Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sui, disguised as a human, meets a village boy who gives her pork lard candy.
• Li Huowang and Li Sui prepare to find and eliminate Mount Tai Stone.
• A group of nine, including Li Huowang, the Abbot of Zhengde Temple, Buddha Jade Furnace, and others, set out to find Mount Tai Stone.
• They arrive at Li County Town, where they suspect a trap involving Fa Sect believers and Stone Soup.

Character Developments

• Li Sui shows curiosity and appreciation for human food, particularly bloody meat bones.
• Li Huowang demonstrates his determination and confidence in facing Mount Tai Stone.
• Buddha Jade Furnace reveals her cautious nature and willingness to use others as shields.
• The Abbot of Zhengde Temple, Chan Du, shows willingness to put himself in danger for the cause.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Li Huowang, Buddha Jade Furnace, and other characters.
• The potential danger and deception involved in dealing with Mount Tai Stone and his followers.
• The contrast between human and demonic (or otherworldly) perspectives, as seen through Li Sui's interactions with the village boy.

Character Interactions

• Li Sui and the village boy share a moment of connection over candy and food.
• Li Huowang and Buddha Jade Furnace have a tense exchange about their roles in the mission.
• The Abbot of Zhengde Temple mediates the tension between Li Huowang and Buddha Jade Furnace.
• Li Huowang checks in with Liu Zongyuan about the new Ji Xiang's loyalty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Buddha Jade Furnace leads a group to the deserted County Town to find the Mount Tai Stone.
• They encounter a Fa Sect ambush, which they defeat, revealing the Fa Sect's infiltration into Daliang.
• The Buddha Jade Furnace decides to seek help from Blind Chen to locate the Mount Tai Stone.
• Unbeknownst to them, a Witch Minister named Tai Shan survives and plans to use the Fa Sect believers to gather more followers and snatch the Bone Sword from Liu Zongyuan.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang experiences physical discomfort due to the Buddhist scriptures.
• The Buddha Jade Furnace reveals his knowledge of Blind Chen's abilities.
• Tai Shan, a fellow Witch Minister, is introduced, showing his ambition and cunning.

Significant Themes

• Faith and Belief: The Fa Sect's ability to sway people's beliefs is demonstrated, turning commoners into fanatical believers.
• Power Dynamics: The disparity in strength between the two sides is evident, with the Fa Sect's believers being no match for Li Huowang and his companions.
• Deception and Manipulation: Tai Shan's plan to use the Fa Sect believers and manipulate Li Huowang's group highlights the theme of deception.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and the Buddha Jade Furnace work together to defeat the Fa Sect ambush.
• Tai Shan and the unnamed Witch Minister collaborate to outmaneuver Li Huowang's group.
• Li Huowang's past encounter with Blind Chen is referenced, showing a history of interaction between them.

Chapter Summary: “Buddha”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang anxiously phones Doctor Yi from the mental hospital, arguing that he is not suffering from thought disorder or schizophrenia. He insists that the events aboard the ship were real, including obtaining the Coin Sword and having his arm bitten by a Bull Terrier, though all evidence of them has now vanished.
• His fellow patients secretly speculate about his condition, treating him as an object of curiosity and even betting over his diagnosis.
• Li struggles with the uncertainty of whether his experiences were genuine or hallucinations. He fears that choosing the wrong interpretation could worsen his situation.
• From the hospital corridor, he sees a massive Daliang military force passing by. Liu Zongyuan explains that the army has been deployed to suppress or deter rebellion by the Daqi Fa Sect, reassuring Li that Daliang’s military and intelligence forces are prepared.
• Li and his companions ride toward Yinling City to help deal with the Fa Sect threat.
• The group is attacked by a flock of supernatural vultures. A black-robed Lama appears through one vulture’s eyes and uses a mysterious technique directed at Li’s brow, leaving him with a sudden feeling of emptiness.
• Li kills the first vulture with the Zisui Sword and warns the others. The remaining vultures attack the entire group.
• The three monks of Zhengde Temple merge with their horses and with one another, transforming into a gigantic, many-armed Buddha-like body. Their collective chanting incapacitates the vultures, causing them to fall from the sky.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Becomes increasingly distressed by the conflict between his perceived supernatural experiences and the medical explanation that they are hallucinations. Despite his mental uncertainty, he remains alert and decisive during the vulture attack.
• Liu Zongyuan: Displays confidence in Daliang’s military strength and explains the strategic purpose of the army’s deployment.
• Abbot Chan Du: Reveals the extraordinary recovery abilities and deeper powers of Zhengde Temple. His previously emaciated body has returned to normal after only a few vegetarian meals.
• The Zhengde Temple monks: Demonstrate that their powers extend beyond transforming into the Thousand-Hand Buddha. By merging with their horses and each other, they create a powerful collective Buddha-form capable of neutralizing an entire airborne attack.
• The black-robed Lama: Emerges as a mysterious enemy agent with the ability to attack or affect Li through the vulture’s eyes.

Significant Themes

• Reality versus illusion: Li’s central crisis is whether his supernatural experiences are real or symptoms of mental illness. The chapter leaves this question unresolved.
• Faith and perception: Religious powers, visions, and supernatural attacks blur the boundary between spiritual revelation and psychological disturbance.
• Military power and political instability: Daliang’s large-scale mobilization reflects the seriousness of the Fa Sect threat and the government’s determination to prevent rebellion.
• Collective strength: The monks’ fusion into a single Buddha emphasizes unity and cooperation as a source of overwhelming power.
• Identity and uncertainty: Li’s fear of being permanently defined as mentally ill parallels his uncertainty about which world—or version of reality—he truly inhabits.

Character Interactions

• Li argues with Doctor Yi over his diagnosis and uncertain mental state.
• Other hospital patients observe and discuss Li, interpreting his behavior through their own experiences with mental illness.
• Liu Zongyuan reassures Li about Daliang’s preparations and explains the army’s role.
• Li questions Abbot Chan Du about Zhengde Temple’s abilities, but the Abbot initially responds in obscure Buddhist terminology.
• The Lama attacks Li through the vulture, prompting Li to defend the group.
• The Zhengde monks protect Li and the others by combining their bodies, horses, and Buddhist powers into the multi-armed Buddha that defeats the vultures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang encounters vultures, reminiscent of his past encounter with lamas from Qingqiu.
• His Spine Sword is stolen, leading him to chase after the thief.
• He faces an ambush by a group of Fa Sect believers, including a powerful Lama.
• Li Huowang plays chess with his doctor, Wu Cheng, while trying to find a way out of his predicament.
• A mentally ill patient, a little fatty with autism, joins the chess game and turns the tables.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Struggles with his mental state, trying to maintain control while facing overwhelming odds. He shows resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
• Wu Cheng: Remains calm and collected, trying to help Li Huowang manage his stress and find a solution through the chess game.
• The little fatty: Initially passive and non-verbal, he demonstrates unexpected intelligence and strategic thinking when he joins the chess game.

Significant Themes

• Mental health and stress management: Li Huowang's struggle with his mental state is a central theme, with chess serving as a coping mechanism.
• Adaptability and resilience: Li Huowang's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain his composure is highlighted.
• Unexpected help: The little fatty's unexpected contribution to the chess game underscores the theme of help coming from unlikely sources.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Wu Cheng: Their interactions show a complex dynamic, with Wu Cheng trying to help Li Huowang manage his stress and Li Huowang growing increasingly frustrated and irritable.
• Li Huowang and the little fatty: Their interaction is minimal, but the little fatty's unexpected chess skills lead to a shift in power dynamics.
• Li Huowang and the Lama: Their interaction is hostile, with the Lama ambushing Li Huowang and Li Huowang fighting back with increasing desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang, now blind, faces off against He Xinlai and Mount Tai Stone after defeating the Old Lama.
• Mount Tai Stone, a Witch Doctor of Shi Du, can travel through earth and control soil.
• He Xinlai and Mount Tai Stone attempt to escape, but Li Huowang pursues them.
• Li Huowang is pulled into the ground and blinded by Mount Tai Stone.
• Mount Tai Stone receives a divine decree from Yu Er God to kill Li Huowang and take his sword.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Loses his sight, but remains determined and resourceful.
• He Xinlai: Shows loyalty to Yu Er God, willing to kill Li Huowang on command.
• Mount Tai Stone: Demonstrates his earth-traveling ability and cautious nature.

Significant Themes

• The power of divine decrees and their influence on characters' actions.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemy, as seen with Mount Tai Stone's caution towards Li Huowang.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang vs. He Xinlai and Mount Tai Stone: Li Huowang, despite his blindness, continues to pose a threat, while He Xinlai and Mount Tai Stone work together to eliminate him.
• He Xinlai and Mount Tai Stone: They cooperate to escape and later to kill Li Huowang, showing a level of trust and understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang's back injury is revealed to be from Mount Tai Stone.
• He Xinlai, a Fa Sect member, arrives with a Flesh Buddha.
• He Xinlai creates a small Calamity using a black cloth.
• Li Huowang falls into a pit and is surrounded by evil spirits.
• He Xinlai attempts to sneak attack Li Huowang but is fooled by Li Huowang's trick.
• Li Huowang captures He Xinlai with the help of his allies.
• Li Huowang wants to interrogate He Xinlai but is opposed by Buddha Jade Furnace.
• Li Huowang pursues Mount Tai Stone but is blocked by a mountain.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Shows his strategic thinking by tricking He Xinlai. His relationship with Li Sui deepens as they become more intertwined.
• He Xinlai: Captured and defeated, revealing the Fa Sect's presence and methods.
• Mount Tai Stone: Escapes but leaves traces for Li Huowang to follow.
• Buddha Jade Furnace: Prioritizes following rules and capturing He Xinlai alive for interrogation.
• Liu Zongyuan: Mediates between Li Huowang and Buddha Jade Furnace, showing his diplomatic skills.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Strategy: Li Huowang uses deception to outsmart He Xinlai, highlighting the importance of strategy and cunning in combat.
• Alliances and Betrayals: The alliance between Li Huowang and the Celestial Surveillance Division is strained due to differing priorities and methods.
• Pursuit of Justice vs. Personal Gain: The characters' motivations are explored, with some prioritizing justice (Li Huowang) and others personal gain (Buddha Jade Furnace).

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and He Xinlai: Their combat interaction reveals Li Huowang's strategic thinking and He Xinlai's underestimation of his opponent.
• Li Huowang and Buddha Jade Furnace: Their disagreement highlights their differing priorities and methods.
• Li Huowang and Liu Zongyuan: Liu Zongyuan's mediation shows his understanding of Li Huowang's character and his desire to maintain their alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang attempts to separate Li Sui from his body by cutting off the connecting tentacles, both external and internal.
• Abbot Chan Du of Daqi Zhengde Temple finds Li Huowang and offers help. He uses Buddhist chants and a Swastika to accelerate Li Sui's separation from Li Huowang.
• Li Sui is successfully separated, and Li Huowang's body is fully healed. Li Huowang thanks Chan Du and they leave the woods together.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang demonstrates his determination and resilience in separating Li Sui, showing his love for his daughter.
• Chan Du shows compassion and willingness to help, using his Buddhist powers to aid Li Huowang.
• Li Sui shows concern for her father's well-being during the separation process.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Li Huowang is willing to undergo immense pain to separate Li Sui from his body, showing his love and sacrifice for his daughter.
• Buddhism vs. Daoism: Chan Du's Buddhist powers contrast with Li Huowang's Daoist abilities, highlighting the differences between the two religions.
• Greed vs. Compassion: Chan Du's initial willingness to help Li Huowang is contrasted with the greed of the Monks in Daliang's Zhengde Temple, who wanted to keep Li Huowang's friend, a Heart Seed, for their own gain.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Li Sui: Li Huowang's love and concern for Li Sui are evident as he tries to separate her from his body. Li Sui, in turn, shows worry for her father's well-being.
• Li Huowang and Chan Du: Chan Du offers help to Li Huowang, and despite Li Huowang's initial distrust, they form a temporary alliance. Li Huowang later expresses gratitude towards Chan Du.
• Li Huowang and Chan Du's differing views on Heart Seeds: Li Huowang sees Heart Seeds as people, while Chan Du sees them as a means to an end, highlighting their differing moral views.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sui, now in a woman's body, travels with Li Huowang, stopping at a Post Station for the night.
• Li Sui witnesses a Tree Flower fighting display in the County Town and becomes fascinated by it.
• She meets an old man who agrees to teach her how to perform Tree Flower fighting.

Character Developments

• Li Sui: Shows curiosity and eagerness to learn new things, particularly the Tree Flower fighting. She also displays determination in pursuing her interests.
• The Old Man: Initially reluctant to teach Li Sui, he changes his mind after recognizing her, hinting at a past connection.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Learning: Li Sui's curiosity drives her to learn new skills and experiences.
• Past Connections: The old man's recognition of Li Sui suggests a past relationship that could be explored further.

Character Interactions

• Li Sui and Li Huowang: Li Sui's interaction with Li Huowang is minimal in this chapter, but she shows consideration for his well-being by not burrowing into his body for fear of causing him pain.
• Li Sui and The Old Man: Li Sui's persistence in asking the old man to teach her Tree Flower fighting leads to an emotional reunion between them, suggesting a past relationship or recognition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sui returns home for the New Year, where the Old Man and Old Woman, her former neighbors, fawn over her.
• Li Sui expresses her desire to learn 'Tree Flower Smashing,' a blacksmithing technique used to create molten iron art on the city wall.
• The Old Man teaches Li Sui the process of Tree Flower Smashing, revealing the profit-making tricks of the trade.
• A Green Skin, who had previously sold Li Sui, confronts them, attacking the Old Man and insulting Li Sui.

Character Developments

• Li Sui shows curiosity and determination to learn Tree Flower Smashing, displaying a newfound independence and interest in her surroundings.
• The Old Man demonstrates protective love for Li Sui, willing to defend her even at the cost of his own safety.
• The Green Skin reveals his cruel and abusive nature, showing no regard for Li Sui's well-being or the Old Man's safety.

Significant Themes

• Family and Belonging: Li Sui's return home highlights the importance of family and belonging, as the Old Man and Old Woman welcome her back with open arms.
• Change and Adaptation: Li Sui's return signals a change in her life, forcing her to adapt to her new circumstances and the people around her.
• Power Dynamics: The Green Skin's actions illustrate the power dynamics at play in Li Sui's life, where she is often at the mercy of others.

Character Interactions

• Li Sui and the Old Man: Their interaction shows a warm, father-daughter-like bond, with the Old Man patiently teaching Li Sui and protecting her.
• Li Sui and the Green Skin: Their interaction reveals the Green Skin's abusive and controlling nature, while Li Sui shows a newfound determination to stand up for herself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sui, in Nier's body, slaps a Green Skin who was harassing an old man, revealing her true form and causing the old man and his wife to faint in shock.
• Li Sui returns to Li Huowang, who takes her to confront the Green Skin and tortures him for bullying his daughter.
• Li Sui expresses fear of death and asks Li Huowang not to die, understanding the concept of death for the first time.
• Li Huowang and Li Sui prepare to leave for Yinling City, with Li Sui undergoing subtle physical changes.

Character Developments

• Li Sui: Experiences human emotions like anger and fear, understands the concept of death, and expresses concern for her fathers' well-being.
• Li Huowang: Shows fatherly concern for Li Sui, promises not to die, and takes her to confront the Green Skin.

Significant Themes

• Death and mortality: Li Sui's experience makes her understand and fear death, leading her to want to protect her fathers.
• Emotional growth: Li Sui experiences new emotions and shows concern for her fathers' well-being, indicating emotional maturity.
• Revenge: Li Huowang seeks revenge on the Green Skin for bullying his daughter.

Character Interactions

• Li Sui and the old man: Li Sui helps the old man and is mistaken for his daughter, Nier.
• Li Sui and the Green Skin: Li Sui confronts and tortures the Green Skin for harassing the old man and bullying her.
• Li Sui and Li Huowang: Li Sui expresses her fear of death and asks Li Huowang not to die, showing a new level of emotional connection with her father.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang and Buddha Jade Furnace arrive in Yinling City, the most prosperous city in Jiangnan Province after Shang Jing City.
• They are redirected from going to the City God Temple to meet Lord Zheng, the Director of the Celestial Surveillance of Siqi.
• They encounter Zheng Boqiao, the Fangxian Dao Daoist who had given Li Huowang the Lotus Root Head, in an underground Daoist temple.
• Zheng Boqiao shows respect and offers assistance to Abbot Chan Du of Zhengde Temple.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Shows impatience and urgency in dealing with the Fa Sect threat, demonstrating his commitment to protecting Daliang.
• Zheng Boqiao: Reveals his respect and deference towards Abbot Chan Du, indicating his reverence for Buddhist masters and his willingness to help them.

Significant Themes

• The conflict between the Fa Sect and the Xuanmen (Daoist sect) is further emphasized.
• The power dynamics between different factions, including the Celestial Surveillance Division, the Fa Sect, and the Buddhist monks, are explored.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zheng Boqiao: Li Huowang shows impatience with Zheng Boqiao's meditation, while Zheng Boqiao remains calm and respectful.
• Zheng Boqiao and Abbot Chan Du: Zheng Boqiao shows deference and offers assistance to Abbot Chan Du, highlighting the respect between the Daoist and Buddhist factions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Celestial Surveillance Division of Yinling City offers a vacant lot to Zhengde Temple, hinting at their absorption of sects and factions from Daqi.
• Zheng Boqiao, disguised as a Daoist, engages in a peculiar Pill refining technique using the body as an Alchemy Furnace, consuming parts of He Xinlai and the incense ash.
• He Xinlai dies after consuming the Flesh Pill, and Zheng Boqiao retrieves it, gaining information about the Fa Sect's plans and their lack of knowledge about the Mount Tai Stone.

Character Developments

• Zheng Boqiao demonstrates his unique and powerful Pill refining technique, proving his capabilities.
• Li Huowang shows impatience and frustration with Zheng Boqiao's initial reluctance to interrogate He Xinlai but later acknowledges his abilities.

Significant Themes

• The Fa Sect's plans and their connection with the Lamas of Qingqiu are revealed to be the main threat.
• Zheng Boqiao's unorthodox Pill refining technique highlights the diversity of cultivation methods and the importance of individual creativity.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zheng Boqiao initially clash due to their differing priorities, but they eventually work together to extract information from He Xinlai.
• Chan Du acts as a mediator between Li Huowang and Zheng Boqiao, smoothing over their disagreements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang learns about the possible collusion between the Fa Sect and Qingqiu's Lama, leading to the revelation of the Zhongyin Temple.
• Zheng Boqiao shares information about the Fa Sect's strongholds, asking Li Huowang to investigate them.
• Li Huowang suspects Zheng Boqiao's intentions and decides to go alone, while Zheng Boqiao expresses caution about Li Huowang to his subordinate.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Shows increased suspicion and caution, prioritizing the Fa Sect issue but also keeping an eye on Zhongyin Temple.
• Zheng Boqiao: Reveals more about his character, appearing evasive and manipulative, hinting at hidden agendas.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Suspicion: Characters' trust in each other wanes as secrets and hidden agendas are revealed.
• Power Struggles: The conflict between the Fa Sect, the Celestial Surveillance Division, and the Emperor's court is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Zheng Boqiao: Their interaction reveals Li Huowang's growing suspicion of Zheng Boqiao, while Zheng Boqiao tries to manipulate Li Huowang.
• Zheng Boqiao and the Buddha Jade Furnace: Zheng Boqiao expresses caution about Li Huowang to his subordinate, hinting at a hidden agenda.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Li Huowang takes his medication under Wu Cheng's supervision.
• Wu Cheng unlocks Li Huowang's leg shackles, signaling progress towards discharge.
• Li Huowang goes to the garden to enjoy the sun. He witnesses and intervenes in a fight between patients over an apple.
• Li Huowang returns the apple to Gao Jinyun, a mentally retarded patient, and gives him advice on protecting his food.
• Zhao Ting, a depressed patient, observes Li Huowang's interaction with Gao Jinyun.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang shows empathy and kindness towards Gao Jinyun, demonstrating his personal growth and increased emotional stability.
• Wu Cheng shows professionalism and understanding, unlocking Li Huowang's shackles and encouraging him to socialize more.
• Zhao Ting remains withdrawn and observant, showing no significant change in her behavior.

Significant Themes

• Empathy & Kindness: Li Huowang's act of helping Gao Jinyun highlights the theme of empathy and kindness, even in a challenging environment like the mental hospital.
• Social Interaction: The interactions between Li Huowang and other patients, as well as Wu Cheng's encouragement, emphasize the importance of social connections for mental well-being.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang & Wu Cheng: Their interaction shows a growing trust and understanding between the patient and the doctor, with Wu Cheng showing more leniency towards Li Huowang.
• Li Huowang & Gao Jinyun: Li Huowang's interaction with Gao Jinyun demonstrates his compassion and willingness to help those in need, even when they are vulnerable.
• Li Huowang & Zhao Ting: Their encounter is brief but significant, as Zhao Ting observes Li Huowang's act of kindness, potentially influencing her perception of him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang visits a mental hospital and encounters Qian Fu, a patient with unusual behavior.
• Qian Fu claims to know Li Huowang and warns him about a dark family and Leo aliens pursuing him.
• Li Huowang learns from other patients that Qian Fu has been diagnosed with an unknown illness and has been in the hospital for a long time.
• Qian Fu is released from the intensive care unit a few days later and apologizes to Li Huowang for his previous behavior.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Initially curious and skeptical about Qian Fu's claims, he becomes more cautious after Qian Fu's warning.
• Qian Fu: Initially appears to be severely mentally ill, but after his release, he shows a polite and coherent demeanor, suggesting a possible split personality or manipulative behavior.

Significant Themes

• The uncertainty and mystery surrounding mental illnesses, as seen through Qian Fu's undiagnosed condition.
• The potential for danger and deception, hinted at by Qian Fu's warning about the dark family and Leo aliens.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang interacts with various patients in the hospital, including Wei Shili and Zhang Shui'e, gaining information about Qian Fu.
• Qian Fu's interaction with Li Huowang changes from aggressive and delusional to polite and apologetic after his release.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang meets Qian Fu, a patient with Dissociative Identity Disorder, who believes in an alien conspiracy.
• Qian Fu approaches Li Huowang at night, asking for cooperation against unknown enemies.
• Li Huowang has a dream where he investigates a village, suspecting it to be a Fa Sect den, and encounters a Celestial Surveillance Division member killing villagers.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Maintains his calm and assertive demeanor despite Qian Fu's strange behavior and the disturbing dream.
• Qian Fu: Reveals his paranoia and desperation, seeking Li Huowang's help against perceived threats.

Significant Themes

• Mental illness and its effects on perception and behavior (Qian Fu's paranoia, Li Huowang's dream).
• Trust and cooperation (Li Huowang's reluctance to trust Qian Fu, Qian Fu's plea for cooperation).

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Qian Fu: Li Huowang is annoyed by Qian Fu's advances, while Qian Fu persists in seeking Li Huowang's help.
• Li Huowang and the Celestial Surveillance Division member: They encounter each other in Li Huowang's dream, with the division member killing villagers, much to Li Huowang's dismay.

Chapter Summary: “Fa Sect”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang and members of the Celestial Surveillance Division attack a Fa Sect village. Although Li Huowang and Hu kill many villagers, the enemies continue attacking as seemingly fearless monsters.
• Realizing the villagers are only expendable followers, Li Huowang searches for the true Fa Sect leaders. He spots a faint Witch Character on the mountain behind the village and is thrown toward it by Peng Longteng.
• Before reaching the location, Li Huowang is pierced through the abdomen by a hidden attack. Li Sui confirms she avoided injury, allowing Li Huowang to continue.
• Using divination with a bone and Turmeric Paper, Li Huowang discovers a concealed cave hidden behind a rock wall. The Fa Sect members attack him with Locust Stones and other weapons as he enters.
• Peng Longteng shields Li Huowang while he pushes through the cave. Li Huowang violently kills numerous Fa Sect Witch Doctors, demonstrating how much stronger and more experienced he has become.
• The cave suddenly fills with blinding light, and Li Huowang is struck by a powerful creature. He recognizes it as the Void Year, a terrifying beast previously fought alongside Daqi.
• The Void Year has lost its woman’s head and is now controlled or ridden by a woman bearing a Witch Character. Its touch rapidly steals Li Huowang’s lifespan, aging him before he consumes Lifespan Pills to reverse the effect.
• As the cave returns to darkness, the Void Year and hidden Fa Sect forces surround Li Huowang, setting up the next confrontation.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang shows increased combat ability, tactical awareness, and confidence. Rather than wasting time fighting ordinary believers, he focuses on locating their leader and uses divination to uncover the hidden cave.
• His physical condition remains dangerous: he is pierced through the abdomen, relies on Li Sui to protect his internal organs, and nearly loses years of life to the Void Year.
• Li Sui continues to act as Li Huowang’s daughter and partner in battle. She helps control the Coin Sword, avoids the initial attack, catches the Locust Stone, and warns him when his body begins aging.
• Peng Longteng supports Li Huowang directly by throwing him toward the mountain and acting as a living shield against the cave’s hidden weapons.
• The Fa Sect is revealed to be more organized and dangerous than a group of reckless villagers. Their followers serve as distractions while their leaders hide underground and employ traps, concealment, and powerful supernatural allies.
• The former Void Year appears to have been captured or controlled by the Fa Sect, suggesting that even powerful beings can be exploited by them.

Significant Themes

• Deception and hidden power: The apparent village battle is only a diversion; the real Fa Sect forces are concealed in the mountains.
• The cost of survival: Li Huowang repeatedly survives severe injuries, but each victory depends on his abnormal body, Li Sui’s assistance, or powerful medicines.
• Aging and mortality: The Void Year’s ability to steal lifespan introduces a threat that cannot be resisted through ordinary strength alone.
• Transformation and corruption: The Void Year’s altered form and the Fa Sect’s control over it suggest the destructive consequences of supernatural manipulation.
• Escalation of danger: What begins as a battle against ordinary believers develops into a confrontation with a familiar but immensely powerful monster.

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang coordinates closely with Li Sui, relying on her for both combat assistance and warnings about his physical condition.
• Peng Longteng works as Li Huowang’s protector and support, launching him toward the hidden enemy and shielding him inside the cave.
• Li Huowang confronts the Fa Sect believers with overwhelming violence, recognizing that their deaths will not matter unless their hidden leadership is defeated.
• The final encounter places Li Huowang opposite the Witch-marked woman, the controlled Void Year, and the concealed forces in the cave, leaving him surrounded and under immediate threat.

Chapter Summary: “Void Year”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang battles Void Year in a cavern, knowing that its attacks can cause either time reversal or sudden aging. Having already used all his Lifespan Pills, he fears that another attack could kill him immediately.
• Li ignites his body with the Fire Striker, using the flames to expose and destroy shadowy creatures attacking from the darkness. He discovers Void Year standing still and surrounded by dangerous red afterimages—the same technique once used to subdue the Daqi Dragon Vein.
• Li charges Void Year and attacks with the Spine Sword, but Void Year avoids the rift by collapsing the ground beneath itself. Its red afterimages spread throughout the cave, forcing Li into retreat.
• A mysterious black-armored military strategist, You Zixiong, enters the fight using chained Modao weapons. He restrains Void Year, allowing Li to target the Witch-faced Woman riding on its back.
• Li sacrifices one of his ribs to intensify his attack, causing the others nearby to share his burning pain. His rift cuts the Woman’s head away into Daqi, causing Void Year’s red afterimages to vanish.
• You Zixiong attempts to use Li’s Zisui Sword to kill Void Year, but Li and Li Sui stop him. Li explains that Void Year is not acting willingly and is connected to one of his allies.
• Void Year escapes, then returns with a woman’s face on its neck. The face bears Zhuge Yuan’s handwriting. Void Year asks Li whether he is someone it once knew, but concludes sadly that the person it seeks is gone before fleeing again.
• After the battle, You Zixiong and Li Sui struggle over the Zisui Sword. Their conflict is mediated by a bald, bearded man who arrives with a crescent shovel.
• You Zixiong reveals that he is from the destroyed state of Siqi and claims the sword as his own. He explains that it had been pawned to Jingxin Abbess of the Anci Nunnery, the same abbess who gave it to Li. His anger fades into despair when he acknowledges that Siqi’s destruction makes recovering the sword’s value impossible.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang demonstrates greater determination and tactical skill, combining fire, the Spine Sword, and painful self-sacrifice to overcome Void Year’s defenses. He also shows compassion by refusing to let Void Year be killed once he realizes it is being controlled.
• Li Sui acts protectively toward Li Huowang, physically preventing You Zixiong from taking the Zisui Sword despite suffering from the same pain caused by Li’s sacrifice.
• Void Year is shown to possess a tragic connection to Li or someone from Li’s past. Its recognition of Zhuge Yuan’s writing and disappointment at finding that “you’re gone” suggest memory, grief, and possible manipulation.
• You Zixiong is introduced as a powerful but suspicious warrior. His initial hostility over the Zisui Sword gives way to sorrow over the destruction of Siqi and the loss of his former life.
• The bald, bearded man serves as a mediator, preventing Li and You Zixiong from turning their dispute over the sword into another battle.

Significant Themes

• Identity and loss: Void Year’s failed recognition of Li and its reference to someone who is gone emphasize fractured identity, memory, and mourning.
• Control versus free will: Void Year attacks Li under the influence of the Woman, raising questions about responsibility when a character is controlled by another.
• Sacrifice and endurance: Li repeatedly endures physical pain and damage to gain an advantage, while Li Sui shares that suffering in her effort to protect him.
• Inheritance and ownership: The dispute over the Zisui Sword reflects the complicated meaning of heirlooms, debts, and rightful possession.
• Destruction of the past: You Zixiong’s grief over Siqi’s fall highlights how political collapse leaves survivors without homes, institutions, or the possibility of reclaiming what was lost.

Important Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and Void Year: They fight fiercely, but Li ultimately protects Void Year after recognizing that it is being manipulated rather than acting out of genuine malice.
• Li Huowang and You Zixiong: They cooperate against Void Year but immediately clash over the Zisui Sword, revealing mutual suspicion despite their temporary alliance.
• Li Huowang and Li Sui: Li Sui supports and protects him, refusing to surrender the sword even while sharing the pain of his self-inflicted attack.
• You Zixiong and the other bald warrior: The bald man attempts to mediate between You Zixiong and Li, treating them as allies rather than enemies.
• Void Year and Zhuge Yuan’s legacy: The writing on Void Year’s face connects it to Zhuge Yuan and suggests that the creature’s actions and memories are tied to unresolved events from the past.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Huowang learns from You Zixiong that Siqi was destroyed by the Fa Sect, not just a change of dynasty.
• The Fa Sect's occupation of Siqi puts Daliang and potentially Qingqiu at risk.
• Li Huowang leaves to investigate, while You Zixiong decides to kill all Fa Sect members.
• Yang Xiaohai and his wife stop at a roadside stall for Red Oil Wontons, unaware of the impending danger.

Character Developments

• Li Huowang: Realizes the severity of the Fa Sect threat and decides to act.
• You Zixiong: Becomes determined to eradicate the Fa Sect after learning about Siqi's fate.
• Yang Xiaohai: Shows concern for his wife's well-being and enjoys simple pleasures like eating wontons.

Significant Themes

• The threat and terror of the Fa Sect.
• The consequences of political corruption and betrayal (Siqi's fall due to Officials' actions).
• The contrast between the serious political situation and the mundane daily life of common people (Yang Xiaohai and his wife).

Character Interactions

• Li Huowang and You Zixiong: Share information and form a tacit alliance against the Fa Sect.
• Yang Xiaohai and his wife: Display a loving and caring relationship, enjoying a simple meal together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Xiaohai and Zhao Xiumei enjoy a bowl of Red Oil Wontons at a stall, appreciating the deliciousness and skill behind the dish.
• An old woman approaches the stall, asking for a bowl of hot water. She eats pebbles from a jar, claiming they taste like various dishes.
• Yang Xiaohai and Zhao Xiumei feel sorry for the old woman and offer her a bowl of wontons, but she gives it to her pet monkeys instead.
• An old Daoist arrives with his disciples, claiming to be a righteous figure who hates evil. One of the monkeys begs for help, revealing that they are actually Daoist children trapped under a curse, forced to perform as monkeys.
• The monkey performer, enraged, attacks the Daoist children, but the old woman intervenes, killing the performer with a pebble. She reveals that the monkeys are actually children and tries to comfort them.

Character Developments

• Yang Xiaohai and Zhao Xiumei: They show compassion towards the old woman, offering her food, but they also have their limits and cannot take her in.
• The Old Woman: She is revealed to be a complex character, caring for the cursed Daoist children but also eating pebbles, suggesting she might be mentally unstable or have a unique perspective on reality.
• The Old Daoist: He is exposed as a fraud, unable to stand up to the monkey performer's challenge and refusing to help the cursed children.

Significant Themes

• Compassion and its limits: Yang Xiaohai and Zhao Xiumei show kindness to the old woman but draw the line at taking her in, highlighting the complexities of compassion.
• Appearances can be deceiving: The old woman, the old Daoist, and the monkeys all present deceptive appearances, challenging the reader's initial perceptions.

Character Interactions

• Yang Xiaohai and Zhao Xiumei: The couple interacts sympathetically, discussing the old woman's situation and deciding to help her.
• The Old Woman and the Monkeys: The old woman cares for the cursed Daoist children, feeding them and trying to comfort them.
• The Old Daoist and the Monkey Performer: The old Daoist's cowardice is exposed when challenged by the monkey performer, revealing his fraudulent nature.