Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que discovers the rule of the "Anomaly" in the [Scissor Hell]: ghosts and cultivators become part of the ink upon touching water or ink.
• He learns he has half an hour before his intestines (drawn from his belly) become usable as ink sticks.
• He enters a painting to retrieve his Soul-Calling Banner and chooses two fifth-level Tongue-Pulling Hell ghosts as ink sticks.
• Zheng Que and the master of the Elegant Gathering prepare to begin the painting duel.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability in dealing with the new rules and threats.
• The master of the Elegant Gathering reveals their love for painting and lack of interest in killing, providing insight into their character.

Significant Themes

• The power of art and creation, as the master of the Elegant Gathering uses their skill to control and manipulate the environment and its inhabitants.
• The consequences of obsession, as the master's love for painting has led to the deaths of many cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the yellow-toothed figure in the dress, learning the rules of the painting duel and choosing his ink sticks.
• The master of the Elegant Gathering and Zheng Que prepare to engage in the painting duel, showcasing their mutual respect for each other's skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, using the Purple Rabbit-hair Brush, draws a ghostly creature on a blank sheet of paper.
• He creates a rune for the Jingtang Wood within the painting, which exudes a profound aura.
• Zheng Que meticulously traces the intricate rune, consuming a significant amount of Spirit Power.
• The figure in the yellowish-brown dress paints a grotesque, powerful ghostly creature with twenty-eight arms, thirty-six legs, three heads, and a long barbed tail.
• Zheng Que completes his ghostly creature's drawing, and it begins to move within the painting.
• He uses the remaining ink to add hair details and then activates the Jingtang Wood rune, producing a solid-sounding 'dong.'

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Demonstrates exceptional painting skills and control over Spirit Power, pushing his cultivation to its limits.
• Figure in the yellowish-brown dress: Reveals her expertise in painting ghostly creatures, expressing her confidence in her work's superiority.

Significant Themes

• Competition and rivalry, as seen in the painting duel between Zheng Que and the figure in the yellowish-brown dress.
• The power of art and the artist's skill, reflected in the ability to create lifelike, formidable creatures through painting.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the figure in the yellowish-brown dress engage in a silent, intense competition through their painting, each striving to outdo the other.
• Zheng Que's internal dialogue reveals his strategic thinking and determination to win the duel.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and the figure in the yellowed dress (Mu Xiangu) engage in a painting duel.
• Mu Xiangu's ghost creature painting defeats Zheng Que's initially, but Zheng Que's painting, using Jingtang Wood ink, nullifies Mu Xiangu's ghost creature.
• Mu Xiangu insists on a best-of-three rounds duel, despite Zheng Que's protests about time constraints.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates unexpected prowess in painting, using Jingtang Wood ink to counter Mu Xiangu's ghost creature.
• Mu Xiangu reveals her competitive and prideful nature, unwilling to accept defeat and insisting on continuing the duel.

Significant Themes

• The power of art and creativity, as seen in the duel's rules and the effects of the paintings.
• The theme of pride and competitiveness, exemplified by Mu Xiangu's insistence on continuing the duel.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu engage in a tense and competitive interaction, with Mu Xiangu growing increasingly hostile after her initial defeat.
• Zheng Que shows respect for Mu Xiangu's skill but remains determined to win the duel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and the figure in yellowish tooth-colored robes engage in a painting duel.
• Zheng Que paints a cruder "Painted Ghost" with a Jingtang Wood rune, which defeats the opponent's first attempt.
• The figure copies Zheng Que's first "Painted Ghost" but messes up the rune and adds a tail.
• In the second round, the figure merges Zheng Que's crude "Painted Ghost" with her copied one, but it still loses to Zheng Que's "Painted Ghost."

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows adaptability and resourcefulness in painting different "Painted Ghosts" despite his limited Spirit Power.
• Figure in yellowish tooth-colored robes: Initially arrogant, she becomes more determined and serious after losing twice, vowing not to show mercy in the next rounds.

Significant Themes

• Learning and adaptation: Zheng Que learns from his first "Painted Ghost" and adapts his painting to fit the rules of the duel.
• Arrogance and humility: The figure in yellowish tooth-colored robes starts with arrogance but becomes more humble after losing, while Zheng Que remains humble throughout.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the figure in yellowish tooth-colored robes interact through their painting duel, with the figure initially dismissive but becoming more competitive as the duel progresses.
• Zheng Que remains polite and respectful, while the figure becomes increasingly cold and determined.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que engages in an "Elegant Gathering" picture duel with an unknown female ghost, with the winner deciding Zheng Que's fate.
• The duel starts as best of five, but the ghost changes the rules to best of seven after losing the first three rounds.
• Zheng Que wins multiple consecutive rounds, enraging the ghost, who finally lets him go after losing more than a dozen times.
• Zheng Que retrieves his Soul-Calling Banner and Nian Nu's portrait from the ghost and asks for help to leave the Elegant Gathering.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his cunning and adaptability in the picture duels, outsmarting the ghost each time.
• The female ghost shows a ruthless and vengeful side, but keeps her word after losing the agreed number of rounds.

Significant Themes

• The theme of keeping one's promise is emphasized, with the ghost upholding her end of the bargain despite her frustration and anger.
• The power dynamics between Zheng Que and the ghost shift as Zheng Que gains more wins, showing the ghost's growing respect for his abilities.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the ghost engage in a tense, competitive interaction throughout the picture duels, with Zheng Que maintaining a calm and collected demeanor despite the ghost's growing anger.
• Zheng Que shows respect and gratitude towards the ghost when she agrees to let him leave, while the ghost remains indifferent and focused on her own goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ghost Bride leads a procession of ghosts, carrying the entire Forget-Sorrow Inn, in search of Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que escapes the Elegant Gathering after triggering a trap, and the Ghost Bride arrives to confront Painted Skin.
• The Ghost Bride and Painted Skin engage in a fierce battle, with the Ghost Bride emerging victorious and ordering her ghosts to take the taxes away.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more cautious and resourceful, using the Imperial Edict to escape danger.
• The Ghost Bride shows concern for Zheng Que's safety and helps him escape, demonstrating her growing attachment to him.
• Painted Skin reveals her true form and power, showing no fear against the Ghost Bride.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between ghosts and cultivators, with the Ghost Bride displaying dominance over Painted Skin.
• The importance of the taxes and Zheng Que's mission, as the Ghost Bride ensures their safekeeping.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the Ghost Bride's relationship deepens, with the Ghost Bride showing protective behavior towards Zheng Que.
• Painted Skin and the Ghost Bride clash, revealing their contrasting personalities and powers.
• The Ghost Servants follow the Ghost Bride's orders, showcasing their loyalty and obedience.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que follows the Ghost Bride's sedan-chair bearer ghosts, fleeing the destruction of the Elegant Gathering.
• He joins the Ghost Bride's wedding procession, disguised as the groom.
• The Ghost Bride sends her sedan-chair bearer ghosts to ransack and burn the Elegant Gathering.
• Zheng Que, with Qing Li's help, escapes the procession in the "Geng" carriage.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability by joining the procession and escaping with the "Geng" carriage.
• The Ghost Bride shows ruthlessness and determination in her pursuit of the Elegant Gathering's treasures.
• Linghu Yuniang is temporarily possessed by Nian Nu, then recovers with Zheng Que's help.

Significant Themes

• The theme of possession and control is evident in Nian Nu's possession of Linghu Yuniang and the Ghost Bride's control over her sedan-chair bearer ghosts.
• The destructive power of the Ghost Bride's wrath is shown in the devastation of the Elegant Gathering.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Qing Li work together to escape the wedding procession.
• The Ghost Bride and Painted Skin continue their battle, with the Ghost Bride focusing on looting rather than fighting.
• Zheng Que helps Linghu Yuniang recover from Nian Nu's possession, showing concern for her well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group enters the Elegant Gathering, a painted world within the Chaste Embrace Valley.
• Linghu Yuniang encounters a ghostly creature and is saved by Zheng Que's Ghost Servant.
• Zheng Que and Linghu Yuniang are the only survivors from their carriage, and they decide to travel together.
• Lu Maohong, the leader of the tax-escort mission, waits at Vermilion Autumn Peak with the remaining carriages and cultivators, debating whether to continue to the prefectural city or wait for the missing carriages.

Character Developments

• Linghu Yuniang: She has lost her memories of the Elegant Gathering due to soul damage and is now traveling with Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que: He uses the opportunity to gain Linghu Yuniang's gratitude and one thousand Spirit Stones by claiming to have saved her.
• Lu Maohong: He remains calm and composed, waiting for the missing carriages despite the others' urging to proceed.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Fortune: Survival in the Elegant Gathering depends not only on cultivation but also on luck.
• Gratitude and Debt: Linghu Yuniang feels indebted to Zheng Que and promises to repay him in the future.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Linghu Yuniang: Zheng Que takes advantage of Linghu Yuniang's amnesia to gain her gratitude and resources.
• Lu Maohong and the other cultivators: Lu Maohong disagrees with the others about waiting for the missing carriages, showing his determination to fulfill his duty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Maohong, a senior cultivator, suspects a ghost has infiltrated the convoy due to the frequent ghost attacks and the loss of four carts of taxes.
• He orders the other cultivators to investigate the convoy and its members for any signs of the ghost.
• Zheng Que, back in the Wide Hall, reviews the [Life and Death Book] and concludes that Ghost Bride Luo Fuyu has not lost her battle against the [Painted Skin] female ghost.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong shows his wisdom and caution, suspecting the presence of a ghost in the convoy and taking proactive measures.
• Zheng Que demonstrates his analytical skills, deducing the strategy to defeat the [Painted Skin] female ghost in the Elegant Gathering.

Significant Themes

• The theme of suspicion and investigation is prominent, with Lu Maohong suspecting a ghost and ordering an investigation, and Zheng Que suspecting the [Painted Skin] female ghost's true intentions.
• The theme of strategy and intelligence is highlighted, with both Lu Maohong and Zheng Que using their wits to deal with potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong interacts with the other cultivators, giving orders and expressing his suspicions about the ghost.
• Zheng Que interacts with Linghu Yuniang, casually chatting with her before she falls asleep.
• Zheng Que also interacts with the [Life and Death Book], reviewing the records and deducing the strategy against the [Painted Skin] female ghost.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que summons Nian Nu to test the cultivation limits of his Ghost Servants.
• Zheng Que and Linghu Yuniang reach the entrance of Chaste Embrace Valley and encounter their first ghost attack.
• They exit the valley and find Lu Maohong's caravan camped at Vermilion Autumn Peak's entrance.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que learns that his Ghost Servants' cultivation cannot be raised by killing ghosts from the Elegant Gathering's painted world or ghosts he painted.
• Linghu Yuniang recovers but still cannot recall the Elegant Gathering events due to her damaged soul.

Significant Themes

• The power and limitations of Zheng Que's Ghost Servants.
• The importance of identity verification and caution in the face of potential illusions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Linghu Yuniang work together to navigate the journey and reach Lu Maohong's caravan.
• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong discuss the fate of the other tribute carriages and the taxes within them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Maohong, an array expert, opens the 'Geng' carriage to inspect the taxes without an array plate.
• The carriage contains [Bottle Women], which are unharmed.
• Zheng Que and Linghu Yuniang, who retrieved the taxes from the Elegant Gathering, are brought to the 'Jia' carriage to rest.
• Lu Maohong questions Zheng Que about his background and learns about the destruction of Changfu Town.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong: Shows expertise in array formations, is well-respected, and has a connection to Zheng Que's past through his relationship with Xu Baiyan.
• Zheng Que: Reveals his past and the destruction of Changfu Town, showing trust in Lu Maohong.
• Linghu Yuniang: Shows relief at reaching a safer area and follows Zheng Que's lead.

Significant Themes

• Trust and friendship: Lu Maohong's relationship with Xu Baiyan and Zheng Que's trust in Lu Maohong.
• The power of cultivation: Lu Maohong's expertise in arrays and Zheng Que's survival against ghosts.
• The threat of ghosts: The destruction of Changfu Town highlights the danger ghosts pose to cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que: They establish a connection through their shared history with Xu Baiyan, leading to mutual respect and trust.
• Zheng Que and Linghu Yuniang: They work together to retrieve the taxes and rest in the 'Jia' carriage, showing camaraderie.
• Lu Maohong and Zhang Guitu: They work together to manage the tax transportation, with Zhang Guitu following Lu Maohong's orders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Maohong reveals that the ghost attack on Changfu Town was due to the excessive resentment caused by cultivators refining Yin-Dispelling Pills using living people.
• The Four Symbols Soul-Suppressing Spirit-Locking Array, designed to suppress resentment and Resentful Souls, is explained. It's revealed that every settlement in Taiping County is part of this array.
• Zheng Que realizes that he might have inadvertently endangered Taiping County by breaking a subsidiary array at Shu Family Fort.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows concern for the greater good and understands the potential consequences of his actions.
• Lu Maohong: Demonstrates his knowledge of formations and concern for the well-being of Taiping County's inhabitants.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of selfish actions: The cultivators' disregard for the greater good by refining Yin-Dispelling Pills using living people leads to the accumulation of resentment and the birth of powerful ghosts.
• The interconnectedness of actions: Zheng Que's actions at Shu Family Fort may have unintended consequences on the entire county.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que: Lu Maohong shares his knowledge with Zheng Que, treating him as an equal and showing trust in him.
• Zheng Que and the Ghost Servants: Qing Li and Nian Nu follow Zheng Que's orders and remain in the carriage, showing loyalty and obedience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns that Xu Baiyan took over Changfu Town to cultivate materials for refining pills, not for the well-being of its people.
• Lu Maohong reveals that the main array in Taiping County City has gone wrong, and a part of the suppressed ghost has escaped, putting the entire county at risk.
• Zheng Que discovers that the ghost from [Iron Tree Hell] might be hiding in their convoy.
• Zheng Que recounts his experience in the Elegant Gathering to Lu Maohong, revealing that he encountered the master of the painting.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his courage, attentiveness, and capability in the Elegant Gathering, impressing Lu Maohong.
• Lu Maohong shows concern for the safety of Taiping County and its people, revealing his responsibility and wisdom.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of misusing power and resources for personal gain (Xu Baiyan's actions).
• The importance of responsibility and duty (Lu Maohong's actions).
• The dangers of underestimating one's opponents (the escaped ghost from [Iron Tree Hell]).
• The value of courage, attentiveness, and capability (Zheng Que's actions in the Elegant Gathering).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong share information and insights, leading to a mutual respect and understanding.
• Zheng Que's account of his experience in the Elegant Gathering serves as a testament to his abilities, impressing Lu Maohong.
• Lu Maohong's revelation about the escaped ghost from [Iron Tree Hell] creates a sense of urgency and danger, binding Zheng Que and Lu Maohong together in their shared mission to protect Taiping County.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns he was trapped in the Elegant Gathering for six days.
• Lu Maohong estimates it will take 8-9 days to reach the prefectural city, but could take longer due to ghostly creatures or encountering Myriad Goodness Abbey.
• Zheng Que realizes his next tribulation could occur at the prefectural city, Iron Tree Hell, or Myriad Goodness Abbey.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more aware of the dangers and uncertainties ahead.
• Lu Maohong reveals his connection to a powerful faction within the prefectural city.

Significant Themes

• The importance of factions and alliances in the cultivation world.
• The distinction between ghostly creatures with and without intelligence.
• The challenges and opportunities presented by the imperial court and Xuanyuan Pavilion.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong discuss the intelligence of Zheng Que's Ghost Servants and the potential dangers they might face in the prefectural city.
• Lu Maohong hints at inviting Zheng Que to join his faction, offering protection and opportunities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns about the strengths of Xuanyuan Pavilion, the imperial court, and the Heavenly Artifact Sect from Lu Maohong.
• He discovers that the imperial court offers opportunities for Foundation Establishment in exchange for merits earned through missions.
• Zheng Que decides to join the imperial court to obtain a Foundation Establishment method.
• Lu Maohong gifts Zheng Que a [Concealment Technique] Jade Slip.
• Zheng Que asks Lu Maohong about the Myriad Goodness Abbey on Vermilion Autumn Peak.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows ambition and impatience in his cultivation journey, aiming to establish his foundation as soon as possible.
• Lu Maohong reveals his dedication and pride in earning an opportunity for Foundation Establishment through fifty years of service.

Significant Themes

• The importance of opportunities and resources in cultivation, with the imperial court offering both.
• The dangers and risks involved in obtaining powerful cultivation methods, such as the imperial court's "Immortal Examination" and forbidden arts.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong discuss cultivation, opportunities, and the Myriad Goodness Abbey, leading to a mutual exchange of information and respect.
• Zheng Que shows deference and gratitude towards Lu Maohong, while Lu Maohong offers guidance and assistance to Zheng Que.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns the 'Concealment Technique' from Lu Maohong.
• Lu Maohong arranges for Zheng Que to join the 'Jia' carriage team, overseeing the taxes with him.
• The convoy prepares to depart after a night's rest.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que successfully cultivates the 'Concealment Technique,' enhancing his ability to hide his cultivation level.
• Lu Maohong demonstrates his authority and attention to detail as the leader of the convoy.

Significant Themes

• The importance of concealing one's cultivation level and abilities in a potentially dangerous environment.
• The responsibility and importance of protecting the taxes in the 'Jia' carriage.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que meets and interacts with the other cultivators in the 'Jia' carriage team, including Lu Maohong, Shi Yiquan, Zhang Guitu, and others.
• Lu Maohong takes Zheng Que under his wing, guiding him and giving him responsibilities within the team.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy travels through Vermilion Autumn Peak, a vibrant and bright mountainous region despite being infested with ghosts.
• Zhang Guitu and Zheng Que discuss Foundation Establishment methods, with Zhang expressing interest in Zheng Que's knowledge from Senior Lu.
• Ghost attacks on the convoy become frequent, but they are repelled each time.
• The convoy stops suddenly at noon, and Lu Maohong calls Zheng Que to the front, where they encounter a mysterious cultivator.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que learns about the difficulties in advancing through the Qi Refining Realm and the importance of Foundation Establishment opportunities.
• Zhang Guitu reveals his eagerness to advance and offers rewards for guidance on Foundation Establishment.
• Lu Maohong shows his leadership and vigilance in protecting the convoy.

Significant Themes

• The struggle and challenges of cultivators in the Qi Refining Realm, particularly the barriers at Qi Refining Fourth and Seventh Layers.
• The importance of opportunities and guidance in advancing through cultivation stages.
• The danger and unpredictability of Jade Terrace Mountain, with ghosts attacking the convoy frequently.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Zhang Guitu discuss cultivation and Foundation Establishment, showing mutual respect and a willingness to help each other.
• Lu Maohong, Shentu Jinghai, and Yu Zhongyin work together to protect the convoy, displaying unity and cooperation among the highest-cultivated members.
• The mysterious cultivator's calm demeanor contrasts with the convoy's wariness, creating intrigue and tension.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhentao, a disciple of Xuanyuan Pavilion, blocks the convoy's path in Jade Terrace Mountain.
• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que meet Chen Zhentao, who reveals he's there to "draw a fortune stick" (find Myriad Goodness Abbey for a trial mission).
• The convoy lets Chen Zhentao pass without delay or questions.
• Chen Zhentao notices that Zheng Que's Ghost Servants don't bear his Blood Seal, hinting at his strong observational skills.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more cautious and curious about powerful cultivators like Chen Zhentao.
• Lu Maohong shows respect and wariness towards disciples of great sects like Xuanyuan Pavilion.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchy among cultivators, with disciples of great sects holding significant influence.
• The importance of trial missions for cultivators seeking to reach Foundation Establishment.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que interact cautiously with Chen Zhentao, showing deference and avoiding unnecessary conversation.
• Chen Zhentao briefly interacts with Zheng Que, using voice transmission to express his interest in the Ghost Servants' lack of Blood Seals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy continues towards Myriad Goodness Abbey.
• A disciple of Xuanyuan Pavilion passes by, heading to the abbey to seek a divination lot.
• The convoy encounters a ghostly wedding procession led by Ghost Bride, who is enraged after discovering a missing dowry cart.
• Painted Skin, upset about the destruction of her Elegant Gathering, decides to capture the Xuanyuan Pavilion disciple for his opportunity.
• The convoy finally reaches Myriad Goodness Abbey, where they find Chen Zhentao waiting.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que learns about Xuanyuan Pavilion's strength and speculates about the disciple's life-preserving methods.
• Ghost Bride demonstrates her power and determination to retrieve her dowry.
• Painted Skin reveals her desire for the opportunity and her intention to capture the Xuanyuan Pavilion disciple.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity: The opportunity given to the Xuanyuan Pavilion disciple is coveted by both Ghost Bride and Painted Skin, highlighting the theme of desire and power.
• Greed and Retribution: Ghost Bride's greed for dowry leads to her anger and pursuit of Zheng Que, while Painted Skin's greed for the opportunity drives her to capture the Xuanyuan Pavilion disciple.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Zhang Guitu discuss the Xuanyuan Pavilion disciple's actions.
• Ghost Bride interacts with her proprietress, expressing her anger and ordering the pursuit of Zheng Que.
• Painted Skin interacts with herself, deciding to capture the Xuanyuan Pavilion disciple.
• Chen Zhentao awaits the convoy's arrival at Myriad Goodness Abbey, with no interaction yet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy arrives at Myriad Goodness Abbey simultaneously with Chen Zhentao from Xuanyuan Pavilion.
• The abbey's gates open, releasing a cold, yin wind, and the surroundings fall silent.
• Zhang Guitu and Lu Maohong engage in a peculiar conversation with the abbey's representative, leading the convoy inside.
• Zheng Que feels a deathly warning and enters the abbey just before the gates close.
• Inside, they find a well-maintained courtyard with a small pond and a pendent-flower gate.
• Mu Jia, the "B" carriage leader, explains the abbey's rules and routines to the gathered cultivators.

Character Developments

• Zhang Guitu and Lu Maohong appear to be under the abbey's influence, acting strangely.
• Zheng Que remains wary and notices the odd behavior of the others.
• Mu Jia takes the initiative to explain the abbey's rules, showing leadership.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Illusion: The abbey's influence causes cultivators to act against their usual nature.
• Trust and Suspicion: Zheng Que's wariness contrasts with the others' trust in the abbey and each other.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Zhang Guitu: Zheng Que suspects Zhang Guitu of being beguiled, while Zhang Guitu suspects Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong: Zheng Que is surprised by Lu Maohong's sudden change in attitude toward the abbey.
• Mu Jia and the group: Mu Jia takes charge of explaining the abbey's rules, showing a willingness to lead.