Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of people, including Du En and Ren Li, are at the border of the Corpse Burial Wasteland, preparing to camp for the night.
• They discuss the aftermath of the battle and the potential threat of Demonic Beasts crossing the border.
• Demonic Beasts, driven by hunger and desperation, approach their location, attracted by the scent of roasting meat.
• Ren Li attempts to boost morale and demonstrates his power by destroying a moonlight projectile from a Howling Moon Silver Wolf.
• Five First-tier Perfection Demonic Beasts encircle Ren Li, putting him in a dangerous situation.

Character Developments

• Ren Li's confidence and bravado return after he demonstrates his power, but he is quickly put in a precarious position, showing his lack of experience and overconfidence.
• Du En remains calm and collected, showing his maturity and wisdom in handling the situation.

Significant Themes

• The aftermath of the battle and the potential threats it poses.
• The danger and unpredictability of Demonic Beasts.
• The importance of experience and caution in handling dangerous situations.

Character Interactions

• Du En and Ren Li discuss the potential threat of Demonic Beasts, with Du En showing more wisdom and caution.
• Ren Li attempts to boost morale but quickly finds himself in a dangerous situation, highlighting the difference in their abilities and experience.
• The Demonic Beasts encircle Ren Li, putting him in a precarious position and forcing him to face the reality of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Li, a powerful cultivator, is attacked by a group of Demonic Beasts, including a Three-tailed Iron Ox, a Shadow Leopard, a Pangolin, and a Fierce Wind Tiger.
• Du En, initially hidden, steps in to help when Ren Li is overwhelmed.
• Du En decapitates the Shadow Leopard with a single strike using his Wugang Blade.
• Ren Li charges towards Du En, riding the Three-tailed Iron Ox's momentum.
• Du En stands his ground and stabs the Three-tailed Iron Ox through the eye, killing it.

Character Developments

• Ren Li: Initially arrogant, he becomes desperate and frustrated during the battle, showing his human side.
• Du En: Calm and composed, he reveals his strength and skill, gaining Ren Li's respect.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Du En's calm and calculated approach contrasts with Ren Li's reckless and emotional one, highlighting the importance of control and strategy.
• Reliance vs Self-Reliance: Du En's ability to handle the Shadow Leopard independently emphasizes the importance of self-reliance.

Character Interactions

• Ren Li and Du En: Ren Li's initial disregard for Du En turns into admiration after witnessing Du En's strength and skill.
• Du En and the Demonic Beasts: Du En's calm and calculated approach instills fear in the Demonic Beasts, showing his mastery over them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Li and Du En join forces to fight against a pack of five Demonic Beasts, including a Three-tailed Iron Ox.
• Du En, despite his late-stage Qi Refining cultivation, demonstrates exceptional combat skills, killing the Three-tailed Iron Ox and several other Demonic Beasts.
• Ren Li and Du En work together to defeat the remaining Demonic Beasts, with Du En killing the strongest ones and Ren Li handling the rest.
• They decide to return to the city, as the emergency regulations allow it.

Character Developments

• Du En: Reveals his extraordinary combat abilities, proving himself to be a formidable fighter despite his late-stage Qi Refining cultivation. He remains calm and composed throughout the battle.
• Ren Li: Initially overwhelmed, he regains his confidence and fighting spirit after Du En's display. He acknowledges Du En's prowess and works well with him in battle.

Significant Themes

• The theme of unexpected strength is highlighted through Du En's abilities, challenging the expectations of others.
• Teamwork and trust are emphasized as Ren Li and Du En work together to defeat their enemies.

Character Interactions

• Du En and Ren Li: They form a temporary alliance, with Du En taking the lead in combat and Ren Li supporting him. They communicate effectively, understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses.
• Ren Li and the other corpse handlers: They are initially shocked by Du En's abilities but quickly adapt and follow Ren Li's orders to handle the corpses and prepare to return to the city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Demonic Beasts, fleeing from Du En's pursuit, invade the Shack District.
• Panic and chaos ensue as residents are attacked and killed.
• Du En arrives and confronts a Mid-stage First Order Golden Eagle.
• He uses his Sand Raising Technique to take down the Golden Eagle.

Character Developments

• Du En demonstrates his combat skills and ruthlessness against the Demonic Beasts.
• Residents of the Shack District show cowardice and selfishness, prioritizing their own survival over helping others.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest: Residents' desperation to survive leads them to abandon their neighbors.
• Du En's indifference: He shows no empathy for the suffering of others, only acting when it suits him.

Character Interactions

• A woman begs Du En for help, but he initially ignores her, only intervening when it suits his purpose.
• Residents of the Shack District show no willingness to help each other, focusing solely on their own survival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du En single-handedly defeats a group of demonic beasts, including powerful ones, saving the Shack District.
• Ren Li, the Foreman, returns with Corpse Buriers, taking credit for the victory to protect Du En's secret.
• Du En and Ren Li return to the small courtyard, where they discuss the events.

Character Developments

• Du En: Reveals his true strength, proving he's much more powerful than previously thought. He also shows his ability to hold back and strategize.
• Ren Li: Realizes Du En's true capabilities and starts to see him in a new light. He also acknowledges Du En's role in saving his life.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hidden strength and deception is further explored as Du En's true power is revealed.
• The theme of trust and mutual respect develops between Du En and Ren Li.

Character Interactions

• Du En and Ren Li: Their relationship deepens as Ren Li comes to understand Du En's true capabilities and Du En acknowledges Ren Li's role in protecting him.
• Du En and the Shack District residents: The residents realize Du En's true strength and offer him gratitude and respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du En and Ren Li discuss the division of demonic beast spoils after the battle.
• Du En decides not to tame or control the live demonic beasts, while Ren Li plans to sell them in the city.
• Du En requests Ren Li to reinforce his Lacquer Shadow Robe and alter his saber using the materials from the demonic beasts.
• Du En expresses interest in purchasing a mid-grade cultivation technique and the Method of Controlling Artifacts from Ren Li.

Character Developments

• Du En demonstrates his practicality and resourcefulness by asking Ren Li to refine the demonic beast materials into useful Magic Tools and by expressing his intention to buy a mid-grade cultivation technique and the artifact controlling method.
• Ren Li shows his willingness to help Du En, offering to refine the materials, find a suitable cultivation technique, and teach him the Method of Controlling Artifacts. He also provides guidance on cultivation techniques and Foundation Establishment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practicality and resourcefulness in utilizing resources and opportunities, as shown by Du En's decisions regarding the demonic beast spoils and his plans for the future.
• The value of knowledge and guidance in cultivation, as demonstrated by Ren Li's advice on cultivation techniques and Foundation Establishment.
• The theme of mutual benefit and reciprocity in their relationship, with Du En helping Ren Li block the attack and Ren Li offering to help Du En with various aspects of cultivation and artifact refinement.

Character Interactions

• Du En and Ren Li have a cordial and cooperative relationship, with Du En being straightforward about his needs and Ren Li willingly offering his assistance.
• Ren Li acts as a mediator and shield between Du En and Steward He Bo, ensuring that Du En is not punished for leaving his post at night.
• The interaction between Du En and Ren Li demonstrates their mutual respect and understanding, with Du En valuing Ren Li's expertise and Ren Li appreciating Du En's potential and practicality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Li reappears after ten days, having upgraded Du En's equipment and prepared cultivation resources.
• He hands over the Lacquer Shadow Robe, Iron Tungsten Long Saber, Iron Bull Shield, Colorful Cloak, and Second-tier Shrinking Sack.
• He also provides Du En with the Firm Spirit Technique and Artifact Control Technique, along with an Artifact Refining Handbook.
• Ren Li reveals that the border town's stewards are preoccupied, providing a temporary reprieve for Du En.
• Ren Li departs, expressing a desire to meet again.

Character Developments

• Du En: Shows calmness and pragmatism in receiving his upgraded equipment and resources. He also provides Ren Li with valuable guidance, helping him overcome a mental block.
• Ren Li: Initially melancholic about his incomplete mission, he gains new inspiration from Du En's words, leading to a change in his outlook.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and status in the cultivation world.
• The value of guidance and inspiration in personal growth.
• The importance of adaptability and changing approaches in the face of challenges.

Character Interactions

• Du En and Ren Li: Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and understanding. Du En's calm demeanor and practical approach contrast with Ren Li's emotional turmoil, ultimately leading to Ren Li's growth.
• Du En and the Corpse Buriers: Although not directly present, their reverence for Du En is implied, highlighting his growing influence and status among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du En continues his training in Corpse Burial Wasteland despite the harsh conditions.
• He refines his Magic Tools, imprints them with his Magic Power, and stores them in his Shrinking Sack.
• Du En learns and practices the Artifact Control Technique, allowing him to control his Magic Tools remotely.
• He studies Artifact Refining, understanding the basic principles and successfully creates a simple First-tier Low Grade Magic Tool.
• Du En reads and begins to comprehend a Mid-grade Cultivation Technique, the Yellow Earth Technique.

Character Developments

• Du En demonstrates his dedication and perseverance in his training, even in harsh conditions.
• He shows his problem-solving skills and adaptability when refining his first artifact.
• Du En's understanding and application of the Yellow Earth Technique suggest his intellectual growth and ability to grasp complex concepts.

Significant Themes

• Patience and Persistence: Du En's continuous training and practice, even in harsh conditions, reflect his patience and persistence in improving his skills.
• Adaptability: Du En's ability to apply his knowledge of Cuisine Cooking to Artifact Refining shows his adaptability and resourcefulness.

Character Interactions

• There are no significant interactions with other characters in this chapter. Du En primarily interacts with Wei Ming, but their exchange is minimal and does not drive the plot forward.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du En's cultivation progress over time:
  • Earth Bullet Technique reaches Grand Master (50 days after Ren Li's departure)
  • Breath Concealing Technique reaches Peak Perfection (90 days)
  • Artifact Refining reaches Initial Glimpse (95 days)
  • Artifact Control Technique reaches Initial Glimpse (100 days)
  • Artifact Control Technique reaches Proficient (300 days)
  • Cuisine Cooking reaches Minor Accomplishment (462 days)
  • Cultivation Level reaches Peak Qi Refining (480 days)
• Du En switches to the Firm Spirit Technique after reaching Peak Qi Refining with the Yellow Earth Technique.
• Du En tests his newfound strength and decides to challenge the Corpse Burial Wasteland.

Character Developments

• Du En's cultivation levels and techniques improve steadily over time.
• Du En's obsession with meticulous and detailed self-assessment is highlighted.
• Du En's thoughts on the limitations of his magic tools and the inefficiency of searching for illicit gains among frontline laborers.

Significant Themes

• The importance of switching to a better cultivation technique for further progress.
• The dual cultivation of magic and body, and its impact on cultivation efficiency.
• The challenges and limitations faced by Du En in his cultivation journey.

Character Interactions

• Du En interacts with his past self in his thoughts, comparing his current strength to his past.
• Du En's internal dialogue reveals his thoughts on various aspects of his cultivation and the world around him, but there are no interactions with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The book will be available for purchase the next day at 12 PM.
• Daily updates of 10,000 characters will begin, with release times shifted to 12 PM.
• The book's structure and pacing are outlined: each major realm will have 200,000 to 300,000 characters, with a faster pace initially, and a longer, slower-paced Nascent Soul stage. The final volume will cover the Integration, Mahayana, and Tribulation Crossing stages, totaling around 2.5 million characters.
• The author hints at potential expansion into the immortal realm but is uncertain about the direction.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments are mentioned in this chapter as it's an author's note.

Significant Themes

• The author discusses the book's world-building, pacing, and structure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a brisk pace and avoiding data inflation.
• The theme of support and subscription is prominent, with the author encouraging readers to subscribe to the book.

Character Interactions

• No character interactions are mentioned in this chapter as it's an author's note.

Additional Information

• The author introduces the Proficiency Panel as a core selling point and hints at the Hundred Arts.
• The second volume will have a change in the protagonist's identity and perspective, leading to a more intense conflict in the first half.
• The author sets up rewards for increased subscriptions and monthly votes.
• The author expresses their desire for support and subscriptions to maintain motivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du En, after a year of detached cultivation, attempts to comprehend the desolate land around the Corpse Burial Wasteland.
• He successfully pierces the comprehension barrier, triggering a reaction from the Immortal Sect's higher-ups.
• Du En learns a new Divine Ability, 'Life from Death', which allows him to restore his cultivation and enhance his life force by burying corpses.

Character Developments

• Du En demonstrates his ability to adapt and plan for worst-case scenarios, showing his resilience and resourcefulness.
• The Immortal Sect's higher-ups are revealed to be monitoring the wasteland closely, indicating their vigilance and power.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between life and death, and the Immortal Sect's exploitation of both for their gain.
• The power of unconventional methods and the risks they entail, as seen in Du En's unique approach to comprehension.
• The idea of effort and reward being equivalent, with the Divine Ability 'Life from Death' requiring significant effort to fully master but offering immense power in return.

Character Interactions

• Du En interacts with Ning Caize and the other Corpse Buriers, showing a calm and natural demeanor despite the potential danger he's in.
• The Immortal Sect's higher-ups are mentioned but not directly interacted with, their conversation overheard by Du En.

Key Plot Points and Events

• No arrests were made after the Corpse.Buriers were suspected of wrongdoing.
• Corpse management returns to normal, with Du En unexpectedly profiting from the situation.
• Du En decides to accumulate proficiency in his Divine Ability by burying corpses.
• He plans to target Hall Masters and Gang Leaders of Bully Gangs and possibly involve Foremen to make up numbers.
• Du En suspects that Evil Cultivators are behind the recent quietness and plans to provoke them into action.
• An unknown figure is shown humming a tune and discussing plans with another person, hinting at a larger conspiracy.

Character Developments

• Du En reaches Peak Qi Refining and decides to accumulate proficiency in his Divine Ability.
• Du En becomes more strategic and proactive in his plans to eliminate evildoers and provoke Evil Cultivators.
• An unknown figure is introduced, hinting at a new player in the story.

Significant Themes

• The theme of patience and timing in Du En's plan to provoke Evil Cultivators.
• The theme of opportunity and convenience in the unknown figure's discussion about the current situation.

Character Interactions

• Du En interacts with Ning Caize and the others, but the details are not specified in this chapter.
• An unknown figure interacts with another person, discussing their plans and expressing dissatisfaction with each other's attitudes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Corpse Buriers start their day, with Du En noting that their Grey Jackals, Ah Hui and Ah Chai, are close to becoming Demonic Beasts.
• Du En senses danger on their usual path and decides to walk to the Corpse Burial Wasteland, leaving the cart and Grey Jackals behind.
• They find two Corpse Transporters at the wasteland: Xu Ran, who seems traumatized, and Li Jian, a new foreman with eight carts of corpses.
• Du En decides to handle the situation alone, offering Li Jian payment if he wants to help.

Character Developments

• Du En demonstrates his perceptiveness and caution when sensing danger on the path.
• Ah Hui and Ah Chai show signs of advancing to Demonic Beasts, indicating the Corpse Buriers' care and Du En's Spirit Cuisine's effectiveness.
• Li Jian is initially perceived as a scoundrel but shows respect and admiration for Du En, revealing a more complex character.

Significant Themes

• Perception and Caution: Du En's ability to sense danger highlights the importance of perceptiveness and caution in their line of work.
• Friendship and Loyalty: Du En's friendship with Ren Ziling is implied to be strong, as he uses a shovel gifted by Ren to handle the situation.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between Du En and Li Jian showcases the dynamics of power and respect among the Corpse Transporters.

Character Interactions

• Du En and the Corpse Buriers: They work together and show camaraderie, with Du En caring for the Grey Jackals and the others being willing to follow his orders.
• Du En and Li Jian: They exhibit a tense yet respectful interaction, with Li Jian initially considering helping Du En but changing his mind after learning about Du En's background and resources.
• Du En and Xu Ran: Du En shows concern for Xu Ran's condition, indicating a level of care for his colleagues despite their dangerous work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Jian and Du En dig a pit on the Corpse Burial Wasteland to bury the corpses of Corpse Transporters turned into 'Human Flower Bouquets' by Evil Cultivators.
• Xu Ran, who had been vomiting due to the gruesome sight, is found by Li Jian and Du En. They inform him about the deaths of their colleagues and decide to report to Steward He.
• Li Jian and Du En leave the wasteland, with Du En noting Li Jian's suspicious behavior.

Character Developments

• Li Jian: Revealed to be involved in the current situation, possibly with reservations about reporting it.
• Du En: Shows calm demeanor even when faced with the horrifying Human Flower Bouquets, indicating his strong will and composure.
• Xu Ran: Initially shocked and disgusted by the corpses, he later shows concern for his colleagues and agrees to report to Steward He.

Significant Themes

• Evil Cultivators: Their reappearance and malevolent actions drive the plot forward.
• Corpse Transporters: Their vulnerability and the consequences of their profession are highlighted.
• Secrecy and Deception: Li Jian's apparent guilt and reluctance to report the incident suggest a deeper plot.

Character Interactions

• Li Jian and Du En: Li Jian seems to test Du En's composure, while Du En observes Li Jian's suspicious behavior.
• Du En and Xu Ran: Du En informs Xu Ran about the deaths of their colleagues, and they decide to report to Steward He together.
• Li Jian and Xu Ran: Li Jian takes the initiative to mention reporting the incident to Steward He, possibly to avoid suspicion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An unknown figure, later revealed to be Du En, begins killing and burying the influential figures in the Shack District, including the Hall Masters of Bully Gangs, the Gang Leader, and Foremen.
• Du En discovers that the Foremen and other influential figures have mysteriously disappeared.
• Du En encounters the Evil Cultivator, who reveals that she has killed the remaining Foremen and good people to frame Du En.
• Du En learns that Zhang Song, not the Evil Cultivator, was responsible for stir-frying Lu Xiang's remains.

Character Developments

• Du En: Shows his righteous side by targeting the corrupt figures in the Shack District. He also demonstrates his growing strength and proficiency in his Divine Abilities.
• Evil Cultivator: Reveals her twisted and sinister nature, enjoying the suffering and death of others. She also shows cunning by framing Du En for her actions.
• Zhang Song: Implied to have started down the path of evil by faking his death and abusing the Corpse Buriers.

Significant Themes

• Good vs. Evil: Du En represents the good, trying to cleanse the Shack District of its corrupt figures, while the Evil Cultivator represents the evil, reveling in suffering and death.
• Power and Responsibility: Du En's growing power brings him to a position where he feels responsible for the injustices in the Shack District.
• Framing and Manipulation: The Evil Cultivator uses framing to manipulate Du En and turn others against him.

Character Interactions

• Du En and the Evil Cultivator: Their interaction reveals their stark differences in morality and goals. Du En is calm and collected, while the Evil Cultivator is cheerful and twisted.
• Du En and Zhang Song: Though they don't interact directly, Du En's discovery of Zhang Song's past actions adds another layer to his understanding of the evil in the Shack District.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du En encounters Zhu Er, an Evil Cultivator, in the forest.
• Zhu Er reveals her true form and attacks Du En, using various evil techniques and minions.
• Du En defends against her attacks using his Earth Bullet Technique, Earth Armor, and Talismans.
• Zhu Er summons more powerful corpse minions, which Du En defeats using his Peak Perfection Earth Armor Technique.
• Du En ultimately defeats Zhu Er by crushing her main body and destroying her minions.

Character Developments

• Du En demonstrates his formidable combat skills, using various techniques and strategies to counter Zhu Er's attacks.
• Zhu Er showcases her powerful evil techniques and ability to control and summon corpse minions.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and magic power in determining the outcome of battles.
• The grotesque and disturbing nature of evil cultivation techniques.

Character Interactions

• Du En and Zhu Er engage in a fierce battle, with Du En trying to defeat Zhu Er while she uses various tactics to outmaneuver him.
• Du En's determination and skill are pitted against Zhu Er's cunning and powerful evil techniques.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du En and Zhu Er engage in a fierce battle, with both sides suffering heavy injuries.
• Du En uses a strategy of self-destructing magic tools to temporarily incapacitate Zhu Er.
• Zhu Er, despite being severely injured, transforms into a hideous corpse and continues to fight.
• Du En uses his Divine Ability, Life from Death, to recover his strength and defeats Zhu Er with a barrage of Earth Bullets.
• Du En decides to face the approaching Stewards directly, detonating the Iron Tungsten Long Saber to feign injury.

Character Developments

• Du En demonstrates exceptional strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and resilience in battle.
• Zhu Er reveals her true form as a hideous corpse, displaying her ruthlessness and determination to win.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and victory in the face of overwhelming odds.
• The use of strategy and cunning to overcome superior strength.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Du En and Zhu Er engage in a brutal and intense battle, testing each other's limits.
• Du En's interaction with the approaching Stewards is anticipated, with him planning to use them as a shield against potential retaliation from Evil Cultivators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du En, now at Peak Qi Refining, is mistaken for a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator due to the intensity of his fight with an Evil Cultivator.
• The stewards, including He Bo, rush to the scene and find Du En standing alone amidst the devastation.
• He Bo tries to kill Du En, suspecting him of being an Evil Cultivator, but the Mining Steward intervenes.
• Du En claims he was given benefits by Ren Li, which helped him improve his cultivation and learn the Breath Concealing Technique.
• He Bo questions Du En about the magic tools used in the fight, and Du En attributes them to Ren Li's generosity.
• Du En suggests that the Evil Cultivator targeted him due to his reputation and that she might have killed others as well.

Character Developments

• Du En: Shows growth in cultivation level (Peak Qi Refining), strategic thinking, and calmness under pressure.
• He Bo: Becomes increasingly hostile towards Du En, driven by jealousy and past grievances.
• The Mining Steward: Demonstrates fairness and impartiality, preventing He Bo from harming Du En.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the mining town's hierarchy.
• The importance of reputation and connections in the cultivation world.
• The consequences of jealousy and grudges.

Character Interactions

• Du En vs. He Bo: Tension and hostility, with Du En outmaneuvering He Bo in their conversation.
• Du En and the Mining Steward: The steward shows respect and impartiality towards Du En.
• He Bo and the other stewards: He Bo's actions are met with disapproval and suspicion from his peers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Bo, determined to expose Du En as an Evil Cultivator, interrogates him but finds no evidence.
• Du En explains his actions, matching the testimonies of others, and reveals he can cook Spirit Cuisine.
• He Bo demands to inspect Du En's Shrinking Sack, but the Mining Steward intervenes, protecting Du En's rights.
• He Bo leaves, planning to verify Du En's innocence and place him under soft confinement in Elegant Courtyard.
• Du En is allowed to return to the Corpse Burying small courtyard to make arrangements and retrieve personal belongings.

Character Developments

• Du En remains calm and composed under He Bo's aggressive interrogation, demonstrating his intelligence and resourcefulness.
• He Bo's determination to expose Du En as an Evil Cultivator is fueled by his hatred and desire for power.
• The Mining Steward, Steward Shi, shows fairness and understanding, protecting Du En's rights and ensuring he is treated justly.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and control, as seen in He Bo's actions and Du En's resistance.
• The importance of rules and fairness, as demonstrated by Steward Shi's intervention.
• The consequences of past actions, as seen in the improved conditions for laborers after the incident.

Character Interactions

• Du En and He Bo: Du En maintains his composure under He Bo's aggressive interrogation, while He Bo becomes increasingly frustrated and powerless.
• Du En and Steward Shi: Du En gains an ally in Steward Shi, who ensures he is treated fairly and protects his rights.
• Du En and his team: Du En returns to the small courtyard to make arrangements and retrieve belongings, reassuring his team about the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yiping, the Mid Golden Core Stage cultivator and head of the Outer City Affairs Office, is handling various reports, including one about the recent disturbances in the Shack District.
• He Bo, the Corpse Affairs Steward, visits Tang Yiping to falsely accuse Du En, a foreman, of being an Evil Cultivator, but Tang Yiping dismisses his claims and reprimands He Bo for neglecting his duties in corpse transportation.
• Two Evil Cultivators are revealed to be following He Bo and discussing their plans to wait and observe the situation.

Character Developments

• Tang Yiping: Shows indifference to the deaths of foremen and victims, prioritizing the city's interests over individual lives. He is also displeased with He Bo's negligence in corpse transportation duties.
• He Bo: Attempts to falsely accuse Du En to improve his standing but fails. He shows fear and remorse after his plan backfires. He also demonstrates negligence in his duties and a tendency to shift blame onto others.
• Du En: Implicated in He Bo's false accusations but remains unconfirmed. His actions and motives are unclear.

Significant Themes

• Indifference to the Lower Class: Tang Yiping's disregard for the deaths of foremen and victims in the Shack District highlights the disparity in treatment between the upper and lower classes in the city.
• Corruption and Negligence: He Bo's negligence in his duties and attempt to falsely accuse Du En reflect the corruption and lack of accountability within the system.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Tang Yiping, He Bo, and the Evil Cultivators illustrate the complex power dynamics at play, with each party seeking to advance their interests.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yiping and He Bo: Tang Yiping reprimands He Bo for his negligence and dismisses his false accusations against Du En, showing his displeasure with He Bo's actions.
• He Bo and the Evil Cultivators: He Bo is unaware of the Evil Cultivators following him, while the Evil Cultivators discuss their plans to wait and observe the situation, potentially involving He Bo in their schemes.
• Tang Yiping and the Evil Cultivators: Although not directly interacting, Tang Yiping's indifference to the disturbances in the Shack District and his handling of the reports may indirectly influence the Evil Cultivators' plans.