Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shimin arrives at the palace to investigate the Abdication Edict issued by Yang You. His forces have already taken control of the Imperial Palace and much of Guanzhong.
• He is stunned to discover that Verdant Green Maiden—his former teacher, whom Li Yuan had claimed was dead—is alive and with Yang You.
• Yang You confirms that he personally issued the abdication edict, arguing that the Sui dynasty has lost its authority and that surrendering the throne will calm Li Yuan’s ambitions and restore peace.
• Li Shimin initially remains silent on the abdication issue, focusing instead on repairing his relationship with Verdant Green Maiden.
• Li Yuan arrives with Li Jiancheng and Li Xiuning. The siblings are equally shocked to see Verdant Green Maiden alive, while she angrily realizes that Li Yuan’s misleading statements caused the misunderstanding.
• Yang You openly rejects the customary ritual of refusing the throne three times and formally transfers the succession to Li Yuan. Li Yuan accepts, becoming the new emperor.
• Verdant Green Maiden worries about Yang You’s future, recalling that historical records say he died young under suspicious circumstances. She decides to protect his bloodline and legacy.
• She proposes that Yang You alone be enfeoffed as the surviving member of the previous imperial clan, rather than searching for and rewarding more descendants of former dynasties.

Character Developments

• Yang You demonstrates political maturity and resignation. He understands that the Sui throne has become untenable and willingly abdicates to prevent further conflict.
• Li Shimin is revealed to have a deep emotional bond with Verdant Green Maiden, treating her as a beloved and respected teacher. His priorities briefly shift from political succession to appeasing her.
• Verdant Green Maiden remains blunt, humorous, and protective. Although angry at Li Yuan’s deception, she quickly reassures the family that she is not unreasonable and resolves to safeguard Yang You.
• Li Yuan achieves his long-awaited accession but is portrayed as calculating and somewhat pleasure-loving. He accepts the throne while considering the political advantages of preserving Yang You’s position.
• Li Jiancheng and Li Xiuning react with surprise and nervousness toward their former teacher, with Li Xiuning quickly blaming Li Yuan for the misunderstanding.

Significant Themes

• The collapse of dynastic legitimacy: Yang You recognizes that the Sui dynasty has lost practical authority and that retaining the throne would only prolong chaos.
• Political necessity versus ritual: The chapter mocks the traditional ceremony of repeatedly refusing and accepting the throne, favoring direct action over empty formalities.
• Family loyalty and deception: Li Yuan’s lie about Verdant Green Maiden’s death shaped his children’s understanding of the past and creates a humorous but tense reunion.
• Protection of the vulnerable: Verdant Green Maiden’s concern for Yang You reflects the theme of protecting innocent members of a fallen dynasty from the violence of political transition.
• Historical fate and intervention: The narrative acknowledges Yang You’s tragic historical death while suggesting that Verdant Green Maiden may alter that fate.

Character Interactions

• Yang You and Verdant Green Maiden discuss whether to receive Li Shimin, with her boldly insisting that he be admitted.
• Li Shimin’s emotional reunion with Verdant Green Maiden contrasts with Yang You’s formal political conversation with him.
• Verdant Green Maiden confronts the consequences of Li Yuan’s misleading explanation, while Li Xiuning attempts to shift responsibility onto her father.
• Yang You and Li Yuan share a restrained but decisive exchange in which the abdication becomes official.
• Verdant Green Maiden’s proposal to preserve Yang You’s status reveals her influence over the political settlement and her protective relationship with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan, the Prince of Tang, is to be crowned Emperor. There's discussion about granting titles to former officials, with Li Yuan initially reluctant to share power.
• Emperor Yang You announces his abdication in a court assembly, surprising the ministers but meeting little resistance.
• Li Yuan is welcomed as the new Emperor, while Yang You watches the scene and expresses his concerns about Li Yuan's choice of ministers to Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü).

Character Developments

• Li Yuan shows reluctance to share power, revealing his desire for absolute control.
• Yang You demonstrates insight into political dynamics but feels powerless to influence Li Yuan.
• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) shows a mix of eccentricity and wisdom, offering guidance to Li Shimin and Changsun Wugou.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for control.
• The transfer of power and the challenges it brings.
• The wisdom and eccentricity of Verdant Green Maiden.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan interacts with his sons, Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin, discussing the granting of titles and showing favoritism towards Li Shimin.
• Verdant Green Maiden interacts with Yang You, Li Shimin, and Changsun Wugou, offering guidance and gifts.
• Yang You interacts with Verdant Green Maiden, expressing his concerns about Li Yuan's choices and the future of the Tang Dynasty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan, the new ruler, leaves his mansion for the Imperial Palace, escorted by his sons and officials.
• Yang You, the abdicated emperor, presents the Imperial Seal to Li Yuan, who is then declared the new emperor.
• Li Yuan enfeoffs his sons and Yang You, solidifying his rule.
• Dou Shi, the Goddess, falls severely ill, and the court seeks a skilled physician.
• Verdant Green Maiden arranges for Chunyu Tiying's disciple, Sun Simiao, to treat Dou Shi.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan asserts his authority as the new emperor, showing ambition and confidence.
• Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin, and Li Xiu Ning demonstrate their concern and desperation for their mother's health.
• Verdant Green Maiden shows empathy and willingness to help, despite her initial reluctance.

Significant Themes

• Power Transition: The smooth transfer of power from Yang You to Li Yuan, with Li Yuan's enfeoffments solidifying his rule.
• Family and Loyalty: The Li siblings' devotion to their mother, Dou Shi, highlighting the importance of family bonds.
• Medical Expertise: The search for a skilled physician to treat Dou Shi, emphasizing the value of medical knowledge and expertise.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Officials: Li Yuan interacts with officials, who show him respect and deference, solidifying his position as the new emperor.
• Li Siblings and Verdant Green Maiden: The Li siblings plead with Verdant Green Maiden for help, showing their desperation and her willingness to assist.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan discuss the situation, with Hong Luan providing updates and expressing her unique perspective.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden quickly transports herself and the Three Siblings back to Taiji Palace using her Stars Shift technique.
• She dismisses the Palace Staff and has a private conversation with Dou Shi, the Empress.
• Dou Shi shares two dreams she had: one where she dies early, and another where the future Great Tang is stained with blood due to her sons' conflict.
• Verdant Green Maiden reassures Dou Shi that she will take care of her sons and prevent the dream from coming true.
• Dou Shi expresses concern about her eldest son, San Hu (Li Yuanji), and Verdant Green Maiden agrees to keep an eye on him.
• Sun Simiao arrives in Chang'an City and worships Verdant Green Maiden's statue to seek an audience with her.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden demonstrates her powerful technique and reassures Dou Shi, showing her wisdom and compassion.
• Dou Shi reveals her fears and concerns about her sons' future, displaying her maternal love and worry.
• Sun Simiao shows devotion and resourcefulness in seeking an audience with Verdant Green Maiden.

Significant Themes

• Maternal love and worry (Dou Shi's dreams and concern for her sons)
• Power and responsibility (Verdant Green Maiden's role in preventing the dire future)
• Devotion and resourcefulness (Sun Simiao's efforts to meet Verdant Green Maiden)

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Dou Shi: They share a private conversation, with Verdant Green Maiden comforting and reassuring Dou Shi about her sons' future.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Sun Simiao: They meet in the West Market of Chang'an City, with Sun Simiao worshipping Verdant Green Maiden's statue to attract her attention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden examines a statue carved by Chunyu Tiying and praises its quality.
• Sun Simiao accompanies Verdant Green Maiden to the palace to treat Dou Shi.
• Li Yuanji, Li Yuan's son, declares independence in Shu, causing a crisis for the Tang Dynasty.
• Li Yuan orders Li Shimin to lead an army to retake Shu and capture Li Yuanji.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden shows a mercenary side, surprising Sun Simiao.
• Li Yuanji, previously thought to be living in seclusion, reveals himself as a threat to the Tang Dynasty.
• Li Shimin is tasked with a significant military mission, showing his importance in the Tang court.

Significant Themes

• The theme of family and loyalty is explored through Li Shimin's mission to capture his brother, Li Yuanji.
• The struggle for power and territory is highlighted as the Tang Dynasty faces threats from both within and without.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Sun Simiao interact, with Verdant Green Maiden showing appreciation for Chunyu Tiying's skill.
• Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin, and Li Xiu Ning discuss the Li Yuanji situation, showing unity and concern for each other.
• Li Shimin visits Verdant Green Maiden to seek her insight into Li Yuanji's past, showing his respect for her wisdom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shimin shares the political situation in Shu and the Li family's plans with Verdant Green Maiden.
• Verdant Green Maiden decides to visit Shu after Li Yuanji's unexpected actions.
• Verdant Green Maiden suspects Damn Heaven and the Book of Fate's involvement in Li Yuanji's actions.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan travel to Shu, stopping in Han Zhong to observe the Tang Army.
• An unknown person awaits them on the mountain road entering Shu.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden shows concern for Li Shimin's family ties and advises him not to let anything unpleasant happen between him and his elder brother.
• Verdant Green Maiden reveals her non-human nature and lack of fear for large numbers of people.
• Verdant Green Maiden shows determination to uncover the truth behind Li Yuanji's actions in Shu.
• The unknown person on the mountain road displays unusual behavior, awaiting Verdant Green Maiden's arrival.

Significant Themes

• Family ties and loyalty (Li Shimin's relationship with his brothers and Verdant Green Maiden's advice).
• The unpredictability of human actions (Verdant Green Maiden's thoughts on Li Yuanji's behavior).
• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the Li family and the Tang Dynasty.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Shimin: They share information and discuss Li Shimin's plans, leading to Verdant Green Maiden's decision to visit Shu.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Damn Heaven: They have a tense conversation, with Verdant Green Maiden suspecting Damn Heaven's involvement in Li Yuanji's actions.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: They travel together, with Hong Luan showing concern for Verdant Green Maiden's safety and following her instructions.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the unknown person: They have a silent standoff, with the unknown person waiting for Verdant Green Maiden's arrival and cupping their hands in greeting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü meets Yuan Tiangang, who has been waiting for her.
• Yuan Tiangang reveals he calculated Qing Nü's whereabouts over ten years.
• Qing Nü asks about Li Yuanji's rebellion in Shu and his connection to Yuan Tiangang.
• Yuan Tiangang reveals he prophesied Li Yuanji's fate but doesn't know why he's in Shu.
• Qing Nü decides to visit Shu to see why Li Yuanji rebelled.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü: Shows curiosity and impatience, but also understanding and tolerance towards Yuan Tiangang.
• Yuan Tiangang: Reveals his exceptional calculation skills and his role in Li Yuanji's fate.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: The characters discuss and question the role of fate in Li Yuanji's actions.
• Consequences of Actions: The potential repercussions of changing fate are explored.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Yuan Tiangang: They engage in a conversation that reveals their respective knowledge and powers, with Qing Nü showing initial suspicion but later understanding towards Yuan Tiangang.

• Verdant Green Maiden sends Yuan Tiangang to Chang'an, warning him not to flee.
• Yuan Tiangang burns a diagram after Verdant Green Maiden leaves, seemingly expecting this outcome.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan visit the Tai Ping Daoist temple on Crane Call Mountain.
• They encounter a young Daoist who mistakes Verdant Green Maiden for a demon due to her youth and beauty, causing a commotion in the temple.
• The temple master eventually arrives and orders everyone to stand down.

Key Plot Points

• Verdant Green Maiden's interaction with Yuan Tiangang and her warning to him.
• Yuan Tiangang's mysterious actions with the diagram.
• Verdant Green Maiden's visit to the Tai Ping Daoist temple and the ensuing chaos.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden demonstrates her divine status and power, yet she is still underestimated due to her youthful appearance.
• Yuan Tiangang shows signs of having a hidden agenda, burning the diagram after Verdant Green Maiden leaves.

Significant Themes

• The theme of appearances being deceiving, as Verdant Green Maiden is mistaken for a demon due to her youth.
• The theme of destiny in cultivation, as Verdant Green Maiden discusses the importance of spiritual aptitude.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Yuan Tiangang: Verdant Green Maiden sends Yuan Tiangang to Chang'an with a warning, while Yuan Tiangang burns a diagram after she leaves.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the young Daoist: The young Daoist mistakes Verdant Green Maiden for a demon, leading to a commotion in the Tai Ping Daoist temple.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the temple master: The temple master eventually arrives and orders everyone to stand down, acknowledging Verdant Green Maiden's presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden visits Tai Ping Daoist temple, where she meets Min Shu, the 23rd generation temple master.
• Min Shu reveals he knows about the Book of Fate and Verdant Green Maiden's true identity as a Goddess.
• Verdant Green Maiden learns that Min Shu orchestrated Yuan Tiangang's search for her and knows about Li Yuanji's altered Fate.
• Min Shu asks Verdant Green Maiden not to interfere with Li Yuanji's Fate, but she refuses.
• Verdant Green Maiden visits the descendants of Tai Tai and Ping Ping before leaving the temple.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Stands her ground on not interfering with Li Yuanji's Fate, demonstrating her determination.
• Min Shu: Reveals his knowledge of the Book of Fate and Verdant Green Maiden's identity, showing his wisdom and connection to the divine.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: The theme of Fate and its manipulation is central to this chapter, with both Verdant Green Maiden and Min Shu acknowledging its power and importance.
• Divine Intervention: The presence of Verdant Green Maiden, an Immortal Goddess, highlights the theme of divine intervention in human affairs.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Min Shu: Their conversation reveals their shared knowledge of the Book of Fate and Li Yuanji's altered Fate, leading to a tense discussion about interference in destiny.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Tai Ping Daoist temple disciples: The disciples' reactions to Verdant Green Maiden's true identity as an Immortal Goddess showcase their awe and wonder towards the divine.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan travel to Chengdu City.
• Verdant Green Maiden expresses displeasure at Li Yuanji's actions, questioning the interference in Li Shimin's fate.
• They enter Chengdu, noticing the city's tension and worry.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan eat and drink their way through the city, eventually heading to Li Yuanji's palace.
• Verdant Green Maiden finds Li Yuanji indulging in decadent pleasures and decides to leave.
• The next day, they see Li Yuanji mistreating commoners. Verdant Green Maiden intervenes, causing a commotion.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She becomes increasingly displeased with Li Yuanji's actions and decides to intervene. She also expresses her disdain for the Book of Fate.
• Hong Luan: She remains loyal to Verdant Green Maiden, reminding her of the Book of Fate's special nature.

Significant Themes

• The influence of fate and the Book of Fate on characters' actions.
• The contrast between Verdant Green Maiden's concern for common people and Li Yuanji's disregard for their lives.
• The tension between Verdant Green Maiden's desire to interfere in Li Shimin's fate and her recognition of the Book of Fate's influence.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: They continue to travel together, with Hong Luan acting as a voice of reason and loyalty to Verdant Green Maiden.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Yuanji: Their paths cross, leading to a confrontation. Verdant Green Maiden directly intervenes in Li Yuanji's actions, showing her disapproval.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (VGM) defeats Li Yuanji with a single blow from the Rich Flower, which targets the soul.
• VGM orders Li Yuanji's parents to be called, revealing that his wet nurse, Chen Shan Yi, is present.
• Hong Luan arrives, and they both wear masks, with VGM jokingly attributing it to being 'cool'.
• Chen Shan Yi arrives, and VGM reveals her identity to her. Chen Shan Yi kneels and addresses VGM as the True Person.
• VGM orders Li Yuanji to be carried back to the Palace, and Chen Shan Yi summons a mysterious Daoist priest.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows her power and intelligence, outsmarting Li Yuanji and Chen Shan Yi.
• Chen Shan Yi: Revealed to be Li Yuanji's wet nurse, shows deference to VGM upon recognizing her.
• Li Yuanji: Defeated easily by VGM, remains unconscious throughout.
• Hong Luan: Assists VGM, shows a more playful side.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: VGM outmaneuvers both Li Yuanji and Chen Shan Yi.
• Intelligence and cunning: VGM's intelligence is highlighted, while Chen Shan Yi's actions are praised as 'smart'.
• Loyalty and service: Chen Shan Yi's loyalty to Li Yuan and VGM is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Yuanji: VGM defeats Li Yuanji effortlessly.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Chen Shan Yi: VGM reveals her identity to Chen Shan Yi, who shows deference.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: They work together, with Hong Luan assisting VGM and sharing a lighthearted moment.
• Chen Shan Yi and the Daoist Priest: Chen Shan Yi summons the priest, who seems to be preparing to flee.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Shan Yi summons the Lame Old Daoist (Tieguai Li) to meet Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nu).
• Qing Nu reveals she plans to kill Li Yuanji to disrupt the Xuanwu Gate Incident.
• Tieguai Li tries to dissuade her, warning of the consequences of defying the Book of Fate.
• Qing Nu orders Li Yuanji's death, and Hong Luan carries out the action.
• Tieguai Li asks Qing Nu for a favor after she leaves.

Character Developments

• Chen Shan Yi has become assertive and holds a position of power in the palace.
• Tieguai Li reveals his true identity as one of the Eight Immortals and explains the Immortals' role in guiding the world according to the Book of Fate.
• Qing Nu demonstrates her ruthlessness and willingness to bear the consequences of her actions.
• Hong Luan shows unwavering loyalty to Qing Nu.

Significant Themes

• The role of gods and their intervention in human affairs.
• The consequences of defying fate and the Book of Fate.
• The power dynamics between gods and humans.

Character Interactions

• Chen Shan Yi and Tieguai Li: Chen Shan Yi asserts her authority, while Tieguai Li reluctantly complies.
• Qing Nu and Tieguai Li: Qing Nu and Tieguai Li debate the nature of their roles as gods, with Qing Nu ultimately disregarding Tieguai Li's warnings.
• Qing Nu and Hong Luan: Qing Nu and Hong Luan display a close, loyal relationship, with Hong Luan following Qing Nu's orders without question.

• Key Plot Points: Iron Crutch Li pleads with Verdant Green Maiden to help He Qiong become an immortal. Verdant Green Maiden agrees but questions the fairness of destiny. Iron Crutch Li struggles to explain his stance on divine intervention. Verdant Green Maiden leaves with Hong Luan, ordering Chen Shan Yi to return the palace's wealth to the people within three days.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows empathy for He Qiong's plight but maintains her stance on divine intervention. She demonstrates her power and influence by ordering Chen Shan Yi.
• Iron Crutch Li: Struggles to reconcile his beliefs with Verdant Green Maiden's actions. He shows concern for Hong Luan but is ignored.
• Chen Shan Yi: Reacts in shock to Verdant Green Maiden's orders, showing her vulnerability and dependence on Li Yuanji.
• Significant Themes: Destiny vs. free will, divine intervention, consequences of one's actions.
• Character Interactions: Verdant Green Maiden and Iron Crutch Li debate the rules of divine intervention. Verdant Green Maiden orders Chen Shan Yi, showing her power and influence. Chen Shan Yi seeks guidance from Iron Crutch Li, highlighting her vulnerability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iron Crutch Li advises Chen Shan Yi to return the looted wealth to the people, warning her about Heaven Has Dragon Eyes' watchfulness.
• Verdant Green Maiden stays in Chengdu for three days, watching as people fail to return the palace's treasures. She decides to take matters into her own hands.
• She intercepts the fleeing looters, retrieves the stolen treasures, and returns them to the people of Chengdu.
• Verdant Green Maiden encounters Iron Crutch Li at the city gates and leaves for Chang'an to check the situation there.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden shows her commitment to justice and the common people, demonstrating her resolve and power.
• Iron Crutch Li reveals his wisdom and understanding of the situation, acting as a mentor figure.
• Chen Shan Yi shows initial reluctance to return the wealth but ultimately fails to act.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Corruption: The contrast between Verdant Green Maiden's commitment to justice and the corruption of Li Yuanji's subordinates.
• Power and Responsibility: The responsibility of those in power to act justly and for the benefit of the people.
• Fate and Destiny: Iron Crutch Li's mention of fate and destiny, suggesting that Verdant Green Maiden's actions are inevitable.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Iron Crutch Li: They share a mutual respect and understanding, with Iron Crutch Li acknowledging Verdant Green Maiden's role in upholding justice.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Chen Shan Yi: Chen Shan Yi's reluctance to return the wealth contrasts with Verdant Green Maiden's determination, highlighting the difference in their values.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Shimin: Li Shimin's surprise and respect upon seeing Verdant Green Maiden, indicating their mentor-student relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) visits Li Shimin in Han Zhong, revealing she killed Li Yuanji.
• Li Shimin reports this to Li Yuan, who expresses dissatisfaction.
• Qing Nü tells Li Shimin to focus on the Shu campaign, as she has other matters to attend to.
• Li Shimin leads the Tang Army into the Shu Region, swiftly crushing resistance.
• Qing Nü learns about Iron Crutch Li's activities and urges Li Shimin to act faster.

Character Developments

• Li Shimin: Shows maturity and understanding of military strategy, prioritizing the Shu campaign despite Li Yuan's displeasure.
• Qing Nü: Reveals her nonchalant attitude towards Li Yuan's disapproval, emphasizing her independence and confidence.
• Li Jing: Remains calm and detached from Li Yuanji's fate, focusing on his duties.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Qing Nü's actions challenge Li Yuan's authority, highlighting the tension between imperial power and her influence.
• Legitimacy and nobility: Qing Nü questions the legitimacy and nobility of aristocrats, comparing them to her own status.

Character Interactions

• Li Shimin and Qing Nü: Their relationship evolves, with Li Shimin showing deference to Qing Nü's wisdom and experience, while she treats him like a student or protégé.
• Li Shimin and Li Jing: They work together effectively, with Li Shimin as the commander and Li Jing as his right-hand man.
• Qing Nü and Hong Luan: They maintain a close, trusting relationship, with Hong Luan acting as Qing Nü's eyes and ears in Chengdu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An earthquake occurs in Chengdu, causing the Min River to flood towards Guan County.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan arrive to investigate and find Yang Jian and Bai Susu already controlling the flood.
• Verdant Green Maiden reveals that the earthquake is a retribution from the Book of Fate for altering destinies.
• Commoners from Guan County approach, mistaking Yang Jian and Bai Susu for immortals and worshipping them.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows concern for Yang Jian and Bai Susu's growth, reveals her defiance of the Book of Fate, and advises Yang Jian about his future trials.
• Yang Jian: Demonstrates his power and responsibility by stopping the flood, shows humility when worshipped by commoners, and reveals his background as a native of Guan County.
• Bai Susu: Expresses joy at reuniting with Verdant Green Maiden, worries about future retributions, and supports Yang Jian when commoners worship them.

Significant Themes

• Defiance of fate and its consequences.
• The power of cultivation and its responsibilities.
• The relationship between immortals and mortals.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: Show camaraderie and concern for each other, and work together to investigate the earthquake.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Yang Jian/Bai Susu: Reunite after years apart, with Verdant Green Maiden acting as a mentor and advisor to the couple.
• Yang Jian and Bai Susu: Work together to stop the flood, support each other when faced with worship from commoners, and display a strong bond.
• Commoners and Yang Jian/Bai Susu: Mistake the couple for immortals, worship them, and reveal Yang Jian's background.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian, now believed to be an immortal, returns to Guan County with Bai Susu.
• Rumors spread in Chengdu that the earthquake was Heaven's punishment for driving out Li Yuanji.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan investigate and dispel the rumors, finding that the rumormongers had dreamt about it.
• Li Shimin and Li Jing enter Chengdu safely, and Verdant Green Maiden hands over the city's security to them.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian: Accepts his new identity as an immortal, returns to Guan County.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows concern for the people of Chengdu, investigates and handles the rumors.
• Hong Luan: Assists Verdant Green Maiden, reveals more about her past and mission.
• Li Shimin: Takes control of Chengdu, respects Verdant Green Maiden's authority.

Significant Themes

• Identity and perception (Yang Jian as an immortal).
• Rumors and their impact on society.
• The power of dreams and their influence on reality.
• The transition of power and authority (from Verdant Green Maiden to Li Shimin).

Character Interactions

• Yang Jian and Bai Susu: They return to Guan County together, accepting their new roles.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Hong Luan: They work together to handle the rumors, and Verdant Green Maiden expresses her lingering resentment towards Hong Luan's past deception.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Shimin: Li Shimin respects Verdant Green Maiden's authority and takes over Chengdu's security from her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shimin finds Verdant Green Maiden and asks her to save Nezha, a youth who helped the Tang army in Rongzhou but was severely injured by bandits.
• Verdant Green Maiden agrees to save Nezha and provides Li Shimin with a list of herbs and an ordinary lotus root to prepare.
• Verdant Green Maiden suspects Nezha might be the Nezha from the Heavenly Court, but Hong Luan cannot confirm if he descended from Heaven.

Character Developments

• Li Shimin shows care and concern for Nezha, demonstrating his growth as a responsible leader who values the lives of those who support his cause.
• Verdant Green Maiden remains mysterious and capable, showing she can still perform miraculous feats despite her previous injuries.

Significant Themes

• The interconnectedness of the characters, with Verdant Green Maiden's past students (Yang Jian and Nezha) now appearing in the same world.
• The power of ordinary things in the hands of extraordinary people, as seen in Verdant Green Maiden's request for common herbs and a lotus root to save Nezha.

Character Interactions

• Li Shimin and Verdant Green Maiden's relationship continues to grow, with Li Shimin showing deference and trust in her abilities.
• Hong Luan and Verdant Green Maiden's dynamic is established, with Hong Luan showing a lack of memory and Verdant Green Maiden being patient and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü (Verdant Green Maiden) and Hong Luan (Bird Sister) discuss Nezha's condition; Qing Nü decides to use a section of her precious lotus root to heal him.
• Li Shimin brings the required herbs but lacks lotus roots. Qing Nü provides a small section of her lotus root.
• Nezha experiences pain when the lotus root's vital essence courses through his body. Hong Luan realizes Nezha can't withstand the Dragon Qi directly.
• Qing Nü cuts her palm and drips her blood into Nezha's mouth to mitigate the Dragon Qi's impact.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü shows concern for Nezha's life but prioritizes her treasured lotus root.
• Hong Luan demonstrates understanding of orthodox healing methods and cares for Nezha's well-being.
• Nezha's body struggles to withstand the powerful healing energy.

Significant Themes

• The power and rarity of Dragon Qi and lotus roots.
• The contrast between Qing Nü's self-interest and Hong Luan's concern for Nezha.
• The struggle between Nezha's mortal body and the powerful healing energy.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Hong Luan discuss Nezha's condition and healing methods.
• Qing Nü provides the lotus root and her blood to heal Nezha.
• Hong Luan expresses concern for Nezha's well-being and questions Qing Nü's methods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden reveals she received a dagger from the Yellow Emperor for carving meat, but prefers tearing it with her hands.
• Nezha's condition stabilizes after receiving Dragon Blood. Li Shimin brings medicine for him.
• Verdant Green Maiden leaves, telling Li Shimin to find a female physician for Nezha.
• Nezha awakens, surprised to find his hands recovered. Li Shimin and Li Jing visit him.
• Nezha reveals his family's history and their tragic fate at the hands of bandits.
• Verdant Green Maiden arrives and suggests Li Jing take Nezha as his adopted son.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows her unique eating habits and indifference to Nezha's condition post-treatment.
• Nezha: Recovers from his injuries, reveals his family's history, and expresses gratitude towards Li Jing and Li Shimin.
• Li Shimin: Demonstrates concern for Nezha's well-being and affection towards Verdant Green Maiden's teachings.
• Li Jing: Shows care for Nezha's well-being and willingness to take him as an adopted son.

Significant Themes

• The power of Verdant Green Maiden's medical skills and her indifference towards her patients' post-treatment care.
• The bond between Li Jing, Li Shimin, and Nezha, formed through shared experiences and mutual respect.
• The theme of adoption and family, with Li Jing considering taking Nezha as his son.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Shimin: Show a mentor-mentee relationship, with Li Shimin showing deference to her and her showing mild annoyance at his concern.
• Li Shimin and Nezha: Display a friendly rapport, with Li Shimin showing concern for Nezha's well-being and Nezha expressing gratitude towards Li Shimin.
• Li Jing and Nezha: Interact with mutual respect and concern, with Li Jing showing care for Nezha's well-being and Nezha saluting Li Jing.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Jing: Interact briefly, with Verdant Green Maiden suggesting Li Jing take Nezha as his adopted son.