Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci buy cultivation methods for humans at Baibao Pavilion.
• Liu Shui starts cultivating under Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci's guidance.
• Tushan Jingci grows taller than Xiao Mo and insists on being called 'Sister' by him.
• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci attend classes together; Mr. Xian Xichun tells a story about a demon and a human who fall in love.

Character Developments

• Tushan Jingci grows from a child to a young woman, becoming taller than Xiao Mo and developing feelings for him.
• Xiao Mo remains loyal and patient, accepting Tushan Jingci's growing affection for him.
• Mr. Xian Xichun shows a more personal side, hinting at his own experiences with love and understanding between demons and humans.

Significant Themes

• Love and relationships between demons and humans.
• Personal growth and change over time.
• The importance of communication and understanding in relationships.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci's relationship deepens as they grow older together.
• Tushan Jingci's affection for Xiao Mo becomes more apparent.
• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci discuss the story of Xiao Feng and the human woman, revealing their hopes for a happy ending.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Mo, now a handsome young man, demonstrates his prowess in the Great Dream of Yellow Millet technique, manifesting all things with his heart.
• Tushan Jingci, now sixteen, visits Xiao Mo on the mountain, and they return to the courtyard together.
• Tushan Xinhua visits and tests both Xiao Mo's and Jingci's progress, expressing satisfaction with Xiao Mo's cultivation but intending to move him out of their shared courtyard.

Character Developments

• Xiao Mo: Has grown into a handsome young man, cultivating the Great Dream of Yellow Millet technique to the Dragon Gate Realm. He remains loyal and dedicated to protecting Jingci.
• Tushan Jingci: Has grown into a beautiful young woman, reaching the Dragon Gate Realm in cultivation. She is studying Confucian knowledge and preparing for an examination to become a Sage. She remains close to Xiao Mo and is somewhat jealous when her mother praises him.
• Tushan Xinhua: As a mother, she is protective and nurturing towards Jingci but also expects much from her. She is satisfied with Xiao Mo's cultivation progress but decides to move him out of their shared courtyard.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Maturation: Both Xiao Mo and Jingci have grown and matured over the years, with Xiao Mo demonstrating his cultivation prowess and Jingci displaying her beauty and intelligence.
• Protection and Loyalty: Xiao Mo's dedication to protecting Jingci remains a central theme, with Tushan Xinhua acknowledging his efforts.
• Motherly Love and Expectations: Tushan Xinhua's visit highlights her love for Jingci but also her high expectations for her daughter's cultivation and academic progress.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci: Their bond remains strong, with Jingci showing jealousy when her mother praises Xiao Mo. They share a courtyard but are about to be separated due to Tushan Xinhua's decision.
• Tushan Jingci and Tushan Xinhua: Mother and daughter interact affectionately, with Tushan Xinhua testing Jingci's studies and expressing her love and expectations for her daughter.
• Xiao Mo and Tushan Xinhua: Tushan Xinhua acknowledges Xiao Mo's cultivation progress but decides to move him out of their shared courtyard, indicating a change in their living arrangements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tushan Xinhua, Jingci's mother, asks Xiao Mo to move out of their shared courtyard due to propriety concerns.
• Jingci is upset about Xiao Mo moving out and runs away to the peak of Jian Mountain.
• Tushan Xinhua leaves for the Yao Race World, asking Xiao Mo to convey a message to Jingci.

Character Developments

• Tushan Jingci: Jingci shows her attachment to Xiao Mo and her unwillingness to let him move out. She also expresses her disinterest in marriage and her contentment with their current life.
• Xiao Mo: Xiao Mo demonstrates his understanding of romantic feelings and his commitment to protecting Jingci. He agrees to move out due to propriety concerns but reassures Jingci of his constant presence.

Significant Themes

• Propriety and Gender Roles: The chapter explores the societal expectations of propriety between a young woman and a man, even if they are just a bookboy. It also touches on the expectations of marriage for young women.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Jingci and Xiao Mo is emphasized, with Jingci's unwillingness to let Xiao Mo move out and Xiao Mo's reassurance of his constant presence.

Character Interactions

• Jingci and Xiao Mo: Their interaction shows their close bond, with Jingci's pouting and Xiao Mo's reassurances. They also discuss the concept of 'liking' someone, with Xiao Mo explaining it based on what he's read in books.
• Tushan Xinhua and Jingci: Their interaction is brief but shows Tushan Xinhua's sternness and Jingci's rebelliousness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Mo moves to a separate bamboo courtyard at the foot of the mountain.
• Tushan Jingci accompanies him but leaves after Xiao Mo insists on cleaning alone.
• Xiao Mo begins cultivating the Great Dream of Yellow Millet in his new courtyard.
• Tushan Jingci tries to visit Xiao Mo but is stopped by Yueshi.
• Tushan Jingci reflects on her memories of Xiao Mo and feels his absence deeply.

Character Developments

• Xiao Mo demonstrates independence and contentment in his new living arrangement, preferring manual labor over magical solutions for cleaning.
• Tushan Jingci shows concern for Xiao Mo's well-being and misses his presence, indicating a growing attachment.

Significant Themes

• Separation and Longing: Tushan Jingci's struggle with Xiao Mo's move highlights the theme of separation and the longing that follows.
• Growth and Independence: Xiao Mo's decision to move and his contentment in his new home suggest his growth and increasing independence.
• Memory and Nostalgia: Tushan Jingci's reflection on her past interactions with Xiao Mo emphasizes the theme of memory and nostalgia.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci's interaction is brief but meaningful, with Xiao Mo showing deference and Tushan Jingci displaying concern and reluctance to leave.
• Tushan Jingci's interaction with Yueshi reveals the latter's loyalty to Madam and her role as a barrier between Tushan Jingci and Xiao Mo.
• Tushan Jingci's internal monologue about Xiao Mo shows her growing affection and dependence on him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Shui, a young woman from the nearby village, visits Xiao Mo's new bamboo courtyard and offers to cook and clean for him daily.
• Xiao Mo agrees, and Liu Shui starts her daily visits, bringing liveliness to the courtyard.
• Xiao Mo discovers that studying other Daoist classics alongside "The Great Dream of Yellow Millet" enhances his cultivation.
• Mother Liu tries to arrange a marriage for Liu Shui with a man from Hanshan City, but Liu Shui expresses disinterest.
• An unknown assailant in black enters Xiao Mo's courtyard at night, hinting at potential danger.

Character Developments

• Xiao Mo: He is content with his solitary life, focusing on cultivation. He accepts Liu Shui's help without expecting anything in return and is open to sharing resources for her cultivation.
• Liu Shui: She is kind-hearted, diligent, and has feelings for Xiao Mo, though she hasn't confessed them. She is also skilled in cooking and cleaning.
• Mother Liu: She is concerned about her daughter's future and tries to arrange a suitable marriage for her.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Xiao Mo's dedication to his cultivation journey is evident, and he finds that studying other Daoist classics aids his progress.
• Friendship and Companionship: Liu Shui's presence brings warmth and companionship to Xiao Mo's previously solitary life.
• Marriage and Personal Choice: Liu Shui's resistance to her mother's arranged marriage attempts highlights her desire for personal choice in her life.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Mo and Liu Shui: They develop a friendly, almost familial relationship. Liu Shui cares for Xiao Mo, and he appreciates her help and company.
• Liu Shui and Mother Liu: Their relationship is strained due to differing views on Liu Shui's future. Mother Liu wants to secure her daughter's future through marriage, while Liu Shui wants personal choice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Man in Black attempts to assassinate Xiao Mo in his sleep.
• Xiao Mo reveals his powerful abilities, using bamboo leaves and clouds as weapons.
• The Man in Black uses a soul restriction, leading to his own destruction when Xiao Mo tries to break it.
• Xiao Mo speculates about the mastermind behind the assassination attempt.

Character Developments

• Xiao Mo: Demonstrates immense power and calmness under pressure, uses illusion techniques, and shows concern for finding the mastermind behind the assassination attempt.
• The Man in Black: Reveals his ruthless and cunning nature, uses a soul restriction as a last resort.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Xiao Mo's ability to control nature and the Man in Black's use of a soul restriction highlight the theme of power and control.
• Trust and Betrayal: The assassination attempt raises questions about trust and betrayal within the academy.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Mo vs. The Man in Black: Xiao Mo's calm and collected demeanor contrasts with the Man in Black's ruthless and desperate actions.
• Xiao Mo and Cun Caiguang: Xiao Mo's speculation about the mastermind behind the assassination attempt hints at potential future interactions with Cun Caiguang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Mo uses the Great Dream of Yellow Millet to deduce the black-clad man's identity but finds no leads.
• Tushan Jingci and Xiao Mo go to Study Hall for class. Tushan Jingci shows unusual enthusiasm for school.
• After class, Tushan Jingci takes Xiao Mo to Hanshan City and Qingquan Peak, delaying their return.
• Xiao Mo falls asleep due to the side effects of his cultivation method, and Tushan Jingci plays a prank on him.

Character Developments

• Xiao Mo: Struggles with the side effects of his cultivation method, showing increased fatigue and sleepiness.
• Tushan Jingci: Becomes more proactive and eager to spend time with Xiao Mo, hinting at growing feelings.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change: Tushan Jingci's growing feelings for Xiao Mo and her reluctance to part ways.
• The consequences of cultivation: Xiao Mo's fatigue and sleepiness due to his cultivation method.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci: Their bond deepens as they spend more time together. Tushan Jingci shows affection towards Xiao Mo, while Xiao Mo remains unaware of her feelings.
• Xiao Mo and other demon bookboys: They now show respect and awe towards Xiao Mo due to his cultivation progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Mo discovers improvements in his spiritual root after practicing the Great Dream of Yellow Millet.
• He decides to go into seclusion to further his cultivation and seeks a suitable location.
• Xiao Mo visits Xian Xichun, who agrees to protect his cultivation space and investigate the assassination attempt.
• Xiao Mo informs Tushan Jingci about his upcoming seclusion and promises to send her a mountain of peach blossoms upon his emergence.

Character Developments

• Xiao Mo shows maturity and responsibility in preparing for his seclusion and informing those around him.
• Tushan Jingci demonstrates her understanding and support for Xiao Mo's decision, showing growth in her character.
• Xian Xichun displays his concern and willingness to help Xiao Mo, revealing his kind heart despite his eccentric behavior.

Significant Themes

• The theme of growth and self-improvement is emphasized as Xiao Mo prepares for his seclusion to enhance his cultivation.
• The importance of trust and friendship is shown through Xiao Mo's interactions with Xian Xichun and Tushan Jingci.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Mo and Xian Xichun share a heartfelt conversation about cultivation and their past experiences.
• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci have a sweet exchange, with Tushan Jingci showing understanding and support for Xiao Mo's decision to go into seclusion.
• Xian Xichun and Cun Caiguang discuss the assassination attempt on Xiao Mo, revealing the involvement of the Tushan Clan.

Summary

Key Plot Points

• Xiao Mo promises Tushan Jingci that he will return after his closed-door cultivation.
• Xiao Mo begins his closed-door cultivation, with Xian Xichun guarding him.
• Assassins attempt to infiltrate, but Xian Xichun fends them off.

Character Developments

• Tushan Jingci expresses her worry and expectation for Xiao Mo's return.
• Xiao Mo shows determination and responsibility in keeping his promise.
• Xian Xichun demonstrates his protective nature and skill.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Promise-Keeping: Xiao Mo's commitment to Tushan Jingci.
• Protection and Guardianship: Xian Xichun's role in safeguarding Xiao Mo.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Mo and Tushan Jingci: They share a tender moment, promising to meet again.
• Xiao Mo and Xian Xichun: They work together, with Xian Xichun acting as a guardian during Xiao Mo's cultivation.
• Tushan Jingci and Yueshi: They discuss Xiao Mo's safety, with Yueshi reassuring Tushan Jingci.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tushan Jingci tries to sneak out to visit Xiao Mo, who is in seclusion.
• Yueshi, her caretaker, catches her and prevents her from going.
• Jingci tries to sneak out twice more, but Yueshi catches her each time using a detection jade pendant given by Madam.
• Jingci successfully sneaks out in the form of a snow-white fox, but Yueshi is waiting for her.

Character Developments

• Tushan Jingci: Shows determination and resourcefulness in trying to visit Xiao Mo, but also displays immaturity in her methods and attitude towards Yueshi and her mother.
• Yueshi: Demonstrates loyalty and responsibility in following Madam's orders and preventing Jingci from visiting Xiao Mo. She shows understanding and patience in dealing with Jingci's actions.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Responsibility: Yueshi's loyalty to Madam and her responsibility towards Jingci are highlighted as she prevents Jingci from visiting Xiao Mo.
• Maturity and Immaturity: Jingci's immaturity is shown in her actions and attitude, while Yueshi's maturity is seen in her handling of the situation.

Character Interactions

• Tushan Jingci and Yueshi: Their relationship is tested as Jingci tries to defy Yueshi's orders, leading to tension and eventual understanding between them.
• Tushan Jingci and Xiao Mo: Jingci's concern and worry for Xiao Mo drive her actions, showing their close bond.