Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, Yuan Zhi, and Shi Shaoshan discuss their journey's challenges and potential dangers.
• They agree to share intelligence about their past encounters with supernatural events in exchange for Zheng Que's Ghost Servants.
• Shi Shaoshan shares his experience with the Forget-Sorrow Inn in Falling Star Bay, and Yuan Zhi reveals an "elegant gathering" incident in Chaste Embrace Valley.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows willingness to pay for valuable information and uses his Soul-Calling Banner to attract potential informants.
• Yuan Zhi: Reveals his past experience with a supernatural event and uses a sound-isolating talisman to ensure confidentiality.
• Shi Shaoshan: Shares his traumatic experience at the Forget-Sorrow Inn and is cautious about revealing information.

Significant Themes

• The importance of sharing information and intelligence among cultivators to ensure survival.
• The dangers of supernatural encounters and the need for caution and preparation.
• The value of life experiences and the willingness to pay for valuable knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que, Yuan Zhi, and Shi Shaoshan exchange information about their past encounters with supernatural events, demonstrating a level of trust and mutual benefit.
• Zheng Que offers Ghost Servants as payment for the information, highlighting the value he places on the intelligence shared by the others.
• Yuan Zhi and Shi Shaoshan use a sound-isolating barrier to ensure their conversation remains private, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the information they share.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns about the Forget-Sorrow Inn's rules from Shi Shaoshan and Yuan Zhi, who encountered an 'Anomaly' called the Elegant Gathering.
• Zheng Que fulfills his promise to Shi Shaoshan and Yuan Zhi by giving them two sixth-layer [Tongue-Pulling Hell] Ghost Servants each.
• The convoy faces ghostly attacks during the night, which are repelled by Lu Maohong's formation.
• The next morning, the convoy prepares to depart, with the 'Geng' carriage's taxes inspected and found in order.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his reliability by keeping his promise and providing the Ghost Servants.
• Shi Shaoshan and Yuan Zhi show their eagerness for Ghost Servants but are disappointed with the ones they receive.
• Lu Maohong displays his power by protecting the convoy from the ghostly attacks.

Significant Themes

• Trust and reliability among cultivators, as seen in Zheng Que's promise and follow-through.
• The value of information and knowledge, as seen in the importance of knowing the rules of 'Anomalies'.
• The power dynamics among cultivators, as seen in Lu Maohong's ability to protect the convoy.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with Shi Shaoshan and Yuan Zhi, exchanging information and Ghost Servants.
• Lu Maohong interacts with the other cultivators, giving orders and protecting the convoy.
• The cultivators in the convoy interact with each other, preparing to depart together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy encounters ghosts on the official road but swiftly deals with them.
• They enter Jade Terrace Mountain, where the road becomes treacherous and ghostly.
• The convoy faces a seventh-level [Tongue-Pulling Hell] ghost that attacks Zheng Que and Shi Shaoshan.
• The ghost is defeated by Yuan Zhi and Zheng Que's Ghost Servant, Nian Nu.
• The convoy is surrounded by ghosts, and battles break out everywhere.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que learns about the dangers of the route from Linghu Yuniang and Miao Xirong.
• Shi Shaoshan is injured but recovers quickly.
• Nian Nu demonstrates her powerful combat abilities, defeating a seventh-level [Tongue-Pulling Hell] ghost in a single move.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and unpredictability of the ghostly world.
• The importance of experience and knowledge in navigating these dangers.
• The value of having a powerful Ghost Servant.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que seeks information from Linghu Yuniang and Miao Xirong.
• Zheng Que and Shi Shaoshan work together to protect the "Geng" carriage.
• Yuan Zhi and Zheng Que's Ghost Servant, Nian Nu, team up to defeat the seventh-level [Tongue-Pulling Hell] ghost.
• Linghu Yuniang and Miao Xirong focus on protecting the tax revenue rather than joining the fight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy encounters ghosts at Jade Terrace Mountain, but they are repelled.
• The convoy stops, and the "Geng" cart ahead disappears, leading to the discovery of the Forget-Sorrow Inn.
• The "Geng" cart is the only one to encounter the inn, while the carts ahead did not.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que realizes that ghosts target him first due to his strong Yang Energy.
• Yuan Zhi shows concern for the safety of the convoy, checking the rear carts when the "Geng" cart stops.
• Linghu Yuniang expresses worry and frustration upon seeing the Forget-Sorrow Inn.

Significant Themes

• Unluckiness and misfortune, as the "Geng" cart is the only one to encounter the inn.
• The power of ghosts and their targeting of cultivators with strong Yang Energy.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Shi Shaoshan discuss their poor luck and the targeting of ghosts.
• Zheng Que, Linghu Yuniang, and Yuan Zhi discuss the situation upon encountering the Forget-Sorrow Inn.
• Yuan Zhi brings the leaders of the other carts to the front to discuss their next move.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group decides to enter the Forget-Sorrow Inn during the day to avoid greater danger at night.
• Yuan Zhi insists on protecting the tax tribute, explaining the consequences if they abandon it.
• Shi Shaoshan shares his experience and survival strategy from his previous encounter with the inn.
• The group enters the inn, and the proprietress asks if they want a meal or lodging.

Character Developments

• Yuan Zhi demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking, prioritizing the group's safety and the protection of the tax tribute.
• Shi Shaoshan, though reluctant, shares crucial information about the inn, showing a degree of cooperation.
• The other cultivators follow Yuan Zhi's commands, showing trust in his decisions.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The group faces a life-threatening situation, and their decisions are driven by the desire to survive.
• Trust and Leadership: Yuan Zhi's leadership is tested, and the group's survival depends on their trust in him.
• Sacrifice: Yuan Zhi prioritizes the protection of the tax tribute, potentially putting the group at greater risk.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Zhi and Shi Shaoshan: Yuan Zhi relies on Shi Shaoshan's knowledge of the inn, while Shi Shaoshan is initially reluctant to share but eventually cooperates.
• Yuan Zhi and the other cultivators: Yuan Zhi makes decisions for the group, and the others follow his lead, showing trust in his judgment.
• The group and the proprietress: The group enters the inn, and the proprietress greets them, setting the stage for their interaction with the inn's strange environment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The cultivators enter Forget-Sorrow Inn, greeted by a mysterious woman and a sight-impaired innkeeper.
• They are led to a guest room on the second floor, where their Ghost Servants disappear.
• The cultivators learn that the guest room is safe but temporary, and their Ghost Servants are scattered throughout the inn.
• They realize that eight cultivators left outside to guard tax levies are in danger, but moving everyone into the safe room would leave the levies unguarded.

Character Developments

• Shi Shaoshan, having experienced the inn before, remains calm and informative.
• Zheng Que, despite the risks, decides to venture out to find his Ghost Servant.

Significant Themes

• Safety vs. Security: The guest room offers temporary safety but not long-term security.
• Sacrifice for the Greater Good: The cultivators must decide whether to prioritize their own safety or that of their comrades guarding the tax levies.

Character Interactions

• Shi Shaoshan and the apricot-yellow-clad female cultivator exchange information about the inn's rules.
• Zheng Que decides to leave the safe room, while the others remain, highlighting his sense of responsibility and the group's caution.
• The cultivators grapple with the moral dilemma of leaving their comrades unprotected.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que releases Ku Lan to find Nian Nu, who is downstairs in the Forget-Sorrow Inn.
• Two cultivators, Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi, enter the inn to investigate the delay of their companions.
• They are tempted by a fresh, spiritual fish offered by the innkeeper and decide to have a meal.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his calm and decisive nature, immediately releasing Ku Lan to find Nian Nu.
• Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi show their greed and impulsiveness, easily tempted by the spiritual fish despite the potential danger in the inn.

Significant Themes

• Greed and temptation: The spiritual fish represents the temptation that can lead cultivators astray from their goals.
• The unknown and danger: The inn's mysterious nature and the absence of the cultivators who entered before hint at the potential dangers lurking inside.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Ku Lan: Zheng Que trusts Ku Lan to help him find Nian Nu, showing their established relationship and cooperation.
• Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi: The two cultivators display their impulsive nature and lack of caution when faced with temptation, contrasting with Zheng Que's decisiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cultivators at the Forget-Sorrow Inn discuss Zheng Que's search for his lost Ghost Servant, warning that it's dangerous.
• A giant hand suddenly bursts into the room, grabbing and killing a cultivator, then dismembers the body in the corridor.
• In the main hall, Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi eat a steamed fish prepared by the innkeeper, which causes their cultivation to increase and their bodies to mutate.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Not present, but discussed. His rash behavior is criticized, but his powerful Ghost Servant is acknowledged.
• Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi: Their cultivation increases rapidly after eating the fish, and their bodies begin to mutate, showing signs of transformation or possession.

Significant Themes

• Danger and risk-taking: Zheng Que's search for his Ghost Servant is seen as reckless and dangerous, while the cultivators in the room initially feel safe but are later threatened.
• Transformation and possession: The fish's influence on Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi suggests a theme of transformation or possession, which could be related to the inn's mysterious nature.

Character Interactions

• Cultivators in the communal guest room: They discuss Zheng Que's actions and warn each other about the dangers of searching for their lost Ghost Servants. They initially feel safe but are later terrorized by the giant hand.
• Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi: They eat the fish together, leading to their rapid cultivation increase and bodily mutations. Their interaction with the innkeeper is not shown, but they seem to trust him enough to eat the food he prepares.
• Nian Nu: She appears briefly, descending the stairs with visible injuries, suggesting she may have encountered danger in the inn.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi order more food and wine, displaying their insatiable appetites.
• Nian Nu arrives and demands to know the whereabouts of her lord, threatening the innkeeper's wife.
• Zheng Que and Ku Lan discuss how to leave the Forget-Sorrow Inn, with Ku Lan revealing that payment is required.

Character Developments

• Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi: Their hunger and madness are further emphasized as they order more food without hesitation.
• Nian Nu: She shows increased aggression and desperation in her search for her lord.
• Ku Lan: She provides valuable information about the inn's rules but also reveals her past recklessness.

Significant Themes

• Appetite and Insatiability: Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi's insatiable hunger highlights their monstrous nature and the theme of unquenchable desires.
• Power and Control: The innkeeper's wife remains unfazed by Nian Nu's threats, suggesting the inn's power dynamics and the ghosts' lack of control.
• Payment and Freedom: The requirement to pay the bill to leave the inn underscores the theme of freedom being tied to one's actions and consequences.

Character Interactions

• Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi: They interact harmoniously, sharing the same appetite and madness.
• Nian Nu and the Innkeeper's Wife: Their interaction shows Nian Nu's desperation and the innkeeper's wife's indifference.
• Zheng Que and Ku Lan: Their conversation reveals Ku Lan's past experiences and Zheng Que's strategic thinking.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que decides to take Ku Lan downstairs but remembers her debt, so he releases Qing Li instead.
• Four more cultivators (Cen Jintao, Bian Jiashu, Linghu Yuniang, and Shi En) enter the inn, with Linghu Yuniang and Shi En being the last two.
• Inside the inn, Miao Xirong and Zuo Baozhi are eating excessively, while Cen Jintao and Bian Jiashu are also affected by the inn's anomaly.
• The innkeeper's wife is found hanging from the ceiling, her neck stretched impossibly long, with Qing Li holding the rope.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows consideration for Ku Lan's safety and debt.
• Qing Li displays arrogance and ignorance.
• The cultivators outside the inn grow anxious and decide to send more people in.
• Linghu Yuniang and Shi En show bravery by volunteering to enter the inn last.

Significant Themes

• Anomaly and Danger: The Forget-Sorrow Inn's anomaly continues to affect and endanger the cultivators.
• Risk and Decision-Making: The cultivators must decide whether to enter the inn, knowing the risks involved.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with Ku Lan and Qing Li, showing concern for Ku Lan and frustration with Qing Li.
• The cultivators outside the inn discuss and decide together on their course of action.
• Inside the inn, the affected cultivators (Miao Xirong, Zuo Baozhi, Cen Jintao, and Bian Jiashu) interact with each other and the innkeeper's wife, though not directly due to their altered states.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Female Hanging Ghost (Zheng Que's Ghost Servant) attacks the ghosts in Forget-Sorrow Inn.
• Shi En and Linghu Yuniang are entranced by the food's allure and start eating, but Linghu Yuniang is saved by Zheng Que's Ghost Servant.
• On the second floor, a group of cultivators is terrorized by a giant hand that kills several of them.

Character Developments

• Shi En and Linghu Yuniang show vulnerability and fear when faced with the supernatural.
• Shi Shaoshan, initially confident, becomes terrified and uncertain when the situation escalates.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Fear: The characters face their fears and helplessness in the face of the unknown and supernatural.
• Entrapment: Both Shi En and Linghu Yuniang are trapped by their desire for food, while the cultivators on the second floor are trapped in their room by an unseen force.

Character Interactions

• Linghu Yuniang and Shi En's interaction highlights their shared fear and entrapment.
• Shi Shaoshan's interaction with the other cultivators shows his initial authority and later desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Cultivators in the guest room are terrorized and picked off one by one by an unseen force.
+ The door suddenly closes, silencing the commotion and bloody stench.
+ In the hall, six cultivators guarding the taxes are seen having a meal, unaware of the danger.
+ The proprietress and proprietor argue over the bill, leading to a fight that results in the deaths of the cultivators dining in the private booths.

Character Developments

+ The cultivators in the guest room are initially confident but become terrified and desperate as they realize the danger.
+ The proprietress and proprietor reveal their true nature and fighting abilities during their argument.

Significant Themes

+ Despair and desperation in the face of danger.
+ The sudden shift from a seemingly peaceful situation to one of chaos and violence.

Character Interactions

+ The cultivators in the guest room initially rely on Meng Fengrui for guidance but are unable to escape the danger.
+ The proprietress and proprietor argue and fight, leading to the deaths of the cultivators dining in the private booths.
+ Nian Nu greets Qing Li and Zheng Que politely, showing deference to their authority.
+ Linghu Yuniang is uncertain about Nian Nu's intentions after being strangled by her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The cultivators enter Forget-Sorrow Inn, where they encounter an Anomaly that threatens their lives.
• Twelve cultivators enter the guest room, and only four survive.
• Those who wait outside the inn for a long time also face dangers.
• Zheng Que, who leaves the guest room early, escapes unharmed.
• The inn disappears after everyone escapes, and the convoy continues their journey.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows resourcefulness and calmness under pressure. He avoids the main threats by leaving the guest room early and searching for his Ghost Servant.
• Linghu Yuniang: Demonstrates leadership and concern for her fellow cultivators. She tries to gather information and make decisions based on the situation.
• Yuan Zhi: Shows bravery and strategic thinking. He leads the surviving cultivators out of the inn and decides to continue the journey despite the harrowing experience.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The cultivators must use their wits and abilities to survive the Anomaly in the inn.
• Time distortion: The flow of time inside the inn differs from outside, adding to the confusion and danger.
• Trust and communication: The cultivators must share information and work together to overcome the threat, but they also face mistrust and misunderstandings.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que, Linghu Yuniang, and Yuan Zhi exchange information about their experiences in the inn, helping them understand the Anomaly better.
• The cultivators work together to escape the inn and continue their journey, but they remain cautious and alert due to their shared traumatic experience.
• The cultivators in the convoy ahead of them serve as a reminder that they must keep moving and avoid further danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Zhi's group rejoins the main convoy after escaping the Forget-Sorrow Inn.
• Lu Maohong inspects the tax tribute and confirms it's intact.
• The convoy resumes its journey, and Linghu Yuniang gives Zheng Que an invitation to Xuanyuan Pavilion.
• Ghosts attack the convoy again, but Qing Li easily dispatches them.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong is revealed to be at the ninth level of Qi Refinement, solidifying his position as the convoy's leader.
• Zheng Que's calm demeanor and Qing Li's strength impress Linghu Yuniang, leading her to invite Zheng Que to Xuanyuan Pavilion.
• Qing Li demonstrates her formidable power, further establishing her as a formidable force.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Acquaintance: Linghu Yuniang invites Zheng Que to Xuanyuan Pavilion to build an acquaintance, showing that trust and connections are valuable in the cultivation world.
• Power and Strength: Qing Li's display of power highlights the importance of strength in the face of danger and threats.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Zhi and Lu Maohong: Yuan Zhi respects Lu Maohong's authority, and Lu Maohong trusts Yuan Zhi enough to let him lead the rear convoy.
• Linghu Yuniang and Zheng Que: Linghu Yuniang invites Zheng Que to Xuanyuan Pavilion, showing respect for his strength and seeking an alliance.
• Zheng Que and Qing Li: Qing Li protects Zheng Que without hesitation, demonstrating her loyalty and the bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Li, Zheng Que's Ghost Servant, gains the ability to use her racial talent on multiple targets after becoming the Main Soul of the Soul-Calling Banner.
• She single-handedly defeats the ghostly assault on their convoy, leaving the other squads to struggle against fewer ghosts.
• The convoy camps in a cave for the night, and Zheng Que uses the opportunity to raise Qing Li and Nian Nu's cultivation levels in the Underworld.

Character Developments

• Qing Li's power and utility increase significantly with her new ability and higher cultivation level (now at the eighth level of Tongue-Pulling Hell).
• Nian Nu's cultivation also improves, reaching the seventh level of Tongue-Pulling Hell, despite not having killed many ghosts herself, suggesting that ghosts slain near Zheng Que can also strengthen his Ghost Servants.

Significant Themes

• The power of Zheng Que's Ghost Servants grows as they face more challenges and threats.
• The relationship between Zheng Que and his Ghost Servants deepens, with Zheng Que actively investing in their cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his Ghost Servants, Qing Li and Nian Nu, raising their cultivation levels in the Underworld.
• Zheng Que's actions suggest a growing understanding and acceptance of his role as a Ghost Messenger and his responsibility towards his Ghost Servants.
• The other squads in the convoy are shown to be struggling against the ghostly assault, highlighting the unique strength and utility of Zheng Que's Ghost Servants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, alone in the dilapidated Wide Hall, summons Ku Lan to increase her Yin Energy.
• Ku Lan's cultivation rapidly advances to the eighth level of [Tongue-Pulling Hell].
• Zheng Que dismisses Ku Lan, hoping for more ghostly creatures to attack the convoy to raise his other Ghost Servants' cultivation.
• Ku Lan appears in Tongue-Pulling Hell, tortures remnant souls, and learns about her location.
• Zheng Que notices the [Life and Death Book] hasn't formed new Imperial Edicts and asks Qing Li about new abilities.

Character Developments

• Ku Lan's cultivation improves significantly, reaching the peak of her previous level.
• Zheng Que shows strategic thinking in using the ghostly attacks to his advantage.
• Qing Li reveals new abilities she's mastered, demonstrating her growth.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth of characters, particularly Zheng Que's Ghost Servants.
• The [Life and Death Book]'s changing rules and its impact on Zheng Que's plans.
• The harsh environment of the Underworld and the tortures in Tongue-Pulling Hell.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with Ku Lan, summoning and dismissing her to increase her cultivation.
• Zheng Que consults Qing Li about her new abilities, showing his interest in her growth and the potential of his magical artifacts.
• Ku Lan interacts with remnant souls in Tongue-Pulling Hell, torturing them and learning about her surroundings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns about Nian Nu's abilities: [Hanging], [Riding the Wind], and [Invasive Possession].
• Qing Li reveals that all her methods have become stronger.
• Ku Lan goes missing, and Zheng Que suspects Yuan Zhi's involvement.
• Zheng Que asks Linghu Yuniang to keep watch alone and cultivates the Life Planting Technique.

Character Developments

• Nian Nu displays her abilities, revealing she has fewer methods than Qing Li and Ku Lan.
• Qing Li shows pride in her growth and hints at her potential.
• Zheng Que demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor, even in unexpected situations.

Significant Themes

• The strength of ghosts is tied to the number of living beings they've slaughtered.
• Zheng Que's impartial and selfless nature is mentioned.
• The importance of cultivating and improving one's abilities is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his ghost servants, Nian Nu and Qing Li, learning about their abilities.
• Zheng Que and Yuan Zhi have a brief exchange, with Yuan Zhi questioning Zheng Que about his ghost servants' cultivation.
• Zheng Que and Linghu Yuniang discuss the night's watch, with Zheng Que entrusting Linghu Yuniang with the task and rewarding her with Spirit Stones.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que enters the Underworld using the [Life and Death Book] and finds Ku Lan in the Tongue-Pulling Hell, torturing departed souls.
• He realizes that Ku Lan can't return to the Soul-Nurturing Bag and decides to let her stay in the Underworld to strengthen her.
• Zheng Que returns to the camp and decides to use the Underworld to raise his Ghost Servants' cultivation and strength during the tax-escort mission.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows concern for Ku Lan's well-being and decides to use the Underworld to raise his Ghost Servants' cultivation.
• Ku Lan: Displayed as enjoying her role in the Underworld, suggesting a change in her aura.

Significant Themes

• The Underworld's chaos and its impact on the afterlife process.
• The efficiency of different cultivation methods.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Ku Lan: Zheng Que observes Ku Lan in the Underworld and decides to let her stay.
• Zheng Que and Linghu Yuniang: They discuss the Xuanyuan Pavilion's auction and the Elegant Gathering in Chaste Embrace Valley.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy continues through Chaste Embrace Valley, encountering ghosts and miasma.
• The convoy encounters two Anomalies in a row: first, the 'Geng' cart encounters the Elegant Gathering, and later, the 'Ding', 'Wu', and 'Ji' carts also disappear, indicating they've encountered the same Anomaly.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que raises Qing Li and Nian Nu's cultivation levels to the peak of the eighth level of [Tongue-Pulling Hell].
• Zheng Que discovers the Soul-Nurturing Bag containing Shu Yunying is swaying, suggesting she might be awakening.
• Yuan Zhi becomes frustrated and worried after learning they've encountered the Elegant Gathering again.

Significant Themes

• Unluckiness and misfortune: The 'Geng' cart encounters two Anomalies consecutively.
• Danger and survival: The convoy faces the threat of the Elegant Gathering, with the possibility of losing more cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que informs Yuan Zhi about the missing carts, and they discuss the situation.
• Yuan Zhi shares his frustration with Zheng Que about their bad luck and the potential danger they're in.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy encounters an eerie, empty forest where the other carriages have vanished.
• Wang Xianming and his group realize they've entered the Elegant Gathering of Chaste Embrace Valley.
• Yuan Zhi arrives and reveals that they are inside a painting, making their enslaved Corpse Puppet and ghost-controlling marks ineffective.
• The tall cultivator accidentally scratches his face with ink, causing his flesh to melt and turn into ink.

Character Developments

• Wang Xianming shows concern for the tax tribute and the safety of his group.
• Yuan Zhi demonstrates knowledge about the Elegant Gathering and its effects on ghost-controlling marks.
• The tall cultivator's carelessness leads to his transformation into ink.

Significant Themes

• The power of illusions and paintings in the cultivation world.
• The danger of underestimating seemingly harmless objects (like ink).
• The importance of caution and awareness in the face of unknown threats.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xianming and Yuan Zhi exchange information and try to understand their situation.
• The group's dynamic shifts as they realize the severity of their predicament.
• The tall cultivator's actions highlight the consequences of carelessness and lack of awareness.