Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Xi Qi marketplace is filled with people, and a sinister magic array is being activated, drawing yin qi and transforming Plague Messengers.
• Yang He, disguised as a slug, is present, cultivating the Nine Refinements Gu Worm Method.
• Chen Geng, a Plague Array cultivator, arrives with Zhou Ji, another Plague Messenger. They plan to refine more Plague Messengers and accelerate the array's sacrifice of mortals.
• Yang He reveals his true form, a dragon, and uses his pupil ghosts to consume the other Plague Messengers, drawing Chen Geng's attention.
• Zhou Ji attacks Yang He, but Yang He counterattacks and devours Zhou Ji's flesh and blood, causing him to beg for mercy.
• Chen Geng offers Yang He a deal: become his disciple and help refine a magic treasure, or die. Meanwhile, Lu Yue appears, revealing that Yang He is his disciple.

Character Developments

• Yang He: Yang He's true form is a dragon, and he cultivates the Nine Refinements Gu Worm Method. He is cunning and strategic, using the other Plague Messengers to increase his strength and drawing Chen Geng's attention.
• Chen Geng: Chen Geng is a powerful Plague Array cultivator who values strength and power. He is willing to make deals and use others for his gain.
• Zhou Ji: Zhou Ji is a Plague Messenger who is greedy and cowardly. He begs for mercy when faced with death and reveals information about Chen Geng.
• Lu Yue: Lu Yue is a mysterious figure who appears at the end of the chapter. He reveals that Yang He is his disciple, causing Chen Geng to kneel in fear.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its corrupting influence is evident in Chen Geng's actions and desire for a strong disciple.
• The theme of deception and disguise is shown through Yang He's disguise as a slug and his hidden strength.
• The theme of loyalty and betrayal is hinted at with Zhou Ji's betrayal of Chen Geng and Chen Geng's willingness to use others for his gain.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Chen Geng: Yang He and Chen Geng have a tense interaction, with Chen Geng offering Yang He a deal and Yang He considering it before Lu Yue's arrival.
• Yang He and Zhou Ji: Yang He and Zhou Ji have a hostile interaction, with Yang He devouring Zhou Ji's flesh and blood and causing him to beg for mercy.
• Chen Geng and Zhou Ji: Chen Geng and Zhou Ji have a master-disciple relationship, but Chen Geng is willing to sacrifice Zhou Ji for his gain.
• Lu Yue and Chen Geng: Lu Yue and Chen Geng have a senior-junior brother relationship, but Lu Yue's appearance causes Chen Geng to kneel in fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Yue, possessing Jiang Ziya's consciousness, arrives in Xi Qi.
• Chen Geng, a Plague Messenger, is severely injured and flees.
• Yang He meets Lu Yue, who offers to personally guide his cultivation.
• Another Plague Messenger approaches Yang He, but he evades it.
• Yang He meets Ming Shan and they head to the Chan Sect's encampment.
• Yang He finds Nezha severely injured and uses alchemy to help him.

Character Developments

• Lu Yue's consciousness is a mix of his own and Jiang Ziya's, making him act erratically.
• Yang He maintains his disguise as Temple Priest Yang, trying to keep his true identity secret.
• Nezha is severely injured and near death from Lu Yue's plague poison.

Significant Themes

• The theme of duality and shared consciousness is explored through Lu Yue's character.
• The power dynamics within the Chan Sect are shown, with Yang He's status being higher than other Plague Messengers.
• The importance of alchemy and resources is highlighted as Yang He tries to help Nezha.

Character Interactions

• Yang He interacts with Lu Yue, Chen Geng, and the other Plague Messenger, showcasing his cunning and adaptability.
• Yang He meets Ming Shan, showing him the Kunlun Mountain pháp ấn to gain his trust.
• Yang He interacts with the Chan Sect cultivators, offering to help Nezha and advising them to relocate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nezha is severely injured and trapped in a three-legged cauldron, with Yang He guarding him.
• Lu Yue, through a child's head, attempts to guide Yang He in cultivating the Nine Refinements Gu Worm Method, but Yang He resists and completes his Numinous Palace's gestation chamber.
• Human-headed spiders attack Yang He, which he defeats with his poisonous hand, and the Black Cat absorbs the remaining spiders.

Character Developments

• Nezha: Despite his severe injuries, Nezha remains calm and accepts his fate, expressing his wish for Yang He to escape Xi Qi if necessary.
• Yang He: Yang He's cultivation advances significantly as he completes his Numinous Palace's gestation chamber, and his ghost body develops a third arm, the Poison Hand. He also gains a better understanding of Lu Yue's intentions.
• Lu Yue: Lu Yue is revealed to be guiding Yang He's cultivation, possibly with the intention of creating an external incarnation of himself.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and advancement: Yang He's cultivation progresses significantly, highlighting the theme of growth and development in cultivation.
• The theme of guidance and mentorship is explored through Lu Yue's attempt to guide Yang He's cultivation.
• The theme of identity and self-awareness is touched upon as Yang He resists Lu Yue's influence and maintains his own identity.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Nezha: Yang He continues to care for Nezha, expressing his willingness to help him escape if necessary.
• Yang He and Lu Yue: Lu Yue attempts to guide Yang He's cultivation, but Yang He resists and completes his Numinous Palace's gestation chamber independently.
• Yang He and Mingshan: Mingshan and his disciple witness Yang He's interaction with Lu Yue's child's head, leading them to believe Yang He has gone mad.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang He becomes Lu Yue's external Dharma Body, considering replacing Lu Yue.
• The Plague Array begins, transforming Xi Qi's populace into soulless beings with extra souls.
• Yang He decides to leave Xi Qi, instructing Ming Shan and Qing Song to do the same.
• Nezha's recovery accelerates, and Yang He's divine sense strength increases.
• Lu Yue's gifts arrive in the form of worm ghosts, which the Poison Dragon absorbs.

Character Developments

• Yang He: Becomes more determined and ambitious, clarifying his Dao Heart to avoid being harvested by Lu Yue.
• Lu Yue: Not physically present but influences events, sending gifts to Yang He.
• Nezha: Recovers from his injuries, transforming into an infant and growing stronger.
• Ming Shan and Qing Song: Leave Xi Qi following Yang He's instructions.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence within the Plague Array.
• The consequences of cultivating in the Main World and facing ghost gods.
• The interconnectedness of Lore Worlds and their influence on each other.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Lu Yue: An ambiguous master-disciple relationship, with Yang He considering replacing Lu Yue.
• Yang He and Ming Shan/Qing Song: Yang He gives them instructions and helps them leave Xi Qi.
• Yang He and Nezha: Nezha's recovery benefits Yang He, and they work together to expel the plague toxin.
• Yang He and Nanjing Fei: A brief interaction where Nanjing Fei delivers a message from Chen Geng.

Summary of "Everything Is Going According to Plan"

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Plague Array transforms millions of mortals into immortals, causing concern for Yang He and Nezha.
• Nezha and Yang He reunite, and Nezha reveals that the Destiny of Great Shang is nearing its end.
• A Chan Sect immortal, Jiazi Grand Commander, breaks through the Plague Array using the Five Fire Seven Bird Fan.
• Yang He's consciousness becomes blurred, and he is lured out of Xi Qi by Plague Messengers.
• Yang He's head is swallowed by his black cat, and his Corpse Dragon body emerges, defeating Nan Lingfei.
• Yang He's head is reattached, and he regains consciousness. He meets Yang Jian, a disciple of True Lord Yu Ding.

Character Developments

• Yang He's divine sense approaches perfection but is also more thoroughly transformed into an external Dharma Body.
• Nezha's injuries from the karmic fire have healed, and he is close to becoming immortal.
• Nan Lingfei is killed by Yang He's Corpse Dragon body.
• Yang Jian, a disciple of True Lord Yu Ding, saves Yang He and introduces himself.

Significant Themes

• The transformation of mortals into immortals due to the Plague Array raises concerns about the balance of power and the future of Great Shang.
• The intervention of the Chan Sect immortal suggests that the Investiture War is a complex chess game involving multiple factions.
• The blurring of Yang He's consciousness and his subsequent transformation into a Corpse Dragon body highlight the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the Plague Array and the consequences of Lu Yue's actions.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Nezha reunite and discuss the situation in Great Shang and the Plague Array.
• Yang He encounters Plague Messengers outside Xi Qi and is attacked by Nan Lingfei.
• Yang He's Corpse Dragon body defeats Nan Lingfei, and Yang He regains consciousness.
• Yang He meets Yang Jian, who saves him and introduces himself as a fellow Daoist.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang He's body is rejoined, and he meets Yang Jian, who helps stabilize his yang fire and offers to take him to Xi Qi.
• Yang He reveals his true identity as Long Xuhu, a disciple of Jiang Ziya, and convinces Yang Jian to help rescue the people of Xi Qi together.
• They find that Lu Yue has refined Gu worms (Coupled Immortal Worms) using the souls of millions of mortals in Xi Qi.
• Yang Jian pursues the mature Coupled Immortal Worms, while Yang He plans to set up a formation using the mass grave and undead in the city to save the mortals.

Character Developments

• Yang He: Reveals his true identity and shows his cunning and strategic thinking in planning to save the mortals and gain benefits for himself.
• Yang Jian: Shows his righteous nature and strong combat abilities, as well as his trust in Yang He after learning of his true identity.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of Lu Yue's actions and the Jie Sect's intentions with the Plague Array.
• The power dynamics between the characters and their motivations.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Yang Jian: They form an alliance to save the people of Xi Qi, with Yang He playing the role of a strategist and Yang Jian as the powerful combatant.
• Yang He and the Coupled Immortal Worms: Yang He plans to use the worms to his advantage, showcasing his opportunistic nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang He senses an unusual presence and summons the Stone Dragon.
• Chen Geng, heavily injured, confronts Yang He, seeking cooperation.
• Yang He and Chen Geng engage in a fierce battle, with Yang He using his ghosts and yin fire to gain the upper hand.
• Chen Geng dies, and his remnant soul is absorbed by Lu Yue through Yang He.
• Yang Jian appears, and Yang He shares his plan for setting up a soul-summoning magic array.
• Yang He reveals his origins and asks Yang Jian to teach him a Daoist lineage.
• Yang Jian teaches Yang He the Manifestation of Heaven and Earth technique.
• Yang Jian leaves to deal with the mass grave, and Yang He burrows into the underground dark river.

Character Developments

• Yang He's injuries and foundation are severely damaged, and he becomes Lu Yue's external Dharma Body.
• Chen Geng's obsession with becoming an external Dharma Body leads to his demise.
• Yang Jian, despite his concern for Yang He, is focused on dealing with the mass grave and the Plague Array.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of obsession and single-minded pursuit of power (Chen Geng).
• The importance of adaptability and versatility in cultivation (Yang He's decision to learn Manifestation of Heaven and Earth).
• The complex dynamics of alliances and betrayals in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Chen Geng: Enemies who clash due to their differing goals and methods.
• Yang He and Yang Jian: Brothers-in-law who share information and techniques, with Yang Jian showing concern for Yang He's well-being.
• Lu Yue and Yang He: Unseen but significant interaction as Lu Yue's remnant soul takes control of Yang He's Numinous Palace.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang He successfully completes the 'Plague-dispersing Ghost' scenario, but the Jie Sect obtains nearly ten thousand Coupled Immortal Worms, which may impact the Investiture War.
• Yang He inherits the Third Prince's spoils, gaining resources for his cultivation.
• He decides to cultivate the 'Manifestation of Heaven and Earth' method, which involves refining a ghost into a 'Descending God Ghost.'
• Yang He observes the Endless Hell and collects various weak ghosts to experiment with refining into a Descending God Ghost.
• He visits Chen Qian at the Fuyang Merchant Association, which is facing difficulties, and transmits cultivation methods to her.

Character Developments

• Yang He: He continues to grow stronger, inheriting the Third Prince's cultivation and deciding to cultivate a new method. He also helps Chen Qian by transmitting cultivation methods to her.
• Chen Qian: She's struggling to manage the Fuyang Merchant Association and is on the verge of giving up on her cultivation dreams. However, after receiving Yang He's help, she regains her determination.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Yang He's continuous advancement in his cultivation journey is a central theme. He's always seeking new methods and resources to improve himself.
• Responsibility and Help: Yang He's decision to help Chen Qian reflects his growing responsibility towards those around him, even if it's not out of pure altruism.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Chen Qian: Yang He visits Chen Qian to check on her progress and ultimately decides to help her by transmitting cultivation methods. This interaction shows his growing connection with Chen Qian and his willingness to help her.
• Yang He and the Black Cat: Yang He communicates with the Black Cat using divine sense, instructing it to collect certain ghosts from the Endless Hell. This interaction highlights their symbiotic relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang He warns Chen Qian about the Zi Shi Cult and advises her to leave Peibai City temporarily.
• Yang He discovers that the head talismans are being used by the Zi Shi Cult for communication.
• The Zi Shi Cult begins to withdraw from Peibai City, and Lei Dechang is dispatched to Xishan.
• Yang He enters the Lore World to play the Immaculate Buddha and helps set up a soul-summoning array in Xi Qi City.
• Yang He attempts to gestate a Descending God Ghost using various weak ghosts but fails.

Character Developments

• Chen Qian: She is warned by Yang He about the Zi Shi Cult and decides to leave Peibai City for her safety.
• Yang He: He demonstrates his wisdom and strategic thinking by warning Chen Qian and later helping to set up the soul-summoning array. He also shows his determination to master the Lore and gestate the Descending God Ghost.
• Lu Yue: He is severely injured and decides to reshape his physical body. He also mocks Yang Jian and Jiang Ziya for bearing the karmic sin of a million mortals.
• Yang Jian: He initially hesitates to join the battle in the clouds but eventually decides to do so to save more lives. He cooperates with Yang He to set up the soul-summoning array.
• Jiang Ziya: He expresses his willingness to bear the karmic sin alone and achieve immortality and enlightenment.

Significant Themes

• The theme of patience and strategy is evident as Yang He warns Chen Qian and later helps set up the array, demonstrating his ability to plan ahead.
• The theme of sacrifice is shown through Jiang Ziya's willingness to bear the karmic sin alone and achieve immortality and enlightenment.
• The theme of karmic sin is explored as Lu Yue mocks Yang Jian and Jiang Ziya for bearing the karmic sin of a million mortals.

Character Interactions

• Yang He warns Chen Qian about the Zi Shi Cult, showing his concern for her safety.
• Yang He and Yang Jian cooperate to set up the soul-summoning array, demonstrating their ability to work together for a common goal.
• Lu Yue mocks Yang Jian and Jiang Ziya, showing his disdain for their actions and the karmic sin they bear.
• Jiang Ziya expresses his willingness to bear the karmic sin alone, showing his determination and selflessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang He completes the living pile construction, causing millions of souls to return to their bodies, breaking the Plague Array.
• Lu Yue is defeated and consumed by Jiang Ziya's flames.
• Nezha finds Dragon Beard Tiger's body and brings him back.
• Nearly ten thousand people, survivors of the Coupled Immortal Worm, have their heads turned into ghosts due to the yin qi.

Character Developments

• Yang He's lifespan increases to 134 years due to the merit of saving millions of mortals.
• Jiang Ziya teaches Yang He the Five Paths God cultivation method without reservation.
• Nezha shows concern for his junior brother, Dragon Beard Tiger.

Significant Themes

• The theme of karma and consequences for one's actions is reinforced as Lu Yue's scheme to cause chaos in Xi Qi backfires.
• The power of merit and saving lives is shown through Yang He's increased lifespan.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Jiang Ziya express mutual respect and understanding, leading to Jiang Ziya teaching Yang He the Five Paths God.
• Nezha shows concern for his junior brother, Dragon Beard Tiger, and is happy about the successful rescue of the mortals in Xi Qi.
• Yang Jian and Jiang Ziya work together to help resettle the populace and discuss the fate of the ten thousand people with detached heads.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nearly 10,000 people are found with their heads shrunk and bodies distorted at the city gate.
• Yang He, Jiang Ziya, and Yang Jian discover a method to restore the mortals' heads using a Daoist talisman.
• Yang He instills memories into 200-300 mortals to influence their preferences towards mundane items.
• Jiang Ziya decides to stay and teach the mortals cultivation methods to prevent future head-body separation issues.

Character Developments

• Yang He, as the Immaculate Buddha, dies after completing his role in the Lore World.
• Jiang Ziya and Yang Jian work together to save the mortals and plan to establish a new dynasty.
• The Zi Shi Cult in the Main World begins searching for mundane items, influenced by Yang He's actions in the Lore World.

Significant Themes

• The inevitability of history and the difficulty of changing its course.
• The power of habits and preferences passed down through generations.
• The connection between the Lore World and the Main World, and how actions in one world can influence the other.

Character Interactions

• Yang He, Jiang Ziya, and Yang Jian work together to save the mortals, showcasing their teamwork and concern for the people.
• The Zi Shi Cult members discuss their plans and share their knowledge about mundane items, demonstrating their unity and shared goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Yue, with only a wisp of his soul left, recovers his three souls and seven spirits.
• He senses impending danger and suspects Sect Leader Tongtian is after him.
• Lu Yue's body is taken over by Yang He, who completes the 'Plague-dispersing Ghost' lore.
• Sect Leader Tongtian approaches Yang He, offering to reshape his body and soul, and tasks him with finding Corpse Daoist.
• Yang He fuses Plague Daoist with Corpse Daoist Initiate, prioritizing the latter.

Character Developments

• Lu Yue/Yang He: Recovers from his near-death state, gains an immortal body from Sect Leader Tongtian, and fuses with Corpse Daoist Initiate.
• Sect Leader Tongtian: Revealed to be Lingbao Tianzun, one of the Three Pure Ones, and tasks Lu Yue/Yang He with finding Corpse Daoist.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Jie and Chan Sects, with Sect Leader Tongtian's actions indicating the Jie Sect's desperation.
• The concept of Sages and their immense power, as demonstrated by Sect Leader Tongtian's ability to reshape Lu Yue/Yang He's body and soul.
• The theme of identity and deception, with Yang He's true identity revealed to Sect Leader Tongtian and his subsequent fusion with Corpse Daoist Initiate.

Character Interactions

• Lu Yue/Yang He and Sect Leader Tongtian: The Sage tasks Lu Yue/Yang He with finding Corpse Daoist and reshapes his body and soul.
• Lu Yue/Yang He and Corpse Daoist Initiate: Yang He fuses Plague Daoist with Corpse Daoist Initiate, prioritizing the latter's potential.

Plot Points and Events

• Yang He discovers that the resident characters "Corpse Daoist Initiate" and "Plague Daoist" have established a connection with "Third Prince," and further fusion can occur after their true bodies travel to the Lore World.
• He inherits the Plague Daoist's harvest, gaining the Plague Gu Immortal Body and a Talisman Seal from the Nine Dragon Island.
• He successfully inherits the Plague Gu Immortal Body, enhancing his spiritual sense with plague poison.
• Chen Qian's pawnshop is visited by a strange Daoist priest, Daoist Yu, who demands a "mundane item" within three days or face consequences.
• Yang He encounters Daoist Yu and lures him out, revealing his knowledge of the Zi Shi Cult.

Character Developments

• Yang He: He continues to advance his cultivation, successfully inheriting the Plague Gu Immortal Body. He also demonstrates his power by dealing with Daoist Yu.
• Chen Qian: She faces a threat from Daoist Yu, showing her vulnerability despite her position as shopkeeper. However, she is protected by Yang He's eye pupil beetle.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Three Immortal Bodies and their fusion.
• The threat posed by the Zi Shi Cult and the need to confront it.
• The struggle for survival and self-preservation in the face of danger.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Daoist Yu: They have a brief encounter where Yang He reveals his knowledge of the Zi Shi Cult and lures Daoist Yu out.
• Chen Qian and Daoist Yu: They have a tense interaction where Daoist Yu demands a "mundane item" and threatens Chen Qian if she doesn't comply.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Daoist priest Yu discovers that the eye pupil beetle within him has transformed into countless eggs, circulating with his blood.
• He finds two bronze statues resembling the Corpse Daoist, leading him to suspect that Yang He might be the Third Ancestor of Qianyuan Mountain.
• Yu Zheng, a cultivator from the Zi Shi Cult, approaches Yang He, offering to help him collect mundane items and act as an informant within the Zi Shi Cult.
• Yu Zheng reveals that the Zi Shi Cult is also collecting mundane items, with Lu Yuan, his master, possessing three, including a fragment from the South Heaven Gate.

Character Developments

• Daoist priest Yu: Becomes suspicious of Yang He's true identity after finding the bronze statues and decides to investigate further.
• Yu Zheng: Realizes the potential value of Yang He's identity and offers his services, hoping to gain immortality and escape his current situation within the Zi Shi Cult.
• Lu Yuan: Is revealed to be unstable in his cultivation and in need of Corpse Immortal blood to temper his body and soul.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Recognition: The theme of identity is explored through the potential recognition of Yang He as the Third Ancestor of Qianyuan Mountain.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Yu Zheng's actions show his willingness to betray the Zi Shi Cult for personal gain, highlighting the theme of loyalty and betrayal.
• Power Dynamics: The power dynamics within the Zi Shi Cult are shown through Yu Zheng's inferior status and his desire to improve his situation.

Character Interactions

• Daoist priest Yu and Yu Zheng: Although not directly interacting, their actions are connected through their shared suspicion of Yang He's identity.
• Yu Zheng and Lu Yuan: Their relationship is one of servitude, with Yu Zheng hoping to use Lu Yuan's resources to improve his cultivation while also planning to betray him.
• Yang He and Yu Zheng: Their interaction is initiated through the insect egg, with Yang He considering Yu Zheng's offer to act as an informant within the Zi Shi Cult.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang He realizes that the South Heaven Gate is related to 'Journey to the West', a sequel to 'Investiture of the Gods'.
• He tasks Yu Zheng with finding Lu Yuan and the other two Malevolent Spirits.
• Yang He successfully cultivates the Manifestation of Heaven and Earth technique, transforming into a three-headed, six-armed avatar.
• He contains the Descending God Ghost using the Soul Splitting Technique, increasing his divine sense strength by thirty percent.
• The Descending God Ghost shows signs of advancing to the Hungry Ghost Realm without any bottlenecks.
• Lei Dechang, after dealing with the Zi Shi Cult in West Mountain, suspects that a Corpse Immortal was involved.

Character Developments

• Yang He: Successfully cultivates Manifestation of Heaven and Earth, contains the Descending God Ghost, and discovers his cultivation progress is ahead of schedule.
• Yu Zheng: Defects from the Zi Shi Cult and agrees to help Yang He find Lu Yuan and the other Malevolent Spirits.
• Lei Dechang: Suspects the involvement of a Corpse Immortal in the Zi Shi Cult's defeat and rushes to Peibai City.

Significant Themes

• The connection between 'Investiture of the Gods' and 'Journey to the West'.
• The power and potential of the Manifestation of Heaven and Earth technique.
• The benefits and drawbacks of the Soul Splitting Technique.
• The consequences of betrayal and the exposure of secrets within the Zi Shi Cult.

Character Interactions

• Yang He and Yu Zheng: Yang He tasks Yu Zheng with finding Lu Yuan and the other Malevolent Spirits, and Yu Zheng agrees, seeing an opportunity for himself.
• Yang He and the Descending God Ghost: Yang He successfully contains the Descending God Ghost using the Soul Splitting Technique, integrating its aura into his being.
• Lei Dechang and the Zi Shi Cult: Lei Dechang suspects the involvement of a Corpse Immortal in the Zi Shi Cult's defeat and rushes to investigate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The narrator's little brother is ill, first mentioned as not feeling well yesterday, and now feels worse today.
• Due to his brother's condition, the narrator is unable to complete and publish the update on time.
• The update will now be published after 10 PM, much later than usual.

Character Developments

• The narrator shows responsibility and concern for their younger brother, prioritizing his well-being over the update.
• The narrator expresses remorse for the delay, indicating a sense of duty towards their readers.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: The narrator feels responsible for both caring for their brother and providing content for their readers.
• Time management: The delay in publishing the update highlights the challenge of balancing personal responsibilities with work or commitments.

Character Interactions

• While not explicitly shown, the narrator's mention of their brother's condition and their decision to delay the update implies a caring and protective relationship between them.
• The narrator addresses their readers directly, apologizing for the delay and maintaining a connection with them despite the circumstances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The story takes place during the Great Heat, a rainy season, in Jialiang Water Town.
• Lei Dechang, a yamen constable, arrives in Peibai City to investigate the Zi Shi Cult's activities.
• He discovers that the Zi Shi Cult is searching for a suspected immortal, the Corpse Immortal, which could lead to mass casualties if not handled carefully.
• Lu Yuan, a true master of the Zi Shi Cult, traps Lei Dechang using possessed bodies to prevent him from interfering with their plans.
• Yang He, the Corpse Immortal, is revealed to be in Peibai City, observing the situation.
• Yang He helps Lei Dechang find a flaw in Lu Yuan's consciousness, allowing him to potentially counterattack.
• Yang He briefly reveals his true power, giving Lei Dechang a glimpse of the four layers of hell and the ghost god that could be his true body.

Character Developments

• Lei Dechang: He becomes more determined to protect the mortals from the Zi Shi Cult's schemes and is awestruck by the Corpse Immortal's power.
• Lu Yuan: He reveals his true master status and uses possessed bodies to trap Lei Dechang, showing his cunning and ruthlessness.
• Yang He (Corpse Immortal): He demonstrates his immense power and recklessness, playing games with the Zi Shi Cult while casually helping Lei Dechang.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle between the Zi Shi Cult and the imperial court, with the Corpse Immortal as a wildcard.
• The consequences of cultivators' actions on mortals, and the responsibility of yamen constables to protect them.
• The ancient beings' fall into ghost gods and the possibility of the Corpse Immortal reclaiming its true body.

Character Interactions

• Lei Dechang and Lu Yuan: They engage in a battle of wits, with Lu Yuan trying to keep Lei Dechang at bay while the Zi Shi Cult pursues their goals.
• Yang He and Lu Yuan: Yang He observes Lu Yuan's actions and subtly intervenes to help Lei Dechang, showing his disdain for the Zi Shi Cult's schemes.
• Yang He and Lei Dechang: Although they don't interact directly, Yang He's actions indirectly help Lei Dechang, showing his disregard for the yamen constable's plight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Yuan, a Zi Shi Cult cultivator, is anxious and suspicious in a teahouse, realizing that Song Liao and Tan Lingchuan have gone missing.
• Lu Yuan's head is brought to the yamen, and he transfers his consciousness into it, leading to a confrontation with Lei Dechang.
• Lu Yuan's true head is found at the city outskirts, and he struggles with qi deviation and yin qi consumption.
• Yang He, the Corpse Immortal, manifests and kills Lu Yuan, who dies honorably in his eyes.

Character Developments

• Lu Yuan: Struggles with anxiety, suspicion, and ultimately dies due to his weaknesses and betrayals.
• Yu Zheng: Betrays Lu Yuan, kills his head, and suffers severe injuries.
• Lei Dechang: Observes the situation, locks onto Lu Yuan's true head, and considers befriending the Corpse Immortal.
• Yang He (Corpse Immortal): Manifests, kills Lu Yuan, and returns to his normal state.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and trust: Lu Yuan's downfall is due to the betrayals of those around him, highlighting the theme of trust and its absence.
• Power dynamics: The struggle for power and control is evident among the Zi Shi Cult cultivators and between Lu Yuan and the Corpse Immortal.
• Death and honor: Lu Yuan dies but finds honor in his death at the hands of the Third Ancestor.

Character Interactions

• Lu Yuan and Yu Zheng: Their relationship is one of master and servant, but Yu Zheng betrays Lu Yuan, leading to his downfall.
• Lu Yuan and Lei Dechang: They have a tense standoff, with Lei Dechang observing and waiting for an opportunity to act.
• Lu Yuan and Yang He (Corpse Immortal): Their interaction is brief but intense, resulting in Lu Yuan's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang He decides to fuse lore, allowing him ample time for cultivation between the end of 'Heartless Ghost' and the start of 'Blood Pit Ghost'.
• Lu Yuan's corpse is seen in the mustard seed space, having undergone three resurrections and losing parts of his body.
• Yang He considers leaving Jialiang Water Town but decides against it due to Yu Zheng's presence and his interest in the Zi Shi Cult.
• Yang He fuses the lore, merging the mundane item into the wooden heart, and learns about 'Heart-Slicing Ghost' and 'Blood Pit Ghost'.
• Lei Dechang investigates the southern urban area, passing by Yang He and Old Man Yang without noticing them.
• Yang He visits the pawnshop, where Yu Zheng and Chen Qian await him. They discuss Yu Zheng's return to the Zi Shi Cult and his plan to use the Jiaotou Technique to alter memories.
• Yang He offers Yu Zheng and Chen Qian pills to improve their cultivation aptitude and control their lives. They accept, transforming into innate variants.
• Yu Zheng transforms into Lu Yuan's appearance, and Yang He gives them town-suppressing nails for communication regarding mundane items.
• Chen Qian decides to discard her stomach for her revival, and Yu Zheng plans to leave Peibai City soon to help her.

Character Developments

• Yang He demonstrates his power and wisdom, controlling the situation and offering opportunities to Yu Zheng and Chen Qian.
• Yu Zheng shows his resourcefulness and determination, planning his return to the Zi Shi Cult and accepting Yang He's offer to become an innate variant.
• Chen Qian displays her loyalty and willingness to follow Yang He's instructions, accepting the pill and preparing for her revival.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators and the consequences of their actions.
• The importance of seizing opportunities and proving one's worth.
• The manipulation of memories and the alteration of identities.

Character Interactions

• Yang He interacts with Yu Zheng and Chen Qian, offering them pills to improve their cultivation aptitude and controlling their lives.
• Yu Zheng and Chen Qian discuss their plans and preparations for the future, showing their determination and loyalty to Yang He.
• Yang He observes Lei Dechang passing by without noticing him, demonstrating his ability to remain undetected.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The story takes place in Chaoge, ten years after the Nuwa festival, with Yang He playing the role of a guard in King Zhou's harem.
• Yang He encounters a ghost in his heart, the Heart Ape Ghost, which he quickly dispels using the Pupil Ghost.
• He learns about the mysterious deaths of concubines in the harem and witnesses the corpse of Consort Wu being retrieved from a well, with signs of a baby moving inside her bloated belly.
• Palace maids, wearing death makeup, carry the corpse and address it as "Empress Daji," kneeling and welcoming her.

Character Developments

• Yang He adapts to his new role and body, using his knowledge of the Heart-Slicing Ghost lore to navigate the situation.
• Zhong Liang, the old guard, is terrified of the harem's supernatural occurrences and flees when he sees the corpse being retrieved.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and eerie atmosphere in the Great Shang harem, with mysterious deaths and ghostly apparitions.
• The power dynamics and intrigue within the imperial palace, hinted at by the palace maids' actions and the mention of Empress Daji.

Character Interactions

• Yang He interacts briefly with Zhong Liang, learning about the harem's recent events and the old guard's fears.
• Yang He observes the palace maids' actions, witnessing their fear and reverence towards the corpse they address as "Empress Daji."