Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The King, in the basement of Flower Castle, communicates with a strange flower that can switch bodies and grants abilities.
• The King learns that the enemy (Gu Xi's forces) are using similar strange powers.
• The King uses the flower's abilities to create a magical shield around Flower Castle, making the Nether Spirit Flower Petals visible to everyone.
• The King's Minister of Military Affairs reports that half of the city's troops have fled, and the remaining troops are fighting Gu Xi's Black Blood Knight at the city gate.
• The King goes to the corner tower to observe the battle and uses his powers to affect the Black Blood Knight and the Undead Servants.

Character Developments

• The King: Shows his strategic thinking and use of the strange flower's powers to gain an advantage. He expresses frustration with his Minister of Military Affairs' incompetence.
• Gu Xi: Not directly present but shown to be strategizing and aware of the anomaly at Flower Castle. He decides to focus on the city at hand before attacking the castle.

Significant Themes

• The use of strange powers and their consequences.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in warfare.
• The impact of leadership and competence on the outcome of battles.

Character Interactions

• The King and the Minister of Military Affairs: The King expresses his frustration with the Minister's incompetence and lack of control over the troops.
• Gu Xi and the King (indirectly): Gu Xi's actions and decisions indirectly influence the King's strategies, and vice versa.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Green Leaf City's transformation into an Undead city is complete, but it can't be sent to the Knight Blood Road.
• Rhine leads troops towards the Castle while Gu Xi stays to clean up the battlefield.
• Rhine discovers that Flower Castle's petals form a defense shield, preventing entry.
• Rhine and his troops try to break through but fail, wasting half an hour.
• Gu Xi arrives with Liches, notices the petals' butterfly-like counterparts, and decides to burn them with fire.

Character Developments

• Rhine demonstrates strategic thinking and initiative, trying to find gaps in the Castle's defense.
• Kanade, despite his initial inaction, accepts Rhine's orders and prepares to attack once the defense shield breaks.
• Gu Xi shows his ability to analyze and adapt to new situations, noticing the petals' hidden abilities.

Significant Themes

• The importance of quick decision-making and adaptability in battle.
• The power of strategic thinking and initiative, as seen in Rhine's actions.
• The theme of transformation and adaptation, reflected in the city's Undead transformation and the petals' hidden abilities.

Character Interactions

• Rhine scolds Kanade for his inaction, showing his growing authority and confidence.
• Rhine and Gu Xi interact, with Rhine reporting the situation and Gu Xi delegating tasks.
• Gu Xi shows trust in Rhine's abilities, allowing him to handle the situation at the Castle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi arrives and takes command, ordering his Black Blood Knights to create a wind tornado and ignite it, blowing up the Flower Castle in a massive explosion.
• The King attempts to counter with a giant Tree Root but fails as the castle is already destroyed.
• Gu Xi uses flour and oil to set the exposed Tree Root on fire.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness, using the environment and his subordinates' abilities to his advantage.
• The King is shown to be reactive rather than proactive, relying on his petals' defense and the Tree Root as his main strategies.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Gu Xi's ability to adapt to new situations and use his surroundings to his advantage contrasts with the King's reliance on set strategies.
• Teamwork: Gu Xi's effective use of his subordinates' unique abilities highlights the importance of teamwork.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi and his Black Blood Knights work together seamlessly, understanding and executing his plans without needing detailed explanations.
• The King and Gu Xi are adversaries, with the King underestimating Gu Xi's capabilities and Gu Xi outmaneuvering the King at every turn.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi burns down the Flower Castle using liquor and oil, ensuring the destruction of the roots and seeds.
• He spends a day cleaning up the remaining parts of the Kingdom and undeadifying the land.
• Gu Xi sends his Undead subordinates to excavate the hilltop where the castle once stood, finding the melted basement as the core location.
• He arranges Liches to manipulate the Death Sorcerer Force Field, preparing to send the entire Kingdom to the Underworld.
• Gu Xi connects with the Death Sorcerer Force Field in Blood Sea City, selecting a location above the Blood Sea for the Kingdom's placement.
• He initiates the Death Sacrifice, shrouding the Kingdom in the Death Sorcerer Force Field, and activates the Yin-Yang Conversion effect of the Nether Spirit Flower to open the Gate of the Underworld.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic planning and resourcefulness in cleaning up the Kingdom and preparing for the transformation.
• He shows determination and focus in executing his plans, ensuring that every detail is taken care of.

Significant Themes

• Transformation: The chapter revolves around Gu Xi's transformation of the Kingdom into a part of the Underworld, reflecting his ambition and power.
• Preparation and Planning: Gu Xi's careful planning and preparation are emphasized, highlighting the importance of thoroughness in achieving his goals.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi interacts with his Undead subordinates, giving orders and expecting them to follow his commands without question.
• He communicates with the Liches, ensuring they understand their roles in the transformation process.
• Gu Xi's interaction with the Nether Spirit Flower is implied, as he uses its Yin-Yang Conversion effect to open the Gate of the Underworld.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi's Ritual begins, turning the sky gloomy and dragging the entire kingdom into the Underworld.
• All undead creatures around Gu Xi turn into petals and disappear.
• Gu Xi is unable to move and fears something has gone wrong, but then learns that the Nether Spirit Flower binding has been successful.
• Gu Xi is presented with binding protection and main battle route selection options, each with unique World Extinction effects.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi shows surprise, fear, and relief as the binding process unfolds.
• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic thinking in choosing the Yin-Yang Intertwining route for binding protection and Fate Selection as the main battle route.

Significant Themes

• The power and consequences of binding with the Nether Spirit Flower (Red).
• The choices and responsibilities that come with possessing a powerful artifact.
• The potential for mutual destruction and the fear it instills in others.

Character Interactions

• No direct interactions with other characters occur in this chapter, as it focuses solely on Gu Xi's internal thoughts and decisions during the binding process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi selects his Battle Aura, choosing 'Dead Soul Protection' which allows him to resurrect fallen Undead under his control.
• The Nether Spirit Flower binding process begins, replaying Gu Xi's Underworld quest and revealing alternative scenarios had he chosen higher difficulty levels.
• Gu Xi learns about potential enemies and benefits missed at higher difficulty levels: an Underworld master, a mutated young man, and a King Troops attack.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic thinking and acceptance of his choices, showing no regret for not selecting higher difficulty levels.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of choices and their impact on future challenges and rewards.
• The power of resurrection and its strategic value in battle.
• The duality of opportunity and risk in difficult decisions.

Character Interactions

• No direct interactions in this chapter, but Gu Xi's internal monologue reveals his thoughts on the revealed scenarios and his satisfaction with his choices.

Key Plot Points

• Gu Xi wakes up after 136 days of binding with the Nether Spirit Flower.
• Heiji City has been under attack by Savage Players and Undead Scourge troops from the Zhouxu Clan (Octopus Heads) for 30 days.
• The city's defenses, bolstered by Gu Xi's Contract Undead and Grand Princess Anna's command, have held against the attacks.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi: Shows concern for the city's situation and readiness to engage in battle upon waking.
• Grand Princess Anna: Demonstrates competent leadership and strategic thinking in defending Heiji City.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and cooperation among Gu Xi's Contract Undead and the city's defenders.
• The threat posed by the Zhouxu Clan and their Undead Scourge troops.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi and Grand Princess Anna: They exchange information about the situation, with Gu Xi expressing his intention to join the battle against the Zhouxu Clan.
• Gu Xi and the Zhouxu Clan: Their enmity is reinforced, setting the stage for an impending conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi receives news of an enemy attack, seeing it as an opportunity to use his Red Equipment.
• He sends Grand Princess Anna to capture an Octopus Head alive.
• Gu Xi learns about Heiji City's Troop changes during his Nether Spirit Flower binding.
• The Undead Titan Army defends Heiji City, while Fear Bats serve as Sky Drivers, using Fear Shriek to cause chaos in enemy ranks.
• Wei Hu and Shi Li, Gu Xi's Subordinates, have strengthened their Troops and abilities.
• Gu Xi's attention is drawn to two special Troops: the Sky Pit Undead Army and the Lord Avatar's Undead Army.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi shows confidence in his Red Equipment and eagerness to fight.
• Grand Princess Anna follows Gu Xi's orders and transfers Troops to him.
• Wei Hu and Shi Li have grown stronger and more strategic in their battles.
• The Sky Pit Undead Army and the Lord Avatar's Undead Army have merged and grown significantly in number and strength.

Significant Themes

• The power of Red Equipment and the desire to use it.
• The strategic use of Troops based on their strengths and abilities.
• The importance of obedience and initiative in large-scale Troops.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi interacts with Grand Princess Anna, giving her orders and receiving information.
• Wei Hu and Shi Li work together to strengthen their Troops and fight against the enemy.
• The Sky Pit Undead Army and the Lord Avatar's Undead Army merge, forming a powerful alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi discovers a massive Undead army, the Sky Pit Unit, numbering two million, and a unique Pure Archer Unit of over two thousand, originating from a single person.
• Gu Xi considers how to utilize these units effectively, given their strengths and weaknesses.
• Gu Xi learns about the growth and abilities of his Undead Army during his absence, including new units and heroes.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic thinking in considering the best use of his new Undead units.
• Gu Xi shows a desire for justice and fairness in his consideration of the Pure Archer Unit's future.

Significant Themes

• The power and utility of different Undead units in various battle scenarios.
• The impact of Gu Xi's talents and the Knight Blood Road on his Undead Army's growth and strength.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi interacts with Grand Princess Anna through information, seeking updates on his Undead Army's growth and battle situations.
• Gu Xi communicates with his Shadow Wraith, ordering it to come for a discussion about using the Pure Archer Unit as a Scout.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi assesses the Black Blood Knights, finding them more numerous, powerful, and diverse in skills than expected.
• The Knight Blood Road now houses over 12,000 Black Blood Knights, each with their own Wisdom and Luck, accompanied by Undead Servants and Laborers.
• Gu Xi's forces capture two Zhouxu Clan Octopus Head players, who were part of a group that used Mind Control to steal Red Equipment.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of his forces' capabilities.
• The captured Octopus Head players reveal their past actions and current situation, showing their cunning and desperation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding and utilizing one's forces effectively.
• The consequences of unscrupulous actions in the game world.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi interacts with Grand Princess Anna, who brings the captured Octopus Head players to him.
• Gu Xi communicates with Floating Spirituality Ika to check the captured players' memories.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Zhouxu Clan, exiled to the Game Deep, survives through deception and robbery, aiming to reclaim their formal Player status.
• They nurture three Quasi Red Equipments: Great Furnace (melts ordinary equipment into Orange Quality), Myriad Realms (positioning, spiritual sea, and wheel functions), and Mind Amplifier (strengthens Mind Power).
• Gu Xi, having obtained the Nether Spirit Flower, assesses the Zhouxu Clan's Quasi Red Equipments and decides to target the Octopus Head Player.

Character Developments

• The Zhouxu Clan demonstrates strategic planning and resource management in nurturing their Quasi Red Equipments.
• Gu Xi, now a Red Equipment Big Shot, feels disrespected when he learns he's not the Zhouxu Clan's primary target, leading to his decision to attack them.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination in the face of adversity (Zhouxu Clan)
• Pride and reaction to disrespect (Gu Xi)
• Strategic planning and resource management

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi and the Octopus Head Player: Irreconcilable contradiction; Gu Xi decides to attack the Octopus Head Player.
• Gu Xi and Floating Spirituality Ika: Gu Xi tasks Ika with gathering information about the Octopus Head Players' Red Equipment access.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi, having decided to fight the Octopus Head's forces, quickly gathers intelligence and plans the battle.
• The enemy consists of a large army led by ten Necromancers, including a Level 15 Necromancer with the Three Divine Skills of Death.
• The army includes two Level 20 experts (a Mind Swordsman and a Mind Warlock), a Level 18 Mind Voyager, and 67 other Players.
• Gu Xi plans to take down the Necromancer and the Death City first, then set up a trap for the new batch of Octopus Heads expected to arrive.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic thinking and confidence in his abilities after obtaining the Nether Spirit Flower.
• The Octopus Head's forces show their strength and organization, with a clear hierarchy and coordination among their Necromancers.

Significant Themes

• The importance of intelligence gathering and strategic planning in warfare.
• The power dynamics between different races and their abilities in the game world.
• The theme of adaptation and growth, as seen in Gu Xi's increased confidence and strategic prowess.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi interacts with his subordinates, who efficiently gather intelligence for him.
• Gu Xi communicates with Grand Princess Anna, though the details of their conversation are not provided.
• The Shadow Wraith arrives to assist Gu Xi, showing his trust in her abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi prepares for war by requesting Wyverns for scouting, intending to create a 'Guo Zheng Scout Camp'.
• He ensures the Wyverns can fly high and steadily, and that the Archers have good eyesight for scouting.
• Gu Xi plans to use these scouts for forward army outposts and major war scouting missions.
• Grand Princess Anna arrives, and they discuss battle strategies, deciding to disperse plans among different camps to prevent mental influence from the enemy.
• They decide to move Wei Hu and his Sleeping Beauty Castle away from the frontline, due to his impulsive nature.
• Gu Xi decides not to mobilize more troops from Aryadovi City, focusing on the troops currently deployable.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic thinking and careful planning, showing his capability as a commander.
• Grand Princess Anna shows initiative and understanding of the situation, taking on the task of arranging troop movements.
• Wei Hu is portrayed as impulsive and unpredictable, warranting his removal from the frontline.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and Planning: Gu Xi's careful preparation and planning for the upcoming war, including the creation of the Guo Zheng Scout Camp and the dispersal of battle plans.
• Adaptability: The need to adapt to the enemy's Mind-related abilities and the potential for multiple Death Cities.
• Leadership: Gu Xi and Grand Princess Anna's leadership and decision-making skills in the face of complex situations.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi interacts with the Shadow Wraith to request Wyverns and discusses the Guo Zheng Scout Camp's needs.
• Gu Xi and Grand Princess Anna collaborate on battle strategies, showing a strong working relationship.
• Gu Xi and Grand Princess Anna discuss the need to move Wei Hu and his Sleeping Beauty Castle, highlighting their awareness of Wei Hu's impulsive nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle outside Heiji City continues, with the Octopus Head Players discussing their next move.
• An Octopus Head Young Master, a Mind Voyager, insists on attacking the abandoned city, while others advise against it due to the high cost and low benefit.
• A metal arrow with purple lightning power is fired at the Octopus Head Young Master, escalating tensions.
• The Octopus Head Players decide to launch a full-scale assault on the city within two days, with the condition that they will leave if unsuccessful.

Character Developments

• The Octopus Head Young Master is shown to be impulsive and stubborn, driven by his visions and desire for power.
• Adomiada, an Octopus Head Mind Warlock, demonstrates strategic thinking and caution, attempting to sway the Young Master's decisions.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and wealth at any cost, even when the odds are against them.
• The tension between impulsive action and strategic planning.
• The importance of gathering information and understanding the situation before making decisions.

Character Interactions

• The Octopus Head Young Master and Adomiada have a tense interaction, with the Young Master dismissing Adomiada's advice initially but later acknowledging his contribution.
• The Octopus Head Players follow a protocol to protect their Young Master, even when they disagree with his decisions.
• The Octopus Head Players discuss their plans and strategies among themselves, showing a level of unity and respect for each other's opinions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi and Octopus Head are racing against time, with Gu Xi's side actively strategizing while Octopus Head passively reacts.
• Gu Xi breaks down tasks and assigns them to Heroes, aiming to mislead Octopus Head about his plans.
• Gu Xi focuses on manipulating Fate nodes to influence the battle, particularly targeting Octopus Head's powerful Red Equipment wielder.
• Octopus Head sends Sludge Undead to defend against Heiji City's forces, underestimating the situation.
• Gu Xi's forces attack and eliminate the defending Sludge Undead, then deploy Liches to set up a Death Sorcerer Force Field, altering the Earth Vein's attributes.
• Gu Xi plans to provoke Octopus Head into attacking, creating an opportunity for a Death City siege battle.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi gains confidence after obtaining the Nether Spirit Flower and begins to manipulate Fate nodes more effectively.
• Grand Princess Anna shifts her strategy to support Gu Xi's proactive approach.
• Octopus Head's Necromancers underestimate the threat, leading to a lack of preparation.

Significant Themes

• Strategic planning and manipulation of information.
• The influence of Fate and its nodes on the outcome of battles.
• The importance of adaptability and preparation in the face of changing circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi and Grand Princess Anna work together to coordinate their forces and strategies.
• Octopus Head's Necromancers interact, showing a lack of concern for the current situation, leading to underpreparedness.
• Gu Xi's Heroes carry out their assigned tasks, demonstrating their loyalty and obedience to Gu Xi's commands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi deploys three Undead Army troops: Corrupted Zombie Battalion, Berserk Zombie Battalion, and Black Wind Battalion.
• The Undead Army swiftly defeats the Sludge Undead guarding the Arrow Tower Forest and engages three thousand supporting Sludge Undead.
• The Berserk Zombie Battalion uses their Ground Shockwave ability to incapacitate and kill the Sludge Undead en masse.
• Liches are called back from their advance, and Grand Princess Anna arranges a Regiment-level formation for a counterattack route, with three different advancement plans.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic prowess, carefully planning the Undead Army's advance and considering backup plans.
• Grand Princess Anna shows tactical acumen, mobilizing experienced Heroes and creating multiple advancement strategies.

Significant Themes

• Strategic planning and adaptability in warfare.
• The use of unique abilities and teamwork in combat.
• The importance of backup plans and contingencies.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi and Grand Princess Anna collaborate, with Gu Xi providing strategic guidance and Anna arranging troops based on his plans.
• The Undead Army troops, particularly the Berserk Zombie Battalion, exhibit impressive teamwork and coordination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi swiftly plans and executes a grand strategy in just over three hours.
• Heiji City's Undead army is mobilized and positioned.
• Octopus Head Players, unaware of Gu Xi's movements, send a Necromancer with subordinates to investigate the silence from their Troops in the Forest.
• Octopus Head Young Master, confident in their Red Equipment, orders the deployment of a Death City gate if needed.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic prowess and swift decision-making.
• Octopus Head Young Master showcases leadership and confidence, but also underestimates the enemy.
• The Octopus Head Necromancer displays pride in his class and ability.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability.
• Overconfidence and underestimation of the enemy.
• The power dynamics between different classes and equipment levels.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi and Grand Princess Anna work together to defend Heiji City.
• Octopus Head Young Master orders his subordinates around, showing his authority but also his lack of caution.
• The Octopus Head Necromancer and his subordinates advance towards the Arrow Tower Forest, unaware of the trap set by Gu Xi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Undead Army, now including a Hero-led unit, arrives outside the Arrow Tower Forest. Each unit has specific tasks to lure and trap the enemy.
• The Octopus Head Necromancer and his troops approach the battlefield, suspecting something amiss.
• An ambush by Skeleton Soldiers and Skeleton Archers ensues, with the Skeleton Soldiers retreating towards the Arrow Tower Forest, pursued by the Sludge Undead.
• The Sludge Undead, upon reaching a specific location, encounter an Underworld Transformation, slowing their movement and causing the Octopus Head Necromancer to panic.
• The Octopus Head Necromancer attempts to retreat through a City Gate, but the fleeing and incoming Sludge Undead clash, blocking the exit.

Character Developments

• The Octopus Head Necromancer demonstrates strategic thinking and quick reactions but underestimates the enemy and makes a crucial mistake in retreating.
• The Skeleton Soldiers and Skeleton Archers show tactical awareness and discipline, successfully luring the enemy into a trap.

Significant Themes

• Trap and Ambush: The Undead Army's strategy revolves around luring and trapping the enemy, with the Skeleton Soldiers' retreat serving as bait.
• Underestimation: The Octopus Head Necromancer underestimates the enemy's capabilities, leading to his troops' predicament.
• Panic and Mistakes: The Octopus Head Necromancer's panic leads him to make a critical error in judgment, highlighting the impact of emotions on decision-making.

Character Interactions

• The Octopus Head Necromancer interacts with his subordinates, the Octopus Head Swordsmen, demonstrating a hierarchical command structure.
• The Skeleton Soldiers and Skeleton Archers work together, showing unity and coordination in their ambush strategy.
• The Sludge Undead, despite being on the same side, clash due to the Octopus Head Necromancer's panicked retreat order, highlighting the chaos that can ensue from poor communication.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xi's Bone Armor Centipede connects Heiji City with Bidalihai Bay, opening a Death City battle passage.
• Gu Xi's plan is to lure the enemy to a prepared battlefield, seize their Death City, and then target the Octopus Head Player's Red Equipment.
• The Aurora Knight Corps, led by Amirka, is the first to attack Bidalihai Bay.
• The Octopus Head Necromancer, temporarily controlling Bidalihai Bay, struggles to manage the influx of Sludge Undead, delaying his response to the attack.

Character Developments

• Gu Xi demonstrates strategic planning and decisiveness in initiating the Death City battle.
• Amirka shows eagerness and determination in leading his Aurora Knight Corps to attack Bidalihai Bay.
• The Octopus Head Necromancer reveals poor decision-making and lack of foresight in prioritizing the management of Sludge Undead over the defense of his Death City.

Significant Themes

• Strategic planning and execution in warfare.
• The importance of prioritizing and adapting to changing situations in battle.
• The consequences of underestimating or misunderstanding one's enemy.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xi and Grand Princess Anna work together to execute their plan, with Gu Xi initiating the battle and Anna commanding the troops.
• Amirka, under Grand Princess Anna's orders, leads his Aurora Knight Corps to attack Bidalihai Bay.
• The Octopus Head Necromancer's misjudgment of the situation leads to a delayed response to the attack on his Death City.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Octopus Head Necromancer sends a message to his superior about an unexpected enemy attack on Death City.
• Amirka's Aurora Knight Corps charges into Bidalihai Bay, taking the City Gate and heading straight for the Council Hall.
• Amirka discovers two War Banners at the Council Hall, indicating the presence of two enemy troops using the city as a transit point.
• Amirka contacts Gu Xi using a modified Octopus Head Skull, reporting the situation and receiving orders to hold the Council Hall for 15 minutes and destroy the War Banners.

Character Developments

• Amirka demonstrates strategic thinking and command ability, following Gu Xi's plan and adapting to the situation.
• Gu Xi shows quick decision-making and resourcefulness, using modified Skulls for long-distance communication and planning to destroy the War Banners to claim the city.

Significant Themes

• Communication and coordination among leaders and troops.
• Strategic planning and adaptability in battle.
• The importance of controlling key locations in a city (City Gate and Council Hall).

Character Interactions

• Amirka reports to Gu Xi, receiving orders and acting accordingly.
• Amirka interacts with his troops, issuing commands and expecting them to follow his orders.
• Gu Xi and Amirka maintain a clear chain of command, with Gu Xi making strategic decisions and Amirka executing them.