The chapter opens with a brief recap of the events that have taken place in the past few days. The narrator tells us that it is now two hours since Lan left, and that he has not yet returned. He asks the narrator not to worry, as he is sure that Lan will soon return. He also tells the narrator that the talisman he gave him is not only for the purpose of protecting him from harm, but also to protect his soul from the "dissipation" that might result from Lan's departure