Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing awakens from his seclusion to find a black cat in his coffin shop, claiming to have awakened him.
• The cat reveals it wants Xu Qing to be its Spirit Medium Disciple, but Xu Qing initially rejects the idea.
• Xu Qing tests the cat's abilities and decides to take it as an intern Spirit Medium Disciple.
• Xu Qing learns about the change of emperor and the death of King Changting during his outing.
• Upon returning to the shop, Hu Baosong blocks Xu Qing's path, offering him a free corpse.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He has advanced to the Silver Armored Corpse stage, demonstrating increased strength and agility. He also shows a more assertive and confident demeanor.
• The Mysterious Cat (later named Xi Jian Shu): The cat shows intelligence and pride, initially expecting Xu Qing to serve it. However, it becomes more submissive and eager to please after seeing Xu Qing's strength.
• Hu Baosong: He is desperate to please Xu Qing, offering him a free corpse to secure his favor.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The relationship between Xu Qing and the Mysterious Cat illustrates the shift in power dynamics, with Xu Qing asserting his dominance.
• The role of a Spirit Medium Disciple: The cat's initial expectations and Xu Qing's tests highlight the desired qualities and responsibilities of a Spirit Medium Disciple.
• The impact of imperial changes: The change of emperor and the death of King Changting foreshadow potential political instability and its effects on the common people.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and the Mysterious Cat: Their interaction is marked by a power struggle, with Xu Qing ultimately asserting his dominance and taking the cat as his intern Spirit Medium Disciple.
• Xu Qing and Hu Baosong: Hu Baosong's desperation to please Xu Qing highlights his fear of the latter's power and his desire to maintain a good relationship with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing visits Hu Baosong's coffin shop and agrees to help him return to his roots in exchange for a corpse-locating treasure and the shop.
• They swear an oath using a corpse lamp and a Heart-Certifying Method.
• Hu Baosong reveals he is the last genealogist of the Hu Yang Clan and has a connection to the Yin Corpse Sect.
• Xu Qing returns home and decides to establish the Cat Immortal Hall with the Mysterious Cat as the Spirit Medium.
• He asks the Wu brothers for a name for the cat, and they suggest 'Qingqing' (meaning 'pure and clear').

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He becomes more strategic and calculating, understanding the importance of oaths and the value of ancient skills.
• Hu Baosong: He reveals his true lineage and desperation to return to his roots, showing a softer side towards Xu Qing after their oath.
• The Mysterious Cat: It becomes more demanding and particular about its name, displaying a growing sense of self-importance.

Significant Themes

• The importance of oaths and trust in business and personal relationships.
• The value of ancient skills and knowledge, and the danger of losing them to time.
• The struggle of maintaining one's lineage and legacy.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Hu Baosong: They form a business agreement and swear an oath to each other, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Xu Qing and the Wu brothers: They interact playfully, with the Wu brothers providing names for the Mysterious Cat and Xu Qing seeking their advice.
• Xu Qing and the Mysterious Cat: They establish the Cat Immortal Hall together, with the cat becoming more demanding and particular about its name and role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing returns to the Corpse Driver's Shop and establishes a hall with Xuan Yu, the black cat, as the Cat Immortal.
• He uses the Helping Soldier Technique and Spirit Incense to invite nearby immortal families, but none come.
• Xu Qing realizes the issue might be with him, not Xuan Yu, and decides to let the cat handle the invitations.
• Immortal families leave messages, and two Grey Immortals, Grandfather Grey and Lady Grey, agree to visit in two days.
• Xu Qing goes to the Linhe Port market to buy offerings for the Immortal banquet and restores business dealings with the brokerage.
• He encounters Zhao Zhonghe at the Patrol Office and buys wine for Grandpa Qin.
• At the Corpse Driver's Shop, Xu Qing helps Wang Lingyuan with a family annihilation case involving multiple corpses.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Becomes more confident in his abilities and takes initiative in solving problems. He also shows consideration for Xuan Yu's needs.
• Xuan Yu: Gains confidence and takes on the responsibility of inviting immortal families. It also expresses its preferences for offerings.
• Wang Lingyuan: Shows concern for Xu Qing's well-being and seeks his help in solving a complex case.

Significant Themes

• The establishment of the Cat Immortal Hall highlights the theme of acceptance and cooperation between different entities, despite their differences.
• The family annihilation case emphasizes the importance of justice and the consequences of inaction or failure to solve crimes.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: They work together to establish the hall and communicate their needs and preferences to each other.
• Xu Qing and Wang Lingyuan: They collaborate on a case, showing mutual respect and trust in each other's abilities.
• Xu Qing and Zhao Zhonghe: Despite their previous animosity, they greet each other politely, suggesting a possible shift in their relationship.
• Xu Qing and Grandpa Qin: They maintain a friendly relationship, with Xu Qing showing consideration for the old man's preferences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing, a coroner, is called to investigate the mysterious deaths of the Cao family, including Old Madam Cao, who was a powerful figure in the salt trade.
• The Cao family was found drowned in their own home, with no water source present, suggesting demonic interference.
• Xu Qing discovers that Old Madam Cao was the 'Female Salt King,' controlling four out of the sixteen salt routes in the region, and had the backing of a high-ranking official.
• The cause of death is revealed to be a Water Worker Daoist using a Water-Collecting Bowl and a water monkey to drown the Cao family.
• Xu Qing uses his corpse-driving abilities to reanimate the Cao family corpses, planning to use them to find the truth behind their deaths.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Xu Qing is a coroner with the ability to drive corpses. He is determined to solve the Cao family case to maintain his connection to the Coroner's Office and avoid losing his position.
• Wang Lingyuan: Wang Lingyuan is Xu Qing's senior brother and a clerk at the Linhe yamen. He is loyal to Xu Qing and helps him by keeping the Salt Inspector Censor and others at bay while Xu Qing investigates the case.
• Old Madam Cao (Cao Xiuying): Old Madam Cao was a powerful figure in the salt trade, known as the 'Female Salt King.' Despite her martial arts skills, she was unable to defend against the Water Worker Daoist's attack.

Significant Themes

• Power and Corruption: The salt trade is controlled by powerful figures who use their influence to maintain their position and wealth, leading to corruption and conflict.
• Supernatural Elements: The Water Worker Daoist and the water monkey introduce supernatural elements into the story, challenging the characters' understanding of the world and their ability to solve the case.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Wang Lingyuan: Xu Qing and Wang Lingyuan work together to solve the case, with Wang Lingyuan providing information and support while Xu Qing investigates the corpses.
• Xu Qing and the Cao Family Corpses: Xu Qing reanimates the Cao family corpses to gain insight into their deaths and find the truth behind the Water Worker Daoist's attack.
• Wang Lingyuan and the Salt Inspector Censor: Wang Lingyuan and the other clerks block the Salt Inspector Censor and the Linhe County Lieutenant from entering the Clerk's Office courtyard, giving Xu Qing time to investigate the case.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A reanimated corpse, Cao Xiuying, appears at the government office, accusing the Taoist priests of Qingshui Huo Tianwu Temple of murdering her family.
• The Salt Inspector Censor orders an investigation into the Taoist temple.
• Xu Qing uses his Corpse Driving Art to control Cao Xiuying's corpse, revealing the truth behind the Cao family's massacre.
• The Demon Hunter Department takes over the case.
• Xu Qing hosts an Immortal Family Hall banquet, inviting the Grey Immortal Hou Yuan and his granddaughter Hou Xiaoyun, as well as Old Man Huang Xu and Lady Grey.
• Xu Qing asks Hou Yuan to inspect two mysterious coffins using his spirit possession skill.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows his ability to control corpses, further establishing his power and influence. He also demonstrates his social skills by successfully playing matchmaker between Lady Grey and Hou Xiaoyun.
• Cao Xiuying: Appears as a reanimated corpse, seeking justice for her family's murder.
• Hou Yuan: Initially hostile towards Xu Qing due to their past encounter, but eventually agrees to help inspect the coffins.
• Hou Xiaoyun: Meets Xu Qing for the first time and is wary of him due to her grandfather's abduction. She later forms a spirit medium pair with Lady Grey.

Significant Themes

• The power of the dead and the living: Cao Xiuying's reanimation highlights the theme of the power of the dead, while the living, such as the Salt Inspector Censor and the Taoist priests, grapple with the consequences of their actions.
• Justice and truth: The revelation of the Cao family's massacre and the involvement of the Taoist temple raises questions about justice and truth, and the consequences of hiding the truth.
• Immortal families and spirit mediums: The Immortal Family Hall banquet showcases the various immortal families and spirit mediums, their relationships, and their roles in society.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Cao Xiuying: Xu Qing uses his Corpse Driving Art to control Cao Xiuying's corpse, revealing the truth behind her family's murder.
• Xu Qing and Hou Yuan: Despite their initial hostility, Xu Qing successfully invites Hou Yuan to his Immortal Family Hall banquet and asks for his help in inspecting the coffins.
• Xu Qing and Hou Xiaoyun: Xu Qing plays matchmaker between Hou Xiaoyun and Lady Grey, forming a spirit medium pair.
• Hou Yuan and Grandfather Grey: The old man and his immortal family work together to inspect the coffins using spirit possession.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing opens two coffins in the Corpse Driver's Shop: a black one and a red one.
• The black coffin contains a female zombie, a Silver Armored Corpse, which Xu Qing decides to guide to reincarnation.
• The red coffin, expected to hold a high-ranking ghost general or consort, is found empty, much to Xu Qing's disappointment.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing demonstrates his divination skills and his ability to control zombies.
• Hou Yuan, the Spirit Medium Disciple, shows his divination skills and his willingness to help Xu Qing despite his initial reluctance.

Significant Themes

• The theme of divination and fortune-telling is further explored through Xu Qing and Hou Yuan's use of their skills.
• The theme of trust and alliances is seen in Hou Yuan's decision to help Xu Qing despite the risks.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Hou Yuan work together to examine the coffins, with Hou Yuan using his divination skills and Xu Qing using his knowledge of zombies.
• Xu Qing and the female zombie in the black coffin have a silent standoff, with Xu Qing ultimately deciding to guide her to reincarnation.
• Xu Qing is disappointed by the empty red coffin, showing his expectations and hopes for it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing discovers a coffin in his shop that contains a large, empty space inside.
• Old Man Huang Xu visits to make amends for his descendants' past actions.
• Xu Qing opens the black coffin and finds a female zombie, Lu Ping, inside.
• Xu Qing subdues and possesses Lu Ping, gaining her memories.
• Lu Ping's memories reveal her past with Yang Qiying and her refinement into a zombie.
• Xu Qing obtains the Shaded Corpse Technique and Corpse Nurturing Pills as rewards.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Becomes more intrigued by the coffin and its contents, leading to the discovery of Lu Ping's past and new rewards.
• Lu Ping: Revealed to be an Inner Sect Disciple of the Yin Corpse Sect, refined into a zombie by Yang Qiying.
• Yang Qiying: Revealed to have severed his own foot to avoid being refined into a zombie by the Yin Corpse Sect.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different ranks within the Yin Corpse Sect.
• The consequences of breaking sect rules and the desperation to avoid refinement.
• The value of corpses and the methods used to refine and control them.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Lu Ping: Xu Qing subdues and possesses Lu Ping, gaining access to her memories.
• Lu Ping and Yang Qiying: Their past interactions reveal the power dynamics and desperation within the Yin Corpse Sect.
• Xu Qing and Old Man Huang Xu: They have a pleasant chat, with Old Man Huang Xu asking for accommodation for his descendants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing learns about Shaded Corpses, Corpse Infants, and the Corpse Nurturing Scripture.
• He discovers that the Corpse Driver's Shop's black coffin is a vessel for nurturing Shaded Corpses.
• Xu Qing takes a Corpse Nurturing Pill, which greatly enhances his cultivation.
• He finds himself transported to a mysterious place with a single coffin in a Mandarin Duck Tomb, surrounded by Yin Ghosts.
• Xu Qing is enveloped by paper money and finds himself in a sedan chair with a female ghost.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing's understanding of corpse cultivation deepens, and he gains significant power from the Corpse Nurturing Pill.
• The female ghost in the sedan chair shows affection towards Xu Qing, but her intentions remain unclear.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of corpses and ghosts in cultivation.
• The theme of duality, represented by the Mandarin Duck Tomb and the 'Twin Coffin from One Wood'.
• The struggle between life and death, and the loneliness of the undead.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing interacts with the female ghost in the sedan chair, who expresses her affection towards him.
• Xu Qing's relationship with the Corpse Driver's Shop's owner, Liu Youdao, is implied to be strained due to the latter's actions.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing marries a Ghost Bride, Chu Yu, in a tomb.
• He discovers she's a princess who died a thousand years ago and has been maintaining her appearance using the life force of others.
• After defeating her, he gains the Qi Seizing Yuan Return Art, Phoenix Crown and Brocade Robe, and a Soul Returning Pill.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Becomes more confident and strategic in his approach to defeating ghosts.
• Chu Yu (Ghost Bride): Reveals her past and obsession with maintaining her appearance.

Significant Themes

• Obsession with appearance and its consequences.
• The struggle between legitimate and illegitimate power, reflected in the relationship between Chu Yu and the legitimate princess.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Chu Yu: Their interaction reveals Chu Yu's past and her obsession, leading to her defeat.
• Xu Qing and the legitimate princess (in flashbacks): Their interaction, though not direct, highlights the power dynamics and jealousy between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing escapes the Ghost King's Tomb, carrying a mysterious Twin Coffin.
• He discovers the coffin can transport him between his shop and the tomb.
• He sets up a trap to hide the coffin and returns to his shop.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing becomes more cautious and strategic in his actions.
• Xuan Yu reveals its past experiences and fears, showing a vulnerable side.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and its effects on immortals and mortals.
• The dangers of the outside world and the safety of seclusion.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and their enemies.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu's relationship deepens as they share personal stories.
• Xu Qing shows concern for Xuan Yu's well-being and offers to help it seek vengeance.
• Xuan Yu expresses its loneliness and fear of the outside world to Xu Qing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing receives a wedding invitation from Wu Zhiyuan for his marriage to the County Magistrate's daughter.
• Xu Qing nurtures a Ghoul General and Ghoul Soldiers using the corpses at Shuimen Bridge.
• Xu Qing attends Wu Zhiyuan's wedding banquet in Baisha County, accompanied by Hu Baosong.

Character Developments

• Wu Zhiyuan: Becomes more confident and ambitious, aiming to move out and start his own household after achieving success.
• Xu Qing: Gains a Ghoul General and Ghoul Soldiers, enhancing his power. He also shows compassion towards Hu Baosong.
• Hu Baosong: Reflects on his past and expresses regret for not having children, emphasizing the importance of family and bloodline.

Significant Themes

• The transient nature of life and the importance of family and bloodline (as highlighted by Hu Baosong's reflection).
• The power of connections and social status (as seen in Wu Zhiyuan's marriage and Xu Qing's matchmaking attempts).
• The duality of life and death, with Xu Qing nurturing life (Ghoul Soldiers) from death (corpses).

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Wu Zhiyuan: Their friendship deepens as they discuss wedding plans and Wu Zhiyuan's future ambitions.
• Xu Qing and Hu Baosong: Xu Qing shows kindness to Hu Baosong, taking him to the wedding banquet and doing his makeup. Hu Baosong shares his life wisdom with Xu Qing.
• Xu Qing and Matchmaker Wang: Xu Qing humorously declines the matchmaking attempt, leading to a conversation about business and wealth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Zhiyuan's wedding takes place at the Zhang family mansion in Baisha County.
• Yang Hong, the eldest son-in-law of the Zhang family, is jealous of Wu Zhiyuan's rising status and plots against him with his wife, Zhang Yao.
• Xu Qing and Hu Baosong attend the wedding banquet and discuss Hu Baosong's funeral arrangements with Xu Qing.
• Wang Lingyuan and yamen runners visit the Corpse Driver's Shop, where they meet Xuan Yu, who introduces herself as Xu Qing's sister.

Character Developments

• Yang Hong: Becomes increasingly jealous of Wu Zhiyuan's success and status, leading him to conspire with his wife against Wu Zhiyuan.
• Zhang Yao: Shows her malicious nature and willingness to scheme against her own family to maintain her status and power.
• Hu Baosong: Reveals his desire to teach Xu Qing his talisman-drawing skills, hinting at a possible master-disciple relationship.
• Xu Qing: Demonstrates his horsemanship skills and his ability to sense the spirit of horses, showing his adaptability and resourcefulness.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and envy: Yang Hong's jealousy of Wu Zhiyuan's success leads him to plot against him, highlighting the destructive nature of these emotions.
• Status and power: Zhang Yao's desire to maintain her status and power within the Zhang family leads her to scheme against her own family, emphasizing the importance of these factors in society.
• Mentorship and learning: Hu Baosong's willingness to teach Xu Qing his skills hints at a possible master-disciple relationship, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and skill transmission.

Character Interactions

• Yang Hong and Zhang Yao: Their interaction reveals their malicious intent and willingness to scheme against Wu Zhiyuan to maintain their status and power.
• Xu Qing and Hu Baosong: Their interaction shows their growing bond and mutual respect, as well as Hu Baosong's willingness to teach Xu Qing his skills.
• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: Their interaction reveals Xuan Yu's ability to adapt and deceive, as she introduces herself as Xu Qing's sister to Wang Lingyuan and the yamen runners.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing saves Hu Baosong's life using the Soul Returning Pill.
• Hu Baosong reveals he has only forty-nine days left to live due to his life and death destiny.
• Xu Qing takes the Cave Heaven Talismans from Hu Baosong's house.
• Xu Qing receives two bodies from Wang Lingyuan, both scared to death, and investigates using the Duren Sutra.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows his determination to learn Hu Baosong's skills and his resourcefulness in saving Hu Baosong's life.
• Hu Baosong: Accepts his fate but is reluctant to teach Xu Qing his skills. Reveals his connection to the Fox Country and the Tushan Clan.

Significant Themes

• Life and Death: The theme of life and death is emphasized through Hu Baosong's impending demise and the cause of death of the two bodies Xu Qing investigates.
• Greed and Ambition: Xu Qing's greed for Hu Baosong's skills and the hooligans' desire for rewards drive their actions.
• Fear and Superstition: The hooligans' fear of the supernatural and the young master's curiosity about the female ghost lead to their deaths.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Hu Baosong: Their interaction shows Xu Qing's determination and Hu Baosong's reluctance to teach his skills, but also a hint of respect for Xu Qing's actions.
• Xu Qing and the Hooligans: Xu Qing investigates the hooligans' deaths through the Duren Sutra, revealing their greed and fear, which ultimately lead to their demise.
• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: Xu Qing shares the Osmanthus Fish with Xuan Yu, showing his care for the cat, and Xuan Yu expresses his willingness to help Xu Qing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing encounters a female ghost in his shop, which scares two mortals to death.
• He receives a useless bamboo basket and umbrella from the Duren Sutra after evaluating the corpses.
• Xu Qing decides to confront the female ghost at night to seek justice for the victims.
• He spends the night learning and practicing talisman drawing, focusing on Fire Aversion Talismans to protect against Cizhao Temple's lamp oil.
• A mysterious visitor knocks on the shop's door at the third watch.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows determination to seek justice for the victims, demonstrating his moral compass. He also displays dedication and patience in learning talisman drawing.
• Xuan Yu: Exhibits curiosity and willingness to help Xu Qing test his talismans, showing a growing bond between them.
• The Female Ghost: Her presence and actions drive the plot forward, hinting at a potential injustice she seeks to rectify.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Injustice: The female ghost's actions and Xu Qing's determination to confront her suggest a theme of seeking justice for the wronged.
• Learning and Mastery: Xu Qing's dedication to learning talisman drawing reflects the theme of continuous learning and improvement.
• Fear and Courage: The mortals' fear of the ghost contrasts with Xu Qing's courage in facing her, highlighting the theme of overcoming fear.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: Their interaction shows a growing friendship, with Xuan Yu assisting Xu Qing in testing his talismans.
• Xu Qing and the Female Ghost: Their impending confrontation hints at a potential interaction that could reveal more about the ghost's motivations and Xu Qing's resolve.
• Xu Qing and the Mysterious Visitor: The knock on the door at the third watch sets up a potential interaction that could introduce a new character or plot development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing encounters a female ghost, Xiu Niang, seeking help at his shop in the middle of the night.
• A Golden Rooster, raised by a Female Daoist named Yi Zhen, attacks Xu Qing in his backyard.
• Yi Zhen arrives at Xu Qing's shop, seeking an antidote for the Golden Rooster and revealing her connection to Zi Chen, a Female True Person from Wulao Temple.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing demonstrates his bravery and resourcefulness in dealing with the supernatural occurrences.
• Xiu Niang, the female ghost, reveals her tragic past and seeks Xu Qing's help.
• Yi Zhen, the Female Daoist, shows concern for her spiritual bird and reveals her connection to Zi Chen.
• Hu Baosong, the old man running the Coffin Shop, is revealed to have a past connection to Zi Chen.

Significant Themes

• The theme of helping the helpless, as Xu Qing assists Xiu Niang and Yi Zhen seeks his help.
• The consequences of breaking promises, as Xiu Niang's actions led to her current predicament.
• The power dynamics between humans and supernatural entities, as seen in Xu Qing's interactions with Xiu Niang and the Golden Rooster.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xiu Niang: Xu Qing helps Xiu Niang, and she assists him in return by blowing yin energy to invigorate his zombie body.
• Xu Qing and Yi Zhen: Xu Qing is reluctant to help Yi Zhen due to his initial encounter with the Golden Rooster, but Yi Zhen's polite request and revelation about Zi Chen pique his interest.
• Hu Baosong and Yi Zhen: Hu Baosong is excited to learn about Zi Chen's fate and reveals his past connection to her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing and Yizhen meet Hu Baosong, who is intrigued by Yizhen's surname and asks about her past.
• They discover that the Golden Rooster, Jin Luan, is possessed by a female ghost, Xiu Niang.
• Yizhen agrees to help Xu Qing subdue Xiu Niang, but only if she can witness it.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: Shows his knowledge of spiritual rituals and his ability to influence ghosts.
• Yizhen: Reveals her connection to Hu Baosong and her concern for Xiu Niang's well-being.
• Xiu Niang: Realizes she's been tricked into a trap by Xu Qing.
• Hu Baosong: Shows interest in Yizhen's past and offers to teach Xu Qing his lifetime's learning.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Xu Qing's trust in his abilities is tested by Yizhen, who wants to witness Xiu Niang's subjugation.
• Cause and effect: Yizhen believes there's a cause for every effect, and she's responsible for Xiu Niang's actions.
• Coincidence and fate: The shared surname between Yizhen and Hu Baosong raises questions about their past connection.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Yizhen: They work together to subdue Xiu Niang, with Yizhen wanting to ensure Xu Qing's methods are genuine.
• Xu Qing and Hu Baosong: Xu Qing learns about Hu Baosong's past with Yizhen and his offer to teach him.
• Xiu Niang and Yizhen: Xiu Niang feels betrayed by Yizhen's presence, seeing her as an accomplice to Xu Qing's trickery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing disciplines Xiu Niang, the female ghost, after she tries to harm him.
• Xiu Niang recounts her tragic past to Yizhen, the Female Daoist.
• Xu Qing offers Yizhen the Dongxuan Talismans and invites her to teach at the old gentleman's residence.
• Yizhen leaves her spirit bird, a Golden Rooster, with Xu Qing to recuperate.
• Xiu Niang is tasked with feeding the Golden Rooster, which she fears due to its pure yang energy.

Character Developments

• Xiu Niang: Realizes her powerlessness as a ghost and submits to Xu Qing's authority.
• Xu Qing: Shows his capability and kindness by disciplining Xiu Niang and helping Yizhen.
• Yizhen: Demonstrates her pure heart and kindness by accepting Xu Qing's gift and entrusting her spirit bird to him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and submission: Xiu Niang submits to Xu Qing's authority, highlighting the power imbalance between them.
• Kindness and reciprocity: Yizhen accepts Xu Qing's gift and entrusts her spirit bird to him, showing the importance of kindness and reciprocity in their relationship.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xiu Niang: Xu Qing disciplines Xiu Niang, showing his authority and power over her.
• Xu Qing and Yizhen: They exchange gifts and show mutual respect, foreshadowing a potential alliance or friendship.
• Xiu Niang and the Golden Rooster: Xiu Niang fears the Golden Rooster due to its pure yang energy, showing the contrast between their natures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing's peaceful life in Jinmen contrasts with the political turmoil in the Capital City, where rumors spread about King Changting's death and the Heir Apparent's alleged misdeeds.
• Emperor Yongxing orders the Heir Apparent to go to the northern border, hinting at potential danger.
• Second Master Feng and Mr. Liu visit Xu Qing's shop, seeking the Cat Immortal Hall.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He has solidified his identity as a spirit medium and is more confident in handling ghostly matters.
• Heir Apparent (Zhu Huai'an): He is under pressure due to the rumors and the Emperor's order, contemplating his next move.
• Second Master Feng: He is arrogant and boastful, treating Xu Qing as a junior and expressing disrespect towards the cat immortal.
• Mr. Liu (Ji Ruinian): He is refined and amiable, acting as a mediator between Xu Qing and Second Master Feng.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between peace and turmoil, reflected in Xu Qing's and the Heir Apparent's lives.
• The power dynamics and manipulations within the imperial court.
• The respect and treatment of immortals and spirits, as shown through Second Master Feng's and Xu Qing's interactions.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Second Master Feng: They clash due to Second Master Feng's disrespect towards the cat immortal and his attempt to establish seniority.
• Xu Qing and Mr. Liu: They share a more cordial interaction, with Mr. Liu acting as a peacemaker between Xu Qing and Second Master Feng.
• The Heir Apparent and Emperor Yongxing: Their relationship is tense, with the Emperor ordering the Heir Apparent to the northern border, potentially putting him in danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Second Master Feng and Mr. Liu visit the Corpse Driver's Shop, where they meet Xuan Yu, the Cat Immortal, and are impressed by its nobility.
• Xu Qing entertains the guests with a banquet prepared by the Young Wife (Xiu Niang).
• Cheng Caiyun, the proprietress of the Incense and Candle Shop, visits and expresses her affection for Xu Qing, revealing that she knows about Xuan Yu.
• Xu Qing marries Xiu Niang as the branch manager of the Cat Immortal Hall and takes her to the courtyard at Shuimen Bridge, where he continues his planting of bodies.
• The next morning, Jin Luan, the rooster, crows loudly, and a female Daoist, Daoist Master Yizhen, arrives.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing: He continues to develop his skills in drawing talismans and manages the Cat Immortal Hall with Xuan Yu as the Hall Master and Xiu Niang as the branch manager. He also maintains his deceptive and manipulative nature.
• Xuan Yu: The Cat Immortal demonstrates its nobility and dignity, accepting offerings from the visitors and maintaining its composure.
• Xiu Niang (Young Wife): She cooks for the visitors and is married to Xu Qing as the branch manager of the Cat Immortal Hall. She also expresses unease about living in the courtyard with buried bodies.
• Cheng Caiyun: She expresses her affection for Xu Qing and reveals that she knows about Xuan Yu, indicating that she might be more perceptive than she seems.
• Jin Luan: The rooster demonstrates its loyalty to Xu Qing by reporting him to the visiting Daoist Master Yizhen.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Manipulation: Xu Qing continues to deceive others to achieve his goals, such as pretending that Xuan Yu is his cousin and manipulating Xiu Niang into taking an oath.
• Power Dynamics: The visitors, Second Master Feng and Mr. Liu, are awestruck by Xuan Yu's nobility, highlighting the power dynamics between Immortal Families and mortals.
• Responsibility and Consequences: Xu Qing takes responsibility for the bodies he buries, emphasizing the consequences of his actions.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Xuan Yu: They maintain their dynamic as master and servant, with Xuan Yu accepting offerings from visitors and Xu Qing managing the Hall.
• Xu Qing and Xiu Niang: They have a more complex relationship, with Xu Qing manipulating Xiu Niang into taking an oath and Xiu Niang expressing unease about living in the courtyard.
• Xu Qing and Cheng Caiyun: Cheng Caiyun expresses her affection for Xu Qing, and they share a moment of understanding about the stolen eggs.
• Jin Luan and Xu Qing: The rooster demonstrates its loyalty to Xu Qing by reporting him to the visiting Daoist Master Yizhen.

Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qing visits Hu Baosong to learn about cultivation and non-human matters.
• Hu Baosong shares his knowledge about the Six Realms of Cultivation and the Nine Perceptions.
• Zhu Huai'an visits the Corpse Driver's Shop looking for Xu Qing but finds it empty.
• Xu Qing learns about the differences between martial arts and cultivation realms.

Character Developments

• Xu Qing gains a deeper understanding of cultivation and his own path as a zombie.
• Hu Baosong reflects on his life and feels content with his accomplishments.
• Zhu Huai'an shows persistence in seeking Xu Qing's help.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
• The importance of understanding one's true nature and purpose.
• The differences between martial arts and cultivation realms.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qing and Hu Baosong engage in a teacher-student relationship, with Hu Baosong imparting his knowledge to Xu Qing.
• Xu Qing and Yi Zhen maintain a friendly relationship, with Yi Zhen showing concern for Xu Qing's well-being.
• Zhu Huai'an and Xu Qing's friendship is reinforced as Zhu Huai'an continues to seek Xu Qing's assistance.