Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian enters the Blessing, experiencing a transformation from ruins to a magnificent complex.
• He encounters a sudden rain of golden liquid, which he avoids using precise, acrobatic movements.
• Fu Qian seeks shelter from Tir and Nora, who are inside a building.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his extraordinary agility and control, showcasing his unique abilities.
• Tir and Nora display caution and wariness around Fu Qian, indicating their awareness of his power.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of faith, as seen in the transformation of the ruins.
• The danger and unpredictability of the Blessing, as exemplified by the sudden golden rain.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian interacts with Tir and Nora, displaying politeness and respect despite his powerful demeanor.
• Tir and Nora show caution and wariness around Fu Qian, highlighting the tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian captures a Soul Butterfly, a rare and valuable creature.
• The Soul Butterfly has a mind-confusing effect, causing those who look at their reflection in its wings to see disturbing images and lose resistance.
• Fu Qian tests the butterfly's effect, resisting its influence and proving its power.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his resilience and self-control by resisting the Soul Butterfly's mind-confusing effect.
• Nora, Tir, and the craftsman show caution and respect for Fu Qian's power, keeping their distance during the test.

Significant Themes

• The power of the mind and willpower, as Fu Qian resists the Soul Butterfly's influence.
• The value of preparation and knowledge, as Tir shares information about the Soul Butterfly to help Fu Qian.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian interacts with Nora, Tir, and the craftsman, showing trust in their intentions and respect for their caution.
• Nora and Tir show concern for Fu Qian's safety but also respect his decision to test the Soul Butterfly.
• Tir shares his knowledge with Fu Qian, demonstrating his experience and wisdom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian (Mr. Lu) learns about the Ancient Dragon and its connection to the Soul Butterflies from Tir and his team.
• The group discusses the Blessing's spatial chaos, making it difficult to leave before it ends.
• Fu Qian asks about signs preceding the Ancient Dragon's appearance and advises Tir's team to be more efficient in their exploration.
• Fu Qian offers Tir's team another Soul Butterfly, and they accept it, deciding to leave the area due to the increased risk.
• Fu Qian walks into the main hall and sits on a grand chair.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: Shows his intelligence and strategic thinking by extracting valuable information from Tir. He also demonstrates his power by creating Soul Butterflies.
• Tir: Proves himself to be a strategic thinker, prioritizing his team's safety and making decisions based on the new information they've gained.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Fu Qian's strength and knowledge put him in a position of power, allowing him to control the situation and influence Tir's team.
• Risk assessment: Both Fu Qian and Tir weigh the risks and benefits of their actions, with Tir ultimately deciding to leave the area due to the increased danger.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Tir: They engage in a mutually beneficial information exchange, with Fu Qian learning about the Ancient Dragon and Tir's team gaining a second Soul Butterfly.
• Tir and his team: They work together, with Tir making strategic decisions and Nora accepting the Soul Butterflies. They show unity and trust in each other's judgment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian enters a cathedral-like building with a golden seat at the center, suggesting it's a place of worship for the Ancient Dragon.
• An Ancient Dragon appears, initially showing its wings, then retreating into a golden river.
• The Dragon attacks Fu Qian with a silent spear, which he blocks. The Dragon then launches a powerful meteor attack, which Fu Qian also blocks.
• An Angel, identified as Lorraine, shoots a pure white arrow, striking the Dragon and interrupting its attack.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his strength and combat skills, easily blocking the Dragon's attacks.
• Lorraine shows her prowess as an Angel, her arrow causing significant damage to the Dragon.

Significant Themes

• The power and nature of the Ancient Dragon is explored, revealing it to be a condensation of special power rather than a true Deity.
• The theme of facing challenges head-on is reinforced when Fu Qian confronts the Dragon directly.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian interacts with the Ancient Dragon, initially observing it, then blocking its attacks.
• Lorraine interacts with the Dragon, her arrow striking it and causing significant damage.
• Fu Qian and Lorraine don't directly interact in this chapter, but Fu Qian acknowledges Lorraine's strike.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ancient Dragon dislikes conflict and retreats when at a disadvantage.
• Lorraine, the Pregnant Angel, and Elina enter the inn, suspecting Fu Qian to be an illusion.
• Fu Qian confirms his identity and discusses the Ancient Dragon's behavior with Elina.
• The Siren task force, led by Gerard, arrives through a shattered window, hesitant to enter due to potential danger.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian maintains his composure and decisiveness, even when facing the Ancient Dragon.
• Elina demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability, using Lorraine as a sniper and considering Fu Qian as bait.
• Lorraine remains alert and ready for combat, using her Divinity to sense the Ancient Dragon's location.
• Gerard shows caution and risk prevention, hesitant to enter the inn due to the potential threat.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Betrayals: Fu Qian suggests dissolving their temporary alliance, and Elina acknowledges using him as bait, highlighting the precarious nature of their cooperation.
• Trust and Suspicion: Both Elina and Gerard are initially suspicious of Fu Qian, questioning his true identity and intentions.
• Risk and Caution: Both Elina and Gerard exhibit caution, considering the potential dangers before acting.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Elina discuss the Ancient Dragon's behavior and their next steps, with Fu Qian showing understanding of Elina's strategy.
• Elina acknowledges using Fu Qian as bait, and he doesn't seem displeased, maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Gerard hesitates to enter the inn, showing caution and concern for his team's safety.
• Lorraine remains ready for combat, supporting Elina's decisions and actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian arrives at the Dragon Peak Inn, having walked there with the Sinking Anchor.
• Gerard and his team, the Siren, are already present, having split into two groups due to losses incurred.
• The Ji Clan arrives, led by Amir, who is hostile towards Gerard.
• A sudden, powerful golden torrent bursts in, engulfing Amir and the Ji Clan members.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: Shows a more casual and easy-going demeanor, but maintains his sharp wit and strategic thinking.
• Gerard: Struggles to understand Fu Qian's intentions and actions, feeling increasingly confused and frustrated.
• Amir: Demonstrates arrogance and hostility towards Gerard, underestimating the situation.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and misjudgments leading to confusion and conflict.
• The power dynamics and alliances between different factions.
• The unpredictable nature of supernatural events and their consequences.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Gerard: Fu Qian's nonchalant and sarcastic remarks contrast with Gerard's growing frustration and suspicion.
• Gerard and Amir: Their hostility escalates, with both sides blaming each other for their current situations.
• Fu Qian and Amir: Fu Qian invites Amir in, but the latter's fate is sealed by the sudden golden torrent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ancient Dragon reappears and attacks, this time with a more powerful and sustained assault.
• A Siren's head in a cage is revealed, emitting a captivating, magical song that affects the Ancient Dragon.
• The Ancient Dragon is captured by a projection of a deep-sea creature summoned by the Siren's song.
• The hunt for the Ancient Dragon appears to be over.

Character Developments

• Elina, initially planning to use Fu Qian as bait, is now frustrated as the Siren takes control of the situation.
• Fu Qian (Mr. Bait) remains unscathed and composed despite the Ancient Dragon's attack, further displaying his strange and powerful nature.

Significant Themes

• The hunt for power and control, as seen in the Siren's strategy and Fu Qian's response.
• The struggle between different entities for dominance, reflected in the Ancient Dragon's attempt to escape and the Siren's pursuit.

Character Interactions

• Elina and Lorraine exchange warnings and observations about the Siren's powerful weapon.
• Fu Qian and Elina have a brief, bewildering exchange about the Siren's intentions and the size of the golden throne.
• Gerard, successful in his ambush, interacts with Fu Qian, boasting about his prize.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gerard, the Siren leader, arrives and uses the Sinking Anchor to restrain Fu Qian.
• The Ancient Dragon's struggle intensifies outside, with Gerard allowing it to continue.
• Gerard leaves without guarding Fu Qian, considering him weakened.
• A powerful lightning storm hits the inn, seemingly off-target and aimed at the Siren team outside.
• Elina and her group survive the storm, and Fu Qian reveals that the attack was likely from the Siren team.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian remains composed and confident despite being restrained, hinting at hidden abilities.
• Elina shows concern for Fu Qian's well-being and offers help, but Fu Qian rebuffs her.
• Gerard demonstrates arrogance and overconfidence, underestimating Fu Qian.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and underestimation of opponents.
• The consequences of arrogance and overconfidence in battle.
• The struggle for survival and dominance among different factions.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Elina: Fu Qian rebuffs Elina's offer of help, maintaining his composure and confidence.
• Gerard and Fu Qian: Gerard underestimates Fu Qian, leading to potential consequences.
• Elina and Fu Qian: Elina shows concern for Fu Qian, but Fu Qian remains aloof and untrusting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A lightning storm engulfs the area, revealing Kelson, the Siren's representative, as the instigator.
• Kelson's attack misses the Ancient Dragon, indicating a hidden target.
• The Ancient Dragon disintegrates, revealing it was an illusion. Kelson pursues the real target.
• Fu Qian transforms, confirming Kelson's identity and preparing for confrontation.

Character Developments

• Elina and her team deduce Kelson's presence and the true target, deciding to leave.
• Fu Qian confirms Kelson as the threat and prepares to engage.

Significant Themes

• The hunt for the Ancient Dragon's true form and the hidden target.
• The power dynamics between Demigods and other creatures.
• The importance of deduction and observation in survival and strategy.

Character Interactions

• Elina and Fu Qian exchange information and insights, leading to Elina's team leaving.
• Fu Qian and Kelson prepare for a confrontation, hinting at a past relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian (disguised as Lu) and Kelson the Demigod face off at the Dragon Peak Inn.
• Kelson recognizes Fu Qian through his mask and the eyeball he shows.
• Kelson reveals that he knows Fu Qian is a member of the Native Council.
• Fu Qian uses his Tail flames to create a decoy, making tracking difficult.
• Kelson and Fu Qian engage in a conversation while the escaped prey (the real target) continues to flee.

Character Developments

• Kelson: Recognizes Fu Qian, believes him to be a member of the Native Council, and is determined to uncover their plans.
• Fu Qian: Maintains his ambiguity, trying to gather information from Kelson while revealing as little as possible about himself or the Native Council.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Misdirection: Fu Qian uses his Tail flames to create a decoy, highlighting the theme of deception and misdirection in their conflict.
• Alliances and Betrayals: The conversation between Kelson and Fu Qian revolves around their respective alliances and the betrayals within them.

Character Interactions

• Kelson and Fu Qian: Their interaction is tense and cautious, with each trying to gain information from the other while revealing as little as possible about their true intentions.
• Kelson and the Escaped Prey: Kelson shows no interest in pursuing the escaped prey, focusing instead on Fu Qian, indicating that Fu Qian is now his primary target.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian reveals his purpose: to catch the entity behind the recent events, which he believes is the same target Kelson is after.
• Kelson admits that they're hunting an entity causing conflicts within the Blessing.
• Fu Qian deduces that the entity is the Ancient Dragon, and it's protecting itself.
• Fu Qian reveals he's also there to catch the entity alive.
• Fu Qian uses his power to destabilize the Sinking Anchor, proving its effect on Supernatural Items.
• Kelson uses a Talisman to remove the Sinking Anchor from Fu Qian.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his power and intellect, proving he's a formidable opponent.
• Kelson shows his ability to adapt and understand goodwill, indicating his maturity and experience.

Significant Themes

• The power of intellect and strategy over brute force.
• The importance of understanding and cooperation in achieving common goals.
• The theme of debt and repayment, with Fu Qian offering to return the Sinking Anchor.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Kelson engage in a tense but strategic conversation, testing each other's intentions and abilities.
• Fu Qian's actions towards Kelson show a level of respect and understanding, despite their previous conflicts.
• Kelson's response to Fu Qian's actions indicates a willingness to cooperate, given the right circumstances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu meets Kelson, a Demigod, at the Blessing.
• Kelson uses the Sinking Anchor to restrain Lu, but Lu breaks free.
• Kelson decides not to attack Lu, instead leaving peacefully.
• Fu Qian, the narrator, decides to give Kelson time to make his own choice about his fate.
• Fu Qian uses Soul Butterflies to create an illusory image of a dragon on the golden throne.

Character Developments

• Lu demonstrates his power and restraint, showing he could have destroyed the Sinking Anchor but chose not to.
• Kelson shows caution and restraint, choosing not to attack Lu despite the opportunity.
• Fu Qian shows strategic thinking, deciding to give Kelson time and observing the situation before acting.

Significant Themes

• Power and restraint: Both Lu and Kelson show they have the power to act aggressively but choose not to, indicating a level of self-control and strategic thinking.
• Uncertainty and unpredictability: Both Lu and Fu Qian's actions are unpredictable, making Kelson feel like he's in an untraceable trap.

Character Interactions

• Lu and Kelson: Their interaction is tense but civil, with both showing respect and restraint. Lu even reminds Kelson to use the main entrance when leaving.
• Fu Qian and the situation: Fu Qian observes the situation and interacts with it strategically, deciding to give Kelson time and observing the Soul Butterflies' actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian encounters Sunny, the shopkeeper, in the Blessing, revealing that she's not just an illusion.
• Sunny tries to capture an insect that shouldn't exist, but Fu Qian's movement startles her.
• Fu Qian reveals he's a Demigod, and Sunny expresses surprise and wariness.
• Fu Qian questions Sunny about her actions, and she asks about his purpose in coming to the Blessing.
• Fu Qian reveals he's there to maintain world peace, and Sunny admits she's a puppet.
• Ah Long, the Ancient Dragon, appears and engages in conversation with Fu Qian.
• Fu Qian activates the Return Edict to slow down the emergence of Soul Butterflies, helping Ah Long escape.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his power and knowledge, showing he's aware of Sunny and Ah Long's true nature.
• Sunny, despite being a puppet, shows curiosity and wariness, revealing her independent thought processes.
• Ah Long, though injured and desperate, maintains his composure and engages in conversation with Fu Qian.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and true nature is prevalent, with Sunny being a puppet and Ah Long hiding his true form.
• The power dynamics between characters are explored, with Fu Qian's strength and knowledge putting him in a dominant position.
• The theme of world peace is introduced, with Fu Qian stating it as his purpose.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Sunny interact warily, with Fu Qian questioning her and Sunny expressing surprise and wariness.
• Fu Qian and Ah Long engage in a conversation, with Fu Qian showing understanding and Ah Long maintaining his composure.
• Sunny and Ah Long seem to have a shared understanding, with Sunny referring to Ah Long as "you" and Ah Long acknowledging her presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Long uses the Return Edict to dispel the Soul Butterfly Blessing.
• Fu Qian reveals he knows about A Long's true nature and the ancient Deity's Blessing.
• A Long confesses his actions were to prevent others from being blessed and becoming like him.
• Fu Qian reveals that A Long's actions have backfired, making his situation worse.

Character Developments

• A Long: Admits to his actions and expresses resentment towards the ancient Deity. Realizes his situation is dire.
• Fu Qian: Shows knowledge of A Long's past and present situation. Manipulates A Long into revealing more information.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient Deities and their Blessings.
• The consequences of defying one's fate or destiny.
• The manipulation of information and power dynamics.

Character Interactions

• A Long and Fu Qian: Fu Qian manipulates A Long into revealing his plans and the truth about his situation. A Long is forced to confront the reality of his dire circumstances.
• A Long and Sunny: A Long listens to Sunny's advice and cooperates with Fu Qian. Sunny's presence is acknowledged but not directly interacted with.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian, Ah Long, and Sunny discuss Sunny's plan to take Fu Qian's "umbilical cords" to control him.
• Fu Qian understands that Sunny wants to use him as a cover to hide from Kelson until the Blessing disappears.
• Sunny and Fu Qian reach an understanding; Sunny will stay, and Fu Qian won't kill her or force her to leave.
• Kelson arrives, questioning Sunny's presence.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates understanding and acceptance of Sunny's plan, showing maturity and control.
• Sunny shows regret for not targeting Kelson directly, revealing her strategic thinking.
• Kelson remains stoic and focused on his goals, despite Fu Qian's mocking.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and consequences of the Pact and its influences.
• The choices one makes and their impact on fate.
• The importance of respecting others' destinies.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Sunny have a tense but honest conversation about Sunny's plan.
• Fu Qian and Kelson engage in a verbal sparring match, with Kelson maintaining his composure.
• Sunny and Fu Qian reach an understanding, showing a level of trust between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sunny is questioned by Demigods Kelson and Fu Qian about her presence in the inn.
• Sunny claims she was pulled into the inn by an irresistible force and has been hiding due to the dangers inside.
• Kelson offers to take Sunny away, but Fu Qian allows her to stay, surprising Kelson.
• Fu Qian offers Kelson the chance to take one person from him, with no second chance, hinting at a potential conflict over their shared target.
• A glowing Tail appears in the shattered hall, startling Kelson, who then decides on his choice.

Character Developments

• Sunny maintains her composure under pressure but shows nervousness when Kelson wants to take her away.
• Kelson is initially suspicious of Sunny but decides to take her with him after seeing the glowing Tail.
• Fu Qian remains calm and collected, enjoying the situation and making a deal with Kelson.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and negotiations between Demigods.
• The importance of information and leads in the search for the bug.
• The consequences of making deals with potentially dangerous entities.

Character Interactions

• Sunny interacts with Kelson and Fu Qian, trying to maintain her story under their scrutiny.
• Kelson and Fu Qian engage in a tense exchange, with Kelson trying to take Sunny and Fu Qian allowing it but hinting at potential consequences.
• Kelson's decision to take Sunny changes after he sees the glowing Tail, indicating a shift in his priorities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kelson exposes Fu Qian's manipulation of the inn and its patrons to mislead him.
• A'Long, the Ancient Dragon, is revealed and attacks Kelson after being cornered.
• Kelson uses a Supernatural Item to defend against A'Long's initial attack.
• A'Long uses its divine Tail to counter Kelson's lightning cage and lands a heavy blow on him.
• Kelson's arm is severely injured, but he retaliates by exploding the lightning cage, injuring A'Long.

Character Developments

• Kelson demonstrates his keen observation and analytical skills, seeing through Fu Qian's manipulations.
• A'Long shows adaptability and desperation, using its divine Tail as a last resort.
• Sunny is exposed as an accomplice, but her intelligence is crushed by Kelson's words.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Fu Qian uses the inn and its patrons to mislead Kelson, while Kelson uses Sunny to mislead A'Long.
• Power dynamics: Kelson's power and intelligence allow him to gain the upper hand in the situation, but A'Long's desperation and divine Tail make it a formidable opponent.
• The consequences of actions: Kelson acknowledges that killing someone always comes at a price, referring to his injured arm.

Character Interactions

• Kelson and Fu Qian: They engage in a battle of wits, with Kelson exposing Fu Qian's manipulations and Fu Qian trying to mislead Kelson.
• Kelson and A'Long: They engage in a physical battle, with Kelson using his lightning cage and Supernatural Item, and A'Long using its divine Tail.
• Kelson and Sunny: Kelson uses Sunny to mislead A'Long, crushing her intelligence with his words.

Dragon Peak Inn (Chapter 32) Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kelson defeats A'Long, who transforms into a pile of high-ranked ice crystals.
• Kelson takes a fingernail-sized fragment as proof and leaves, acknowledging Fu Qian's right to the rest.
• Fu Qian reassembles some larger fragments and observes their pattern, similar to the Soul Butterfly.
• Fu Qian interacts with Sunny, who reveals she's a puppet controlled by her past self, who entered the Blessing alone and grabbed all three umbilical cords.

Character Developments

• Kelson: Confident in his strength, he views A'Long as no threat and is wary only of Fu Qian.
• Fu Qian: Shows interest in the ice crystal fragments and their pattern, hinting at his knowledge about the Pact. He also demonstrates understanding of Sunny's situation.
• Sunny: Reveals her past experience in the Blessing, her ability to control her puppet body, and her purpose to prevent others from repeating her actions.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Sunny's gain of power comes with the cost of being trapped in a puppet body.
• Knowledge and understanding: Fu Qian's knowledge about the Pact and Sunny's situation gives him an advantage.
• Choice and destiny: Fu Qian acknowledges everyone's right to choose and bear their own destiny.

Character Interactions

• Kelson and Fu Qian: Kelson is polite but not friendly towards Fu Qian, acknowledging his right to the ice crystals but not considering him an ally.
• Fu Qian and Sunny: Fu Qian probes Sunny's past and her current situation, showing understanding and gentleness, while Sunny is honest and forthcoming despite her fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sunny reveals she's been deceiving the Soul Butterfly cult, making them believe being misled leads only to death, not apostleship.
• Fu Qian reveals he's aware of Sunny's true intentions and her connection to the Ancient Dragon.
• Fu Qian asks Sunny to deliver a message to Kelson, the Siren's representative.

Character Developments

• Sunny: Shows rebellion against the Soul Butterfly cult, maintaining her principles despite the risks. Reveals her fear of becoming a puppet to the Ancient Dragon.
• Fu Qian: Demonstrates his omniscience, understanding Sunny's true intentions and plans. Shows a desire to maintain world peace.

Significant Themes

• Rebellion against authority (Sunny vs. the Soul Butterfly cult)
• The consequences of deception (Sunny's fear of becoming a puppet)
• The struggle for self-preservation (Sunny's despair and Fu Qian's revelation)

Character Interactions

• Sunny and Fu Qian: Sunny reveals her secrets to Fu Qian, who uses this information to manipulate her into delivering a message to Kelson.
• Sunny and the Soul Butterfly cult: Sunny's deception of the cult is revealed, highlighting her rebellion against their authority.
• Sunny and the Ancient Dragon: Sunny's fear of becoming a puppet to the Ancient Dragon is revealed, showing her struggle for self-preservation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sunny delivers a message from Lu to Kelson, the Demigod, verbatim, revealing Lu's departure and interest in further communication.
• Kelson lets Sunny go, surprising her, and expresses his satisfaction with Lu's visit to Fu Qian.
• Fu Qian, in the golden throne room, discusses Sunny's future plans and suggests she work at Lanaia's tavern for protection and control methods.

Character Developments

• Sunny: Shows courage in delivering the message to Kelson, experiences relief and joy at escaping death, and displays gratitude towards Fu Qian.
• Kelson: Reveals his interest in Lu and his manipulative nature, subtly guiding the situation with Sunny.
• Fu Qian: Acts as a mentor figure, providing guidance and a job lead to Sunny, and hints at potential protection for her.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter explores the power dynamics between Sunny, Kelson, and Lu, with Kelson's power and influence being evident.
• Choice and Consequence: Fu Qian emphasizes that choices determine fate, reflecting on Sunny's decision to deliver the message to Kelson.
• Manipulation: Kelson's actions suggest he is manipulating Sunny, while Fu Qian manipulates the situation to benefit Sunny.

Character Interactions

• Sunny and Kelson: Sunny delivers the message to Kelson, who lets her go after expressing satisfaction with Lu's visit.
• Sunny and Fu Qian: Fu Qian provides guidance and a job lead to Sunny, acting as a mentor figure.
• Kelson and Fu Qian: Though not directly interacting, their actions and decisions influence each other's plans.