xie review the entire case, piecing together Chu Ci’s behavior.
Ma Xiang and Han Xiaomei speculate on the relationship between Jiang Ting and Yan Xie.
Jiang Ting confirms Chu Ci was investigating inconsistencies in chemical levels post-May 5th.
Jiang Ting explains how denser chemicals topped up with water could be visually undetectable except by someone extremely meticulous like Chu Ci.
Jiang Ting eats unagi donburi while the others have instant noodles, highlighting the difference in treatment.
Diao Yong has yet to confess, but Jiang Ting emphasizes his role as a key link to the drug producers.
The team realises they’re short on time to rescue Chu Ci, who may only be alive because of his chemical expertise.
Just as Yan Xie prepares to leave the room, Huang Xing bursts in and announces the red Camry has been located on surveillance footage.

9A burnt car is found on a rainy provincial highway with no bodies inside; police suspect it was set on fire to destroy evidence.
Yan Xie organizes a detailed forensic sweep of the area before dawn.
Jiang Ting is sent to rest but instead continues analyzing surveillance footage from the chemical company at Yan Xie's apartment.
A red Toyota Camry with a muddy license plate is seen exiting the chemical plant at 3:06 a.m.; driver’s face and features are obscured.
Jiang Ting deduces the plate might share digits with Hu Weisheng’s car’s fake plate: JAGU799.
Han Xiaomei confirms that plate, and Jiang Ting suspects a woman asked Hu Weisheng to match their fake plates.
Ma Xiang finds animal bones while searching the slope; no female footprints found.
Yan Xie discovers suspiciously shorter shrubs, suggesting a struggle occurred there.
Blood is found using luminol—indicating Chu Ci may still be alive.
Yan Xie receives a call from Jiang Ting theorizing the female accomplice had Hu Weisheng use her car plate to imply a relationship.
Yan Xie identifies Liu Wanqiu as the car’s registered owner—Ding Jiawang’s wife’s niece.
Chi Rui’s DNA is found at the scene; he has a history of illegal firearms manufacturing.
Jiang Ting accidentally brews tea from Yan Xie's most valuable antique tea cake, meant for his future wife.
Han Xiaomei is revealed as the culprit who brewed the tea, horrifying both Jiang Ting and Yan Xie.
Yan Xie receives news that Liu Wanqiu has an airtight alibi and denies owning the car; she celebrated her birthday at a karaoke bar.
Investigation into Chi Rui’s whereabouts reveals he might be hiding in an underground drug lab in Wuhai.
Jiang Ting suggests narrowing the search to unused factories in Wuhai.
Jiang Ting summarizes the syndicate’s members: Diao Yong (security), Chi Rui (weapons), Hu Weisheng (distribution), and an unidentified female possibly controlling Hu Weisheng.
Jiang Ting identifies a unique glove in the surveillance footage—insulating gloves used by electricians.
Yan Xie connects this to Wang Le, a missing electrician with gambling debt.
Ma Xiang reports that Ding Dang has escaped police surveillance by faking a wardrobe change.
Ding Dang is seen outside a police station and then forcibly pulled into a black car.
Yan Xie explodes in rage at the officers who failed to stop her and reassigns them.
Interrogation of Ding Jiawang yields no results; he denies knowledge of the car or daughter’s involvement.
Surveillance footage disproves his claims—he is seen with his wife in the red Camry.
Yan Xie receives texts from Jiang Ting suggesting they approach Ding Jiawang’s wife, Zhang Jiao, instead.
Zhang Jiao is shown surveillance of her daughter’s abduction and breaks down, revealing a lab in Wuhai disguised as a packaging factory.
She confirms Hu Weisheng and Ding Dang were in a relationship and says Hu Weisheng had a packet of extremely addictive blue powder stolen from a "big shot".
Zhang Jiao reveals the drug is highly addictive, even through skin contact.
Yan Xie rushes to act on her testimony and redirects the interrogation strategy toward Diao Yong.
Jiang Ting and Yang Mei are at a restaurant when Jiang Ting sends advice to Yan Xie about exploiting Zhang Jiao’s maternal fears.
Yan Xie uses this to successfully crack Zhang Jiao.
In the final interrogation, Yan Xie uses fake wanted posters and surveillance footage to manipulate Zhang Jiao into confessing everything.
She provides confirmation about the factory's location and the drug's origin but claims Ding Dang is innocent.
Yan Xie decides to bait Diao Yong instead of Ding Jiawang, believing the former is more likely to crack.
Yan Xie orders Han Xiaomei not to tell Jiang Ting about the existence of the blue drug or the big shot source.
The chapter ends with the police preparing to interrogate Diao Yong and a looming sense of urgency to save Ding Dang and stop the syndicate.

10Chi Ci wakes up in a small, dark room with a high fever, injured, and realizes he has been kidnapped.
He recalls trying to resist during the kidnapping by leaving blood traces in the bushes.
Chi Ci notices Ding Dang is in the same room, also kidnapped and injured.
Ding Dang confesses she tried to turn herself in but was abducted before she could.
Ding Dang reveals Feng Yuguang's death was indirectly her fault—he died after taking a fake drug sold by her father and boyfriend.
Hu Weisheng, Ding Dang's boyfriend, is revealed to be a drug dealer who possesses a dangerous, skin-absorbable drug.
Ding Dang’s father, Ding Jiawang, tried and failed to replicate the drug, resulting in toxic variants, one of which killed Feng Yuguang.
The original drug can be absorbed through skin and is dangerously addictive; its formula excludes regulated ingredients.
The drug's original developer is an unnamed "King of Spades," active in the region years ago.
Wang Le enters with a gun and takes Chi Ci away.
Simultaneously, Yan Xie interrogates Ding Jiawang, who denies involvement but is clearly hiding the truth.
Yan Xie deduces that Ding Jiawang, Wang Le, Diao Yong, and Chi Rui formed a group to create and sell drugs, later joined by Hu Weisheng.
Yan Xie reveals that the group tried to replicate Hu Weisheng's drug but failed, leading to accidental deaths.
They kidnapped Chi Ci to force him—being a top chemistry student—to help recreate the drug properly.
Police intelligence narrows down the hideout to three factories near Songxinqiao.
Yan Xie uses psychological tactics and the threat of losing leniency to manipulate Diao Yong into confessing.
Diao Yong confirms the location of the kidnappers’ lab at a factory on Dongyuan Road called Jiaxing.
He also reveals the drug is called “Sapphire” or “Tingkercloud,” and is potent, skin-absorbable, and possibly fentanyl-based.
Chu Ci is brought to the factory lab where he narrowly avoids execution by revealing the theoretical basis of how to recreate the drug.
He explains the drug is likely a modified fentanyl compound and offers to reverse engineer it if given a sample.
The kidnappers argue over whether to kill him or let him help; Chu Ci stalls them.
Yan Xie races to the location with SWAT and gets permission to direct the raid.
Jiang Ting covertly follows them, revealing his presence in a silver Mercedes and exchanging cryptic messages with Yan Xie.
Yan Xie is suspicious of a mole in the police, possibly Jiang Ting.
Yan Xie inserts a microchip into Jiang Ting’s pocket but keeps his suspicions masked under casual flirtation and banter.
Jiang Ting warns Yan Xie at the last moment that there are not three kidnappers, but four.

A Break in the Clouds (Poyun), Vol. 2

(Chapter)

A Break in the Clouds (Poyun), Vol. 3

(Chapter)

A Break in the Clouds (Poyun), Vol. 4

(Chapter)

A Break in the Clouds (Poyun), Vol. 5

(Chapter)

Art Thou Ailing?, Vol. 1

Chapter 1In the eighth year of Emperor Yonghe’s reign, Qin Zhao receives a secret message delivered by a black bird and reports to Chu Mingyun that Chen Xuanwen has been found dead.Chu Mingyun learns that Chen Xuanwen, a respected former Minister of War who had recently retired, supposedly committed suicide by slitting his own throat after being heard drunkenly singing, and a rumored blood-written message on the wall read that his death would prove his innocence because he could no longer endure torment.Chu Mingyun suspects foul play, reasoning that Chen Xuanwen’s words suggest coercion rather than despair, likely involving threats against Chen Xuanwen’s family, and notes that Chen Xuanwen’s kin are mysteriously absent.Qin Zhao reports that another group had been following Chen Xuanwen and that this group is connected to the Su family, leading Chu Mingyun to focus on Su Shiyu, the Grand Censor and his political rival.Chu Mingyun reflects that Great Xia’s power is split between himself as Grand Commandant and Su Shiyu as Grand Censor, forming two opposing factions in court, and begins to suspect that Su Shiyu may have hidden forces beyond official authority.Chu Mingyun orders Qin Zhao to secretly investigate Su Shiyu thoroughly while being cautious not to alert him.A courtesan named Ruji attempts to seduce Chu Mingyun with soup, but Chu Mingyun coldly chokes her to warn her before dismissing her, revealing that many women in his household are planted spies and that he intends to eliminate them eventually.To destabilize Su Shiyu and make him unable to counter surveillance, Chu Mingyun instructs Qin Zhao to spread rumors throughout Chang’an that he prefers men and ensure Su Shiyu hears of it.After court, Chu Mingyun publicly confesses exaggerated romantic feelings to Su Shiyu, claiming he has long been in love with Su Shiyu, but Su Shiyu calmly rejects him and treats it as nonsense.Chu Mingyun’s dramatic confession successfully spreads scandalous rumors, while Su Shiyu privately dismisses them as baseless and refuses to clarify matters to avoid fueling gossip.Du Yue, a healer and former fellow disciple of Chu Mingyun and Qin Zhao from Mount Cangwu, arrives in Chang’an after his teacher’s death, and Qin Zhao is visibly anxious because he harbors unspoken romantic feelings for Du Yue.Du Yue reveals that Su Shiyu is his cousin, shocking both Chu Mingyun and Qin Zhao when Su Shiyu unexpectedly appears at the tavern where they reunite.Su Shiyu politely thanks Chu Mingyun for caring for Du Yue, and subtle tension fills the room as Chu Mingyun continues to tease with flirtatious remarks while Su Shiyu calmly parries them.Qin Zhao attempts to gauge Du Yue’s understanding of the political rivalry but discovers Du Yue naively sees both Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu simply as officials without grasping their power struggle.In private conversation, Su Shiyu warns Chu Mingyun to take proper care of Du Yue and subtly confronts him about his false courtship act, while Chu Mingyun refuses to drop the pretense and continues to toy with ambiguity.Su Shiyu offers Du Yue a position under him instead, but Du Yue insists on honoring his promise to Chu Mingyun, choosing to stay with Chu Mingyun and Qin Zhao.Back at the grand commandant’s residence, Du Yue reveals that Master Baili has also died on the day of Master Ye’s burial and that Master Baili left a message for Chu Mingyun saying that the road ahead is long and lonely.Chu Mingyun reacts with quiet laughter and introspection to Master Baili’s final words, showing hidden grief beneath his composed exterior.Du Yue expresses his distress at being unable to choose between Chu Mingyun, Qin Zhao, and Su Shiyu if conflict arises, promising he would save all of them if they were hurt.Chu Mingyun confirms to Qin Zhao that despite Du Yue being Su Shiyu’s cousin, they will still move against Su Shiyu if necessary, though they will avoid killing him to prevent hurting Du Yue.Chu Mingyun confronts Qin Zhao about his feelings for Du Yue, pointing out that Du Yue only sees Qin Zhao as a best friend, while Qin Zhao admits he will not force Du Yue to reciprocate and is willing to wait indefinitely.Alone under the night sky, Chu Mingyun reflects on Master Baili’s words about the long and lonely road ahead, acknowledging that he has always known the isolation that awaits him.

Chapter 2Chu Mingyun attends the lavish banquet hosted by Song Heng, noting that four of the six ministers and both the Chu and Su factions are present, and suspects that Song Heng is boldly trying to position himself between the two political camps.Chu Mingyun is led to a secluded pavilion above a pond where Su Shiyu is already seated, and Song Heng deliberately leaves them alone, creating an awkward and suspicious private setting.Su Shiyu discreetly pours Chu Mingyun’s wine into an incense burner after realizing the mixture of liquor and incense is drugged, and both men recognize that they are being targeted.Chu Mingyun deliberately smashes his cup to trigger a hidden mechanism, causing the floor beneath them to collapse and drop them into an underground prison, choosing to confront the trap directly rather than avoid it.In the dark cell beneath the pond, Chu Mingyun uses the metal ribs of his fan to slice through iron bars, revealing his concealed weapon and freeing them from confinement.Chu Mingyun considers abandoning Su Shiyu but decides to cooperate temporarily, while Su Shiyu calmly destroys the fan in a subtle show of strength, revealing that he is far from the harmless scholar he appears to be.As they navigate the labyrinthine prison corridors, they encounter armed guards, and Chu Mingyun displays brutal martial prowess while Su Shiyu quietly and efficiently kills as well, exposing his hidden combat ability.Su Shiyu uses poison smoke to repel pursuers and cleverly locates a hidden switch in the wall, demonstrating his intelligence and preparedness.They trigger an arrow trap near what appears to be the exit, and Chu Mingyun instinctively pulls Su Shiyu into his arms and takes an arrow in his shoulder to protect him, sustaining a deep wound that nearly reaches bone.Su Shiyu calmly disarms the trap by rotating a concealed oil lamp mechanism and then later negotiates with a surviving poisoned guard, offering him what appears to be an antidote in exchange for guidance.After the guard betrays them and seals them inside a stone chamber, Su Shiyu reveals that he never gave an antidote but only more poison, predicting the guard would die within thirty minutes and showing his ruthless pragmatism.Chu Mingyun’s shoulder wound worsens, and Su Shiyu personally bandages him with torn fabric from his own inner garment, their physical closeness deepening the charged tension between them as Chu Mingyun continues to tease about his supposed love.During their escape through a hidden passage, they question each other, and Su Shiyu reveals he followed his father Su Jue into war at fifteen and learned to conceal his martial skills after being forbidden from violence, though no official records confirm his battlefield involvement.Chu Mingyun admits he is an orphan whose entire family was massacred in Liangzhou by the Huns and was later taken in by Grand Swordsman Baili, explaining the source of his ambition and coldness.They finally escape through a concealed stone door into Song Heng’s study, discovering the banquet has ended and Song Heng has disappeared under suspicious circumstances.Tan Jing claims Song Heng left abruptly after receiving urgent news, but Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu suspect the situation is far more complex.Outside, Su Shiyu thanks Chu Mingyun for saving him and promises a personal favor unrelated to politics, while Chu Mingyun jokingly demands a kiss and instead requests to see a genuine smile, which Su Shiyu reluctantly gives, leaving Chu Mingyun momentarily mesmerized.The next morning, Song Heng’s mutilated corpse is found, and a failed examinee confesses to the murder out of jealousy, closing the case publicly while masking the deeper conspiracy.Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu silently understand that the banquet host had likely been an impostor using Song Heng’s identity and that the real Song Heng was killed to cover up the failed assassination attempt.Chu Mingyun investigates the hidden prison’s possible location in the western mountains after shadow guards track suspicious cargo wagons but lose them in dense terrain.Frustrated by the difficulty of locating the prison, Chu Mingyun decides to trigger flash floods by destroying the mountain area with gunpowder, caring little if any hidden prisoners die, and plans to leverage Tan Jing’s corrupt dealings to obtain explosives discreetly.Qin Zhao reports that there are no official records of Su Shiyu ever serving in battle despite his claims, raising suspicion about what truly happened twelve years earlier during the Huns invasion.Chu Mingyun believes Su Shiyu was not lying about his past but intentionally provided an unverifiable truth to keep him guessing, recognizing that their rivalry and entanglement have only just begun.

Chapter 3Li Yanzhen, now ruling in a time of peace, grows bored with state affairs and decides to expand his harem to find refined, intelligent women who can appreciate his poetry, reigniting political maneuvering in Chang’an.Su Shiyu responds neutrally when Li Yanzhen hints at wanting sharper companions, while Chu Mingyun privately mocks Su Shiyu for previously discouraging the emperor from indulging in personal pleasures.Noble families scramble to send eligible daughters to the capital for the harem selection, understanding that influence in the inner palace translates to power in court.Qin Zhao worries that other factions will use the harem selection to gain leverage over Li Yanzhen and urges Chu Mingyun to participate politically, but Chu Mingyun disdainfully rejects such tactics and instead jokes about sending Du Yue into the harem.Du Yue interrupts their discussion, remaining oblivious to the political implications, while Qin Zhao struggles with his feelings and awkwardly offers Du Yue grapes instead of confessing anything.During a monthly report at the palace, Li Yanzhen ignores state documents to sculpt a rare block of wood and asks Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu to recommend a beauty worthy of being immortalized.Li Yanzhen openly praises Su Shiyu’s beauty and dismisses Chu Mingyun’s “sultry” appearance as not to his taste, while Su Shiyu subtly redirects attention back to Chu Mingyun, maintaining their charged banter.At the Scarlet Sleeve brothel, a nobleman visits Jingnyu, and news arrives that operations in the western mountains have gone wrong just as a storm breaks, implying that Chu Mingyun’s planned avalanche has destroyed the hidden prison and those within.Yan Ye informs Chu Mingyun that Chen Xuanwen’s family supposedly died in a suspicious fire in Lin’an, though rumors suggest Chen Xuanwen’s grandson may have escaped by carriage in the night.Yan Ye also reveals that Su Shiyu is investigating Tan Jing for trafficking large quantities of gunpowder and may personally retrieve a ledger hidden in a warehouse in Market West.Alarmed because he previously used Tan Jing’s gunpowder for the mountain explosion, Chu Mingyun rushes to the warehouse to intercept Su Shiyu.Chu Mingyun discovers Su Shiyu has already secured the ledger and playfully confronts him, continuing his flirtatious act while probing for information.Inside the gunpowder storehouse, patrol guards approach, and Chu Mingyun pulls Su Shiyu behind a door, pressing him close under the pretense of hiding while secretly slipping his hand into Su Shiyu’s robes to steal the ledger.Chu Mingyun tears out two pages from the ledger before returning it to Su Shiyu, using shameless teasing to distract him and conceal his interference.Outside, Tan Jing confronts Chu Mingyun about their prior dealings, fearing betrayal, but Chu Mingyun burns the torn pages to prevent blackmail and then deliberately directs Tan Jing toward Su Shiyu instead.Tan Jing ambushes Su Shiyu, believing he is acting on Chu Mingyun’s orders, but Su Shiyu swiftly defeats and captures Tan Jing.In prison, Tan Jing confesses that he trafficked gunpowder to afford expensive medicine for his wife Ah-Xiu, who suffers from mental deterioration after an accident, and claims he acted out of love.Su Shiyu coldly counters that love does not absolve crime and reveals that Tan Jing’s wife would be punished alongside him under the law, pressuring Tan Jing to reveal who ordered the stockpiling of gunpowder.Tan Jing finally names the Duke of Huainan as the mastermind behind the gunpowder operation.Su Shiyu later visits Chu Mingyun to test whether he removed the missing pages that implicated the Duke of Huainan, but Chu Mingyun brazenly denies it while teasing him by pretending to strip in front of him.Su Shiyu realizes the missing pages likely contained the Duke of Huainan’s name but chooses not to accuse Chu Mingyun or expose the duke without solid proof, deciding instead to bide his time.In court, Li Yanzhen suggests leniency for Tan Jing out of sympathy for his wife, but Su Shiyu insists on strict adherence to the law, and surprisingly Chu Mingyun sides with Su Shiyu, ensuring Tan Jing’s execution.Tan Jing is publicly executed, believing he acted for Ah-Xiu’s sake, while Ah-Xiu is manipulated into drinking poisoned broth under the promise of seeing him again.Su Shiyu brings Du Yue to examine Ah-Xiu’s body, and Du Yue discovers that her supposed medicine was actually opium, causing addiction and withdrawal episodes rather than treating illness.Su Shiyu deduces that Ah-Xiu was never incurably ill but was deliberately addicted to opium to control Tan Jing, likely by forces connected to the Duke of Huainan, meaning Tan Jing was exploited into committing crimes.Realizing Tan Jing was manipulated and died for a false belief, Su Shiyu reflects bitterly on the tragedy, understanding that a larger conspiracy involving the Duke of Huainan is unfolding beneath the surface of court politics.

Chapter 4Chu Mingyun receives news that Chen Xuanwen’s grandson Chen Siheng is alive and currently staying at the Scarlet Sleeve in Chang’an, prompting him to personally investigate while leaving Qin Zhao behind.At the Scarlet Sleeve, Su Shiyu is already meeting Chen Siheng and Jingnyu, politely questioning the boy about the fire that killed Chen Xuanwen’s family and learning that Jingnyu supposedly rescued Chen Siheng after he ran from the burning estate.Chen Siheng begins recalling that his father had spoken to a man addressed as “Grand—” before being interrupted, suggesting a high-ranking figure’s involvement in the tragedy.Chu Mingyun barges into the room under the pretense of jealousy, openly teasing Su Shiyu and creating tension, while carefully observing Chen Siheng and Jingnyu’s reactions.Chen Siheng becomes visibly frightened after Chu Mingyun’s entrance and clings to Jingnyu, reinforcing the suspicion that Jingnyu exerts strong influence over him.After Jingnyu escorts Chen Siheng away, Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu exchange guarded remarks, both aware the other had been secretly investigating Chen Xuanwen’s family.Chen Siheng later recalls that his father addressed the mysterious man as “Your Grace,” confirming the involvement of a duke-level noble in the conspiracy.Chen Siheng refuses to leave the brothel with Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu, insisting on staying with Jingnyu, and Su Shiyu allows it to avoid alarming their suspect while planning further surveillance.Outside, Su Shiyu invites Chu Mingyun for tea and proposes cooperation, revealing that he suspects the Scarlet Sleeve is connected to a hidden underground gambling den that the Capital Police failed to uncover.Chu Mingyun agrees to collaborate, and together they travel to a bamboo grove west of Chang’an where Su Shiyu uncovers a hidden metal ring that reveals a secret underground staircase.The two descend through a pitch-black tunnel, with Su Shiyu unexpectedly holding Chu Mingyun’s wrist to guide him, until they emerge into a lavish hidden valley housing the Joykeeper’s Hall, a massive secret gambling establishment.Inside Joykeeper’s Hall, masked patrons gamble extravagantly, and attendants explain that whoever wins the most can challenge the housemaster, who promises to fulfill any wish.Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu realize this is no ordinary gambling den but likely a front for manipulating powerful nobles through debt and influence.They notice Xu Tong, son of Deputy Minister of War Xu Yin and a member of the Chu faction, arrogantly boasting after a winning streak, revealing that young elites frequent the establishment.Chu Mingyun, using the alias Lin, provokes Xu Tong publicly and pretends to be an arrogant noble accompanied by Su Shiyu acting as his lover, deliberately drawing attention and baiting the house.Su Shiyu plays along despite discomfort, even offering a valuable jade pendant as gambling collateral to strengthen their cover.Chu Mingyun boldly declares that his wish, if he wins, would be to lie with Su Shiyu the Grand Censor, shocking the room and testing the house’s reaction.Xu Tong mocks Chu Mingyun and crudely suggests that Grand Commandant Chu would be a better bedmate, unknowingly insulting Chu Mingyun directly while both officials remain masked.Though Chu Mingyun initially appears to hold a losing hand, the overseer manipulates the outcome in his favor, granting him the highest possible winning combination, proving that the gambling den rigs games for selected players.Recognizing the deliberate cheating as a means to cultivate influence over nobles, Su Shiyu confirms their suspicion that Joykeeper’s Hall serves a political purpose rather than simple profit.They are escorted upstairs to meet the housemaster, and while waiting, Su Shiyu identifies their location as a former mass grave west of Chang’an, explaining why the den remained undiscovered.Alone, Chu Mingyun sends a secret message via a trained black bird to coordinate with Minister Lu and Qin Zhao, preparing for official intervention.Housemaster Mu arrives and attempts to maintain composure, but visibly reacts when Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu remove their masks, revealing their true identities.Su Shiyu hints that Housemaster Mu resembles a younger acquaintance who calls him “brother,” implying he recognizes Mu’s true identity and background.After leaving the room, Housemaster Mu angrily scolds the overseer for admitting them without proper vetting and admits that Su Shiyu likely knows who he is.Housemaster Mu orders preparations to evacuate and commands that Jingnyu be sent out of Chang’an immediately, revealing her connection to the larger conspiracy and confirming that the Scarlet Sleeve and Joykeeper’s Hall are part of the same network.

Chapter 5Housemaster Mu returns with dancers and proposes a blindfold guessing game to distract Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu, clearly stalling for time while preparing an ambush.Su Shiyu personally blindfolds Chu Mingyun to ensure there are no tricks, and the dancers swirl around him in a coordinated formation meant to conceal a hidden assassin.One dancer attempts to stab Chu Mingyun during the performance, but Chu Mingyun detects the killing intent through the movement of air and fatally strikes her with his sandalwood fan before she can land the blow.Housemaster Mu orders his men to attack, and black-clad assassins rush in as the dancers draw hidden blades, turning the performance into a coordinated assassination attempt.Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu fight side by side, with Chu Mingyun displaying ruthless battlefield prowess and Su Shiyu revealing his own lethal skill, efficiently neutralizing attackers without losing composure.Chu Mingyun corners Housemaster Mu after cutting down multiple enemies, wounds him severely, and nearly kills him, but Housemaster Mu escapes by leaping out of the window, leaving behind a bronze token torn from his robes.The Ministry of Justice troops arrive in time to capture the remaining assassins and shut down Joykeeper’s Hall, though Housemaster Mu’s body is not found in the forest despite blood traces.A black messenger bird delivers word that Jingnyu is fleeing Chang’an with Chen Siheng, prompting Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu to intercept them outside the city at dawn.Jingnyu attempts to maintain her gentle facade but panics when Chu Mingyun shows her the bronze token and falsely claims Housemaster Mu is dead, revealing her deep attachment to him.Overcome by hatred and despair, Jingnyu attacks Chu Mingyun but is swiftly subdued, then commits suicide by swallowing poison before she can be interrogated.Before dying, Jingnyu mutters lines from the poem Jingnyu and recalls being renamed by a master who treated her as a numbered subordinate, revealing she was once called Shiqi and served someone powerful from a young age.Chen Siheng, overwhelmed by grief and rage, attacks Chu Mingyun with a dagger given to him by Jingnyu, but Chu Mingyun disarms and pins him easily.Su Shiyu exposes the contradictions in Jingnyu’s story about the fire, forcing Chen Siheng to confront that Jingnyu likely participated in the massacre of his family and manipulated him to maintain control.Chu Mingyun bluntly tells Chen Siheng that since losing his family he is no longer a child and must rely only on himself for vengeance, refusing to promise justice but offering shelter out of respect for Chen Xuanwen.Su Shiyu subtly encourages Chen Siheng to follow Chu Mingyun and learn from him, implying that proximity to General Chu will benefit Chen Siheng more than blind hatred.After court resumes, the Joykeeper’s Hall investigation reveals no treasury on site, raising suspicion about where the gambling wealth has been stored.Deputy Minister Xu Yin begs Chu Mingyun to secure Xu Tong’s early release from prison, but Chu Mingyun coldly warns Xu Yin to discipline his son and mind his words, asserting dominance over his own faction.Chu Mingyun visits Su Shiyu at night under the pretense of romance but secretly searches Su Shiyu’s residence for hidden mechanisms, finding nothing suspicious.Chu Mingyun requests jurisdiction over Song Heng’s mansion to investigate the bronze token and possible hidden contraptions, and Su Shiyu grants it while agreeing to share findings.In Song Heng’s study, Chu Mingyun discovers that the bronze token fits a hidden mechanism, revealing a secret chamber filled with massive quantities of gold and detailed dossiers on officials across the capital and prefectures.The records document personal details and vulnerabilities of numerous officials, proving a long-term conspiracy aimed at manipulating and destabilizing the court.Chu Mingyun orders the books moved to his residence and allows his men to take some gold before intending to report the treasury to Li Yanzhen through Su Shiyu.Soon after, multiple officials including Zheng Wan are assassinated in coordinated fashion, each killed similarly, indicating an organized syndicate silencing those connected to the conspiracy.Evidence is planted to implicate Chu Mingyun in the murders, and the case is transferred to the Censorate with Li Yanzhen ordering Su Shiyu to investigate personally.Su Shiyu deliberately delays the investigation despite pressure, recognizing that the evidence against Chu Mingyun is too obvious and likely fabricated to frame him.Su Shiyu reasons that eliminating Chu Mingyun now would destabilize the military and benefit hostile forces at the borderlands, suggesting a broader external threat behind the conspiracy.Su Shiyu privately informs Li Yanzhen that although Chu Mingyun is dangerous and ambitious, removing him prematurely would create greater chaos, and that his arrogance will eventually become his downfall.Su Shiyu visits Chu Mingyun with the forged letters as evidence, and Chu Mingyun calmly dismisses the accusations, pointing out flaws in the imitation handwriting and trusting Su Shiyu not to move against him.Chu Mingyun concludes that the masterminds silenced the listed officials to prevent the secret dossiers from being used against them and attempted to reverse the situation by framing him for their deaths.Despite mutual suspicion and political rivalry, Chu Mingyun acknowledges that having Su Shiyu on his side for this crisis shifts the balance in his favor, marking a fragile but strategic alliance between the two.

Chapter 6Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu leave Chang’an in plain clothes to investigate Zheng Wan’s murder in Fufeng, sharing a single inn room on the way due to lack of space and engaging in sharp banter over propriety, suspicion, and their uneasy alliance.Su Shiyu insists on sharing the bed equally despite Chu Mingyun’s teasing, and that night Chu Mingyun briefly considers killing Su Shiyu in his sleep but instead brushes his hair aside and falls asleep, while Su Shiyu later opens his eyes, aware of the movement.They arrive in Fufeng and are welcomed by Su Xing, the newly reinstated Prefect of Fufeng and Su Shiyu’s uncle, who expresses concern over Su Shiyu’s unmarried status and shows thinly veiled disdain toward Chu Mingyun.Chu Mingyun deliberately insinuates impropriety between himself and Su Shiyu to unsettle Su Xing, forcing Su Shiyu to smooth things over and maintain appearances.At Zheng Wan’s residence, they examine the altered crime scene and deduce from Madam Zheng’s testimony that the murderer must have known Zheng Wan’s habits, the layout of the residence, and the presence of urgent reports that night, indicating an insider or close acquaintance.Su Xing’s chief registrar presents a supposed suspect who confesses to murdering Zheng Wan and claims to have acted under Chu Mingyun’s orders, attempting to frame Chu Mingyun directly.Chu Mingyun mocks the prisoner’s claim of loyalty and questions inconsistencies in his story, while Su Shiyu remains calm and unconvinced, refusing to accept the confession at face value.Su Shiyu later interrogates the prisoner privately and compares him to Tan Jing, warning that blind loyalty will not protect his family, gradually unsettling the man and exposing that he is acting under coercion.Su Shiyu deduces that the mastermind is likely based in Fufeng due to the timing and pattern of the murders and deliberately announces their departure to lure the real culprit into acting that night.That night, they hear movement on the roof and pursue it, discovering Su Xing under attack in the long-unused torture chamber, where the chief registrar lies dead with his throat slit.Su Shiyu prevents Chu Mingyun from immediately intervening and instead confronts Su Xing with contradictions in his timeline, exposing that Su Xing had secretly returned to the capital region before his official appointment and orchestrated the murders.Su Shiyu reconstructs Su Xing’s entire scheme, revealing that Su Xing committed the serial murders, staged the suspect’s confession to frame Chu Mingyun, spread rumors among witnesses, killed the chief registrar to silence him, and planned to kill both Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu in the torture chamber to fabricate a final narrative.Su Xing admits his resentment toward Su Jue for banishing him and declares Li Yanzhen an incompetent ruler, revealing that he pledged loyalty to another master and acted out of political ambition rather than justice.When Su Shiyu urges him to surrender, Su Xing instead triggers a hidden mechanism in the torture chamber, causing a stone wall to crash down and kill himself before he can be arrested.Su Shiyu orders cleanup and arrests of remaining accomplices without visible emotional turmoil, while Chu Mingyun awkwardly attempts to console him and invites him out for drinks.At a tavern, they discuss Housemaster Mu’s identity and Su Xing’s possible connections, while Su Shiyu acknowledges that by law his entire clan could be implicated in treason, including himself, yet he insists he will report everything truthfully.Chu Mingyun admits he would be upset if Su Shiyu died, revealing rare sincerity, and smooths the crease from Su Shiyu’s brow in a quiet, intimate moment before an autumn rain begins outside.The released prisoner leads constables to rescue his hostage family and arrest remaining accomplices, and under interrogation they confess, producing letters, bronze tokens, and seals that directly implicate the Duke of Huainan as Su Xing’s true master.Su Shiyu verifies the letters and seals as authentic and realizes that the serial murders, like Tan Jing’s case, trace back to the Duke of Huainan, confirming a broader conspiracy.Su Xing’s wife confronts Su Shiyu publicly, attempts to strike him, and calls him a heartless monster who killed his own uncle, while her daughter Ying’er still calls Su Shiyu “brother” and tries to shield him.Su Shiyu accepts the accusations in silence and walks away, while Chu Mingyun blocks the assault and later questions why Su Shiyu did not simply frame him to protect his clan and eliminate a rival.Su Shiyu calmly replies that wrongdoing must be punished regardless of who committed it, reaffirming his unwavering adherence to law and principle even at the cost of family, reputation, and personal suffering.

Chapter 7Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu return to Chang’an after closing the Fufeng case, and despite gossip condemning Su Shiyu as heartless for exposing Su Xing, Su Shiyu submits a formal report proposing punishment for himself under clan liability laws.Li Yanzhen refuses to execute Su Shiyu or punish Su Xing’s innocent family, citing loyalty of the Su clan and the need to avoid more bloodshed, and publicly affirms trust in Su Shiyu.Su Shiyu questions Li Yanzhen about the Duke of Huainan and presents the Feoffment Decree proposal to weaken the dukes by dividing their lands among heirs while preserving titles in name.Su Shiyu explains that he deliberately omitted the Duke of Huainan’s involvement in Su Xing’s case to avoid alerting him and proposes arresting the Duke of Huainan during a future inspection, using the exposure to justify curtailing ducal power.Li Yanzhen hesitantly agrees to Su Shiyu’s long-term plan to seize the Duke of Huainan after the new year.Su Shiyu encounters Jiang Yuan, the favored consort, who observes him with a cryptic expression before entering the study.Du Yue visits Su Shiyu to comfort him about Su Xing’s death and reveals he quarreled with Qin Zhao and ran away from Chu Mingyun’s residence in anger.Qin Zhao broods silently over Du Yue’s absence at Chu Mingyun’s estate, and Chu Mingyun coldly reminds Qin Zhao that forcing Du Yue to choose will only drive him further away.After more than a month, Du Yue returns awkwardly, and Qin Zhao stiffly welcomes him home, revealing unresolved tension and suppressed feelings.During the Winter Solstice ceremony, Li Yanzhen performs rituals to heaven, and Chu Mingyun privately reflects on Su Xing’s doubts about the empire’s fragile peace.At the banquet, Jiang Yuan lures Chu Mingyun to Lake Taiye, feigns romantic confession, and secretly passes him a sachet containing a bronze key connected to Tianlu Keep.Chu Mingyun discovers the key hidden in the sachet and immediately throws both into the lake, refusing to participate in the scheme.The captain of the Yulin Guards interrupts the banquet to report that Tianlu Keep was robbed and keys stolen, and Jiang Yuan produces a key claiming she found it near one of the top officials.Lu Shi insinuates Chu Mingyun as suspect since he left his seat, but Su Shiyu calmly lies that he was with Chu Mingyun, protecting him and undermining Jiang Yuan’s accusation.Jiang Yuan retracts her accusation under pressure, and Li Yanzhen suppresses further investigation to preserve the festive mood.Later, Jiang Yuan reflects that she was prepared to die to implicate Chu Mingyun and weaken him through Su Shiyu, but Su Shiyu refused to exploit the opportunity, and Li Yanzhen’s naïve trust further disrupts her plan.Near year’s end, Li Yanzhen invites Su Shiyu to spend New Year’s Eve together as in the past, but Su Shiyu refuses on grounds of propriety and reminds him of the confinement incident in the Eastern Palace.Chu Mingyun provocatively offers to host Su Shiyu instead, subtly challenging Li Yanzhen, and Su Shiyu later accepts the invitation privately.On New Year’s Eve, Su Shiyu arrives alone at Chu Mingyun’s snow-covered residence, confirming he came of his own will.Chu Mingyun secretly orders guards to stand down after confirming Su Shiyu brought no hidden entourage.Du Yue drinks recklessly to prove his tolerance and collapses, and Qin Zhao carries him away, recalling how Chu Mingyun once saved him in winter and silently confessing his love while Du Yue drunkenly apologizes.Alone, Chu Mingyun questions why Su Shiyu truly came, and Su Shiyu states he came because Chu Mingyun invited him before Li Yanzhen, then reveals the plan to arrest the Duke of Huainan and promises to publicly clear Chu Mingyun’s name afterward.Chu Mingyun dismisses public opinion as meaningless, but Su Shiyu insists it is his duty to restore Chu Mingyun’s reputation once the truth is exposed.At midnight, they set off Du Yue’s hidden fireworks together, laughing as explosions light up the sky and children’s songs drift through Chang’an.They build snow figures under the plum tree, and Su Shiyu retaliates playfully after Chu Mingyun ruins his rabbit sculpture, escalating into a snow fight that ends with both tumbling into the snow.Beneath falling snow and fireworks, Chu Mingyun nearly kisses Su Shiyu in an impulsive moment but abruptly pulls back in shock at his own desire.Back inside, soaked and warming themselves, Chu Mingyun reflects uneasily on his lapse while Su Shiyu calmly removes his outer robe, and their charged conversation lingers unresolved as the new year begins.

Chapter 8A Krorainian delegation led by Princess Ayasi arrives in Chang’an at the start of spring, receiving honors equivalent to a duke, and Chu Mingyun recalls how he once mischievously nominated Su Shiyu as her marriage candidate.Chu Mingyun remembers that Princess Ayasi had previously nearly been matched with Su Shiyu, and Su Shiyu had coolly responded to Chu Mingyun’s teasing nomination with a single “Impressive.”Princess Ayasi rushes to Su Shiyu, calls him bhaika, meaning brother, and insists on spending the day with him, dragging Chu Mingyun along.At a noodle stall in Dongshi, Princess Ayasi eats ravenously after starving herself to look pretty for Su Shiyu, bluntly explaining her logic while Chu Mingyun watches in disbelief.Su Shiyu recalls his first meeting with Princess Ayasi, when she tested him with a whip, confided her three failed marriages, and explained that she targeted corrupt officials to protect her father.Princess Ayasi tells Su Shiyu that she likes him but cannot marry him because she feels mist between them and senses he does not love anyone, instead asking him to be her bhaika.Back in the present, Princess Ayasi privately asks why Su Shiyu is kind to Chu Mingyun if he is his rival and even offers to marry and kill Chu Mingyun for him, forcing Su Shiyu to suppress laughter and defend Chu Mingyun’s importance.The trio wander through street performances, and each time Princess Ayasi wants to challenge a performer, Su Shiyu redirects her by claiming Chu Mingyun can do the same feats, until Chu Mingyun admits defeat at sword swallowing and buys her jewelry instead.At an inn, commoners gossip that Su Shiyu and Chu Mingyun colluded to frame Su Xing and cover up crimes for mutual benefit, accusing Su Shiyu of using the murders to eliminate his uncle.Chu Mingyun laughs off the rumors as proof that the masses prefer gossip over truth, while Su Shiyu maintains that facts must still be upheld so truth does not vanish entirely.Before departing Chang’an, Princess Ayasi gives Su Shiyu a sealed letter to be opened only after she returns home and gifts Chu Mingyun candied pine nuts, making them promise to attend her wedding.Shortly after her departure, news arrives that Princess Ayasi was ambushed at a border town within Great Xia’s territory, her entire entourage slaughtered, and her body found reaching outward as if for help.Kroraina’s king sends an envoy demanding accountability, and tensions rise in Xuanshi Hall as the envoy accuses Great Xia of responsibility.Chu Mingyun counters the accusations, suggesting multiple possibilities and refusing to accept unilateral blame, while Su Shiyu mediates and urges cooperation to find the killer.Su Shiyu deduces that Ji Heng, the Great Xia merchant whom Princess Ayasi planned to marry, is missing and likely involved, prompting an arrest warrant.Li Yanzhen impulsively offers three cities as recompense in a posthumous union, but Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu jointly stop him and insist such matters require court deliberation.In private negotiations, Su Shiyu secures an agreement to compensate Kroraina with gold instead of land, prioritizing national interest over personal grief for Princess Ayasi.Alone at home, Su Shiyu finally opens Princess Ayasi’s letter and reads her clumsy but heartfelt words defending him from slander, calling him the kindest person in the world and hinting she knows whom he loves.Ji Heng is captured and confesses to murdering Princess Ayasi.Chu Mingyun visits Chen Sheng to clarify past suspicions, confirming that Chen Sheng was manipulated by Miss Jingnyu to sow discord between Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu by invoking the title Grand Commandant.Chu Mingyun realizes the enemy intended to incite factional conflict and retrieves a bronze token linked to Miss Jingnyu’s authority, while Chen Sheng expresses desire to become Chu Mingyun’s shadow guard.Later, Chu Mingyun follows the sound of a zither at night and finds Su Shiyu alone by a riverside pavilion, playing a mournful piece in memory of Princess Ayasi.They speak of music and ambition, and Chu Mingyun bluntly states he desires a domain stretching to the horizon and allegiance from all lords, revealing his grand political ambition.As Su Shiyu plays, Chu Mingyun leans close and rests against him, unaware that Su Shiyu’s heart is racing painfully with realization of his own feelings.Su Shiyu internally confronts the question of whether he loves Chu Mingyun, recalling Princess Ayasi’s words about scorpions and butterflies and recognizing the ache and joy in his chest.Overcome by emotion, Su Shiyu almost reaches out to touch Chu Mingyun’s eyes but withdraws at the last second, plucking a stray hair instead and masking his feelings with composure while Chu Mingyun remains oblivious.

Chapter 9Ji Heng is secretly brought before Su Shiyu in a private room rather than the Censorate, where Su Shiyu questions him about Princess Ayasi’s murder and confirms that the riot where Ji Heng met her was staged and that Ji Heng never loved her, viewing her only as a pawn.Ji Heng admits he seduced Princess Ayasi under coercion and killed her without hesitation, mocking Su Shiyu’s perceived naïveté about love and manipulation.Su Shiyu coldly forces Ji Heng to swallow a pill that will keep him alive but subjects him to private torture in his own residence as personal retribution for harming his spasu Ayasi, separating his actions from his official duties.Meanwhile, Qin Zhao informs Chu Mingyun that Ji Heng’s testimony is tightly controlled by Su Shiyu and inaccessible even to most of the Censorate, prompting Chu Mingyun to suspect deeper conspiracies and order an investigation into Jiang Yuan.Qin Zhao urges Chu Mingyun to kill Su Shiyu to eliminate uncertainty, but Chu Mingyun refuses, claiming Su Shiyu is more useful alive and insisting he has not fallen in love, though he struggles to justify why he spares him.A maidservant loyal to Su Shiyu overhears Chu Mingyun calling Su Shiyu heartless and reports it, and Su Shiyu responds calmly that Chu Mingyun is not wrong and reiterates that only a fool would fall in love.Public resentment grows in Chang’an over the gold compensation given to Kroraina for Princess Ayasi’s death, and commoners begin criticizing Su Shiyu as corrupt and spineless, even believing rumors that he colluded with Chu Mingyun to kill Su Xing.A self-righteous swordsman attempts to assassinate Su Shiyu at night in his study over the compensation issue, but Chu Mingyun intervenes and kills the attacker before Su Shiyu can defend himself.In gratitude, Su Shiyu gives Chu Mingyun his personal jade pendant, granting him unrestricted access to the Su residence, and Chu Mingyun recognizes it as the pendant Su Shiyu once attempted to pawn.Su Shiyu confirms that Ji Heng’s written confession implicates the Duke of Huainan as mastermind but expresses doubt due to increasingly obvious planted evidence.Chu Mingyun reveals that Jiang Yuan is from Huainan and suggests that someone wants to provoke Su Shiyu into targeting the Duke of Huainan, deliberately escalating incidents to force action.Despite the risk, Su Shiyu decides to proceed with his inspection tour of the dukedoms, believing confronting the Duke of Huainan is necessary.Chu Mingyun proposes stationing Zhou Yi at the western borders to deter both Kroraina and the Huns, and Su Shiyu agrees to discuss it with Li Yanzhen, recognizing Zhou Yi’s loyalty and competence.Reviewing the Tianlu Keep robbery, Su Shiyu lists stolen items including records of dukes and bestial motifs, leading Chu Mingyun to realize that the theft erased proof linking a bronze token’s motif to its true owner.Chu Mingyun later shows the jade pendant to Du Yue, who is shocked and reveals it was the only keepsake left by Su Shiyu’s mother and a symbol of authority within the Su clan.Chu Mingyun deliberately drops the pendant to test its value and his own feelings, then secretly retrieves it upon noticing fine cracks, unable to truly discard it.Du Yue confronts Su Shiyu about the pendant being thrown away, and Su Shiyu calmly states that since he gave it willingly, Chu Mingyun has every right to keep or discard it.Su Shiyu reveals that his mother left him only that one jade pendant to give away, confirming its emotional significance and implying Chu Mingyun is its intended recipient.Preparing for his inspection tour, Su Shiyu requests temporary command of the Southern Border Command from Li Yanzhen, anticipating potential resistance from the Duke of Huainan and possible hidden forces.Li Yanzhen agrees but notes that the military token is held by Chu Mingyun, forcing Su Shiyu to negotiate directly with him.Chu Mingyun refuses to hand over the military token, instead providing a personal letter to command the troops, maintaining ultimate control while feigning compliance.Su Shiyu subtly tests Chu Mingyun by asking whether commanders would obey the token or the letter if orders conflicted, but Chu Mingyun avoids giving a direct answer.After leaving, Su Shiyu reflects that the Southern Border Command’s allegiance effectively lies with Chu Mingyun, underscoring the imbalance of military power.On the appointed day, Su Shiyu officially departs Chang’an under imperial ceremony to inspect the dukedoms, receiving the emperor’s token and public blessings.As Su Shiyu prepares to leave, Chu Mingyun grips his wrist and quietly tells him not to die and to return soon, adding that he might fall ill from longing.For once, Su Shiyu does not retreat from the intimacy, meeting Chu Mingyun’s gaze and promising to return, silently acknowledging the feelings he had long denied.

Chapter 10A month passes after Su Shiyu departs for Huainan, and Chu Mingyun behaves impeccably at court without making any suspicious moves, though he grows increasingly irritable and repeatedly asks Qin Zhao for news of Su Shiyu’s return.Reports confirm that the Duke of Huainan refused entry at first and mobilized troops, creating a tense standoff with the Southern Border Command summoned by Su Shiyu, but overnight the duke’s advisor assassinated the Duke of Huainan and surrendered with the duke’s severed head.The advisor publicly confesses to orchestrating major conspiracies, including manipulating Tan Jing with opium, establishing Joykeeper’s Hall, ordering Su Xing’s murders, and coercing Ji Heng to kill Princess Ayasi, then begs that innocent people be spared.Su Shiyu responds that he never asked for the duke’s head and supervises the temporary takeover of Huainan, orders investigations, discovers vast poppy fields, and commands their complete destruction.After the poppy fields are burned, the advisor throws himself into the flames, dying before he can be interrogated, leaving the case conveniently closed but riddled with unanswered questions.Chu Mingyun understands that the deaths of both the Duke of Huainan and the advisor conveniently eliminate all living testimony, leaving only surface evidence and deepening suspicion that the truth remains hidden.Alone, Chu Mingyun rereads the shadow guards’ report confirming Su Shiyu’s safe departure from Huainan and denies missing him, though he obsessively dwells on his absence.The Hunnic ninth prince Ertugrul arrives in Chang’an and boldly demands that Great Xia relinquish five northwestern cities in exchange for peace, exploiting tensions with Kroraina.Ertugrul argues that the Huns seek survival and cites Great Xia’s compensation to Kroraina as precedent, while Chu Mingyun rejects the demand and warns against trusting the Huns.Minister Wei Song supports ceding the disaster-stricken lands to ease financial burdens, arguing that relinquishing troublesome territory could reduce strain on the treasury.Chu Mingyun fiercely opposes surrendering land reclaimed with soldiers’ blood and questions the Huns’ trustworthiness, but Li Yanzhen delays the decision until Su Shiyu returns.Yue Yuxuan privately tells Wei Song that Chu Mingyun opposes the cession because he is from Liangzhou and seeks to preserve personal influence, casting doubt on Chu Mingyun’s motives.Anticipating possible Hunnic treachery during the imperial hunt, Chu Mingyun personally drafts new security measures for Mount Qi, including guarding the usually unprotected southern slope due to low river levels.Chu Mingyun finally sees Su Shiyu returning to the palace gardens and openly asks if he was missed, attempting to embrace him before being stopped due to public decorum.Luo Xin excitedly approaches Su Shiyu to thank him again and expresses admiration for General Chu, not realizing he is speaking to Chu Mingyun himself.When Su Shiyu introduces Chu Mingyun, Luo Xin is stunned that the legendary general looks delicate rather than fearsome, praising him naively and embarrassing himself.Lu Qinghe returns home at her father Lu Shi’s summons and is ordered to attend the imperial hunt to choose a husband among the noblemen present.At Jianzang Palace after the ceremonial rites for the hunt, Luo Xin confides to Su Shiyu that he faces suspicion in Chang’an due to his prior service under the Duke of Huainan and worries that people think Su Shiyu intends to use him to weaken Chu Mingyun.Su Shiyu advises Luo Xin to ignore gossip and remain steadfast in his goals, internally wrestling with his own uncertainty about Chu Mingyun’s ambitions and loyalties.Prince Ertugrul and Ugur mock Great Xia in Hunnic, recalling the brutal conquest of Liangzhou thirteen years earlier and insulting the fallen defenders, unaware that Chu Mingyun understands their language.Ertugrul recounts how a lone woman defended Liangzhou before her corpse was hung on the walls, triggering Chu Mingyun’s traumatic memories of his sister Zhiqing’s death during the Hunnic invasion.Overcome by rage and grief, Chu Mingyun draws his sword and charges toward the Huns with murderous intent, abandoning restraint.Su Shiyu chases him into the grove, restrains him from behind, and deliberately allows Chu Mingyun’s blade to cut his own shoulder to stop him from killing the envoys and provoking war.Su Shiyu covers Chu Mingyun’s eyes and speaks gently, reminding him that he has already avenged the past and reclaimed lost lands, calming him with steady reassurance.Chu Mingyun, shaken, asks Su Shiyu to keep speaking and to tell him he is alive and present, seeking grounding in Su Shiyu’s voice.After regaining control, Chu Mingyun pulls Su Shiyu into a fierce embrace and, in a surge of possessive desire and blood-scented instinct, licks and kisses the wound at Su Shiyu’s neck and collarbone.Su Shiyu breaks away in alarm, regains composure, and insists they return to the others, concealing the emotional impact of the moment behind polite detachment.Su Shiyu fabricates a story that a falling tree caused his injury to prevent suspicion, though Luo Xin notices his flushed face and ears.Rumors of the incident spread rapidly, and Du Yue and Qin Zhao tease Chu Mingyun about nearly killing Su Shiyu, but Chu Mingyun retreats alone, bewildered and shaken.In private, Chu Mingyun slaps his own forehead and questions in confusion why he ended up hugging and licking Su Shiyu, revealing his growing inability to deny his feelings.

Chapter 11The vernal hunt procession arrives at Mount Qi, and after settling in, Su Shiyu approaches Chu Mingyun, who openly says he has been thinking about him and asks Su Shiyu to walk him back to his quarters.Lu Qinghe arrives at the retreat, immediately falls for Chu Mingyun’s beauty under the peach blossoms, and declares to Lu Shi that she wants to marry him.Lu Shi angrily refuses because of Chu Mingyun’s dangerous reputation and his rumored shameless courtship of Su Shiyu, forbidding Lu Qinghe from pursuing him.Determined, Lu Qinghe schemes to meet Chu Mingyun secretly at the Glass Pavilion at night, lying to Lu Shi that she intends to meet Su Shiyu instead.Lu Shi later visits Wei Song and discovers Su Shiyu is with Wei Song all evening discussing the Hunnic envoys, realizing Lu Qinghe’s plan must have failed.Lu Shi informs Su Shiyu of Lu Qinghe’s supposed infatuation and request to meet him at the pavilion, and Su Shiyu agrees to go clarify matters despite having no romantic interest.At the Glass Pavilion, Su Shiyu finds not Lu Qinghe but Chu Mingyun asleep with a jug of liquor, drapes his white robe over him, and almost touches his face before being caught.Chu Mingyun wakes, removes Su Shiyu’s jade hairpin, lets his hair fall loose, then suddenly kisses him deeply and forcefully, tasting of alcohol and biting his lip.Su Shiyu regains composure, breaks away, and asks if Chu Mingyun is sober, to which Chu Mingyun replies he was never drunk.After Su Shiyu leaves in haste, Chu Mingyun realizes he can no longer deny his feelings and admits to himself that he is in love with Su Shiyu.Lu Qinghe encounters Chu Mingyun afterward, and from his words and Su Shiyu’s earlier disheveled state deduces they share a secret romance, deciding to help them unite instead of pursuing Chu Mingyun.The next day at the banquet, Ertugrul mocks Great Xia’s lack of martial prowess and challenges them indirectly, provoking national pride.Chu Mingyun offers to compete, but Ertugrul declines, claiming defeat is certain, so Su Shiyu volunteers instead to defend Great Xia’s honor in archery.Before shooting, Su Shiyu asks Chu Mingyun to teach him how to hold the bow, and Chu Mingyun embraces him from behind in public under the pretense of instruction, teasing him about kisses while adjusting his grip.Ertugrul hits the bullseye first, drawing cheers, but Su Shiyu’s arrow strikes precisely beside it and splits Ertugrul’s arrow, winning the contest and humiliating the Huns.Lu Qinghe arranges another meeting between Su Shiyu and Chu Mingyun at the peach grove, hoping to create an opportunity for romance.In the grove, Chu Mingyun confesses directly that he is in love with Su Shiyu and asks whether Su Shiyu feels the same.Su Shiyu deflects the confession by steering the conversation to political matters regarding the Hunnic demands, refusing to acknowledge the romantic declaration.That night, an assassin disguised with a lifelike mask as Su Shiyu infiltrates Chu Mingyun’s quarters, but Chu Mingyun instantly detects the deception and crushes the impostor’s throat.After killing the assassin and burning the mask, Chu Mingyun decides to check on the real Su Shiyu and encounters Ertugrul alone in the corridor.Ertugrul boasts of his brother Atkiray’s past victories over Great Xia, provoking Chu Mingyun.Chu Mingyun reveals that he personally captured and tortured Atkiray at a salt lake until Atkiray betrayed Hunnic positions, leading to his death, shattering Ertugrul’s pride.Chu Mingyun threatens that if Great Xia’s court agrees to surrender cities, he will kill Ertugrul and welcomes war, asserting that the khan would not wage war over an expendable son.Ertugrul is left shaken and humiliated, while Chu Mingyun walks away having reasserted dominance and revealed the ruthless depth behind his beauty and ambition.

Chapter 12Qin Zhao receives a secret letter from Chu Mingyun instructing him to gauge how the officials remaining in Chang’an feel about the Huns’ demand for five cities, clearly intending to ensure opposition to the peace treaty.Du Yue complains about Chu Mingyun’s coldness, especially about throwing away a jade pendant from Du Yue’s cousin, and questions what kind of person Chu Mingyun truly is.Qin Zhao explains that Chu Mingyun has always been cautious and discards any gift whose intent he cannot discern, revealing that even they never truly knew his background.Qin Zhao recounts Master Baili’s ominous words that if Chu Mingyun attempts to overturn the order of the world by his own power and fails, he will meet a horrific end.Chu Mingyun visits Su Shiyu at night and subtly confirms that Su Shiyu was not the one who approached him earlier in disguise, asking whether anyone had been staring at his face in Huainan.Su Shiyu reveals that he has invited the Duke of Xiling to support the Feoffment Decree, needing another duke to help legitimize curtailing the regional lords’ power.Chu Mingyun again tries to press his confession of love, teasing Su Shiyu, and the two nearly kiss before being interrupted by urgent summons to the main hall.At the main assembly hall, Wei Song is accused of treason for allegedly writing a letter to Ertugrul promising assistance in ceding the five cities to the Huns.Wei Song’s attendant testifies that Wei Song ordered him to deliver the letter personally to Ertugrul, and the handwriting on the letter matches Wei Song’s.Wei Song desperately claims he did not know the letter’s contents and accuses Su Shiyu of asking him to deliver it discreetly.Lu Shi testifies that Su Shiyu was in his quarters at the time Wei Song claimed to have met him, providing an alibi and deepening Wei Song’s isolation.Li Yanzhen publicly declares he believes Su Shiyu innocent, leaving Wei Song abandoned and devastated.Wei Song, proclaiming decades of loyal service and denying treason, commits suicide by smashing his head against the jade steps before the throne.Chu Mingyun reveals to Commander Tong that an assassin disguised with a mask of Su Shiyu’s face infiltrated his quarters, and the assassin’s boots carried white roses from the southern slope of Mount Qi.Chu Mingyun makes it clear that lax security allowed the assassin to enter, forcing Commander Tong into fearful submission and pledging the Imperial Guards’ loyalty to Chu Mingyun.Back in Chang’an, the court’s stance shifts completely against the peace treaty, as Wei Song’s death silences all advocates for peace and no official dares support ceding land to the Huns.Su Shiyu reasons to Su Bai that Wei Song was framed not to kill him personally but to destroy all support for peace, and that someone likely used a lifelike mask of Su Shiyu to deceive Wei Song.Su Shiyu forbids Su Bai from speculating that Chu Mingyun orchestrated the plot, refusing to voice suspicion despite the obvious political benefit to Chu Mingyun.Lu Qinghe visits Li Yanzhen and poses for him while he carves and paints, learning about his tragic childhood, his birth mother’s death, and his first meeting with Su Shiyu when Su Shiyu was a beautiful youth summoned as his attendant.Li Yanzhen admits fondly that he once mistook young Su Shiyu for a girl because of his beauty and recalls Su Shiyu’s dislike of being called pretty.Li Yanzhen declines Jiang Yuan’s suggestion to take Lu Qinghe as a consort, saying a wandering swordswoman belongs to the world rather than the palace.Chu Mingyun meets Su Shiyu on the way to the imperial study and flirts openly, but their conversation is interrupted by the Duke of Xiling Li Chenghua.Li Chenghua reminisces about Chu Mingyun’s ruthless battlefield prowess and praises him, while also complimenting Su Shiyu’s appearance and recalling Su Shiyu’s late father.In the imperial study, Li Yanzhen reveals he has promised the Dukedom of Huainan to the Duke of Xiling in exchange for support of the Feoffment Decree.Chu Mingyun sharply criticizes the decision, pointing out that granting Huainan expands rather than curtails the Duke of Xiling’s power, contradicting the decree’s purpose.Su Shiyu smooths over the tension, accepting the emperor’s promise as irreversible and framing the duke’s support as strategically necessary.After Su Shiyu leaves, Li Yanzhen softly sighs that if Su Shiyu were a woman, things would be simpler, revealing lingering affection.Chu Mingyun realizes the unfinished wooden sculpture in the study resembles Su Shiyu, deepening his awareness of Li Yanzhen’s feelings.In a distant scene, a scarred young man speaks to his father, who reads a parchment in Hunnic script and instructs him to depart soon, hinting at future conflict involving the Huns and an unresolved injury.

Art Thou Ailing?, Vol. 2

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Gold Class Enforcers, Vol. 1

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Hunt for the Leviathan, Vol. 1

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The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong

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