The chapter opens with a soliloquy in which the protagonist laments the fact that his family has been destroyed. He blames himself for his family's misfortune. He tells the reader that he has sold drugs to bring his family down, and has even led his son to a "wrong path" . The protagonist then goes on to say that he is not going to the trial because he does not want to be a burden to his family. He says that the title of "hell messenger at last" has been secured, and that the family deserves to be punished. He also tells the protagonist that the Buddhist monk has entered a new assessment round, and the family is poor. The Buddhist monk is waiting for the protagonist at the bookseller's store. He has found the Japanese priest, who is worried about the protagonist's safety. He then tells the story of a blizzard and tornado that has struck the city of Yancheng. The whole city is under attack, and many people are dead. The chapter ends with the protagonist saying that he seldom feels any kindness from his ex-boss and his present-day son.