Chapter Summaries

Chen Mo decides to become a Zombie to listen to the ghost story and gain the power to defeat Goddess Hong Deng. He seeks advice from Su Yuqing and learns about the process of becoming a Zombie, the importance of the Spirit Preservation Method, and the Youth Preserving Pill. He also learns that zombies have weaknesses, and their zombie stripes can be pried off.
Chen Mo returns to the Green Wolf Gang, where his master, Tang Binghu, senses that Chen Mo is planning something big and dangerous. Tang Binghu takes care of Chen Mo, giving him the Youth Preserving Pill and a talisman with a wisp of his spirit. Chen Mo leaves the Green Wolf Gang, taking a horse towards Juan'er's location.
On the way, Chen Mo encounters two fishermen who were following him. They are revealed to be from the Shen Family, sent to investigate Chen Mo's identity. Chen Mo kills them and continues on his journey.
Chen Mo arrives at Juan'er's swamp and finds her waiting for him. He learns that the two Zombies have not made any moves. Chen Mo boards the boat and sees Goddess Hong Deng and the Black Clothed Old Man tied up. He decides to test his plan to become a Zombie on the Black Clothed Old Man first.
Chen Mo kills the Black Clothed Old Man and pries off his seven zombie stripes. He learns from the panel that these stripes are from a Yin Water Corpse Ghost and that the old man was originally a ghost who absorbed the Corpse Qi of the Yin Water Corpse Ghost. Chen Mo also learns that he can deconstruct the zombie stripes to gain Original Understanding Essence.
Chen Mo decides to become a Zombie and modifies his physique to be compatible with the Corpse Qi. He is aware of the risks, such as the smell of decay and the possibility of uncontrollable mental states, but he feels confident that he can manage them. He is determined to become a Zombie and gain the power to defeat Goddess Hong Deng.

Chen Mo, now a Zombie, devours Goddess Hong Deng to absorb her spirit and zombie patterns. He faces a choice: modify his physique to accommodate the high-quality Red Moon Essence zombie pattern, which has unknown risks. Meanwhile, in Tang Family Fortress, Lu Chengzhuang, Tang Ziyu, and Elder Tang sense the disappearance of Goddess Hong Deng's Dharma Form. Nangong Ye and Chen Kun arrive at Qinghe Town, marveling at the Qinghe River's creation by an ancient swordmaster.

Key Points

Chen Mo's Actions

• Absorbs Goddess Hong Deng's spirit to control his Zombie powers.
• Chooses to modify his physique to accommodate the high-quality Red Moon Essence zombie pattern, despite unknown risks.
• Chen Mo's Zombie powers and Ghostly Object cultivation both increase significantly.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo's actions are noticed by Lu Chengzhuang, Tang Ziyu, and Elder Tang, who are astonished by his power.
• Nangong Ye and Chen Kun arrive at Qinghe Town, admiring the Qinghe River's creation by an ancient swordmaster.

Themes

• Power and Risk: Chen Mo's decision to modify his physique highlights the theme of gaining power at the risk of unknown consequences.
• Ancient Power: The creation of the Qinghe River by an ancient swordmaster showcases the theme of ancient power and its lingering influence.

Character Development

• Chen Mo's character is further developed as he becomes more powerful and takes greater risks.
• Nangong Ye and Chen Kun's arrival at Qinghe Town suggests their growing involvement in the story.

Chen Kun and Nangong Ye encounter a tea pavilion with a black-robed Old Daoist and his daughter, Big Ling Dang, who tell them a ghost story about a master who tried to dig through Dayin Mountain a hundred years ago. The story ends with the master's wife and entourage being cursed and turned into ghosts. Nangong Ye realizes they've entered a Field and must listen to the story to escape. After the story, they leave, but the tea pavilion appears again, and the Old Daoist insists they listen to another story. Nangong Ye agrees, and the Old Daoist begins telling the story of the master's wife and her entourage.
Meanwhile, Chen Mo absorbs the red moonlight from Jiang Hongyue, causing his zombie patterns to mutate. He gains serpent-like characteristics, including snake fangs and the ability to communicate with snakes. He tests his new powers on a king cobra and decides to bring snakes with him when fighting. He then sees a large number of ships approaching, led by a man resembling Shen Song, and decides to test his new powers against him.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Chen Kun and Nangong Ye encounter a tea pavilion with a black-robed Old Daoist and his daughter, Big Ling Dang.
2. The Old Daoist tells them a ghost story about a master who tried to dig through Dayin Mountain a hundred years ago.
3. Nangong Ye realizes they've entered a Field and must listen to the story to escape.
4. After the story, they leave, but the tea pavilion appears again, and the Old Daoist insists they listen to another story.
5. Nangong Ye agrees, and the Old Daoist begins telling the story of the master's wife and her entourage.
6. Chen Mo absorbs the red moonlight from Jiang Hongyue, causing his zombie patterns to mutate.
7. He gains serpent-like characteristics, including snake fangs and the ability to communicate with snakes.
8. He tests his new powers on a king cobra and decides to bring snakes with him when fighting.
9. He sees a large number of ships approaching, led by a man resembling Shen Song, and decides to test his new powers against him.

Character Developments

1. Chen Kun: Becomes more curious and eager to learn about the past events in Dayin Mountain.
2. Nangong Ye: Realizes the danger of Dayin Mountain and the power of the Field, becoming more cautious and determined to find out what happened to Jiang Hongyue.
3. Chen Mo: Absorbs the red moonlight, causing his zombie patterns to mutate and gain serpent-like characteristics. He becomes more confident in his powers and decides to test them against the approaching ships.

Significant Themes

1. The power of storytelling and its ability to trap listeners in a Field.
2. The danger and mystery of Dayin Mountain, which has caused the decline of Great Gan and the death of many powerful figures.
3. The mutation of zombie patterns and the acquisition of new abilities, such as serpent-like characteristics and the ability to communicate with snakes.

Character Interactions

1. Chen Kun and Nangong Ye: Chen Kun becomes more curious and eager to learn, while Nangong Ye becomes more cautious and determined. They work together to navigate the Field and listen to the ghost stories.
2. Chen Mo and Juan'er: Chen Mo tests his new powers on a king cobra with Juan'er's help. They decide to bring snakes with them when fighting.
3. Chen Mo and the approaching ships: Chen Mo decides to test his new powers against the approaching ships led by a man resembling Shen Song.

Chen Mo, now an eight-pattern Zombie, defeats and absorbs Shen Qianshui, gaining eight incense sticks of ghost cultivation. He decides to investigate the Zhou and Zhong families for the Four Souls Jade. Meanwhile, the Shen and Tang families react to Shen Qianshui's death, with Shen Zishan and Tang Binghu both writing calligraphy pieces reflecting their current moods. Tang Binghu, upon learning of Chen Mo's involvement, sends Tang Mei to find and protect him.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Chen Mo defeats and absorbs Shen Qianshui, gaining eight incense sticks of ghost cultivation.
2. Chen Mo decides to investigate the Zhou and Zhong families for the Four Souls Jade.
3. Shen Zishan writes a calligraphy piece with the character "Prosperity" to motivate Shen Wudao.
4. Tang Binghu writes a calligraphy piece with the sentence "On the path, people are like jade; a young master, peerless in the world" to express his longing for Chen Mo.
5. Tang Binghu learns of Chen Mo's involvement in Shen Qianshui's death and sends Tang Mei to find and protect him.

Character Developments

1. Chen Mo's strength and cultivation increase significantly after absorbing Shen Qianshui.
2. Shen Zishan's confidence in the Shen Family's future grows, leading him to write a calligraphy piece to motivate Shen Wudao.
3. Tang Binghu's concern for Chen Mo deepens, leading him to write a calligraphy piece expressing his longing for his disciple and sending Tang Mei to protect him.

Significant Themes

1. The power of the Four Souls Jade in blessing ghosts and increasing their growth potential.
2. The importance of family and mentorship in character development and growth.
3. The consequences of underestimating one's enemies and the dangers of overconfidence.

Character Interactions

1. Chen Mo interacts with Shen Qianshui, ultimately defeating and absorbing him.
2. Shen Zishan interacts with Shen Wudao through his calligraphy piece.
3. Tang Binghu interacts with Tang Mei, sending her to find and protect Chen Mo.
4. Tang Binghu interacts with Tang Lei, discussing the Golden Light Master's effigy and Chen Mo's potential involvement in Shen Qianshui's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo and Juan'er arrive in Liyuan Town, struggling to find customers for their ghost-exorcising business.
• They are hired by a maidservant, Xiao Huan, from the Huangmei Opera Troupe, which has been plagued by strange occurrences.
• Chen Mo meets the troupe's leader, Zhong Lihong, and her childhood sweetheart, Guo Xing.
• Chen Mo discovers that Xiao Huan is actually Guo Xing, and Zhong Lihong's hair is the Four Souls Jade.
• The hair shadow, which is the Four Souls Jade, reveals that Zhong Lihong is responsible for the accidents in the troupe.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's Ghostly Object cultivation reaches the Great Perfection of Eight Incense Sticks, and his Dragon Elephant Skill reaches the Great Perfection of the second level.
• Chen Mo learns that deconstructing objects now requires Original Understanding Essence.
• Zhong Lihong is revealed to be suffering from multiple personalities, with her hair being the Four Souls Jade.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Four Souls Jade is hinted at, and its connection to the Zhou and Zhong Families is strengthened.
• The theme of multiple personalities and the presence of multiple souls in the world is introduced.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with Zhong Lihong, Xiao Huan (Guo Xing), and the hair shadow (Four Souls Jade).
• The interactions reveal the complex relationships and secrets among the characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. The Shen Family's Plan: Shen Zishan decides to wait for Tang Xianhe's death before attacking the Tang Family Fortress. He sends Baishan to Liyuan Town to track Tang Xianhe's movements, hoping to catch him meeting with Chen Mo and use that as leverage to force Tang Xianhe to hand Chen Mo over to the Shen Family.
2. Tang Xianhe's Search: Tang Xianhe and Tang Feifei continue their search in Liyuan Town, focusing on an ancient mansion. Tang Xianhe believes there is something valuable hidden there, related to the Zhong Family's Four Souls Jade.
3. Chen Mo's Investigation: Chen Mo investigates the Huangmei Opera Troupe, discovering that the long-haired ghost is likely the hair of Zhong Lihong's ancestor. He also finds four spirit tablets, indicating that all descendants of the Zhong Family are dead. He decides to leave the mansion but finds an ancestral tablet for himself, causing him to feel an inexplicable chill.

Character Developments

1. Shen Zishan: He remains calm and calculating, focusing on the long-term plan to eliminate the Tang Family. He is willing to wait for the right opportunity to strike.
2. Tang Xianhe: He is determined to find the Zhong Family's Four Souls Jade, believing it to be the key to resolving the current situation. He is also willing to wait for the right moment to act.
3. Chen Mo: He becomes more cautious and wary, realizing that the Zhong Family's curse is still active. He decides to leave the mansion after finding the ancestral tablet for himself.

Significant Themes

1. Patience and Long-term Planning: Both Shen Zishan and Tang Xianhe exhibit patience and a willingness to wait for the right moment to act, rather than rushing into decisions.
2. The Curse of the Zhong Family: The Zhong Family's curse is a significant theme, with Chen Mo discovering that all descendants of the Zhong Family are dead, and even finding an ancestral tablet for himself.
3. The Search for the Four Souls Jade: The search for the Four Souls Jade remains a central theme, with Tang Xianhe focused on finding it in Liyuan Town, and Chen Mo discovering its potential connection to the Zhong Family.

Character Interactions

1. Shen Zishan and Shen Wudao: They discuss the plan to eliminate the Tang Family, with Shen Zishan entrusting Shen Wudao with the task of tracking Tang Xianhe in Liyuan Town.
2. Tang Xianhe and Tang Feifei: They work together to search the ancient mansion in Liyuan Town, with Tang Xianhe guiding Tang Feifei on what to look for.
3. Chen Mo and Juan'er: They explore the Huangmei Opera Troupe together, with Juan'er providing emotional support and assistance to Chen Mo. They also share a moment of fright when they discover the ancestral tablet for Chen Mo.

Detailed but Concise

The Shen Family plans to wait for Tang Xianhe's death before attacking the Tang Family Fortress. Tang Xianhe searches for the Zhong Family's Four Souls Jade in Liyuan Town. Chen Mo investigates the Huangmei Opera Troupe, discovering the curse of the Zhong Family and an ancestral tablet for himself. The theme of patience and long-term planning is prominent, with the search for the Four Souls Jade remaining a central focus. Characters interact based on their goals and relationships.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo discovers that his hair is growing back, which turns out to be the Long-Haired Ghost.
• Chen Mo learns about the Zhong Family's history and the Four Souls Jade's true purpose from Zhong Xu's memories.
• Chen Mo decides to control the Four Souls Jade and become stronger, despite the risk of insanity.
• Chen Mo meets two martial artists who reveal that Shen Baishan is monitoring an old house, suspecting the Golden Light Master to be there.
• Chen Mo investigates and finds that Shen Baishan is living in a red-tiled house near the old house, with Tang Xianhe and Tang Feifei inside the old house.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Becomes more cautious and determined after learning about the Four Souls Jade's true purpose. He decides to control it despite the risks.
• Zhong Xu: His memories reveal his tragic end and the true purpose of the Four Souls Jade.
• Tang Xianhe: Continues to search for the Four Souls Jade in the old house, unaware of the danger outside.
• Tang Feifei: Discovers that the Shen Family is monitoring them and reports it to her father.
• Shen Baishan: Lives in luxury with two concubines, unaware of the danger approaching.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Four Souls Jade and its potential dangers.
• The consequences of Zhong Xu's actions and the true purpose of the Four Souls Jade.
• The tension between the Tang Family and the Shen Family, with the Golden Light Master caught in the middle.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with the two martial artists, learning about Shen Baishan's whereabouts.
• Tang Xianhe and Tang Feifei discuss their situation and the Shen Family's presence.
• Shen Baishan interacts with his concubines, unaware of the impending danger.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo infiltrates the ancient village and encounters Tang Xianhe and Tang Feifei, who are searching for the Zhong Family's Four Souls Jade.
• Chen Mo discovers a booklet left by Zhong Xu, revealing the Zhong Family's Four Souls Jade pattern is a mustache, and speculates about the Zhou Family's pattern being a python.
• Tang Xianhe attacks Chen Mo, and a fierce battle ensues. Chen Mo uses his zombie abilities to escape but is severely injured.
• Chen Mo and Tang Xianhe exchange blows, with Tang Xianhe's punches causing significant damage to Chen Mo's zombie body.
• Chen Mo escapes, and Tang Xianhe is unable to catch him. Tang Xianhe returns to the Tang Family Fortress, dejected and hopeless.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Shows exceptional strength and resilience, managing to escape from Tang Xianhe despite being severely injured. He also demonstrates strategic thinking by using his zombie abilities to evade Tang Xianhe's attacks.
• Tang Xianhe: Reveals his monstrous strength and power, capable of crushing Chen Mo with his punches. He shows determination in his pursuit of the Zhong Family's Four Souls Jade, even after suffering a significant setback.
• Tang Feifei: Shows concern for her father's well-being and the Tang Family Fortress's future. She is determined to protect her family's interests.

Significant Themes

• Power and Greed: The Four Souls Jade is a powerful artifact that families will go to great lengths to obtain. This greed drives characters to act aggressively and make sacrifices.
• Identity and Belonging: Chen Mo struggles with his identity as a zombie and his connection to the Zhong Family. Tang Xianhe and Tang Feifei grapple with their family's legacy and their place in the Tang Family Fortress.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Tang Xianhe: Their interaction is marked by intense combat, with Tang Xianhe initially having the upper hand. However, Chen Mo's zombie abilities allow him to escape, leaving Tang Xianhe frustrated and unable to catch him.
• Tang Xianhe and Tang Feifei: Their relationship is one of mutual respect and concern. Tang Feifei shows understanding of her father's determination, while Tang Xianhe shows affection towards his daughter.

Chen Mo continues his rampage, killing divine masters and seizing their cultivation in various county towns under the Shen family's jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Shen Wudao and Shen Baishan try to intercept him but fail. Chen Mo's cultivation reaches the Great Perfection of nine incense sticks and nine patterns, and he successfully illuminates two divine lords through Blood Illumination: the Black Armored Knight from the Tang Family Fortress and the pattern of the Four Souls Jade itself. Chen Mo decides to modify his body to fuse with the Four Souls Jade, leading to a violent transformation. After the transformation, Chen Mo discovers he has become a Black Shadow Ghost and a Black Zombie, comparable to human experts in the Dust-Cleansing Realm. His body also undergoes significant changes, allowing him to change his appearance at will and pull out his bones as weapons. However, he must now prioritize gathering spirit to control his powerful zombie body and avoid losing control.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Chen Mo continues his killing spree, targeting divine masters in Shen family territory.
2. Shen Wudao and Shen Baishan fail to intercept Chen Mo.
3. Chen Mo reaches the Great Perfection of nine incense sticks and nine patterns.
4. Chen Mo illuminates two divine lords through Blood Illumination: the Black Armored Knight and the pattern of the Four Souls Jade.
5. Chen Mo modifies his body to fuse with the Four Souls Jade, triggering a violent transformation.
6. After the transformation, Chen Mo becomes a Black Shadow Ghost and a Black Zombie.
7. Chen Mo's body undergoes significant changes, allowing him to alter his appearance and use his bones as weapons.
8. Chen Mo must now prioritize gathering spirit to control his powerful zombie body.

Character Developments

1. Chen Mo's cultivation and power significantly increase, allowing him to transform into a Black Shadow Ghost and a Black Zombie.
2. Chen Mo's body undergoes changes, enabling him to alter his appearance and use his bones as weapons.
3. Shen Wudao and Shen Baishan's attempts to intercept Chen Mo fail, highlighting their inability to catch up to him.

Significant Themes

1. The power of the Four Souls Jade is further demonstrated as Chen Mo fuses with it and undergoes a transformation.
2. The struggle between the Shen and Tang families continues as Chen Mo targets the Shen family's divine masters.
3. The importance of spirit is emphasized as Chen Mo must now prioritize gathering spirit to control his powerful zombie body.

Character Interactions

1. Chen Mo and Juan'er continue to work together, with Juan'er providing support and assistance to Chen Mo.
2. Shen Wudao and Shen Baishan interact as they try to intercept Chen Mo, highlighting their frustration and inability to catch up to him.
3. Chen Mo's transformation leads to a change in his appearance, which he can now alter at will.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Chen Mo discovers he has grown hair, indicating his Black Zombie transformation is complete.
+ Chen Mo overhears a conversation between Shen Wudao and a woman named Bai Ye from the Black Mountain Tower. Bai Ye agrees to help Shen Wudao frame Shen Baishan for a price.
+ Chen Mo makes a deal with Bai Ye to exchange Shen Wudao's head for information about the Blood Tiger Master.
+ Chen Mo senses Shen Baishan is in danger and goes to save him.
+ Shen Wudao confronts Shen Baishan, accusing him of being a mole and intending to capture him.

Character Developments

+ Chen Mo's hair grows back, indicating his Black Zombie transformation is complete.
+ Shen Wudao's ambition is revealed as he plans to seize control of the Shen Family.
+ Shen Baishan's guilt over betraying his family fades as he becomes more comfortable with his new lifestyle.

Significant Themes

+ Ambition and its consequences (Shen Wudao)
+ Betrayal and guilt (Shen Baishan)
+ Power and its corrupting influence (Shen Wudao, Black Mountain Tower)

Character Interactions

+ Chen Mo interacts with Bai Ye, making a deal with her.
+ Shen Wudao and Shen Baishan have a tense confrontation, with Shen Wudao planning to frame and capture Shen Baishan.
+ Chen Mo arrives to save Shen Baishan, revealing his presence to Shen Wudao.

Character Motivations

+ Chen Mo is driven by a desire to strengthen his cultivation and gain more incense offerings.
+ Shen Wudao is motivated by ambition and a desire to seize control of the Shen Family.
+ Shen Baishan is motivated by guilt and a desire to maintain his new lifestyle.
+ Bai Ye is motivated by profit and the desire to maintain her organization's reputation.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo admits to being the Golden Light Master and kills Shen Wudao with a single punch.
• Shen Baishan takes over as the leader of the Shen Family and returns to the prefectural city with Shen Wudao's coffin.
• Chen Mo meets with Bai Ye for the transaction and learns about the Blood Tiger Master's origins and details.
• Chen Mo arrives at the Golden Light Temple in Dayu County and meets Shao Qiu and Shao Yun, who have been worshipping him as the Golden Light Master.
• Chen Mo appoints Shao Qiu as the Great Attendant and Shao Yun as the Second Attendant, tasking them with establishing shrines and offering incense to him in the counties where Masters have died.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Becomes more confident and assertive in his identity as the Golden Light Master, displaying his power by killing Shen Wudao. He also shows his strategic thinking by appointing Shao Qiu and Shao Yun as attendants to manage the incense offerings.
• Shen Baishan: Takes over as the leader of the Shen Family after Shen Wudao's death and returns to the prefectural city. He is more cunning and ambitious than Shen Wudao, aiming to clear all future trouble and take complete control of the Shen Family.
• Shao Qiu and Shao Yun: Show their loyalty and sincerity to Chen Mo, offering to establish shrines and manage incense offerings for him. They are also willing to take on the roles of Great Attendant and Second Attendant, respectively.

Significant Themes

• The power of incense offerings and their importance to Chen Mo's cultivation and spirit.
• The struggle for power and control within the Shen Family and the prefectural city.
• The relationship between Chen Mo and the Shao siblings, highlighting their loyalty and Chen Mo's ability to inspire devotion.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Shen Wudao: Their confrontation and battle highlight Chen Mo's immense power and Shen Wudao's underestimation of him.
• Chen Mo and Bai Ye: Their transaction is smooth and mutually beneficial, with Bai Ye showing respect for Chen Mo's skills and Chen Mo appreciating her professionalism.
• Chen Mo and the Shao siblings: Their interaction shows Chen Mo's willingness to accept their help and delegate tasks, while the Shao siblings display their eagerness to serve him and establish shrines in his name.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Chen Mo returns to the Dayu Golden Light Temple and finds that the incense offerings have increased significantly due to the establishment of temples in over a dozen counties.
2. Chen Mo decides to return to the prefectural city to stop the Shen Family's advance and protect his incense offerings.
3. Chen Mo learns from Shao Qiu that the Blood Tiger Master was originally a divine and strange tiger from Tiger Head Mountain, who developed a taste for human flesh and became a man-eating monster.
4. Chen Mo discovers that the Blood Tiger Master can mutate and become even more powerful by consuming human remains and incense.
5. In the prefectural city, the Shen Family is in mourning for Shen Wudao. Shen Yu, Shen Wudao's wife, is leading a group of Shen Family disciples to demand that the Tang Family Fortress hand over Chen Mo or acknowledge that Chen Mo is the Golden Light Master.
6. Shen Zishan goes to the Blood Tiger Shrine to consult the Blood Tiger Master but finds the Blood Tiger Master acting strangely.

Character Developments

Chen Mo

* His mental state improves significantly due to the increased incense offerings.
* He learns about the Blood Tiger Master's origins and abilities.
* He decides to return to the prefectural city to protect his incense offerings and deal with the Shen Family.

Shen Yu

* She is determined to avenge her husband and is willing to go to war with the Tang Family Fortress.
* She is acting irrationally and aggressively, putting the Shen Family in a difficult position.

Shen Zishan

* He is old and exhausted, struggling to maintain control of the Shen Family.
* He goes to consult the Blood Tiger Master but finds the situation unusual.

Significant Themes

1. Incense Offerings: The importance of incense offerings for ghosts and the power they gain from them.
2. Power and Weakness: The balance of power between the Tang Family Fortress and the Shen Family, and how it shifts with the death of key figures.
3. Desperation: The desperation of Shen Yu to avenge her husband and the desperation of Tang Xianhe to protect his family's legacy.

Character Interactions

1. Chen Mo and Shao Qiu: Chen Mo learns about the Blood Tiger Master's origins from Shao Qiu and entrusts him with protecting the incense offerings in Dayu County.
2. Shen Yu and Shen Baishan: Shen Yu blames Shen Baishan for her husband's death and wants to take him to the Tang Family Fortress to demand justice.
3. Shen Zishan and the Blood Tiger Master: Shen Zishan goes to the Blood Tiger Shrine to consult the Blood Tiger Master but finds the situation strange, with the Blood Tiger Master acting unusually.

Significant Quotes

• "The more I know, the more uneasy I feel. When I return to the prefectural city, I will investigate this matter thoroughly. However, my spirit is too weak right now; I need Shao Qiu and Shao Yun to quickly erect a few shrines for me..." (Chen Mo)
• "Our Shen Family has always relied on ourselves. When did we ever depend on the Prefect? The Prefect only allocated us the incense offerings from twenty-four counties. Other than that, what else has he done for our Shen Family? Now the Tang Family Fortress is bullying us to this extent. If we still count on the Prefect, we'll eventually be devoured bit by bit by the Tang Family Fortress. At this moment, we must rely on ourselves and immediately go to the Tang Family Fortress to demand our people back. If they refuse to hand them over, we'll directly kill Tang Xianhe!" (Shen Yu)
• "Father, I know you're capable, but the Shen Family still has Tang Xianhe. What if... (Shen Baishan)
• "What are you afraid of? Tang Xianhe has the Blood Illumination divine ability, and so do I. He illuminates the Lord Black God, and I illuminate the Blood Tiger Master. The Lord Black God couldn't defeat the Blood Tiger Master back then, so can he defeat him now?" (Shen Yu)

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Xianhe sends Tang Feifei to inform Tang Binghu about the situation and give him a letter.
• Tang Binghu decides to abandon the Green Wolf Gang and head north to Nanzhou, leaving Tang Xianhe behind to stall the Shen Family.
• Chen Mo returns to the Green Wolf Gang and reveals his true identity and cultivation to Tang Binghu.
• Tang Binghu gives Chen Mo the Four Souls Jade and appoints him as the Young Fortress Master, tasking him with saving Tang Xianhe.
• Chen Mo sets off for Tang Family Fortress, determined to face the Shen Family and Blood Tiger Master.
• Outside Tang Family Fortress, Shen Yu grows impatient and decides to summon Blood Tiger Master, while Tang Xianhe prepares to face her.

Character Developments

• Tang Xianhe shows his resolve to sacrifice himself for the Tang family, sending his son away and preparing to face the Shen Family alone.
• Tang Binghu struggles with the decision to abandon his father but ultimately prioritizes the Tang family's survival.
• Chen Mo reveals his true cultivation and power, gaining Tang Binghu's trust and support.
• Shen Yu becomes increasingly aggressive and impatient, eager to avenge her husband.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice and responsibility: Tang Xianhe and Tang Binghu both make great sacrifices for the Tang family, showing their deep sense of responsibility.
• Power dynamics: The power disparity between the Shen and Tang families becomes evident, with the Shen Family growing more aggressive and the Tang Family more desperate.
• Identity and belonging: Chen Mo's true identity as the Golden Light Master is revealed, and he embraces this identity, ready to face the consequences.

Character Interactions

• Tang Xianhe and Tang Feifei: Father and daughter discuss the family's situation and the need to inform Tang Binghu.
• Tang Binghu and Chen Mo: Master and disciple reunite, and Tang Binghu learns about Chen Mo's true cultivation and power, leading to a heartfelt conversation.
• Shen Yu and Tang Xianhe: The two leaders face off, with Shen Yu threatening to summon Blood Tiger Master and Tang Xianhe preparing to fight her.
• Chen Mo and Shen Yu: Chen Mo arrives and provokes Shen Yu, ready to face her and Blood Tiger Master.

• Key plot points and events:
  • The Shen Family attacks the Tang Family Fortress, but Shen Yu and her disciples go mad and commit suicide due to Chen Mo's Awakening Power.
  • Chen Mo and Tang Xianhe go to the Shen Family to settle the feud, with Chen Mo intending to use the Four Souls Jade to communicate with Lord Black God.
  • The Shen Family's Blood Tiger Master cannot be summoned, and Shen Zishan is injured by a mysterious attacker.
• Character developments:
  • Chen Mo: Demonstrates his power as a Black Shadow Ghost, using Awakening Power to make Shen Yu and her disciples go mad and commit suicide.
  • Tang Xianhe: Shows his decisiveness and willingness to sacrifice himself for the Tang Family Fortress, leading the charge against the Shen Family.
  • Shen Zishan: Struggles to maintain control of the Shen Family in the face of the Blood Tiger Master's unavailability and the Tang Family Fortress's attack.
• Significant themes:
  • The power of the Four Souls Jade and the contract it creates with Lord Black God.
  • The struggle for dominance between the Shen and Tang families, and the consequences of their feud.
  • The role of the Demon Suppressing Division in maintaining order and stability in the prefecture.
• Character interactions:
  • Chen Mo and Tang Xianhe: Form a temporary alliance to take down the Shen Family, with Tang Xianhe treating Chen Mo with respect and deference.
  • Shen Zishan and his family: Struggle to maintain their power and status in the face of the Tang Family Fortress's attack and the Blood Tiger Master's unavailability.
  • Li Qing'er (Black Mountain Tower): Arrives to discuss a deal with Shen Zishan, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Chapter Details

Chen Mo and Tang Xianhe arrived at the Shen Family, finding Shen Zishan injured and unable to summon the Blood Tiger Master. Just as they were about to engage in a battle to the death, Li Qing'er from Black Mountain Tower appeared, proposing a deal with Shen Zishan. The situation became tense and uncertain, with the outcome of the conflict between the Shen and Tang families hanging in the balance.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Mountain Tower and Yun Mansion Division intervene in the conflict between Tang and Shen families, mediated by Yun Zhongyue.
• The snake monster from the Zhou Family, believed to be dead for ninety years, is suspected to be reviving.
• Chen Mo discovers that the Lord Black God of the Tang Family has been acting strangely and cannot be externally projected.
• Tang Xianhe's Noble Family Bloodline begins to shrink and disappear.
• Chen Mo tries to externally project Lord Black God but fails, and his body goes out of control, losing consciousness.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Realizes the seriousness of the situation with the Four Souls Jade and the revival of the snake monster. His body goes out of control, and he loses consciousness.
• Tang Xianhe: His Noble Family Bloodline begins to disappear, and he becomes an ordinary person. He decides to confront the Lord Black God in the shrine but meets his end.
• Tang Binghu: Struggles with the weight of his responsibilities and the comparison to Shen Wudao. He tries to externally project Lord Black God but fails.
• Yun Zhongyue: Shows favor to Chen Mo, hoping to gain Black Mountain Tower's support in the future. He mediates the conflict between the Tang and Shen families.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Four Souls Jade.
• The consequences of worshipping a demon for a hundred years.
• The struggle between humans and ghosts, and the blurring of the line between the two.
• The burden of expectations and the pressure to live up to one's role.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Tang Xianhe: Discuss the situation with the Four Souls Jade and the revival of the snake monster. Tang Xianhe shares his concerns about his disappearing Noble Family Bloodline.
• Chen Mo and Tang Binghu: Discuss the external projection of Lord Black God and the possible reasons for its strange behavior.
• Chen Mo and Shen Baishan: Chen Mo tasks Shen Baishan with stealing the Four Souls Jade from the Shen Family.
• Tang Xianhe and Tang Binghu: Father and son discuss the burden of expectations and the pressure to live up to one's role. Tang Xianhe shares his concerns about his disappearing Noble Family Bloodline and his decision to confront the Lord Black God.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo experiences sleepwalking again, this time with a willow leaf infused with Summoning Power by Li Qing'er to maintain consciousness.
• During his sleepwalking episode, Chen Mo absorbs the life essence of countless large snakes, advancing his cultivation to two incense sticks of Black Shadow Ghost and completing two patterns of his zombie markings.
• Chen Mo has an illusion of the Four Souls Jade, showing the Zhou Family Python transforming into a dragon, indicating that Jiang Hongyue might be about to transform.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Realizes that his sleepwalking is not a natural occurrence but something driving him to absorb life essence from snakes. He also sees an illusion suggesting Jiang Hongyue's transformation.
• Tang Wan: Shows dedication and care for Chen Mo, following him and serving him loyally.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and growth, symbolized by the river serpent ascending to become a dragon.
• The influence of the past on the present, as seen through the illusions Chen Mo experiences.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Tang Wan: Tang Wan serves Chen Mo diligently, and Chen Mo shows concern for her well-being.
• Chen Mo and Li Qing'er: Li Qing'er assists Chen Mo with the Summoning Power-infused willow leaf, showing kindness and understanding.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo experiences a vision of a flood dragon's transformation after fusing the first Four Souls Jade.
• He sleepwalks again and performs a shamanistic dance, which Li Qing'er recognizes as a ritual for inviting a god.
• Tang Xianhe, the old fortress lord, disappears from Tang Family Fortress.
• Chen Mo seeks help from Black Mountain Tower to find Tang Xianhe.
• Shen Baishan gives Chen Mo the third Four Souls Jade.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's cultivation grows rapidly, and he fuses two Four Souls Jades, gaining new abilities.
• Tang Feifei and Tang Binghu show concern for Tang Xianhe's disappearance.
• Shen Baishan, despite his initial resentment, shows loyalty to Chen Mo by giving him the Four Souls Jade.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Four Souls Jade.
• The search for Tang Xianhe and the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
• The theme of loyalty and its consequences, shown through Shen Baishan's actions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with Li Qing'er, seeking her help in identifying the shamanistic dance.
• Chen Mo and Tang Feifei, Tang Binghu discuss Tang Xianhe's disappearance and search for him.
• Chen Mo and Shen Baishan interact, with Shen Baishan giving Chen Mo the Four Souls Jade and Chen Mo manipulating him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo discovers Tang Wei burning paper money for his mother and warns him not to do so within the Tang Family Fortress.
• Chen Mo, Tang Binghu, and Tang Feifei gather all Tang Family disciples at Tranquil Thoughts Garden after realizing one is missing.
• Lord Black God, in the form of a giant python, attacks the disciples, causing them to go mad. Chen Mo uses a willow leaf from Black Mountain Tower to counter the Awakening Power.
• Chen Mo confronts Lord Black God in the ancestral shrine, revealing that Lord Black God has gone mad and killed Tang Xianhe.
• Chen Mo defeats Lord Black God in a fierce battle and absorbs his cultivation, becoming a three-branch, three-pattern Black Shadow Corpse Ghost.
• Chen Mo returns to the Huai River, where Tang Wan is waiting. He informs her about Lord Black God's death and goes into seclusion to prepare for his third sleepwalking episode.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Proves his strength and courage by defeating Lord Black God, solidifying his position as the Young Fortress Master. He also shows compassion by warning Tang Wei and helping the disciples.
• Tang Wei: Shows filial piety by secretly burning paper money for his mother but also shows deceit by hiding his actions from the Tang Family.
• Tang Binghu and Tang Feifei: Display trust in Chen Mo's abilities and accept his decisions, even after the symbiotic bloodline disappears.

Significant Themes

• The Dangers of Worshipping Deities: The story explores the potential dangers of worshipping deities, as seen with Lord Black God's loss of control and attempted massacre of the Tang Family.
• The Power of Absorption: Chen Mo's absorption of Lord Black God's cultivation highlights the power of absorption in the story's world, allowing Chen Mo to grow stronger.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Tang Wei: Chen Mo shows kindness to Tang Wei by warning him not to burn paper money within the Tang Family Fortress and by not punishing him for his secret actions.
• Chen Mo and Tang Binghu/Tang Feifei: The three work together to handle the situation with Lord Black God, showing mutual trust and respect.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo continues to sleepwalk and perform the "Jumping Gods" ritual, which is becoming more complete.
• Li Qing'er communicates with her sister, Li Huabai, about the human-dragon live sacrifice and Jiang Hongyue's possible revival.
• Chen Mo attends a meeting at the Demon Suppressing Prefecture Division to discuss the snake monster's revival on Snake Mountain.
• The group, including Chen Mo, Li Qing'er, Shen Zishan, and others, sets out to investigate the snake monster's revival on Snake Mountain.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's cultivation level increases due to sleepwalking, and he gains more Original Understanding Essence.
• Li Qing'er discovers the human-dragon live sacrifice and Jiang Hongyue's possible revival, which alarms her.
• Shen Zishan's Awakening Power becomes unusually strong, hinting at a secret.
• Zhou Lie, a hunter, guides the group into Snake Mountain and encounters a monster disguised as his uncle, Uncle Zhao.

Significant Themes

• The human-dragon live sacrifice and Jiang Hongyue's revival are central themes, hinting at a looming crisis.
• The struggle between the Tang and Shen families continues, with Shen Zishan's hypocrisy and sinister intentions becoming more apparent.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Li Qing'er have a brief exchange, with Li Qing'er promising to investigate the shamanic dance.
• Chen Mo and Zhou Lie discuss the strange occurrences in Snake Mountain, with Zhou Lie revealing the monster's ability to change its form.
• The group encounters Uncle Zhao, who is revealed to be a monster in disguise, leading to a tense standoff.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ The group encounters Uncle Zhao, who transforms into snakes, causing confusion and chaos.
+ Li Qing'er leads Chen Mo, Yun Zhongyue, and others to investigate Myriad Snake Cave.
+ Inside the cave, they find a massive snake skeleton and an altar with an object resembling the Four Souls Jade.
+ Shen Zishan, possessed by the Blood Tiger Master, kills Yun Zhongyue and Yun Yi, then enters the cave.
+ Li Qing'er is trapped in an illusion within the cave, while Chen Mo encounters a Water Soul Snake that can transform into Li Qing'er.
+ Chen Mo discovers the Water Soul Snake's mother body and learns about Dragon Transformation.

Character Developments

+ Li Qing'er's true identity is revealed as a Water Soul Snake, and she transforms into her true form.
+ Shen Zishan, possessed by the Blood Tiger Master, becomes a large snake and kills Shen Baishan.
+ Chen Mo demonstrates his intelligence and caution, refusing to rush into taking the Four Souls Jade.

Significant Themes

+ The power of the Four Souls Jade and the desire for Dragon Transformation.
+ The danger of greed and underestimating one's opponents.
+ The mysterious nature of the Water Soul Snake and its ability to shapeshift and control others.

Character Interactions

+ Li Qing'er and Chen Mo work together to investigate the cave but are later separated by the Water Soul Snake's illusions.
+ Shen Zishan and Shen Baishan's relationship turns sour as Shen Zishan becomes possessed and kills his son.
+ Chen Mo and the Water Soul Snake engage in a battle of wits, with Chen Mo refusing to take the bait and demanding to see the Water Soul Snake's mother body.