The Girl with a Thousand Faces

In the stifling heat of Kowloon Walled City, Mercy Chan, a middle-aged ghost talker, navigates the dense, ghost-infested alleys on a mission for her boss, Cobra Lily. Accompanied by her ghost cat, Bao, Mercy heads to a flat where an elderly woman's spirit refuses to leave. Upon arrival, she meets two young men, Rat Tattoo and Chungpo, who inform her that the ghost is the deceased grandmother of Chungpo, who died under suspicious circumstances. Mercy communicates with the ghost, uncovering that Chungpo had abandoned and stolen from his grandmother, leading to her death. Driven by a desire for justice, the ghost pursues and kills Chungpo, satisfying her vengeance.

A storm-churned ocean cradles a girl, unconscious and surrounded by the dead. With a worker’s build and a tiger charm bracelet, she suddenly awakens, driven by the instinct to survive. After a grueling swim, she reaches a deserted beach, where she vomits seawater and cries uncontrollably, overwhelmed by a sense of having committed a terrible act she cannot recall.

Exhausted and confused, the girl, who remembers her name as Chen Mei Chi, examines her injuries, including a lightning bolt scar and her name etched into her skin. She questions her identity and the events leading to her situation. Seeking shelter under an overturned boat, she experiences a vivid and terrifying dream involving a green-hued woman who calls her 'Sea Sister' and lunges at her, causing Mei Chi to fall into an endless void.

The next morning, Mei Chi, feeling more uncertain about her memories, decides to find food and water. She follows a trail to a small village, where she approaches a man fixing a fence. Despite her polite request for water, the man becomes hostile, accusing her of being a collaborator with the Japanese, who have occupied Hong Kong. When he shoves her, Mei Chi, overwhelmed by a violent urge, nearly drowns him in a rain barrel, shocking both herself and the villagers, who chase her away.

Still reeling from the intrusive thoughts that plague her, Mercy Chan seeks solace in a quieter part of Kowloon Walled City. The chilling refrain about drowning someone causes her physical pain and emotional distress, pushing her to isolate herself to avoid harming others. Bao, her ghost cat, provides chilling comfort as she tries to regain her composure in a secluded courtyard. Her moment of peace is interrupted when she encounters a young girl fetching water from a contaminated well. The girl, possessed by a ghost, delivers a cryptic message from a demon, further complicating Mercy's already troubled mind.

Still reeling from the day's horrors, Mercy Chan takes a rare moment to enjoy a luxurious bath, reflecting on her past and the stark contrast between her current life and her former days of poverty. The bath offers temporary relief, but her peace is shattered by an intrusive voice that brings up unsettling questions about her past, specifically mentioning an island and a demon. Mercy dismisses the voice as a peculiar occurrence, attributing it to the heightened activity of ghosts during Ghost Month.

After drying off and dressing, Mercy visits Cobra Lily's training room to report on her latest assignment. The conversation reveals Mercy's reluctance to engage in physical training, preferring her current lifestyle of comfort and ease. Cobra Lily, observing Mercy's distracted demeanor, inquires about a strange encounter Mercy had on her way home. Mercy hesitates, then describes a bizarre vision of vines and water, culminating in the appearance of a green-skinned woman she calls 'Sea Sister.'

Cobra Lily, genuinely concerned about Mercy's mental state, suggests seeking medical help if the visions persist beyond Ghost Month. Mercy agrees, though she remains skeptical about the need for intervention. The discussion shifts to a critical meeting regarding the potential demolition of Kowloon Walled City, a topic that deeply unsettles Mercy. Despite her reservations, she assures Cobra Lily that she is well enough to attend the meeting, understanding the importance of her presence.

Exhausted and dehydrated, Mei Chi stumbles through the woods after escaping the hostile villagers, eventually reaching a crossroads. Despite the warnings about the Japanese occupation, she decides to head towards Hong Kong. As she walks through the rural New Territories, she witnesses the aftermath of war, including numerous corpses and ashen-faced pedestrians, but manages to find some food in a bombed-out shop.

Inside the shop, Mei Chi meets an elderly woman named Poon Li Fan, who shares a kind and warm demeanor. Li Fan explains the current state of Hong Kong under Japanese occupation and suggests that Mei Chi go to Kowloon Walled City, a place where the Japanese do not enter. Just as they are about to leave, a bullet shatters the window, killing Li Fan instantly. Overwhelmed by the sudden violence, Mei Chi attacks a soldier and flees, running through the streets and alleys to escape further pursuit.

Guided by Li Fan’s directions, Mei Chi finally reaches Kowloon Walled City, a sunken mess of low-rise buildings and slums. The two pursuing soldiers decide not to follow her into the Walled City, allowing Mei Chi to find a temporary refuge. She leaps into the darkness, seeking safety and a chance to start anew in this notorious and chaotic place.

Mercy Chan and Cobra Lily navigate the bustling streets of Hong Kong, heading to a civic building for a crucial meeting about the potential demolition of Kowloon Walled City. Mercy feels overwhelmed by the open spaces and the ocean, which trigger painful memories of her arrival in Kowloon. Cobra Lily, driven by the urgency of the situation, explains the increasing pressure from the government due to the anti-ghost laws and the city's desire to attract Western investment.

Upon arriving at the Murray Building, they encounter Miss Tsang Kit Ling, a senior member of Hong Kong’s Executive Council. Kit Ling refuses to allow Cobra Lily and her enforcers to enter the building, citing security concerns related to dangerous spirits. The situation escalates when Kit Ling recognizes Mercy, showing a surprising and intense reaction to her scar. Mercy, feeling unnerved, denies any prior acquaintance, but Kit Ling persists, leading to a tense standoff.

Kit Ling eventually allows Cobra Lily and Mercy to enter her office, where she presents them with a binder of reports detailing multiple strangling victims in Kowloon. Kit Ling suggests that a demon is responsible and demands proof that the Snakeskins can handle the problem before considering an appeal against the demolition. Cobra Lily, humiliated and furious, leaves the meeting without a word, while Mercy is tasked with investigating the claims.

Back in the car, Cobra Lily confronts Mercy about her failure to notice the ghost problem and her potential connection to Kit Ling. Mercy defends herself, suggesting that Kit Ling might be involved in unleashing the ghost from the Murray Building. Despite the tension, Mercy proposes to investigate further and report back the next evening.

Mei Chi's first day in Kowloon Walled City is a harrowing experience. She faces attempted theft, assault, and encounters with malevolent ghosts. Despite her fear and lack of resources, she manages to fend off attackers and survive the night, thanks to the unexpected help of Bao, the ghost cat who protects her from the spirits. By morning, Mei Chi realizes that her ability to communicate with ghosts and Bao's protection could be valuable skills in the Walled City.

Determined to find a way to survive, Mei Chi approaches various residents for work, eventually being directed to Lau Yik, a key figure in the resistance against the Japanese occupation. Despite her ragged appearance and desperate state, she convinces Lau Yik to give her a test mission: delivering a message in Hakka at night. With Bao's help, she successfully completes the task, earning the trust and respect of the resistance fighters.

As Mei Chi integrates into the resistance, she learns more about the challenges they face, including the overwhelming power of the Japanese forces and their efforts to banish ghosts. The chapter concludes with a poignant reflection on the futility and sorrow of the resistance, as well as Mei Chi's determination to keep moving forward.

Mercy Chan navigates the narrow, incense-laden streets of Kowloon Walled City, seeking out Erika, a former ally known as Lau Yik. She finds Erika, now a woman in her sixties, living in a modest flat. Despite the surprise of Erika's gender transition, Mercy and Erika quickly reconnect, and Erika agrees to help Mercy with her investigation.

During their conversation, Erika reveals that the ghost Mercy is investigating may be a powerful spirit from the war era, known for its affinity with water and its role in the resistance against the Japanese. Erika also discloses that Tsang Kit Ling owns property in Kowloon, specifically the Birdcage, an opium-den brothel, which she uses to manipulate the demolition plans for financial gain. Determined to uncover the truth, Mercy decides to break into the Birdcage with Erika's help the next morning.

Erika convinces Mercy to stay the night, emphasizing the dangers of wandering Kowloon at night alone. They spend the evening drinking, playing card games, and visiting Erika's classroom, strengthening their bond and preparing for the next day's mission. Mercy, now with a clearer direction and a trusted companion, feels more confident about confronting the corruption and supernatural threats in Kowloon.

Exhausted from a night of running messages for the resistance, Mei Chi enters a street restaurant in the summer of 1945. There, she encounters three newly freed prisoners from a Japanese camp, including a woman named Daiyu, who mistakenly believes Mei Chi is her long-lost daughter. Despite the striking resemblance, Mei Chi is certain this woman is not her mother and tries to distance herself from the emotional scene. As the spiritual disturbance from the bombing of Hiroshima affects Mei Chi and the ghosts of Kowloon, she is approached by Cobra Lily, who recruits her to join her triad operations after the war.

Still reeling from the disturbing dream involving Sea Sister and Cobra Lily’s jacket, Mercy finds herself standing in the middle of Erika’s flat, unsure if she is truly awake. Jolted by noises outside, she and Erika prepare to defend themselves against intruders. When the door bursts open, they fight off two triad enforcers, killing them in the process. Erika’s quick thinking and connections help them dispose of the bodies discreetly, but the incident forces them to reconsider their next steps.

Erika suggests that Mercy leave Hong Kong to avoid further conflict, but Mercy refuses, citing her loyalty to the city and Bao. Erika insists on joining Mercy in her quest to uncover the truth, and they decide to investigate Miss Tsang Kit Ling’s property, the Birdcage. As they approach the Birdcage during a torrential rainstorm, Erika guides Mercy to a back entrance. Mercy, wary of the risks, insists that Erika wait outside while she breaks in through a warded window.

Inside the Birdcage, Mercy navigates through a fetid public bathroom and the main opium den, avoiding detection. She makes her way to Red Bird’s room, where she hides in an empty liquor cabinet just as Cobra Lily enters the corridor. The chapter ends with Mercy concealed, awaiting the next move.

Still hidden in the liquor cabinet, Mercy watches as Cobra Lily enters Red Bird’s room, only to leave moments later with a different woman. Confused and frustrated, Mercy decides to investigate the room herself, finding it empty except for a ghostly reflection of the woman who had just left. The ghost confirms she is dead and has been trapped in the basin for eight months, but cannot reveal her killer. Driven by curiosity and the need to find Cobra Lily, Mercy discovers a hidden passage leading to a secret chute that descends into the building’s lightwell.

Descending into the lightwell, Mercy finds herself in a tunnel system that seems to connect various parts of Kowloon. She explores a large, cavern-like room filled with water and machinery, discovering several bodies preserved on concrete slabs. Among them, she finds the body of the young water-fetcher girl and a young businessman, both with signs of ghostly tampering. Her worst fears are confirmed when she uncovers the body of Cobra Lily, suggesting that the ghost is capable of inhabiting multiple bodies.

Mercy is left grappling with the implications of this discovery, realizing that the ghost’s motives are far more complex and dangerous than she initially thought. The chapter ends with Mercy standing in the eerie, flooded room, surrounded by the dead, and facing the daunting task of unraveling the mystery of the ghost’s true intentions and the connection to Miss Tsang Kit Ling’s operations.

Still reeling from the discovery of the bodies in the tunnel, Mercy stands over Cobra Lily’s cold body, confirming her suspicions that the ghost has taken over her boss. She reflects on her complex relationship with Cobra Lily, a mix of respect and frustration, and realizes the gravity of the situation. The ghost’s ability to inhabit multiple bodies and its control over Kit Ling make it a formidable and unpredictable enemy. Mercy contemplates fleeing but feels a deep connection to Kowloon, unwilling to abandon the city to the ghost’s destruction.

Red Bird, now possessed by the ghost, appears and reveals itself as the Girl with a Thousand Faces. It boasts about its control over Kit Ling and its role in Cobra Lily’s death, explaining that it has been manipulating events to draw Mercy into a confrontation. The ghost taunts Mercy about her lost memories and claims that everything is connected to her past. Enraged and terrified, Mercy throws her dagger at the ghost, striking it in the neck. As she flees, the ghost sheds Red Bird’s body and pursues her through the tunnels.

Emerging onto the streets of Kowloon, Mercy finds herself cornered by triad enforcers. Despite her exhaustion, she fights to stay alive, calling for Bao’s help. The ghost cat arrives and carries her to safety, but they are eventually trapped at a dead end. In a shocking act of self-preservation, Bao abandons Mercy, leaving her to face the enforcers alone. Mercy, her laughter tinged with bitter irony, is overwhelmed by the swarm of triad members.

Still reeling from her confrontation with the Girl with a Thousand Faces, Mercy finds herself interrogated by a vanguard who accuses her of murdering the executive councilor. Despite her protests of innocence and attempts to explain the ghost’s involvement, she is beaten repeatedly. Mercy remains defiant, even provoking the vanguard to hit her harder, which he does, knocking her unconscious. When she regains consciousness, she is doused with ice water and continues to resist, demanding to be killed rather than endure further torture.

In her moments of despair, Mercy reflects on her past and the possibility that she may have committed wrongs in her forgotten youth. She tries to communicate with Sea Sister, a recurring apparition, hoping to uncover her lost memories. Sea Sister, however, only repeats Mercy’s words mockingly and fails to provide any meaningful answers. Just as Mercy despairs, the door opens, and the Girl with a Thousand Faces, possessing Cobra Lily’s body, enters the room.

The ghost reveals its plan to incite conflict between the police and the triads, using the Hungry Ghost Festival to free the spirits imprisoned in the Murray Building. It explains that it was betrayed by the city it fought to protect and holds a deep grudge against the residents of Kowloon and Hong Kong. Despite Mercy’s protests, the ghost orders a barrel of water to be brought in for her execution. The ghost expresses a bizarre sentiment of love towards Mercy before drowning her, causing her spirit to separate from her body.

In 1941, Daiyu and her daughter, Siu Yin, flee Hong Kong to escape the impending Japanese invasion. They board a small junk boat and sail to Shek Ham Chau, an abandoned island where Daiyu grew up. Despite the island’s reputation for being haunted, the village appears pristine and well-maintained, leading to speculation that the ghosts have been looking after it. The fisherman who ferries them is visibly uneasy and leaves quickly, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Upon arrival, Siu Yin is amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the island, while Daiyu remains emotionally distant and preoccupied. They settle into the house that belonged to Daiyu’s grandmother, which is surprisingly well-preserved. Inside, Siu Yin discovers a family photo that includes a young Daiyu and a mysterious, faceless sibling. The discovery of a sign pointing to a jiaoren shrine adds to the island’s mystique, and Daiyu explains the history of the cave and shrine, suggesting that it might have been built by mythical flood dragon people. The chapter ends with Siu Yin feeling a mix of curiosity and unease, as ghosts begin to gather outside the house, peering in through the windows.

Kwan Yam, the goddess of mercy and compassion, narrates the early life of Mercy, born in 1922. Mercy’s mother, Mami, finds it difficult to connect with her energetic and talkative daughter, a stark contrast to her own stern and pragmatic nature. Despite this, Mami begins to teach Mercy how to write fu talismans and wards, a skill that gradually bridges the gap between them, leading to occasional moments of connection.

As Mercy grows, she forms a unique bond with the ghosts around her, particularly a jian, a ghost of a ghost, which becomes her favorite companion. Mami’s teachings and their Friday evening walks to the docks mark a turning point in their relationship, offering rare opportunities for mutual understanding and shared experiences. During these walks, Mami shares ghost stories, including one about a girl who, after suffering a tragic loss, becomes a powerful and vengeful ghost. This story resonates deeply with Mercy, reflecting her own struggles and desires.

The chapter delves into the cultural and familial dynamics of their relationship, exploring themes of duty, responsibility, and the complex interplay between the living and the dead. Mami’s perspective on ghosts and the importance of listening to their messages, even if one is not directly responsible for their suffering, provides a nuanced view of the supernatural and its impact on human lives. The chapter concludes with a poignant reflection on the potential for healing and growth, had the circumstances of war and hardship been different.

Kwan Yam continues to recount Mercy’s backstory, delving into the life of her father, Ho Tung, known as Baba. A quiet and stoic man, Baba was a translator who often worked long hours, yet he always made time for thoughtful gestures and a gentle presence. He brought treats and small toys for Mercy, and his calm demeanor often helped diffuse Mami’s anger, though his own inner turmoil was evident. Baba’s past, marked by his service in a munitions factory during World War I, shaped his deep-seated desire for a peaceful life, leading him to marry Mami and settle in Hong Kong for better opportunities.

As the threat of war loomed in 1937, Baba’s concerns grew. He explained to Mercy the complexities of China’s struggles, emphasizing the enduring scars of war. Despite his initial belief in British protection, the rapid fall of Chinese cities to Japanese forces, culminating in the capture of Shanghai, shattered his optimism. Mami, increasingly anxious, pushed for the family to flee to her ancestral home on Shek Ham Chau, an island known for its ghosts but free from the war’s horrors.

The tension between Baba and Mami escalated as the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong became imminent. On the night of December 7, 1941, after the attack on Pearl Harbor and Hong Kong’s airbase, Baba wrote a note instructing Mercy and Mami to leave the city for Shek Ham Chau. He promised to join them after settling their affairs and securing a boat. The next morning, Mami, devastated by Baba’s departure, and Mercy, feeling overwhelmed, prepared to follow his directive, knowing the dangers of staying in Hong Kong.

Four days after their arrival on Shek Ham Chau, Mercy and Mami await Baba’s return, their hopes tempered by the ongoing war and the fall of Hong Kong to Japanese forces. As they explore the island, Mami shares its history, detailing the decline of the salt industry and the current state of abandonment, now maintained by the ghosts who inhabit it. The salt fields and the remnants of the village serve as a backdrop for their discussions on survival and the challenges of sustaining themselves in such a remote place.

Mami’s demeanor grows increasingly tense as she contemplates the possibility of a prolonged stay, driven by the uncertainty of Baba’s return and the dangers of the occupied city. Mercy, though hopeful, begins to grasp the gravity of their situation. The emotional strain between them is palpable, especially when Mami starts communicating with the ghosts from a past typhoon, including family members and former villagers. Mercy, feeling uneasy, writes fu talismans to protect their home, but this action only heightens the tension between them, highlighting their differing views on the supernatural.

As the days pass, the routine of survival sets in, and the absence of Baba weighs heavily on both of them. Mercy finds solace in the island’s natural beauty and the physical labor of preparing the land, while Mami retreats into her own thoughts. The chapter concludes with the ominous arrival of a new typhoon, foreshadowing further challenges and the fragility of their newfound stability.

The first day of March brings a rare and early typhoon to Shek Ham Chau, leaving Mami visibly distressed. The storm is intense, and Mami, haunted by a traumatic childhood experience, huddles under the bed, pulling Mercy along for comfort. Despite the storm's brevity, the damage is significant, with the village largely destroyed, mirroring Mami’s childhood trauma. Driven by a desperate need to revisit the past, Mami insists on inspecting the village, leading them to a collapsed Catholic church where ghosts reenact their tragic drowning. Overwhelmed by the haunting memories, Mami breaks down, apologizing to the ghosts and fleeing with Mercy.

Still reeling from the typhoon that devastated Shek Ham Chau, Mercy wakes on New Year’s Day to find the house teeming with ghosts, invited in by Mami. Shocked and angry, Mercy confronts Mami, who reveals that she has spoken to the spirits and feels a duty to honor them, believing she owes her life to them after surviving the typhoon that claimed most of her family. Mami’s admission of feeling cursed and unworthy of life deeply affects Mercy, but Mami’s subsequent outburst and rejection of Mercy’s concern fuel Mercy’s frustration and anger.

Overwhelmed and unable to connect with Mami, Mercy flees to the beach, seeking solace in the natural beauty of the island. Initially finding joy and freedom in the water, she decides to swim. However, the current proves treacherous, and Mercy finds herself caught in a riptide, struggling to swim back to shore. Exhausted and terrified, she is dragged farther out to sea, fearing for her life.

Just as Mercy is about to drown, a mysterious figure with long, dark hair and cold, reed-thin fingers rescues her, pulling her to the surface. Though still far from the shore and in danger, Mercy is momentarily relieved. Her relief is short-lived, however, as the rescuer disappears, and the risk of sharks looms large due to her bleeding leg. The chapter ends with Mercy treading water, desperately hoping for further help.

Exhausted and bleeding, Mercy is rescued by a jiaoren, a mythical flood dragon person, with pale jade skin, white eyes, and elongated limbs. Despite her monstrous appearance, Mercy is captivated by the jiaoren's beauty and the sense of destiny surrounding the encounter. The jiaoren pulls Mercy from the riptide and deposits her safely on the shore before vanishing into the night. Shaken but alive, Mercy makes her way back to the house, where the atmosphere has transformed. Mami is now deeply engaged with the ghosts, who are more active and even playful, creating an eerie yet captivating scene. Music and dancing fill the air, a stark contrast to the tension that had gripped the household earlier.

When Mami notices Mercy, her demeanor shifts to one of cautious reserve. The dinner is tense, with both women avoiding the topics of their respective strange encounters. Mami voices her concerns about Baba's absence and the challenges of their new life on the island, but Mercy remains guarded, her mind preoccupied with the jiaoren. Later, as Mercy prepares for bed, Mami tentatively asks if she saw anything unusual at the shore. Sensing a rare opportunity to maintain control, Mercy deftly deflects the question, leaving the conversation unresolved and filled with unspoken tensions.

In the middle of the night, Mercy is jolted awake by a vivid and disturbing dream. She finds herself transported to a time thirty-three years ago, experiencing the life of Siu Yin, who is accused of being a cursed child by the superstitious villagers. Alongside her grandmother, Ahpo, and her sister, Daiyu, Siu Yin flees from the angry mob, seeking refuge at the Jiaoren Cavern to pray for protection. However, the ground beneath them collapses, and Siu Yin and Ahpo fall into the cavern, while Daiyu manages to escape.

Mercy wakes up in a cold sweat, disoriented and confused. Mami, who has been watching over her, reassures her that it was just a dream. When Mercy mentions that she dreamed about Mami’s sister, Mami reveals that the folktale she once told Mercy is based on her sister’s real-life experiences. This revelation deepens Mercy’s understanding of Mami’s past and the trauma she has endured. Despite the emotional weight of the dream, Mercy and Mami continue their daily routines, though their relationship remains strained.

Mercy seeks comfort in her growing bond with the jiaoren, whom she affectionately calls Sea Sister. They spend afternoons swimming and exploring the ocean together, with Sea Sister showing Mercy the wonders of the underwater world. Mercy confides in Sea Sister about her life in the city, her struggles with Mami, and the war that has ravaged China. Sea Sister listens intently, and their bond grows stronger. However, communication is challenging, and Mercy decides to bring glass bottles to preserve photographs and clippings for Sea Sister, hoping to make her happier.

The chapter highlights the contrast between Mercy’s growing connection with Sea Sister and her increasingly distant relationship with Mami, who spends her time with the ghosts. Mercy’s dream and her interactions with Sea Sister provide deeper insights into the themes of isolation, trauma, and the search for belonging.

Still reeling from the vivid and disturbing dream, Mercy visits the house to find Mami dressed in her fancy qipao, singing to the ghosts, who are more active and bold. Mami warns Mercy not to go into the water, but Mercy lies about needing a bottle for water storage and heads to the beach. On the beach, Mercy prepares a gift for Sea Sister, a jiaoren, using a bottle, newspaper clippings, and a photograph of her and Mami. She presents the gift to Sea Sister, who, moved by the gesture, reveals that she can grant Mercy’s wish to become like her.

Sea Sister takes Mercy on a deep dive through an underwater tunnel, leading her to the Jiaoren Cavern, a hidden temple dedicated to Kwun Yam. Inside the temple, Mercy sees a statue of Kwun Yam, which is both androgynous and serene, surrounded by eroded carvings depicting Kwun Yam’s descent into the underwater world. Mercy discovers the preserved remains of a girl, which she recognizes as Mami’s sister from her dream. The temple’s divine presence sharpens Mercy’s senses, revealing Sea Sister’s true form: a decayed, corpse-like entity. Sea Sister pleads with Mercy not to run, but Mercy demands the truth about Sea Sister’s identity.

Sea Sister, now revealed as a malevolent being, presses her forehead to Mercy’s, preparing to show her the truth. The chapter ends with a sense of impending revelation and danger, as Mercy braces herself for what she might learn about Sea Sister and the island’s dark history.

Disoriented and injured, Mercy awakens in a dark, flooded cavern. She realizes she is lying atop her deceased grandmother, Ahpo, whose body is horrifically mangled. Daiyu, her sister, appears above, terrified and unable to help. Despite her injuries, Mercy tries to move, but her legs are paralyzed. The tide is rising, and the villagers, including Daiyu, refuse to help, leaving Mercy to face certain death. In a last desperate act, Mercy crawls into the temple and writes her name in blood on the statue of Kwun Yam, cursing the villagers and pleading to return as a ghost.

As the dream fades, Mercy finds herself back in the present, face-to-face with Sea Sister, who is revealed to be a shuigui, a water ghost. Sea Sister, the same girl from Mercy's dream, confesses to summoning storms and killing the village. She has brought Mercy to the Jiaoren Cavern to die, hoping to have a companion in her watery grave. Mercy, realizing the danger, pleads to be released, but Sea Sister, enraged by the rejection, attacks. However, she cannot enter the temple, and a glowing statue of Kwun Yam urges Mercy to flee before it is too late.

Exhausted and terrified, Mercy forces herself to run out of the cavern. The sky darkens, and a storm brews, fueled by Sea Sister's rage. Driven by a mix of fear and determination to survive and protect her mother, Mercy races against time, understanding that she must warn Mami and leave the island immediately to avoid the same fate as the villagers.

Still reeling from her encounter with Sea Sister in the Jiaoren Cavern, Mercy returns to the house, where she finds Mami in a trance-like state, surrounded by a ghostly gathering. Overcome with guilt and anger, Mercy confronts Mami about her neglect and the truth behind the village’s abandonment of Sea Sister. Mami, defensive and distraught, reveals that Mercy’s father, Baba, committed suicide, and that she had fabricated his farewell note to shield Mercy from the harsh reality. Shocked and devastated, Mercy reads the original note, understanding the depth of her father’s despair and Mami’s burden of guilt.

With the storm approaching, Mercy and Mami must leave the island. Mami appeals to the ghosts for help, and they assist by bringing a boat to the eastern shore. As they prepare to depart, the storm intensifies, and Sea Sister’s presence is felt through her eerie screams. During their attempt to board the boat, a lightning strike throws Mercy into the water, severely injuring her. Mami, overwhelmed by fear, rows away, abandoning Mercy to the mercy of the storm and Sea Sister.

Sea Sister, emerging from the depths, rescues Mercy but with sinister intentions. She reveals her love for Mercy, twisted by the pain of abandonment, and decides to keep Mercy with her in the underwater realm. Mercy, accepting her fate, is pulled down into the depths, her spirit eventually released by death. The chapter ends with a poignant reflection on the weight of secrets and the unbreakable bonds of family, even in their most tragic forms.

Still reeling from the lightning strike and her mother's abandonment, Mercy awakens in the ocean depths, her perception of time distorted. She experiences a prolonged drowning and a dark, timeless void before realizing she is a shuigui, a water ghost, with skeletal, translucent hands. Driven by a deep-seated rage against those who wronged her, she vows to find Sea Sister, who promised to keep her close.

Navigating the underwater tunnel to the Jiaoren Cavern, Mercy enters the temple and encounters Kwun Yam, the deity who reveals the complex nature of water ghosts and the cycle of possession and rebirth. Kwun Yam explains that Sea Sister, driven by loneliness and pain, attempted to possess Mercy's body after drowning her. A Japanese patrol boat found Sea Sister in Mercy's body and rescued her, though she was critically injured. Kwun Yam warns Mercy that Sea Sister may forget her past if she remains in Mercy's body, making it unlikely that she will remember her actions.

Despite the risks, Mercy is determined to seek justice and vows to track down Sea Sister, even if it means becoming a wandering, vengeful spirit. Ignoring Kwun Yam's warnings about the dangers of her path, she resolves to break the cycle of pain and find her own strength and freedom, even if it means embracing violence and becoming a different kind of ghost. The chapter ends with Mercy plunging back into the ocean, driven by her quest for vengeance and truth.

In a grim, makeshift medical room on a Japanese military ship, Mei Chi awakens to find herself in the body of her niece, Siu Yin. Her mind struggles to reconcile her human form with her memories as a water ghost. The physical sensations of being alive are both a relief and a torment, as she grapples with the guilt of her actions and the responsibility to return to the island and to Siu Yin. Learning from a fellow patient that they are being transported to a prison camp or brothel, Mei Chi resolves to escape the ship and find her way back to the island.

Thirty-three years after her death, Mercy, now a water ghost, experiences the liberating yet painful nature of her new existence. She swims swiftly through the emerald waters, feeling more grounded and aware than ever before. However, the constant suffocation in her chest and the rapid deterioration of her body when exposed to air remind her of her limitations. Determined to explore her new abilities, she ventures to a remote beach in Sai Kung, where she encounters a group of Japanese soldiers and a prisoner. Mercy kills a Japanese soldier and possesses his body, then kills another soldier and possesses the sergeant's body. During her exploration, she meets Chiu Wing Yun, a member of the East River Column resistance network, and forms an alliance with him.

On the night of August 6, 1945, Mercy, now a powerful water ghost, orchestrates a devastating attack on a Japanese military ship. Disguised as a Japanese soldier named Gorō, she lures another soldier, Tōshirō, to his death, causing the ship to run aground and explode, leading to widespread chaos and numerous casualties. Mercy uses the confusion to further her sabotage, ensuring the ship's destruction and the deaths of many Japanese soldiers.

Returning to the resistance camp in Sai Kung, Mercy is recognized as the 'Thousand-Faced Girl' due to her ability to possess multiple bodies. She reports her success to her trusted ally, Chiu Wing Yun, and they discuss their next move. However, a sudden, overwhelming spiritual disturbance interrupts their conversation, signaling the detonation of an atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Mercy, deeply affected by the sheer scale of destruction and the release of countless souls, is visibly shaken and weeps, finding comfort in Wing Yun's supportive gesture.

The chapter delves into the broader context of ghosts in warfare, noting that for every thousand soldiers killed, at least one returns as a vengeful spirit. Mercy reflects on her own journey as a ghost, driven by a series of injustices and betrayals, including her mother's lies, Mami's abandonment, and Mei Chi's betrayal. Her actions during the war are a blend of personal vengeance and a broader fight against the Japanese occupation.

Still reeling from the aftermath of her successful sabotage and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Mercy, now known as the Thousand-Faced Girl, faces a new challenge. The British government, intolerant of ghosts, has declared her an outcast. Despite her significant contributions to the resistance, she is forced to hide in the forest, possessing the bodies of Japanese POWs to survive. The atmosphere is tense as she contemplates her future, feeling bitter and hopeless about the lack of recognition for her sacrifices.

One morning, Chiu Wing Yun visits Mercy, warning her about the British exorcists who are rounding up ghosts. Despite her initial reluctance, Mercy allows Wing Yun to share a brief, intimate moment, transferring her memories and the faces of the women she seeks—her mother, Daiyu, and her aunt, Chen Mei Chi. Wing Yun promises to help her find them, offering a glimmer of hope. However, their meeting is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of government exorcists, who have tracked Mercy down.

Weakened and dehydrated, Mercy is caught in a trap set by the exorcists, who use a combination of holy water, salt, and talismans to immobilize her. Despite her desperate attempts to escape, the exorcists manage to force her spirit from the stolen body and bind her in a bottle gourd. The chapter ends with Mercy’s spirit trapped, her resolve to seek revenge burning stronger than ever.

Still reeling from her capture by the British exorcists, Mercy, now known as the Girl with a Thousand Faces, finds herself in a small, salt-ringed cell. A young councilwoman, Miss Tsang Kit Ling, frees her partially to propose a deal: either return to the bottle or cause chaos in Kowloon Walled City to justify its demolition, which will benefit Kit Ling financially. Despite her deep-seated distrust, Mercy sees this as her only path to freedom and reluctantly agrees.

Kit Ling binds Mercy into a new bottle and releases her in a property within the Walled City. Upon regaining her ghostly form, Mercy, realizing Kit Ling's true intentions, decides to take matters into her own hands. She brutally murders Kit Ling and possesses her body, gaining access to her wealth and connections. With her new identity, Mercy is poised to exact her vengeance on those who wronged her, starting with Kowloon Walled City.

Reflecting on her past and the injustices she has endured, Mercy manipulates the water-ghost curse to prevent Kit Ling's spirit from returning, ensuring her death is final. Standing in front of the mirror, Mercy smiles, acknowledging the irony of Kit Ling unknowingly setting her free and providing the means for her revenge.

One year after her release, Mercy, now known as the Girl with a Thousand Faces, navigates the drastically changed Hong Kong of 1974. The city, once a colonial settlement with traditional architecture, has transformed into a modern metropolis of towering concrete buildings and bustling traffic. Adjusting to this new environment and Kit Ling’s life is challenging, but Mercy establishes a routine to maintain control over Kit Ling’s body and prevent her consciousness from being submerged.

Mercy reaches out to Chiu Wing Yun, her old ally, after settling into her new life. They meet at the Peninsula Hotel, a place she could never afford in her past. Wing Yun, now an older man, expresses his gratitude for her survival and acknowledges the dark path she has taken. Mercy explains her reasons for possessing Kit Ling’s body and her plans for revenge, which Wing Yun accepts without judgment, though he advises her to consider a different path.

Despite Wing Yun’s counsel, Mercy remains resolute in her desire for vengeance, fueled by a deep-seated need to make those who wronged her face the consequences of their actions. Wing Yun reveals that he has found Mercy’s mother, who is living in a government-run old folks’ home. Overwhelmed by the news, Mercy insists on visiting her mother immediately, abandoning the afternoon tea they ordered.

Still grappling with the changes in her new life, Mercy, now known as the Girl with a Thousand Faces, visits her mother, Sung Daiyu, at the Joyous Residential Home. The home is a stark, depressing place filled with the sounds of mahjong and the smell of tobacco and bleach. Daiyu, frail and unrecognizable, lies in a small, poorly furnished room. She has been ill for a long time and is nearing the end of her life. Mercy, using Tsang Kit Ling’s body, introduces herself as a friend of Daiyu’s daughter, hoping to gain her trust. Daiyu, in her confusion, speaks of seeing her daughter both dead and alive, but her words are jumbled and unclear. Mercy’s hopes for answers are dashed when Daiyu dies in her arms, leaving her with no closure or meaningful conversation.

Still reeling from the loss of her mother, Daiyu, Mercy, now known as the Girl with a Thousand Faces, returns to Kowloon Walled City with a renewed sense of purpose. Determined to find Mei Chi and orchestrate her broader vengeance, she immerses herself in the city's intricate ecosystem of survival, imagining it as a vast underwater world. During a visit to the central courtyard, she witnesses a dramatic exorcism involving a ghost and a medium, the latter of whom bears Mercy's face, complete with her distinctive lightning scar and tiger charm bracelet.

Realizing that the medium is actually Mei Chi, now known as Mercy Chan, Mercy is overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. She learns that Mei Chi works under the Cobra Lily triad and is a respected exorcist in Kowloon. After a moment of intense emotional turmoil, Mercy returns to Kit Ling’s flat, where she meticulously plans a multifaceted strategy to wreak havoc on Kowloon and Hong Kong. Her plan involves orchestrating a high-profile murder, setting a trap for the police, freeing captured ghosts, and ultimately confronting Mei Chi.

Mercy’s plan is detailed and methodical, leveraging Kit Ling’s resources and connections. She aims to punish Kowloon, free the spirits, and make Mei Chi understand the pain she has caused. The chapter ends with Mercy’s dark grin, anticipating the fun and destruction to come.

Two days before the main events of the chapter, the Girl with a Thousand Faces, now known as Mercy, continues her meticulous planning and execution of her revenge. Using Kit Ling’s identity, she delves into her day job, pursuing the demolition paperwork for Kowloon Walled City while secretly researching Mercy Chan. By night, she targets the worst criminals in Kowloon, taking lives and storing bodies in a specially adapted room connected to the city’s waterways. This setup allows her to maintain multiple identities and prepare for her ultimate confrontation with Mei Chi, now known as Mercy Chan.

During a tense meeting with the triad queen and her second-in-command, Mercy’s composure falters when she sees her own face and scar on Mercy Chan. Despite her emotional turmoil, she maintains her cover and subtly challenges Mercy Chan’s claims about the triad’s role in Kowloon. After the meeting, Mercy infiltrates the triad queen’s flat, kills her and her enforcer, and sets a trap for the police. She then orchestrates the capture of Mercy Chan, submerging her in a water barrel and trapping her spirit, a cruel echo of her own past confinement.

Despite achieving her immediate goal, Mercy feels a profound emptiness and lack of fulfillment. She reflects on the nature of her vengeance and wonders if it was ever truly about revenge. Determined to continue her plans, she prepares to cause chaos in Kowloon and free captured ghosts, hoping that these actions will finally bring her the peace and closure she seeks.

Panic surges through Mercy Chan as she awakens underwater, confined in a rusty metal barrel. Struggling desperately, she finally breaks free, gasping for air in a small, dank room barely lit by a grate in the ceiling. Her body is emaciated and ghostly, and she realizes with horror that her physical form remains dead in the barrel. The realization that she is now a spirit, separated from her body, hits her with overwhelming force.

Mercy, now a ghost, emerges from the dark, cluttered basement of the triad building, dragging her emaciated, lifeless body. The storm outside rages as she recognizes the courtyard where Erika is surrounded by hostile triad members. Driven by a mix of anger and a protective instinct, Mercy confronts the triad men, using her ghostly powers to incapacitate them without causing fatal harm.

Once the triad members flee, Mercy reveals her true ghostly form to Erika, explaining her transformation and sharing her memories. Initially shocked, Erika gradually accepts Mercy’s explanation and offers her support. Reflecting on her actions and the consequences, Mercy realizes that her approach to resolving the conflict with Siu Yin must change. She acknowledges that further harm to Siu Yin is not the answer and decides to seek a more peaceful resolution.

Mercy asks Erika to help by retrieving crucial documents from Red Bird’s establishment to halt the demolition process and buy time for the district. She also requests Bao, her ghost cat, to protect Erika, aware that Bao will be in danger if Siu Yin encounters him. Erika agrees to assist, and they part ways, with Erika heading to retrieve the documents and Bao accompanying her. Mercy, holding Siu Yin’s body close, prepares to confront Siu Yin, uncertain whether her actions are a promise of peace or a veiled threat.

Siu Yin, now known as Sung Siu Yin, infiltrates the secure supernatural lockup in the Murray Building where she was once imprisoned. With trembling fingers, she inputs the codes and enters the facility, finding numerous bottle gourds that once held spirits. She uses a luopan to detect the active spirits and begins smashing the empty ones, feeling a pang of pity for the spirits that withered away. She collects the filled gourds and transports them to the roof, preparing to free the spirits and unleash chaos across Hong Kong.

Mercy Chan, still a ghost, unexpectedly appears, leaping over the railing. Her beauty and ferocity momentarily stun Siu Yin. Mercy Chan holds Siu Yin’s body and reveals that she remembers everything, including her past actions and the pain she caused. Siu Yin is initially angry but admits to a grudging admiration for Mercy Chan’s escape. The two engage in a heated conversation about revenge, pain, and the futility of their actions. Mercy Chan argues that unleashing the spirits will not bring peace, while Siu Yin insists that justice requires destruction.

The tension escalates into a physical confrontation. Siu Yin, a skilled fighter, attacks Mercy Chan with Cobra Lily’s sword, but Mercy Chan’s ghostly agility allows her to evade the attacks. Mercy Chan’s strategy is to avoid direct combat, which confounds Siu Yin. As the storm intensifies, Mercy Chan reveals her full ghostly form and asserts her dominance over the tempest. She grabs Siu Yin’s wrist and, with a deep, cold voice, declares that the storm is hers. The building is struck by a powerful lightning bolt, and Siu Yin’s body is obliterated by the energy.

Siu Yin, now in ghost form, emerges from the remains of her physical body, gasping for air. The storm has subsided, leaving a gentle drizzle in its wake. Mercy, also a ghost, retrieves Siu Yin’s discarded physical body and engages in a profound conversation, urging her to control her ghostly anger and consider a different path. Mercy reveals her desire for forgiveness and reconciliation, despite the deep-seated hatred and trauma between them.

Initially resistant and bitter, Siu Yin is taken aback by Mercy’s sincerity and the depth of her own pain and exhaustion. Mercy explains that continuing the cycle of revenge will only lead to more suffering and suggests visiting Shek Ham Chau, the place where Siu Yin’s journey began, to seek guidance from a goddess. Mercy’s proposal to find a middle ground and help the trapped spirits resonates with Siu Yin, who is weary of the endless cycle of violence and destruction.

Despite her reservations, Siu Yin is moved by Mercy’s genuine remorse and the possibility of a different future. The two ghosts, both physically and emotionally drained, face the dawn together. Mercy extends her hand, and after a moment of hesitation, Siu Yin accepts, agreeing to accompany her to Shek Ham Chau. The chapter ends with a sense of tentative hope, as the two prepare to confront their past and seek a path toward healing.

Siu Yin, still reeling from the intense confrontation on the roof of the Murray Building, travels with Mercy to Shek Ham Chau, the site of her origins, to seek guidance from the goddess Kwun Yam. The journey is a symbolic return to the past, as they leave behind the modern city and its conflicts, diving into the sea to reach the island. The island is shrouded in a misty, serene atmosphere, and the villagers, now ghosts, gather on the shore, creating a tense and eerie welcome for the visitors.

Upon reaching the island, Mercy and Siu Yin visit a hidden cave temple, where Kwun Yam appears in a divine form, acknowledging their presence and the weight of their past actions. Mercy, now fully aware of her ghostly state, expresses her willingness to set free the ghosts of the island and make amends for her past deeds. Kwun Yam, while explaining the limitations of her powers, agrees to help, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and the difficult journey ahead.

Siu Yin, after a moment of reflection, steps back into her own body, feeling the raw sensations of life and the weight of her past. The goddess then asks Mercy to forgive the villagers of Shek Ham Chau, and Mercy, despite her lingering resentment, agrees to do so. Kwun Yam uses her power to destroy the temple and cleanse the island, freeing the ghosts and allowing the land to heal. The transformation is dramatic, with greenery and flowers overtaking the ruins, symbolizing renewal and peace.

With the island at rest, Kwun Yam guides Siu Yin and Mercy to the final step of their journey: burying Mercy’s bones. Siu Yin, now more human than ghost, reflects on the complexities of forgiveness and the unknown future that awaits her. She acknowledges her anger and hurt but commits to trying to forgive, understanding that this is the only way to achieve peace. The chapter ends with Siu Yin, Mercy, and Kwun Yam preparing to bury the bones, marking a symbolic death and rebirth.

Four days after the events at Shek Ham Chau, Siu Yin lies motionless on a tranquil beach, the serene beauty of nature surrounding her. Her bruises, a testament to recent battles, are beginning to fade. Disoriented and struggling to recall her identity and the events leading to her current state, she hears a distant, haunting melody that sends chills through her body. Rising slowly, she notices unfamiliar clothing and a makeshift shrine nearby, which she does not remember building. The landscape is a mix of reclaimed nature and remnants of human habitation, hinting at a deeper, forgotten past. As she explores, she finds an old glass bottle containing a black-and-white photograph of a young girl with her mother and a note about friendship. The image and words spark a vague, comforting familiarity within her. The melody echoes again, and she calls out, receiving a response from someone swimming in the distance. The moment feels like a tender invitation to reconciliation and forgiveness. She steps into the glittering ocean, letting the currents guide her, symbolizing a new beginning and the hope for peace after prolonged conflict.