Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao transmigrates to an early modern era, likely before the world's great change.
• He finds himself in Xiao Fang Town, belonging to Ping'an County, with the task of finding the Source of Thunder Magic.
• He meets Wei Jinglou, who informs him about a Local Tyrant surnamed Long, running a Coffin Shop, and a nearby Taoist Temple on Mao Shan Town.
• Jiang Qiao witnesses a middle-aged man, presumably the Long family's patriarch, and his niece, Lingyi.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Shows adaptability and curiosity in his new environment, seeking information about the local Taoist Temple.
• Wei Jinglou: Initially cautious but warms up to Jiang Qiao, revealing his connection to the Long family through his uncle.
• Long Family Patriarch: Displayed authority and sternness, prioritizing his family's business over his nephew's concerns.
• Lingyi: Shows concern for Wei Jinglou but obeys her uncle's orders.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the world's great change on different eras.
• The influence of powerful local families (Local Tyrants) and their businesses.
• The tension between family duty and personal desires.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou: They exchange pleasantries and information, with Wei Jinglou initially being cautious but warming up to Jiang Qiao.
• Long Family Patriarch and Wei Jinglou: The patriarch shows disapproval of Wei Jinglou's absence from his father's side, prioritizing family business over his nephew's concerns.
• Lingyi and Wei Jinglou: Lingyi shows concern for Wei Jinglou but ultimately obeys her uncle's orders, leading to a somewhat sorrowful parting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao witnesses Wei Jinglou being escorted away by subordinates of his uncle, who plans to break off their engagement.
• Jiang Qiao is mistaken as Wei Jinglou's companion and is asked to leave with them, but he refuses.
• Xiao Qi, a burly man, tries to force Jiang Qiao but fails and gets injured. His companions then draw knives and a gun, threatening Jiang Qiao.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Shows interest in the drama unfolding before him but initially keeps a distance. He later reveals hidden strength and expertise when he blocks Xiao Qi's attack.
• Wei Jinglou: Not much is shown of him in this chapter, but he is portrayed as the protagonist of a 'break-off engagement' drama in Jiang Qiao's imagination.
• Xiao Qi: Demonstrates his strength and aggression but is easily overpowered by Jiang Qiao. He later resorts to threats and violence.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings: Jiang Qiao's involvement is a result of a misunderstanding, leading to a tense situation.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions highlight the power dynamics between the characters, with Jiang Qiao's strength putting him at an advantage.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao vs. Xiao Qi and his companions: Jiang Qiao's calm demeanor contrasts with Xiao Qi's aggressive behavior. Jiang Qiao's strength is revealed when he blocks Xiao Qi's attack, leading to a tense standoff.
• Jiang Qiao vs. Wei Jinglou (imagined): Jiang Qiao imagines Wei Jinglou as the protagonist of a melodramatic story, setting the tone for their future interactions.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao, a new arrival in this world, gets into a fight with Xiao Qi's gang after they harass Wei Jinglou.
• Xiao Qi's group is eliminated by Jiang Qiao, who demonstrates exceptional combat skills.
• Xiao Qi reveals that the Long Family has taken an interest in Wei Jinglou, hinting at potential danger.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao: Shows immense combat prowess and a calm, ruthless demeanor.
• Xiao Qi: Initially arrogant and brutal, becomes terrified after Jiang Qiao threatens him.
• Wei Jinglou: Remains mostly passive, showing concern for Jiang Qiao but not much agency.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating opponents.
• The brutal nature of the world and the importance of self-preservation.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Xiao Qi: A one-sided fight, with Xiao Qi realizing too late that he's no match for Jiang Qiao.
• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou: Jiang Qiao protects Wei Jinglou, but their relationship remains unclear.
• Xiao Qi and Wei Jinglou: Xiao Qi expresses disdain for Wei Jinglou, calling him a "fallen noble" and threatening him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Jinglou's father agreed to a marriage contract with the Long Family, not Xie Lingyi, making Wei Jinglou the intended live-in son-in-law.
• Wei Jinglou arrives in Xiao Fang Town unaware of this arrangement, believing he's there to discuss marriage with Xie Lingyi.
• Xiao Qi reveals the truth about the marriage contract to Wei Jinglou and Jiang Qiao.

Character Developments

• Wei Jinglou: Initially naive and bewildered, he becomes angry and disbelieving upon learning the truth about his arranged marriage.
• Jiang Qiao: He remains calm and analytical, questioning Xiao Qi about the details of the arrangement.
• Xiao Qi: He reveals his knowledge of the situation, hinting at the danger Wei Jinglou faces.

Significant Themes

• Social Status and Marriage: The stigma of being a live-in son-in-law highlights the rigid social hierarchy and the importance of family reputation.
• Deception and Manipulation: The characters grapple with the truth, with Xiao Qi revealing secrets and Wei Jinglou struggling to accept them.

Character Interactions

• Wei Jinglou and Jiang Qiao: They interact as allies, with Jiang Qiao questioning Xiao Qi and Wei Jinglou expressing his disbelief and anger.
• Wei Jinglou and Xiao Qi: Xiao Qi reveals crucial information to Wei Jinglou, who initially dismisses it as lies.

• Key Plot Points: Jiang Qiao discovers that the Long Family is involved with the supernatural and suspects they used their sons-in-law as sacrifices. He kills eight of Long's men, including his uncle, and leaves with Wei Jinglou.
• Character Developments: Wei Jinglou is shocked and afraid of Jiang Qiao's ruthlessness. Jiang Qiao remains calm and focused on finding the source of Thunder Magic.
• Significant Themes: The power of the supernatural and the fear it instills in ordinary people. The ruthlessness of Jiang Qiao contrasts with the fear and caution of those around him.
• Character Interactions: Jiang Qiao questions Wei Jinglou about supernatural occurrences, and Wei Jinglou warns Jiang Qiao about the powerful Zhang Family. They decide to leave Xiao Fang Town together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Jinglou arrives at the Long Family's mansion five days after his initial visit to Xiao Fang Town.
• He meets Steward Zhao and Old Master Long, who welcomes him warmly.
• Wei Jinglou learns that his father is critically ill and that the Long Family can help cure his illness and save the Wei Family from collapse.

Character Developments

• Wei Jinglou: He becomes more cautious and aware of the potential danger in the Long Family, reflecting on his initial ignorance about their reputation.
• Old Master Long: He is portrayed as authoritative, calm, and resourceful, suggesting he has more influence and power than initially thought.

Significant Themes

• The theme of marriage for convenience is reinforced as Wei Jinglou is to become a live-in son-in-law.
• The theme of wealth and social status is highlighted as the Long Family's business, though lucrative, is still looked down upon by mainstream society.

Character Interactions

• Wei Jinglou and Steward Zhao: They show mutual respect and politeness, with Zhao Wu showing no surprise at Wei Jinglou's arrival, suggesting he was expecting him.
• Wei Jinglou and Old Master Long: They have a cordial conversation, with Old Master Long reassuring Wei Jinglou about the incident with his uncle and the Zhang Family, indicating a level of influence and power.

Key Plot Points

• Wei Jinglou meets Miss Long, who is meticulously applying makeup in a dimly lit room.
• Wei Jinglou seeks Jiang Qiao's advice after leaving the Long Family mansion.
• Jiang Qiao suggests Wei Jinglou ask about the former sons-in-law and explore the Long Family residence.
• A group of bandits, relatives of the temple guardian, bring stolen goods to the Land Temple, only to find they've been tricked by a Puppet Person.

Character Developments

• Wei Jinglou becomes more anxious and desperate, seeking Jiang Qiao's guidance.
• Jiang Qiao remains calm and strategic, providing advice to Wei Jinglou.
• The temple guardian is revealed to be involved with the bandits, but meets a gruesome end.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and the search for guidance (Wei Jinglou).
• Calmness and strategy in the face of adversity (Jiang Qiao).
• Deception and its consequences (the bandits and the temple guardian).

Character Interactions

• Wei Jinglou seeks advice from Jiang Qiao, who provides guidance and reassurance.
• The bandits interact with the temple guardian, leading to their demise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao finds a dirty white lantern with "Xin Lan" inscribed on it in a forest outside Xiao Fang Town, understanding it to be a Soul Summoning Lantern from folk legend, used to guide lost souls.
• He follows the path and discovers a Land Temple with numerous corpses, their hearts missing, suggesting they were killed by a supernatural entity.
• A wooden puppet, later revealed to be Xin Lan, attacks Jiang Qiao.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his knowledge of folk customs and supernatural events, as well as his combat skills and analytical abilities.
• Xin Lan, initially presented as a lost soul, is revealed to be a powerful wooden puppet with supernatural abilities.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural events and their connection to the real world.
• The power of folk customs and beliefs.
• The dual nature of appearances (Xin Lan's puppet form).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao interacts with Xin Lan's puppet form, questioning it about its origins and the Long Family, before engaging in combat with it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao is attacked by a Puppet Person and a Shadow Figure at the Land Temple.
• He easily defeats both using his Thunder Magic.
• Jiang Qiao is invited to a banquet at Old Master Long's estate.
• He senses a sinister Supernatural Aura and Ghost Qi in the estate.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his power and confidence in his abilities.
• Wei Jinglou shows discomfort and unease about living in the Long Family's mansion.
• Old Master Long displays politeness and respect towards Jiang Qiao, acknowledging his strength.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and respect is evident, with Old Master Long showing deference to Jiang Qiao due to his strength.
• The Supernatural Aura and Ghost Qi in the estate hint at the theme of the unknown and potential danger.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Old Master Long meet for the first time, with Old Master Long attempting to ingratiate himself with Jiang Qiao.
• Wei Jinglou is uncomfortable in the presence of Old Master Long, hinting at tension between them.
• There's no direct interaction between Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou in this chapter.

Key Plot Points

• Old Master Long invites Jiang Qiao to dinner to assess him.
• He reveals that a sect of Corpse Drivers is planning to attack his family.
• He asks Jiang Qiao to escort his daughter, Long Peiyun, to safety.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao maintains his facade as a wanderer from Nanyang.
• Old Master Long shows his concern for his daughter's safety and his strategic mind.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception in new acquaintanceships.
• The power dynamics between martial artists and supernatural forces.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Old Master Long engage in a dance of information, each trying to gauge the other.
• Jiang Qiao shows interest in the Daoist Sect, hinting at his true purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rumors spread about evil creatures and ghost sightings near Xiao Fang Town, causing panic and decreased merchant traffic.
• A merchant and the inn's waiter discuss the recent strange occurrences, with the waiter sharing his own encounter with an apparition.
• The waiter reveals that local gentry are inviting a Daoist Master to deal with the situation.
• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou arrive at the inn, with the waiter warning the merchant about Jiang Qiao's dangerous reputation.
• Jiang Qiao learns that Wei Jinglou's wedding to Miss Long will happen that night, arranged by Old Master Long.

Character Developments

• The merchant: Stranded in town due to the rumors, he's scared and seeks information from the waiter.
• The waiter: Nervous about the recent events and cautious around Jiang Qiao due to his reputation.
• Wei Jinglou: Unhappy about the rushed wedding arrangements and the potential danger involved.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural occurrences and their impact on society (panic, fear, decreased commerce).
• The power dynamics and reputation of Jiang Qiao, who is feared but respected by the locals.

Character Interactions

• The merchant and the waiter: They discuss the strange events and the waiter shares his personal encounter with a ghost.
• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou: They discuss the rushed wedding arrangements, with Jiang Qiao trying to lighten Wei Jinglou's mood.

Key Plot Points

• A hasty and eerie wedding ceremony is held between Wei Jinglou and Long Peiyun, the Long Family's daughter.
• The ceremony is disrupted by the arrival of a Corpse Driver, who brings rotten corpses into the courtyard.
• The Long Family plans to send Wei Jinglou and Jiang Qiao away from the town overnight.

Character Developments

• Wei Jinglou feels uneasy and out of place during the wedding ceremony.
• Long Peiyun is revealed to be an Evolver with a strong Supernatural Aura.
• Old Master Long appears to be well-prepared and calm in the face of the Corpse Driver's arrival.

Significant Themes

• The theme of the strange and eerie atmosphere continues, with the wedding ceremony feeling more like a funeral.
• The power of Supernatural Aura and Evolvers is further emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou are left to wait in the backyard while the Long Family prepares to deal with the Corpse Driver.
• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou discuss the strangeness of their situation.
• Old Master Long and Zhao Wu discuss plans to send Wei Jinglou and Jiang Qiao away from the town.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Jinglou and Jiang Qiao arrive at the Long Family mansion to fetch Miss Long but find the place eerily quiet and unoccupied.
• They discover a corpse in a well, an Evolver who died violently, likely due to a curse.
• Exploring the mansion, they find all rooms empty and devoid of furniture, except for the last courtyard, which is well-maintained but also empty.
• In Miss Long's suspected boudoir, they find a red coffin filled with a Ghost on the second floor.

Character Developments

• Wei Jinglou: Shows anxiety and unease in the haunted mansion, reluctant to explore further but follows Jiang Qiao.
• Jiang Qiao: Demonstrates calm curiosity and investigative skills, deducing the cause of death and the nature of the Ghost in the coffin.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Coexistence: The Long Family mansion houses both humans and Ghosts, blurring the line between life and death.
• Secrets and Mysteries: The unoccupied mansion and the Ghost in the coffin hint at deeper secrets within the Long Family.

Character Interactions

• Wei Jinglou and Jiang Qiao: Wei Jinglou is hesitant and fearful, while Jiang Qiao is calm and inquisitive, leading the exploration and discovery.
• Wei Jinglou and Miss Long: Wei Jinglou refers to Miss Long as his wife, showing a sense of responsibility towards her, but they do not interact directly in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou encounter a coffin with burning "Human Incense" in an old house.
• The coffin emits intermittent breathing sounds, suggesting an entity inside.
• Jiang Qiao suspects the house has two dangerous areas: the coffin and the basement.
• A flashback story reveals an old woman who died in her coffin on the second floor, with one corner touching the ground, which is considered unlucky.
• Five years later, a girl sees a light and a figure in the old woman's house and takes photos, which her grandfather recognizes as the old woman's spirit.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao shows his keen observation and knowledge of supernatural phenomena.
• Wei Jinglou is less experienced and relies on Jiang Qiao's expertise.
• The old woman's spirit is revealed to be restless due to the coffin's position.
• The girl, Xiao Ning, innocently witnesses the supernatural event, while her grandfather recognizes the danger.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of disrespecting funeral customs and traditions.
• The restless spirits of the dead seeking resolution.
• The intergenerational knowledge of supernatural phenomena.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou work together to assess the situation in the old house.
• Xiao Ning shares her experience with her family, leading her grandfather to take action.
• The old woman's spirit interacts with the living through the light and figure seen by Xiao Ning.

Key Plot Points

• Ma Er is found dead, terrified, with no apparent cause.
• Old Liu's granddaughter, Xiao Ning, goes missing and is later found in the chicken coop, disoriented.
• The family leaves the village after suspecting Grandma Jiang's ghost is causing trouble.
• Officials arrive to investigate Ma Er's death and find evidence suggesting supernatural activity.

Character Developments

• Old Liu: Becomes more protective and proactive after realizing his family might be targeted by Grandma Jiang's ghost.
• Xiao Ning: Seems to be the focus of Grandma Jiang's attention, as she goes missing and is later found in an unusual place.
• Grandma Jiang: Implied to be a vengeful spirit causing trouble in the village.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural activity and its impact on the living.
• The importance of family and protecting loved ones.
• The consequences of past actions and neglect.

Character Interactions

• Old Liu and the Village Chief: Share information and decide to protect their families from Grandma Jiang's ghost.
• Old Liu and his family: Work together to leave the village after realizing they might be in danger.
• Officials and the Village Chief: Investigate Ma Er's death and find evidence suggesting supernatural activity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou discover a coffin in the backyard of the Long residence.
• Jiang Qiao opens the coffin, revealing Long Peiyun, who is now a Malevolent Ghost.
• Long Peiyun warns Jiang Qiao about an approaching Malevolent Ghost, which he swiftly kicks away.
• Long Peiyun explains that she's been using a Supernatural Item (her wedding dress) to hide from the Ghosts and that she wants to help her father but fears she might be a burden due to her condition.
• Jiang Qiao invites Long Peiyun to leave with them, and she accepts.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his ability to handle Malevolent Ghosts, revealing his extraordinary skills despite being an ordinary person.
• Long Peiyun shows her knowledge of Supernatural Items and her concern for her father's safety, despite her own precarious situation.

Significant Themes

• The theme of extraordinary abilities in ordinary people is highlighted through Jiang Qiao's actions.
• The theme of family responsibility is shown through Long Peiyun's desire to help her father despite her fears.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Long Peiyun interact for the first time, with Jiang Qiao showing no fear of Long Peiyun's ghostly state and Long Peiyun expressing admiration for Jiang Qiao's abilities.
• Wei Jinglou is terrified by the situation but manages to speak to Long Peiyun, expressing his embarrassment at not having spoken to her before.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiao and Wei Jinglou escape the Long Family mansion without encountering any obstacles or Malevolent Ghosts, which surprises Jiang Qiao.
• Jiang Qiao questions Long Peiyun about her previous marriages, leading to a revelation about her unique ability to appease a Malevolent Ghost named the "Bride" through marriages.

Character Developments

• Long Peiyun: Reveals her past marriages and her ability to appease the Bride, showing a level of honesty and openness, yet still holding back some information.
• Jiang Qiao: Demonstrates his sharp mind and knowledge about Supernatural matters, pushing Long Peiyun for information while also showing curiosity and respect for her abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and understanding in dealing with the Supernatural.
• The duality of truth and deception, as Long Peiyun reveals some truths but still holds back information.
• The theme of appeasement and control over Malevolent Ghosts.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Long Peiyun: Jiang Qiao probes Long Peiyun for information, showing a mix of bluntness and respect, while Long Peiyun reveals some truths but remains guarded.
• Wei Jinglou: Remains mostly silent, feeling uncomfortable and fearful due to the situation and the revelation about Long Peiyun's past husbands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group (Jiang Qiao, Long Peiyun, and Wei Jinglou) is followed by a malevolent ghost in the woods.
• Jiang Qiao reveals that he encountered Long Xin Lan (Long Peiyun's sister) a few days ago, leading to a fight.
• Long Peiyun explains that her sister's injury caused a balance to be broken, leading to their current predicament and the hasty wedding.
• Shadow figures (malevolent ghosts) approach them in the woods.

Character Developments

• Long Peiyun: Shows concern for her sister and reveals her family's secret to Jiang Qiao.
• Jiang Qiao: Demonstrates his knowledge of the supernatural and understanding of the Long sisters' situation.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and its influence on the living world.
• The balance between power and control, as seen in the relationship between the Long sisters.
• The consequences of breaking a balance, leading to a series of events.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Long Peiyun: They discuss the events leading up to their current situation, with Long Peiyun revealing family secrets to Jiang Qiao.
• Long Peiyun and Wei Jinglou: Their interaction is minimal in this chapter, with Wei Jinglou mainly listening to the conversation between Jiang Qiao and Long Peiyun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Peiyun and Jiang Qiao encounter ten Malevolent Ghosts on their way to Mao Shan Town.
• Jiang Qiao defeats all ten ghosts single-handedly, revealing his immense strength.
• Long Peiyun is targeted by two ghosts but survives due to Jiang Qiao's intervention and the Bride's last-minute help.
• They deduce that the ghosts were lured to ambush them, possibly by a corpse handler using a clever trick.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates his formidable combat skills and lightning abilities.
• Long Peiyun reveals her initial ability to control ghosts and curses, but now she's mostly helpless due to the Bride's growing self-awareness.
• The Bride shows limited autonomy, only helping Long Peiyun when she's in mortal danger.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of Malevolent Ghosts, even to Evolvers.
• The struggle for control between Long Peiyun and the Bride within her body.
• The clever manipulation of supernatural forces by an unknown enemy.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and Long Peiyun work together to survive the ghost ambush, revealing their respective abilities and vulnerabilities.
• Long Peiyun's dependence on Jiang Qiao for protection increases, highlighting her helplessness against the Bride's growing power.
• The unknown enemy's manipulation of the ghosts suggests a hidden threat, increasing tension between the characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An unknown expert arrives in the woods near the Long Family mansion, seeking to capture the Long sisters.
• Jiang Qiao, now awakened with the "Thunder Spirit" power, engages and defeats this expert.
• The expert controls Malevolent Ghosts, which Jiang Qiao easily dispatches with his lightning powers.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiao demonstrates significant growth in power, able to withstand and counter the expert's curses and ghostly attacks.
• The expert, despite his arrogance and strength, is no match for Jiang Qiao and is ultimately defeated.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences is evident as the expert's overconfidence leads to his downfall.
• The struggle between the supernatural forces and those who can control them is a central theme.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiao and the expert engage in a one-sided battle, with the expert's attempts to provoke and outmaneuver Jiang Qiao failing miserably.
• Jiang Qiao's interaction with the expert showcases his newfound power and confidence.