Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Seven Lù discovers a backdoor in Huo Yushen's shared data, reducing its processing speed to match Huo's.
• Huo Yushen analyzes Xia Chujian's Mecha data, finding it comparable to his own.
• They conclude that the Grand Princess is likely to leave for Beichen Star and decide to follow.
• Xia Chujian and Huo Yushen return to Beichen Star and await instructions from the High Priest.
• High Priest Su Yanxing prepares for the High Mass and contacts Xia Chujian, outlining the plan for the Grand Princess's assassination.

Character Developments

• Seven Lù demonstrates caution and resourcefulness in protecting its secrets.
• Huo Yushen shows analytical skills and strategic thinking in assessing Mecha data and planning their next move.
• Xia Chujian reveals her pragmatic nature, prioritizing survival and profit over personal grudges.
• High Priest Su Yanxing displays meticulous planning and foresight in orchestrating the Grand Princess's assassination.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Seven Lù's actions highlight the importance of trust and the dangers of deception, even among allies.
• Pragmatism vs. idealism: Xia Chujian's focus on profit and survival contrasts with the idealistic motivations of other characters, such as Ye Shijie and Qiu Zijun.
• Power dynamics: The interactions between characters illustrate the power dynamics at play, with the High Priest pulling strings from behind the scenes and Bounty Hunters executing his plans.

Character Interactions

• Seven Lù and Huo Yushen work together, with Seven Lù providing data analysis and Huo Yushen interpreting the results, leading to a mutual understanding and respect.
• Xia Chujian and Huo Yushen discuss their plans and motivations, with Xia Chujian's pragmatism clashing with Huo Yushen's more idealistic views.
• High Priest Su Yanxing communicates with Xia Chujian, outlining the plan for the Grand Princess's assassination and ensuring that Xia Chujian is prepared to act as a backup if needed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Beichen Empire has suffered a series of deaths, including the Emperor, leaving only the Empress, who refuses to let the illegitimate child ascend the throne.
• The funeral of Emperor Tantai Hongyuan is attended by all high-ranking figures in the Imperial Government.
• The High Priest performs the funeral Mass, wearing a Ritual Robe made from Haidagong skin, which causes unease among the attendees.
• Xia Chujian, hidden in the sanctuary, sees Black Mist spreading from beneath the High Priest's Ritual Robe, which only she can perceive.
• During the viewing of the Emperor's body, the Black Mist enters the coffin, and Xia Chujian witnesses this but cannot understand its purpose.

Character Developments

• The Empress is determined to find her missing daughter to claim the throne, showing obstinacy and refusal to accept the current heir.
• Xia Chujian discovers that she can see Black Mist that others cannot, raising questions about her own perception.
• The High Priest is revealed to have a connection to the Haidagong and wears a Ritual Robe with unusual properties.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and succession in the Beichen Empire.
• The mysterious Black Mist and its significance, which only Xia Chujian can perceive.
• The unusual properties of the Haidagong skin used in the High Priest's Ritual Robe.

Character Interactions

• The Empress interacts with the High Priest and the attendees, expressing her grief and determination to find the future Empress.
• Xia Chujian interacts with Seven Lù and Huo Yushen, discussing the Black Mist and the High Priest's Ritual Robe.
• The High Priest interacts with the attendees, causing unease with his Ritual Robe and performing the funeral Mass.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Empress Li Feng'en does not recognize Tantai Yugui or Ying Wuxin's child as heirs to the throne.
• Tantai Yugui and Ying Wuxin deliver eulogies at the funeral, followed by Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu's stand-in.
• Disciplinary Department personnel, led by Ye Shijie, interrupt the funeral, revealing that the Grand Princess is disguised among the security officers.
• The Grand Princess's stand-in is unmasked, and she is arrested for the suspected murder of Baron Ying's family twenty years ago.

Character Developments

• Tantai Yugui: Shows no emotion or attachment to his late father, the Emperor.
• Ying Wuxin: Speaks on behalf of her unborn child, expressing grief for the late Emperor.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Disguises herself as a security officer to attend the funeral, revealing her fear and guilt.
• Ye Shijie: Demonstrates sharp wit and boldness in exposing the Grand Princess's deception.

Significant Themes

• The importance of lineage and bloodline in succession to the throne.
• Fear, guilt, and the desire for self-preservation.
• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the Imperial Family.

Character Interactions

• Tantai Yugui and Ying Wuxin: Sit together at the funeral, representing potential heirs to the throne.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu and her stand-in: The Grand Princess's fear and caution are highlighted as she sends a stand-in to deliver her eulogy.
• Ye Shijie and the Grand Princess: Ye Shijie exposes the Grand Princess's deception, leading to her arrest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Shijie attempts to arrest the Grand Princess, but she reveals her true appearance and claims immunity.
• Ye Shijie presents evidence, including videos and a bank safe's contents, proving the Grand Princess's involvement in the Ying Clan Massacre.
• The Grand Princess admits to ordering the massacre but claims she can't be tried due to her immunity.

Character Developments

• Ye Shijie: Shows determination and courage in pursuing justice, even against a powerful figure like the Grand Princess.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Reveals her true appearance and admits to her crimes but remains arrogant and confident in her immunity.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption: The Grand Princess's immunity and the Emperor's protection highlight the abuse of power and corruption in high society.
• Justice vs. Law: Ye Shijie's pursuit of justice clashes with the Grand Princess's claim that the law does not apply to her.

Character Interactions

• Ye Shijie vs. Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Their confrontation highlights the power dynamic and Ye Shijie's determination to uphold justice.
• Xia Chujian and Huo Yushen: They discuss the case's developments and the political dynamics at play, providing additional context and insights.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grand Princess is accused of orchestrating the Ying Clan Massacre twenty years ago.
• Ye Shijie presents evidence and witness testimony, but the Grand Princess dismisses it as inconclusive.
• Ying Wuxin, the sole survivor of the Ying Clan, confronts the Grand Princess and reveals that she has evidence and witnesses to prove the Grand Princess's involvement.
• Ye Shijie attempts to apprehend the Grand Princess but is stopped mid-charge when she produces a Zerg Appendage Blade and stabs him through his Mecha.
• Ye Shijie hallucinates seeing his deceased subordinates before losing consciousness.

Character Developments

• Ye Shijie: Becomes increasingly determined to bring the Grand Princess to justice, even at the cost of his own life.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Remains composed and defiant, using her status and legal immunity to dismiss the accusations against her. She reveals a cunning and manipulative side, attempting to turn the situation against Ye Shijie.
• Ying Wuxin: Gains confidence and courage, standing up to the Grand Princess and revealing that she has evidence to support her claims.

Significant Themes

• Power and Impunity: The Grand Princess uses her status and legal immunity to evade responsibility for her actions, highlighting the corrupting influence of power.
• Justice vs. Law: Ye Shijie believes in upholding the law, while the Grand Princess manipulates it to suit her purposes, raising questions about the true nature of justice.
• Revenge and Redemption: Ying Wuxin's determination to expose the Grand Princess suggests a desire for revenge and redemption for her family.

Character Interactions

• Ye Shijie vs. Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Their confrontation escalates as Ye Shijie becomes more determined to bring her to justice, while she remains defiant and manipulative.
• Ying Wuxin vs. Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Ying Wuxin stands up to the Grand Princess, challenging her claims and revealing that she has evidence to support her accusations.
• Ye Shijie's hallucinations: Ye Shijie sees his deceased subordinates before losing consciousness, suggesting a deep emotional connection to them and a sense of guilt or responsibility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu attempts to kill Ye Shijie using a Bone Blade, but it gets stuck in his chest.
• Ying Wuxin, the High Priest's wife's niece, shoots the Grand Princess at close range, but her bullet doesn't penetrate the Grand Princess's Mecha.
• The Grand Princess retaliates with a powerful sniper rifle, wounding Ying Wuxin.
• Ying Wuxin attempts to shoot the Grand Princess again but is intercepted and injured by the Grand Princess's Long Whip.
• High Priest Su Yanxing tries to save Ying Wuxin, but the Grand Princess attacks him with a Skull Claw, which is blocked by Tantai Yugui, who gets fatally injured.

Character Developments

• Ye Shijie demonstrates extraordinary strength and determination by restraining the Grand Princess's Bone Blade despite severe injuries.
• Ying Wuxin shows courage and desperation in trying to kill the Grand Princess, disregarding her own safety.
• The Grand Princess reveals her ruthless and impulsive nature, prioritizing her own rage over the safety of others.
• Tantai Yugui, initially passive, steps in to protect Su Yanxing, leading to his fatal injury.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of unchecked power.
• The destructive nature of unbridled rage and impulsiveness.
• The lengths people will go to protect those they care about.

Character Interactions

• Ye Shijie and the Grand Princess: A tense standoff, with Ye Shijie restraining the Grand Princess's weapon.
• Ying Wuxin and the Grand Princess: A brief exchange of fire, with Ying Wuxin's desperation contrasting with the Grand Princess's cold calculation.
• Su Yanxing and the Grand Princess: A confrontation, with Su Yanxing trying to protect Ying Wuxin and the Grand Princess attempting to stop him.
• Tantai Yugui's selfless act to protect Su Yanxing highlights the complex dynamics between the characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu kills Column Commander Tantai Yugui using a Skull Claw weapon, which breaches his Second Generation Mecha's defenses and precisely removes his heart.
• Li Fengci, Yugui's mother, mourns her son's death and vows revenge against the Grand Princess.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu, enraged, prepares to massacre everyone in the hall, but Qiu Zijun intervenes, ordering everyone to kneel.
• Huo Yushen, affected by the same force compelling everyone to kneel, flees the scene.
• Qiu Zijun confronts Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu, demanding she confess her crimes.
• The Grand Princess confesses that she slaughtered the Ying Family because Ying Chenhui might have known the truth about Zong Weiping's death.

Character Developments

• Tantai Yugui: Dies heroically, finally freeing himself from his past.
• Li Fengci: Loses her son and becomes consumed by grief and desire for revenge.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Becomes increasingly unhinged and desperate, ultimately confessing her crimes under Qiu Zijun's pressure.
• Qiu Zijun: Demonstrates immense Mental Strength, compelling everyone to kneel and forcing the Grand Princess to confess.
• Huo Yushen: Resists the compulsion to kneel with Xia Chujian's help and escapes the scene.

Significant Themes

• Power and its corrupting influence, as seen through the Grand Princess's actions and descent into madness.
• The consequences of one's actions and the inescapable truth, as exemplified by the Grand Princess's confession.
• Mental Strength and its potential to control and manipulate, as demonstrated by Qiu Zijun.

Character Interactions

• Qiu Zijun vs. Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Qiu Zijun confronts and ultimately defeats the Grand Princess, forcing her to confess her crimes.
• Li Fengci vs. Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Li Fengci mourns her son's death and vows revenge against the Grand Princess.
• Huo Yushen vs. the compulsion to kneel: Huo Yushen resists the force compelling him to kneel, with Xia Chujian's help.
• Xia Chujian vs. Huo Yushen: Xia Chujian helps Huo Yushen resist the compulsion to kneel by communicating with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu reveals that she orchestrated Marshal Zong Weiping's death thirty years ago due to unrequited love.
• She admits to tampering with his starship navigation, leading to his death in a Space Rift.
• It's revealed that Zong Weiping's son, Zong Ruoning, is not biologically his and Su Shuangluo's, but a child of Zong Weiping's mistress.

Character Developments

• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Admits to her past actions and feelings, revealing her jealousy and resentment towards Su Shuangluo.
• Su Shuangluo: Struggles with the revelation that Zong Ruoning is not her biological son, causing her mental state to deteriorate.
• Zong Ruoning: Learns the truth about his birth, causing him distress and guilt for his mother's suffering.
• Zong Family members: React with shock and guilt upon learning the truth about Zong Ruoning's origins.

Significant Themes

• Love, obsession, and jealousy (Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu's feelings for Zong Weiping)
• Betrayal and infidelity (Zong Weiping's actions, leading to Su Shuangluo's suffering)
• The consequences of one's actions (Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu's confession and its impact on the Zong Family)

Character Interactions

• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu and Qiu Zijun: Engage in a mental battle, with Qiu Zijun trying to control the Grand Princess and the situation.
• Su Shuangluo and Zong Ruoning: Their relationship is strained as Su Shuangluo struggles to accept the truth about Zong Ruoning's birth.
• Zong Family members: React to the revelation about Zong Ruoning's origins, with mixed feelings of guilt, shock, and pity.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grand Princess, Tantai Jinyu, accuses Su Shuangluo's son, Zong Ruoning, of not being her biological child, aiming to strip him of his inheritance rights.
• High Priest Su Yanxing reveals that the Grand Princess had a hand in Zong Weiping's death and had attempted to replace Zong Ruoning with her own son.
• Su Yanxing conducts a Genetic Test, proving that Zong Ruoning is indeed the biological child of Su Shuangluo and Zong Weiping.

Character Developments

• Zong Ruoning stands up for his mother and asserts his right to the Zong Clan's inheritance.
• The Grand Princess's true colors are exposed, revealing her malicious intent and past actions.
• Su Yanxing shows his knowledge of past events and his commitment to revealing the truth.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and inheritance within the Zong Clan.
• The consequences of the Grand Princess's obsession and malice.
• The importance of truth and justice, as revealed through the Genetic Tests.

Character Interactions

• Zong Ruoning and Su Shuangluo's mother-son bond is strengthened as they stand together against the Grand Princess's accusations.
• The Grand Princess's relationship with her husband, Zong Weiding, is strained as her actions are exposed.
• Su Yanxing and Master Zong work together to reveal the truth and protect the Zong Clan's interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu learns that Zong Ruoan is not her biological son, but was raised by her and the Zong Clan.
• She discovers that her husband, Zong Weiding, had an affair and the child (Zong Ruoan) was raised as her son.
• Tantai Jinyu's fury and shock cause her to collapse and spit blood.
• Zong Weiding and Zong Ruoan's true relationship is revealed through a genetic test.
• Tantai Jinyu disowns Zong Ruoan and spits at him.
• Zong Weiding's role in his brother's death is revealed, and he is arrested by the Zong Family guards.

Character Developments

• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Experiences a profound emotional crisis and breakdown upon learning the truth about her family.
• Zong Weiding: Revealed to be manipulative and deceitful, using his wife and brother for his own gain.
• Zong Ruoan: Struggles with the revelation of his parentage and is disowned by Tantai Jinyu.
• Master Zong: Orders the arrest of Zong Weiding, showing his lack of favor towards his second son.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Characters use lies and deceit to achieve their goals.
• Family secrets: The truth about Zong Ruoan's parentage and Zong Weiding's role in his brother's death are revealed, highlighting the dark side of family dynamics.
• Betrayal: Characters betray each other for personal gain, leading to emotional turmoil and consequences.

Character Interactions

• Tantai Jinyu and Zong Weiding: Their marriage is exposed as a facade, leading to a bitter confrontation.
• Tantai Jinyu and Zong Ruoan: Tantai Jinyu disowns Zong Ruoan after learning the truth about his parentage.
• Zong Weiding and Zong Ruoan: Their relationship is strained as Zong Ruoan learns that his father orchestrated his mother's actions to harm his uncle.
• Master Zong and Zong Weiding: Master Zong orders the arrest of Zong Weiding, showing his lack of support for his second son.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zong Weiding admits to being the mastermind behind Zong Weiping's murder.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu is revealed to be a Love Brain Black Glove driven mad by jealousy.
• Zong Weiding's true feelings about his father's favoritism towards his elder brother are revealed.
• The opera "Noble Lady's Marriage" is used as a metaphor for the Zong family's events.
• Master Zong orders Zong Weiding's arrest, but High Priest Su Yanxing intervenes, demanding military trial for Zong Weiding.
• Su Yanxing pressures Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu to reveal why she exterminated the Ying Family.

Character Developments

• Zong Weiding: Reveals his true feelings and admits to his crimes, leading to his arrest.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Reveals her role in the Ying Family's extermination and her obsession with Zong Weiping.
• Master Zong: Struggles with his pride and the need to maintain the Zong family's image, ultimately allowing Zong Weiding's arrest.
• Su Yanxing: Becomes more determined to avenge his wife's family, pushing for a military trial and demanding answers from Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu.

Significant Themes

• The theme of family and inheritance continues to be explored, with Zong Weiding's jealousy of his elder brother and his desire to be the heir.
• The consequences of obsession and jealousy are shown through Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu's actions.
• The power dynamics between the Zong family and the Imperial Government are highlighted, with Su Yanxing challenging Master Zong's authority.

Character Interactions

• Zong Weiding and Master Zong: The tension between them is revealed, with Zong Weiding's resentment towards his father and Master Zong's favoritism towards his elder brother.
• Su Yanxing and Master Zong: Their conflict escalates as Su Yanxing demands a military trial for Zong Weiding, challenging Master Zong's authority.
• Qiu Zijun and Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Qiu Zijun uses her superpower to force Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu to reveal the truth about the Ying Family's extermination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu confesses to orchestrating the Ying Family massacre due to Zong Weiping's death and Ying Chenhui's investigation.
• Master Zong disowns Zong Weiding and Tantai Jinyu, stripping them of their noble status and leaving them to the court's justice.
• High Priest Su Yanxing reveals Tantai Jinyu's illegitimate status, stripping her of any imperial protection.
• Su Yanxing signals Bounty Hunters to eliminate Tantai Jinyu and Zong Weiding.

Character Developments

• Zong Weiding: Struggles with the truth about his father's death and his role in the Ying Family massacre.
• Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Reveals her cunning and ruthlessness, plotting to take revenge once freed.
• High Priest Su Yanxing: Manipulates the situation to eliminate Tantai Jinyu and Zong Weiding, showing his desire for justice and revenge.
• Qiu Zijun: Changes her mind about killing Tantai Jinyu publicly, opting for a trial instead.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption: The abuse of power by the nobility and the Imperial Family.
• Justice and revenge: The struggle between seeking justice through the legal system and taking personal revenge.
• Manipulation: Characters manipulating others for their own ends, such as Su Yanxing using the Bounty Hunters.

Character Interactions

• Zong Weiding and Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Their alliance crumbles as they realize they've been using each other.
• High Priest Su Yanxing and Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu: Su Yanxing exposes Tantai Jinyu's illegitimate status, stripping her of any imperial protection.
• Qiu Zijun and Master Zong: They agree to send Tantai Jinyu and Zong Weiding to court for trial, showing unity in their desire for justice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chujian, in a Xuan Nu Cyan Obsidian Titanium Mecha, assassinates Grand Princess Tantai Jinyu and Zong Weiding with two precise sniper shots from above the Sanctuary.
• Xia Chujian escapes into space, but remains connected to the Sanctuary's surveillance via her mecha's Eyepiece Display Screen.
• The Sanctuary guards and Combat Robots search for the sniper, using a light source that can reveal Second Generation Mechas in Stealth Mode.
• High Priest Su Yanxing tests Qiu Zijun's bloodline and genes, confirming she is Emperor Tantai Hongyuan's biological daughter and the new First in Line to the Throne.

Character Developments

• Xia Chujian demonstrates her exceptional marksmanship and strategic thinking, successfully assassinating her targets and escaping.
• Qiu Zijun's true identity as the Emperor's daughter is revealed, making her the new First in Line to the Throne.
• Li Fengci appears indifferent to the events, focusing solely on her son.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and succession: The revelation of Qiu Zijun's identity shifts the power balance and succession line.
• Trust and betrayal: Xia Chujian's actions highlight the lack of trust among the characters, while Qiu Zijun's revelation shows a betrayal of trust by those who knew her true identity.
• The consequences of secrets: The hidden truths about Qiu Zijun and the assassins' past failures due to the 'Submission' superpower come to light.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chujian and Huo Yushen: They maintain contact through the Internal Communication System, with Huo Yushen praising Xia Chujian's shots and Xia Chujian revealing her location in space.
• Qiu Zijun and Su Yanxing: Su Yanxing tests Qiu Zijun's bloodline, confirming her identity and revealing her as the new First in Line to the Throne.
• Qiu Zijun and the crowd: The crowd is shocked and exhausted from the constant revelations and events unfolding in the Sanctuary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiu Zijun is revealed to be the illegitimate daughter of the late Emperor Tantai Hongyuan.
• Empress Li Feng'en, upon seeing Qiu Zijun's true face, believes her to be her long-lost biological daughter, whom she named 'Little Girl'.
• Empress Li Feng'en performs a Parentage Test using bone marrow instead of blood, suggesting she might have tampered with her own bloodline records.

Character Developments

• Qiu Zijun: Initially shocked and disbelieving, she later accepts her new status and is protected by Empress Li Feng'en.
• Empress Li Feng'en: Shows strong maternal instincts towards Qiu Zijun, hinting at a possible past trauma or regret.
• High Priest Su Yanxing: Remains neutral and professional, providing the Gene Detector but not interfering with the political intrigue.

Significant Themes

• Illegitimacy and its consequences: The revelation of Qiu Zijun's parentage highlights the social stigma and political implications of illegitimacy in the Empire.
• Maternal love and loss: Empress Li Feng'en's reaction to Qiu Zijun suggests a deep-seated longing for her lost daughter, possibly influencing her actions as Empress.
• Power dynamics: The noblemen's reactions to Qiu Zijun's revelation showcase the complex power struggles within the Empire's aristocracy.

Character Interactions

• Qiu Zijun and Empress Li Feng'en: Their interaction is tense initially, but Empress Li Feng'en's maternal instincts lead to a protective stance towards Qiu Zijun.
• Qiu Zijun and the Earl's Daughter of the Qiu Clan: The Earl's Daughter's resentment towards Qiu Zijun's preferential treatment hints at internal clan dynamics and rivalries.
• Xia Chujian and Huo Yushen: Their secret communication reveals their shared history with Qiu Zijun and Qiu Zining, as well as their speculations about Qiu Zijun's true identity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiu Zijun undergoes a bone marrow test to confirm her parentage, which proves she is Empress Li Feng'en's biological daughter.
• The test also confirms she is Emperor Tantai Hongyuan's biological daughter, making her the legitimate heir to the throne.
• She Zhuyin uses her Mental Strength to confirm Qiu Zijun is not Huo Yushen's sister.

Character Developments

• Qiu Zijun: Confirms her royal lineage and struggles with her new identity and the attention it brings.
• Empress Li Feng'en: Overjoyed at finding her long-lost daughter and eager to reconnect.
• She Zhuyin: Convinces herself and Huo Yushen that Qiu Zijun is not Huo Yushen's sister, allowing them to move on from the search.

Significant Themes

• Identity and belonging: Qiu Zijun grapples with her new identity as the crown princess, while She Zhuyin and Huo Yushen accept that Qiu Zijun is not Huo Yushen's sister.
• Maternal love: Empress Li Feng'en's joy at finding her daughter highlights the power of maternal love and the lengths a mother will go to find her child.

Character Interactions

• Qiu Zijun and Empress Li Feng'en: The mother-daughter pair reunite, with the Empress overjoyed and Qiu Zijun cautious yet yearning for connection.
• She Zhuyin and Huo Yushen: They discuss Qiu Zijun's identity and decide to move on from the search, with She Zhuyin inviting Xia Chujian to cook for them again.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Yushen informs She Zhuyin that Xia Chujian is on a mission and doesn't have network access.
• Xia Chujian contacts Huo Yushen after completing her mission, revealing that Qiu Zijun has been crowned Empress and will ascend the throne the next day.
• Xia Chujian decides to collect her bounty from the High Priest, despite his busy schedule.

Character Developments

• Xia Chujian: Shows determination in collecting her bounty and understanding of the political situation.
• Huo Yushen: Demonstrates knowledge of the Imperial Family's dynamics and Qiu Zijun's 'Submission' superpower.
• Su Yanxing: Reveals his intention to split the bounty with Ye Shijie's family, causing Xia Chujian's outrage.

Significant Themes

• The hasty succession of Qiu Zijun to the throne and the power dynamics within the Imperial Family.
• The 'Submission' superpower and its limitations.
• The tension between Xia Chujian and Su Yanxing regarding the bounty distribution.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chujian and Huo Yushen: Share information about the mission and Qiu Zijun's ascension, with Huo Yushen warning Xia Chujian about Qiu Zijun's superpower.
• Xia Chujian and Su Yanxing: Clash over the distribution of the bounty, with Xia Chujian expressing her anger and Su Yanxing appearing bewildered by her attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yanxing, the High Priest, tries to claim the bounty for killing the Grand Princess to honor Ye Shijie's memory.
• Xia Chujian (Seven Kill) refuses, asserting that the reward is hers and not to be used for Su Yanxing's purposes.
• Su Yanxing attempts to intimidate Xia Chujian, but she stands her ground, threatening him in return.
• Xia Chujian completes the mission confirmation and receives the remaining payment from Su Yanxing.
• She decides to return to Mulan City on Guiyuan Star to oversee her home's rebuilding and watch the New Emperor's ascension ceremony.

Character Developments

• Xia Chujian demonstrates her fearlessness and determination, standing up to Su Yanxing despite his high status.
• Su Yanxing reveals his arrogance and disrespect towards lower-class individuals, particularly Bounty Hunters.
• Huo Yushen shows concern for Xia Chujian's safety and offers advice on how to handle the large sum of money to avoid exposure.

Significant Themes

• Class distinction and the disregard for lower-class individuals by the nobility.
• The power dynamics between Bounty Hunters and their clients.
• The importance of reputation and keeping one's promises in the Bounty Hunting world.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chujian and Su Yanxing engage in a tense negotiation, with Xia Chujian refusing to back down despite Su Yanxing's attempts to intimidate her.
• Xia Chujian and Huo Yushen discuss their future plans, with Huo Yushen inviting Xia Chujian to attend the New Emperor's ascension ceremony as his third Right-Hand Man.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chujian, now known as 'Abyss Gazer,' attends Empress Tantai Zijun's ascension ceremony with Huo Yushen, Kang Shanxing, and Meng Guanghui.
• Xia Chujian's identity is verified by the Imperial Shadow Guards leader, who is suspicious of her sudden appearance but lets them pass after Huo Yushen's intervention.
• The ascension ceremony proceeds with High Priest Su Yanxing leading the Abdication Ceremony, followed by the new Empress Tantai Zijun taking the throne and issuing an edict.

Character Developments

• Xia Chujian embraces her new identity as 'Abyss Gazer,' enjoying her autonomy and equivalent rank to a Chief Inspector.
• Huo Yushen remains calm and collected, using his authority to smooth over Xia Chujian's introduction.
• Empress Tantai Zijun ascends to the throne, expressing gratitude to Empress Dowager Li Feng'en for her support.

Significant Themes

• Identity and disguise: Xia Chujian's new identity as 'Abyss Gazer' allows her to move freely in high society, highlighting the theme of identity and disguise.
• Power dynamics: The ascension ceremony showcases the power dynamics within the Beichen Empire, with the new Empress taking control and acknowledging her supporters.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chujian and Huo Yushen: They work together to maintain Xia Chujian's new identity, with Huo Yushen using his authority to smooth over any issues.
• Xia Chujian and the Imperial Shadow Guards leader: The leader is suspicious of Xia Chujian's identity but ultimately lets them pass after Huo Yushen's intervention.
• Empress Tantai Zijun and Empress Dowager Li Feng'en: The new Empress acknowledges Empress Dowager Li Feng'en's support, highlighting their alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Empress Tantai Zijun ascends the throne and declares war on the Zerg, earning respect from Xia Chujian.
• The lengthy Ascension ceremony ends, and the public learns about the new Empress.
• Astroturfing companies avoid mentioning the Empress due to her ruthless crackdown on smearing her image.
• Empress Dowager Li Feng'en meets with Qiu Si Yue, who pleads for her daughter's safety.

Character Developments

• Empress Tantai Zijun: Displayed strong leadership by declaring war on the Zerg and showed ruthlessness in dealing with astroturfers. She also demonstrated strategic thinking by considering Greedy Wolf as a potential Chief Inspector of the Special Security Bureau.
• Xia Chujian: Respected Tantai Zijun for her bold move against the Zerg but remained complicated about Ye Shijie's death. She planned to visit his grave.
• Empress Dowager Li Feng'en: Showed a cold and unforgiving side, holding grudges against those who had wronged her in the past. She was also aware of the power dynamics within the Palace.
• Qiu Si Yue: Pleaded for her daughter's safety, revealing her past actions to protect Qiu Zijun. She expressed regret for not realizing the truth about Qiu Zijun's identity earlier.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering within the Palace and the Empire.
• The ruthless nature of the ruling class and the consequences of crossing them.
• The impact of past actions and secrets on present-day relationships and power struggles.

Character Interactions

• Tantai Zijun and Xia Chujian: Xia Chujian respected Tantai Zijun for her bold move against the Zerg, but their relationship remained uncertain due to Xia Chujian's complicated feelings about Ye Shijie's death.
• Empress Dowager Li Feng'en and Qiu Si Yue: The Empress Dowager met with Qiu Si Yue, who pleaded for her daughter's safety. Their interaction revealed the Empress Dowager's cold and unforgiving nature and Qiu Si Yue's past actions to protect her daughter.
• Tantai Zijun and Huo Yushen/Greedy Wolf: Tantai Zijun considered Huo Yushen and Greedy Wolf as potential Chief Inspectors of the Special Security Bureau, showing her strategic thinking and willingness to consider new options.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Empress Dowager Li Feng'en agrees not to hold Qiu Si Yue accountable for her past actions, but warns her not to disturb Empress Tantai Zijun.
• Empress Dowager Li Feng'en decides to attend the Grand Court Assembly and support Empress Tantai Zijun from behind a curtain, a move known as "Rule Behind the Curtain."
• Empress Tantai Zijun's first Grand Court Assembly begins, with notable attendees including the Four Great Dukes, high-ranking officials, and Xia Chujian (Greedy Wolf, the Abyss Gazer).
• Empress Tantai Zijun declares her intention to personally lead an expedition against the Zerg, but Empress Dowager Li Feng'en disapproves, reminding her of Zong Weiping's death.

Character Developments

• Empress Dowager Li Feng'en shows concern for Empress Tantai Zijun's safety and well-being, demonstrating her affection for her daughter.
• Empress Tantai Zijun displays her determination to fight against the Zerg and her desire for control, hinting at her ambition.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and control: The struggle for power between Empress Tantai Zijun and the other factions, as well as her desire to control the Dark Division Registry.
• Family and loyalty: The complex relationship between Empress Dowager Li Feng'en and Empress Tantai Zijun, and the loyalty of Qiu Si Yue towards her daughter.

Character Interactions

• Empress Dowager Li Feng'en and Empress Tantai Zijun: The mother-daughter relationship is complex, with Li Feng'en showing affection and concern but also asserting her authority.
• Qiu Si Yue and Empress Dowager Li Feng'en: Qiu Si Yue kneels before Li Feng'en, seeking forgiveness and promising not to disturb Empress Tantai Zijun.
• Xia Chujian (Greedy Wolf) and Empress Tantai Zijun: Xia Chujian's presence at the Grand Court Assembly hints at potential future interactions with the Empress.