In this chapter, the reader is introduced to the world of the novel, which is ruled by the story and art of the jingjian, a Chinese translation of the Latin epic, The Mysteries of Casares. The reader is also introduced to a number of characters, including the protagonist, the protagonist's mother, and the protagonist himself. The protagonist is shocked to learn that his mother was executed by humans. He realizes that he is responsible for her death, and he is angry that he has not done anything to stop the murder. He asks the reader whether he is free since he was born, and if he is, he says, he can only betray his mother.