Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo, the newly appointed Salt Transport Envoy, meets He Luoyun, a representative of illicit salt traders near Zhun Niu Market.
• He Luoyun offers Chen Mo a bribe of two hundred taels of silver, with the understanding that he will receive a monthly payment of one hundred taels.
• Chen Mo accepts ninety taels monthly and agrees to turn a blind eye to their activities, on the condition that only three groups operate in the territory and He Luoyun handles any other illicit traders.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Shows pragmatism by accepting bribes but also demonstrates his focus on martial arts cultivation over material wealth.
• He Luoyun: Reveals his business acumen and willingness to pay bribes to ensure his business operates smoothly.

Significant Themes

• Corruption: The illicit salt trade and bribery are prevalent and accepted practices in the society.
• Wealth and Power: Officials and successful businessmen like He Luoyun enjoy wealth and influence, while commoners struggle.
• Ambition: He Luoyun's ambition is focused on ensuring his family's business thrives, while Chen Mo's is centered on improving his martial arts cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and He Luoyun: Their interaction is straightforward and business-like, with Chen Mo getting straight to the point about the bribe and He Luoyun being cooperative and respectful.
• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu: They display a harmonious and supportive relationship, with Chen Mo entrusting Zhao Yu with household matters and providing her with money for expenses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo arrives at the military camp to find it nearly deserted, with only a few dozen old or weak soldiers.
• He learns that the previous Salt Transport Envoy had sent most able-bodied soldiers to work, earning a 20% profit from their wages.
• Chen Mo decides to maintain the status quo, allowing soldiers to continue working outside and receiving their wages.
• He increases the food allowance for the remaining soldiers and provides additional funds for his horse's feed.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of the soldiers' situation, deciding to maintain the previous Envoy's system for efficiency.
• Wang Qi and Liu Quan, the squad leaders, show fear and deference to Chen Mo, indicating their lack of rebellious intent.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and pragmatism: Chen Mo adapts to the existing system to maintain order and efficiency.
• Power dynamics: Chen Mo asserts his authority, instilling fear in the squad leaders.
• Financial management: Chen Mo understands and manages the financial aspects of his role, ensuring the soldiers' needs are met while maintaining a profit.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with Wang Qi and Liu Quan, the squad leaders, to understand the camp's situation and assert his authority.
• The squad leaders show deference to Chen Mo, indicating their understanding of his power and willingness to follow his orders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo inspects the military camp's gongs and drums, finding them ordinary but crucial for warding off strange creatures.
• He takes two sets for himself, planning to use them when he enters the Vein Opening Realm to explore the creatures further.
• He returns to Zhun Niu Market, washes clothes with Zhao Yu, and discovers three visiting cards from influential figures in the market.
• They have beef noodle soup at Iron Bull Beef Soup, and Chen Mo notices an abandoned bluestone courtyard across the street.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his growing strength and confidence, taking the gongs and drums without hesitation and planning to explore the strange creatures.
• Zhao Yu shows her diligence and care, tidying up Chen Mo's living space and accompanying him to eat.
• The shopkeepers in Zhun Niu Market are portrayed as friendly and hardworking, serving their customers well.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and caution, as seen in Chen Mo's careful examination of the gongs and drums and his plans for exploring the creatures.
• The value of diligence and hard work, reflected in Zhao Yu's actions and the shopkeepers' dedication to their businesses.
• The curiosity and potential profit in unusual phenomena, as Chen Mo's interest in the abandoned courtyard suggests.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu work together seamlessly, washing clothes and having a meal, showing a growing familiarity and comfort with each other.
• Chen Mo interacts with the shopkeepers, showing interest in their businesses and the local market, fostering a sense of community.
• The visiting cards hint at potential interactions with influential figures in the market, suggesting future political or social intrigue.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo moves to Zhun Niu Market and learns about a haunted courtyard from the local shopkeeper.
• He starts eating at a nearby soup shop and impresses the owner with his appetite.
• After nearly half a month, Chen Mo prepares to break through to the Vein Opening Realm in his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo continues to train diligently, accumulating inner qi for his breakthrough.
• The shopkeeper and soup shop owner show kindness and hospitality towards Chen Mo.

Significant Themes

• The power of diligent training and perseverance in martial arts.
• The contrast between internal and external martial arts cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with the local shopkeeper, learning about the haunted courtyard.
• He befriends the soup shop owner, who is impressed by his appetite and martial prowess.
• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu maintain their friendly relationship, with Zhao Yu supporting Chen Mo's training.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo enters the Vein Opening Realm, enabling him to wield inner qi for the first time.
• He discovers the benefits of inner qi: locking in vital essence, enhancing control over strength, and enhancing senses.
• Chen Mo tests his enhanced hearing (Ear Sense) and finds it useful but qi-consuming.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo gains better control over his strength and discovers new abilities due to his inner qi cultivation.
• He becomes more aware of the potential dangers and benefits of his enhanced senses.

Significant Themes

• The advantages of inner qi cultivation over external arts, particularly in longevity and control.
• The dual nature of enhanced senses: useful but potentially dangerous and qi-consuming.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with Zhao Yu, his adopted sister, reminding her to be careful while he's away.
• Chen Mo's actions are driven by his desire to uncover the secrets of the strange creatures he encountered, showing his proactive and secretive nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo activates the Blood Essence Eye, revealing a Blood Moon in the sky and a world bathed in blood-red moonlight.
• He discovers that the Blood Moon's influence can be temporarily dispelled using the gong and drum, but it returns once he stops.
• Chen Mo encounters a human-skin lantern and uses his qi and blood to defeat it, obtaining a piece of its hide.
• He returns to the military camp, noticing Gray Mist appearing in the distance.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates increased strength and understanding of his abilities, using the Blood Essence Eye and his qi and blood to combat strange phenomena and creatures.
• He shows adaptability and resourcefulness in dealing with the unknown, using the gong and drum to create a safe zone and his blood to combat the human-skin lantern.

Significant Themes

• The Blood Moon's appearance and its influence on the world, suggesting a deeper truth or hidden layer to reality.
• The struggle against the unknown and strange phenomena, highlighting Chen Mo's resilience and adaptability.
• The importance of strength and cultivation in understanding and dealing with the world's mysteries.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with a human-skin lantern, showcasing his combat skills and resourcefulness in defeating it.
• His journey back to the military camp suggests a potential reunion with other characters, such as the camp's inhabitants or fellow martial artists.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo encounters a gray fog that appears in specific areas, seemingly attracted to human presence.
• He deduces that the gray fog only targets conscious individuals and requires a certain number of people within a specific range.
• Chen Mo enters the gray fog near the military camp, prepared to investigate and escape safely.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates analytical skills, deducing the conditions under which the gray fog appears and targets individuals.
• He shows caution and preparedness, tying a gong and drum to his chest to ensure he can strike them even in combat.

Significant Themes

• The gray fog represents a mysterious, otherworldly force that challenges human understanding and control.
• Chen Mo's investigation of the gray fog explores themes of curiosity, bravery, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with the gray fog and the strange creatures within it, showcasing his adaptability and resourcefulness.
• He doesn't encounter any human characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his personal exploration and deduction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo encounters an Odd Deer in the gray fog, which can animate dead objects and potentially living things into parts of itself.
• He defeats the Odd Deer, which transforms into a piece of living, writhing flesh.
• Chen Mo resists the urge to consume the living flesh and wraps it securely.
• As he's about to leave the mist, a Deer King attacks him, breaking his spear and sending him back to the military camp.

Character Development

• Chen Mo demonstrates his strength, willpower, and strategic thinking by defeating the Odd Deer and resisting the temptation to consume the living flesh.
• He shows adaptability and resourcefulness by using his Blood Essence to hold off the Odd Deer's animation ability and by using his martial arts skills to counter the Deer King's attack.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Willpower: Chen Mo's physical strength and mental resilience are crucial in overcoming the Odd Deer and resisting its temptation.
• Adaptability: Chen Mo's ability to adapt to new situations, like using his Blood Essence and martial arts skills in unconventional ways, helps him survive encounters with the bizarre creatures.
• Temptation and Self-Control: The living flesh represents temptation, and Chen Mo's ability to resist consuming it showcases his self-control and understanding of potential consequences.

Character Interactions

• There are no significant interactions with other characters in this chapter, as Chen Mo faces the Odd Deer and Deer King alone. However, his thoughts about Zhao Yu (waiting for him at home) motivate him to return to the real world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo assesses his injuries after the night's events: minor bone fractures in his arms, but no major issues.
• He discovers that his weapon has been destroyed, requiring a new one.
• He decides not to consume the piece of living flesh immediately due to his current weakened state.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo shows self-awareness and patience by deciding not to consume the living flesh until he's recovered.
• He demonstrates responsibility and care for his soldiers by ensuring their meals have improved since his arrival.

Significant Themes

• Patience and Timing: Chen Mo understands the importance of waiting for the right moment to act (not consuming the living flesh immediately).
• Responsibility: Chen Mo shows concern for his soldiers' well-being, even in small ways like improving their meals.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu: Their relationship deepens as they live together. Zhao Yu shows care and concern for Chen Mo's well-being, while Chen Mo is open about his injuries with her. They share a meal together, and Zhao Yu helps Chen Mo by feeding him to prevent him from moving his injured arms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo is injured after a fight and Zhao Yu takes care of him, washing his feet and helping him change.
• Chen Mo receives a reply letter from his adoptive father, discussing strategies regarding the Salt Transport Commissioner, Liu Mingqiao.
• Chen Mo writes another letter requesting heavy weaponry and armor, and asking for advice on handling Liu Mingqiao.
• Zhao Yu prepares a lavish dinner for Chen Mo, including sweet and sour fish, to celebrate his recovery.

Character Developments

• Zhao Yu demonstrates her caring nature and concern for Chen Mo's well-being, going out of her way to help him and prepare a special meal.
• Chen Mo shows his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in handling potential issues with Liu Mingqiao, and his appreciation for Zhao Yu's cooking.

Significant Themes

• Family and Care: Zhao Yu's actions highlight the theme of family and care, showing her dedication to Chen Mo's well-being.
• Strategic Thinking: Chen Mo's correspondence with his adoptive father emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and planning for potential challenges.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu: Their interactions show a growing bond and mutual respect. Zhao Yu cares for Chen Mo, while he appreciates her efforts and compliments her cooking.
• Chen Mo and His Adoptive Father: Their correspondence indicates a strong mentor-mentee relationship, with Chen Mo seeking his adoptive father's advice and guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo extracts powder from a piece of living flesh from the Odd Deer and feeds it to a sparrow to test its safety.
• After confirming it's safe, Chen Mo consumes the living flesh, significantly accelerating his Blood Essence accumulation.
• He discovers a dilapidated mansion belonging to the Wang Family Tycoon, where he finds one hundred taels of silver buried under floor tiles.
• Chen Mo sleeps peacefully in the mansion, experiencing no nightmares or supernatural encounters.
• After a month, Chen Mo's custom-made armor and weapons arrive, delivered by Mo Hu, who has just earned his juren degree.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates caution and thoroughness in testing the living flesh, showing his practical and strategic thinking.
• He displays greed and eagerness to consume the living flesh to advance his cultivation, revealing his ambition and desire for power.
• Chen Mo shows curiosity and a willingness to explore the supernatural, indicating his open-mindedness and courage.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Ambition: Chen Mo's primary goal is to advance his cultivation, reflecting the theme of ambition and the pursuit of power.
• Supernatural and the Unknown: The haunting of the Wang family mansion and Chen Mo's curiosity about it highlight the theme of the unknown and the supernatural.
• Greed and Caution: Chen Mo's greed for the living flesh and the silver, coupled with his cautious testing, illustrates the balance between greed and caution.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with He Luoyun, asking him to deliver a letter and one hundred taels of silver to his adoptive father.
• Mo Hu delivers Chen Mo's custom-made armor and weapons, marking their first interaction in the story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mo Hu visits Chen Mo, revealing he's been assigned as Prefectural Tax Inspector, a seventh-rank position.
• Mo Hu shares his plan to investigate the Du Tian Dao Sect, suspecting their involvement in his elder brother's death.
• Chen Mo agrees to help Mo Hu if needed, and they toast to their plan.

Character Developments

• Mo Hu: Now a juren, he's more confident and takes initiative in seeking revenge for his elder brother.
• Chen Mo: Shows concern for Mo Hu's safety and agrees to help, demonstrating his loyalty to their brotherhood.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and brotherhood: Chen Mo and Mo Hu's bond is tested and strengthened by their shared desire for revenge.
• Investigation and corruption: The Du Tian Dao Sect's involvement in Mo Hu's elder brother's death hints at a larger web of corruption and intrigue.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Mo Hu: Their conversation reveals their shared determination to avenge Mo Hu's elder brother, leading to a secret pact.
• Chen Mo and the waiter: Chen Mo dismisses the waiter to ensure privacy during his conversation with Mo Hu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo receives evidence of Liu Mingqiao's corruption, bullying, and extortion.
• Liu Mingqiao's power comes from his relative, the Prefectural Assistant, and he acts with impunity due to this protection.
• Chen Mo plans to eliminate Liu Mingqiao to prevent potential threats.
• Chen Mo's adoptive father sends a letter ordering him to capture and control Liu Mingqiao, preferably alive.
• Chen Mo captures Liu Mingqiao, breaking his limbs but keeping him alive as ordered.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his ruthlessness and efficiency in dealing with Liu Mingqiao and his men.
• Liu Mingqiao's corruption and cruelty are further emphasized.
• Chen Mo's loyalty to his adoptive father is shown as he follows the orders in the letter without question.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption in government officials, with Liu Mingqiao's actions being enabled by his relative's influence.
• The contrast between Chen Mo's efficiency and ruthlessness and the ineffectiveness and cowardice of the local night watchmen.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with He Luoyun, his informant, and the night watchmen, showing his authority and lack of fear in dealing with them.
• Chen Mo captures and interrogates Liu Mingqiao, demonstrating his dominance over the corrupt official.
• Chen Mo's adoptive father is not present but influences the plot through his letter, showing his power and trust in Chen Mo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo, for the first time, uses torture to interrogate Liu Mingqiao, the Salt Transport Commissioner.
• Liu Mingqiao confesses to corruption and harming lives, but denies any involvement with the Prefectural Assistant's smuggling activities.
• Sun Shouren arrives, revealing that the Prefectural Assistant is in trouble for colluding with the Du Tian Dao Sect through Liu Mingqiao's smuggling operations.
• Sun Shouren hints that the imperial court will soon mobilize troops to suppress the Du Tian Dao Sect.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Shows his willingness to use torture for information, demonstrating his growing ruthlessness. He also displays strategic thinking by controlling Liu Mingqiao and seeking information from him.
• Liu Mingqiao: Breaks down under torture and confesses his crimes, revealing his cowardice and lack of loyalty to his backer, the Prefectural Assistant.
• Sun Shouren: Shows his political acumen by quickly understanding the situation and instructing Chen Mo to control Liu Mingqiao. He also reveals his ambition for Chen Mo's future.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and wealth, as seen in Liu Mingqiao's actions.
• The importance of connections and backing in the political world, as demonstrated by Sun Shouren's influence over Chen Mo's career.
• The impending conflict between the imperial court and the Du Tian Dao Sect, reflecting the theme of power struggles and rebellion.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Liu Mingqiao: Their interaction shows Chen Mo's growing ruthlessness and Liu Mingqiao's cowardice under pressure.
• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren: Their interaction highlights Sun Shouren's guidance and ambition for Chen Mo, as well as Chen Mo's respect and trust in his adoptive father.
• The people of Zhun Niu Market: Their discussions about Liu Mingqiao's disappearance reflect the public's disdain for corrupt officials and their desire for justice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo receives a letter from Mo Hu, revealing that the Du Tian Dao Sect is smuggling goods into Xingyuan Prefecture, with the Purple-Robed Daoist involved.
• Chen Mo decides to help Mo Hu ambush the smugglers to find the Purple-Robed Daoist's tracks.
• Chen Mo leaves Zhun Niu Market, traveling west to meet Mo Hu at a designated location.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his cautious and strategic thinking, preparing thoroughly for the mission.
• Mo Hu shows his investigative skills and determination to avenge his brother.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and camaraderie between Mo Hu, Mo Dao, and their personal guards.
• Chen Mo's responsibility and duty towards his adoptive father and the military.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Mo Hu reunite, sharing their findings and planning their ambush.
• Chen Mo shares food with Mo Hu and his guards, displaying his considerate nature.
• Chen Mo and Mo Hu's guards work together, showing their trust and camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo and Mo Hu ambush the Du Tian Dao Sect members transporting illicit goods through a jungle path.
• They use blood-imbued arrows and weapons to break the sect members' defensive abilities.
• The ambush is successful, but a Purple-Robed Daoist approaches, forcing them to hide and prepare for another attack.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's archery skills have improved significantly, and his strength has increased, allowing him to defeat the gray-robed old Daoist with ease.
• Mo Hu demonstrates strategic thinking by planning the ambush and adapting to unexpected situations.
• The gray-robed old Daoist initially shows resilience but later reveals a desire to live, suggesting a possible weakness in his conviction or a hidden agenda.

Significant Themes

• The power of surprise and preparation in combat.
• The resolve and conviction of the Du Tian Dao Sect members, and the potential cracks in their unity.
• The contrast between Chen Mo's and Mo Hu's approaches to dealing with captives, with Chen Mo favoring caution and Mo Hu preferring immediate action.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Mo Hu work together seamlessly, with Chen Mo providing crucial information through his enhanced senses and Mo Hu leading the tactical decisions.
• The gray-robed old Daoist initially shows defiance but later attempts to deceive them, highlighting the complex dynamics within the Du Tian Dao Sect.
• The Purple-Robed Daoist's arrival forces Chen Mo and Mo Hu to reassess their strategy, showcasing their adaptability and teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The purple-robed Daoist attacks Chen Mo and Mo Hu.
• Chen Mo reveals his immense strength, easily defeating the purple-robed Daoist.
• Chen Mo avenges Mo Hu's brother by killing the purple-robed Daoist.
• Chen Mo discovers two wooden chests containing valuable items: two types of stones (one dark red, one grayish-white) and two peculiar fruits resembling infants (Human Infant Fruits).

Character Developments

• Mo Hu: Realizes Chen Mo's significant strength increase and feels a mix of shock, respect, and gratitude.
• Chen Mo: Shows his powerful combat skills and curiosity about the discovered items.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Mo Hu's primary motivation throughout the chapter.
• Power and Strength: Chen Mo's display of immense power and the discovery of valuable items hinting at greater strength.
• Unusual Items: The discovery of the Human Infant Fruits and the grayish-white stone suggests a mysterious world beyond their current understanding.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Mo Hu: Chen Mo protects Mo Hu and avenges his brother, strengthening their bond.
• Chen Mo and the purple-robed Daoist: Chen Mo demonstrates his superior strength and kills the Daoist, fulfilling his promise to Mo Hu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo and Mo Hu burn the bodies of the Du Tian Dao Sect members to prevent reanimation.
• Chen Mo reveals his advanced cultivation of the Greedy Wolf Seven Kill Fist to Mo Hu, impressing him.
• Mo Hu and Chen Mo part ways, with Mo Hu taking the skull of the purple-robed Daoist for mourning.
• Chen Mo carries the two wooden chests containing valuable items, including Blood Essence Stones and Human Infant Fruits, back home.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his exceptional talent and strength, impressing Mo Hu and hinting at his potential for future success.
• Mo Hu, after avenging his brother, shows more cheerfulness and camaraderie with Chen Mo.

Significant Themes

• Talent and hard work: Chen Mo's exceptional talent is recognized, but his hard work and careful planning are also evident in his actions.
• Loyalty and friendship: The bond between Chen Mo and Mo Hu strengthens, with Mo Hu expressing his desire to help Chen Mo in the future.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Mo Hu: Their friendship deepens as they work together to avenge Mo Dao and share their plans for the future.
• Chen Mo and Mo Hu's personal guards: They assist in gathering firewood and burning the bodies, but their interactions are minimal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo examines a Blood Essence Stone, finding it smoother and flatter than the one he obtained from a blood monkey, indicating improved quality and more Blood Essence.
• He refines the stone, filling the Mortal Transformation Pearl and discovering it can still absorb excess Blood Essence, which forms blood-colored patterns on the pearl's surface.
• Chen Mo wonders if the surplus Blood Essence will be stored for future transformations or used entirely for this one.
• He takes a bath and has a meal with Zhao Yu, who manages the household expenses and keeps Chen Mo informed about them.
• Chen Mo decides to go into seclusion for cultivation and undergoes Mortal Transformation.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Shows meticulousness in examining the Blood Essence Stone and curiosity about the surplus Blood Essence. He is also considerate towards Zhao Yu, allowing her to manage the household funds freely and discussing expenses with her.
• Zhao Yu: Demonstrates responsibility in managing the household expenses and keeping Chen Mo informed. She also shows concern for Chen Mo's well-being, ensuring he rests after his journey.

Significant Themes

• Accumulation and improvement: Chen Mo's Blood Essence accumulation allows him to undergo Mortal Transformation, highlighting the theme of gradual improvement through persistent effort.
• Trust and responsibility: Chen Mo trusts Zhao Yu with managing the household funds, and she takes this responsibility seriously, showing mutual trust and respect between them.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu: Their interaction shows a harmonious relationship, with Chen Mo being considerate and Zhao Yu being responsible and caring. They discuss household expenses and Chen Mo's cultivation plans, demonstrating open communication and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo undergoes another Mortal Transformation using the Mortal Transformation Pearl.
• His physical body is further enhanced, and his Blood Qi Eye's power increases.
• Chen Mo's Greedy Wolf Seven Kill Fist advances to the sixth level, significantly boosting his physical strength.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's physical strength approaches or exceeds six thousand jin, placing him among the top martial artists in Xingyuan Prefecture.
• His control over his Blood Qi Eye improves, allowing him to regulate its power.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Mortal Transformation Pearl and its impact on Chen Mo's physical and inner energy growth.
• The balance between physical strength and inner energy in martial arts cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yu, Chen Mo's adoptive sister, is present but has minimal interaction in this chapter, mainly expressing surprise at Chen Mo's emergence from seclusion and offering him food.