Chapter Summaries

Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun, a young man with the ability to see ghosts, dies in a car accident and transmigrates into the body of Jiang Yun, a poor scholar in a feudal society.
• Jiang Yun's younger sister, Jiang Qiaoqiao, supports the family by doing laundry and mending clothes, while Jiang Yun relies on her and refuses to work, aspiring to become an official.
• Jiang Yun's debt to a local thug, Peng San, amounts to twenty taels of silver, putting his and Jiang Qiaoqiao's lives at risk.
• Wu Chenhu, an old friend of Jiang Yun's father, arranges for Jiang Yun to marry into the Huang family as a live-in son-in-law to repay the debt.
• Jiang Yun is taken to the Huang Manor in a sedan chair, where he discovers that the guests at the wedding banquet are Paper Figures made of white paper.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Initially lazy and reliant on his sister, Jiang Yun becomes more responsible and caring after transmigrating. He decides to repay the debt and protect Jiang Qiaoqiao.
• Jiang Qiaoqiao: Despite her young age, Jiang Qiaoqiao works tirelessly to support her brother and believes in his potential to become an official. She is willing to make any sacrifice for him.
• Wu Chenhu: He appears to be helpful, but his true intentions are unclear. He arranges Jiang Yun's marriage to the Huang family without considering Jiang Yun's feelings or the unusual circumstances surrounding the Huang Manor.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of the poor and the privileged: Jiang Yun and Jiang Qiaoqiao face financial hardship and social discrimination, while the Huang family is wealthy and influential.
• The importance of family: Despite their difficult circumstances, Jiang Yun and Jiang Qiaoqiao prioritize their family bond and are willing to make sacrifices for each other.
• The supernatural and the unknown: Jiang Yun's ability to see ghosts and the strange occurrences at the Huang Manor hint at the presence of supernatural elements in this world.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Jiang Qiaoqiao: Their sibling bond is strong, with Jiang Qiaoqiao supporting Jiang Yun unconditionally and Jiang Yun becoming more protective of her after transmigrating.
• Jiang Yun and Wu Chenhu: Wu Chenhu's true intentions are unclear, and his actions may not be in Jiang Yun's best interest.
• Jiang Yun and the Huang family: The Huang family's true motives for marrying Jiang Yun are unknown, and the wedding banquet attended by Paper Figures suggests something sinister is afoot.

Summary of the Chapter

Key Plot Points

• Jiang Yun is bathed in a fragrant herbal bath and dressed in a red wedding robe, then led to a bridal chamber by Steward Huang and sedan bearers.
• Inside the chamber, he meets Huang Juan'er, a woman with a rotted face and maggots, who reveals she intends to eat him alive. She can shapeshift into a beautiful face, but Jiang Yun remains wary.
• Jiang Yun tries to fight using a drawn talisman (Lightning Palm Strike) and spit tongue-blood (yang energy), but his power is too weak; he only delays her.
• A mysterious girl in a black robe bursts in, shoots Huang Juan'er with arrows, and beheads her—but the true Evil Spirit lives in a blood-red coffin, emerging as a head spewing black smoke.
• Jiang Yun draws a lightning talisman in the girl's palm; her palm strike repels the Evil Spirit, which flees through the window. The girl chases it.
• Yamen constables led by Chief Qian Bochou arrive. Qian kills the four sedan bearers and Steward Huang without real questioning, then confronts Jiang Yun, demanding proof of innocence.
• Jiang Yun mentions helping the girl catch a demon. Qian reveals she is an Imperial Guards expert from the capital, implying she wouldn't need help.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows quick thinking, survival instinct, and knowledge of Daoist spells, but is physically weak. He is resourceful and sarcastic under pressure, but ultimately helpless in direct combat.
• Huang Juan'er: Crafty and sadistic, enjoys fear, but is ultimately driven off—revealing she is a minor Evil Spirit with a separated true body (the head).
• The Girl (Imperial Guards expert): Skilled with bow and arrows, but lacks Daoist magic; relies on Jiang Yun's talisman. Shows courage and inexperience against supernatural foes.
• Qian Bochou: Ruthless, pragmatic, and borderline lawless—kills suspects without proper interrogation, but claims to follow the law's spirit. Suspicious of Jiang Yun.

Significant Themes

• Deception and appearances: The arranged marriage is a trap; Huang Juan'er hides her rot behind a beautiful face; the wedding chamber contains a coffin.
• Survival in a supernatural world: Jiang Yun uses cleverness and limited esoteric knowledge to stay alive despite lack of cultivation.
• Justice vs. procedure: Qian Bochou executes suspects based on presumption of guilt, ignoring legal protocol, yet claims to be enforcing justice.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun vs. Huang Juan'er: A tense, bizarre confrontation—he questions her eating method, delays her with blood, and provokes her rather than begging for mercy.
• Jiang Yun & the girl: Adversarial at first, then cooperative; he teaches her a talisman and she saves him, but she flees before he can get her testimony.
• Qian Bochou & prisoners: A one-sided, brutal interrogation—Qian kills the others immediately, leaving Jiang Yun as the last to be questioned with a clear threat.
  Ending state: Jiang Yun is bound and in danger of execution unless he can convince Qian Bochou of his innocence. The girl has left, and no evidence was found to prove his claims.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun is captured and tied up by Constable Qian, accused of murdering the Huang family.
• Xu Suwen, a young girl from the Imperial Guards, arrives and frees Jiang Yun.
• They return to Nanzhou Prefecture City, where Jiang Yun learns that there are no Daoist Temples in the region.
• Peng San and his men ransack Jiang Yun's home, looking for him to collect a debt. They threaten Jiang Qiaoqiao, Jiang Yun's sister.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows calm and composure under pressure, uses his knowledge of Daoist Arts to help Xu Suwen, and expresses concern for his sister's safety.
• Xu Suwen: Demonstrates courage and skill in dealing with the Evil Haunt, shows respect and curiosity towards Jiang Yun's abilities.
• Jiang Qiaoqiao: Shows resilience and loyalty to her brother, stands up to Peng San despite the danger.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Jiang Yun, Xu Suwen, and Constable Qian highlight the power dynamics in society, with Xu Suwen's status as an Imperial Guard granting her authority.
• Debt and Obligation: The theme of debt is emphasized through Peng San's demand for repayment, contrasting with Jiang Yun's concern for his sister's well-being.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen: They form a tentative alliance, with Xu Suwen showing respect and Jiang Yun offering his knowledge of Daoist Arts to help her.
• Jiang Yun and Jiang Qiaoqiao: Jiang Yun's concern for his sister is evident, while Jiang Qiaoqiao shows loyalty and resilience in protecting him.
• Peng San and Jiang Qiaoqiao: Their interaction highlights Peng San's ruthlessness and Jiang Qiaoqiao's vulnerability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiaoqiao is assaulted by Peng San, a moneylender, and his men.
• Jiang Yun returns and confronts Peng San, who demands repayment of a debt.
• Constable Qian Bochou arrives and intervenes, leading to Peng San's arrest for smuggling Contraband Salt.
• Jiang Yun and Jiang Qiaoqiao discuss their future and the family's wishes.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiaoqiao: Shows resilience and concern for her brother, revealing her desire for a better life and the family's wish for an Official Career.
• Jiang Yun: Demonstrates courage and resourcefulness in dealing with Peng San, showing a willingness to protect his family and pursue a different path than an Official Career.
• Peng San: Reveals his connections and bribery attempts, leading to his arrest.
• Qian Bochou: Shows integrity and willingness to uphold the law, despite initially hesitating due to Peng San's connections.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and betterment of one's life.
• The importance of family and fulfilling parental wishes.
• The corrupting influence of power and wealth.
• The tension between personal integrity and official duty.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Jiang Qiaoqiao: The siblings display a strong bond, supporting each other and discussing their future.
• Jiang Yun and Peng San: Their confrontation highlights the power imbalance and Jiang Yun's determination to protect his family.
• Qian Bochou and Peng San: Their interaction showcases Qian Bochou's integrity and Peng San's attempts at bribery and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun cultivates using the Daoist Heart Calming Art from his previous life and finds the spiritual energy in this world denser than on Earth.
• He meets Xu Suwen the next morning, and they work together to track the Evil Haunt using a talisman and paper crane. The trail leads them to the Nanzhou Prefectural Office.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows his knowledge of Daoist Arts and his concern for his sister's well-being.
• Xu Suwen: Reveals her knowledge of the political climate regarding Daoist Sects and her concern for Jiang Yun's safety.

Significant Themes

• The decline of the Daoist Sect and its impact on the prevalence of Evil Spirits.
• The relationship between Jiang Yun and his sister, Jiang Qiaoqiao, showing his protective nature.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Jiang Qiaoqiao: Jiang Qiaoqiao is eager to please Xu Suwen, thinking she might be a potential match for her brother.
• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen: They work together to track the Evil Haunt, and Xu Suwen reveals her knowledge of the political climate to Jiang Yun. They maintain a friendly and cooperative dynamic.
• Xu Suwen and Jiang Qiaoqiao: Xu Suwen is patient and kind with Jiang Qiaoqiao, engaging in conversation and treating her with respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen suspect that an Evil Haunt is hiding within the Nanzhou Prefectural Office.
• They discuss the implications and potential challenges of investigating this matter.
• Jiang Yun agrees to help Xu Suwen find out who is sheltering the monster but refuses to eliminate it himself.
• Xu Suwen offers to help Jiang Yun resolve his trouble with Peng San, who was recently released from prison and is likely to seek revenge.
• Peng San, backed by a wealthy man named Xia Lingxian, plans to kill Jiang Yun and his sister to maintain his reputation as a debt collector.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows reluctance to engage in violence and expresses concern for his younger sister's safety.
• Xu Suwen: Demonstrates her intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination to uphold justice, even when facing complex situations.
• Peng San: Reveals his ruthless and cunning nature, prioritizing his reputation and business over innocent lives.
• Xia Lingxian: Shows indifference to Peng San's plans, prioritizing his own interests and maintaining a facade of respectability.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between justice and self-preservation, as seen in Jiang Yun's reluctance to eliminate the Evil Haunt and Peng San's disregard for innocent lives.
• The consequences of corruption and collusion with evil forces, as implied by the presence of an Evil Haunt in the Prefectural Office.
• The importance of reputation and maintaining appearances, as demonstrated by Peng San's determination to exact revenge on Jiang Yun.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen: Their partnership deepens as they discuss the challenges they face and agree to help each other.
• Peng San and Xia Lingxian: Their interaction highlights the power dynamics between a debt collector and his wealthy backer, with Xia Lingxian maintaining a facade of innocence while supporting Peng San's ruthless actions.
• Jiang Yun and Peng San: Their conflict escalates as Peng San plans to kill Jiang Yun and his sister to maintain his reputation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qian Bochou visits Jiang Yun, seeking help to become a county lieutenant.
• Xu Suwen agrees to help Qian Bochou if he assists in investigating the Nanzhou Prefectural Office.
• A group of ruffians, led by Peng San, arrive at the Jiang Family courtyard.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows concern for his sister's well-being and wants to send her to school. He's willing to help Qian Bochou but keeps the demon in the Nanzhou Prefectural Office a secret.
• Xu Suwen: Demonstrates kindness towards Jiang Qiaoqiao and agrees to help Qian Bochou, showing she's not entirely cold-hearted. She's willing to teach Jiang Qiaoqiao how to cook.
• Qian Bochou: Desperate to improve his official status, he seeks help from Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen. He's willing to take risks to achieve his goal.
• Peng San: Not mentioned directly, but his release from prison and the arrival of ruffians at the Jiang Family courtyard imply he's seeking revenge.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Morality: Qian Bochou's ambition leads him to seek help from Xu Suwen, while Jiang Yun keeps the truth about the Nanzhou Prefectural Office a secret, showing the tension between personal gain and moral obligation.
• Sisterly Love: Jiang Qiaoqiao's dedication to supporting her brother and her eagerness to learn from Xu Suwen highlight their strong sibling bond.
• Class Struggle: The contrast between the Jiang Family's poverty and Xu Suwen's wealth, as well as Qian Bochou's desire for official status, underscores the social hierarchy and power dynamics in the story.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen: They work together to help Qian Bochou, showing a growing partnership. Jiang Yun keeps information from Xu Suwen, hinting at potential tension between them.
• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou: They form an uneasy alliance, with Qian Bochou seeking Jiang Yun's help and Jiang Yun using Qian Bochou's ambition for his own purposes.
• Xu Suwen and Jiang Qiaoqiao: Xu Suwen shows kindness towards Jiang Qiaoqiao, offering to teach her how to cook and giving her money, while Jiang Qiaoqiao admires Xu Suwen's skills and willingness to help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of hooligans, led by Peng San, confronts the Jiang siblings at their home.
• Peng San intends to kidnap Xu Suwen, mistaking her for Jiang Yun's wealthy wife.
• Xu Suwen reveals her identity as an Imperial Guard and beheads Peng San.
• The hooligans, frightened, take Peng San's body away.
• The neighbors discuss the incident, with rumors spreading about Xu Suwen's identity.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun remains calm and composed throughout the confrontation, showing no fear.
• Xu Suwen demonstrates her skill and decisiveness as an Imperial Guard, protecting Jiang Yun and his sister.
• Jiang Qiaoqiao is initially frightened but recovers her composure with the help of Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen.

Significant Themes

• Protection and Provision: Xu Suwen's actions highlight her role as a protector and provider for the Jiang siblings.
• Status and Power: Xu Suwen's identity as an Imperial Guard showcases the power and status that comes with her position.
• Rumors and Gossip: The neighbors' discussions illustrate how rumors can spread and morph, often leading to misinformation.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen: Their dynamic shows a growing understanding and mutual respect, with Jiang Yun appreciating Xu Suwen's decisiveness and Xu Suwen valuing Jiang Yun's calmness.
• Jiang Qiaoqiao and Xu Suwen: Their interaction displays a growing sisterly bond, with Xu Suwen caring for Jiang Qiaoqiao's well-being and Jiang Qiaoqiao accepting Xu Suwen as a sister figure.
• Peng San and the Hooligans: Their interaction with Xu Suwen showcases their fear and awe of her power and status as an Imperial Guard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qiaoqiao notices the neighbors' strange behavior and excessive interest in Xu Suwen's identity.
• Jiang Yun prepares for facing the Evil Haunt by gathering materials and visiting the prefectural office with Qian Bochou.
• They search the prefectural office but find no signs of the Evil Haunt.
• Qian Bochou hesitates to show Jiang Yun the underground dungeon.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qiaoqiao: Becomes more cautious and aware of the neighbors' strange behavior.
• Jiang Yun: Shows resourcefulness in preparing for the Evil Haunt and determination in investigating the prefectural office.
• Qian Bochou: Reveals his past struggles with his large family and reluctance to show Jiang Yun the underground dungeon.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion: Jiang Yun's trust in Qian Bochou is tested as he considers whether Qian Bochou might be involved with the Evil Haunt.
• The power of ordinary people: Jiang Yun reflects on how the Daoist School's techniques allow ordinary people to deal with Demons and Monsters.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qiaoqiao and the neighbors: The neighbors' excessive interest in Xu Suwen causes Jiang Qiaoqiao to become wary.
• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou: Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou work together to investigate the prefectural office, with Qian Bochou revealing his past struggles and reluctance to show Jiang Yun the underground dungeon.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou enter the prefectural yamen's dungeon, hidden behind a rockery.
• They witness constables extorting prisoners, demanding bribes for release.
• The dungeon becomes eerily silent, and they realize they're trapped in a 'Ghost Wall'.
• Qian Bochou is attacked by an unseen force, strangling him. Jiang Yun uses Chicken Blood to dispel the attack.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows suspicion and disapproval of the corrupt practices in the yamen. He remains calm and resourceful in the face of the supernatural threat.
• Qian Bochou: Initially appears corrupt, but later reveals he has some moral boundaries. He's brave but becomes frightened when faced with the supernatural.

Significant Themes

• Corruption: The yamen officials are shown to be corrupt, extorting money from prisoners.
• Supernatural vs. Reality: The story shifts from a gritty portrayal of corruption to a supernatural encounter, challenging the characters' understanding of reality.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou: Their relationship is complex. Jiang Yun is initially suspicious of Qian Bochou's intentions, but they work together to navigate the supernatural threat.
• Constables and Prisoners: The interactions between the constables and prisoners highlight the corruption and brutality within the yamen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qian Bochou and Jiang Yun are targeted by an unknown assailant using Remote Combat, a form of magic attack from a distance.
• Jiang Yun uses Qian Bochou as a medium to counter the attack, leading to Qian Bochou experiencing intense physical discomfort and pain.
• Qian Bochou's body is controlled by the attacker, causing him to attack Jiang Yun.
• Jiang Yun manages to break the attacker's control and save Qian Bochou.

Character Developments

• Qian Bochou: Despite his initial cowardice, Qian Bochou shows resilience and determination to survive. He also reveals his complex family life and concerns for his family's future.
• Jiang Yun: Jiang Yun demonstrates his magical abilities and strategic thinking. He remains calm under pressure and finds a way to counter the remote attack.

Significant Themes

• Survival: Both characters face life-threatening situations and must rely on their wits and resilience to survive.
• Trust and Dependence: Qian Bochou and Jiang Yun must rely on each other to overcome their shared enemy.
• Magical Combat: The chapter explores the concept of Remote Combat and its effects on the targeted individuals.

Character Interactions

• Qian Bochou and Jiang Yun: Their relationship evolves from initial distrust to mutual dependence and understanding. Qian Bochou comes to rely on Jiang Yun for survival, while Jiang Yun sees Qian Bochou as an ally and a means to counter the remote attack.
• Qian Bochou and the Attacker: Qian Bochou is physically and mentally tormented by the attacker, leading to a sense of helplessness and desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An old woman, under a Remote Control Technique, causes destruction in her house and on the streets.
• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou discover the old woman's location and set out to arrest her.
• They find her at Xia Lingxian's residence, where she's been invited as a distinguished guest.
• Qian Bochou initially accepts bribes from Xia Lingxian's steward to let her go but later decides to arrest her anyway.

Character Developments

• The old woman is revealed to be a powerful cultivator under Jiang Yun's control.
• Qian Bochou shows initial corruption by accepting bribes but ultimately prioritizes his duty, demonstrating growth in integrity.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The old woman's power is controlled by Jiang Yun, and Qian Bochou's authority is challenged by Xia Lingxian's influence.
• Corruption and integrity: Qian Bochou's initial acceptance of bribes highlights the prevalence of corruption, but his later decision to arrest the old woman showcases his integrity.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou work together to find and arrest the old woman.
• Qian Bochou interacts with Xia Lingxian's steward, initially accepting bribes but later defying Xia Lingxian's influence.
• The old woman interacts with Jiang Yun through the Remote Control Technique, though she's unaware of his involvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Steward Hu blocks the constables but allows them to pass after a threat.
• The old woman is taken to the yamen and beaten in prison.
• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou discuss Xia Lingxian's influence and corruption.
• Qian Bochou visits Prefect Zhang Wenqi to request a search warrant for Xia Lingxian's residence.
• Zhang Wenqi's parrot reveals the bribe amounts involved in the case.

Character Developments

• Qian Bochou: Becomes more determined to expose Xia Lingxian's corruption and collusion with Evil Spirits.
• Zhang Wenqi: Shows concern for the seriousness of the case but is initially more interested in money.
• Steward Hu: Remains loyal to Xia Lingxian and threatens the constables.

Significant Themes

• Corruption in Officialdom: Xia Lingxian's refusal to accept bribes initially makes him seem upright, but it's later revealed that he's colluding with Evil Spirits.
• The Power of Money: Zhang Wenqi's parrot reveals the bribe amounts involved, highlighting the influence of money in official positions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou: Discuss Xia Lingxian's influence and corruption, with Qian Bochou expressing his gratitude for finally having the chance to expose him.
• Qian Bochou and Zhang Wenqi: Qian Bochou reports the case to Zhang Wenqi, who is initially more concerned about the money involved.
• Zhang Wenqi and his Parrot: The parrot reveals the bribe amounts, showing the influence of money in official positions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Wenqi, the new Prefect, agrees to arrest Xia Lingxian based on Qian Bochou's advice.
• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou suspect that Xia Lingxian's residence might harbor more demons or monsters.
• They discover that the dungeon, where they had encountered a Ghost Wall and an old woman, might be hiding an Evil Spirit.
• Jiang Yun, Qian Bochou, and Xu Suwen enter the dungeon to investigate. They find all the constables and prisoners dead, killed by an unknown force.
• An old woman, Ghost Granny, and an Evil Spirit confront them. Ghost Granny possesses the Evil Spirit, becoming a formidable foe.
• Xu Suwen uses her powerful Daoist Arts spell, Lightning Palm Strike, but the Evil Spirit proves difficult to destroy.

Character Developments

• Zhang Wenqi shows reluctance in arresting Xia Lingxian due to political concerns but eventually agrees.
• Qian Bochou demonstrates his cleverness and decisiveness in handling the Xia Lingxian matter.
• Jiang Yun shows concern for Xu Suwen's safety and exhibits knowledge of various spells and incantations.
• Xu Suwen proves her prowess in Daoist Arts, using a powerful spell but struggles against the resilient Evil Spirit.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between good and evil, with the protagonists facing a formidable and resilient Evil Spirit.
• The political complexities and concerns in dealing with powerful figures like Xia Lingxian.
• The power of Daoist Arts and the challenges in overcoming certain types of evil entities.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Wenqi and Qian Bochou discuss the arrest of Xia Lingxian, showcasing their differing perspectives and the Prefect's eventual agreement.
• Jiang Yun, Qian Bochou, and Xu Suwen work together to investigate the dungeon and confront the Evil Spirit, demonstrating their teamwork and individual strengths.
• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen have a brief argument over the necessity of removing her clothes for a spell, highlighting their dynamic and Jiang Yun's serious, yet respectful, demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun helps Xu Suwen perform a powerful incantation to defeat the Evil Spirit.
• Xu Suwen faints after using the incantation, and Jiang Yun tries to dress her.
• Qian Bochou finds them in a compromising position, misunderstanding their relationship.

Character Developments

• Xu Suwen shows bravery and determination in facing the Evil Spirit.
• Jiang Yun demonstrates self-control and respect for Xu Suwen's virtue.
• Qian Bochou's loyalty to Xu Suwen is evident, but he also shows jealousy towards Jiang Yun.

Significant Themes

• The power of self-control and respect in maintaining virtue.
• Loyalty and jealousy in relationships.
• The consequences of misunderstandings.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen's relationship deepens as they face danger together.
• Qian Bochou's interaction with Jiang Yun shows his jealousy and loyalty to Xu Suwen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qian Bochou and Jiang Yun discover the fate of the seven constables who were killed by Yao.
• They proceed to the Xia Mansion to arrest Xia Lingxian, who is suspected of colluding with Demons and Monsters.
• They find a vast collection of wealth, women, and children in the mansion.
• Xia Lingxian is found hiding in the cellar with a group of children.

Character Developments

• Qian Bochou: Shows bravery and determination in arresting Xia Lingxian but also exhibits corruption by allowing his constables to keep some of the seized wealth.
• Jiang Yun: Remains calm and collected throughout the events, providing guidance to Qian Bochou.
• Xia Lingxian: Maintains composure despite being arrested, threatening to use his connections to seek revenge.

Significant Themes

• Corruption: The constables and even Qian Bochou are shown to be corrupt, taking advantage of their positions to seize wealth.
• Power dynamics: Xia Lingxian's connections and influence are emphasized, highlighting the power dynamics in the society.
• Vulnerability of the innocent: The presence of children in the cellar emphasizes the vulnerability of the innocent in the face of corruption and power struggles.

Character Interactions

• Qian Bochou and Jiang Yun: They work together, with Jiang Yun providing guidance and support to Qian Bochou.
• Qian Bochou and Xia Lingxian: There's tension and conflict between them, with Qian Bochou determined to arrest Xia Lingxian despite his threats.
• Qian Bochou and his constables: They exhibit corrupt behavior, taking advantage of the situation to seize wealth for themselves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Lingxian is arrested for colluding with Yao and for having a large amount of gold and silver in his residence.
• Jiang Yun discovers that Xia Lingxian has been selling his own children, and there are over sixty little ghosts in his cellar seeking revenge.
• Xia Lingxian is killed by the ghosts, and Steward Hu goes mad from fear.
• Steward Hu reveals that Xia Lingxian's collaborators plan to eliminate Jiang Yun and give his sister to Xia Lingxian to bear children.

Character Developments

• Xia Lingxian: Revealed to be a monstrous figure who has been selling his own children for years, leading to the death and resentment of over sixty children.
• Jiang Yun: Shows concern for Qian Bochou's safety and displays his ability to see ghosts and communicate with them. He becomes enraged when he learns of the plans against him and his sister.
• Qian Bochou: Initially intimidated by the high-ranking officials' names, he regains composure and acknowledges Jiang Yun's abilities. He shows concern for Jiang Yun's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Corruption: Xia Lingxian's actions highlight the corruption within the imperial court, where officials must offer bribes to secure promotions.
• Revenge and Justice: The little ghosts seek revenge on Xia Lingxian for the suffering they endured, and Jiang Yun vows to bring justice to those who planned to harm him and his sister.
• Family and Fatherhood: Xia Lingxian's actions defy the norms of family and fatherhood, while Jiang Yun's protective stance towards his sister emphasizes the importance of family.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Qian Bochou: They work together to uncover Xia Lingxian's crimes, with Qian Bochou showing deference to Jiang Yun's abilities and insights.
• Xia Lingxian and the Little Ghosts: Xia Lingxian's actions lead to the death and resentment of the little ghosts, who ultimately seek revenge on him.
• Jiang Yun and Steward Hu: Jiang Yun threatens Steward Hu to reveal information about Xia Lingxian's collaborators, leading to Steward Hu's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yun is determined to protect Jiang Qiaoqiao at any cost.
• He visits Xu Suwen to ask for her help in protecting his family, but she initially refuses.
• Xu Wuchang, Xu Suwen's brother, arrives and provokes Jiang Yun, leading to Jiang Yun's departure.
• Xu Suwen decides to stay at Jiang Yun's place for a few days after discussing the investigation with her brother.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yun: Shows strong familial love and concern for Jiang Qiaoqiao's safety.
• Xu Suwen: Initially seems uninterested in helping Jiang Yun but later decides to stay at his place, hinting at a change of heart.
• Xu Wuchang (Xu Xiaogang): Reveals his true identity as Xu Suwen's brother, showing a mischievous and protective nature towards his sister.

Significant Themes

• Family: Jiang Yun's unwavering love and protection for his family are a central theme.
• Trust and Deception: The dynamics between Jiang Yun, Xu Suwen, and Xu Wuchang highlight the importance of trust and the consequences of deception.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen: Their interaction shows a shift in their relationship, with Xu Suwen becoming more open to helping Jiang Yun.
• Xu Suwen and Xu Wuchang: Their sibling dynamic is revealed, with Xu Wuchang showing concern and protectiveness towards his sister, while Xu Suwen displays a mix of exasperation and affection towards her brother.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qian Bochou, a constable, visits the families of seven deceased constables to deliver compensation and the truth about their deaths.
• He gives Aunt Qin, Liu Xu's mother, a bag of gold and silver, revealing Liu Xu's death at the hands of Demons and Monsters.
• Qian Bochou visits six more families, facing various reactions, from grief to joy and even accusations.
• In the last family, Constable Sun's, Qian Bochou arrests Sun's wife's lover for colluding with bandits.
• Jiang Yun prepares his courtyard for defense against evil beings, using cinnabar, chicken blood, and other materials to create traps and mechanisms.

Character Developments

• Qian Bochou shows compassion and honesty in delivering the news of the constables' deaths, but also faces accusations and anger from the families.
• Aunt Qin, Liu Xu's mother, is grief-stricken upon learning of her son's death but maintains her composure.
• Jiang Yun demonstrates his knowledge of defensive measures against evil beings, preparing his courtyard meticulously.

Significant Themes

• Death and Grief: The chapter explores the reactions of families to the sudden deaths of their loved ones, highlighting the pain and grief they experience.
• Honesty and Compassion: Qian Bochou's honest delivery of the news, despite knowing it would cause pain, shows his compassion and integrity.
• Defense and Preparation: Jiang Yun's preparation of his courtyard reflects the theme of being proactive and ready in the face of potential danger.

Character Interactions

• Qian Bochou interacts with the families of the deceased constables, showing empathy and understanding despite facing accusations.
• Jiang Yun interacts with Jiang Qiaoqiao, showing a protective and caring brotherly affection.
• Xu Suwen interacts with Jiang Yun, showing concern and care, but also naivety as she steps into the prepared courtyard without knowing the danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Suwen accidentally triggers traps in Jiang Yun's courtyard, leading to a chase and her falling into a pit.
• She agrees to help Jiang Yun protect Jiang Qiaoqiao and find information about the evil group that killed Ghost Granny, in exchange for his help with her real mission in Nanzhou Prefecture.
• They learn that the evil group, led by Yang Qian, specializes in the Insect Gu Technique and will likely target Jiang Yun for revenge.
• The evil group discusses their plan to avenge Ghost Granny by targeting Jiang Yun's sister.

Character Developments

• Xu Suwen: Shows determination to help Jiang Yun despite his initial trickery. Reveals her true mission in Nanzhou Prefecture.
• Jiang Yun: Demonstrates resourcefulness and cunning by setting up traps in his courtyard. Shows concern for his sister's safety.
• Yang Qian: Revealed to be the leader of the evil group. Vows to avenge Ghost Granny by targeting Jiang Yun's sister.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Brotherhood: The evil group's oath to avenge Ghost Granny highlights their loyalty and brotherhood.
• Trust and Betrayal: Xu Suwen's initial anger at Jiang Yun's trickery and later agreement to help him shows the theme of trust and betrayal.
• Revenge: The evil group's desire for revenge is a central theme, driving their actions.

Character Interactions

• Xu Suwen and Jiang Yun: Their interactions start with hostility due to Jiang Yun's trickery but evolve into cooperation as they agree to help each other.
• The Evil Group: The group's interaction shows their unity and commitment to their oath of brotherhood, planning revenge together.
• Jiang Yun and Jiang Qiaoqiao: Their sibling bond is evident as Jiang Yun takes precautions to protect his sister from the impending danger.