Chapter Summaries

• Key Plot Points and Events: The author announces that the novel's chapters will now be released on a paid basis, starting at 12:00 PM. They also reveal that they've been struggling with writing due to a lack of practice but have recently regained their rhythm.
• Character Developments: The author, as the main character in this context, shows growth in their writing skills after a period of struggle. They express determination to maintain a consistent writing pace of around 5,000 words daily.
• Significant Themes: The theme of perseverance is prominent as the author overcomes their initial writing difficulties and commits to a regular writing schedule. Gratitude is also a significant theme, as the author thanks readers and friends for their support.
• Character Interactions: The author interacts with readers directly, expressing their appreciation for the support and encouraging readers to keep them accountable for their writing goals. They also acknowledge their editor, Canaan, for their help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Qiao's son, Wang Liang, asks Xu Qing about his father's death, seeking clarity.
• Xu Qing shares the details of Wang Qiao's death and dispels Wang Liang's doubts.
• Wang Liang offers money to Xu Qing, asking to be taken as a disciple to learn martial arts for protecting his family.
• Xu Qing agrees to teach Wang Liang some self-defense techniques but refuses to take him as a disciple.
• Xu Qing gives Wang Liang some pills and leaves for the prefectural city amidst a rainstorm.
• Xu Qing takes shelter in a small temple with other travelers, where a storyteller shares tales of the supernatural.
• A young scholar tells a story called "Corpse Transformation" about an old man in Yangxin County who could transform into a corpse.

Character Developments

• Wang Liang: Shows maturity beyond his years, seeking knowledge to protect his family after his parents' death. He demonstrates resilience, sharp mind, and determination.
• Xu Qing: Shows kindness and willingness to help those in need, despite his initial reluctance to take on a disciple. He displays knowledge in both scholarly and martial arts fields.

Significant Themes

• Loss and Resilience: Wang Liang's response to his parents' death and his determination to protect his family.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Xu Qing's role in guiding Wang Liang, highlighting the importance of knowledge and skills in protecting one's family and community.
• Supernatural Elements: The story of the old man who can transform into a corpse serves as a reminder of the mysterious and unknown aspects of the world.

Character Interactions

• Wang Liang and Xu Qing: Wang Liang seeks guidance from Xu Qing, who initially hesitates but eventually agrees to teach him martial arts techniques.
• Xu Qing and the Travelers: Xu Qing interacts with other travelers seeking shelter from the rain, engaging in conversations about the Spring Examination and supernatural tales.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of Jianghu travelers, including a pale-faced youth (Xu Qing), a Cart Driver, merchants, a Heroine, and a Storyteller, take shelter in a small temple during a storm.
• Xu Qing decides to tell a scary story, "Corpse Transformation," about a group of Cart Drivers who disturb a female corpse in an inn and face dire consequences.
• The Storyteller reveals knowledge of the Corpse Laborer's mill incident, implying that zombies exist and are near Jinmen.
• The travelers spend the night in the temple, with some pairing up for safety, including the Heroine and a scholar.
• The next morning, the travelers set off on their journeys, with some continuing to travel together, like the Heroine and the scholar, and Xu Qing with the Storyteller (Guo Dongyang).

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Initially underestimated by the Cart Driver, Xu Qing proves himself a captivating storyteller, instilling fear in the group with his tale.
• Guo Dongyang (Storyteller): Reveals his interest in Xu Qing's story and offers to pay generously for more, hinting at his passion for collecting and sharing stories.
• The Heroine: Overcomes her fear to relieve herself outside the temple, leading to a romantic connection with a scholar.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown and the supernatural.
• The power of storytelling to captivate and influence others.
• The consequences of disturbing the dead.
• The theme of chance encounters and the bonds formed between travelers.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and the Cart Driver: The Cart Driver initially mocks Xu Qing, but later, his fear is evident as Xu Qing tells his story.
• Xu Qing and Guo Dongyang: They form a business-like relationship, with Guo Dongyang hiring Xu Qing's carriage and seeking more stories in exchange for payment.
• The Heroine and the scholar: Their shared fear and subsequent interaction lead to a romantic connection.
• The group of travelers: They initially laugh at Xu Qing's story but later become fearful and cautious due to his tale and the Storyteller's revelations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Guo Dongyang, a renowned storyteller, accompanies Xu Qing on his journey, eager to learn storytelling from him.
• They arrive at Jinmen Prefecture City, where Guo Dongyang is well-known and respected.
• Xu Qing obtains his examination permit and explores the city before attempting the Shoe-Tossing Pathfinding Method again, leading him to Jade Shadow Pavilion.

Character Developments

• Guo Dongyang: Revealed to be knowledgeable, skilled, and talkative. He admires Xu Qing's stories and wants to learn from him.
• Xu Qing: Shows patience and willingness to teach Guo Dongyang, appreciating the old man's stories and knowledge of the world.

Significant Themes

• The power of storytelling and knowledge exchange.
• The importance of travel and experience in gaining wisdom and understanding.

Character Interactions

• Guo Dongyang and Xu Qing: They bond over their shared love for stories and knowledge, with Guo Dongyang seeking to learn from Xu Qing.
• Xu Qing and the Prefectural Examination officials: Xu Qing successfully obtains his examination permit, showing his determination to participate in the exam.

Plot Points and Events

• The Wu Family Brothers are participating in a literary gathering, "Yang Xue," at Jade Shadow Pavilion to gain recognition before the Imperial Examinations.
• Xu Qing, disguised as a scholar, attends the gathering to observe and learn.
• The Crown Prince has set prizes for the event, including an imperial poem, jade seals, and a horse for the best talents.
• The theme for the poetry competition is "spring rain."

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Realizes he needs to blend in and changes into scholar attire.
• Wu Zhiyuan: Composes a poem praising King Changting, impressing the Crown Prince's attendant.
• Zhuang Zijun: Feels threatened by Wu Zhiyuan's poem and struggles to maintain his composure.
• Zhu Huai'an: Claims to have composed a good poem but hasn't revealed it yet.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and competition among scholars before the Imperial Examinations.
• The struggle for recognition and fame in the literary world.
• Currying favor with influential figures for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with the Wu Family Brothers and Zhu Huai'an, learning about their ambitions and talents.
• Wu Zhiyuan and Wu Wencai discuss their strategies for the literary gathering.
• Zhuang Zijun feels threatened by Wu Zhiyuan's poem and experiences a power struggle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Huai'an, the Heir Apparent of Changting, recites a poem about falling rain at a literary gathering, causing a stir due to its similarity to a poem by Emperor Longping in his youth.
• The gathering concludes with Zhu Huai'an winning a unique award, and the Wu Family Brothers gaining recognition and invitations from influential figures.
• Xu Qing and Zhu Huai'an attend a storytelling session at Ruiyang Teahouse, where they hear about Pan Qianyin, a thief who stole the Imperial Seal of Stealing the Nation in a previous dynasty.

Character Developments

• Zhu Huai'an: Shows his poetic talent and confidence at the literary gathering, challenging the scholars. He also displays interest in ghost stories.
• Wu Family Brothers: Gain recognition and fame at the gathering, opening doors to influential figures. They remain humble and polite.
• Xu Qing: Shows interest in the story of Pan Qianyin and the Imperial Seal, recalling a previous case involving Chen Xiaoyi, Pan Qianyin's disciple.

Significant Themes

• Talent and recognition: Zhu Huai'an's poem sparks discussion about talent and its recognition, with some scholars prejudiced against him initially.
• Humility vs. pride: The Wu Family Brothers remain humble despite their newfound fame, contrasting with Zhu Huai'an's ostentatious display of talent.
• The past and its echoes: The story of Pan Qianyin and the Imperial Seal serves as a reminder of past events and their consequences in the present.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Huai'an and Xu Qing: They bond over their shared interest in ghost stories, with Zhu Huai'an being captivated by Guo Dongyang's storytelling.
• Zhu Huai'an and the scholars: Zhu Huai'an challenges the scholars at the literary gathering, causing them to reevaluate their initial prejudices against him.
• Wu Family Brothers and influential figures: The brothers receive invitations and overtures from influential figures after their success at the gathering, opening new opportunities for them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Storyteller Guo Dongyang leaves an open-ended conclusion, sparking imagination and curiosity.
• Zhu Huai'an feels uneasy and senses something amiss, suspecting that those at his table might know about the Imperial Seal.
• Xu Qing and Zhu Huai'an meet two old men who join their table, and Zhu Huai'an suspects they are not good people.
• Guo Dongyang tells the story of Corpse Transformation, setting the mood for the night.
• Zhu Huai'an insists on Xu Qing escorting him home, fearing zombies from the story.
• Xu Qing and Zhu Huai'an are followed by guards in disguise, revealing their presence.
• Guo Dongyang discusses the struggle within the royal family with Xu Qing and the Wu brothers, advising them to focus on their studies.
• The Prefectural Examination begins, lasting three days, with the final day featuring the Crown Prince and two additional examiners.

Character Developments

• Guo Dongyang: Shows his wisdom and knowledge, guiding the Wu brothers and revealing his understanding of the royal struggle.
• Zhu Huai'an: Reveals his suspicious nature and fearfulness, but also shows his astuteness in sensing danger.
• Xu Qing: Remains calm and composed, showing no interest in becoming an official.
• Wu Zhiyuan and Wu Wencai: Focus on their studies after receiving guidance from Guo Dongyang, aiming to improve their knowledge and prepare for the examination.

Significant Themes

• The struggle within the royal family and the danger of involvement.
• The importance of knowledge and study for personal growth and success.
• The power of storytelling and its impact on listeners.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Guo Dongyang: They discuss the royal struggle and Guo Dongyang guides the Wu brothers.
• Zhu Huai'an and Xu Qing: Zhu Huai'an seeks Xu Qing's protection, revealing his fearfulness and astuteness.
• The Wu brothers and Guo Dongyang: Guo Dongyang advises them to focus on their studies and avoid royal disputes.
• The Crown Prince and the examiners: Their presence on the final day of the examination hints at the royal family's interest in the examinees.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Prefectural Examination results are announced. Wu Zhiyuan becomes the top scholar, Wu Wencai becomes Jingkui, and Li Ke becomes Yakui. Xu Qing ranks fourth.
• Old Master Tian She, who didn't pass the examination, is granted the status of Lin Sheng by the Crown Prince due to his diligent studies and strong desire to serve the country.
• Miss Shuyu sends off Zhang Jun, and the Tianxin Cult plans to track the Crown Prince's whereabouts through him.

Character Developments

• Wu Zhiyuan and Wu Wencai are overjoyed with their results, with Wu Zhiyuan feeling a mix of emotions and Wu Wencai being relieved and happy.
• Old Master Tian She is initially disappointed with his result but is later overjoyed when he learns he's been granted the status of Lin Sheng.
• Xu Qing is content with his ranking and doesn't seem too concerned with fame or fortune.
• Guo Dongyang evaluates and predicts the rankings for the Prefectural Examination, showing his ability to discern people's talents.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of fame and fortune versus contentment with one's station in life.
• The importance of diligence and perseverance, as seen in Old Master Tian She's story.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing, Wu Zhiyuan, and Wu Wencai travel back to the teahouse together after the examination, where they meet Guo Dongyang and learn about Zhu Huai'an's newfound interest in storytelling.
• Old Master Tian She and Guo Dongyang have a conversation about the pursuit of fame and the enjoyment of retirement.
• Miss Shuyu sends off Zhang Jun, and the Tianxin Cult discusses their plans to track the Crown Prince.

Summary of "Golden House, Jade Like Complexion"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Old Master Tian She dies peacefully after passing the imperial examination.
• His grandson and later an old servant also exhibit strange behavior, claiming to have passed the examination.
• Xu Qing, a scholar who deals with undertaker business and performs funeral rites, is called to perform an exorcism ritual.
• Xu Qing discovers that Old Master Tian She's obsession with passing the imperial examination has caused him to possess and influence his family members.
• Xu Qing successfully exorcises Old Master Tian She and gains rewards: a pocket dimension courtyard named "Golden House" and a jade pendant that preserves youthful appearance, "Jade Like Complexion."

Character Developments

• Old Master Tian She: His obsession with passing the imperial examination leads to his possession of family members and his death. His life story is revealed to be one of perseverance but also narrow-mindedness.
• Xu Qing: Xu Qing demonstrates his skills in exorcism and gains new rewards that enhance his abilities and resources.

Significant Themes

• Obsession and its consequences: Old Master Tian She's single-minded pursuit of passing the imperial examination leads to his possession of family members and ultimately, his death.
• The value of different professions: Guo Dongyang, a storyteller, advises Tian She that passing the imperial examination is not the only path to success and respect, but Tian She remains fixated on this goal.
• The importance of balance: Xu Qing's new pocket dimension courtyard, "Golden House," can be used for both storing corpses and protecting him, symbolizing the balance between his different roles and responsibilities.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Old Master Tian She: Xu Qing interacts with the possessed Old Master Tian She, ultimately exorcising him and gaining rewards.
• Xu Qing and Guo Dongyang: Guo Dongyang, a storyteller, advises Old Master Tian She about the dangers of obsession and the value of different professions.
• Xu Qing and the Tian family: The Tian family calls upon Xu Qing to perform an exorcism ritual, and he successfully helps them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Old Master Tian She dies, and Xu Qing helps prepare his body for burial, using seven Descendant Nails to symbolize a prosperous lineage for future generations.
• The Tian family holds a happy funeral for Old Master Tian She, with many scholars and officials attending, including the Prefect of Jinmen.
• The Prefect announces that the Crown Prince will hold a "Qu Shui Liu Shang" (a poetic gathering where guests compose poems as wine cups float by) at the Changling Prince's Estate in two days.
• Xu Qing attends the Baishui Sacrifice and explores the temple fair, where he encounters various performers and rare items.
• The Crown Prince performs the Baishui Sacrifice, and Xu Qing notices the Tianxin Cult members among the crowd.
• Xu Qing attends the "Qu Shui Liu Shang" at the Changling Prince's Estate with the Wu Family Brothers.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing demonstrates his professionalism and respect for the deceased by using seven Descendant Nails for Old Master Tian She's coffin.
• The Wu Family Brothers show their awe and inexperience when visiting the Changling Prince's Estate.
• The Crown Prince is portrayed as going through the motions of performing the Baishui Sacrifice to maintain appearances.
• The Tianxin Cult members are shown to be discreet and cautious, prostrating themselves along with the crowd when Xu Qing notices them.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the grand ceremony of the Baishui Sacrifice and the lack of a genuine supernatural presence.
• The theme of appearances and reality, as seen in the Crown Prince's performance of the sacrifice and the Tianxin Cult members' discretion.
• The theme of wealth and power, as exemplified by the Changling Prince's Estate and the Wu Family Brothers' awe at its grandeur.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with the Tian family, helping them with Old Master Tian She's funeral arrangements.
• The Wu Family Brothers interact with Xu Qing, accompanying him to the temple fair and the "Qu Shui Liu Shang" at the Changling Prince's Estate.
• Xu Qing encounters the Tianxin Cult members at the Baishui Sacrifice, although they do not interact directly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Flowing Cup Banquet at the Changling Prince's Estate features a unique game where wine cups drift along a stream, and guests must compose poetry or play music to keep the cup moving; if they fail, they must drink the wine.
• Xu Qing encounters Bai Luo, a Tianxin Cult rebel, at the banquet and reports him to the guards.
• A fire breaks out in the prince's estate, and a battle ensues between the guards and the cult rebels.
• A mysterious black-robed figure assists the guards, revealing himself to be a Martial Arts Grandmaster.
• Bai Luo attempts to assassinate Zhu Huai'an but is intercepted by Xu Qing.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing demonstrates his combat skills and uses his puppet to blind Bai Luo, revealing his Two-Faced, Three-Blade Art.
• Zhu Huai'an shows concern for his guards and tries to protect them but is ultimately unsuccessful.

Significant Themes

• The theme of disguise and deception is prevalent, with Bai Luo infiltrating the banquet in disguise and Xu Qing concealing his true abilities.
• The theme of power and status is evident, with the Changling Prince's Estate showcasing its wealth and influence through the extravagant banquet.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with the Wu Family Brothers, Zhu Huai'an, and Bai Luo, showcasing his protective nature towards his friends and his combat skills.
• Zhu Huai'an interacts with his guards, demonstrating his concern for their well-being.
• Bai Luo interacts with the black-robed figure, revealing the existence of another powerful martial artist in the story.

Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing kills Bai Luo, overcoming his fear.
• Zhu Huai'an becomes temporarily incapacitated after witnessing the scene and is given a Forgetfulness Pill by Xu Qing.
• The Crown Prince is assassinated at the Qu Shui Liu Shang banquet.
• Zhang Jun discovers Shuyu's connection to the Tianxin Cult and kills her.
• Over fifty bodies, including Tianxin Cult rebels and innocent guests, are found in a courtyard of the prince's mansion.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing faces his fear and kills Bai Luo, growing stronger and more confident.
• Zhu Huai'an becomes temporarily incapacitated, highlighting his fragility despite his position as the Heir Apparent.
• Zhang Jun's past with Shuyu is revealed, leading to his decision to kill her after discovering her connection to the Tianxin Cult.
• The Crown Prince's true condition and his son's impersonation are hinted at.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Confrontation: Xu Qing faces his fear of death by killing Bai Luo, symbolizing his growth and overcoming of trauma.
• Trust and Betrayal: Zhang Jun's trust in Shuyu is betrayed, leading to his decision to kill her.
• Power and Vulnerability: Despite their positions, both Zhu Huai'an and the Crown Prince are shown to be vulnerable, highlighting the precarious nature of power.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Zhu Huai'an: Xu Qing's concern for Zhu Huai'an is shown when he gives him the Forgetfulness Pill, despite his initial annoyance.
• Zhang Jun and Shuyu: Their past relationship is revealed, leading to a tragic confrontation.
• The Crown Prince and His Son: The Crown Prince's son impersonates him, hinting at a complex father-son relationship and power dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Prefect Yu and officials arrive at the Prince's Mansion to investigate the Crown Prince's assassination.
• The officials argue and worry about their fate due to the incident.
• Xu Qing, using the Duren Sutra, examines the bodies and deduces details about the assassins.
• King Changting and his subordinates discuss the Heir Apparent's condition and the Crown Prince's assassination.
• The Heir Apparent is brought out, and Li Zhong attempts to examine him.

Character Developments

• Prefect Yu: Struggles with the pressure of the situation and considers the possibility of losing his official hat or even his head.
• Xu Qing: Shows his analytical skills and knowledge of martial arts by deducing details about the assassins from the bodies.
• King Changting: Struggles with the accusations against him and his son, trying to maintain his dignity and protect his son.
• Li Zhong: Persists in his accusations against King Changting and tries to prove the Heir Apparent's condition.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption in the imperial court.
• The consequences of failure and the importance of maintaining one's position.
• The struggle between loyalty and self-preservation.

Character Interactions

• Prefect Yu and the other officials argue and worry about their fate, showing their fear of the Emperor's wrath.
• Xu Qing interacts with the coroners and guards, using his knowledge to impress them.
• King Changting and Li Zhong have a tense exchange, with Li Zhong accusing King Changting of wrongdoing and King Changting trying to maintain his dignity.
• The Heir Apparent interacts with Li Zhong, showing his childish and confused state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhong, suspecting the Heir Apparent's hysteria, tries to confirm it by making him consume a Grain Elixir.
• Xu Qing, while "saving" corpses, learns about the Great Yong Dynasty's internal struggles and the involvement of a Martial Arts Grandmaster in the Crown Prince's assassination.
• The Heir Apparent regains consciousness after Li Zhong leaves, and Xu Qing helps him cover up his embarrassing actions.
• Xu Qing discovers the whereabouts of Qing Luo, one of the Tianxin Cult's Five Luo Guardians.

Character Developments

• Li Zhong: Shows his cunning and manipulative nature, trying to expose the Heir Apparent's supposed act.
• Xu Qing: Demonstrates his intelligence and resourcefulness, gathering information about the Tianxin Cult and the Grandmaster's involvement.
• Zhu Huai'an: Regains consciousness and seeks Xu Qing's help to cover up his past actions. He also shows concern for his friends.
• Bai Luo: His past actions and involvement with the Tianxin Cult are revealed, showing his cruel and violent nature.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Li Zhong's actions and the scheming in the palace.
• Power struggles: The internal fight for succession and the Grandmaster's involvement.
• The consequences of one's actions: Bai Luo's past and the repercussions of his violent nature.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Li Zhong: Xu Qing remains neutral and uninvolved in Li Zhong's schemes.
• Xu Qing and Zhu Huai'an: Xu Qing helps the Heir Apparent cover up his embarrassing actions and they maintain their friendship.
• Xu Qing and Bai Luo (through memories): Xu Qing learns about Bai Luo's past and his involvement with the Tianxin Cult.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing returns to Linhe after checking the almanac, but he has some tasks to complete first.
• He encounters an old man and his granddaughter at White Horse Temple, who are Spirit Medium Disciples serving a Gray Immortal. Xu Qing challenges and defeats the old man, then learns the art of inviting immortals from him.
• Xu Qing visits a Tianxin Cult hideout in Linhe, where he meets Qing Luo, one of the Five Luo Guardians. He reveals that White Luo is dead and tries to engage Qing Luo in combat, but she's injured and they're interrupted by cultists.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing continues to learn new skills and techniques, expanding his knowledge of the Jianghu.
• The old man and his granddaughter show the power and limitations of Spirit Medium Disciples.
• Qing Luo demonstrates her caution and combat skills, but her injuries hinder her effectiveness.

Significant Themes

• The importance of training and practice, as emphasized by Xu Qing's parting words to Qing Luo: "If you're weak, train more!"
• The unorthodox methods and risks involved in serving different types of immortals as a Spirit Medium Disciple.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with the old man and his granddaughter, learning about Spirit Medium Disciples and their immortals.
• Xu Qing meets Qing Luo, leading to a tense standoff that's interrupted before it can fully develop.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing leaves Jinmen Prefecture City, warning about the Tianxin Cult stronghold before departing.
• Fifty miles outside Jinmen, Zhao You, the Crown Prince, meets his end at the hands of the Celestial Master from Cloud Mountain, with Zhao Rong, the Third Prince, orchestrating the event.
• Xu Qing returns the straw cape to the Wang family and learns about a new, uninscribed grave near the Wang couple's burial site, piquing his interest.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing continues his journey, showing concern for the Wang family and curiosity about the mysterious grave.
• Zhao You accepts his fate, reflecting on his regrets and the futility of his actions against Zhao Rong.
• Wang Liang shows respect and affection towards Xu Qing, considering him a master.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and ambition, as seen through Zhao Rong's actions.
• The cycle of life and death, with Zhao You's passing and the mysterious grave's appearance.
• The importance of family and loyalty, as demonstrated by Wang Liang's actions.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts briefly with the Wang family, showing kindness and leaving them a gift.
• Zhao You interacts with Cai Shichun and the Celestial Master, accepting his fate and expressing his regrets.
• Wang Liang interacts with Xu Qing, showing respect and seeking guidance.

Summary of "Five-Flower Horse, Thousand Gold Fur Coat" Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing digs up a grave and finds a corpse with no burial objects, belonging to Crown Prince Zhao You.
• He performs an Exorcism Ritual, revealing scenes from Zhao You's life through a spirit lantern.
• The ritual reveals a secret scheme involving Zhao You's life extension and the succession of the throne.
• Xu Qing gains rewards, including an Imperial Purple Qi, Ziwei Doushu, Horse Appraisal Technique, Foal Creation Technique, and Paper Clothing Creation Technique.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing demonstrates his determination to help the living and his disinterest in political power.
• Crown Prince Zhao You is revealed to be cunning and ruthless, willing to sacrifice others for his goals.
• Third Prince, Zhao Cong, is shown to be gentle and devoted but harbors deep hatred.

Significant Themes

• The ruthlessness of imperial politics and the sacrifices made for power.
• The contrast between appearance and reality, as seen in the Third Prince's true nature.
• The value of loyalty and honesty, as exemplified by Zuo Zixiong.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with the spirits of the deceased, learning about their lives and secrets.
• Zhao You's relationship with his mother, the Empress, and his concern for his son, Zhao Cong, are highlighted.
• The Third Prince's interactions with Zhao You reveal his true intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing reburies the empty coffin and returns to the foot of the mountain.
• Wang Liang confesses to killing Zheng Erhu and his companions.
• Xu Qing arrives at his courtyard in Linhe to find two intruders, Fangqian Yan and Bairi Chuang, dead in his courtyard. He uses them to transcend and gain new skills.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows indifference to Wang Liang's confession of murder, indicating his non-judgmental and pragmatic nature. He also demonstrates his knowledge of funeral rites and his ability to use corpses for transcendence.
• Wang Liang: Shows remorse for killing Zheng Erhu but also determination in protecting his family. He becomes more open with Xu Qing.

Significant Themes

• Non-judgment: Xu Qing's indifference to Wang Liang's confession shows his non-judgmental attitude, reflecting his pragmatic and utilitarian approach to life.
• Utilitarianism: Xu Qing uses the corpses of intruders to transcend and gain new skills, demonstrating his practical and utilitarian approach to life and death.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Wang Liang: Wang Liang confides in Xu Qing about killing Zheng Erhu, showing a level of trust and openness. Xu Qing, in turn, shows understanding and indifference, fostering a mentor-mentee dynamic.
• Xu Qing and the Intruders: Xu Qing's interaction with the intruders is one-sided, as he finds them dead in his courtyard. However, their deaths allow him to transcend and gain new skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing lights up the entire street of Shuimen Bridge, causing a stir among the neighbors.
• Xu Qing transcends the corpses of the Tianxin Cult lackeys, gaining Human-grade lower-to-mid tier rewards.
• He discovers that the corpses' grades are linked to their skills or obsessions, not their status in life.
• Xu Qing transcends Qing Luo, the Green Luo Guardian, and learns about her past as a man who joined the Tianxin Cult after a tragic event.
• Xu Qing receives rewards from Qing Luo's corpse: a cultivation method, a Yin-Yang Reversal Technique, and a Plum Blossom Needles skill.
• He decides to bury the remaining corpses around the Shady Scholar Tree to nourish it.
• Xu Qing enters the coffin filled with Ghost-faced Soil to sleep, with the Yin Ghost Jade nurturing the coffin and gathering Yin.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing continues his exploration of transcending souls and their grades, leading him to speculate about Earth and Heaven-grade corpses.
• He learns about Qing Luo's past, revealing her true identity as a man.
• Xu Qing expresses discomfort in handling Qing Luo's corpse due to her true identity.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of the grades of corpses and their connection to the deceased's skills or obsessions.
• The theme of transformation and change, as seen in Qing Luo's life and the Yin-Yang Reversal Technique.
• The theme of nurturing and growth, as Xu Qing buries the corpses to nourish the Shady Scholar Tree.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with the neighbors when he lights up the street, causing them to wake up and investigate.
• He has no direct interactions with other characters in this chapter, as the focus is on his internal thoughts and actions.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The story takes place during the Peach Moon (late spring) in Linhe Fang.
• A mysterious cat enters a sealed courtyard, encountering traps and a puppet guarding coffins.
• Xu Qing, the young undertaker, is absent, having passed the Xiucai exam and gone traveling.
• In the imperial court, Emperor Longping dies, and the Crown Prince Zhao Rong ascends the throne. King Changting commits suicide.

Character Developments

• The Mysterious Cat shows intelligence and agility, avoiding traps and freeing itself from a wire snare.
• Xu Qing is absent but remembered by some, with speculation about his future plans.
• Emperor Longping shows wisdom and understanding towards his sons' schemes.
• Crown Prince Zhao Rong demonstrates cunning and deception in his rise to power.
• King Changting displays loyalty and selflessness in his decision to follow Emperor Longping in death.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the changing of seasons, reflecting the impermanence of life.
• The struggle for power and succession in the imperial court.
• The theme of loyalty and its consequences, as seen in King Changting's actions.

Character Interactions

• The Mysterious Cat interacts with the puppet guarding the coffins, showing no fear or respect for the puppet's presence.
• Xu Qing's absence is noted by several characters, including Wang Lingyuan, the Wu Family Brothers, and the proprietress of the Incense and Candle Shop, showing his impact on the community.
• Emperor Longping and King Changting have a silent understanding, reflecting their long-standing bond and mutual respect.
• Crown Prince Zhao Rong's interactions with the Empress and the Maternal Uncle of the Emperor show his cunning and manipulative nature.