Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Tian Ge, is born with a "Yin Corpse Ghost Fate" and is expected to die before seven.
• His mother seeks help from a fortune teller and later from Grandma, a renowned Immortal Aunt, who arranges a child bride for Tian Ge to save him.
• Tian Ge grows up without seeing his child bride but feels her presence.
• At age 12, while swimming with friends, Tian Ge sees a red figure in the water and feels an ominous presence.

Character Developments

• Tian Ge: Starts as a critically ill child, grows up healthy under Grandma's care, develops stubbornness and a rebellious streak in adolescence.
• Grandma: A powerful and mysterious figure who arranges a child bride for Tian Ge to save his life.
• Zhang Yi Dan: Tian Ge's friend, known for his foolish personality and sharp instincts, loyal to Tian Ge.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Tian Ge's life is shaped by his "Yin Corpse Ghost Fate" and the actions taken to save him.
• The supernatural: The presence of vengeful spirits, fortune tellers, and Immortal Aunts suggests a world where the supernatural is real.
• Coming-of-age: Tian Ge's experiences at 12 mark his transition into adolescence and a greater awareness of the world around him.

Character Interactions

• Tian Ge and Grandma: Their relationship is complex, with Tian Ge admiring Grandma's power but also feeling ungrateful for the child bride arrangement.
• Tian Ge and Zhang Yi Dan: They are close friends, with Zhang Yi Dan showing loyalty and concern for Tian Ge's well-being.
• Tian Ge and Huang Dong: They have a tense relationship, with Huang Dong mocking and provoking Tian Ge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist and his friends encounter a strange corpse in the river, which drags two of them underwater.
• The protagonist receives a letter from his grandmother, warning him not to return to the village and predicting her own death.
• The protagonist returns to his grandmother's village despite the warning, encountering an eerie atmosphere and strange occurrences.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows bravery and quick thinking when facing the supernatural event at the river, and later demonstrates determination in returning to his grandmother's village despite the danger.
• Zhang Yi Dan, the protagonist's childhood friend, is portrayed as loyal and brave, initially trying to save his friend from the river but later showing fear and hesitation.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural elements and the protagonist's belief in them, influenced by his grandmother's stories and his own experiences.
• The power of family bonds and the protagonist's determination to protect and understand his grandmother.
• The theme of fate and destiny, as the protagonist questions whether his grandmother's prediction of her own death is accurate.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and his friends display camaraderie and fear when faced with the supernatural event at the river, with the protagonist taking charge and making decisions.
• The protagonist's relationship with his grandmother is shown to be close and complex, with him feeling a strong sense of duty and curiosity towards her.
• The protagonist's interaction with Zhang Yi Dan highlights their childhood friendship and the changes in their relationship over time, with Zhang Yi Dan showing both bravery and fear.

Plot Points and Events

• Tian Ge returns to his grandmother's village and encounters a strange apparition of Zhang Yi Dan, who disappears after a gust of wind.
• He crosses Si Bridge and witnesses a chilling scene of bodies being retrieved from the river and buried, accompanied by a children's rhyme.
• Upon reaching his grandmother's house, he finds it deserted, with the incense extinguished and the coffin unnailed.
• The doors suddenly slam shut while he's with Yu Xiao Xue.

Character Developments

• Tian Ge: Shows bravery and caution, caring for his grandmother and Yu Xiao Xue. He's aware of the supernatural and takes precautions.
• Zhang Yi Dan: Appears as a ghostly figure, possibly a spirit seeking help or vengeance.
• Yu Xiao Xue: Shows fear and dependence on Tian Ge, revealing her vulnerability despite her mature appearance.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural occurrences and their consequences.
• The importance of respecting the dead and performing proper funeral rites.
• The passage of time and change in the village.

Character Interactions

• Tian Ge and Zhang Yi Dan: A possible past friendship or connection, now strained by Zhang Yi Dan's supernatural state.
• Tian Ge and Yu Xiao Xue: They share a bond from childhood, with Tian Ge acting as a protective figure to Yu Xiao Xue.
• Tian Ge and his grandmother: Their relationship is implied to be close, with Tian Ge feeling guilt for returning late and sadness at her death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xiao Xue and the protagonist discover that the villagers outside the house are actually Lingering Spirits, not humans.
• The protagonist realizes that the incense sticks are "evil deed incense," which attract and feed the Lingering Spirits.
• Yu Xiao Xue reveals that her grandmother had asked the villagers to leave Xiao Yi Hamlet before she died, but some refused.
• The protagonist decides to search Grandma's room for any clues or protective items to help Yu Xiao Xue.

Character Developments

• Yu Xiao Xue: Realizes the true nature of the villagers and experiences fear and confusion. She reveals that she has been protected by a Spirit Communication Talisman given by her grandmother.
• Protagonist: Shows bravery and resourcefulness in facing the supernatural situation. He decides to help Yu Xiao Xue despite the risks.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural elements: Lingering Spirits, evil deed incense, Spirit Communication Talisman.
• Death and its consequences: The villagers' deaths and their lingering spirits.
• Protection and vulnerability: Yu Xiao Xue's protection by her grandmother's talisman and the protagonist's determination to help her.

Character Interactions

• Protagonist and Yu Xiao Xue: They work together to keep the Lingering Spirits at bay by burning incense. The protagonist tries to protect Yu Xiao Xue and seeks information from her about the village's history.
• Protagonist and Sister Wife: The protagonist's sister tries to prevent him from entering Grandma's room, showing concern for his safety.
• Yu Xiao Xue and her father (Uncle Yu Gen): Yu Xiao Xue mentions that her father has been avoiding her since he recovered from his illness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tian discovers Yu Xiaoxue's fear of ghosts and the lack of incense, which angers the wandering spirits.
• They find Grandma's bedroom filled with ghosts, including Granny Wu.
• Tian discovers no incense left, only cigarettes, which temporarily appease the ghosts.
• A Walking Corpse, Zhou Xuan (Tian's brother's wife), appears and attacks Tian.

Character Developments

• Tian: Shows bravery and resourcefulness in handling the ghost situation but is terrified when faced with the Walking Corpse.
• Yu Xiaoxue: Initially scared and faints, but later helps Tian against the Walking Corpse.
• Zhou Xuan (Blood Corpse): Once a kind woman, now a terrifying Blood Corpse driven by resentment and inhuman torment.

Significant Themes

• Fear and bravery: Tian and Yu Xiaoxue face their fears to protect each other.
• Resentment and its consequences: Zhou Xuan's transformation into a Blood Corpse due to unresolved resentment.
• The power of incense: Incense connects the living and the dead, appeasing ghosts and protecting the living.

Character Interactions

• Tian and Yu Xiaoxue: They rely on each other for support and protection against the ghosts and the Walking Corpse.
• Tian and Zhou Xuan: Tian is horrified and struggles against the Blood Corpse, while Zhou Xuan is driven by murderous intent to kill Tian.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yidan, wearing dead man's clothes, arrives and saves Tian from the blood corpse (Zhou Xuan).
• Zhou Xuan is revealed to be a resentful corpse, not a blood corpse, sealed by Grandma's talisman.
• Zhang Yidan reveals that Grandma had told everyone to leave the village, or they wouldn't be able to leave.
• Zhou Xuan's corpse gives birth to a ghost infant, which attacks Zhang Yidan before disappearing.
• Tian realizes the ghost infant's birth was orchestrated to create a human tragedy.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yidan: Struggles with the reality of his wife's death and their child's transformation into a ghost infant. He becomes catatonic after the ghost infant's appearance.
• Tian: Shows bravery and quick thinking in protecting Zhang Yidan from the ghost infant. He also tries to reason with Zhang Yidan to snap him out of his shock.
• Yu Xiaoxue: Remains terrified but manages to keep her composure. She is concerned about Tian's safety and the situation's severity.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and Grudges: The ghost infant holds grudges against its father, Zhang Yidan, and may target Tian as well.
• Manipulation: The mastermind behind the ambush uses Zhou Xuan and her child to manipulate Zhang Yidan and potentially others.
• Death and Afterlife: The chapter explores the differences between blood corpses, resentful corpses, and ghost infants, and the consequences of each.

Character Interactions

• Tian and Zhang Yidan: Tian tries to reason with Zhang Yidan, who is in shock, to help him process the traumatic events.
• Tian and Yu Xiaoxue: They share a silent understanding of the severity of the situation and the need to protect each other.
• Zhang Yidan and the Ghost Infant: The ghost infant's appearance terrifies Zhang Yidan, causing him to shut down emotionally.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with Xia Yitian (Xia Tian) and Yu Xiao Xue waiting for Zhang Yi Dan to recover, as they plan to leave due to the dangerous situation.
• The rooster crows, signaling the end of the night, and the yin spirits leave.
• Zhang Yi Dan reveals a message from his grandmother about Xia Tian's return and the impending danger.
• Grandma's coffin opens, and a fierce ghost emerges, attacking Zhang Yi Dan.
• Xia Tian's deceased wife, Sister Wife, appears as a ghost and saves Zhang Yi Dan, then tortures the fierce ghost.
• Xia Tian learns that Grandma is dead and decides to keep the fierce ghost as a raised ghost after questioning her.

Character Developments

• Xia Yitian: Shows concern for his friends' safety and demonstrates courage when facing the fierce ghost.
• Zhang Yi Dan: Reveals a message from his grandmother and is severely injured by the fierce ghost.
• Sister Wife: Appears as a powerful ghost, saves Zhang Yi Dan, and tortures the fierce ghost. She shows resentment towards Xia Tian for not visiting her grave.
• Fierce Ghost: Reveals she was raised by Grandma, attacks Zhang Yi Dan, and is willing to serve Xia Tian after being disciplined.

Significant Themes

• The power of ghosts and spirits, and the danger they pose.
• The importance of family and loyalty, as shown by the fierce ghost's willingness to serve Xia Tian.
• The consequences of one's actions and the karmic retribution theme, as discussed by Zhang Yi Dan.

Character Interactions

• Xia Yitian and Zhang Yi Dan: They share a brotherly bond, with Xia Tian showing concern for Zhang Yi Dan's well-being.
• Xia Yitian and Sister Wife: They have a strained relationship, with Sister Wife showing resentment towards Xia Tian.
• Sister Wife and the Fierce Ghost: They interact as enemies, with Sister Wife torturing the fierce ghost and eventually deciding to let her live.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The fierce ghost begs for her life, and the protagonist, after some reluctance, convinces his wife (a powerful ghost) to spare her.
• The protagonist trades thirty years of his lifespan to see his wife's true face, which is revealed to be beautiful and otherworldly.
• The protagonist raises the little female ghost, feeding her his blood and making a contract with her.
• Zhang Yidan, the protagonist's childhood friend, is found dead with a pair of scissors in his chest, killed by his own son's ghost.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows empathy and compassion toward the little female ghost, despite his initial fear and reluctance.
• The protagonist's wife, a powerful ghost, is revealed to be beautiful and has a mysterious, likely noble, past.
• Zhang Yidan's death highlights the protagonist's emotional attachment to his childhood friend and the grim consequences of the ghostly debt.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between ghosts and humans, and the consequences of interfering with the natural order.
• The theme of sacrifice, as the protagonist trades his lifespan to see his wife's face and raises a ghost despite the risks.
• The cycle of life and death, and the inevitability of both.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and his wife: Their interaction shows the wife's power and jealousy, as well as the protagonist's determination to see her true face.
• The protagonist and the little female ghost: Their interaction shows the protagonist's growing acceptance and responsibility toward the ghost he has raised.
• The protagonist and Zhang Yidan: Their friendship is highlighted through the protagonist's grief and shock at Zhang Yidan's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yi Dan, a young farmer, dies an unnatural death, and Xia Yitian and Yu Xiao Xue decide to bury him secretly to avoid further desecration.
• Two police officers, Captain Huo and Auxiliary Officer Zhang Kaifu, arrive, suspecting Xia Yitian and Yu Xiao Xue of homicide. They are taken into custody.
• As they enter Xiao Yi Hamlet, Xia Yitian warns them about the strange occurrences, but they proceed. At Si Bridge, they encounter ghostly apparitions, and Zhang Kaifu is dragged into the river by spirits.
• A man and woman, skilled in ghost-busting, arrive and attempt to save Zhang Kaifu, but he attacks and kills the woman before being subdued.

Character Developments

• Xia Yitian: Shows knowledge of the supernatural and tries to warn the police officers about the dangers in Xiao Yi Hamlet.
• Captain Huo: Demonstrates familiarity with the supernatural and tries to protect his subordinates, but ultimately fails to save Zhang Kaifu.
• Zhang Kaifu: Becomes possessed by a ghost and attacks the woman who tried to save him, ultimately leading to his own death.
• The Ghost-Busting Couple: The woman, confident in her abilities, underestimates the danger and is killed by the possessed Zhang Kaifu. The man, though skilled, is unable to prevent her death.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural danger and the struggle against it.
• The consequences of underestimating or ignoring warnings about danger.
• The power dynamics between the living and the dead.

Character Interactions

• Xia Yitian and Captain Huo: Xia Yitian tries to warn Captain Huo about the dangers, but the captain initially underestimates the threat.
• Zhang Kaifu and the Ghost-Busting Couple: Zhang Kaifu, possessed, attacks and kills the woman, while the man tries in vain to save him.
• Xia Yitian and Yu Xiao Xue: They work together to bury Zhang Yi Dan and are later taken into custody by the police officers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tian Ge (the protagonist) uses rocks to stop Zhang Kaifu's attack on Zhao Qian, saving her life.
• Captain Huo arrives and handcuffs Zhang Kaifu, who is suspected of murder.
• Tian Ge reveals that he found a body outside the hamlet and was planning to bury it.
• Ghosts appear under the bridge, and Tian Ge warns the group to leave quickly.
• Zhao Qian and Zhao He reveal that Witch Zhou (Tian Ge's grandmother) has passed away.
• Tian Ge and Yu Xiao Xue reveal that Zhang Yi Dan (Zhang Kaifu's brother) was killed by a Ghost Infant.
• Zhao Qian performs a divination ritual and concludes that the place is not safe for lingering.

Character Developments

• Tian Ge: Shows calmness and quick thinking in dangerous situations. He is also knowledgeable about the supernatural.
• Zhao Qian: Reveals her ability to divine and perform rituals to protect against ghosts. She is also resourceful and practical.
• Zhao He: Initially appears brave and capable, but later shows jealousy and resentment towards Tian Ge.
• Captain Huo: A seasoned criminal investigator who is open-minded enough to accept the supernatural events unfolding.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and its dangers.
• The importance of quick thinking and resourcefulness in crisis situations.
• The tension between practicality and emotion in decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Tian Ge and Zhao Qian: Tian Ge looks down on Zhao Qian's abilities initially but later seeks her help to escape Xiao Yi Hamlet.
• Zhao He and Tian Ge: Zhao He feels jealous and resentful of Tian Ge's knowledge and calm demeanor.
• Zhao Qian and Yu Xiao Xue: The two women show initial hostility towards each other but later cooperate to escape the hamlet.
• Captain Huo and the others: Captain Huo is initially skeptical but later accepts the supernatural events and follows the group's lead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group, including Tian Ge, Zhao Qian, Zhao He, Huo Dadong, Yu Xiao Xue, and the captured Zhang Kaifu, leaves Xiao Yi Hamlet to reach Kang Long Village.
• They encounter a ghost wall in the forest, which Zhao Qian attempts to dispel with a ritual.
• A female ghost appears, showing interest in Tian Ge and Yu Xiao Xue, then focuses on Zhang Kaifu.
• Zhang Kaifu, possessed by the female ghost, breaks his own hand and attacks Huo Dadong, who shoots him. Despite being shot and having his head bashed in, Zhang Kaifu remains undeterred.

Character Developments

• Tian Ge: He feels regret for not burying his brother Zhang Yi Dan and for bringing the group into danger by not revealing the full extent of the situation in Xiao Yi Hamlet.
• Zhao Qian: She demonstrates her skills as a Feng Shui master, trying to navigate the group safely through the forest.
• Huo Dadong: He shows his professionalism as a police captain, quickly reacting to the threat posed by the possessed Zhang Kaifu.
• Yu Xiao Xue: She displays fear and vulnerability when faced with the female ghost, seeking comfort from Tian Ge.

Significant Themes

• Regret: Tian Ge's actions and inactions lead to consequences he hadn't foreseen, causing him to feel regret.
• Ghostly Possession: The female ghost's ability to possess the unconscious Zhang Kaifu highlights the danger and malevolence of supernatural entities.
• Survival: The group's struggle to leave Xiao Yi Hamlet alive emphasizes the theme of survival against supernatural threats.

Character Interactions

• Tian Ge and Yu Xiao Xue: They grow closer, with Yu Xiao Xue seeking comfort and protection from Tian Ge.
• Zhao Qian and Zhao He: The siblings work together, with Zhao He supporting Zhao Qian's ritual and later assisting in dispatching the possessed Zhang Kaifu.
• Huo Dadong and Zhang Kaifu: Their confrontation ends in tragedy, with Zhang Kaifu's death and Huo Dadong's severe injury.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters a possessed person (Zhang Kaifu) in Xiao Yi Hamlet, who is eventually killed by a little fierce ghost summoned by the protagonist.
• They discover that the hamlet is guarded by ghost soldiers, preventing them from leaving. After a narrow escape, they realize they've circled back to Si Bridge.

Character Developments

• Protagonist: Shows bravery and resourcefulness in dealing with the possessed person and later in escaping the ghost soldiers. He also displays concern for Yu Xiao Xue's safety.
• Zhao Qian: Initially struggles with exorcism but later shows understanding and fear when she realizes the true threat. She also displays agility in running, despite her initial reluctance to move.
• Huo Dadong: Dies after being captured by ghost soldiers, highlighting the danger of ghost soldiers and the importance of escaping them.
• Yu Xiao Xue: Shows fear and vulnerability during the encounter with the possessed person and the ghost soldiers but trusts the protagonist's judgment.

Significant Themes

• Ghosts and Supernatural Entities: The chapter explores different types of ghosts, their behaviors, and the danger they pose to humans.
• Survival and Escape: The group's struggle to escape the haunted hamlet and the ghost soldiers passing through emphasizes the theme of survival and the importance of quick thinking and action.
• Trust and Leadership: The protagonist's actions demonstrate his ability to make decisions under pressure, which earns him the trust of the group, even if they don't always understand his reasoning.

Character Interactions

• Protagonist and Zhao Qian: Their relationship is tense, with the protagonist often criticizing Zhao Qian for her lack of skill in dealing with ghosts. However, they work together to escape the ghost soldiers.
• Protagonist and Yu Xiao Xue: The protagonist shows concern for Yu Xiao Xue's safety, prioritizing her in their escape from the ghost soldiers.
• Protagonist and Huo Dadong: Despite Huo Dadong's initial suspicion of the protagonist, they work together to escape the possessed person. However, Huo Dadong's death serves as a stark reminder of the danger they face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at Xiao Yi Hamlet to find it eerily deserted and the dogs barking incessantly.
• Zhao Qian's feng shui compass goes missing, and they decide to stay the night.
• They discover Zhang Yi Dan's body has been moved and buried with a mysterious epitaph.
• Huo Dadong's body floats down the river, and they attempt to rescue him.
• Zhao Qian tries to summon Huo Dadong's soul, but it's prevented by two Yin Soldiers.

Character Developments

• Tian Ge: Shows leadership and determination, willing to take risks to help others. He's also resourceful and knowledgeable about the supernatural.
• Zhao Qian: Demonstrates resilience and professionalism as a feng shui master, able to adapt to the situation and perform her duties despite her initial fear.
• Zhao He: Initially reluctant to help, he eventually steps up when pushed by Tian Ge. He shows strength and courage, though he's also superstitious.
• Yu Xiao Xue: Reveals a hidden ability to see spirits, hinting at a possible secret about her background.
• Huo Dadong: Though unconscious, his survival instinct kicks in, allowing him to float down the river.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Elements: The chapter explores the presence of Yin Soldiers, Yin Souls, and the river's role in transporting souls, further emphasizing the supernatural setting.
• Resilience and Adaptation: Characters face unexpected events and must adapt, showcasing their resilience and ability to overcome fear and reluctance.
• Leadership and Responsibility: Tian Ge takes charge, making decisions and encouraging others to act, demonstrating his sense of responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Tian Ge and Zhao Qian/He: Tian Ge pushes the siblings to act, challenging their initial reluctance and fear. Zhao Qian, in turn, supports her brother and performs her duties despite her fears.
• Tian Ge and Yu Xiao Xue: They share a moment of surprise when they both recognize Huo Dadong's Yin Soul, hinting at a possible connection or shared ability.
• The Group and the Supernatural: The group interacts with various supernatural elements, such as the Yin Soldiers preventing Huo Dadong's soul from leaving the river.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An old man, Uncle Hai, appears from Xiao Yi Hamlet, surprising Xia Yitian who knows the hamlet's road leads to the dangerous Dead Town.
• Uncle Hai helps Zhao Qian and Zhao He retrieve Captain Huo's soul from Yin Soldiers using paper figures and incantations.
• Uncle Hai reveals he's from Da Long County and knows Xia Yitian's grandmother, Zhou Xian, who is also known as the feared "Old Demon Zhou."

Character Developments

• Xia Yitian becomes wary of Uncle Hai's powerful Yin Yang skills and his connection to his grandmother's past.
• Zhao He and Zhao Qian show their skills in handling souls and their eagerness to learn more about their grandmother's past.
• Uncle Hai reveals his knowledge of the Righteous Path and his past with Zhou Xian, hinting at a complex history.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and rivalries among different Yin Yang practitioners and their paths.
• The tension between Xia Yitian's knowledge of his grandmother and the revelations about her past.
• The danger and mystery surrounding the Dead Town and its connection to Xiao Yi Hamlet.

Character Interactions

• Xia Yitian and Uncle Hai's initial wariness turns into a tense exchange as Uncle Hai reveals his knowledge of Zhou Xian's past.
• Zhao He and Zhao Qian's eagerness to learn from Uncle Hai and their excitement about the magic duel he mentions.
• Xia Yitian's protective stance towards his grandmother's reputation, clashing with Uncle Hai's revelations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xuan, a novice from the Zhou Family, saved a child by killing an important Maoshan disciple, leading to a feud with the Righteous Path lineages.
• Zhou Xuan was targeted and eventually captured, her soul tortured, and body made into a Blood Corpse.
• Zhou Xuan's grandmother, Old Mistress Zhou (Zhou Ying), avenged her, nearly destroying the Daoist lineages, but was imprisoned in a Blood Cloud Coffin and sealed in Death Town.

Character Developments

• Zhou Xuan: From a righteous novice to a hunted fugitive, her actions escalated the conflict with the Righteous Path.
• Old Mistress Zhou (Zhou Ying): Initially unknown, she revealed her power and became a formidable force against the Daoist lineages.
• The Narrator (You): Realizes the extent of the feud and vows revenge.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between righteousness and power.
• The consequences of actions and the escalation of conflicts.
• The lengths one will go to protect family.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Xuan and her family: Their bond and willingness to protect each other.
• The Narrator and Old Hai: Their misunderstanding is cleared, and they form a bond.
• The Narrator and Grandma: The Narrator's determination to avenge Grandma strengthens their bond posthumously.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters Lingering Spirits on the way to Kang Long Village, but Old Hai's presence allows them to pass without fear.
• They reach the location of Zhao Qian's Feng Shui compass, where Yin Soldiers are guarding.
• Old Hai uses a clever method to distract the Yin Soldiers with paper figures, allowing the group to pass.
• They leave Kang Long Village as night falls and decide to travel together to the county.
• Zhao Qian offers to drive, but her poor driving skills scare Yi Tian.

Character Developments

• Yi Tian: Realizes the danger of entering Dead Town and feels inadequate for the task ahead. Shows concern for Yu Xiao Xue's well-being.
• Zhao Qian: Reveals her inexperience in driving, showing a more vulnerable side. Expresses interest in hiring Yi Tian for unknown reasons.
• Old Hai: Demonstrates his experience and resourcefulness in dealing with supernatural entities. Shows a more youthful side with his tablet computer.
• Yu Xiao Xue: Sleeps soundly in the car, oblivious to the conversation around her, highlighting her innocence and lack of awareness.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Elements: The presence of Lingering Spirits and Yin Soldiers emphasizes the supernatural nature of the story.
• Class Differences: Zhao Qian's driving skills and her family's wealth contrast with Yi Tian's humble background, highlighting the differences in their upbringing.
• Uncertainty and Danger: Yi Tian's thoughts about entering Dead Town emphasize the uncertainty and danger of the journey ahead.

Character Interactions

• Yi Tian and Zhao Qian: Their interactions reveal Zhao Qian's interest in hiring Yi Tian, though her intentions are unclear. Yi Tian is initially annoyed by her cluelessness but later teases her.
• Yi Tian and Old Hai: They share a moment of understanding when Old Hai gives Yi Tian a meaningful look before getting into the police car.
• Yu Xiao Xue and Zhao Qian: Yu Xiao Xue's obliviousness to the conversation contrasts with Zhao Qian's politeness and propriety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Qian invites the protagonist to catch ghosts, revealing her family's troubles and her father's request to invite Witch Zhou (the protagonist's grandmother).
• The protagonist initially declines, but Zhao Qian's emotional plea and the protagonist's possession experience change his mind.
• The protagonist and Zhao Qian encounter a powerful white-clothed female ghost, which the protagonist's pet little fierce ghost defeats and consumes.
• The protagonist allows the little fierce ghost to stay on his shoulder, and they decide to stay at Zhao Qian's place due to the protagonist's Yin energy attracting powerful ghosts.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows growth in his ability to communicate with ghosts and protect himself, using his grandmother's legacy.
• Zhao Qian demonstrates her concern for the protagonist and Yu Xiao Xue's safety, inviting them to stay at her place.
• The little fierce ghost exhibits its power and independence, acting as a protective force for the protagonist.

Significant Themes

• The protagonist's connection to his grandmother's legacy and its protective power.
• The danger and allure of the ghost-catching profession.
• The importance of friendship and mutual support in facing supernatural threats.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Zhao Qian: They form a tentative alliance, with Zhao Qian seeking the protagonist's help and the protagonist accepting her invitation to stay at her place.
• The protagonist and the little fierce ghost: Their relationship deepens as the little fierce ghost protects the protagonist and they reach an understanding, with the protagonist allowing the ghost to stay on his shoulder.
• The protagonist and Yu Xiao Xue: The protagonist expresses concern for Yu Xiao Xue's safety, indicating a growing bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Qian invites Tian to stay at her luxurious villa in the county town.
• They meet Captain Huo, who thanks them for saving him and regrets not listening to Tian's advice.
• Zhao Qian asks Tian to accompany her to her grandfather's house the next day to help with an exorcism, as her grandfather is being tormented by a ghost.
• Tian agrees to go, but only as a friend and with no guarantee of acting.

Character Developments

• Zhao Qian shows her caring side, worrying about her grandfather and pleading with Tian to help.
• Tian demonstrates his reluctance to be tied down, mentioning he might leave the county after helping Yu Xiaoxue.
• Yu Xiaoxue, a country girl, is awestruck by the villa's luxuries and feels embarrassed about her dirty clothes.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and competition within the Zhao Family and the Arcane Sect.
• Tian's reluctance to be tied down or used by others, despite his abilities.
• The contrast between the luxurious life of the wealthy and the humble life of the countryside.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Qian and Tian: Zhao Qian tries to persuade Tian to help her grandfather, while Tian is hesitant due to his desire for freedom.
• Zhao Qian and Yu Xiaoxue: Zhao Qian shows kindness and understanding towards Yu Xiaoxue, offering her clothes and a bath.
• Tian and the little vicious ghost: Tian lets the little ghost drink cola and eat freely, showing his care for her.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• The narrator settles in for the night at Zhao Qian’s home. The little vicious ghost frightens Zhao Qian but obeys the narrator and follows him to the study, which he uses as a bedroom.
• While unpacking Grandma’s suitcase, the narrator finds several intricately carved Soul Urns, a badly cracked urn, fragments of shattered urns, Grandma’s handwritten life record, and her old mask.
• The little ghost grieves over the damaged urns. The narrator realizes Grandma once kept powerful ghosts—possibly even ghost kings—and that they were destroyed in a violent battle. He promises the little ghost they will avenge them, bringing them closer emotionally.
• Grandma’s record reveals details about her ghost-raising life and the Ninth Princess. The Ninth Princess was an ancient, powerful, elusive being whom Grandma struggled to summon when young, yet she eventually agreed to marry the narrator.
• A diary entry links the little ghost to Yinfeng Town, also called Dead Town. The narrator reasons that Grandma found her there and took her in for companionship. The ghost confirms this account through gestures.
• The record says that after Grandma returned from Yinfeng Town and settled in abandoned Little Yi Village, more people came seeking her, and some chose to stay.

Character developments

• The narrator shows continued caution around the little ghost, but also begins to understand her grief and history. His promise of revenge marks a deeper bond between them. He studies Grandma’s writings to learn more about his inheritance and the ghosts in his care.
• The little vicious ghost reveals a tender, grieving side beneath her frightening appearance. Her sadness over the destroyed urns suggests they held companions, teachers, or family. She trusts the narrator enough to accept his comfort and confirm details of her past.
• Zhao Qian remains shaken by the ghost but acts hospitably, preparing the narrator a place to sleep and speaking with him warmly.
• Grandma emerges through her writings as a formidable, compassionate, and often solitary ghost-raiser who traveled widely, subdued spirits, and sometimes concealed her identity behind a mask.
• The Ninth Princess is portrayed as proud, immensely powerful, and difficult to summon, making her eventual choice to marry the narrator especially mysterious.

Significant themes

• Grief, loyalty, and vengeance: The ruined urns embody the loss of the little ghost’s former companions, while the narrator’s vow turns grief into a shared purpose.
• Companionship and loneliness: Grandma may have raised the little ghost not as a weapon but as company during a lonely period of her life.
• Inheritance and mystery: Grandma’s journal and possessions reveal fragments of the narrator’s supernatural legacy while leaving major questions unanswered.
• The dual nature of ghosts: The little ghost is terrifying yet vulnerable, challenging the assumption that frightening spirits are simply monstrous.
• Memory and history: The diary preserves Grandma’s experiences, but its brief and cryptic entries show how much of the past remains hidden.

Character interactions

• The narrator keeps a calm, authoritative manner with the little ghost, while she reacts fiercely at first and then follows him.
• Zhao Qian cautiously accommodates the narrator despite her fear of the ghost; their exchange is relaxed and lightly teasing.
• The narrator comforts the little ghost as she mourns the shattered urns, and she clings to him, signaling a new level of trust.
• He questions her about Yinfeng Town, and she communicates through nods and shakes, helping him piece together her history.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Tian Ge, investigates the "Ghost Raising Dao" and discovers a story about a boy in red who was possibly raised as a ghost.
• He receives a video from a friend, Zhao Qian, showing a ghost in a man's house.
• They rush to save Zhao Qian's friend, Shan Shan, who had been attacked by the ghost from the video.

Character Developments

• Tian Ge demonstrates his concern and bravery in saving Shan Shan.
• Zhao Qian shows her worry for her friend and learns CPR.
• Shan Shan exhibits resilience and calmness after her near-death experience.
• Yu Xiao Xue, Tian Ge's spirit wife, shows jealousy and disapproval of Tian Ge's actions.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and its impact on the living.
• Friendship and loyalty, as shown by Tian Ge and Zhao Qian's actions to save Shan Shan.
• The consequences of curiosity and involvement with the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Tian Ge and Zhao Qian work together to save Shan Shan.
• Tian Ge and Shan Shan have a brief, tense interaction.
• Yu Xiao Xue shows displeasure with Tian Ge's actions, hinting at possible tension in their relationship.
• Zhao Qian and Shan Shan display a close friendship.