Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Verdant Green Maiden (later revealed to be the Luo River Goddess) crosses a river on a ferry, despite the boatman's warnings that a beautiful woman's makeup might cause wind and waves, leading to accidents.
• The Verdant Green Maiden intentionally falls into the river and meets Duan Mingguang, a water ghost who has been causing accidents due to jealousy and resentment.
• The Verdant Green Maiden learns that Duan Mingguang has been harming women crossing the river because she was driven to suicide by jealousy when her husband praised the Luo River Goddess's beauty.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden (Luo River Goddess): She is revealed to be the Luo River Goddess, displaying her divine powers by controlling the river and confronting Duan Mingguang. She shows empathy and understanding towards Duan Mingguang's plight.
• Duan Mingguang (Water Ghost): Initially aggressive and resentful, she becomes calmer and more cooperative after realizing the Verdant Green Maiden's power. She reveals her tragic past and the cause of her resentment.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and Resentment: Duan Mingguang's actions are driven by jealousy, leading to her suicide and subsequent harmful behavior as a water ghost.
• Beauty and Perception: The Verdant Green Maiden's beauty causes concern and fear among the ferrymen, while Duan Mingguang's jealousy is sparked by praise of another's beauty.
• Divine Intervention: The Verdant Green Maiden's divine status and powers allow her to intervene in the human world, addressing the supernatural issue caused by Duan Mingguang.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Duan Mingguang: Their interaction reveals Duan Mingguang's past and allows the Verdant Green Maiden to understand the source of the river's problems. The Verdant Green Maiden shows empathy and understanding, but also asserts her authority as a divine being.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the Boatman: Their interaction highlights the boatman's superstition and fear of beautiful women crossing the river, as well as his reluctance to take the Verdant Green Maiden across due to these beliefs.

Summary of the Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (VGM) retrieves a mirror from the river, which was the source of Duan Mingguang's spirit.
• The mirror fuses with VGM's Treasure Mirror, showing an image of a woman's back in a battle scene.
• VGM emerges from the river, ending the Demon Ghost storms, and leaves with Old Yellow Ox.

Character Developments

• VGM displays her power and nonchalance, even in the face of death.
• The boatman gains respect and awe for VGM, seeing her as an immortal.

Significant Themes

• The power of the mirror and its connection to VGM's past.
• The theme of immortality and the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• VGM interacts briefly with the boatman, showing kindness and understanding.
• VGM and Old Yellow Ox continue their journey together, with VGM expressing her desire to explore the Tang dynasty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden and Old Yellow Ox arrive at a ruined mountain temple during a rainstorm.
• Verdant Green Maiden finds two sentient stone inscriptions, who try to scare her but fail.
• The inscriptions reveal they've never harmed anyone and only tried to scare Verdant Green Maiden because they thought she was an easy target.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden demonstrates her fearlessness and assertiveness when dealing with the inscriptions.
• Old Yellow Ox shows indifference to the inscriptions, indicating his loyalty and protectiveness towards Verdant Green Maiden.

Significant Themes

• Fear and courage: Verdant Green Maiden is unafraid of the inscriptions, while they are terrified of her.
• Appearances can be deceiving: The inscriptions underestimate Verdant Green Maiden based on her youthful appearance.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and the inscriptions: Verdant Green Maiden interrogates and scolds the inscriptions, while they cower in fear.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Old Yellow Ox: They share a comfortable and trusting bond, with Old Yellow Ox showing no concern for the inscriptions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden, an immortal, meets two sentient stone tablets (brothers) at a mountain temple.
• The brothers reveal their true forms, which are jade within stone, and Verdant Green Maiden decides not to take it, instead helping to conceal it.
• Verdant Green Maiden teaches the brothers about Buddhist Scriptures in exchange for food.
• She warns them not to stray from the righteous path and continues her journey without a fixed destination.
• In the thirtieth year of Yonghui, Li Chengqian dies, and his son Li Xiang ascends the throne, changing the era name to Taiji.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows compassion and understanding towards the stone brothers, demonstrating her kindness and willingness to help. She also displays her vast knowledge of Buddhist Scriptures.
• The Stone Brothers: Gain understanding and enlightenment from Verdant Green Maiden, showing their eagerness to learn and grow.

Significant Themes

• Compassion and Kindness: Verdant Green Maiden's actions towards the stone brothers highlight her compassionate nature, as she helps them without expecting anything in return.
• Knowledge and Enlightenment: The brothers' desire to learn and Verdant Green Maiden's willingness to teach emphasize the importance of knowledge and enlightenment in personal growth.
• Destiny and Lifespan: The discussion about Li Shimin's and Li Chengqian's lifespans touches on the theme of destiny and the limits of human life.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and the Stone Brothers: Their interaction is marked by curiosity, learning, and mutual respect. The brothers look up to Verdant Green Maiden as a teacher and benefactor, while she treats them with kindness and patience.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Old Yellow Ox: Though not present in this chapter, their bond is implied as they continue their journey together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chengqian's funeral procession passes by Great Ci'en Temple, marking the end of his life.
• Li Zhi, who had been meditating, dies later that night.
• Qing Nü, Xuanzang's master, returns after decades, staying for a few days before leaving again.
• Verdant Green Maiden visits Wu Ruyi at the Temple of Inspired Karma, revealing Li Zhi's death and hinting at a final meeting.
• Xuanzang, on his deathbed, reflects on his life and achievements with Verdant Green Maiden.

Character Developments

• Xuanzang: Reflects on his life and the impermanence of existence. He accepts his impending death with calm and understanding.
• Li Zhi: Dies of old age, marking the end of his journey and enlightenment.
• Qing Nü: Returns to see Xuanzang, expressing regret for not visiting earlier but emphasizing the insignificance of understanding in the face of life and death.
• Wu Ruyi: Accepts Li Zhi's death with composure, acknowledging her old age and the passage of time.

Significant Themes

• Impermanence: The transience of life and the inevitability of death are central themes, with characters accepting and reflecting on their mortality.
• Understanding vs. Acceptance: Qing Nü and Xuanzang discuss the difference between understanding and acceptance, with Qing Nü prioritizing acceptance of life's natural course.
• Finality: The chapter explores the final moments of characters' lives, with Verdant Green Maiden hinting at a final meeting with Wu Ruyi.

Character Interactions

• Xuanzang and Verdant Green Maiden: They share a heartfelt conversation about Xuanzang's life and achievements, with Verdant Green Maiden comforting him as he faces death.
• Qing Nü and Xuanzang: They reunite after decades, with Qing Nü expressing regret for not visiting earlier but emphasizing the unimportance of understanding in the face of life and death.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Wu Ruyi: They meet after many years, with Verdant Green Maiden revealing Li Zhi's death and hinting at a final meeting before leaving.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuanlan, a renowned Daoist Priest, and his disciple Wang Taixiao hear rumors about a Female Immortal reopening the Tai Ping Daoist Temple on Crane Call Mountain.
• Wang Xuanlan decides to visit the temple personally, accompanied by Wang Taixiao.
• Upon arrival, they find the temple desolate but encounter an Old Yellow Ox, which Wang Xuanlan believes is a sign of the legendary Female True Person.
• They meet Verdant Green Maiden inside the temple, who confirms she is the one rebuilding it but shows no interest in Wang Xuanlan's offer to help.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuanlan: Shows reverence for the Tai Ping Daoist Temple and its legendary Female True Person. He is willing to help rebuild the temple but accepts Verdant Green Maiden's decision not to pursue his assistance.
• Wang Taixiao: Initially skeptical about the rumors, he follows his master's lead and shows respect for the temple and its potential inhabitant.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Reveals herself as the one rebuilding the temple but displays a casual attitude towards the endeavor, stating she only did it on a whim and has no intention of pursuing it deliberately.

Significant Themes

• Respect for tradition and lineage (Wang Xuanlan's reverence for the Tai Ping Daoist Temple and its Female True Person)
• Casual approach to spiritual pursuits (Verdant Green Maiden's attitude towards rebuilding the temple)
• Mentorship and discipleship (Wang Xuanlan's relationship with Wang Taixiao)

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuanlan and Wang Taixiao: Master and disciple, with Wang Xuanlan leading the way and Wang Taixiao following his lead, showing respect and deference.
• Wang Xuanlan and Verdant Green Maiden: Wang Xuanlan shows respect and reverence towards Verdant Green Maiden, addressing her as 'Daoist Priest.' Verdant Green Maiden is polite but casual in her interactions with him, accepting his offer to help but ultimately dismissing him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) is found tending graves at Tai Ping Daoist temple, hinting at her past and her decision to rebuild the temple.
• News of the temple's reconstruction spreads, attracting visitors and former disciples.
• Wang Xuanlan and Wang Taixiao frequently visit Tai Ping Daoist temple, with Wang Xuanlan calling Qing Nü his master despite not being her disciple.
• After three years, Wang Xuanlan falls ill and does not visit the temple. Wang Taixiao comes instead and tells Qing Nü about his master's illness.
• Qing Nü visits Supreme Truth Temple to see Wang Xuanlan, revealing his serious condition.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü: Shows her past connection to Tai Ping Daoist temple and her determination to rebuild it. She is stern and independent but shows concern for Wang Xuanlan's health.
• Wang Xuanlan: Persists in visiting Tai Ping Daoist temple despite his advanced age and ill health. He respects Qing Nü and considers her his master.
• Wang Taixiao: Tries to persuade and stop Wang Xuanlan from overworking himself. He is honest but naive, trying to manipulate Qing Nü into visiting his master.

Significant Themes

• The importance of one's roots and heritage, as seen in Qing Nü's decision to rebuild Tai Ping Daoist temple.
• The consequences of one's actions, as Wang Xuanlan's persistent visits lead to his ill health.
• The power dynamics between masters and disciples, with Wang Xuanlan calling Qing Nü his master despite not being her formal disciple.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Wang Xuanlan: They have a master-disciple dynamic despite not being formally connected. Qing Nü is stern and expects Wang Xuanlan to call her True Person, but she shows concern for his health.
• Wang Xuanlan and Wang Taixiao: Wang Xuanlan is determined to visit Tai Ping Daoist temple, while Wang Taixiao tries to persuade and stop him, showing their differing views on Wang Xuanlan's actions.
• Qing Nü and Wang Taixiao: Qing Nü is initially annoyed by Wang Taixiao's attempt to manipulate her but later visits Supreme Truth Temple to see Wang Xuanlan, showing her concern for his well-being despite her stern demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Taixiao is tasked with copying all the Daoist scriptures in Supreme Truth Temple as punishment.
• Wang Xuanlan reveals his intention to write a Dao Scripture and asks Qing Nü for help.
• Wang Xuanlan completes his life's work, the Mysterious Pearl Record, before passing away.
• Wang Taixiao declines the position of temple master due to his insufficient cultivation.
• Qing Nü takes the temple master's seal and tells Wang Taixiao to retrieve it when he feels qualified.

Character Developments

• Wang Taixiao: Struggles with the task given by Qing Nü, later declines the temple master position due to self-doubt.
• Wang Xuanlan: Completes his life's work, the Mysterious Pearl Record, before his death.
• Qing Nü: Shows understanding and support for Wang Xuanlan's aspirations, helps him complete his Dao Scripture, and challenges Wang Taixiao to improve.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of personal aspirations and legacy.
• The importance of self-reflection and improvement.
• The passing down of knowledge and traditions.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Wang Taixiao: Qing Nü challenges and pushes Wang Taixiao to improve, while Wang Taixiao respects and fears her.
• Wang Xuanlan and Qing Nü: They share a mutual understanding and respect, with Qing Nü helping Wang Xuanlan achieve his goal.
• Wang Taixiao and Wang Xuanlan: Wang Taixiao serves as Wang Xuanlan's disciple and later declines the temple master position out of respect for his master's legacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden and Old Yellow Ox continue their journey after spring rain.
• They encounter a wealthy household with a woman in labor. Verdant Green Maiden assists in the delivery.
• The child born is destined to have great fortune.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She remains calm and collected, using her medical skills to help others. She also shows curiosity about the child's future.
• Li Ke (the household master): He is anxious and worried about his wife's labor, but he has capable servants who follow his lead.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: The child is born with auspicious fortune, suggesting that his future is destined to be great.
• Kindness and Compassion: Verdant Green Maiden helps a stranger in need, demonstrating her compassionate nature.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Ke: They briefly interact, with Li Ke seeking Verdant Green Maiden's help and expressing his gratitude.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the pregnant woman: They have a brief interaction, with Verdant Green Maiden comforting and assisting the woman during labor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Dian Qing) delivers Li Ke's baby, Li Bai.
• Li Ke names his son Li Bai (Li Taibai) after his wife's dream of the Evening Star.
• Verdant Green Maiden agrees to become Li Bai's godmother and later his master.
• Verdant Green Maiden gives Li Bai a piece of Wang Xizhi's genuine calligraphy as a greeting gift.

Character Developments

• Li Ke: A businessman from Longxi Chengji who moves to Shu for better business opportunities. He is grateful and respectful towards Verdant Green Maiden for saving his wife and son.
• Madam Li: Li Ke's wife, who fully recovers with Verdant Green Maiden's help. She is also grateful and respects Verdant Green Maiden.
• Verdant Green Maiden (Dian Qing): A skilled physician and learned person. She agrees to become Li Bai's master and gives him Wang Xizhi's calligraphy as a gift.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and respect for Verdant Green Maiden's medical skills and knowledge.
• The importance of fate and destiny in bringing people together.
• The value of education and learning, as Verdant Green Maiden agrees to teach Li Bai.

Character Interactions

• Li Ke and Madam Li express their gratitude and respect towards Verdant Green Maiden for saving their son's life.
• Verdant Green Maiden agrees to become Li Bai's godmother and later his master, showing her willingness to guide and teach him.
• Li Ke and Madam Li are astonished by the genuine Wang Xizhi calligraphy Verdant Green Maiden gives to Li Bai, further emphasizing her extraordinary background.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Bai, now a lively and adventurous child, climbs a tree, causing concern and amusement among the Li family.
• Verdant Green Maiden (VGM) is called to intervene and uses her authority to make Li Bai descend.
• VGM announces she will be leaving for Chang'an to handle personal matters, causing worry among the Li family.
• VGM assures them she will return and encourages Li Yueyuan, Li Bai's younger sister, who is upset about her departure.

Character Developments

• Li Bai: Demonstrates his wild and unrestrained nature, showcasing his agility and daring.
• Verdant Green Maiden: Shows her patience and understanding towards Li Bai's antics, while also displaying her authority and wisdom in handling the situation.
• Li Yueyuan: Exhibits her affection and attachment to VGM, expressing her unhappiness about VGM's departure.

Significant Themes

• Childhood innocence and freedom: Li Bai's behavior highlights the theme of childhood innocence and freedom, contrasting with the expectations and rules of adult society.
• The importance of education and mentorship: VGM's role as a teacher and mentor emphasizes the significance of education in shaping a child's character and future.

Character Interactions

• Li Bai and VGM: Their interaction showcases the unique bond between a teacher and student, with VGM acting as a firm yet caring mentor to Li Bai.
• Li Yueyuan and VGM: Their interaction demonstrates the affection and trust Li Yueyuan has for VGM, highlighting the positive influence VGM has on the children.
• Madam Li and VGM: Their interaction reveals Madam Li's respect and appreciation for VGM's teaching, as well as her concern for VGM's well-being and her eagerness to assist her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü arrives in Chang'an, where she learns that riding any mount is forbidden due to the Crown Prince's illness.
• She visits Wu Ruyi at the Temple of Inspired Karma, where Wu Ruyi questions Qing Nü about their changed fates.
• After Wu Ruyi's death, Qing Nü asks Tian who Wu Ruyi saw before her, but Tian refuses to reveal the information.
• Qing Nü takes a walk with Tian in Chang'an, expressing her determination to confront the Book of Fate's schemes.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü remains steadfast in her resolve to protect those she cares about, even in the face of potential retribution.
• Wu Ruyi accepts her fate but remains curious about the true course of her life and her child's.
• Tian shows a more human side, expressing helplessness and concern for Qing Nü's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: The characters grapple with the idea of a predetermined fate and the consequences of altering it.
• Consequences of actions: Qing Nü acknowledges that changing someone's fate may bring retribution.
• Power dynamics: The struggle between Qing Nü and the Book of Fate continues, with Qing Nü determined to face their schemes head-on.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Wu Ruyi: Their reunion is filled with unspoken understanding and mutual respect, as Wu Ruyi accepts her fate and Qing Nü acknowledges her role in changing it.
• Qing Nü and Tian: Their interaction reveals Tian's concern for Qing Nü's well-being, despite his role as a celestial being and their differing views on the Book of Fate's schemes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden visits the Bad People in Chang'an to investigate Wu Ruyi.
• She learns that Wu Ruyi met someone from Hebei half a month ago.
• Verdant Green Maiden leaves Chang'an and encounters Di Renjie in Bingzhou.
• Di Renjie invites Verdant Green Maiden to his home for a meal.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden is still searching for answers about Wu Ruyi and Heavenly People.
• Di Renjie has become a successful official, now Duke of Liang, but has retired to his hometown.
• Verdant Green Maiden feels aimless and is wandering without a clear destination.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Verdant Green Maiden and Di Renjie's reunion after so many years is seen as a result of their deep fate.
• Time and aging: Di Renjie's appearance highlights the passage of time and the impermanence of life.
• Gratitude and debt: Di Renjie is grateful to Verdant Green Maiden for her guidance, but she dismisses his thanks, emphasizing that he earned his achievements himself.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Di Renjie's reunion is filled with mutual recognition and warmth.
• Verdant Green Maiden is initially surprised and suspicious of Di Renjie's appearance, but they quickly fall back into their old dynamic.
• Di Renjie's invitation to Verdant Green Maiden shows his eagerness to reconnect and express his gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) visits Di Renjie and discusses the future of the Di clan.
• She leaves after paying for her stay, despite Di Renjie's protests.
• In Liaodong, she encounters children begging for food and learns about their hardships.
• She decides to establish an infirmary to help the needy and asks the Yong City Qin Clan to manage it.
• The infirmary is completed by spring, and it successfully helps many people.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She shows compassion and determination to help the less fortunate, demonstrating her commitment to using her power for good.
• Di Renjie: He shows respect and deference to Verdant Green Maiden, acknowledging her wisdom and influence.
• The children: They represent the suffering of the common people, particularly those in remote, cold regions like Liaodong.

Significant Themes

• Compassion and charity: Verdant Green Maiden's actions highlight the importance of caring for the less fortunate.
• The responsibilities of power: She uses her influence to establish the infirmary, showing that those in power have a duty to help those in need.
• The legacy of the past: The Yong City Qin Clan's commitment to their oaths and the enduring influence of the Great Qin dynasty are emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Di Renjie: They have a respectful and cordial exchange, with Di Renjie acknowledging her wisdom and Verdant Green Maiden showing understanding and acceptance of his concerns.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the children: She shows kindness and concern for their well-being, while they are initially wary but eventually show trust and gratitude towards her.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the Yong City Qin Clan Envoy: She acknowledges his efforts in helping establish the infirmary, and he expresses the clan's commitment to fulfilling her wishes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden establishes a clinic in Luoyang with the Qin Clan's help.
• She meets A Luoshan, a child whose mother, a Turkic shaman, is about to marry a Turkic general.
• Verdant Green Maiden attends the wedding and learns that A Luoshan will take the surname An, becoming An Lushan.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden shows kindness and generosity towards the local people, earning their respect.
• A Luoshan's life takes a significant turn as he gains a new father and a new surname.

Significant Themes

• The decline of aristocratic families and the cyclical nature of power.
• The importance of adaptability and planning for the future.
• The fluidity of identity and family structures among different cultures.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden interacts with the Qin Clan members, showing concern for their well-being and offering advice.
• She forms a bond with A Luoshan and attends his mother's wedding, showing interest in his life.
• The Turkic general expresses his gratitude towards Verdant Green Maiden for her kindness and generosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden meets An Lushan (then a child) and his family.
• An Lushan's father, An Yanyan, invites Verdant Green Maiden to visit a Turkic tribe, but she declines.
• Verdant Green Maiden considers killing An Lushan to prevent future turmoil but is stopped by Tian.
• Tian reveals that killing An Lushan now would only worsen the situation in the future.
• Verdant Green Maiden attempts to kill An Lushan but is stopped by Tian again. An Lushan and his family disappear.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Tian have a conversation; Tian advises her that killing one or two people cannot change the broader trend.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: Struggles with the consequences of her actions and the futility of trying to change the course of history.
• An Lushan: Although not a significant character yet, his potential future role as a rebel leader is hinted at.
• Tian: Reveals more about the workings of fate and the consequences of Verdant Green Maiden's actions.

Significant Themes

• The futility of trying to change the course of history.
• The consequences of one's actions and the interconnectedness of events.
• The struggle between personal desires and the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and An Yanyan: They have a polite but tense interaction, with An Yanyan trying to invite Verdant Green Maiden to his tribe and her declining.
• Verdant Green Maiden and Tian: They have a heated argument about the wisdom of killing An Lushan, with Tian ultimately convincing Verdant Green Maiden not to act.
• Verdant Green Maiden and An Lushan: Although they do not interact directly, Verdant Green Maiden's consideration of killing An Lushan highlights the potential danger he poses in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden returns to Changlong County after several years, planning to visit the Li family.
• She meets Li Yueyuan, Li Ke's daughter, who is separated from her father. Verdant Green Maiden decides to help her find her family.
• Verdant Green Maiden leads Li Yueyuan back to the Li family home and reveals her identity as their master.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden: She has been traveling for several years and has not aged. She remains powerful and wise, but also seems to be growing more melancholic with time.
• Li Yueyuan: A young girl around ten years old, intelligent and brave. She is curious and open, quickly accepting Verdant Green Maiden's help and later, her true identity.

Significant Themes

• Time passage: Several years have passed since Verdant Green Maiden last visited the Li family, reflecting the passage of time and the changes it brings.
• Identity and recognition: Verdant Green Maiden's return and revelation of her identity as the Li family's master highlight the theme of identity and recognition, both of oneself and others.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden and Li Yueyuan: Their interaction is brief but meaningful. Li Yueyuan's trust in Verdant Green Maiden and her acceptance of her as 'Master' demonstrate their quick connection.
• Verdant Green Maiden and the Li family: The Li family's shock and disbelief at Verdant Green Maiden's return and revelation of her identity showcase their strong emotional bond and the power of her influence over them.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden returns to the Li family after eight years.
• She meets the grown-up Li Bai and Li Yueyuan, and Madam Li's youngest son, Li Sui.
• Verdant Green Maiden tests Li Bai's literary skills and praises his progress.
• She decides to preserve one of Li Bai's essays for eternity.
• Before leaving, Verdant Green Maiden encourages Li Bai to make his name resound beneath heaven.

Character Developments

• Verdant Green Maiden remains independent and free-spirited, but she also shows affection for the Li family.
• Li Bai has grown into a confident young man, eager to learn and make a name for himself.
• Li Yueyuan is cautious and mature for her age, realizing that Verdant Green Maiden might not return.
• Li Sui, the youngest, is introduced as a studious child.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change.
• The pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
• The importance of family and connections.
• The desire for recognition and success.

Character Interactions

• Verdant Green Maiden interacts warmly with the Li siblings, showing genuine affection.
• Li Bai and Li Yueyuan express their admiration and desire to learn from Verdant Green Maiden.
• Madam Li is protective of her children but supportive of their aspirations.
• Verdant Green Maiden encourages Li Bai to strive for greatness, setting high expectations for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Nü (Verdant Green Maiden) and Li Bai (Taibai) reunite at Tai Ping Daoist Temple on Crane Call Mountain.
• Li Bai expresses his desire to study the Dao and become a wandering knight like Qing Nü.
• Qing Nü allows Li Bai to enter Tai Ping Daoist Temple, where he becomes a resident guest Daoist.
• Qing Nü compiles the Green Lotus Sword Song technique for Li Bai before leaving the temple.

Character Developments

• Li Bai: Shows determination and independence in pursuing his dream of wandering under heaven.
• Qing Nü: Reveals her true identity as a True Person of the Daoist sect, demonstrating her influence and respect within the Daoist community.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of personal dreams and aspirations.
• Mentorship and guidance in the pursuit of enlightenment.
• The interconnectedness of the Daoist community.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Li Bai: Their reunion leads to Li Bai joining Tai Ping Daoist Temple, with Qing Nü providing guidance and support.
• Li Bai and Zhao Zhenxuan (Temple Master): Li Bai becomes a resident guest Daoist under Zhao Zhenxuan's guidance.
• Qing Nü and Tai Ping Daoist Temple: Qing Nü's return is met with respect and admiration by the temple's Daoists, highlighting her influence and status within the Daoist community.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Verdant Green Maiden (Qing Nü) and her ox (Old Yellow Ox) enter the Ghost Market in Fengdu, guided by a ghost named Ning Lian.
• Qing Nü remains calm and curious, asking about the market's goods and offering joss paper to Ning Lian in exchange for his guidance.
• They encounter evil ghosts who demand money, leading to a confrontation. Qing Nü reveals her human Aura and uses Rich Flower to dispatch the evil ghosts.
• The other ghosts in the market freeze in fear, and Ning Lian returns to Qing Nü, pretending he hadn't fled earlier.

Character Developments

• Qing Nü: She demonstrates her fearlessness, curiosity, and power, revealing her human Aura and using Rich Flower to deal with threats. She also shows her generosity by spending lavishly in the market.
• Ning Lian: Initially timid and deceitful, he guides Qing Nü for personal gain. He flees when evil ghosts confront Qing Nü but returns when he realizes her power.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Courage: Qing Nü's fearlessness in the Ghost Market contrasts with the timidity of other characters, highlighting her unique nature.
• Good vs. Evil: The encounter with evil ghosts emphasizes the presence of both good and evil in the Ghost Market, mirroring the real world.

Character Interactions

• Qing Nü and Ning Lian: Their interaction is initially one of deception, with Ning Lian guiding Qing Nü for personal gain. However, Qing Nü's power and generosity make him return to her side.
• Qing Nü and Evil Ghosts: Their interaction is one of confrontation, with Qing Nü using her power to dispel the evil ghosts and assert her dominance in the market.