Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the two commandments for assassins: avoid the obvious and be ruthless.
• Shangguan Fa, the seventh Unrivaled King, teaches his sons these principles, emphasizing survival and eliminating all loose ends.
• A master who relied on fair duels died after leaving home, killed by a sneak attack, highlighting the futility of martial arts etiquette.
• A master who spared a mother and son was later killed by a nobody, illustrating the danger of leaving witnesses alive.
• Shangguan Fa, the King of Assassins, severs his eighth son's right hand for failing to eliminate a target completely.

Character Developments

• Shangguan Fa: Stands by his principles, even when it comes to his own son, demonstrating his ruthlessness and commitment to the assassin's code.
• Shangguan Nu: Loses his right hand and his reputation due to his mistake, leading to a surge of anger and a desire for revenge.

Significant Themes

• Ruthlessness and cunning are essential for survival in the assassin's world.
• Martial arts etiquette and legends are often irrelevant and even harmful to assassins.
• Leaving witnesses alive can lead to unforeseen consequences and revenge.
• The concept of "name" in the martial world can be illusory and harmful.

Character Interactions

• Shangguan Fa teaches his sons the assassin's precepts, emphasizing the importance of survival and ruthlessness.
• Shangguan Nu interacts with his father, Shangguan Fa, leading to the loss of his right hand.
• Shangguan Nu vents his anger on his subordinates, crippling their martial arts as punishment for their carelessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious rider is spotted near the Gu Family manor, causing Master Gu Lun to heighten security.
• Five masked intruders attempt to infiltrate the manor at night but are quickly repelled.
• Gu Shenwei's sister, Cuilan, is to be married and sent to the Central Plains, but the wedding is unexpectedly moved up.
• Gu Shenwei, Cuilan, her maid Juxiang, and the old servant Yang Zheng leave the manor in the middle of the night, with Gu Lun staying behind.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Still playful and immature, he takes the threat of the masked men seriously but remains confident in his family's martial prowess. He grows more responsible when tasked with escorting his sister.
• Gu Lun: A former military official and skilled martial artist, he is vigilant and cautious, arranging for the estate guards to patrol the night after the masked men's intrusion. He sends his family away secretly, hinting at a hidden threat.
• Gu Cuilan: She is about to be married and sent to the Central Plains. Despite the sudden change in plans, she remains calm and prepared.

Significant Themes

• Family and responsibility: Gu Shenwei's newfound sense of responsibility towards his sister and the Gu Family's safety.
• Trust and deception: Gu Lun's decision to send his family away secretly, hinting at a lack of trust in the current situation or perhaps in someone within the manor.
• Change and adaptation: The Gu Family, having moved from the Central Plains to the Western Regions, must adapt to new circumstances and threats.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Gu Lun: Father and son share a moment of seriousness as Gu Lun entrusts his youngest son with the task of protecting his sister.
• Gu Shenwei and Yang Zheng: The old servant, who has also been a mentor to Gu Shenwei, urges him to leave with the others, showing a sense of urgency and trust in the young master's abilities.
• Gu Shenwei and Mingxiang: The Little Book Boy, who often argues with Gu Shenwei, is also displeased with the sudden escort mission, showing a level of camaraderie with the young master.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gu Family, including Gu Shenwei (the young master), his sister Cuilan, and their servant Yang Zheng, embark on a journey to escort Cuilan to her wedding in the Central Plains.
• They are initially headed west towards Shule City, where they expect to be escorted by soldiers.
• On the way, they are attacked by three bandits. Yang Zheng, using only his spear, defeats all three, impressing Gu Shenwei with his skills.
• Yang Zheng sends Gu Shenwei to Shule City to fetch reinforcements, fearing more bandits might come.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: He is naive, enthusiastic, and eager to prove himself, especially after witnessing Yang Zheng's martial arts prowess. He volunteers to go to Shule City without questioning the details of the task.
• Yang Zheng: He is loyal, cautious, and strategic. He sends Gu Shenwei to Shule City to fetch reinforcements, prioritizing the safety of the group over the young master's desire to fight bandits.
• Cuilan: She is wise beyond her years, understanding the gravity of the situation and the need to save her brother. She supports Yang Zheng's decision to send Gu Shenwei away.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Sacrifice: Yang Zheng's loyalty to the Gu Family is demonstrated when he prioritizes the safety of the group over the young master's desire to fight bandits. Cuilan also shows loyalty to her brother and the Gu Family by understanding and supporting Yang Zheng's decision.
• Martial Arts and Power: The power of martial arts is showcased through Yang Zheng's defeat of the three bandits using only his spear. This impresses Gu Shenwei and fuels his enthusiasm to learn spear techniques.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Yang Zheng: Despite Yang Zheng's initial pushiness, Gu Shenwei grows to admire his master's martial arts skills and becomes eager to learn from him.
• Cuilan and Gu Shenwei: Cuilan watches over her younger brother, showing concern for his safety and understanding his eagerness to prove himself. She supports Yang Zheng's decision to send Gu Shenwei away, understanding the importance of his task.
• Yang Zheng and Cuilan: Yang Zheng shows his loyalty to the Gu Family by prioritizing their safety and making strategic decisions. Cuilan understands and supports these decisions, showing her wisdom and maturity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei, sent on a mission by his master Yang Zheng, encounters unexpected difficulties and eventually finds his family's manor destroyed and his family members killed.
• He discovers his sister's whereabouts unknown and decides to find her and avenge his family.
• Gu Shenwei finds a hidden book containing a rapid cultivation method for "Hehe Jin" in the manor's ruins, which he believes will help him in his quest for revenge.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Initially naive and sheltered, he grows more mature and determined after the tragedy, vowing to find his sister and avenge his family. He also becomes more resourceful and strategic.
• Yang Zheng: Despite being a skilled martial artist, he is killed swiftly and decisively, indicating the high level of the assassin's skills.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Gu Shenwei's primary motivation after discovering his family's fate.
• Family: The importance of family and the impact of its loss on Gu Shenwei's life and decisions.
• Power and Skill: The value of martial arts skills and the desire for power to protect oneself and achieve revenge.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei interacts with various people on the road, including herders and a caravan, but these interactions are brief and do not significantly impact the plot.
• Gu Shenwei's relationship with his family members, particularly his sister Cuilan, is emphasized, as he is determined to find her and avenge their family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei discovers that the Gu Family's annihilation has attracted scavengers, including a group of bandits.
• The bandits capture Gu Shenwei, mistaking him for a fellow scavenger. They steal his family's silver and an oilcloth package, which they believe contains valuables.
• Gu Shenwei manages to save a portion of the oilcloth package, which turns out to be an account book, not the "Hehe Jin" manual he expected.
• The bandits take Gu Shenwei and other captives to a T-junction, where they wait for a mysterious "Tiger" and his gang.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei's initial impulse to fight his enemies is replaced by caution, demonstrating his growing maturity and understanding of his powerlessness in the current situation.
• Gu Shenwei's regret at not diligently practicing his family's martial arts highlights his determination to seek revenge and his awareness of the challenges ahead.
• The bandits, particularly Flying Eagle and the old bandit, are shown to be ruthless and cunning, prioritizing their own interests and survival.

Significant Themes

• Misfortune attracts more misfortune, as the Gu Family's downfall brings scavengers and bandits.
• Power dynamics and the struggle for survival among different factions, as seen in the bandits' interactions and their fear of the "Tiger" and the Unrivaled King.
• Gu Shenwei's growing understanding of the world's harsh realities and his determination to seek revenge, despite the overwhelming odds against him.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei's interaction with the bandits, particularly Flying Eagle, highlights his vulnerability and the bandits' disregard for his life.
• The bandits' interactions with each other reveal their tense relationships, their fear of the "Tiger," and their loyalty to the Unrivaled King.
• Gu Shenwei's internal struggle, as he grapples with the loss of his family's manual and the realization of the power of his enemy, is reflected in his silent questions and realizations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei learns that the "Butcher King" who destroyed his family is the "Unrivaled King" of Golden Peng Fortress.
• A rider named Long Feidu, known as the "Tianshan Swordsman," arrives and kills the "Flying Eagle Gang" for unknown reasons.
• Long Feidu approaches the captives, and Gu Shenwei believes he's a chivalrous knight but fears he might be killed for speaking up.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Develops a desire for revenge against Golden Peng Fortress and becomes determined to join the Tianshan faction after seeing Long Feidu's power.
• Long Feidu: Reveals himself as a formidable swordsman, showing no fear against multiple opponents. He seems to have a code of honor, as he doesn't immediately kill the captives.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Gu Shenwei's desire for vengeance against Golden Peng Fortress drives his actions and thoughts.
• Power and Fear: Long Feidu's appearance instills fear in the bandits and captives, demonstrating the power dynamics in the Western Regions.
• Chivalry vs. Reality: Gu Shenwei's idealistic view of Long Feidu as a chivalrous knight contrasts with the reality of their situation, where Long Feidu could still kill them.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Long Feidu: Gu Shenwei admires Long Feidu's skills and sees him as a potential ally in his quest for revenge. Long Feidu, however, shows no clear reaction to Gu Shenwei's words.
• The Captives and Long Feidu: The captives are terrified of Long Feidu, while Gu Shenwei is the only one who shows no fear and speaks up to him.
• The Bandits and Long Feidu: The bandits are afraid of Long Feidu and his reputation, with Flying Eagle and his gang being the only ones to challenge him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei recognizes the Golden Peng banner, remembering it from two years ago when his family was migrating to the Western Regions.
• Long Feidu, a Snow Mountain Swordsman, is ambushed and killed by an assassin from Golden Peng Fortress using "Mercy Powder."
• Gu Shenwei is captured by bandits and later "purchased" by a merchant, becoming a slave in a caravan heading east.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei's understanding of the world deepens as he witnesses the ruthlessness of Golden Peng Fortress and the power dynamics between bandits and merchants.
• Long Feidu's defeat and death show the harsh reality of the Western Regions, where even skilled warriors can fall victim to underhanded tactics.

Significant Themes

• Power and Weakness: The power dynamics between bandits, merchants, and slaves are starkly displayed. The strong prey on the weak, and those with power exploit those without.
• Ambition and Reality: Gu Shenwei's ambition to avenge his family and reach Great Snow Mountain is challenged by the harsh realities he faces, such as the underhanded tactics used by Golden Peng Fortress and his own capture.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and the Assassin: Gu Shenwei's hatred for the assassin grows as he witnesses the latter's ruthlessness and the death of Long Feidu.
• Gu Shenwei and the Merchants: Gu Shenwei's interaction with the merchants highlights the dehumanizing treatment of slaves, as they are seen as mere cargo to be bought and sold.
• Gu Shenwei and the Children: Gu Shenwei's treatment of the children in the cage cart shows his growing awareness of the suffering of others and his desire to protect the innocent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei loses the White Silk, his family's secret manual, during his struggle with the big-bearded man.
• The slave convoy is headed to Jade City, where Gu Shenwei learns Golden Peng Fortress is located.
• The convoy is held up by bandits led by the notorious Iron Mountain Great Head God, who is buying slaves.
• Gu Shenwei and the sharp-faced youth are selected and bought by the Great Head God.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: He has lost hope and confidence after losing the White Silk. He is resigned to his fate and no longer attempts to escape.
• Sharp-faced Youth: Initially arrogant and teasing, he becomes terrified at the prospect of being bought by the Great Head God, revealing his fear of being eaten.

Significant Themes

• Loss of hope and resignation to fate.
• Fear of the unknown and the terrifying.
• The harsh reality of slavery and the slave trade.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and the Sharp-faced Youth: Initially hostile, they become reluctant allies when facing the threat of the Great Head God.
• Gu Shenwei and the Great Head God: Gu Shenwei gets his first glimpse of the terrifying figure, confirming the rumors about him eating people.
• The Sharp-faced Youth and Gu Shenwei: The youth clings to Gu Shenwei for support when they are bought by the Great Head God, showing his fear and vulnerability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Iron Mountain Gang, led by the Great Head God, returns to their camp near Jade City with twenty young slaves, including Gu Shenwei.
• The gang is preparing for the Great Head God's daughter's wedding, and the young slaves are part of her dowry.
• The Great Head God kills a minor leader for suggesting that the gang's men should see his daughter, revealing that his daughter's husband is the son of the Unrivaled King.
• Two young slave brothers attempt to escape but are caught by Xue Niang, the young lady's servant.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: He adapts to his new life as a slave, feeling the hardships and injustices of his situation. He remains determined to infiltrate Golden Peng Fortress to find his sister and avenge his family.
• The Sharp-faced Youth: He shows his cunning and survival instincts by snitching on the escaping brothers to gain favor with Xue Niang.
• The Two Brothers: They display courage and resourcefulness in their attempt to escape, but their plan is foiled by Xue Niang.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of slavery and the struggle for survival.
• The importance of family and blood ties, as seen in the Great Head God's protective stance towards his daughter and the brothers' bond.
• The consequences of disrespect and insubordination, as demonstrated by the minor leader's death.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and the Sharp-faced Youth: They have a tense relationship, with the Sharp-faced Youth often trying to curry favor with Xue Niang at Gu Shenwei's expense.
• The Two Brothers and Gu Shenwei: The brothers invite Gu Shenwei to escape with them, but he declines, understanding that his path lies with the young bride.
• The Great Head God and his subordinates: The Great Head God maintains a strong and intimidating presence, while his subordinates show camaraderie and loyalty, albeit with underlying tension.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei and two brothers are accused of attempted escape by a sharp-faced youth, Xue Niang. She punishes them, but none are killed.
• The Great Head God returns and argues with his daughter, Luo Ningcha, about her arranged marriage to Shangguan Nu.
• Luo Ningcha blinds and deafens a virgin girl who mispronounces her name.
• The ten youths in the tent become sworn brothers, with Lin Yang (sharp-faced youth) initiating the ceremony.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Starts to understand the harsh reality of his situation and the necessity of deception. He swears brotherhood with the others using a false name.
• Luo Ningcha: Reveals her cruel nature by punishing the virgin girl. She's defiant against her father but ultimately submits to the arranged marriage.
• Lin Yang: Proves himself cunning and manipulative, orchestrating the swearing-in ceremony to gain control over the other youths.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Trust: Characters use lies and deceit to protect themselves, making genuine trust rare.
• Cruelty and Power: The Great Head God and his daughter exhibit brutal power, instilling fear in those around them.
• Cultural Barriers: The youths' inability to understand each other's languages creates communication barriers and misunderstandings.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and the two brothers: They form a silent alliance, understanding each other's plight without needing to communicate verbally.
• Gu Shenwei and Lin Yang: They become 'brothers' despite Gu Shenwei's mistrust of Lin Yang's true intentions.
• Luo Ningcha and her father: Their argument highlights the power dynamic between them, with the father ultimately holding the authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The ten sworn brothers enjoy a brief honeymoon period before the wedding.
• The wedding of Shangguan Nu, the son of the Unrivaled King, to the daughter of the Great Head God is described in detail.
• Gu Shenwei learns about the massacre of his family by Golden Peng Fortress and Shangguan Nu's role in it.
• Shangguan Nu brings back the wrong head, leading to the loss of his right hand as punishment.
• Gu Shenwei sees Shangguan Nu for the first time and feels surprisingly calm.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei becomes more determined to seek revenge against Golden Peng Fortress and the Shangguan Family.
• Shangguan Nu's future is jeopardized due to his mistake, and he marries the Great Head God's daughter as a political alliance rather than a personal union.
• The Great Head God is eager to welcome his son-in-law and strengthen his alliance with the Unrivaled King.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and the consequences of failure.
• The political alliances and power dynamics within the Western Regions.
• The harsh punishments and expectations within Golden Peng Fortress.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Shangguan Nu have their first encounter, with Gu Shenwei remaining unrecognized.
• The Great Head God warmly welcomes Shangguan Nu, showing no signs of discomfort with his disability.
• Gu Shenwei feels a sudden impulse to attack Shangguan Nu but is deterred by Xue Niang's stern gaze.

Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei arrives in Jade City for the wedding of the Western Regions' largest assassin organization and its biggest bandit gang.
• The wedding procession enters Golden Peng Fortress, where Gu Shenwei and the other boy attendants are sent to Kindling Courtyard.
• Gu Shenwei sneaks out at night and discovers a cliff edge with strange noises below.
• He encounters a night watchman but manages to convince him he was only urinating.
• On the second day, the youths are assigned to care for the dying in Kindling Courtyard.
• They are given new names, with Gu Shenwei becoming "Huan Nu."

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei remains determined to find his sister but is cautious after his narrow escape from the night watchman.
• Lin Yang, now "Yao Nu," loses his initial confidence and becomes subdued.
• Han Jinu, the steward of Kindling Courtyard, is introduced as a cruel and power-hungry character.

Significant Themes

• The harsh realities and dangers of life in Golden Peng Fortress.
• The power dynamics and strict hierarchy within the fortress.
• The loss of identity and individuality through forced name changes.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei interacts with the night watchman, narrowly avoiding death.
• The youths bond over their shared misfortune in Kindling Courtyard.
• Han Jinu asserts his authority over the new slaves, branding them with their new names.

Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei, now named Huan Nu, cares for a dying man, Xie Nu, in Kindling Courtyard.
• The youths learn about the harsh reality of the Golden Peng Fortress and the fate of those who enter the East Fortress to become killers.
• Xue Niang, the maidservant attending Miss Luo Ningcha, arrives and takes the youths to the Eighth Young Master's residence.
• The youths are made to swear an oath of loyalty to Miss Luo Ningcha, with Yao Nu being singled out for special treatment.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei struggles with the idea of entering the East Fortress to become a killer, weighing the risks and benefits.
• Yao Nu shows ambition and cunning, ingratiating himself with the Eighth Young Master and Miss Luo Ningcha, and securing a chance to learn martial arts.
• Han Jinu, the caretaker of Kindling Courtyard, feels threatened by Xue Niang's interference and the youths' potential departure.

Significant Themes

• The brutal nature of the Golden Peng Fortress and the high cost of becoming a killer.
• The importance of personal connections and recommendations in survival and success within the fortress.
• The power dynamics and hierarchy among the fortress's inhabitants.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Yao Nu's rivalry and differing views on becoming killers.
• Han Jinu's resentment towards Xue Niang and the youths' potential departure from Kindling Courtyard.
• The youths' initial anxiety and uncertainty about their futures in the Golden Peng Fortress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The young mistress's dowry slaves, including Gu Shenwei, are forced to pay respects to her every morning.
• Xiao Nu, one of the slaves, lifts his head to look at the young mistress, violating a rule.
• The young mistress orders Xiao Nu's eyes gouged out and tongue cut off as punishment.
• Xiao Nu dies from his injuries the next day.
• Xue Niang, the young mistress's maid, punishes Han Jinu, the yard manager, for his role in Xiao Nu's death.
• Han Jinu summons a Golden Peng Fortress Killer, Han Shiqi, for support.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Becomes increasingly determined to take revenge on the young mistress.
• Xiao Nu: Transitions from a naive, eager-to-please youth to a tragic figure.
• Han Jinu: Reveals his cowardice and willingness to manipulate others for his gain.
• Xue Niang: Demonstrates her power and loyalty to the young mistress.
• Han Shiqi: Shows his influence and connection to the young master, Shangguan Nu.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and abuse of power.
• The consequences of disobedience and curiosity.
• Loyalty and betrayal among servants.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Xiao Nu: Their bond as sworn brothers is tested and ultimately broken.
• Han Jinu and the youths: Han Jinu's manipulation of the youths for his own gain is exposed.
• Xue Niang and Han Jinu: Xue Niang asserts her power over Han Jinu.
• Han Jinu and Han Shiqi: Han Jinu seeks Han Shiqi's protection and support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei discovers Han Shiqi, the assassin who infiltrated the Gu family estate, is now in the Golden Peng Fortress.
• Han Shiqi recognizes Gu Shenwei but doesn't expose him.
• Gu Shenwei gets into a fight with other youths and is noticed by Han Shiqi.
• Gu Shenwei is left unpunished by Han Shiqi and is protected by him.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Struggles with his identity and the danger of being recognized by Han Shiqi. He shows defiance and willingness to die when facing Han Shiqi.
• Han Shiqi: Recognizes Gu Shenwei but keeps it a secret. He shows interest in Gu Shenwei's wildness and decides to protect him.
• Yao Nu: Becomes jealous of Gu Shenwei's potential favor with Han Shiqi. He offers to trade Gu Shenwei's cloth for martial arts lessons.

Significant Themes

• Identity and recognition: Gu Shenwei's struggle with his past identity and the danger of being recognized by Han Shiqi.
• Power dynamics: The power imbalance between Gu Shenwei and Han Shiqi, and between the youths and Han Jinu.
• Survival and adaptation: Gu Shenwei's attempts to adapt to his new life and survive in the Golden Peng Fortress.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Han Shiqi: Their tense interaction leads to Han Shiqi recognizing Gu Shenwei but choosing not to expose him.
• Gu Shenwei and Yao Nu: Yao Nu becomes jealous of Gu Shenwei's potential favor with Han Shiqi and offers to trade for martial arts lessons.
• The youths and Han Jinu: The youths fight among themselves, leading to Han Jinu punishing them with his red sandalwood stick.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei regrets losing the White Silk and learns Yao Nu has it.
• Yao Nu wants to learn Hehe Jin to become an assassin and offers to return the White Silk in exchange.
• Gu Shenwei decides to teach Yao Nu Hehe Jin but plans to kill him later.
• They practice Hehe Jin at Ghost Cry Cliff every night, undisturbed.
• Yao Nu feels the energy of Hehe Jin and becomes more confident.
• Yao Nu tells Gu Shenwei he's shameless and that greater shamelessness is needed to survive.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Struggles with his conscience regarding Yao Nu but ultimately decides to prioritize his revenge.
• Yao Nu: Becomes more confident and shameless as he feels the power of Hehe Jin.

Significant Themes

• Shamelessness: Yao Nu believes it's necessary for survival, and Gu Shenwei begins to accept this.
• Power and Revenge: Gu Shenwei's desire for power to exact revenge drives his actions.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Yao Nu: Their relationship becomes more complex as Gu Shenwei plans to kill Yao Nu while teaching him Hehe Jin.
• Yao Nu and Xue Niang: Yao Nu receives praise for his progress in Hehe Jin from Xue Niang.
• Yao Nu and other boys: Yao Nu's status rises as he gains more followers, while the Qi Nu and Xie Nu brothers shun him and Gu Shenwei.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei teaches Yao Nu the Hehe Jin cultivation method, intentionally concealing crucial reminders to hasten Yao Nu's cultivation and trigger qi deviation.
• Yao Nu's cultivation progresses rapidly, causing concern for Gu Shenwei, who begins to doubt the existence of qi deviation.
• On the fourteenth day, Yao Nu exhibits the first sign of qi deviation, aching in the Tianchi acupoint.
• Gu Shenwei learns about the Ghost Courtyard (Heart Washing Courtyard) from Han Jinu and decides to investigate it to find his sister, Cuilan.
• Gu Shenwei sneaks out at night to explore the Ghost Courtyard, taking a key from Han Jinu's room.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Struggles with his conscience regarding Yao Nu's impending doom, but remains determined to avenge his family. He becomes more proactive in seeking information about his sister.
• Yao Nu: Becomes increasingly confident and ambitious, showing no signs of the impending danger from his rapid cultivation. He expresses his desire to make Gu Shenwei his right-hand man.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of hasty cultivation and the importance of balance in cultivation.
• The ruthlessness and hierarchy within the Golden Peng Fortress, reflected in Yao Nu's philosophy of life.
• Gu Shenwei's internal struggle between his desire for revenge and his growing bond with Yao Nu.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Yao Nu: Their relationship deepens as they practice Hehe Jin together, with Yao Nu regarding Gu Shenwei as a friend. Gu Shenwei, however, remains determined to eliminate Yao Nu.
• Gu Shenwei and Han Jinu: Gu Shenwei learns crucial information about the Ghost Courtyard from Han Jinu, further fueling his determination to find his sister.
• Yao Nu and Huan Nu (Gu Shenwei): Yao Nu expresses his desire to make Gu Shenwei his right-hand man, highlighting the power dynamics within the fortress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Shenwei (disguised as Huan Nu) sneaks out at night to search for his sister.
• He is caught by a night watchman, Liu Xuan.
• Yao Nu appears and helps Huan Nu by claiming he let him out, and they were both looking for a lost item.
• Liu Xuan insists they go see the duty Blade Master, but Yao Nu recognizes Liu Xuan, causing him to hesitate.
• Yao Nu and Huan Nu return to the small courtyard, and Yao Nu reveals he knows Huan Nu's secret (internal energy cultivation).
• Yao Nu propositions Huan Nu, asking him to serve him after serving Ji Nu's assassins, as he finds him more appealing than Han Shiqi.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei (Huan Nu): Realizes the difficulties of survival among servants and the pain of being weak. Decides to give up on helping Yao Nu after Yao Nu's proposition.
• Yao Nu: Shows cunning and intelligence in handling the night watchman and revealing Huan Nu's secret. Demonstrates his ambition and manipulative nature by propositioning Huan Nu.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between servants and the harsh realities of their lives.
• The pain and humiliation of being weak and powerless.
• The manipulation and exploitation of others for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei (Huan Nu) and Yao Nu: Initially, Gu Shenwei feels gratitude towards Yao Nu for helping him, but this turns to anger and disgust after Yao Nu's proposition. Yao Nu, on the other hand, remains unfazed and confident in his ability to manipulate Huan Nu.
• Gu Shenwei (Huan Nu) and Liu Xuan: Huan Nu is caught by Liu Xuan, but Yao Nu's intervention and recognition of Liu Xuan cause him to hesitate, leading to their release.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Shiqi's impending return to the fortress changes Han Jinu's attitude towards Huan Nu (Gu Shenwei).
• Gu Shenwei is relieved of duties and awaits Han Shiqi's arrival, planning to fight Qi Nu to avoid recognition.
• Yao Nu's qi deviation worsens, and Gu Shenwei secretly aids him, hoping to retrieve White Silk.
• Yao Nu dies due to qi deviation after a sudden laughing fit during the young lady's oath-taking ceremony.

Character Developments

• Han Jinu's attitude towards Gu Shenwei changes, treating him more favorably as Han Shiqi's potential "favorite."
• Gu Shenwei becomes increasingly determined to seek revenge, even at the cost of his own life.
• Yao Nu's obsession with cultivation leads to his death from qi deviation.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of obsession and single-minded pursuit of power or goals (Yao Nu's death).
• The burden of revenge and the struggle between hope and despair (Gu Shenwei's internal conflict).
• The manipulation and exploitation of others for personal gain (Han Jinu's treatment of Gu Shenwei).

Character Interactions

• Han Jinu's relationship with Gu Shenwei becomes more complex, with him viewing Gu Shenwei as a potential asset to present to Han Shiqi.
• Gu Shenwei's interactions with Yao Nu become strained as he tries to retrieve White Silk without revealing his true intentions.
• Gu Shenwei's relationship with Qi Nu remains distant, but they become potential allies against Han Shiqi.
• Gu Shenwei's interactions with Xue Niang are minimal, but he considers seeking her help to deal with Han Shiqi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yao Nu, driven mad by his internal energy, dies after Gu Shenwei fails to suppress it.
• Gu Shenwei throws Yao Nu's body off Ghost Cry Cliff.
• Han Shiqi returns to Golden Peng Fortress, and the youths are ordered to clean Kindling Courtyard.
• Gu Shenwei, Qi Nu, and Xie Nu decide to assassinate Han Shiqi.

Character Developments

• Gu Shenwei: Becomes more determined to survive and escape the fortress after Yao Nu's death. He also becomes more open to forming alliances.
• Yao Nu: Dies after his internal energy goes out of control. His past experiences and resentment are revealed through his delirium.
• Qi Nu and Xie Nu: The brothers decide to take revenge on Han Shiqi. Qi Nu shows leadership and determination, while Xie Nu remains mostly silent.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: The desire for revenge against those who have caused them harm drives the characters' actions.
• Trust and Alliance: The formation of an alliance between Gu Shenwei, Qi Nu, and Xie Nu highlights the importance of trust and cooperation in their quest for survival and revenge.
• Helplessness and Weakness: The characters grapple with their past traumas and the reality of their situation, feeling helpless and weak in the face of their enemies.

Character Interactions

• Gu Shenwei and Yao Nu: Their relationship is strained due to Yao Nu's possession and Gu Shenwei's role in it. Yao Nu's death leaves Gu Shenwei with guilt and a desire for revenge.
• Gu Shenwei, Qi Nu, and Xie Nu: The three youths form an alliance to assassinate Han Shiqi, driven by their shared desire for revenge and their understanding of each other's plight.
• Han Shiqi and the youths: Han Shiqi's return to the fortress puts the youths in danger, as he is aware of Gu Shenwei's role in Yao Nu's death and seeks revenge.