Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• A wild boar, the Black-faced Gentleman, charges at Shen Tang, causing her to fall and hurt her backside.
• A tall, strong man, later revealed to be Gongshu Wu, intervenes and captures the boar.
• Shen Tang claims the boar as hers, and a dispute arises between her and Gongshu Wu over its ownership.

Character Developments

• Shen Tang: Shows determination and strength when protecting her claim on the boar, despite her delicate appearance.
• Gongshu Wu: Demonstrates exceptional physical prowess and confidence in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Possession and Ownership: Shen Tang's insistence on claiming the boar as hers, despite its actions, highlights the theme of possession and ownership.
• Strength vs. Weakness: The contrast between Shen Tang's delicate appearance and her inner strength, as well as Gongshu Wu's imposing physique and his surprise at Shen Tang's resistance, explores the theme of strength versus weakness.

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang and Gongshu Wu: Their interaction is tense and competitive, with both parties unwilling to back down.
• Shen Tang and Zhai Le: They work together to protect their claim on the boar, with Zhai Le acting as a mediator between Shen Tang and Gongshu Wu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhai Le attempts to befriend a strong, silent man but is rebuffed.
• Shen Tang, after being headbutted by a pig, considers buying the man to give to Gongshu Wu.
• Shen Tang decides to buy the man despite warnings about his past.

Character Developments

• Zhai Le: Shows patience and understanding towards the man's rudeness, but is embarrassed by the rejection.
• Shen Tang: Displayed as impulsive and petty, but also shows no fear in dealing with the man's past.
• The Strong Man: Revealed to have killed his wife, though the circumstances are unclear.

Significant Themes

• First impressions and initial rejections.
• The consequences of past actions and their impact on present circumstances.
• The dynamics of power and control in relationships.

Character Interactions

• Zhai Le and the Strong Man: Zhai Le tries to befriend the Strong Man, but the latter shows no interest.
• Shen Tang and the Strong Man: Shen Tang decides to buy the Strong Man, despite warnings about his past.
• Shen Tang and the Merchant: The merchant tries to warn Shen Tang about the Strong Man's past, but she remains undeterred.
• Onlookers: They gossip about the Strong Man's past, revealing that he killed his wife.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, a strong and robust young man, is sold to an employment agency by his impoverished family.
• He is bought by the former prefect of Sibao Prefecture and becomes involved with the former prefect's sister, known as the "Poisonous Spider" for her wild behavior and extensive romantic history.
• After two years, their affair is discovered, and the man is sold off again. Rumors spread about his ability to "tame" the sister.
• The man is later bought by a merchant and accompanies him on business trips for protection.
• Shen Tang, a young master, wants to buy the man, who is now known as Lili, to avenge her pig and for unknown reasons.

Character Developments

• The protagonist, now named Lili, is revealed to be strong, robust, and youthful, with an insatiable appetite. He is initially naive and unaware of the rumors surrounding him but later becomes more guarded.
• Shen Tang, the young master, is shown to be willful, impulsive, and determined, willing to buy Lili on a whim.
• The former prefect's sister, the "Poisonous Spider," is portrayed as wild, unrestrained, and promiscuous, with a reputation that precedes her.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between men and women, and the societal expectations placed upon them.
• The consequences of rumors and gossip, and how they can shape one's reputation.
• The commodification of people, as seen through the employment agency and the merchant who buys Lili.

Character Interactions

• Lili and the former prefect's sister have an illicit affair, which ends with Lili being sold off again.
• Lili and Shen Tang have a tense interaction, with Lili pushing Shen Tang and hitting her pig, leading Shen Tang to want to buy him.
• Lili and Qi Shan have a brief, intense exchange, with Lili stopping when Qi Shan recites a poem to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lili meets Qi Shan, who reveals he knows the "Poisonous Spider," a former lover of Lili's.
• Qi Shan recruits over seventy people, mostly young men and women skilled in handicraft and farming, to join his group.
• Shen Tang takes the children of the women they rescued and plans to bury the corpse of a dead child.

Character Developments

• Lili: Struggles with his past, shows curiosity and concern about the "Poisonous Spider's" well-being.
• Qi Shan: Reveals his connection to the "Poisonous Spider," shows gratitude for her past help, and demonstrates his leadership in recruiting new members.
• Shen Tang: Shows benevolence by taking care of the children and planning to bury the dead child, but also grapples with the limits of her kindness.
• Zhai Le: Shows understanding and support for Shen Tang's actions.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of past actions and relationships.
• The limits of benevolence and kindness.
• The struggle between curiosity and self-preservation.

Character Interactions

• Lili and Qi Shan: Share a complex history through their connection to the "Poisonous Spider," leading to a tense yet civil interaction.
• Shen Tang and the rescued women: Shen Tang shows kindness and empathy, giving the women hope for the future.
• Shen Tang and Lili/Zhai Le: The group dynamics shift as Lili and Zhai Le observe and interact with Shen Tang and Qi Shan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lili reveals it started its enlightenment at sixteen, which is considered late.
• Shen Tang learns about Literary and Martial Fortune, a power derived from the National Seal, which helps officials and generals cultivate faster.
• It's discussed that joining the military or becoming an official can help condense a Martial Gall, but it's challenging and not guaranteed.

Character Developments

• Shen Tang: Shows curiosity and understanding about the cultivation system and its relation to officialdom.
• Qi Shan: Provides explanations about the cultivation system and its relation to official positions.
• Lili: Reveals its age and expresses disappointment in its late start.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and its relation to societal roles (officials vs. commoners).
• The challenges and benefits of joining the military or becoming an official.
• The concept of Literary and Martial Fortune.

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang and Qi Shan: They have a teacher-student dynamic, with Qi Shan explaining cultivation concepts to Shen Tang.
• Shen Tang and Lili: Shen Tang tries to console Lili about its late start in cultivation.
• Zhai Le and Shen Tang: They discuss the difficulties of condensing a Martial Gall in the military.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Tang, riding a pig, teases Zhai Le about having a curfew.
• Zhai Le reveals he's not young and doesn't need a curfew, as he's a grown man and a seventh-rank Duke-level physician.
• Zhai Le expresses his desire for a wife who can fight and discuss martial arts, but struggles to find one.
• Lili, overhearing, reflects on the Poisonous Spider's past and her desire for women to have Literary Heart or Martial Gall.
• Shen Tang suggests that women not having Literary Heart or Martial Gall might be due to the National Seal holder, not their female bodies.

Character Developments

• Shen Tang shows her playful and confident side, impressing Qi Shan.
• Zhai Le reveals his maturity and desire for a strong, martial wife.
• Lili shows a rare emotional response, reminiscing about the Poisonous Spider's past.
• Qi Shan demonstrates his knowledge and experience by supporting Shen Tang's theory.

Significant Themes

• Gender roles and expectations in society.
• The desire for power and equality among women.
• The search for understanding and acceptance of one's identity.

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang teases Zhai Le, showing a friendly and playful dynamic.
• Zhai Le and Shen Tang have a conversation about Zhai Le's ideal wife, revealing their different perspectives on marriage.
• Lili overhears their conversation, reflecting on his past and the Poisonous Spider's struggle.
• Qi Shan joins the conversation, showing his support for Shen Tang's theory and his knowledge of the world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Tang begins to understand the concept of "Literary Heart and Martial Gall" and its relation to gender.
• She hypothesizes about the yin and yang nature of Heaven and Earth Qi.
• The group arrives at the small village, and Lin Feng reveals she can sense Heaven and Earth Qi.

Character Developments

• Shen Tang: Realizes the potential implications of her understanding of Literary Heart and Martial Gall. She also shows patience and understanding towards Lin Feng's secret.
• Lin Feng: Discovers she can sense Heaven and Earth Qi, marking a significant development in her martial journey.
• Zhai Le: Initially shocked and bewildered upon learning about Lin Feng's ability, he eventually manages to express his congratulations to Shen Tang.

Significant Themes

• The relationship between gender and martial prowess, as Shen Tang begins to question the male-centric nature of Literary Heart and Martial Gall.
• The discovery of Lin Feng's ability to sense Heaven and Earth Qi, which challenges the norm and opens up new possibilities.

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang and Lin Feng: Their bond deepens as Lin Feng confides in Shen Tang about her discovery. Shen Tang shows empathy and understanding towards Lin Feng's secret.
• Shen Tang and Zhai Le: Zhai Le's initial shock and subsequent congratulations to Shen Tang highlight the unexpected nature of Lin Feng's revelation and the impact it has on those around her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhai Le misunderstands Shen Tang and Lin Feng's conversation, thinking Lin Feng is pregnant.
• Lin Feng clarifies the misunderstanding, revealing she's having trouble adjusting to the mountain's food.
• Zhai Le asks Shen Tang to help in the East Kitchen due to increased expenses.

Character Developments

• Zhai Le: Shows disappointment and anger upon his initial misunderstanding, later feels embarrassed and confused.
• Lin Feng: Initially anxious and distressed, she quickly thinks of a way to clarify the misunderstanding.
• Shen Tang: Remains calm and composed throughout the misunderstanding, later feels relieved when Lin Feng explains.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and their consequences.
• The burden of being an "anomaly" in a chaotic world.
• The importance of clear communication.

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang and Zhai Le: Shen Tang tries to clear up Zhai Le's misunderstanding, while Zhai Le presses for the truth.
• Lin Feng and Zhai Le: Lin Feng feels embarrassed and distressed around Zhai Le after the misunderstanding.
• Shen Tang and Lin Feng: Shen Tang reassures Lin Feng, offering support and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Feng expresses her fears about her future to Shen Tang.
• Shen Tang discovers Lin Feng has absorbed Heaven and Earth Qi, indicating she has Qi.
• Shen Tang reveals Lin Feng's Qi to Qi Shan and Chu Yao.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Shows vulnerability and fear about her future, but also curiosity and ambition, wanting to learn and grow.
• Shen Tang: Demonstrates understanding and patience in guiding Lin Feng, and honesty in revealing Lin Feng's Qi to Qi Shan and Chu Yao.
• Qi Shan: Initially skeptical, but becomes excited and intrigued by Lin Feng's Qi.
• Chu Yao: Also surprised and interested in Lin Feng's Qi, shows concern for Lin Feng's well-being given her mourning period.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and curiosity: Lin Feng's desire to learn and grow, inspired by storybooks.
• Honesty and trust: Shen Tang's decision to reveal Lin Feng's Qi to Qi Shan and Chu Yao.
• Skepticism and surprise: Qi Shan and Chu Yao's initial disbelief and subsequent excitement upon learning about Lin Feng's Qi.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Shen Tang: Lin Feng confides in Shen Tang, who guides and reassures her.
• Shen Tang, Qi Shan, and Chu Yao: Shen Tang reveals Lin Feng's Qi to them, leading to a mix of skepticism, surprise, and excitement.
• Qi Shan and Chu Yao: They react similarly to Lin Feng's Qi, showing a shared interest and curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Feng reveals she's female and has a Literary Heart Sigil.
• Chu Yao and Qi Shan struggle to accept that women can store Heaven and Earth Qi.
• Lin Feng shares her first encounter with the golden light from her Sigil.
• Chu Yao suggests Lin Feng pursue the literary path and offers to teach her.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Confesses her gender and demonstrates her resolve to study literature.
• Chu Yao: Struggles with accepting Lin Feng's gender but offers to teach her.
• Qi Shan: Remains calm and accepts Lin Feng's revelation.

Significant Themes

• Gender roles and expectations in the cultivation world.
• The struggle to accept and adapt to new information or realities.
• The importance of education and guidance in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Chu Yao: Lin Feng becomes Chu Yao's student, marking the beginning of their teacher-student relationship.
• Lin Feng and Qi Shan: Qi Shan accepts Lin Feng's revelation and supports her decision to study literature.
• Shen Tang and Lin Feng: Shen Tang is initially shocked but supports Lin Feng's decision to study literature and practice martial arts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Yao agrees to take Lin Feng as a student, considering her like a daughter.
• Lin Feng is advised to dress as a boy to conceal her gender.
• Shen Tang hints at a potential plan involving Lin Feng's gender and future arrangements.
• Shen Tang and Lili engage in a late-night sparring session.

Character Developments

• Chu Yao shows his caring and responsible side as a teacher.
• Lin Feng demonstrates understanding and cooperation with her teacher's instructions.
• Shen Tang reveals her competitive nature and physical prowess.
• Lili shows his competitive spirit and physical strength.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a teacher's role and responsibility.
• The potential impact of Lin Feng's gender on future plans.
• The theme of competition and physical prowess.

Character Interactions

• Chu Yao and Lin Feng: A caring teacher-student relationship begins to form.
• Shen Tang and Lili: A competitive and respectful dynamic is established between them.
• Shen Tang and Qi Shan: Their interaction hints at Shen Tang's influence and Qi Shan's exasperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qi Shan, annoyed by the late-night fighting, uses a Word Spirit spell to block out the noise and goes back to sleep.
• Shen Tang and Lili's fight continues, with Lili losing and storming off to the stream.
• Lili vents his frustration in the stream, and Shen Tang follows him to check on him.
• Lili confesses his past struggles and realizations about his limitations to Shen Tang.

Character Developments

• Qi Shan: Shows impatience and annoyance with the late-night noise but has the ability to block it out using Word Spirit spells.
• Shen Tang: Demonstrates concern for Lili's well-being, showing a caring side despite her initial harsh training methods.
• Lili: Reveals his past struggles with poverty, his love for Madam, and his realization about his limitations in Martial Gall cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and Limitations: Lili's story highlights the theme of destiny and one's limitations, as he comes to terms with his inability to achieve Martial Gall cultivation despite his initial talent and efforts.
• Class Struggle: The contrast between Lili's poverty-stricken background and Madam's wealthy upbringing emphasizes the class struggle and the barriers it creates for social mobility.

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang and Lili: Their interaction reveals Lili's past and helps Shen Tang understand his actions better. Despite their initial conflict, they share a moment of understanding and connection.
• Lili and Madam's Brother: Their past confrontation highlights the class struggle and Lili's realization of his limitations in the face of someone from a higher social class.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lili, Shen Tang's servant, expresses disinterest in Shen Tang's offer of a Martial Gall, but Shen Tang insists it's important.
• Shen Tang reveals she can grant Lili's wish in exchange for loyalty, angering Lili who leaves.
• Shen Tang suspects she possesses the "National Seal" and can condense a Literary Heart, but needs evidence and information.
• Shen Tang considers running away but decides against it due to her responsibilities and the power of the National Seal.
• Qi Shan appears, addressing Shen Tang as "You Li."

Character Developments

• Lili: Starts off humble but becomes sarcastic and defiant when Shen Tang offers a Martial Gall in exchange for loyalty.
• Shen Tang: Shows determination to uncover the truth about her body and the National Seal. She also demonstrates responsibility and concern for others.
• Qi Shan: Reveals he knows Shen Tang's real name, "You Li," suggesting he knows more about her than he lets on.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Lili's loyalty is questioned, and Shen Tang offers a Martial Gall in exchange for it. However, Lili's loyalty to Shen Tang is already established, and he feels insulted by the offer.
• Power and responsibility: Shen Tang considers running away but decides against it due to her responsibilities towards others and the power she possesses.
• Identity and secrets: Shen Tang suspects she possesses the National Seal and can condense a Literary Heart, but she doesn't know why or how she has this power. She's determined to uncover the truth.

Character Interactions

• Lili and Shen Tang: Their interaction is tense and sarcastic, with Lili feeling insulted by Shen Tang's offer of a Martial Gall in exchange for loyalty.
• Shen Tang and Qi Shan: Their interaction is brief but significant, with Qi Shan addressing Shen Tang as "You Li," revealing he knows her real name and suggesting he knows more about her than he lets on.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Tang learns that Qi Shan knew about her Literary Heart's rank and grade since their first meeting.
• Qi Shan confirms Shen Tang's Literary Heart is a Rank One, Superior Grade, equivalent to a Sage's or Virtual Grade, and that she has the National Seal.
• Qi Shan reveals he has no intention of taking the National Seal and wants to carve out his own territory, implying he wants to use Shen Tang's abilities.
• Shen Tang expresses her disbelief in Qi Shan's reasons for choosing her and questions her suitability for the task.

Character Developments

• Shen Tang: She becomes more assertive and open with Qi Shan, asking direct questions and expressing her concerns. She also shows a hint of her competitive spirit when defending her abilities.
• Qi Shan: He displays more openness and honesty with Shen Tang, revealing his plans and motivations. He also shows confidence in Shen Tang's abilities and potential.

Significant Themes

• Honesty and openness in communication.
• Trust and mutual understanding between allies.
• Ambition and determination in pursuing goals.
• The consequences of one's actions and the responsibility that comes with power.

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang and Qi Shan's interaction is marked by a mix of tension, curiosity, and mutual respect. They challenge each other and push for honesty, leading to a deeper understanding between them.
• Shen Tang's mention of Chu Yao and Wu Hui hints at a shared history and understanding among the characters, suggesting a larger context and narrative.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Tang attempts to reveal her gender to Qi Shan but is met with disbelief.
• She tries to convince Chu Yao (Wu Hui) but he also doesn't believe her, attributing her behavior to nightmares.
• Neither Qi Shan nor Chu Yao believes Shen Tang's claim of being a woman.

Character Developments

• Shen Tang: Struggles to convince others of her gender, feeling frustrated and misunderstood.
• Qi Shan: Remains skeptical of Shen Tang's claims, finding them hard to believe.
• Chu Yao (Wu Hui): Initially thinks Shen Tang is having nightmares, later considers the possibility but remains unconvinced.

Significant Themes

• Gender identity and perception.
• Belief and disbelief in extraordinary claims.
• Communication and understanding between characters.

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang and Qi Shan: Shen Tang tries to confess her gender to Qi Shan, but he dismisses her claims.
• Shen Tang and Chu Yao (Wu Hui): Shen Tang attempts to convince Chu Yao, who initially thinks she's having nightmares and later considers the possibility but remains unconvinced.
• Qi Shan and Chu Yao (Wu Hui): They discuss their disbelief in private, acknowledging that they can't change the situation if it's true.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Feng starts her training with Chu Yao at 1-3 AM.
• Chu Yao teaches Lin Feng about Word Spirits, and she makes significant progress in an hour.
• Qi Shan is disturbed by Lin Feng's early morning practice.
• Shen Tang decides to castrate pigs under the pretext of improving their health, with Gongshu Wu and Zhai Le assisting her.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng shows exceptional talent and dedication in her studies.
• Chu Yao is patient and understanding as a teacher, despite his initial reservations about Lin Feng's gender.
• Qi Shan is irritable due to lack of sleep caused by Lin Feng's practice.
• Shen Tang demonstrates her unique perspective on animal husbandry and her determination to improve the bandit stronghold's pig farming.

Significant Themes

• The importance of diligence and hard work in cultivation.
• The challenges and adjustments that come with teaching and learning.
• The unique perspectives and methods of different individuals.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Chu Yao establish a respectful and patient teacher-student relationship.
• Qi Shan expresses his irritation with Lin Feng's early morning practice.
• Shen Tang, Gongshu Wu, and Zhai Le interact in a peculiar and humorous manner while castrating pigs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhai Le, a ninth-rank Wudafu, and Gongshu Wu, a seventh-rank Gong Dafu, assist Shen Tang in castrating piglets.
• Shen Tang demonstrates proficiency in castration, causing a stir among the onlookers.
• The castrated piglets are left to recover, and their testicles are considered for use in the kitchen.

Character Developments

• Zhai Le shows empathy towards the piglets, struggling with the castration process, and expresses his discomfort with the task.
• Shen Tang remains calm and composed throughout the castration process, displaying her surgical skills and knowledge.
• Gongshu Wu and Qi Shan, initially hesitant, eventually assist in the castration, revealing their ruthlessness despite being novices.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Zhai Le's empathy and Shen Tang's practicality highlights the theme of compassion versus necessity in survival.
• The castration process serves as a metaphor for the harsh realities of life and the need to adapt to one's circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Zhai Le and Shen Tang engage in a conversation about the ethics of castration and the value of pork, revealing their differing perspectives.
• Shen Tang interacts with Lin Feng, her assistant, discussing the castration process and plans for a manual, showcasing her mentoring role.
• The interaction between the characters highlights their unique personalities and the dynamics of their relationships.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Feng suggests writing a "Pig Castration Manual" with Shen Tang, Xiao Fang, and Ban Bu contributing.
• Shen Tang and Zhai Le spend their days hunting, sparring, and discussing a "sand table battlefield" game.
• Lili approaches Shen Tang, expressing his willingness to learn and follow her, seeking her guidance.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng shows enthusiasm and respect for Shen Tang's knowledge and skills.
• Shen Tang demonstrates her adaptability and interest in new experiences, like the "sand table battlefield" game.
• Lili shows determination and sincerity in his decision to follow Shen Tang.

Significant Themes

• The importance of patience and preparation, as seen in Shen Tang's approach to her current situation and her advice to Lili.
• The power of sincerity and genuine intent, emphasized when Shen Tang tells Lili that his heart must be sincere to sense "Heaven and Earth Qi."

Character Interactions

• Shen Tang and Lin Feng share a humorous moment over the idea of writing a "Pig Castration Manual."
• Shen Tang and Zhai Le engage in friendly competition and discuss the "sand table battlefield" game, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Shen Tang and Lili have a serious conversation about Lili's decision to follow her, with Shen Tang offering guidance and Lili expressing his determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhai Le returns from his trip with Shen Tang, carrying jars of unknown content.
• Zhai Huan reveals that the Prefect of Sibao Prefecture visited and asked for their help in escorting a batch of important supplies, suspected to be tax silver.
• Zhai Le expresses concern about the potential risks and dangers involved.

Character Developments

• Zhai Le demonstrates his loyalty and concern for his brother's safety, showing a more mature side.
• Zhai Huan shows strategic thinking and a willingness to take risks, hinting at a hidden agenda.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty between cousins (Zhai Le's unwavering support for Zhai Huan).
• The complexity of political alliances and hidden agendas (Zhai Huan's potential motives for accepting the task).

Character Interactions

• Zhai Le and Zhai Huan's interaction shows a deep bond and mutual respect, with Zhai Le trusting his cousin's judgment and Zhai Huan being open with his cousin about the Prefect's visit.
• Zhai Le's mention of Shen Tang indicates a growing friendship and shared experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhai Huan and Zhai Le discuss the political situation in the northwest, with Zhai Huan believing chaos is inevitable.
• Zhai Le hopes to avoid war, but Zhai Huan sees it as a way to reveal hidden ambitions.
• Shen Tang encounters Gu Chi while selling wine and paintings in the city.

Character Developments

• Zhai Huan: Shows political acumen and understands the complex dynamics of the northwest.
• Zhai Le: Demonstrates concern for the common folk and hopes to avoid war.
• Shen Tang: Reveals her entrepreneurial spirit by selling wine and paintings.
• Gu Chi: Shows curiosity about Qi Shan's activities and the current political instability.

Significant Themes

• Political intrigue and power dynamics in the northwest.
• The impact of political instability on common folk.
• The entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability of Shen Tang.

Character Interactions

• Zhai Huan and Zhai Le: The cousins discuss politics, with Zhai Huan sharing his insights and warning Zhai Le to be vigilant.
• Shen Tang and Gu Chi: They encounter each other in the city, with Gu Chi showing interest in Qi Shan's activities and the political situation.