Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Li family is caring for their grandchildren during the summer vacation, including their eldest son's three-year-old twins and their youngest daughter's son, Li Zhuiyuan.
• The family discusses the recent funeral of a neighbor, where a funeral troupe performed, including a seductive dancer named Little Yellow Oriole.
• Li Zhuiyuan, Li Weihan, and their grandsons go out on a boat to pick lotus pods. Li Zhuiyuan spots a floating corpse, which turns out to be Little Yellow Oriole.

Character Developments

• Li Weihan: Shows his stern side when he's scared and tries to protect his grandsons from the floating corpse.
• Li Zhuiyuan: Displays courage and calmness when he falls into the water and sees the corpse of Little Yellow Oriole.

Significant Themes

• Superstition and Fear of the Unknown: Li Weihan's fear of the floating corpse and his knowledge of local beliefs about drowned corpses.
• Responsibility and Care for Family: Li Weihan and Cui Guiying's care for their grandchildren, despite the strain on their resources.

Character Interactions

• Li Weihan and Li Zhuiyuan: Li Weihan shows affection towards Li Zhuiyuan, treating him as his own grandson.
• Li Zhuiyuan and his cousins: The children interact playfully, with Li Zhuiyuan being accepted as one of them despite his different upbringing.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Li Zhuiyuan has a terrifying encounter with Little Yellow Oriole in the river, who drags him underwater.
+ Li Weihan rescues Li Zhuiyuan with the help of his grandsons and Blind Liu, a local fortune teller and ritual performer.
+ Li Zhuiyuan falls into a coma after the incident and is taken to Blind Liu for help.
+ Blind Liu performs a ritual to save Li Zhuiyuan, who eventually wakes up.
+ Li Zhuiyuan has a nightmare about Little Yellow Oriole and sees her again at night by the river.

Character Developments

+ Li Zhuiyuan: Develops fear and trauma from his encounter with Little Yellow Oriole. He becomes more cautious and alert.
+ Cui Guiying: Shows deep love and concern for her grandson, Li Zhuiyuan. She is determined to protect him.
+ Liu Jinxia (Blind Liu): Proves to be a capable and powerful ritual performer, saving Li Zhuiyuan from his coma.
+ Li Weihan: Shows bravery and determination in rescuing his grandson from the river. He also seeks help from Blind Liu.

Significant Themes

+ Fear and trauma: Li Zhuiyuan's encounter with Little Yellow Oriole leaves him with deep-seated fear and trauma.
+ Superstition and folklore: The story incorporates local superstitions and folklore, with Blind Liu's rituals playing a crucial role in saving Li Zhuiyuan.
+ Family love and protection: Cui Guiying's love for her grandson and Li Weihan's determination to protect his family are central to the chapter.

Character Interactions

+ Li Zhuiyuan and Cui Guiying: The bond between grandmother and grandson strengthens as Cui Guiying cares for Li Zhuiyuan after his traumatic experience.
+ Li Weihan and Blind Liu: Li Weihan seeks Blind Liu's help to save his grandson, showing respect and appreciation for her abilities.
+ Li Zhuiyuan and Little Yellow Oriole: The eerie and terrifying interaction between Li Zhuiyuan and Little Yellow Oriole leaves a lasting impact on Li Zhuiyuan.

Li Weihan's grandson, Li Zhuiyuan, has been haunted by a Death Collapse, a vengeful spirit that can walk in water. Li Sanjiang, an experienced Death Collapse scooper, is called to help. He discovers that the spirit is the woman who danced and sang at Big Beard's funeral, Little Yellow Oriole, who was wronged by Big Beard's family. Li Sanjiang decides to perform a ritual to appease the spirit and lead it back to Big Beard's house. Li Weihan and Cui Guiying, Li Zhuiyuan's grandparents, agree to help. They set up an Offering Table and a bell for Li Zhuiyuan to hold. Li Sanjiang leads Li Zhuiyuan to Big Beard's house, with the spirit following them. Along the way, Li Sanjiang tries to reason with the spirit, but it refuses to listen. At Big Beard's house, Li Sanjiang performs a ritual to appease the spirit and guide it to take its grievances to those who wronged it. Big Beard and his younger son appear, walking into the fish pond and drowning themselves. The spirit, satisfied, follows them into the pond and disappears. Li Sanjiang brings Li Zhuiyuan home, advising him to forget the incident as a dream. Li Weihan and Cui Guiying are relieved that the spirit is gone and their grandson is safe. However, Li Weihan is worried about the consequences of their actions if word gets out. Li Sanjiang assures him that he will take responsibility if anything happens. The family is grateful to Li Sanjiang for his help and decides to keep the incident a secret.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Li Zhuiyuan is haunted by a Death Collapse, Little Yellow Oriole.
2. Li Sanjiang is called to help and discovers the spirit's origin.
3. Li Weihan, Cui Guiying, and Li Sanjiang decide to perform a ritual to appease the spirit.
4. Li Sanjiang leads Li Zhuiyuan to Big Beard's house, with the spirit following them.
5. At Big Beard's house, Li Sanjiang performs a ritual to guide the spirit to take its grievances to those who wronged it.
6. Big Beard and his younger son appear and drown themselves in the fish pond.
7. The spirit follows them into the pond and disappears.
8. Li Sanjiang brings Li Zhuiyuan home and advises him to forget the incident as a dream.
9. Li Weihan and Cui Guiying are relieved and decide to keep the incident a secret.

Character Developments

1. Li Zhuiyuan: The young boy is brave and understanding, following Li Sanjiang's instructions without hesitation. He seems to have a unique ability to sense the spirit's presence.
2. Li Weihan: Li Weihan is a loving grandfather who is willing to do anything to protect his grandson. He is also willing to take risks to solve the problem, even if it means facing the consequences.
3. Cui Guiying: Cui Guiying is a devoted grandmother who is deeply worried about her grandson's safety. She is willing to help with the ritual but is also concerned about the potential backlash.
4. Li Sanjiang: Li Sanjiang is an experienced Death Collapse scooper who is willing to help his friend's family even when faced with a dangerous and unprecedented situation. He is also willing to take responsibility for his actions.

Significant Themes

1. Family: The family's love and unity are emphasized throughout the chapter. Li Weihan and Cui Guiying are willing to do anything to protect their grandson, and Li Sanjiang is willing to help his friend's family despite the risks.
2. Fate and Destiny: The spirit's determination to seek vengeance and the family's decision to help her suggest that sometimes, fate and destiny can be influenced by one's actions.
3. Secrets and Consequences: The family's decision to keep the incident a secret highlights the theme of secrets and their potential consequences. They are willing to face the consequences if their actions are discovered, but they also hope to avoid them.

Character Interactions

1. Li Weihan and Cui Guiying: The couple works together to protect their grandson and help with the ritual. They support each other and share the same concerns and fears.
2. Li Weihan and Li Sanjiang: Li Weihan seeks Li Sanjiang's help and trusts his judgment. Li Sanjiang, in turn, is willing to help his friend's family despite the risks. They have a deep bond of trust and friendship.
3. Li Sanjiang and Li Zhuiyuan: Li Sanjiang treats Li Zhui

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanjiang retrieves Big Beard and his son's bodies from the fish pond.
• The police investigate the drowning case and rule it an accident.
• The villagers gossip about Big Beard's family and their grudges.
• Li Zhuiyuan spends the day with Cui Cui and has a strange dream at her house.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan: He starts to understand the local dialect and helps his sister with her homework. He also becomes more open to playing with Cui Cui.
• Cui Cui: She feels happy and relieved to have a playmate in Li Zhuiyuan.
• Li Weihan and Cui Guiying: They are concerned about Li Zhuiyuan's well-being and try to keep him safe from rumors and superstitions.

Significant Themes

• Superstition vs. Reality: The villagers believe in supernatural explanations for the events, while the police stick to logical, evidence-based conclusions.
• Isolation and Outsider Status: Cui Cui's family is shunned by the villagers due to Liu Jinxia's reputation. Li Zhuiyuan, being an outsider from Beijing, also faces some initial coldness.
• Memory and the Past: The villagers remember and discuss past events and grudges, showing how the past influences the present.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan and Cui Cui: They spend the day together, playing and eating. Cui Cui feels happy to have a friend, while Li Zhuiyuan is more open to her company.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Liu Jinxia: They have a tense interaction when the old man visits Liu Jinxia's house, and Li Zhuiyuan feels an unseen presence.
• Li Weihan and the villagers: He shares his experience with Little Yellow Oriole, causing the villagers to gossip and speculate about Big Beard's family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An old man, Niu Fu, visits Liu Jinxia to arrange a Memorial Birthday for his late mother, hoping to dispel evil aura and pray for peace.
• Niu Fu's family has been experiencing misfortunes, and he suspects his mother's attachment has not faded.
• Liu Jinxia agrees to help, but she feels uneasy about the situation.
• Li Zhuiyuan, while at Liu Jinxia's house, senses an old woman on Niu Fu's back and feels her trying to climb onto him.
• Liu Jinxia and Li Sanjiang discuss the matter, and Li Sanjiang decides to perform a Living Fasting Rite for Li Zhuiyuan to remedy the situation.
• Li Sanjiang takes Li Zhuiyuan home and performs a Leaving-Home Rite for him.

Character Developments

• Liu Jinxia: She is cautious and perceptive, sensing that something is amiss with the Niu Family's request. She is also concerned about Li Zhuiyuan's well-being.
• Li Sanjiang: He is willing to take responsibility for his actions and is determined to help Li Zhuiyuan. He is also secretive about his past experiences.
• Li Zhuiyuan: He is intelligent and perceptive, sensing the presence of the old woman on Niu Fu's back. He is also brave and accepting of the situation, understanding that something is happening to him.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: The theme of fate and destiny is explored through the idea of a mother's attachment causing misfortune for her children after her death.
• Responsibility: Li Sanjiang feels responsible for the situation Li Zhuiyuan is in and is determined to help him.
• Family and Belonging: The importance of family and belonging is highlighted through the Leaving-Home Rite, which temporarily severs Li Zhuiyuan's karmic ties with his family.

Character Interactions

• Liu Jinxia and Li Sanjiang: They have a complex relationship, with Liu Jinxia being critical of Li Sanjiang's actions and Li Sanjiang being defensive. Despite their differences, they work together to help Li Zhuiyuan.
• Li Zhuiyuan and his family: Li Zhuiyuan's family is worried about him but supports his decision to go with Li Sanjiang. They perform the Leaving-Home Rite to see him off.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Niu Fu: Li Zhuiyuan senses the presence of the old woman on Niu Fu's back, causing him to feel uncomfortable.

Li Sanjiang takes Li Zhuiyuan to his home in the countryside. Along the way, he shares stories about his past in Shanghai and his work on the Corpse Carrying Team. He also expresses his views on the differences between life before and after liberation.
At home, Li Sanjiang introduces Li Zhuiyuan to Liu Manting (Auntie Ting), who will be taking care of him. Li Zhuiyuan meets Qin Li, Auntie Ting's daughter, who appears to be in a trance-like state. Li Sanjiang warns Li Zhuiyuan not to go near Qin Li, as she has behavioral issues.
Li Sanjiang performs a ritual to transfer evil energy from Li Zhuiyuan onto himself, using an array diagram from a handwritten book. After the ritual, Li Zhuiyuan goes to sleep, while Li Sanjiang has a strange dream set in the Forbidden City, involving an orange cat and pale, hopping officials in Qing robes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanjiang suffers from sleep paralysis due to a ghost's baleful energy, but believes it means the formation worked and the energy transferred to him.
• Li Zhuiyuan has a vivid dream where he interacts with a crowd of people under his bed, who he believes are not real.
• Li Zhuiyuan wakes up and has breakfast, observing Qin Li and her grandmother, Liu Yumei.
• Li Sanjiang and Li Zhuiyuan discuss the family's property, and Li Zhuiyuan expresses interest in the basement.
• Niu Fu arrives to beg Li Sanjiang for something.

Character Developments

• Li Sanjiang: Shows his affection for Li Zhuiyuan and his desire for companionship in his old age.
• Li Zhuiyuan: Becomes more curious and eager to explore the basement, showing a growing interest in the mysterious aspects of his surroundings.
• Qin Li: Shows a reaction to Niu Fu's hunchback, indicating she can see despite her previous catatonic state.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and perception in shaping reality, as seen through Li Zhuiyuan's dream and his interaction with Qin Li.
• The importance of companionship and connection in old age, as demonstrated by Li Sanjiang's desire for Li Zhuiyuan's company.
• The theme of hidden or secret knowledge, as represented by the books in the basement and the mysterious aspects of Li Sanjiang's house.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanjiang and Li Zhuiyuan: Their bond grows as Li Sanjiang shows affection and Li Zhuiyuan shows interest in his great-grandfather's stories and belongings.
• Qin Li and Niu Fu: Qin Li's reaction to Niu Fu's hunchback suggests a connection between them, despite her previous catatonic state.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Liu Yumei: They share a conversation about Qin Li's condition, and Liu Yumei offers Li Zhuiyuan a gift, showing kindness toward him.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhuiyuan discovers a basement filled with various items, including a Peachwood Sword, Coin Sword, Black and Purple Banners, and several boxes of books.
• He finds a complete set of "Records of Strange Tales from the Jianghu" and begins reading it.
• Li Sanjiang buys Li Zhuiyuan a Rattan Chair and Desk Lamp.
• Li Sanjiang hires Yingzi to tutor Li Zhuiyuan.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Yingzi spend the afternoon studying together.
• Li Zhuiyuan continues reading the Records of Strange Tales from the Jianghu after dinner.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan shows curiosity and interest in the items in the basement.
• He enjoys reading the Records of Strange Tales from the Jianghu and finds it fulfilling.
• He takes initiative in helping Yingzi with her studies.
• Li Sanjiang shows affection and care for Li Zhuiyuan, buying him gifts and hiring a tutor for him.

Significant Themes

• The value of knowledge and learning.
• The joy of discovery and curiosity.
• The bond between family members.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan interacts with Great Grandfather, asking for a Rattan Chair and Desk Lamp.
• He studies with Yingzi, helping her with her problems.
• Li Sanjiang interacts with Li Zhuiyuan, showing concern for his well-being and education.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li find themselves in a dream-like environment at Great Grandfather's Home, attending a banquet.
+ They realize they are not in Li Zhuiyuan's dream, and the environment reacts to their actions, suggesting it belongs to someone else.
+ They encounter a Cat-faced Old Woman who seems to be the owner of the dream.
+ Li Zhuiyuan tries to blend in and avoid detection by pretending to be Qin Li's older brother, but the old woman eventually discovers them in the kitchen.

Character Developments

+ Li Zhuiyuan demonstrates adaptability and quick thinking, trying to navigate the dream-like environment and protect Qin Li.
+ Qin Li shows signs of understanding and cooperation with Li Zhuiyuan, despite her usual reclusive behavior.
+ The Cat-faced Old Woman is revealed to be the owner of the dream, displaying a sinister and manipulative demeanor.

Significant Themes

+ The dream-like environment serves as a metaphor for the characters' inability to control their circumstances and the danger of losing oneself in illusions.
+ The theme of deception and manipulation is highlighted through the Cat-faced Old Woman's behavior and Li Zhuiyuan's attempts to hide from her.

Character Interactions

+ Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li work together to avoid detection, with Li Zhuiyuan taking the initiative to protect Qin Li and guide her through the situation.
+ Li Zhuiyuan interacts with various Paper People at the banquet, trying to blend in and avoid suspicion.
+ The Cat-faced Old Woman's interactions with Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li reveal her sinister nature and the danger they face in her dream-like environment.

Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li are trapped in the old woman's dream, where they encounter the Cat-faced Old Woman, who is revealed to be a Corpse Demon.
• Li Zhuiyuan tries to appease the Corpse Demon by calling her 'Grandma' and offering her food, while also attempting to deduce her nature and origin.
• Fat Master is sent to invite the hosts to the banquet but encounters a strange scene with an old man leading Zombies in a plaza. He returns in terror, only to be crushed by the Zombie official.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability in dealing with the Corpse Demon, using his knowledge from Records of Strange Tales from the Jianghu to guide her actions.
• The Cat-faced Old Woman, as a Corpse Demon, displays a mix of human-like emotions and monstrous behavior, driven by resentment and a desire for revenge.
• Fat Master shows cowardice and lack of control over his domain when faced with the unexpected appearance of the Zombie official.

Significant Themes

• The theme of resentment and its consequences is further explored through the Cat-faced Old Woman's transformation into a Corpse Demon.
• The importance of cherishing food and understanding its value, as emphasized by the Cat-faced Old Woman's experiences and the Zombie official's appearance.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan and the Cat-faced Old Woman engage in a tense conversation, with Li Zhuiyuan attempting to manipulate her emotions while also trying to understand her nature.
• Fat Master's interaction with the Zombie official highlights the power imbalance and the unexpected nature of the dream world they are trapped in.
• Qin Li's presence is mostly passive in this chapter, as she observes Li Zhuiyuan's interactions with the Corpse Demon from a distance.

Plot Points and Events

• A Zombie appears suddenly at the Cat-faced Old Woman's birthday banquet, causing chaos.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li are trapped and helpless as the Zombie and the Old Woman fight.
• Li Sanjiang, in a parallel dream, is leading Zombies in calisthenics but is also injured and struggling.
• The Old Woman uses her Paper People to fight the Zombie but eventually gets overwhelmed.
• Li Zhuiyuan plans to escape with Qin Li, but the Zombie blocks their path.
• The Old Woman, severely injured, turns her attention to Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li, planning to take them with her.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan: Struggles to understand the situation and protect Qin Li. He's resourceful but ultimately helpless against the supernatural forces.
• Cat-faced Old Woman: Initially confident, she becomes increasingly desperate and vengeful as she's overwhelmed by the Zombie.
• Li Sanjiang: In his dream, he's leading Zombies but is injured and struggles to maintain control.

Significant Themes

• Powerlessness and desperation in the face of supernatural forces.
• The struggle for survival and self-preservation.
• The consequences of one's actions and the cycle of violence.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li: Li Zhuiyuan tries to protect Qin Li, but they're both trapped and helpless.
• Cat-faced Old Woman and the Zombie: They fight, with the Old Woman initially using her Paper People to good effect but eventually being overwhelmed.
• Li Sanjiang and the Zombies: In his dream, Li Sanjiang struggles to maintain control over the Zombies as he's injured.

Li Zhuiyuan wakes up from his dream, realizing he had fallen asleep while reading Records of Strange Tales from the Jianghu. He feels a sense of unease and confusion about his identity and the changes he's been experiencing since returning home. He decides to continue reading to distract himself.
The next day, Li Sanjiang is injured and loses a lot of blood. Aunt Liu and Uncle Qin come to help, and Li Zhuiyuan calls them. After treating Li Sanjiang's wounds, Aunt Liu and Uncle Qin leave. Li Zhuiyuan decides not to continue with the Fortune-Transfer Ritual for now.
Li Zhuiyuan goes downstairs and sees the first floor empty, all the Paper People having collapsed. He realizes that the Cat-faced Old Woman must have been related to the Zombie he saw in his dream. He also notices that the East Room's door is open, and Qin Li is sitting inside, looking at him.
Li Zhuiyuan goes to read on the terrace, and Qin Li watches him. Grandma Liu sits nearby, reading the newspaper and occasionally looking at Qin Li. Li Zhuiyuan feels strange about the situation but continues reading.
At lunch, Li Zhuiyuan sees Qin Li looking at him and realizes she's hungry. He divides the food into Small Dishes and gives them to her, and she eats happily. Grandma Liu watches this with curiosity.
After lunch, Li Zhuiyuan takes Qin Li back to the terrace to read. He reads faster and faster, finishing Volume Twelve by dusk. He decides to increase his pace the next day.
At dinner, Li Sanjiang sits alone, and Qin Li eats with Li Zhuiyuan. After dinner, Li Zhuiyuan tells Qin Li to go back and sleep, and she obeys. Li Zhuiyuan goes upstairs to bathe but finds the towel he had been using is missing.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Li Zhuiyuan wakes up from his dream, feeling confused and uneasy.
2. Li Sanjiang is injured and loses blood. Aunt Liu and Uncle Qin come to help.
3. Li Zhuiyuan sees the first floor empty and realizes the Paper People have collapsed.
4. Li Zhuiyuan notices Qin Li watching him from the East Room.
5. Li Zhuiyuan reads on the terrace, and Qin Li watches him. Grandma Liu sits nearby.
6. At lunch, Li Zhuiyuan realizes Qin Li is hungry and divides the food for her.
7. After lunch, Li Zhuiyuan takes Qin Li back to the terrace to read.
8. At dinner, Li Sanjiang sits alone, and Qin Li eats with Li Zhuiyuan.
9. After dinner, Li Zhuiyuan tells Qin Li to go back and sleep, and she obeys.
10. Li Zhuiyuan goes upstairs to bathe but finds the towel missing.

Character Developments

1. Li Zhuiyuan:
   • Feels confused and uneasy about his identity and changes since returning home.
   • Decides to continue reading to distract himself.
   • Realizes the Cat-faced Old Woman might be related to the Zombie from his dream.
   • Notices Qin Li watching him and feels strange about the situation.
   • Divides food for Qin Li at lunch and realizes she's hungry.
   • Reads faster and decides to increase his pace the next day.
   • Tells Qin Li to go back and sleep after dinner.
2. Qin Li:
   • Watches Li Zhuiyuan read on the terrace.
   • Eats the food Li Zhuiyuan divides for her at lunch.
   • Obeys Li Zhuiyuan's instruction to go back and sleep after dinner.
3. Li Sanjiang:
   • Is injured and loses blood.
   • Sits alone at dinner.
4. Aunt Liu and Uncle Qin:
   • Come to help treat Li Sanjiang's wounds.
5. Grandma Liu:
   • Sits nearby while Li Zhuiyuan reads, occasionally looking at Qin Li.
   • Watches Li Zhuiyuan divide food for Qin Li at lunch with curiosity.

Significant Themes

1. Identity and change: Li Zhuiyuan feels confused and uneasy about his identity and the changes he's experiencing.
2. Interaction and communication: Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li interact and communicate non-verbally, with Li Zhuiyuan understanding Qin Li's needs and dividing food for her.
3. Relationships: Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li develop a relationship, with Li Zhuiyuan taking care of Qin Li and Qin Li obeying him.
4. Rituals and traditions: The Fortune-Transfer Ritual is

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhuiyuan discovers a towel in the East Room that belongs to Li Sanjiang's family.
• Liu Yumei finds her husband's Spirit Tablet and expresses her resentment towards him for not leaving any spiritual protection behind before he died.
• Li Zhuiyuan plays Go with Qin Li and loses intentionally to make her happy.
• Li Sanjiang's friend, Grandpa Shan, and his adopted grandson, Runsheng, visit. They are corpse retrievers and will be helping with the Niu family's Memorial Birthday.
• Runsheng shares his experience with an infant Death Collapse, which Li Zhuiyuan finds interesting and relevant to his own experiences.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li spend the day reading together, and he finishes the twenty-fourth volume of Records of Strange Tales from the Jianghu.

Character Developments

• Liu Yumei: Struggles with her resentment towards her late husband and worries about her granddaughter's illness.
• Qin Li: Shows signs of improvement, actively seeking out Li Zhuiyuan, and displaying a preference for him over others.
• Li Zhuiyuan: Becomes more attached to Qin Li, showing concern for her well-being and happiness. He also demonstrates his ability to adapt and learn quickly, understanding the rules of Go after only a few games.
• Runsheng: Reveals his experiences with Death Collapses and his role in corpse retrieval. He is eager to make friends with Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li but is aware of his lower social status.

Significant Themes

• The impact of Death Collapses on the living, both physically and mentally.
• The importance of family and relationships, as seen through Liu Yumei's struggles with her husband's Spirit Tablet and Qin Li's attachment to Li Zhuiyuan.
• The social hierarchy and its impact on relationships, as seen through Runsheng's eagerness to befriend Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li despite his lower status.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li: Their bond deepens as they spend more time together, with Li Zhuiyuan intentionally losing at Go to make Qin Li happy.
• Li Sanjiang and Grandpa Shan: Their friendship is highlighted through their banter and shared history in corpse retrieval.
• Runsheng and Li Zhuiyuan/Qin Li: Runsheng is eager to befriend them but is aware of his lower status, leading to some awkwardness in their interactions.

Li Zhuiyuan, accompanied by Qin Li (Uncle Qin), arrives at the zhai shi (funeral ritual) for Old Woman Niu. He meets his great grandfather, Li Sanjiang, and other corpse retrievers: Liu Jinxia, Grandpa Shan, and Run Sheng. They perform their duties during the day, but as night falls, strange occurrences begin to happen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhuiyuan arrives at the zhai shi, observing the rituals and the behavior of the Three Siblings (Niu Fu, Niu Rui, and Niu Lian).
• He discovers that Uncle Qin has disappeared and realizes that something is amiss.
• The zhai shi continues into the night. Li Zhuiyuan, Run Sheng, and another corpse retriever play cards, but Li Zhuiyuan notices that something is off.
• He realizes that they have been transported to a graveyard, and Niu Lian has dug open her mother's grave. She is inside, playing cards with herself.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng return to the zhai shi tent and find Liu Jinxia and Grandpa Shan behaving strangely. They are affected by the Corpse Demon's influence.
• Run Sheng saves Li Zhuiyuan from Liu Jinxia and Grandpa Shan, then wakes them up by slapping them, as advised by Li Zhuiyuan.
• Li Zhuiyuan finds his great grandfather, Li Sanjiang, who appears to be unaffected by the Corpse Demon.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan: Shows maturity and quick thinking in handling the situation. He understands the importance of breaking the Corpse Demon's influence and saves Liu Jinxia and Grandpa Shan with Run Sheng's help.
• Run Sheng: Demonstrates loyalty and filial piety. He is willing to slap his own Grandpa to wake him up, showing that he values rational thinking over blind affection.
• Li Sanjiang: Seems to be immune to the Corpse Demon's influence, suggesting that he has strong spiritual protection or is naturally resistant.
• Liu Jinxia and Grandpa Shan: Both are affected by the Corpse Demon's influence and behave aggressively. They are eventually awakened by Run Sheng's slaps.

Significant Themes

• Delusion and Reality: The Corpse Demon confuses the minds of Liu Jinxia and Grandpa Shan, causing them to behave irrationally. Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng must break this delusion to wake them up.
• Loyalty and Filial Piety: Run Sheng is willing to slap his Grandpa to wake him up, showing that he values rational thinking over blind affection. This is a form of loyalty to the truth and to his Grandpa's well-being.
• Strength and Weakness: The elderly, weak, sick, and young people at the zhai shi are vulnerable to the Corpse Demon's influence. Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng, being younger and stronger, are able to resist and break the influence.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng: They work together to wake up Liu Jinxia and Grandpa Shan. Their bond deepens as they face the Corpse Demon's influence together.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Li Sanjiang: Li Zhuiyuan is relieved to find his great grandfather unaffected. Their bond is strengthened as Li Zhuiyuan takes the initiative to protect and care for his great grandfather.
• Liu Jinxia and Grandpa Shan: Their interaction is affected by the Corpse Demon's influence. They behave aggressively toward Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng before being awakened.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanjiang and the others encounter a Corpse Demon, a Death Collapse formed from a cat and a human, which is controlling the Niu Family members.
• Li Zhuiyuan is lured away by the Corpse Demon, which takes the form of Uncle Qin, but he realizes the deception and escapes.
• Li Zhuiyuan encounters the Corpse Demon again, this time in the form of Old Woman Niu, who tells him her story and reveals her desire for revenge against her ungrateful children.
• Li Zhuiyuan suggests an alternative form of revenge that doesn't involve killing the Niu Family members, which intrigues the Corpse Demon.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan demonstrates his growing maturity and wisdom, understanding the Corpse Demon's motives and suggesting an alternative form of revenge.
• Old Woman Niu's resentment and desire for revenge are further emphasized, as she reveals her true form and expresses her anger at her children's ingratitude.

Significant Themes

• Ingratitude and Revenge: The theme of ingratitude is further explored through Old Woman Niu's story, and the Corpse Demon's desire for revenge highlights the destructive potential of resentment.
• Alternatives to Violence: Li Zhuiyuan's suggestion of an alternative form of revenge without killing the Niu Family members raises the question of whether there are always peaceful alternatives to violent conflict.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan interacts with the Corpse Demon, first in the form of Uncle Qin and later as Old Woman Niu, demonstrating his ability to remain calm and collected in the face of supernatural threats.
• The Corpse Demon's interactions with Li Zhuiyuan reveal its growing curiosity and willingness to consider alternative forms of revenge.

The chapter, "The Haunting of the Cat-Faced Old Woman," revolves around the Li family's corpse retrievers dealing with a vengeful spirit, the Cat-Faced Old Woman, who seeks retribution against her unfilial children. Here's a concise summary:

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Cat-Faced Old Woman, a dead float, wants to kill her three unfilial children but is persuaded by Li Zhuiyuan to make their lives miserable instead.
• Li Sanjiang, Grandpa Shan, and Liu Jinxia perform a ritual to save the three siblings from the Cat-Faced Old Woman's influence.
• The villagers praise Li Sanjiang and his group for their bravery and skill, leading to more business opportunities.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan: He demonstrates his growing understanding and ability to communicate with dead floats, showing maturity beyond his years.
• The Cat-Faced Old Woman: She experiences a change of heart, deciding not to kill her children but to make their lives miserable, as suggested by Li Zhuiyuan.
• Li Sanjiang: He gains respect and admiration from the villagers for his skills and becomes known as "Immortal Li."
• Grandpa Shan: He feels jealous and resentful of Li Sanjiang's success and the attention he receives.

Significant Themes

• Retribution and Karma: The Cat-Faced Old Woman seeks retribution against her unfilial children, highlighting the theme of karma and the consequences of one's actions.
• Power Dynamics: The dynamics between Li Sanjiang, Grandpa Shan, and Liu Jinxia reflect the power struggles and jealousy within their group.
• Coming of Age: Li Zhuiyuan's growing understanding and ability to handle dead floats signify his coming of age in this world.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan and the Cat-Faced Old Woman: Li Zhuiyuan persuades the Cat-Faced Old Woman to change her plan, showing his ability to communicate with and influence dead floats.
• Li Sanjiang and Grandpa Shan: Their interaction highlights their competitive and sometimes strained relationship, with Grandpa Shan feeling jealous of Li Sanjiang's success.
• The Villagers and Li Sanjiang: The villagers interact with Li Sanjiang with respect and admiration, leading to more business opportunities for him.

Character Interactions (continued)

• Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li: Qin Li's interactions with Li Zhuiyuan show her growing comfort and trust in him, as she allows him to hold her hand and accompanies him to the basement.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Cui Cui: Li Zhuiyuan's interaction with Cui Cui shows his ability to make friends and his kindness towards her, despite her difficult fate.

Character Interactions (continued)

• Li Sanjiang and Run Sheng: Li Sanjiang decides to take Run Sheng in, planning to use him for body retrieval and other work to generate income in his old age.
• Grandpa Shan and Li Sanjiang: Grandpa Shan suggests that Li Sanjiang take in Run Sheng, highlighting his manipulative and selfish nature.
  In the end, Li Zhuiyuan discovers two sets of handwritten books, "Yin Yang Physiognomy Explained" and "Destiny Deduction Theory," in the basement, which he finds less useful for his current needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhuiyuan starts learning martial arts from Uncle Qin, focusing on the horse stance.
• He continues studying the two sets of books, finishing the seventh book of "Yin Yang Physiognomy Explained" and three books of "Destiny Deduction Theory."
• Li Sanjiang reveals his birthday to Li Zhuiyuan, who uses it to practice destiny deduction, but his calculations are completely wrong.
• Li Weihan plans to take Li Zhuiyuan to help dredge the river, and Li Sanjiang will be away overnight.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan: Struggles with frustration after making mistakes in his calculations, but ultimately decides to calculate his own destiny. He faints after calculating.
• Qin Li: Not much development in this chapter; she continues to accompany Li Zhuiyuan while he studies and practices martial arts.
• Li Sanjiang: Shows affection towards Li Zhuiyuan, treating him like his own grandson.
• Li Weihan: Plans to spend time with Li Zhuiyuan by taking him to help dredge the river.

Significant Themes

• Learning and Growth: Li Zhuiyuan faces frustration in his studies but persists. He also learns about the limitations of his knowledge and the importance of self-reflection.
• Family and Relationships: The Li family members show affection and care towards Li Zhuiyuan, treating him as part of their family. Li Weihan plans to spend time with his grandson.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan and Qin Li: They continue to spend time together, with Qin Li accompanying Li Zhuiyuan while he studies and practices martial arts.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Li Sanjiang: Li Sanjiang shares his birthday with Li Zhuiyuan and shows concern for his well-being.
• Li Weihan and Li Zhuiyuan: Li Weihan plans to spend time with Li Zhuiyuan by taking him to help dredge the river.

Li Zhuiyuan wakes up early and sees Aunt Liu preparing breakfast. He notices that she's wearing a new dress and has her hair done up, which is unusual for her. He asks her about it, and she reveals that she's going to the temple to pray for her late husband's soul. She invites Li Zhuiyuan to come along, but he declines, saying he wants to stay and read. Aunt Liu leaves, and Li Zhuiyuan continues to read, occasionally looking up to watch Aunt Liu's figure as she walks away.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Li Zhuiyuan wakes up early and sees Aunt Liu preparing breakfast.
2. Aunt Liu is dressed unusually well and reveals she's going to the temple to pray for her late husband's soul.
3. Li Zhuiyuan declines Aunt Liu's invitation to join her and decides to stay and read.

Character Developments

1. Aunt Liu: Shows her devotion to her late husband by visiting the temple to pray for his soul. Her actions reveal her strong emotional attachment to her husband, even after his passing.
2. Li Zhuiyuan: Demonstrates his independence and preference for reading over social activities by declining Aunt Liu's invitation to accompany her to the temple.

Significant Themes

1. Devotion and Love: Aunt Liu's actions highlight her deep love and devotion to her late husband, even years after his passing.
2. Independence and Personal Interests: Li Zhuiyuan's decision to stay and read rather than accompany Aunt Liu to the temple shows his independence and preference for personal interests over social obligations.

Character Interactions

1. Li Zhuiyuan and Aunt Liu: Li Zhuiyuan asks Aunt Liu about her unusual attire, and Aunt Liu shares her plans to visit the temple. Li Zhuiyuan declines her invitation to join her, showing his independence and preference for reading.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhuiyuan and Xue Liangliang take Zhao Hequan to the hospital.
• Li Zhuiyuan experiences an episode related to his identity crisis.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Xue Liangliang encounter Li Sanjiang and Yingzi at the hospital, where Yingzi's grandparents are critically ill.

Character Developments

• Li Zhuiyuan: Struggles with his identity crisis and finds temporary relief by focusing on his studies. He also shows maturity and understanding beyond his years.
• Xue Liangliang: Demonstrates kindness, responsibility, and foresight. He shows genuine concern for Li Zhuiyuan and takes care of him throughout the day.
• Li Sanjiang: Shows protectiveness towards his family, wielding the Peachwood Sword to shield Yingzi and her parents.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Self-Discovery: Li Zhuiyuan grapples with his identity and fears losing his sense of self.
• Responsibility and Care: Xue Liangliang takes responsibility for Li Zhuiyuan, showing care and concern for his well-being.
• Family and Protection: Li Sanjiang's actions highlight the importance of family and protecting loved ones.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhuiyuan and Xue Liangliang: They form a bond, with Xue Liangliang acting as a responsible older brother figure to Li Zhuiyuan.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Li Sanjiang: They meet briefly at the hospital, with Li Sanjiang focused on protecting his family, and Li Zhuiyuan observing the scene from the doorway.
• Li Zhuiyuan and Yingzi: They don't interact directly in this chapter, but Li Zhuiyuan is aware of Yingzi's presence and the critical condition of her grandparents.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two elderly people, Yingzi's maternal grandparents, die mysteriously in the hospital after digging up a small coffin at an aquatic farm.
• The coffin contains a girl's body, jewelry, a porcelain bottle, and a wooden carving with an inscription about suppressing malevolent spirits and aiding ascension.
• The boss of the farm and two workers who helped open the coffin go missing.
• Li Sanjiang, Li Zhuiyuan's great-grandfather, and Yingzi's uncle and aunt go to the farm to retrieve the coffin and perform a ritual.
• The police are called to investigate the disappearances and deaths.

Character Developments

• Li Sanjiang: Shows his knowledge and experience in dealing with supernatural events. He decides to call the police to handle the situation, seeking their official aura for protection.
• Li Zhuiyuan: Demonstrates his intelligence and analytical skills, helping Xue Liangliang piece together information about the Bai Family Empress.
• Xue Liangliang: Shows his determination and resourcefulness in investigating the Bai Family Empress. He also reveals his entrepreneurial spirit and ambition.

Significant Themes

• The power of official authority: Li Sanjiang seeks the protection of the police to deal with the supernatural threat.
• The consequences of greed: The boss and the two workers who opened the coffin go missing, and Yingzi's grandparents die, all due to their greed for the coffin's contents.
• The passing down of supernatural abilities: The Bai Family Empress's powers seem to be passed down through women, as suggested by the records of the Bai family's deeds.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanjiang and Li Zhuiyuan: They work together to deal with the supernatural threat, with Li Sanjiang providing his experience and Li Zhuiyuan offering his analytical skills.
• Xue Liangliang and Li Zhuiyuan: They collaborate to investigate the Bai Family Empress, with Xue Liangliang providing the historical records and Li Zhuiyuan offering his insights.
• Li Sanjiang and Yingzi's uncle and aunt: They work together to retrieve the coffin and perform a ritual to appease the Bai Family Empress.