Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Blind Chen kills Kui Ye and his group, shocking Lu Xiucai.
• Lu Xiucai survives by offering his copper coins to Blind Chen.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan encounter a food stall, which Li Huowang suspects is a trap set by the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• Zhuge Yuan reveals he can identify Sitting Forgetting Dao members by their connection lines to their Ruler of Fate.

Character Developments

• Lu Xiucai's smug mentality is shattered by Blind Chen's actions, instilling fear and a desire for power in him.
• Li Huowang is cautious and wary of potential traps, showing his strategic thinking.
• Zhuge Yuan displays his knowledge of the Sitting Forgetting Dao's cultivation and his ability to identify their members.

Significant Themes

• Fear and its impact on character development (Lu Xiucai's transformation).
• The power of knowledge and understanding (Zhuge Yuan's insight into the Sitting Forgetting Dao).
• Caution and preparedness in the face of potential danger (Li Huowang's wariness).

Character Interactions

• Lu Xiucai and Blind Chen: Lu Xiucai's fear and desperation contrast with Blind Chen's indifference, highlighting the power dynamic between them.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Their interaction shows Li Huowang's caution and Zhuge Yuan's calm confidence, as well as Zhuge Yuan's eagerness to share his knowledge with Li Huowang.
• Zhuge Yuan and Mantou: Zhuge Yuan's tendency to share his knowledge extends to Mantou, showing his fondness for teaching.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan discuss the Sitting Forgetting Dao and its Ruler of Fate, Doumu Taiyin.
• They are interrupted by a mocking voice, and Zhuge Yuan refuses to teach Li Huowang his Method.
• They enjoy Fish Soup Noodles, and Li Huowang senses a fight nearby. They investigate and find a battle between the Celestial Surveillance Division and an unknown group, including a member of the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan join the fight, and the Celestial Surveillance Division's enemies retreat.
• Zhuge Yuan is recognized and greeted by the survivors, revealing his high reputation in the division.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang shows curiosity about the Sitting Forgetting Dao and its Ruler of Fate but is cautious about involving himself in their affairs.
• Zhuge Yuan reveals his expertise in Go and his high status in the Celestial Surveillance Division.
• Li Huowang demonstrates his loyalty and bravery by joining the fight alongside Zhuge Yuan.

Significant Themes

• The Sitting Forgetting Dao and its Ruler of Fate, Doumu Taiyin, are introduced as mysterious and powerful entities.
• Li Huowang's desire to rid himself of the Illusion in his mouth remains his primary goal.
• Zhuge Yuan's true identity and status in the Celestial Surveillance Division are hinted at.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan discuss the Sitting Forgetting Dao and its Ruler of Fate, leading to a deeper understanding between them.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan join forces to help the Celestial Surveillance Division, strengthening their bond.
• Zhuge Yuan introduces Li Huowang to the Daqi National Go Master, further expanding Li Huowang's network.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang encounters Zhuge Yuan and a masked old man, who claims to be a Daqi national champion, causing confusion as Li Huowang believes he's in Daliang.
• They learn that the old man, Old Qin, was ambushed by enemies of the Celestial Surveillance Division.
• Li Huowang tries to clarify if they're in Daqi or Daliang, but the old man's responses change inexplicably.
• They travel together in Li Huowang's carriage towards Shang Jing, with tension between Li Huowang and the Daqi Celestial Surveillance Division members.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Becomes more suspicious and determined to uncover the truth about Zhuge Yuan and the Daqi national champion.
• Zhuge Yuan: Maintains his friendly demeanor but becomes more secretive, hinting at a hidden agenda.
• Old Qin (Daqi national champion): Reveals his status and involvement with the Celestial Surveillance Division, but his true motives remain unclear.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Truth: The constant shift in the old man's responses and Zhuge Yuan's evasiveness highlight the theme of deception and the search for truth.
• Trust and Suspicion: The tension between Li Huowang and the Daqi Celestial Surveillance Division members underscores the theme of trust and suspicion in their interactions.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Their relationship becomes strained as Li Huowang grows more suspicious of Zhuge Yuan's claims.
• Li Huowang and the Daqi Celestial Surveillance Division: The group is wary of Li Huowang, leading to a tense atmosphere during their journey together.
• Li Huowang and the Sitting Forgetting Dao Miao girl: Li Huowang remains cautious and untrusting of her, planning to use her to lure out North Wind.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhuge Yuan gives Li Huowang ten Pi Gu Pills, which are filling and reduce the need for restroom breaks, perfect for traveling.
• Li Huowang asks Zhuge Yuan about the authenticity of Daliang and Daqi, with Zhuge Yuan insisting that Daliang is fake and Daqi is real, but Li Huowang remains skeptical.
• Zhuge Yuan leaves, disappointed that Li Huowang doesn't believe him.
• Li Huowang ponders the strange changes happening around Zhuge Yuan and his own past experiences.
• Xia Risheng, a member of the Daqi Celestial Surveillance Division, approaches Li Huowang, revealing his Ao Jing Sect membership and asking about Li Huowang's Dung Beetle Ascending Steps.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Becomes more curious and suspicious about Zhuge Yuan's claims and the strange occurrences. He remains focused on his goal to catch North Wind.
• Zhuge Yuan: Shows disappointment when Li Huowang doesn't believe his claims about Daqi. He seems to be hiding something significant about his past.
• Xia Risheng: Reveals his Ao Jing Sect membership to Li Huowang, showing admiration for Li Huowang's accomplishments.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: The distinction between Daliang and Daqi raises questions about reality and illusion, with Zhuge Yuan claiming that Daliang is fake.
• Trust and Belief: Li Huowang struggles to trust Zhuge Yuan's claims, while Zhuge Yuan expresses disappointment in Li Huowang's lack of belief.
• Secrets and Hidden Agendas: Both Zhuge Yuan and Li Huowang have secrets they're hiding, contributing to the tension and mystery in their interactions.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Their interaction revolves around the authenticity of Daliang and Daqi, with Zhuge Yuan trying to convince Li Huowang of his perspective.
• Li Huowang and Xia Risheng: Xia Risheng approaches Li Huowang, admiring his accomplishments and seeking information about his Dung Beetle Ascending Steps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang is mistaken for the "Great Elder" of the Ao Jing Sect due to his ability to undergo the Dung Beetle Ascending Steps three times without the Great Thousand Record.
• Li Huowang confirms he can feed the Ba Hui with his flesh directly, symbolizing supreme power within the Ao Jing Sect.
• Li Huowang tries this newfound ability and finds it possible but worries about hidden dangers.
• Xia Risheng, believing Li Huowang is the Great Elder, serves him attentively, but Li Huowang finds this uncomfortable.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan discuss their meeting with Old Qin, and Zhuge Yuan shares his philosophy on making friends.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Discovers a new ability but is cautious about its implications. He's uncomfortable with Xia Risheng's servitude.
• Xia Risheng: Becomes overly respectful and attentive towards Li Huowang, believing him to be the Great Elder.
• Zhuge Yuan: Shows his genuine and open-minded nature, valuing fate and aesthetics over status in friendships.

Significant Themes

• Status and Power: The title of "Great Elder" represents high status and power within the Ao Jing Sect, and Li Huowang struggles with this newfound recognition.
• Friendship: Zhuge Yuan's philosophy on making friends, valuing fate and aesthetics over status, is highlighted.
• Hidden Dangers: Li Huowang worries about the potential risks of his new ability.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Xia Risheng: Xia Risheng's overzealous respect makes Li Huowang uncomfortable.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: They discuss their meeting with Old Qin and share their views on friendship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan, accompanied by Li Sui, enter a black inn in Daliang Kingdom.
• They discover that the food is drugged and the meat is human, leading to a violent confrontation with the inn's staff.
• The inn is massacred, and the Celestial Surveillance Division of Daqi arrives, revealing that Daliang Kingdom is now part of Daqi.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan plan to go to Youdu, the capital of Daqi, to find allies against the enemy they encountered.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Shows his extraordinary combat skills and ability to adapt to new situations. He also reveals his concern for his son, Li Sui.
• Zhuge Yuan: Demonstrates his intelligence and resourcefulness, but also his willingness to consume drugged food for potential gain.
• Li Sui: Exhibits childlike curiosity and desire for independence, asking for a sword to help his father fight.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation to new circumstances: Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan must adjust to the fact that Daliang Kingdom is now part of Daqi.
• The consequences of greed: The inn's staff attempt to profit from drugging and killing travelers, leading to their demise.
• The power of knowledge: Zhuge Yuan's knowledge of the situation in Daqi is crucial to their plans.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: They work together to navigate the situation in the inn and plan their next move.
• Li Huowang and Li Sui: Li Huowang shows concern for Li Sui's safety and tries to keep him from harm.
• Li Huowang and Red Center: Red Center provides information about Daqi and teases Li Huowang about his actions in the inn.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang is confused and troubled by the map of Daliang now belonging to Daqi, and Zhuge Yuan's strange ability.
• They reach the capital, Shang Jing (now called Youdu), with Li Huowang noticing changes like Longyang (effeminate men) replacing women in cages and Eunuchs openly displaying affection.
• Li Huowang discovers that within a few dozen feet of Zhuge Yuan, everything turns into Daqi, including people's appearances.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Struggles to understand Zhuge Yuan's ability and its effects on their surroundings. He remains calm and curious, accepting the strange situation.
• Zhuge Yuan: Stays calm and collected, maintaining his belief in Daqi's reality despite Li Huowang's doubts.
• Old Qin: Gets angry and upset at the changes in Shang Jing, blaming Eunuchs for the city's moral decay.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: The distinction between Daliang and Daqi blurs, with Zhuge Yuan's ability causing changes in their surroundings, raising questions about what's real and what's an illusion.
• Moral Decay: The presence of Longyang and open affection between Eunuchs symbolizes the moral decay of Shang Jing, reflecting Old Qin's outrage.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Li Huowang questions Zhuge Yuan about his ability, but Zhuge Yuan remains evasive. They maintain a tense but cooperative relationship.
• Li Huowang and Old Qin: Li Huowang witnesses Old Qin's anger at the changes in Shang Jing, showing the older man's strong moral principles.
• Li Huowang and the Old Man: Li Huowang confirms that the city is still called Shang Jing, reinforcing that Zhuge Yuan's ability only affects a limited area.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang quickly finds the group of people on the street, including Zhuge Yuan, who are discussing plans for Daqi's safety.
• They proceed to Lord Liang's residence for a meeting with other members of the Jiangnan Faction to discuss their next move.
• Li Huowang becomes disinterested in the discussion and starts to analyze Lord Liang's status and potential connection to the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• As the meeting continues, Li Huowang has dinner with the group, expressing his impatience and lack of interest in Daqi's affairs.
• Zhuge Yuan assures Li Huowang that he will help find the Cultivating Truth Cultivation Method after the current crisis.
• Suddenly, an announcement is made: "The Emperor has arrived!"

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Becomes increasingly disinterested in Daqi's affairs and more focused on finding a way to remove the Illusion affecting him. He also notices Li Sui's growing maturity and worries about her future.
• Zhuge Yuan: Maintains his focus on Daqi's political situation but also keeps Li Huowang's personal matter in mind, promising to help him after the crisis.

Significant Themes

• Li Huowang's growing disillusionment with Daqi's affairs and his increasing focus on his personal problem.
• Zhuge Yuan's determination to save Daqi and his loyalty to his friends.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Li Huowang expresses his frustration and impatience with Zhuge Yuan, while Zhuge Yuan reassures him about his personal matter.
• Li Huowang and Lord Liang: Li Huowang speculates about Lord Liang's status and potential connection to the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• Li Huowang and Li Sui: Li Huowang notices Li Sui's growing maturity and worries about her future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Daqi Emperor arrives at the Liang Residence in an opulent, towering carriage, creating an intimidating atmosphere.
• Li Huowang realizes the Emperor is an imposter, the Sitting Forgetting Dao in disguise.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan expose the imposter, leading to a confrontation.
• Li Huowang engages in a fiery battle with the imposter, ultimately revealing it to be a Shadow Play.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Shows bravery and determination in confronting the imposter. His hatred and killing intent intensify, driving his actions.
• Zhuge Yuan: Demonstrates his knowledge and power by using the Old Almanac to dispel the imposter's disguise.
• The Daqi Emperor (Imposter): Revealed to be the Sitting Forgetting Dao, showing cunning and deception in maintaining the disguise.

Significant Themes

• Deception and truth: The imposter's disguise highlights the theme of deception and the importance of discerning truth from lies.
• Power and intimidation: The Emperor's opulent carriage and the reactions it elicits explore the use of power and spectacle to intimidate and control.
• Hatred and revenge: Li Huowang's intense hatred and desire for revenge drive his actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: They work together to expose the imposter, showcasing a level of trust and understanding between them.
• Li Huowang and the Daqi Emperor (Imposter): Their interaction is marked by Li Huowang's intense hatred and the imposter's attempt to maintain the disguise.
• The imposter and the attendees: The imposter's arrival creates a tense atmosphere, with attendees reacting with fear and awe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang encounters two Sitting Forgetting Daoists impersonating high-ranking officials, armed with heavy Modao weapons.
• A fierce battle ensues; Li Huowang uses his Zisui Sword and Li Sui's tentacles to defeat the first Daoist, while the second one commits suicide rather than surrender.
• Li Huowang returns to Zhuge Yuan's residence to find the previous captives missing. Zhuge Yuan reveals that he sent the Sitting Forgetting Daoists back to their 'Daqi' using his Heart Turbidity painting.
• Li Huowang, frustrated by the loss of potential information, questions Zhuge Yuan about the existence of 'Daqi'. Zhuge Yuan implies that Daqi is real, and Daliang is a fake illusion.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Shows exceptional combat skills and strategic thinking, but struggles to accept the concept of 'Daqi' and its relation to Daliang.
• Zhuge Yuan: Reveals his ability to manipulate memories and realities using his Heart Turbidity painting, further cementing his mysterious and powerful nature.

Significant Themes

• Reality and Illusion: The concept of 'Daqi' challenges Li Huowang's understanding of reality, raising questions about the nature of Daliang and the world they inhabit.
• Power and Manipulation: Zhuge Yuan's ability to control and manipulate memories and identities showcases the power dynamics at play in the story.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Their conversation highlights their growing relationship, with Li Huowang seeking information from Zhuge Yuan, and Zhuge Yuan revealing more about his abilities and beliefs.
• Li Huowang and the Sitting Forgetting Daoists: The battle showcases Li Huowang's combat skills and strategic thinking, as well as his determination to uncover the truth about the North Wind.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang finally finds North Wind, but he's dying and reveals he's not the Heart Seed Li Huowang seeks.
• Li Huowang learns there are four North Winds, each sharing the same face, part of the Sitting Forgetting Dao's deception.
• Li Huowang captures North Wind and tries to extract information about the Heart Seed's method to escape Illusions.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Initially excited to find North Wind, he becomes disappointed and angry when he learns North Wind isn't the Heart Seed. He resorts to torture to extract information.
• North Wind: Reveals he's not the Heart Seed and enjoys taunting Li Huowang, hinting at his cunning and manipulative nature.

Significant Themes

• Deception and truth: The Sitting Forgetting Dao uses deception to mislead others, and North Wind continues this by withholding information and taunting Li Huowang.
• Persistence and determination: Li Huowang's relentless pursuit of the Heart Seed's method shows his persistence despite setbacks.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and North Wind: Their interaction is tense and antagonistic, with Li Huowang trying to extract information and North Wind taunting him.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Zhuge Yuan provides crucial information about the four North Winds but regrets not mentioning it earlier.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang interrogates North Wind, a member of the Sitting Forgetting Dao, using Zhuge Yuan's Yellow Almanac to prevent him from lying.
• North Wind reveals that the Sitting Forgetting Dao has come to Shang Jing, led by Dice, to investigate the Daliang Emperor's activities.
• Li Huowang learns that there are three Eight of Bamboo, two Nine of Bamboo, four North Winds, and two Red Center members present.
• Zhuge Yuan erases North Wind's memories using a landscape painting, causing him to forget the recent events.
• Li Huowang decides to leave temporarily to deal with the Sitting Forgetting Dao threat, promising to return to help Zhuge Yuan.
• Li Huowang goes to the Celestial Surveillance Division to inform Nangong about the Sitting Forgetting Dao's presence in Shang Jing.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang demonstrates his strategic thinking and determination to protect Zhuge Yuan's mission.
• Zhuge Yuan shows his understanding and support for Li Huowang's actions, displaying trust and friendship.
• North Wind, despite being captured, remains defiant and tries to manipulate Li Huowang, revealing the cunning nature of the Sitting Forgetting Dao.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Li Huowang must navigate the truth amidst North Wind's lies and the Sitting Forgetting Dao's manipulations.
• Loyalty and friendship: Zhuge Yuan's support for Li Huowang highlights their growing bond.
• Power dynamics: The Sitting Forgetting Dao's arrival shifts the balance of power in Shang Jing.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Their interaction shows mutual respect and understanding, with Zhuge Yuan supporting Li Huowang's decision to leave temporarily.
• Li Huowang and North Wind: Their interaction reveals North Wind's defiance and Li Huowang's strategic questioning to extract information.
• Li Huowang and Nangong: Li Huowang seeks Nangong's help to address the Sitting Forgetting Dao threat, indicating a potential alliance.

Chapter Summary: “Celestial Surveillance Division”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang returns to the Celestial Surveillance Division and warns Nangong that the entire Sitting Forgetting Dao has gathered in Shang Jing.
• He claims to have personally seen North Wind, one of the Dao’s powerful figures, confirming that the organization’s members—including the mysterious leader Dice—are present.
• Li explains that the Sitting Forgetting Dao consists of 136 dangerous individuals: ordinary tiles, the Four Joys, the Three Primes, and Dice. Their collective presence poses a serious threat to Shang Jing.
• Realizing he cannot confront them alone, Li deliberately seeks the Celestial Surveillance Division’s support, hoping to benefit from the conflict between the two forces.
• Nangong takes the warning seriously and reports it to his superiors.
• While waiting, Li hears an unknown official suggest that the Sitting Forgetting Dao’s arrival is connected to the actions of the Officials and that Shang Jing may soon become unsafe. The speaker implies that senior figures are already planning to flee to Houshu.
• Li discovers that the mysterious speaker has vanished, leaving behind an unsettling root carving of a smiling monk with a tangled, exposed lower half.
• Nangong returns and tells Li that Jian Cheng, a high-ranking authority, wants to meet him.
• Before the meeting, Nangong gives Li a gray robe to cover his burned and scarred body and warns him not to lie, since Jian Cheng can see through deception.
• Li learns that Jian Cheng is a Confucianism disciple who possesses no mystical cultivation techniques and is technically an ordinary mortal. However, his extraordinary understanding of human nature has enabled him to deceive even the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• Li and Nangong pass through the heavily guarded underground headquarters and arrive at Jian Cheng’s study.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Becomes more strategic and politically calculating. Rather than attempting to fight the Sitting Forgetting Dao alone, he seeks institutional support from the Celestial Surveillance Division. His confidence is mixed with anxiety, especially when he learns Jian Cheng may detect lies or read people’s intentions.
• Nangong: Initially cautious about Li’s warning, he quickly recognizes the seriousness of the situation and reports it. He acts as Li’s guide and intermediary within the Division.
• Jian Cheng: Though he has not yet appeared directly, he is established as a highly influential and intimidating figure. His power comes not from mystical abilities but from intelligence, insight, and psychological manipulation.
• The Sitting Forgetting Dao: Their threat is greatly expanded. Their near-total presence in Shang Jing, along with the arrival of Dice, suggests a coordinated and potentially catastrophic plan.
• Senior Celestial Surveillance officials: Their earlier decisions to avoid Shang Jing imply that they sensed the coming danger before Li did.

Significant Themes

• Power through information: Li’s knowledge of the Sitting Forgetting Dao becomes a bargaining tool and may determine whether the Celestial Surveillance Division acts.
• Institutional versus individual strength: The chapter emphasizes that Li cannot defeat such a vast enemy alone and must rely on larger political and military forces.
• Deception and psychological insight: Both the Sitting Forgetting Dao and Jian Cheng are associated with manipulation and intelligence, suggesting that battles of strategy may be more important than direct combat.
• Impending catastrophe: Shang Jing is portrayed as a gathering point for multiple dangers, with powerful figures preparing to flee rather than confront what is coming.
• Appearance versus reality: Jian Cheng’s ordinary mortal status contrasts with his extraordinary influence, while the grotesque monk carving reflects the unsettling mismatch between orderly appearances and chaotic underlying forces.

Character Interactions

• Li urgently warns Nangong about the Sitting Forgetting Dao, persuading him to report the matter.
• An unseen official behind the screen cryptically questions Li and hints at the wider political situation before mysteriously disappearing.
• Nangong advises Li on how to behave before Jian Cheng and cautions him against fabricating information.
• Li’s approaching meeting with Jian Cheng creates suspense, as he fears the official may uncover his secrets, including his identity as a Heart Seed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang meets Jian Cheng, the head of the Celestial Surveillance Division.
• Jian Cheng reveals he knows about the Sitting Forgetting Dao's arrival in Shang Jing but shows little concern.
• Jian Cheng assigns Li Huowang to steal the Six Paths Tome (Old Yellow Almanac) from Zhuge Yuan and, if possible, kill him.
• Li Huowang learns about Ji Xiang's death from a document he's tasked to store.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang grapples with his loyalty to the Celestial Surveillance Division and his growing friendship with Zhuge Yuan.
• Jian Cheng demonstrates his power and indifference, showing he's aware of Li Huowang's personal grudges but prioritizes the division's goals.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Li Huowang struggles with his loyalty to the division and his growing bond with Zhuge Yuan.
• Power and manipulation: Jian Cheng uses Li Huowang's personal grudge to motivate him, showing the division's manipulative nature.
• Information control: Jian Cheng uses a document to warn Li Huowang about Ji Xiang's death, demonstrating the division's control over information.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Jian Cheng: Their interaction reveals Jian Cheng's power and indifference, while Li Huowang struggles with his loyalty.
• Li Huowang and Ji Xiang (off-page): Li Huowang's thoughts about Ji Xiang's death show his growing realization of the division's ruthlessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang observes a discussion among Daqi people about winning over palace Eunuchs.
• Zhuge Yuan remains silent and uninvolved in the discussion.
• Li Huowang secretly meets with an unknown person via a window Hua, discussing plans against Zhuge Yuan.
• Jian Cheng, a high-ranking official, orders an attack on the Storyteller (Zhuge Yuan) by Sitting Forgetting Dao, aiming for the Six Paths Tome.
• A Eunuch from the palace visits Liang Residence, revealing he's pregnant due to Zhengde Temple's Monks, shocking the Daqi people.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang shows concern for Zhuge Yuan's safety and is involved in a secret plot against him.
• Zhuge Yuan maintains a spectator's stance in the Daqi people's discussion, revealing his influence and power.
• Jian Cheng demonstrates his strategic mind and ruthlessness in using Sitting Forgetting Dao for his purposes.
• The Eunuch showcases his devotion to having a child, even if it's through unnatural means.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Characters use their influence and connections to control others, as seen in Zhuge Yuan's, Jian Cheng's, and the Eunuch's actions.
• Unnatural occurrences: The pregnancy of the Eunuch and the involvement of Zhengde Temple's Monks highlight the supernatural elements in the story.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and the unknown person (possibly Jian Cheng) discuss plans against Zhuge Yuan, revealing their alliance.
• Zhuge Yuan and the Daqi people interact, with Zhuge Yuan maintaining a distant, powerful stance.
• The Eunuch's visit to Liang Residence causes shock and outrage among the Daqi people, revealing their disapproval of Zhengde Temple's methods.

章节总结：红中

1. 关键情节与事件

• 胖太监向众人说明：太监帮不了他们的忙，除非“能给他们生儿子”；并转告“干爹”的话——如果能把太后弄回后宫，干爹才会入伙。众人因此陷入被动。
• 诸葛渊劝李火旺不要急着站队，强调朝堂关系复杂，士人站在“天理”一边，太后不得人心。
• 伏虎营（实为坐忘道众人伪装）包围梁府，诸葛渊以古筝、法坛、道术抵抗，局势紧张。
• 李火旺趁诸葛渊施法时，偷走其手中的《老黄历》（六道册子），一路逃向监丞。
• 李火旺假意献书，突然用匕首刺杀监丞。先被玉佩白烟化去一条手臂，又因官服防御未中要害，最终以断骨戳穿监丞脖颈，将其杀死。
• 李火旺撕开脸上旧疤，暴露真实身份——坐忘道·红中。他命令李穗（Li Sui）将他面容扭曲成“红中”二字，伪装成伏虎营的坐忘道成员纷纷欢呼，庆祝骗局成功。

2. 人物发展

• 李火旺：表面与诸葛渊等人合作，实为坐忘道“红中”。他冷酷果断、善于伪装，以身诱敌，付出断臂代价完成刺杀，并享受计划成功的疯狂喜悦。
• 诸葛渊：虽道术高明，却被李火旺偷走关键道具，遭背刺后愤怒不已。他此前展现“天理”正义感，却因轻信而失算。
• 监丞：作为“天监司”目标人物，被李火旺诈降刺杀，死前毫无防备，因对方“自己人”身份而丧失警惕。
• 李穗：似乎是听命于李火旺的异类存在，能操控李火旺的血肉与五官，完成“红中”面容的变形。

3. 主题

• 身份与骗局：“红中”既是麻将牌名，也是坐忘道身份印记。李火旺的真实身份层层揭开，一切合作都是伪装。
• 背叛与阴谋：看似盟友的李火旺，实为敌方安插的内应；伏虎营也是坐忘道伪装，形成“螳螂捕蝉，黄雀在后”的连环局。
• 身体异化与疯狂：断臂、黑触手、面部扭曲成“红中”，展现了坐忘道非人化的恐怖特征，以及李火旺为此付出的身体代价。
• 朝堂与江湖交织：太后、宦官、士人、天监司、坐忘道各股势力互相渗透，无人可信。

4. 关键互动

• 太监 / 众人：传递“干爹”的中立条件，揭示朝中势力不愿轻易卷入。
• 诸葛渊 / 李火旺：诸葛渊视其为同伴并劝他安心，李火旺表面应承，实则心怀鬼胎。
• 李火旺 / 监丞：假意交书、近身刺杀，从“投诚”到“弑杀”的瞬间反转。
• 李火旺 / 坐忘道众人：行动成功后亮明身份，众人欢呼“红中天下无敌”，展现组织内部的狂热与默契。
• 李火旺 / 李穗：命令儿子般的存在协助变形，显示李火旺已彻底拥抱非人力量。

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, disguised as a Red Center from the Sitting Forgetting Dao, kills the Jian Cheng (leader) of the Celestial Surveillance Division, causing the division's members to turn against him.
• Li Huowang escapes from the city of Shang Jing, pursued by the Celestial Surveillance Division and the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• After escaping, Li Huowang encounters an old man who faints at the sight of his Red Center face.
• Li Huowang discovers that his head is missing.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Reveals his true colors and betrays the Celestial Surveillance Division. His actions are driven by his desire to capture the Heart Seed North Wind and express the Sitting Forgetting Dao's attitude.
• The Celestial Surveillance Division: Turn against Li Huowang after discovering his deception and the death of their leader.
• The Sitting Forgetting Dao: Believing Li Huowang to be one of their own, they aid him in his escape, unaware of his true intentions.

Significant Themes

• Deception and betrayal: Li Huowang's actions highlight the theme of deception and betrayal, as he uses the Celestial Surveillance Division and the Sitting Forgetting Dao for his own purposes.
• Appearance vs. reality: The old man's reaction to Li Huowang's Red Center face emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality, as Li Huowang's terrifying appearance causes fear and misunderstanding.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and the Celestial Surveillance Division: Their alliance turns hostile after Li Huowang's deception is revealed.
• Li Huowang and the Sitting Forgetting Dao: Li Huowang uses them to aid his escape, while they believe him to be one of their own.
• Li Huowang and the old man: The old man's reaction to Li Huowang's appearance highlights the fear and misunderstanding caused by his appearance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, headless, collapses after Li Sui's response.
• Li Sui discovers Li Huowang's Little Leather Figure growing into a skin bag with his face.
• Li Huowang, now headless, absorbs his shadow and regains his head and body.
• Surrounded, Li Huowang returns to the hospital, restrained and monitored.
• Sun Xiaoqin visits Li Huowang, feeds him, and warns him about gold-related questions.
• Li Huowang considers the possibility that the gold and events might be real, created by his Heart Seed's ability.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Shows resilience and adaptability, considers the reality of his world.
• Sun Xiaoqin: Demonstrates maternal love and concern, shows resourcefulness in gaining hospital access.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: Li Huowang's confusion about the nature of his world.
• Maternal Love: Sun Xiaoqin's dedication to her son's well-being.
• Adaptation: Li Huowang's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Li Sui: Li Sui's naivety contrasts with Li Huowang's understanding of their situation.
• Li Huowang and Sun Xiaoqin: They share a tender moment as Sun Xiaoqin cares for Li Huowang, revealing her resourcefulness and love.
• Li Huowang and the Hospital Staff: Li Huowang's return to the hospital signals a potential new challenge or threat from the hospital staff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang questions the reality of his current world.
• He realizes he can use his Heart Seed abilities here, unlike in the other world.
• Sun Xiaoqin, Li Huowang's mother, visits him, and they discuss Na Na's situation.
• Li Huowang asks to be untied, causing prison guards to intervene.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Struggles with the possibility that this world might be real, causing mental turmoil. He becomes distressed about Na Na's situation and yearns for freedom.
• Sun Xiaoqin: Shows concern and care for Li Huowang, but hides information about Na Na. She supports Li Huowang's desire for freedom.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: Li Huowang's confusion and struggle to discern the truth.
• Freedom vs. Confinement: Li Huowang's longing for freedom and his current imprisonment.
• Love and Sacrifice: Li Huowang's distress over Na Na's sacrifices for him and his mother's unwavering support.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Sun Xiaoqin: Share a tender moment as Li Huowang leans into his mother's arms, and they discuss Na Na's situation.
• Li Huowang and Prison Guards: Tension arises when Li Huowang asks to be untied, and the guards intervene, highlighting his reputation as a dangerous inmate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Lingmiao, a Celestial Being, performs an exorcism ritual on a possessed man, successfully extracting a demonic entity.
• She declines a reward, advising the family to repair the pillar and avoid future encounters.
• Bai Lingmiao and Chun Xiao Man travel to Oxheart Village, with Bai Lingmiao determined to learn to read using a book drawn by Gao Zhijian.
• They spend the night camping, with Bai Lingmiao continuing her studies even during dinner.
• The next day, they encounter a bustling market in a county town, where Bai Lingmiao spots Lu Xiucai.

Character Developments

• Bai Lingmiao: She is dedicated to learning to read, showing determination and independence. She also displays compassion by declining the reward and offering advice to the family.
• Chun Xiao Man: She shows concern for Bai Lingmiao's well-being and supports her learning efforts. She also displays affection towards Bai Lingmiao, hugging her to sleep.

Significant Themes

• Learning and self-improvement: Bai Lingmiao's dedication to learning to read highlights the theme of continuous learning and self-improvement.
• Compassion and selflessness: Bai Lingmiao's actions towards the family she helped show her compassion and selflessness.

Character Interactions

• Bai Lingmiao and Chun Xiao Man: Their interactions show a strong bond, with Chun Xiao Man supporting Bai Lingmiao's learning efforts and Bai Lingmiao showing affection towards Chun Xiao Man.
• Bai Lingmiao and the family she helped: Their interaction shows Bai Lingmiao's compassion and wisdom in advising them.