Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points

• The Gan Army's vanguard encounters an ambush by the Green Lotus Sect's Corpse Puppet army.
• The vanguard is lured into a trap, resulting in a fierce battle and heavy casualties.
• The survivors escape to report back to the main army.
• Zhang Jiao reports the successful ambush to his master, who plans to evacuate Mud Ox Village.

Character Developments

• The Gan Army soldiers display bravery and discipline in battle but ultimately succumb to the Corpse Puppet army's overwhelming numbers.
• Zhang Jiao shows concern for the villagers of Mud Ox Village, revealing a softer side despite his ruthless past.

Significant Themes

• The ruthlessness of war and its impact on soldiers and civilians.
• The conflict between personal attachments and loyalty to one's master or cause.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao interacts with his master, reporting the ambush and discussing their next steps.
• The Gan Army soldiers fight together against the Corpse Puppet army, showcasing their camaraderie and teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jiao seeks help from the young man (Li Mou) to save Mud Ox Village from an impending calamity.
• Li Mou creates a protective talisman for the villagers, instructing them to hang it in a conspicuous place when the Gan Army arrives.
• Old Zhang, a villager, has a nightmare and encounters a mysterious figure who warns him about an impending disaster and gives him the talisman.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jiao: Shows concern for the villagers of Mud Ox Village, demonstrating his growth as a positive character despite his past actions.
• Li Mou: Reveals his compassion and power, willing to help the villagers despite his initial reluctance.
• Old Zhang: Shows courage and determination to protect his family and village, even when faced with an unknown threat.

Significant Themes

• Redemption: Zhang Jiao's desire to save the villagers indicates his attempt to redeem himself for past actions.
• Protection and Compassion: Li Mou's decision to help the villagers highlights the theme of compassion and the desire to protect the innocent.
• Calamity and Survival: The impending disaster and the villagers' struggle for survival are central themes in this chapter.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao and Li Mou: Zhang Jiao seeks Li Mou's help, and Li Mou agrees to protect the villagers, showing a master-disciple relationship with a hint of compassion.
• Old Zhang and the Mysterious Figure: Old Zhang encounters a mysterious figure who warns him about the impending disaster and gives him the talisman, showing a cryptic interaction with a purposeful message.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jiao and Old Zhang are revealed to be cousins.
• Zhang Jiao visits Old Zhang, warns him of an impending calamity, and gives him a talisman for protection.
• The Gan Army, led by Zhao Xuanji, advances into Youzhou after hearing about the Green Lotus Sect's Corpse Puppets' ambush.
• The main battle between the Gan Army and the Corpse Puppets begins, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jiao: Revealed to have a past connection with Old Zhang, shows concern for his family's safety, and seeks the young man's help to protect them.
• Old Zhang: Recalls the past, accepts the talisman from Zhang Jiao, and decides to stay in Mud Ox Village despite the danger.
• Zhao Xuanji: Orders the Gan Army to advance and annihilate the Corpse Puppet army, displaying her aggressive and determined nature.

Significant Themes

• Family and Bloodline: Zhang Jiao's concern for his cousin's family highlights the importance of blood relations and the desire to preserve one's lineage.
• Power and Protection: The young man's intervention in protecting Old Zhang's family showcases the power dynamics and the importance of having a strong backer.
• War and Sacrifice: The battle between the Gan Army and the Corpse Puppets emphasizes the brutal nature of war and the high cost of conflict.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao and Old Zhang: Their interaction reveals their past connection and the current tension between them, with Zhang Jiao seeking to make amends.
• The young man and Zhang Jiao: The young man agrees to help protect Old Zhang's family, further cementing his relationship with Zhang Jiao.
• The Gan Army and the Corpse Puppets: Their clash highlights the brutal and relentless nature of their conflict, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gan Army, led by Zhao Xuanji, advances towards the battlefield, where the Green Lotus Sect's Corpse Puppet army awaits.
• The Gan Army generals underestimate their opponent, but Zhao Xuanji and Yuan Benhe remain vigilant, suspecting a trap.
• Zhao Xuanji discovers that the current route leads straight to Fuhu Mountain, where the Green Lotus Sect plans an ambush.
• The Gan Army marches towards Mud Ox Village, where the Corpse Puppet army is quickly defeated.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xuanji demonstrates her strategic prowess and caution, unlike her overconfident generals.
• Yuan Benhe shows insight by suspecting the Green Lotus Sect's tactics.
• Old Zhang in Mud Ox Village feels an ominous premonition about the approaching calamity.

Significant Themes

• The brutality and cruelty of war, as depicted by the vulture and the battlefield's stench.
• The contrast between the Gan Army's initial overconfidence and Zhao Xuanji's and Yuan Benhe's caution.
• The theme of deception and traps, as the Green Lotus Sect lures the Gan Army into an ambush.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xuanji interacts with her generals, displaying her leadership and strategic thinking.
• Yuan Benhe and Zhao Xuanji exchange views on the battlefield situation, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• The villagers of Mud Ox Village interact, expressing their fear and unease about the approaching calamity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gan Army approaches the village with ill intent.
• Old Zhang uses the talisman given by Zhang Jiao, summoning a Thunderbolt that creates a pit and halts the army's advance.
• The Paper Crow, the talisman's remaining power, appears and demands that the army's commander come see it.

Character Developments

• Old Zhang shows resolve and desperation, willing to risk everything to save his village.
• The Gan Army soldiers display fear and confusion when faced with the unexpected Thunderbolt.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and resilience in the face of danger.
• The power of magic and its potential consequences.
• The fear and uncertainty soldiers face when encountering the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Old Zhang and the villagers react with shock and disbelief at the Thunderbolt's appearance.
• The Gan Army soldiers discuss the Thunderbolt's source and their next course of action among themselves.
• The Paper Crow addresses the army, demanding their commander's presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Paper Crow, sent by Li, descends from the sky, shocking the villagers of Mud Ox Village.
• The villagers mistake it for a demon, and a cavalryman tries to burn it, but the leader stops him, revealing he knows about Li's power.
• Princess Zhao Xuanji arrives with her generals, having sensed the commotion. She sees the Paper Crow and recognizes it as Li's doing.
• The Paper Crow speaks, asking Zhao Xuanji to spare the villagers' lives.

Character Developments

• The villagers are initially terrified but later show despair when Zhao Xuanji arrives.
• The cavalry leader demonstrates knowledge of Li's power and caution, saving his subordinate from potential danger.
• Zhao Xuanji shows respect and deference to Li, indicating she fears his power.

Significant Themes

• The power of Li's abilities, which instills fear and respect in those who witness them.
• The theme of fate, as Li asks Zhao Xuanji to spare the villagers due to their connection to him.

Character Interactions

• The cavalry leader protects his subordinate, showing he values his life.
• Zhao Xuanji interacts with the Paper Crow, showing respect and willingness to help Li.
• The villagers show fear and despair towards Zhao Xuanji and her army.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xuanji, a powerful general, arrives at Mud Ox Village, where she encounters a mysterious young man who saves the villagers from a cavalry.
• The young man, without revealing his identity, sends Zhao Xuanji to Fuhu Mountain to meet him.
• The young man, who has been cultivating, realizes that he has been forming karma with various people and places, which can hinder his cultivation if left unresolved. He decides to sever his karma with Mud Ox Village.
• The young man learns that the Green Lotus Sect plans to ambush the Gan Army in Eagle Beak Valley, thirty miles ahead, with more powerful traps than just Corpse Puppets.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xuanji shows decisiveness and kindness, earning the respect of the villagers.
• The young man demonstrates his power and wisdom, understanding the concept of karma and its effects on cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Power and Authority: Zhao Xuanji's authority as a general is evident in her commands, while the young man's power is acknowledged by Zhao Xuanji and Zhang Jiao.
• Karma: The young man realizes the concept of karma and its influence on cultivation, deciding to sever his karma with Mud Ox Village.
• Cultivation and Isolation: The young man reflects on the ancient practice of cultivating in seclusion to avoid worldly disturbances.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xuanji interacts with the villagers, showing concern for their well-being.
• The young man interacts with Zhang Jiao, learning about the Green Lotus Sect's ambush plans for the Gan Army.
• The young man and Zhao Xuanji have a silent understanding, with the young man sending Zhao Xuanji to Fuhu Mountain without explicitly stating his intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jiao and his group, including a disguised young man, arrive at Eagle Beak Valley, the stronghold of the Green Lotus Sect's Vice Cult Leader.
• They pass through the valley's unique terrain, a waterfall, and a hidden cave to reach the stronghold.
• Inside the stronghold, a tense atmosphere awaits them, with Saint Kings and Altar Masters present.

Character Developments

• The young man, despite being disguised, draws attention due to his unique aura.
• Zhang Jiao maintains his composure and confidence, even when faced with Unfettered Saint King's provocation.
• Unfettered Saint King reveals his disdain for Zhang Jiao's confidence and hints at his own strength.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Zhang Jiao and Unfettered Saint King highlight the power struggle within the Green Lotus Sect.
• Confidence vs. Arrogance: The theme of confidence versus arrogance is explored through Zhang Jiao's character, with Unfettered Saint King questioning his confidence.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao and Unfettered Saint King's exchange is filled with tension and underlying animosity, hinting at a deeper rivalry.
• The young man's presence draws attention, suggesting he holds a significant position or has a notable reputation.
• The other Saint Kings and Altar Masters present show deference to Zhang Jiao, indicating his high status within the Green Lotus Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Unfettered Saint King confronts Zhang Jiao, seeking to challenge him for the Saint King position.
• Zhang Jiao recounts the origin of their conflict to a young man using sound transmission.
• Zhang Jiao accepts Unfettered Saint King's challenge, agreeing to a duel with the condition that the loser will abdicate and serve the winner.

Character Developments

• Unfettered Saint King: Displayed his resentment towards Zhang Jiao and his desire to reclaim the Saint King position.
• Zhang Jiao: Showed confidence in his abilities and willingness to defend his position, even in the face of a challenge from a stronger opponent.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the Green Lotus Sect.
• The importance of strength and reputation in maintaining one's position.
• The consequences of past actions and grudges.

Character Interactions

• Unfettered Saint King and Zhang Jiao: Their long-standing grudge and rivalry come to a head, leading to a challenge for the Saint King position.
• Altar Masters: They observe the situation with interest, some hoping for a fight, others worried about the outcome and their own involvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Unfettered Saint King challenges Zhang Jiao to a duel, wanting to replace 'That Existence' as Zhang Jiao's master.
• Zhang Jiao initially hesitates but ultimately accepts the challenge, declaring it a fight to the death.
• The crowd is shocked and skeptical of Zhang Jiao's decision, with some believing he has gained new powers from 'That Existence.'
• Unfettered Saint King agrees to the fight, but an Altar Master intervenes, reminding them to inform the Vice Cult Leader as per sect rules.
• The Vice Cult Leader's voice echoes through the cave, allowing the fight but warning not to dirty his place.

Character Developments

• Unfettered Saint King: Shows arrogance and overconfidence, eager to prove his superiority over Zhang Jiao.
• Zhang Jiao: Initially cautious, he suddenly becomes bold and decisive, accepting the challenge to a fight to the death.
• The Altar Masters: Some are shocked by Zhang Jiao's decision, while others seem to know about his newfound power and support him silently.
• The Vice Cult Leader: Remains unseen but asserts his authority, allowing the fight but setting a boundary.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy within the sect.
• The consequences of impulsive decisions and overconfidence.
• The importance of rules and regulations within the sect.

Character Interactions

• Unfettered Saint King and Zhang Jiao: Their tense standoff leads to a challenge and acceptance of a fight to the death.
• Altar Masters and Zhang Jiao: Some express shock, while others secretly support him, believing he has gained new powers.
• The Vice Cult Leader and the fighters: He allows the fight but sets a boundary, showing his authority and disinterest in their dispute.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duan Jiuxiu, the Deputy Sect Master of Green Lotus Sect, arrives to break the seal on the cave's secret.
• Zhang Jiao and the Unfettered Saint King face off, with Zhang Jiao expressing confidence in his ability to defeat the Unfettered Saint King.
• The Unfettered Saint King unleashes his powerful aura, causing the cave to tremble.
• Zhang Jiao uses a Talisman to bind the Unfettered Saint King, incapacitating him.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jiao displays newfound confidence and composure, hinting at a recent improvement in his abilities.
• The Unfettered Saint King reveals his arrogance and overconfidence, underestimating Zhang Jiao.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between characters and their respective cultivation levels.
• Confidence and overconfidence, and their impact on one's actions and outcomes.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao and the Unfettered Saint King's tense standoff and subsequent battle.
• The Unfettered Saint King's interaction with the other Altar Masters, revealing his arrogant and dismissive attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jiao, previously underestimated, defeats the Unfettered Saint King with a single Talisman move, using the Immortal Binding Lock.
• The Unfettered Saint King, bound and helpless, struggles to accept his defeat and begs for mercy.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jiao: Proves his strength and gains confidence in his power, struggles with the idea of mercy-killing the Unfettered Saint King.
• Unfettered Saint King: Realizes his underestimation of Zhang Jiao, begs for mercy, and shows fear.

Significant Themes

• The power of hidden strength and underestimation.
• The struggle between mercy and ruthlessness in victory.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao and the Unfettered Saint King: Zhang Jiao's victory and the Unfettered Saint King's pleas for mercy highlight the power dynamics between them.
• Zhang Jiao and the young man's voice: Zhang Jiao internalizes the young man's advice, suggesting a growing influence of the young man's teachings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jiao, in a dark cave, creates a Lightning Blade Talisman and kills the Unfettered Saint King.
• The Unfettered Saint King begs for help from the Vice Cult Leader, but receives no response.
• Zhang Jiao hesitates but ultimately kills the Unfettered Saint King upon his Master's encouragement.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jiao: Shows significant growth in strength and confidence, revealing his true power and ambition.
• The Unfettered Saint King: Dies after underestimating Zhang Jiao, showing his overconfidence and lack of preparation.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Power: Zhang Jiao's growing ambition and power are the driving forces of the chapter.
• Betrayal and Trust: The Unfettered Saint King's betrayal and Zhang Jiao's lack of trust in him lead to his demise.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao and the Unfettered Saint King: Their interaction highlights the power dynamics within the sect, with Zhang Jiao asserting dominance.
• Zhang Jiao and his Master: Their interaction reveals Zhang Jiao's growing confidence and his Master's support for his ambition.
• The Altar Masters: Their discussion after the Unfettered Saint King's death reveals their confusion, suspicion, and newfound respect for Zhang Jiao's cunning and strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jiao defeats the Unfettered Saint King in a duel, feeling refreshed and liberated.
• Deputy Sect Master Duan Jiuxiu appears, hidden within the cave, reacting to the events.
• An Altar Master accuses Zhang Jiao of violating the sect's taboo by killing the defeated opponent.
• Duan Jiuxiu defends Zhang Jiao's actions, stating that casualties are inevitable in decisive battles.
• Duan Jiuxiu sentences the accusing Altar Master to be devoured by a creature hidden beneath the cave floor.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jiao: Feels refreshed and powerful after defeating his enemy, begins to harbor ambitions of becoming the Green Lotus Sect's Cult Leader.
• Duan Jiuxiu: Shows no mercy to the accusing Altar Master, revealing his ruthless and cunning nature.
• The Accusing Altar Master: Panics and begs for mercy after realizing Duan Jiuxiu's intentions, ultimately meets his demise.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Zhang Jiao's newfound strength and influence fuel his ambition to lead the sect.
• Ruthlessness and Cunning: Duan Jiuxiu's actions demonstrate the cutthroat nature of the sect's politics.
• Consequences of Actions: The accusing Altar Master's fate serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of defying those in power.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao vs. The Unfettered Saint King: Zhang Jiao's victory over his rival leads to a significant shift in his status and confidence.
• Duan Jiuxiu vs. The Accusing Altar Master: Duan Jiuxiu's cold and calculating response to the Altar Master's accusation highlights the power dynamics within the sect.
• The Accusing Altar Master vs. Zhang Jiao: The Altar Master's attempt to implicate Zhang Jiao backfires, leading to his own downfall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A monstrous, blood-red maw emerges from the ground, swallows the Unfettered Saint King, and retreats.
• Altar Masters are terrified and speculate about the creature's origin.
• Deputy Sect Master Duan reveals he controls the monster and plans to use it against the Gan Army.
• Duan Jiuxiu orders Zhang Jiao to command the defense of Eagle Beak Valley.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jiao gains respect and fear from other Altar Masters due to his mysterious connection with Deputy Sect Master Duan and his defeat of the Unfettered Saint King.
• Deputy Sect Master Duan shows his ruthlessness and cunning by using the monster to intimidate the Altar Masters.

Significant Themes

• Fear and its use as a tool for control.
• The power of mystery and unpredictability in gaining respect and influence.
• The ruthlessness of those in power and their willingness to sacrifice others for their goals.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao and Deputy Sect Master Duan: Zhang Jiao is shown to be under Duan's command, and Duan trusts him with the defense of Eagle Beak Valley.
• Zhang Jiao and the other Altar Masters: Zhang Jiao's mysterious connection with Duan and his defeat of the Unfettered Saint King lead the other Altar Masters to view him with fear and respect.
• The Altar Masters among themselves: They speculate about Zhang Jiao's abilities and the origin of the monster, leading to further fear and uncertainty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jiao, the Saint King, is awestruck by his Master's profound cultivation and insight.
• The Green Lotus Sect mobilizes nearly twenty thousand men to ambush the Gan Army at Eagle Beak Valley.
• Zhang Jiao deploys the forces to lie in wait within the Mist-Eating Ghost Forest.
• Walkers of the Green Lotus Sect, including Yan Xiaoliu, prepare for battle within the forest.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jiao: Recognizes his Master's extraordinary abilities and considers the possibility of his Master being an ancient immortal.
• Yan Xiaoliu: Shows fear and unease about the upcoming battle, but tries to boost morale among his comrades.

Significant Themes

• The vast disparity in power and cultivation between characters.
• The harsh reality and fear of war, even among those who fight in it.
• The mysterious and dangerous nature of the Mist-Eating Ghost Forest.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jiao and the Altar Masters: Zhang Jiao consults with the Altar Masters and issues orders for the ambush.
• Yan Xiaoliu and other Walkers: Yan Xiaoliu tries to alleviate the tension and fear among his comrades before the battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A handsome young man, later revealed as Li Zhou, arrives at a Ghost Eater Forest inn.
• Travelers discuss Li Dragon King, a renowned expert who has possibly come to Youzhou.
• Yan Xiao Liu feels a sense of familiarity with Li Zhou but can't place it.

Character Developments

• Li Zhou: Introduced as a reserved, handsome young man with exceptional cultivation. He remains calm and composed throughout the conversation.
• Yan Xiao Liu: Initially curious and playful, he becomes serious and thoughtful upon realizing Li Zhou's identity.

Significant Themes

• Fame and Reputation: Li Dragon King's reputation precedes him, and people discuss his deeds and power.
• First Impressions and Familiarity: Yan Xiao Liu feels an inexplicable familiarity with Li Zhou, foreshadowing his realization of Li Zhou's true identity.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhou and Travelers: They discuss Li Dragon King's deeds, with Li Zhou confirming their accounts.
• Li Zhou and Yan Xiao Liu: Yan Xiao Liu feels a sense of familiarity with Li Zhou, leading him to question Li Zhou about his name. Li Zhou casually introduces himself as Li Zhou.
• Yan Xiao Liu and Other Travelers: They tease Yan Xiao Liu about his behavior and Li Zhou's identity, unaware of the truth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Xiaoliu secretly leaves the group to send a message about Li Zhou's identity.
• Li Zhou follows Yan Xiaoliu and confronts him, revealing he knows about the message.
• Yan Xiaoliu confesses and begs for mercy, calling Li Zhou "Li Dragon King."

Character Developments

• Yan Xiaoliu: Displayed his drawing skill and revealed his true intentions, showing fear and desperation when confronted.
• Li Zhou: Revealed his true identity as Li Dragon King, showing calm and control in the face of Yan Xiaoliu's panic.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Yan Xiaoliu's actions show a lack of trust in Li Zhou, while Li Zhou's calm response suggests he's used to such betrayals.
• Identity: Li Zhou's true identity as Li Dragon King is revealed, hinting at his powerful background.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhou and Yan Xiaoliu: Their interaction highlights the power dynamic between them, with Li Zhou in control and Yan Xiaoliu terrified and submissive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Xiaoliu, an undercover agent from the Demon Suppressing Division, encounters Li Dragon King in Mist Ghost Forest.
• Yan Xiaoliu reveals his true identity to Li Dragon King, who is initially surprised but accepts the information.
• Li Dragon King questions Yan Xiaoliu's claim, leading to a tense standoff.
• Li Dragon King decides not to kill Yan Xiaoliu and warns him not to reveal his presence in Mist Ghost Forest.
• Yan Xiaoliu returns to the group, where he faces questioning from a sinister-faced man.

Character Developments

• Yan Xiaoliu: Yan Xiaoliu's undercover identity is exposed, causing him to experience fear and panic. He demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness in handling the situation.
• Li Dragon King: Li Dragon King shows understanding and tolerance towards Yan Xiaoliu's predicament, choosing not to kill him despite the risk. He displays a teasing and playful side while maintaining his intimidating aura.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The theme of trust and betrayal is explored through Li Dragon King's initial suspicion of Yan Xiaoliu's claim and Yan Xiaoliu's fear of being exposed.
• Power Dynamics: The power dynamics between Li Dragon King and Yan Xiaoliu are evident, with Li Dragon King holding the upper hand due to his martial prowess and reputation.

Character Interactions

• Li Dragon King and Yan Xiaoliu: Their interaction is marked by tension, fear, and eventually, understanding and mutual respect. Li Dragon King's decision not to kill Yan Xiaoliu shows a level of trust and acceptance.
• Yan Xiaoliu and the Sinister-faced Man: Upon returning to the group, Yan Xiaoliu faces suspicion and hostility from the sinister-faced man, highlighting the potential danger and mistrust within their ranks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Xiaoliu and Li Zhou (disguised as Li Zhou) encounter Protector Luo of the Green Lotus Sect, who is angered by their delay.
• The Gan Army is expected to arrive at Eagle Beak Valley that night, causing concern among the Walkers.
• The Walkers seek Protector Luo's protection, pledging their loyalty and determination.

Character Developments

• Yan Xiaoliu demonstrates his quick thinking and adaptability in handling Protector Luo's anger.
• Li Zhou (disguised) remains calm and composed, showing no fear or deference to Protector Luo.
• Protector Luo reveals his importance and influence among the Walkers, who seek his protection.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy within the Green Lotus Sect.
• The impending battle and its impact on the Walkers' morale.
• The contrast between Yan Xiaoliu's and Li Zhou's (disguised) attitudes towards Protector Luo and the Walkers' sycophancy.

Character Interactions

• Yan Xiaoliu and Li Zhou (disguised) interact subtly, with Li Zhou (disguised) acknowledging Yan Xiaoliu's cleverness.
• The Walkers interact with Protector Luo, expressing their respect and flattery, while Yan Xiaoliu and Li Zhou (disguised) remain independent.