Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xiucai, penniless, is kicked out of a shop and meets Bai Lingmiao and Chun Xiao Man, who refuse to help him.
• Lu Xiucai and Tao Er follow Bai Lingmiao and Chun Xiao Man to an inn, but Bai Lingmiao orders them not to sit with them.
• Lu Xiucai and Tao Er leave the inn after Bai Lingmiao threatens to evict the Lu Family Troupe from Oxheart Village.
• Lu Xiucai and Tao Er search for food in the county town but have no luck. Lu Xiucai gets into a fight with a man who offers him money to borrow Tao Er's belly for a year.

Character Developments

• Lu Xiucai: Struggles with poverty and pride, gets into a fight due to anger and desperation.
• Bai Lingmiao: Becomes arrogant and dismissive of Lu Xiucai, threatening him and his family.
• Tao Er: Quietly follows Lu Xiucai, gets slapped while trying to mediate a fight.

Significant Themes

• Poverty and desperation leading to poor decisions.
• Pride and stubbornness hindering help and cooperation.
• Threats and manipulation to maintain power and control.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xiucai and Bai Lingmiao: Their relationship deteriorates as Bai Lingmiao refuses to help Lu Xiucai and threatens him.
• Lu Xiucai and Tao Er: Tao Er quietly supports Lu Xiucai, but he doesn't appreciate her help.
• Lu Xiucai and the man in the alley: Their altercation highlights Lu Xiucai's desperation and anger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Xiucai, injured and penniless, spends the night with Tao Er under a building eave.
• He considers selling Tao Er as a Temporary Concubine but refuses due to pride.
• Lu Xiucai approaches Bai Lingmiao, apologizing and asking to return to Oxheart Mountain.
• Bai Lingmiao buys several enslaved children from a slave trader, adopting them as her 'sons and daughters'.
• She offers Lu Xiucai a chance to cultivate Mystical Power.

Character Developments

• Lu Xiucai: Struggles with pride and desperation, eventually submits to Bai Lingmiao for a chance to cultivate.
• Bai Lingmiao: Shows kindness and resourcefulness, adopting enslaved children and offering Lu Xiucai a chance to cultivate.
• Tao Er: Remains loyal to Lu Xiucai despite their dire situation.

Significant Themes

• Pride vs. Submission: Lu Xiucai's struggle with his pride and the need to submit to Bai Lingmiao for help.
• Kindness and Resourcefulness: Bai Lingmiao's actions towards the enslaved children and Lu Xiucai.
• Opportunity and Chance: Lu Xiucai's chance to cultivate Mystical Power, and the children's opportunity for a better life.

Character Interactions

• Lu Xiucai and Tao Er: Lu Xiucai's protective instincts towards Tao Er, and her loyalty to him.
• Lu Xiucai and Bai Lingmiao: Lu Xiucai submits to Bai Lingmiao for help, and she offers him a chance to cultivate.
• Bai Lingmiao and the enslaved children: Bai Lingmiao adopts the children, offering them a better life.

Chapter Summary: “Twin Lotus”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Lingmiao returns to Oxheart Village by carriage, accompanied by the children she has adopted. The villagers greet her, but their attention quickly shifts to the newcomers.
• Gouwa jokingly suggests that Bai Lingmiao’s adopted children can help plow the village’s farmland. His remark is interrupted when Lu Zhuangyuan attacks his younger brother, Lu Xiucai.
• Lu Xiucai is accused of stealing money and running away, bringing shame to the traditionally honest Lu family. Lu Zhuangyuan ties him to a tree and beats him with his pipe while the two argue and curse at each other, creating a chaotic spectacle.
• In a darker, more private moment, Bai Lingmiao warns someone—apparently connected to the enemy responsible for killing their parents—not to interfere with the enemy. She explains that they currently cannot affect what happens around him and that following him would only become a burden. The person responds with quiet crying.
• Bai Lingmiao explores the secret room containing the Bai family’s inheritance. She studies the family’s books but struggles to understand their complicated contents.
• Her attention is drawn to the White Jade Lotus, which begins flickering instead of emitting its usual steady glow. She suspects it may be connected to the Unborn Mother and the mystical powers of the White Lotus Sect.
• The lotus imagery on the mural changes: the petals fold inward until the flower resembles a hollow onion. A disturbing, layered chant then fills the chamber, invoking divine beings, the Nine-Colored Lotus Throne, and the Jade Purity Spiritual Treasure Venerable.
• The chant affects Bai Lingmiao severely, threatening to disperse not only her killing intent but also her emotions and experience of suffering. She embraces the White Jade Lotus, whose light provides some protection.
• The supernatural event ends quickly. When Bai Lingmiao looks again, the mural has transformed from a single lotus supported by six white donkeys into a Twin Lotus, marking a significant and unexplained development.

Character Developments

• Bai Lingmiao continues to assume responsibility for her adopted children and remains cautious about supernatural and familial matters. She demonstrates growing awareness of the limits of her power and the dangers of acting impulsively.
• Her exploration of the Bai family’s inheritance shows her desire to understand her lineage and acquire greater knowledge, although she is still limited by her lack of familiarity with the texts.
• Her resistance to the chanting reveals the strength of her identity and emotions. Rather than allowing the strange power to erase her killing intent and suffering, she instinctively protects herself with the White Jade Lotus.
• Gouwa remains comic and irreverent, joking about the usefulness of Bai Lingmiao’s adopted children even amid serious circumstances.
• Lu Zhuangyuan is portrayed as stern and furious about the dishonor brought by his brother’s theft.
• Lu Xiucai is revealed as morally compromised, having stolen money and fled, while also engaging in a bitter confrontation with his brother.
• The crying figure whom Bai Lingmiao addresses appears consumed by grief and a desire for revenge, emphasizing the emotional consequences of the family’s past violence.

Significant Themes

• Inheritance and hidden power: Bai Lingmiao’s examination of the Bai family’s secret inheritance suggests that her family’s past contains knowledge and supernatural forces she has not yet mastered.
• Identity versus annihilation: The chant threatens to erase Bai Lingmiao’s emotions, suffering, and killing intent, raising the question of whether painful experiences are also essential parts of a person’s identity.
• Power and helplessness: Bai Lingmiao understands that she cannot currently interfere directly with certain events, highlighting her vulnerability despite her growing abilities.
• Family honor and betrayal: The Lu family conflict contrasts traditional notions of honesty and uprightness with theft, shame, and internal punishment.
• Religious and supernatural transformation: The changing lotus imagery and references to the Unborn Mother and White Lotus Sect imply an approaching revelation or transformation connected to powerful religious forces.
• Grief and revenge: The unseen person’s crying and desire to avenge murdered parents show how trauma can drive people toward actions that may ultimately harm them.

Character Interactions

• The villagers enthusiastically greet Bai Lingmiao, while Gouwa humorously comments on the labor potential of her adopted children.
• Gouwa witnesses and enjoys the confrontation between Lu Zhuangyuan and Lu Xiucai, treating the family dispute as entertaining village drama.
• Bai Lingmiao speaks harshly but pragmatically to the grieving revenge-seeker, warning that their involvement would only hinder her and prevent them from achieving revenge.
• In the secret chamber, Bai Lingmiao and Second God observe the changing mural together. Their shared discovery of the Twin Lotus links the supernatural event to Bai Lingmiao’s ongoing journey and suggests that its meaning may be important later.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sui, now a spirit, emerges from Li Huowang's navel and questions him about the strange chanting and the absence of a visible person.
• Li Huowang, suspicious of the chanting's origin, hurries back to Shang Jing City, carrying his headless corpse.
• He encounters the first snowfall and sets up a campfire for the night, engaging in a conversation with the illusions about their desire for physical bodies.
• The next day, Li Huowang enters Shang Jing City and is surrounded by the Celestial Surveillance Division, led by Nangong.
• He is taken to the Celestial Surveillance Division Yamen, where he finds a head with Red Center's features and meets Jian Cheng, a Daoist with two Nascent Souls.

Character Developments

• Li Sui: Now a spirit, she questions Li Huowang about the strange occurrences and expresses her innocence in the matter.
• Li Huowang: He shows concern for his daughter's well-being and determination to return to Shang Jing City, demonstrating his responsibility and dedication.
• The Illusions: They express their desire for physical bodies, hinting at their growing attachment to the world of the living.
• Jian Cheng: Revealed to have two Nascent Souls, indicating his powerful cultivation and potential threat.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Deception: Li Huowang's identity is once again called into question, this time by the Celestial Surveillance Division, highlighting the theme of deception and trust.
• Transformation and Change: The illusions' desire for physical bodies reflects their longing for transformation and change, mirroring Li Huowang's own transformation from a cultivator to a spirit.

Character Interactions

• Li Sui and Li Huowang: Their interaction shows Li Sui's growing independence and Li Huowang's protective nature towards his daughter.
• Li Huowang and the Illusions: Their conversation reveals the illusions' growing attachment to the world and their desire for physical bodies, potentially foreshadowing future conflicts.
• Li Huowang and Jian Cheng: Their meeting hints at a potential power struggle, as Jian Cheng's dual Nascent Souls indicate his formidable strength and the Luo Sect's involvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang returns to the Celestial Surveillance Bureau with the Red Center's head, seeking to clear his name.
• The Bureau's Jian Cheng tests Li Huowang's loyalty and assigns him an errand: approach Zhuge Yuan to retrieve the Six Paths Tome.
• The Bureau reveals they plan to deal with the Sitting Forgetting Dao and the Celestial Surveillance Division's conflict separately.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Demonstrates his decisiveness and adaptability in handling the Red Center's deception and the Bureau's assignment.
• Nangong Yun: Shows loyalty to the Bureau and reveals their plans to deal with the Sitting Forgetting Dao and the Celestial Surveillance Division.

Significant Themes

• Deception and trust: Li Huowang's identity and loyalty are questioned, highlighting the theme of deception and the importance of trust.
• Conflict and resolution: The conflict between the Bureau and the Sitting Forgetting Dao is set to escalate, with the Bureau planning to deal with it separately.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and the Bureau's Jian Cheng: Li Huowang proves his loyalty to the Bureau, and the Jian Cheng assigns him an errand.
• Li Huowang and Nangong Yun: Their relationship improves as they discuss the Bureau's plans and Li Huowang's assignment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, guided by Nangong Yun, arrives at the Liang Residence where Zhuge Yuan is staying.
• Li Huowang expresses his intention to capture Zhuge Yuan, but Nangong Yun advises against it due to the current manpower shortage in the Bureau.
• Li Huowang enters the Liang Residence, and Zhuge Yuan helps him with a plan to sneak attack the Heart Seed North Wind.
• Li Huowang confides in Zhuge Yuan about his experiences in the other world, seeking his advice.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Struggles with the reality of his experiences in the other world, seeking validation and advice from Zhuge Yuan.
• Zhuge Yuan: Shows kindness and understanding towards Li Huowang, offering advice and assistance without judgment.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: Li Huowang grapples with the possibility that his experiences in the other world are real, while Zhuge Yuan reflects on his own past experiences with reality and illusion.
• Friendship: The bond between Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan deepens as they confide in each other, highlighting the importance of friendship and trust.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and understanding. Zhuge Yuan listens to Li Huowang's concerns and offers guidance without dismissing his experiences.
• Nangong Yun and Li Huowang: Nangong Yun advises Li Huowang on how to handle Zhuge Yuan, showing a level of mentorship and care.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, now in a small courtyard house left by Ji Xiang, observes groups of Celestial Surveillance Division members arriving in Shang Jing.
• A black bird from the Mo Family delivers a message to Li Huowang, signaling the start of the operation against the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• Li Huowang attends a meeting in the Celestial Surveillance Division's great hall, filled with an oppressive atmosphere and strange auras.
• Five Sitting Forgetting Dao members infiltrate the meeting, but they are quickly exposed and unmasked.
• The Vice Director of the Celestial Surveillance addresses the group, expressing confidence in dealing with the Sitting Forgetting Dao within Shang Jing City.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang demonstrates his keen senses and understanding of the situation, showing growth in his role within the Celestial Surveillance Division.
• The Vice Director of the Celestial Surveillance reveals his powerful aura and intimidating presence, establishing his authority.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchy within the Celestial Surveillance Division.
• The cunning and adaptability of the Sitting Forgetting Dao, and the determination of the Celestial Surveillance Division to eliminate them.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang interacts with Sima Lan, a Mo Family member, who provides him with information about the operation and the structure of the Celestial Surveillance Division.
• The Vice Director of the Celestial Surveillance addresses the gathered members, displaying his dominance and confidence in their mission.

Summary: Rather Kill a Thousand by Mistake

Key Plot Points & Events

• The Vice Director of Celestial Surveillance issues a city-wide purge of the Sitting Forgetting Dao: 50 Lifespan Pills for ordinary members, 300 for Three Primes/Four Joys leaders, and the top killer personally receives 180 years of lifespan from the Director.
• The four city gates seal shut; soldiers man the walls with siege weapons turned inward, trapping everyone inside.
• A massive manhunt unfolds across Shang Jing as Celestial Surveillance operatives swarm the streets, turning the city into a bloodbath.
• Li Huowang arrives at his assigned location but spares a civilian family, instead using a dagger to scar their faces to verify they aren't the target—he leaves silver afterward.
• He climbs to a rooftop and witnesses the entire city descending into hell: buildings burning, innocents slaughtered, operatives and cultists fighting without regard for civilians.
• Three fugitives (two women, one man) flee toward Li Huowang's group; six or seven Celestial Surveillance pursuers recognize Li Huowang as "Red Center, Boss," stop to cover his retreat, and sacrifice themselves to block the pursuit.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Struggles with conscience amid the slaughter—he curses the chaos ("What do human lives mean to you!"), feels profound powerlessness, and clenches his fists against himself when his companion Red Center dismisses the carnage. He participates in the violence but refuses to kill the innocent, settling for scarring faces instead.
• Li Huowang's companions (all supernatural/disfigured beings):
  • Jin Shan Zhao: Half his body missing, weeping tears of blood, grieving; communicates incoherently.
  • The Monk: Crying, yet chanting Amitabha to save the dead.
  • Red Center: Impatient, urging speed, callous toward the massacre—Li Huowang's gaze toward him turns "unprecedentedly cold."
  • Peng Longteng: Headless, silent, staring toward the military strategists on the distant city wall.
• Li Huowang is revealed to hold the alias "Red Center, Boss" (红中老大) among some operatives.
• His mission target: find Heart Seed North Wind (心种北风).

Significant Themes

• Collective brutality: "Better to kill a thousand by mistake than let one go" — state-sanctioned massacre justified by political expediency.
• Dehumanization of civilians: Innocent people are collateral, their deaths meaningless to both sides.
• Moral complicity vs. powerlessness: Li Huowang participates in the system while horrified by it, unable to change anything.
• Incentivized genocide: Human life literally priced in Lifespan Pills and rank promotions.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang deflects an incoming attack from another operative trying to poach his kill, angering him.
• He reassures the civilian family before cutting them, drawing a clear line between himself and the other killers.
• Red Center dismisses the tragedy; Li Huowang's silent reaction shows growing estrangement from his own faction.
• Strangers sacrifice themselves for Li Huowang's escape, showing he commands genuine loyalty—or that his reputation alone draws protection.

Chapter Summary: “Sitting Forgetting Dao”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang realizes that the situation is the fault of the Sitting Forgetting Dao members and attacks the three people from behind.
• The Sitting Forgetting Dao members mistake him for their leader, “Red Center Boss,” and urge him to retreat, insisting that they will cover him.
• The Celestial Surveillance Division intervenes, collapsing the roof and trapping Li Huowang and the three Sitting Forgetting Dao members inside a Five Elements Eight Trigrams formation.
• One Sitting Forgetting Dao member attempts to help Li Huowang escape, but Li Huowang cuts off his hands and kills him with a Coin Sword.
• The Celestial Surveillance Division immobilizes the remaining two Sitting Forgetting Dao members and Li Huowang with talismans and magical flags, still believing Li Huowang is part of the group.
• Despite being restrained, Li Huowang unleashes Li Sui’s black tentacles. Together, they use extreme pain and bodily manipulation to disrupt the formation and kill several members of the Celestial Surveillance Division.
• Once freed, Li Huowang massacres the remaining Celestial Surveillance Division members, including the hunchback carrying a Soul-Calling Banner.
• The surviving Sitting Forgetting Dao members praise Li Huowang as their powerful leader. Furious at their continued misunderstanding, Li Huowang points his sword at them and demands to know where “Heart Seed North Wind” is.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang becomes increasingly enraged by being mistaken for a Sitting Forgetting Dao leader. His attempts to deny the identity only intensify the confusion.
• His desperation and fury drive him into a violent rampage, showing how dangerous he becomes when restrained or falsely accused.
• Li Sui actively assists Li Huowang by manipulating his body, using tentacles, breaking ribs, and sacrificing body parts to attack their enemies. Their coordination demonstrates growing trust and combat effectiveness.
• The remaining Sitting Forgetting Dao members continue to regard Li Huowang as “Red Center Boss,” interpreting his overwhelming strength as proof of his leadership rather than recognizing his hostility.
• The Celestial Surveillance Division is shown to be powerful and organized, but their mistaken assumptions leave them unprepared for Li Huowang’s abilities.

Significant Themes

• Misidentity and failed communication: Li Huowang repeatedly insists that he is not a Sitting Forgetting Dao member, but every action he takes is interpreted as evidence that he is their leader.
• Violence as a response to helplessness: Being trapped, restrained, and falsely accused pushes Li Huowang into even greater brutality.
• Paranoia and absurdity: The conflict is driven as much by misunderstanding as by genuine hostility, giving the scene a darkly comedic, chaotic quality.
• Bodily horror and sacrifice: Li Huowang and Li Sui weaponize their own bodies, emphasizing the story’s grotesque supernatural atmosphere and the extreme costs of survival.
• Power and reputation: Li Huowang’s immense strength creates an image of authority that contradicts his actual intentions.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang clashes with the Sitting Forgetting Dao members, who try to protect him while mistakenly treating him as their superior.
• The Celestial Surveillance Division attempts to capture all three Sitting Forgetting Dao members, inadvertently trapping Li Huowang with them.
• Li Sui follows Li Huowang’s commands and supports him from within his body, enabling their escape and counterattack.
• After the battle, the surviving Sitting Forgetting Dao members praise Li Huowang, while he responds by threatening them and demanding information about Heart Seed North Wind.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, disguised as an Old Beggar, interrogates Sitting Forgetting Dao about North Wind's whereabouts.
• He kills two Sitting Forgetting Dao (disguised as an Old Beggar and a pretty daughter-in-law) to extract information.
• Li Huowang learns that North Wind and other Sitting Forgetting Dao are at the Imperial City East Gate, planning to infiltrate the palace.
• Li Huowang arrives at the Imperial City East Gate and observes a battle between Sitting Forgetting Dao and Imperial Guards.
• He suspects an Imperial Guard (possibly North Wind) and follows him into the Imperial Palace.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang shows ruthlessness and determination in extracting information from the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• He demonstrates adaptability by changing his disguise and appearance before entering the Imperial Palace.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Disguise: Li Huowang uses disguises to deceive and extract information from his enemies, reflecting the theme of deception and the importance of appearances.
• Power and Control: The Imperial Palace, with its grandeur and heavily guarded entrances, symbolizes power and control, which the Sitting Forgetting Dao seek to disrupt.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang interacts with two Sitting Forgetting Dao, killing them to gain information about North Wind.
• He observes a battle between Sitting Forgetting Dao and Imperial Guards at the Imperial City East Gate, but doesn't directly engage.
• Li Huowang follows an Imperial Guard (suspected to be North Wind) into the Imperial Palace, indicating a potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang enters the Golden Palace, shocked by its opulence.
• He follows bloody footprints to the Golden Luan Hall, finding it empty but for massive pillars with Six-Clawed Golden Dragons.
• He discovers words carved into his arm, realizing he's been here longer than he thought and that time and memory are being affected.
• He finds a small temple in the center of the hall, containing a sewn-up Heart Turbidity, which he retrieves.
• He learns that the Golden Halls form a Constellation Formation, with Heart Turbidity serving as the formation eye.
• He hears chanting and metal clashing, leading him to a large open space.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang's indifference to wealth is challenged by the Golden Palace.
• He demonstrates resourcefulness and determination in navigating the Golden Luan Hall and retrieving Heart Turbidity.
• His concern for North Wind's safety increases, driving him to find him quickly.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and materialism vs. personal values (Li Huowang's indifference to wealth).
• Time and memory manipulation (the effects of the Golden Luan Hall).
• The power of formations and their potential dangers (the Constellation Formation).

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang interacts with Red Center, who provides him with information about the Constellation Formation.
• Li Huowang's thoughts and actions are driven by his concern for North Wind, showing their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang witnesses a giant eye in the sky, emitting a chaotic and painful chanting sound.
• He approaches a massive Golden Tree, where a battle is taking place between the Daliang Emperor's forces and the Sitting Forgetting Dao, a cult with Mahjong Tile patterns on their faces.
• The Daliang Emperor reveals his plan, and the National Preceptor takes charge. Zhuge Yuan arrives, pursued by a large number of Sitting Forgetting Dao, including unique Mahjong Tile patterns not seen before.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang demonstrates resilience and determination, enduring the chaotic sound to approach the Golden Tree.
• The Daliang Emperor shows his cunning and foresight, anticipating the cult's actions.
• Zhuge Yuan displays his resolve and skill, confronting a large number of cult members.

Significant Themes

• Chaos vs. Order: The chaotic eye in the sky contrasts with the order of the Mahjong Tile patterns on the cult members' faces.
• Power and Control: The Daliang Emperor's manipulation of the situation and the cult's desire to disrupt his plans highlight themes of power and control.
• Unpredictability: The appearance of unique Mahjong Tile patterns and the unexpected number of cult members emphasize the unpredictable nature of the situation.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang's observations of the cult members and his internal dialogue reveal his analytical skills and caution.
• The Daliang Emperor's interaction with the National Preceptor shows his command and delegation of authority.
• Zhuge Yuan's arrival and confrontation with the cult members demonstrate his bravery and commitment to his mission.

Chapter Summary: “Both Sides”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The North Wind captured by Zhuge Yuan is revealed to be a member of the Sitting Forgetting Dao. Her apparent submission was a deliberate plan: she and other North Winds manipulated Zhuge Yuan into transforming them into Daqi people so they could enter Daqi and contact the Sitting Forgetting Dao there.
• The Heart Pan successfully draws the Daqi Sitting Forgetting Dao into the battlefield, proving that Daqi is a real, separate existence rather than merely an illusion created by the Heart Pan.
• The enemy responds by transforming the central black-and-white eye into a more powerful form and unleashing incomprehensible chanting. The sound threatens to disrupt people’s Ten Emotions and Eight Sufferings, potentially destroying their personalities and identities.
• Eight North Winds are present, making it difficult for Li Huowang to identify the true Heart Seed North Wind.
• The Sitting Forgetting Dao members surround the golden tree, with four Dice positioned at the cardinal directions, and begin a ritualistic chant. Their power causes the environment and its inhabitants to distort.
• Li Huowang creates a golden statue of Yang Na while trying to protect himself and quickly devises a dangerous reverse-divination method. By cutting into his own shoulder and using talismans inserted into his collarbone, he identifies the true Heart Seed North Wind.
• The Daliang forces counterattack. The National Preceptor and the Director of the Celestial Surveillance, accompanied by three Vice Directors, use powerful spells to suppress the Sitting Forgetting Dao and force some of its members to collapse into chaotic flesh.
• The battlefield descends into complete disorder as the golden tree’s roots collapse, the Sitting Forgetting Dao charges toward the tree’s crown, and dark lightning strikes through the shifting sky.
• Taking advantage of the chaos, Li Huowang reaches the Heart Seed North Wind. She appears to be attempting to act against the Daliang Emperor but suddenly suffers, with dark golden liquid leaking from her eyes. When lightning targets her, Li Huowang pulls her away and retreats.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang remains focused and decisive despite overwhelming supernatural interference. He accepts severe physical pain and injury to use divination and locate the true North Wind.
• His determination is shown to be deeply personal: even while the larger battle becomes incomprehensible, he refuses to lose sight of the Heart Seed North Wind or abandon her.
• The Heart Seed North Wind is revealed as a covert operative rather than a helpless captive. However, her apparent attempt to act against the Daliang Emperor causes her intense pain, suggesting she may be under some form of control, divided allegiance, or supernatural restriction.
• The Sitting Forgetting Dao demonstrates careful long-term planning, infiltrating Daqi through the North Winds and launching a coordinated ritual attack.
• The Daliang authorities, particularly the National Preceptor and Celestial Surveillance leadership, reveal formidable power and intervene directly to protect the Emperor and oppose the Sitting Forgetting Dao.

Significant Themes

• Reality versus illusion: The arrival of Daqi’s Sitting Forgetting Dao confirms that Daqi exists independently, challenging previous assumptions about the nature of the Heart Pan and the two worlds.
• Manipulation and hidden agendas: The North Winds’ apparent defeat was staged, emphasizing how both sides use deception, infiltration, and calculated sacrifice.
• Identity and psychological integrity: The incomprehensible chanting threatens to fragment the Ten Emotions and Eight Sufferings, raising the danger of losing one’s personality and sense of self.
• Chaos amid cosmic conflict: The battlefield becomes physically and temporally unstable, with shifting time, distorted matter, collapsing structures, and lightning. Individual survival depends on acting decisively within uncertainty.
• Personal loyalty amid larger struggles: While powerful factions battle over worlds and cosmic forces, Li Huowang’s immediate goal remains rescuing the Heart Seed North Wind.

Character Interactions

• The North Wind openly taunts the Daliang Emperor and reveals the Sitting Forgetting Dao’s plan to bring reinforcements from Daqi.
• The Sitting Forgetting Dao and the Daliang forces engage in a direct contest of chants, rituals, and supernatural techniques.
• Li Huowang uses his divination against the North Winds, successfully drawing the true Heart Seed North Wind’s attention.
• The National Preceptor and Celestial Surveillance officials work together to defend the Emperor and suppress the Sitting Forgetting Dao.
• At the chapter’s end, Li Huowang reaches and physically rescues the suffering Heart Seed North Wind from the lightning-struck battlefield, establishing a direct alliance—or at least a moment of trust—between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, a Heart Seed, finally finds someone with nine Red Centers (North Wind) and switches bodies with her to escape the Illusions.
• Li Huowang captures North Wind and tortures her to reveal the method to get rid of Heart Seed Illusions.
• North Wind reveals that to control Innate Qi and remove Illusions, one must borrow the power of Doumu Taiyin's Ruler of Fate.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang shows cunning and determination in his pursuit to escape the Illusions.
• North Wind demonstrates resilience and calm under torture, revealing her true intentions and the complexity of her beliefs.

Significant Themes

• Illusions vs. Reality: The struggle of Heart Seeds to distinguish between the two, and the interconnected nature of truth and falsehood.
• Power and Control: The desire to control one's own Innate Qi and escape the influence of others.
• Manipulation and Deception: Both characters use deception and manipulation to achieve their goals.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and North Wind: Their interaction is marked by tension, with Li Huowang using torture to extract information and North Wind using deception and manipulation to reveal her true intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, trapped within North Wind's body, struggles to discern truth from illusion.
• North Wind reveals that the Sitting Forgetting Dao's Ruler of Fate controls both falsehoods and truths.
• Li Huowang tortures North Wind to extract information but is unsure if the revelations are genuine.
• Li Huowang forces North Wind to drink Strong Liquor, intending to take control of his body.
• Li Sui, Li Huowang's daughter, takes control of Li Huowang's body.
• Li Huowang returns to find the battlefield in chaos, with Zhuge Yuan under attack.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Struggles with disbelief and desperation, resorts to torture, and ultimately relies on his daughter's help.
• North Wind: Maintains composure despite torture, reveals truths, and is eventually overpowered.
• Li Sui: Takes control of Li Huowang's body, demonstrating her growing influence.
• Zhuge Yuan: Survives the chaotic battle, maintains composure, and is rescued by Li Huowang.

Significant Themes

• Truth vs. Illusion: The struggle to discern reality from deception is a central theme, reflecting Li Huowang's internal conflict and North Wind's manipulation.
• Power and Control: Characters seek power and control over others, as seen in Li Huowang's attempt to take North Wind's body and Li Sui's influence over her father.
• Chaos and Survival: The battlefield's chaos reflects the characters' struggles to survive and maintain control in uncertain situations.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and North Wind: Their interaction is marked by tension, manipulation, and torture, reflecting Li Huowang's desperation and North Wind's resilience.
• Li Huowang and Li Sui: Their interaction is brief but significant, demonstrating Li Sui's growing influence and Li Huowang's reliance on her.
• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Their reunion is marked by relief and determination, as Li Huowang rescues Zhuge Yuan from the chaotic battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhuge Yuan and Li Huowang infiltrate the Daqi palace to force the puppet Emperor to abdicate.
• They encounter the Celestial Surveillance Division of Daliang and the Sitting Forgetting Dao fighting.
• They find the Daqi puppet Emperor being made into a Buddhist monk by Monk Illusion, now the Abbot of Zhengde Temple.
• Daliang's influence begins to affect Daqi, causing chaos among Daqi people.
• Zhuge Yuan attempts to counter Daliang's influence using the Old Yellow Almanac, but is overwhelmed.
• Li Huowang uses the Intercalary Placement of the Five Elements to protect himself and Zhuge Yuan.

Character Developments

• Zhuge Yuan remains confident and determined to carry out his plan despite the danger.
• Li Huowang realizes that Zhuge Yuan's Daqi is an alternate history and understands the true nature of the Heart Pan.
• Li Huowang demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice for Zhuge Yuan's cause, using the Intercalary Placement of the Five Elements to protect them.

Significant Themes

• Alternate realities and timelines.
• The power of belief and faith (as seen in the monks' transformation and Daliang's influence).
• Sacrifice for a greater cause.

Character Interactions

• Zhuge Yuan and Li Huowang work together to achieve their goal, showcasing their trust and understanding of each other.
• Zhuge Yuan's confidence contrasts with Li Huowang's initial anxiety, highlighting their different approaches to danger.
• Li Huowang's sacrifice for Zhuge Yuan underscores their bond and Li Huowang's commitment to their shared cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, carrying an unconscious Zhuge Yuan, tries to escape the dangerous area but is held back by an invisible force and a giant vertical pupil.
• The Daliang Emperor and the Celestial Surveillance Division appear, using Magical Artifacts and the Stone Slab to perform a ritual.
• A giant golden mask forms in front of the giant eye, with the vertical pupil as its right eye, creating a terrifying aura.
• The Dice reveal they've been preparing for this event longer than the Daliang Emperor, and their chanting causes the Stone Slab to crack and release a purple light that enters the Dice.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang demonstrates his determination and strength by carrying Zhuge Yuan and fighting against the invisible force.
• The Daliang Emperor shows his desperation and ruthlessness in his pursuit of power.
• The Dice reveal their true intentions and power, hinting at a longer plan than initially thought.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and immortality leads to desperation and deception (Daliang Emperor, the Dice, and the false Immortal Ascension Technique).
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents (Daliang Emperor underestimating the Dice, the Vice Director of the Celestial Surveillance being deceived by the Stone Slab).

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Li Huowang protects Zhuge Yuan and tries to escape with him, while Zhuge Yuan is initially disoriented but quickly regains his composure.
• The Daliang Emperor and the Celestial Surveillance Division: They work together to perform the ritual using the Stone Slab, showing unity in their pursuit of power.
• The Dice: They reveal their shared plan and chant together, demonstrating their unity and power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Purple lights emerge from the brows of deceived people, gathering towards Shang Jing.
• Dice absorb the purple lights, growing larger and disappearing.
• Sitting Forgetting Dao people call out to Doumu Yuanjun.
• A massive Yin Yang Taiji Fish (later revealed as two entangled seas) covers the sky.
• Li Huowang sees a Ruler of Fate beneath the seabed, causing him immense pain.
• Zhuge Yuan helps Li Huowang escape on a scroll.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang experiences the power of a Ruler of Fate, causing him immense pain and fear.
• Zhuge Yuan remains composed and focused on escaping the situation.

Significant Themes

• The power and fear of Rulers of Fate.
• The struggle between the Sitting Forgetting Dao and the Ruler of Fate, Doumu.
• The desperation of the Sitting Forgetting Dao people to awaken their Ruler of Fate.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan work together to escape the situation.
• Li Huowang seeks Zhuge Yuan's help to borrow his Old Almanac after escaping.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang is targeted by a Doumu (a Ruler of Fate) manifesting as a Yin Yang Taiji Diagram with an eyeball.
• Li Huowang tries to escape but is pulled towards the Doumu. He uses his fleshy worm to stabilize himself but is gradually overwhelmed.
• Zhuge Yuan intervenes, attempting to fend off the Doumu with his Judge's Pen and Old Almanacs, buying time for Li Huowang to escape.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang (or Red Center): Struggles with his identity and past memories. His face changes through various personas he has assumed.
• Zhuge Yuan: Shows selflessness and courage, willing to sacrifice himself to save Li Huowang.

Significant Themes

• Identity and the Past: Li Huowang grapples with his true identity and the memories of his past lives.
• Sacrifice: Zhuge Yuan's willingness to sacrifice himself for Li Huowang highlights the theme of selflessness.
• Power and Fate: The Doumu's manifestation represents the power of fate, which the characters struggle against.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Zhuge Yuan's selfless act to save Li Huowang strengthens their bond. Li Huowang is torn between escaping and staying to help Zhuge Yuan.
• Li Huowang and the Illusion Sitting Forgetting Dao: The Illusion Sitting Forgetting Dao tries to persuade Li Huowang to escape, highlighting Li Huowang's internal conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, after realizing Zhuge Yuan's sacrifice, decides to repay his debt by finding a way to defeat Doumu.
• He discovers that the formation's core contains a living Heart Turbidity and uses it, along with a dead one, to create a powerful attack that damages Doumu's incarnation.
• Doumu disappears, and the formation collapses, but Zhuge Yuan's body is severely weakened and begins to disintegrate.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Realizes the extent of Zhuge Yuan's sacrifice and becomes determined to save him. Shows remorse for his past actions and gratitude towards Zhuge Yuan.
• Zhuge Yuan: Accepts his impending death with dignity and wisdom. His actions are driven by his understanding of morality and his desire to protect others, not just Li Huowang.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Zhuge Yuan's ultimate sacrifice for Li Huowang and the greater good.
• Gratitude and Redemption: Li Huowang's realization of Zhuge Yuan's sacrifice and his desire to save him, showing his growth and redemption.
• Morality and Nobility: Zhuge Yuan's actions are driven by his understanding of what is right and just, even in the face of death.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zhuge Yuan: Their bond deepens as Li Huowang realizes Zhuge Yuan's sacrifice and tries to save him. Zhuge Yuan accepts his fate but is comforted by Li Huowang's attempt to save him.
• Li Huowang and Doumu: Li Huowang uses his wit and the Heart Turbidity to damage Doumu's incarnation, showing his resourcefulness and determination.
• Zhuge Yuan and Doumu: Zhuge Yuan's constant resistance against Doumu showcases his strength and resolve, ultimately leading to his sacrifice.