Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, a 16-year-old in a cultivation world, seeks apprenticeship from Daoist Qu.
• Daoist Qu presents Zheng Que with a test: choose one of seven bowls, only one of which contains normal wine, the rest laced with corpse poison.
• Zheng Que chooses the fourth bowl from the left, which contains normal wine, and passes the test.
• After leaving Daoist Qu's temple, Zheng Que encounters a Female Hanging Ghost and a Ghost Wedding Procession, highlighting the prevalence of evil spirits.
• He returns home, noticing the increasing abnormality of the small town, and goes to sleep.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates courage and quick thinking in choosing the correct bowl and avoiding the Female Hanging Ghost and Ghost Wedding Procession.
• Daoist Qu is introduced as a stern and indifferent cultivator who tests potential apprentices with a deadly challenge.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival in a world filled with evil spirits and ghosts.
• The importance of luck and fate in determining one's path in life.
• The dangers and challenges of seeking cultivation and power.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Daoist Qu: Their interaction is tense and serious, with Daoist Qu presenting a life-threatening test to Zheng Que, who passes, becoming Daoist Qu's disciple.
• Zheng Que and the Female Hanging Ghost: Zheng Que shows no fear and avoids the ghost without hesitation.
• Zheng Que and the children in the clearing: Zheng Que ignores their conversation about the abnormal events in the town, focusing on getting home safely.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, a young man, has a recurring dream about an ancient, yellowed book titled "Life and Death Book."
• One night, he hears a knock at his door. His master's voice urges him to come out, but Zheng Que senses an eerie presence.
• A chilling wind and footsteps enter the room, mimicking Zheng Que's master's voice, trying to lure him out.
• Zheng Que remains still and silent, realizing the entity can't find him as long as he doesn't move or make a sound.
• The entity wreaks havoc in the room, smashing furniture and making threatening noises, but can't locate Zheng Que.
• As dawn approaches, the entity seems unable to leave, and Zheng Que feels its cold presence still lingering.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows exceptional intuition for death, likely due to his recurring dream. He remains calm and still under threat, demonstrating resilience and self-control.

Significant Themes

• Death: The recurring dream and the entity's presence emphasize the theme of death.
• Fear and Courage: Zheng Que faces his fear and remains courageous, not giving in to the entity's threats.
• Perseverance: Zheng Que endures the long, terrifying night, waiting patiently for dawn.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the Entity: Zheng Que's interaction with the entity is one of avoidance and endurance. He doesn't engage with it, hoping to remain unseen and unharmed.
• Zheng Que and His Master: Zheng Que's master is mentioned but not present. Zheng Que's fear of the entity is heightened by its mimicry of his master's voice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que wakes up to find a living corpse (Call-Sound Ghost) in his room, which is then killed by an unknown entity.
• Zheng Que realizes the living corpse might have been sent by his true master and hurries to the temple.
• Daoist Qu, Zheng Que's master, reveals that the Call-Sound Ghost is Zheng Que's fated tribulation and that he has 49 hours to learn the Life Planting Technique to survive.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows resilience and quick thinking in the face of danger.
• Daoist Qu demonstrates his indifference and willingness to help Zheng Que, despite the limited extent of their karma.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival in a world filled with danger and the supernatural.
• The importance of cultivation and entry into the Dao for survival.
• The consequences of a world without reincarnation and the heavy yin energy affecting cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Daoist Qu interact briefly, with Daoist Qu imparting crucial information and the Life Planting Technique to Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que's interaction with the living corpse highlights his initial shock and later realization of its potential help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que successfully enters the Dao by absorbing spiritual energy and breaking through his Qi Sea.
• He experiences a vision of a dilapidated Wide Hall and a Life and Death Book, which absorbs the yin energy from his body.
• Upon returning to reality, Zheng Que discovers he has gained significant physical prowess and is now at the first level of the Qi Refining Realm.
• He finds his master, Daoist Qu, in the courtyard, who acknowledges Zheng Que's progress and warns him about the drawbacks of the Life Planting Technique.
• Zheng Que overhears an argument between his neighbor, Zhao the Second, and his mother, Old Lady Zhao, about Zhao the Second's new wife, who may not be human.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Successfully enters the Dao, gains new physical abilities, and remains calm and composed despite the strange events happening around him.
• Daoist Qu: Acknowledges Zheng Que's progress and provides guidance on the potential pitfalls of his cultivation method.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and its consequences: Zheng Que's rapid progress comes with the absorption of yin energy, which could have negative side effects if not managed properly.
• The supernatural: The presence of the Life and Death Book and the possible non-human wife of Zhao the Second hint at the supernatural elements in the story.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Daoist Qu: Master and disciple, with Daoist Qu providing guidance and acknowledging Zheng Que's progress.
• Zhao the Second and Old Lady Zhao: Neighboring family members arguing about the strange behavior of Zhao the Second's new wife.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que encounters Zhao the Second, a man being chased out of his home by his mother.
• Zheng Que returns home to find his house in disarray and begins cultivating.
• He enters a void and absorbs yin energy, then accesses a dilapidated hall with the Life and Death Book.
• He touches the book and feels overwhelming death and cold.
• He manages to flip the book open and reads his own lifespan: he will die at the Hour of the Bo that night.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows concern for Zhao the Second but is preoccupied with his own problems.
• Zheng Que demonstrates resilience and determination in facing the Life and Death Book.

Significant Themes

• Death and mortality, as Zheng Que learns about his impending doom.
• The power of the Life and Death Book and the unknown forces it represents.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que briefly interacts with Zhao the Second, showing a moment of concern before becoming absorbed in his own thoughts.
• Zheng Que's interaction with the Life and Death Book reveals its ominous power and the limited extent of his current abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que realizes he's facing the Call-Sound Ghost, which can now enter his room without his response.
• His lifespan on the Life and Death Book indicates he will die tonight at Hai Hour.
• The Call-Sound Ghost attacks Zheng Que, leaving bloody footprints and causing injuries.
• Zheng Que discovers that only his blood can harm the ghost.
• He fights back, eventually defeating the Call-Sound Ghost and causing it to dissipate.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability in responding to the ghost's attacks.
• He shows bravery and determination in fighting back against the Call-Sound Ghost.

Significant Themes

• The power of blood: Zheng Que's blood is the key to defeating the ghost, highlighting the significance of life force.
• Life and death: The Life and Death Book foreshadows Zheng Que's death, emphasizing the theme of mortality.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the Call-Sound Ghost, initially defensively, then aggressively once he discovers its weakness.
• There's no interaction with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que discovers that the Life and Death Book has changed his lifespan, indicating he passed his Dao Entry Tribulation.
• Thirty-five new entries appear on the Life and Death Book, all disabled people from Tu Prefecture with short lifespans.
• Zheng Que returns to his room, heals from his injuries, and resumes cultivation.
• He visits his master, Daoist Qu, who explains the nature of 'ghosts' and teaches him the Ghost Controlling Technique.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que survives his Dao Entry Tribulation, gains a lifespan increase, and receives physical improvements.
• He demonstrates diligence and eagerness to learn from his master.

Significant Themes

• The imbalance of yin and yang in the current world, affecting cultivators' abilities to combat 'ghosts'.
• The nature of 'ghosts' and their formation from the resentment of deceased people.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Daoist Qu: Zheng Que shows respect and eagerness to learn, while Daoist Qu imparts knowledge and guidance, showing mild approval of Zheng Que's progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Daoist Qu demonstrates the Ghost Controlling Technique to Zheng Que.
• A Corpse Puppet is used to lure and capture a Resentful Soul.
• Daoist Qu applies the Blood Seal to the Resentful Soul, branding it with runes.
• He issues commands to the Resentful Soul, making it attack and then withdraw.
• Zheng Que learns the technique and departs.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows eagerness to learn and understands the technique quickly.
• Daoist Qu patiently teaches Zheng Que, showing his role as a master.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators and ghosts/spirits.
• The suppression of yin energy (ghosts) by yang energy (cultivators).
• The importance of learning and practice in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Master-apprentice relationship between Daoist Qu and Zheng Que.
• The captured Resentful Soul is controlled by Daoist Qu's commands.
• Zheng Que's interaction with the Female Hanging Ghost is hinted at the end of the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que is attacked by a Female Hanging Ghost while walking in the courtyard.
• He realizes he's been hanged by the ghost and struggles to free himself.
• Zheng Que uses his spirit blood to create a Spirit Blood Net, trapping the ghost and branding it with runes.
• He successfully controls the ghost using the Ghost Controlling Technique but fails to issue a command due to the ghost's weakened state.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his quick thinking and resourcefulness in dealing with the ghost.
• He shows determination and resilience in his attempts to control the ghost.

Significant Themes

• The power of spirit blood and the Ghost Controlling Technique.
• The vulnerability of ghosts to yang energy during the day.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the Female Hanging Ghost, trying to control it.
• He receives guidance from his master, Daoist Qu, after the failed attempt.

Key Plot Points

• Zheng Que discovers the issue lies in his own spiritual blood, not his Ghost Controlling Technique.
• He successfully recalls the Female Hanging Ghost during the day in the dilapidated Wide Hall space.
• Zheng Que finds the Life and Death Book, which records names and lifespans of the dead, but many pages are torn out.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que understands his spiritual blood's weakness and decides to improve his cultivation before practicing at night.
• The Female Hanging Ghost, Qing Li, appears weak during the day but regains strength in the Wide Hall space.

Significant Themes

• The power of Zheng Que's spiritual blood and its limitations.
• The danger of ghosts and spirits at night in Changfu Town.
• The mysterious nature of the Life and Death Book and its missing pages.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the Female Hanging Ghost, successfully using his Ghost Controlling Technique on her.
• Zheng Que communicates with his master through the Wide Hall space, receiving guidance and understanding his spiritual blood's issue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, while practicing the Ghost Controlling Technique, encounters a Female Hanging Ghost in a dilapidated Underworld-like space.
• The ghost accuses an unknown cultivator and his master of wrongdoing, trying to shift blame onto Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que, playing the role of an Underworld judge, reprimands the ghost and gives her a chance to redeem herself by assisting the cultivator in six days' time, threatening severe punishment if she fails.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Realizes the Underworld's existence and its current state of disrepair. He understands that the ghost mistook him for an Underworld judge and uses this to his advantage.
• Female Hanging Ghost: Shows unexpected intelligence and cunning, trying to frame Zheng Que. After being threatened, she agrees to help the cultivator in six days.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Punishment: The ghost seeks justice, but Zheng Que manipulates the situation to maintain his own interests.
• Appearance vs Reality: Zheng Que's appearance and voice are different in the Underworld space, leading to the ghost's misunderstanding.
• Redemption and Consequences: The ghost is given a chance to redeem herself, but failure will result in severe punishment.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the Female Hanging Ghost: Their interaction is marked by manipulation and threat, with Zheng Que maintaining control over the situation.
• Zheng Que and the unknown cultivator: The cultivator is mentioned but not present, serving as a target for the ghost's accusations and Zheng Que's manipulation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, a cultivator, encounters a Female Hanging Ghost who demands one hundred living people to moisten her throat.
• Zheng Que proposes a duel: if he wins, she must obey him; if she wins, he'll provide her with living people.
• The duel takes place, and despite Zheng Que's initial disadvantage, he uses his knowledge of the ghost's weakness to subdue her.
• After a quarter of an hour, Zheng Que is the only one standing, winning the duel.
• Zheng Que orders the Female Hanging Ghost to capture ten thousand Resentful Souls for him.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Proves himself to be cunning and strategic, using the ghost's demand against her to win the duel and gain control.
• Female Hanging Ghost: Initially bossy and demanding, she underestimates Zheng Que and ends up losing the duel, becoming his servant.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: The strong have the right to set conditions and control the weak.
• Deception and Manipulation: Zheng Que uses the ghost's greed and underestimation of him to outmaneuver her.
• Honor and Integrity: Zheng Que claims to be a cultivator of the righteous path, but his actions show a level of cunning and deception.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the Female Hanging Ghost: Their interaction is a power struggle, with Zheng Que ultimately gaining control over the ghost.
• Zheng Que's past actions and the Underworld Lord's assessment of him: Zheng Que's actions in this chapter contrast with the Underworld Lord's description of him as kind-hearted and morally upright.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que wins a bet with the Female Hanging Ghost (Qing Li), gaining control over her actions.
• Zheng Que enters the Underworld and discovers changes in Qing Li's record on the Life and Death Book.
• Zheng Que decides to test the effects of the Underworld on other Resentful Souls and increase the number of names in the Life and Death Book.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows cunning in outsmarting Qing Li and gains control over her. He also discovers new aspects of the Underworld and its benefits for both himself and Resentful Souls.
• Qing Li: Regains her sentience, intelligence, and memories from her life after entering the Underworld. She becomes more aware and independent, though still bound by Zheng Que's control.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Zheng Que gains power over Qing Li, while she regains her own agency within the limits of his control.
• Transformation and growth: Both Zheng Que and Qing Li undergo transformations, with Zheng Que discovering new aspects of his abilities and Qing Li regaining her lost sentience.
• The Underworld: The mysterious realm is revealed to have significant effects on both living beings and Resentful Souls, hinting at its importance in the story's overarching plot.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Qing Li: Their interaction shifts from Zheng Que's initial dominance to a more complex dynamic, with Qing Li asserting her independence while still bound by Zheng Que's control. Their relationship becomes more nuanced, with Zheng Que showing respect for Qing Li's intelligence and Qing Li accepting Zheng Que's control, albeit grudgingly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que visits Daoist Qu's temple early in the morning, finding the Hanging Ghost's figure missing.
• Daoist Qu imparts two techniques to Zheng Que: Yin Gathering Technique (to gather yin clouds for Ghost Servants to operate during the day) and Spirit Eye Technique (to see invisible entities and discern cultivator/ghost auras).
• Zheng Que meets Zhao the Second, who seeks his help due to suspicions about his wife's humanity.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Becomes Daoist Qu's disciple, learns two new techniques, and demonstrates responsibility by agreeing to help Zhao the Second.
• Qing Li: Remains a Ghost Servant, showing no significant development in this chapter.
• Zhao the Second: Seeks Zheng Que's help, revealing his distress and desperation.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation: Zheng Que's progress as a cultivator is emphasized, learning new techniques and gaining responsibilities.
• Trust and Dependence: Zhao the Second's reliance on Zheng Que highlights the importance of trust and support among characters.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Daoist Qu: Master-disciple relationship; Daoist Qu imparts knowledge and sets tasks for Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que and Zhao the Second: Zheng Que agrees to help Zhao the Second, showing empathy and responsibility.
• Zheng Que and Qing Li: No significant interaction; Qing Li remains a Ghost Servant, following Zheng Que but not engaging in conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que declines Zhao the Second's offer of eggs, suspecting the food might be unsafe due to the ghost in Zhao's house.
• At his doorstep, Zheng Que encounters Zhao the Second's new bride, Sun Cui'er, who seeks his help as her husband refuses to acknowledge her and even hired someone to harm her.
• Zheng Que decides to help Sun Cui'er after mastering two new techniques from his master: the Yin Gathering Technique and the Spirit Eye Technique.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates caution and consideration for his own safety, deciding to master new techniques and bring his ghost servant, Qing Li, before helping Zhao the Second.
• Sun Cui'er, Zhao the Second's new bride, is portrayed as a pitiful and wronged woman, seeking help from Zheng Que due to her husband's neglect and abuse.

Significant Themes

• The theme of neglect and abuse within a marriage is highlighted through Sun Cui'er's plight.
• Zheng Que's growth in power and control over his ghost servant is emphasized, with his mastery of new techniques and understanding of their strengths.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Sun Cui'er: Zheng Que shows empathy and willingness to help Sun Cui'er, while she seeks his aid and expresses gratitude.
• Zheng Que and Qing Li: Zheng Que acknowledges Qing Li's strength and understands the power gap between them, showing respect for his ghost servant's abilities.
• Zheng Que and Zhao the Second: Zheng Que's initial agreement to help Zhao the Second is complicated by Sun Cui'er's appearance, suggesting potential conflict or misunderstanding between the two men.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que practices the Life Planting Technique to replenish his spiritual power.
• He checks his lifespan in the Life and Death Book, confirming he won't face life-threatening danger.
• He goes to Zhao the Second's house, where he meets Zhao the Second's wife, Sun Cui'er.
• Sun Cui'er asks Zheng Que to help her conceive a child, suggesting they have intercourse.
• Old Lady Zhao attacks Zheng Que, revealing she's not a living person.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his cultivation skills and decisiveness.
• Sun Cui'er shows desperation and unusual behavior, hinting at her true nature.
• Old Lady Zhao reveals her true form, indicating she's been deceased.

Significant Themes

• The thin line between life and death, as both Sun Cui'er and Old Lady Zhao are not truly alive.
• The power of cultivation and its uses, as Zheng Que employs his techniques to control Sun Cui'er and Qing Li.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with Sun Cui'er, who asks for an unusual favor.
• Zheng Que and Old Lady Zhao have a brief, hostile encounter.
• Zheng Que communicates with Qing Li, ordering her to stop Old Lady Zhao without harming her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Cui'er, Zhao the Second's mother, transforms into a rotting corpse and attacks Zheng Que.
• Old Lady Zhao reveals herself as a powerful Yin Energy cultivator and attacks Zheng Que and Qing Li.
• Zheng Que attempts to control Sun Cui'er using the Ghost Controlling Technique, but fails.
• Old Lady Zhao absorbs Sun Cui'er's Yin Energy, becoming stronger.
• Zheng Que and Qing Li engage in a fierce battle with Old Lady Zhao.

Character Developments

• Sun Cui'er is revealed to be a corpse controlled by Old Lady Zhao.
• Old Lady Zhao shows her true power and becomes the main antagonist.
• Zheng Que struggles to control Sun Cui'er and must face Old Lady Zhao's increased power.

Significant Themes

• The power of Yin Energy and its corrupting influence.
• The struggle against overwhelming odds and the consequences of underestimation.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Qing Li work together to fight Old Lady Zhao, but Qing Li is initially overpowered.
• Zhao the Second is concerned for his mother's safety but is kept at a distance by Zheng Que.
• Old Lady Zhao expresses grief over Sun Cui'er's death but is consumed by rage and a desire for revenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que fails to use the Yin Gathering Technique in time.
• Old Lady Zhao, now a powerful yin creature, attacks Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que fights back, but his attacks are ineffective against Old Lady Zhao's enhanced strength and defenses.
• Qing Li, the Ghost Servant, intervenes, using a rope to restrain Old Lady Zhao.
• Old Lady Zhao, mimicking Zhao the Second's voice, tries to deceive him, but fails.
• Zheng Que uses his spiritual blood to weaken Old Lady Zhao, allowing Qing Li to decapitate her.
• The yin energy in the Zhao residence dissipates, and the courtyard returns to normal.
• Zheng Que approaches Zhao the Second, revealing the truth about his mother and wife.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his combat skills and strategic thinking, but also shows his lack of emotional intelligence when comforting Zhao the Second.
• Old Lady Zhao's transformation into a powerful yin creature highlights her ruthlessness and desperation.
• Zhao the Second is devastated by the truth about his mother and wife, breaking down emotionally.

Significant Themes

• The destructive power of secrets and lies.
• The consequences of desperation and obsession.
• The importance of emotional support and understanding.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Old Lady Zhao engage in a fierce battle, showcasing their combat skills and determination.
• Zheng Que and Qing Li work together to defeat Old Lady Zhao, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
• Zheng Que's attempt to comfort Zhao the Second highlights the stark contrast between their emotional states and coping mechanisms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao the Second, grief-stricken, recounts his family's misfortunes to Zheng Que.
• Zhao the Second's mother, Old Lady Zhao, recently arranged his marriage to Sun Cui'er, but strange events have occurred since the wedding.
• Zheng Que knocks out Zhao the Second and returns home, where he interacts with his ghost servant, Qing Li.
• Zheng Que enters the space containing the Life and Death Book and discovers a new name: Zhao Qian Shi (Old Lady Zhao), who had been dead for some time.
• Zheng Que visits his master, Daoist Qu, who offers to teach him techniques for the second level of Qi Refining or other skills like alchemy, talisman crafting, or artifact forging. Zheng Que expresses his desire to learn more about ghosts.

Character Developments

• Zhao the Second: Struggles with his new wife's strange behavior and his mother's insistence on the marriage, leading to his emotional breakdown.
• Zheng Que: Shows empathy towards Zhao the Second's plight and curiosity about ghosts, indicating growth in his understanding and acceptance of the supernatural.
• Qing Li: Demonstrates new abilities and a growing arrogance, hinting at her increasing power and confidence.
• Daoist Qu: Remains calm and composed, revealing his omniscience regarding events in the town and his willingness to teach Zheng Que about ghosts.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and its influence on the living.
• The consequences of deception and hidden truths.
• The power dynamics between humans and ghosts.
• The importance of understanding and acceptance in dealing with the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Zhao the Second seeks Zheng Que's help, leading to Zheng Que's involvement in the Zhao family's affairs.
• Zheng Que interacts with Qing Li, learning about her new abilities and her growing confidence.
• Zheng Que visits his master, Daoist Qu, expressing his desire to learn more about ghosts and receiving guidance from him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns about ghost entities and their realms from his master, Daoist Qu.
• He discovers that the Zhao family incident involved an unformed Anomaly.
• He visits Zhao the Second to check on him and ensure there are no lingering anomaly issues.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates responsibility and concern for Zhao the Second's well-being.
• Zhao the Second is grief-stricken and disillusioned after the loss of his mother and the truth about his late wife.

Significant Themes

• The hidden dangers of anomalies and their potential to spread.
• The consequences of ignorance and inaction in the face of supernatural threats.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding in dealing with the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Daoist Qu: Master-student relationship, with Daoist Qu imparting crucial knowledge to Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que and Zhao the Second: Zheng Que shows empathy and concern for Zhao the Second, who is struggling with the loss of his mother and the truth about his late wife.