Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Maohong attempts to leave Myriad Goodness Abbey but encounters a sudden surge of Yin Energy, making it nearly impossible to escape.
• The abbey's bewitchment on the cultivators fails, allowing them to escape.
• Upon exiting, they find a Ghost Wedding Procession waiting, led by the proprietress of the Forget-Sorrow Inn.
• Lu Maohong stays behind to hold off the procession while others escape with the "A" carriage.
• Zheng Que emerges from the abbey and joins Lu Maohong, and they both escape together.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong demonstrates his leadership and bravery by staying behind to protect the group.
• Zheng Que shows his resourcefulness and quick thinking in escaping the abbey and joining Lu Maohong.

Significant Themes

• The power of Myriad Goodness Abbey and its ability to bewitch and control cultivators.
• The danger posed by the Ghost Wedding Procession and the ghosts from Scissor Hell.
• The importance of quick thinking and adaptability in survival, as shown by Zheng Que.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que work together to escape the abbey and the Ghost Wedding Procession.
• Lu Maohong shows concern for Zheng Que's well-being, asking how he survived the abbey.
• Zheng Que lies to Lu Maohong about his escape from the abbey to avoid revealing his involvement in Chen Zhentao's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que understands Lu Maohong's plan to blame the Ghost Bride for the upheavals in Myriad Goodness Abbey.
• The survivors share their experiences and decide to continue their journey.
• Zheng Que learns that the "A" cart contains a valuable material crucial for Lu Maohong's and the city lord's Foundation Establishment, as well as the repairs of the Four Symbols Soul-Suppressing Spirit-Locking Array.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more cautious and strategic, trying to gather information without revealing his true intentions.
• Lu Maohong shows trust in Zheng Que, revealing the importance of the "A" cart's contents.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Lu Maohong trusts Zheng Que with crucial information, while Zheng Que tries to maintain his cover.
• Power dynamics: The importance of the "A" cart's contents highlights the power struggle between cultivators and the significance of resources in their world.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong: Zheng Que probes Lu Maohong for information, while Lu Maohong shares crucial details with Zheng Que, showing trust in him.
• The remaining survivors: They work together to protect the "A" cart, showing a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong return to the convoy after dealing with Myriad Goodness Abbey.
• Lu Maohong shows Zheng Que the tax tribute in Carriage A, a Tribute Casket containing a precious material.
• Lu Maohong explains the security measures of the Tribute Casket and warns Zheng Que about the intense journey ahead.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more cautious about revealing his powerful Ghost Servants.
• Lu Maohong demonstrates his knowledge of the imperial court's procedures and security measures.
• Zheng Que's Ghost Servants' cultivation levels are revealed: Shu Yunying (peak [Tongue-Pulling Hell]), Qing Li (peak [Tongue-Pulling Hell]), Ku Lan (eighth level [Tongue-Pulling Hell]), Nian Nu (peak seventh level [Tongue-Pulling Hell]).

Significant Themes

• The importance of secrecy and caution in the cultivation world.
• The power and security measures of the imperial court's tax tributes.
• The continuous cultivation and growth of Zheng Que's Ghost Servants.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong discuss the tax tribute and the journey ahead.
• Zheng Que interacts with Linghu Yuniang and the others briefly before cultivating.
• Zheng Que reviews the cultivation levels of his Ghost Servants in the Life and Death Book.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, seated in the ruined Wide Hall, considers his options to raise his female ghosts' cultivation to help him survive his upcoming tribulation.
• He decides to summon Luo Fuyu, a peak [Scissor Hell] ghost, hoping she might break through to [Iron Tree Hell].
• In Taiping County, a group of cultivators lead mortals to a hidden underground location for a sinister purpose—refining pills using human lives.
• The cultivators attempt Foundation Establishment, but a colossal human-faced ghost emerges from the abyss, threatening their plans.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates strategic thinking and caution in preparing for his tribulation.
• The cultivators in Taiping County exhibit ruthlessness and greed, prioritizing their own cultivation over human lives.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of greed and disregard for human life.
• The struggle between cultivators and ghosts/monsters.
• The power of ancient arrays and the limits of their effectiveness.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his female ghosts, though not directly in this chapter.
• The cultivators in Taiping County work together to refine pills, but their unity is threatened by the human-faced ghost's emergence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Tricky Specter attacks Taiping County, killing all its inhabitants, both cultivators and mortals.
• The Heavenly Artifact Sect cultivator, Lin Yuerong, witnesses the event but chooses not to intervene.
• Zheng Que, in the Underworld, promotes Luo Fuyu to [Iron Tree Hell] stage for successfully completing her mission.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuerong: She shows indifference to the fate of Taiping County, prioritizing her personal mission over the lives of its inhabitants.
• Luo Fuyu: She is promoted to [Iron Tree Hell] stage after Zheng Que deems her mission a success, boosting her confidence and ambition.

Significant Themes

• Power and Indifference: Lin Yuerong's inaction highlights the theme of powerful individuals turning a blind eye to suffering, focusing on their own goals instead.
• Reward and Ambition: Luo Fuyu's promotion fuels her ambition, showing how rewards can drive characters to strive for more power and status.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuerong and Taiping County: Lin Yuerong's lack of intervention shows her disregard for the lives of those in Taiping County, contrasting with her earlier concern for Zheng Que's well-being.
• Zheng Que and Luo Fuyu: Zheng Que's decision to promote Luo Fuyu demonstrates his recognition of her efforts and his willingness to reward those who serve him well, further solidifying their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ghost Bride's aura breaks through 'Iron Tree Hell', causing her name to disappear from the second page of the 'Life and Death Book' and reappear on the third page under 'Evil Shadow Play'.
• Zheng Que is pleased as the Ghost Bride has reached 'Iron Tree Hell' and can now be safely dispatched to protect the human cultivator from the upcoming calamity.
• Zheng Que raises Mu Xiangu's cultivation to the peak of 'Scissor Hell' using the remaining Yin Energy from the slain 'Law Ghost'.

Character Developments

• The Ghost Bride demonstrates loyalty and obedience to Zheng Que, earning his trust and a promotion in cultivation level.
• Mu Xiangu shows fear and anxiety when summoned, but also displays determination to prove her loyalty to Zheng Que.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between ghosts and their master, Zheng Que, are reinforced as he rewards and punishes his subordinates based on their performance.
• The theme of loyalty and its rewards is highlighted through the Ghost Bride's advancement and Mu Xiangu's promise to slay evil ghosts to accumulate merit.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with both the Ghost Bride and Mu Xiangu, rewarding them for their service and giving them new tasks.
• The Ghost Bride and Mu Xiangu both show deference to Zheng Que, acknowledging his authority and accepting their assignments without question.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que uses the yin energy of the Law Ghost to raise the cultivation of his ghost servants.
• Mu Xiangu, Shu Yunying, Qing Li, Ku Lan, and Nian Nu all receive significant cultivation boosts.
• Zheng Que returns to reality after raising his ghost servants' cultivation.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu: Now at the peak of [Scissor Hell], she's tasked with killing more ghosts to further improve her cultivation.
• Shu Yunying: Successfully enters [Scissor Hell] and becomes Zheng Que's ghost servant.
• Qing Li: Enters [Scissor Hell] and becomes the Main Soul of the Soul-Calling Banner.
• Ku Lan: Recovers her peak [Tongue-Pulling Hell] cultivation but falls short of entering [Scissor Hell].
• Nian Nu: Reaches the peak of the eighth level of [Tongue-Pulling Hell].
• Zheng Que: Considers undoing the seal on the Soul-Calling Banner due to Qing Li's increased cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and power dynamics: Characters' cultivation levels determine their status and influence in the story.
• Trust and manipulation: Zheng Que uses his power to control his ghost servants, while they rely on him for strength and protection.
• Ambition and growth: Characters strive to improve their cultivation and status, leading to personal growth and changes in their roles.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with each of his ghost servants, raising their cultivation and giving them instructions.
• The ghost servants, in turn, express gratitude and loyalty to Zheng Que for his favor.
• Zheng Que considers using Qing Li's increased power to protect himself, highlighting his trust in her and her new role as the Main Soul of the Soul-Calling Banner.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que decides to lift the seals on the Soul-Calling Banner to increase its power.
• He successfully removes the seals with Qing Li's help, allowing the banner to use all its soul winds except the Nether Soul Wind.
• Zheng Que tests the unsealed banner, creating a powerful Soul Wind that destroys Lu Maohong's formation.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates determination and recklessness in lifting the seals, despite the risks.
• Qing Li shows arrogance and impatience, wanting to absorb nearby cultivators and their Ghost Servants into the banner.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and benefits of using powerful artifacts beyond one's cultivation level.
• The struggle between control and chaos, represented by Zheng Que and Qing Li's interactions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Qing Li have a tense exchange, with Zheng Que asserting control and Qing Li pushing back.
• Zheng Que's actions inadvertently impress Lu Maohong, who observes the scene from afar.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que accidentally breaks Lu Maohong's formation using the Soul-Calling Banner's true power.
• Lu Maohong repairs the formation and warns Zheng Que to test his powers during the day.
• The Ghost Bride's procession becomes grander and more splendid as they leave Myriad Goodness Abbey.
• Mu Xiangu retrieves Chen Zhentao's storage bag from the painting in Chaste Embrace Valley.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que discovers the true power of the Soul-Calling Banner and learns to be more cautious.
• Lu Maohong shows patience and understanding towards Zheng Que's mistake.
• The Ghost Bride demonstrates her growing power and ruthlessness by killing her weaker subordinates.
• Mu Xiangu gains a significant increase in strength from the Underworld Lord and plans to confront the Ghost Bride.

Significant Themes

• Power and its responsible use (Zheng Que's accidental misuse of the Soul-Calling Banner).
• Growth and transformation (the Ghost Bride's procession and Mu Xiangu's increased strength).
• Trust and alliance (Mu Xiangu's successful alliance with the Underworld Lord).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong: Zheng Que's mistake leads to a teaching moment from Lu Maohong.
• The Ghost Bride and her subordinates: The Ghost Bride demonstrates her growing power and ruthlessness.
• Mu Xiangu and the Underworld Lord: Mu Xiangu gains a significant increase in strength and plans to confront the Ghost Bride.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu escapes the Elegant Gathering and heads toward the prefectural city.
• She encounters the Ghost Bride's wedding procession and attempts to attack but is transported into a reception hall with the Ghost Bride.
• The Ghost Bride offers Mu Xiangu a chance to serve as her dowry maid, but Mu Xiangu refuses and tries to deliver the Storage Bag to Zheng Que.
• The Ghost Bride takes the Storage Bag and sends Mu Xiangu away, keeping the mission for herself.
• Mu Xiangu, enraged, attacks nearby ghost creatures.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu's cultivation is not high enough to challenge the Ghost Bride, leading to her mission being taken away.
• The Ghost Bride's cultivation has improved to [Iron Tree Hell], likely due to a reward from the Underworld Lord.
• Mu Xiangu's anger and frustration grow, influencing her actions.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating opponents.
• The influence of the Underworld Lord on the characters' actions and cultivations.
• The struggle between ghosts and their desire for freedom versus being controlled or used.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu and the Ghost Bride's confrontation highlights the power imbalance between them.
• Mu Xiangu's interaction with a nearby ghost creature showcases her anger and frustration.
• Zheng Que's group continues their journey, unaware of the events unfolding with the Ghost Bride and Mu Xiangu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy continues its journey day and night, encountering no ghosts after leaving Jade Terrace Mountain.
• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que discuss the remaining distance to the prefectural city and the plan to meet the Assistant Prefect.
• The convoy encounters ghosts on the final day, but Zheng Que kills them all to quickly reach the prefectural city.
• The prefectural city is on high alert, having activated its grand city-protecting formation against the approaching Ghost Wedding Procession.
• The Judicial Commissioner of Qingrao Prefecture, Xiang Songnian, confronts the Ghost Bride, demanding she retreat within the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong remains focused on delivering the taxes to the prefectural city, prioritizing speed over rest.
• Zheng Que grows anxious about his approaching tribulation and seeks to meet the Assistant Prefect as soon as possible.
• The Ghost Bride becomes frustrated in her search for Zheng Que and is now confronted by Xiang Songnian.

Significant Themes

• The tension between the living and the dead, with the prefectural city's defenses activated against the Ghost Wedding Procession.
• The importance of timing and urgency, as Zheng Que races against his impending tribulation.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que discuss their plans and coordinate their actions to reach the prefectural city quickly.
• Xiang Songnian confronts the Ghost Bride, representing the authority of the living against the encroaching dead.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The convoy continues on the official road, with Zheng Que using the Soul-Calling Banner to collect ghosts and strengthen it.
• Zheng Que decides to enter the Underworld early to prepare for his tribulation and strengthen his Ghost Servants.
• Zheng Que discovers many new names in the Life and Death Book, mostly from Taiping County, hinting at a massacre.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows concern for his tribulation and the safety of his Ghost Servants.
• Lu Maohong demonstrates trust in Zheng Que's abilities and allows him to handle ghost attacks.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power: Zheng Que seeks to strengthen his Ghost Servants and the Soul-Calling Banner.
• Death and violence: The Life and Death Book reveals a high number of sudden deaths, suggesting a massacre.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong maintain a cordial relationship, with Lu Maohong showing trust in Zheng Que's abilities.
• Zheng Que plans to summon Mu Xiangu to ask about the deaths in Taiping County.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que raises Ku Lan's cultivation to the [Scissor Hell] using the Yin Energy from slain ghosts.
• Ku Lan successfully breaks through, and her record disappears from the first page of the [Life and Death Book].
• Two new names appear on the second page: a Wood Sprite and a Mourning Woman, both from the [Scissor Hell], indicating Mu Xiangu's actions.
• Zheng Que raises Nian Nu's cultivation to the ninth level of the [Tongue-Pulling Hell].
• Mu Xiangu, on Jade Terrace Mountain, kills a [Scissor Hell] ghost to increase her merit.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows his ability to raise his ghost servants' cultivations and his understanding of the [Life and Death Book].
• Ku Lan: Successfully breaks through to the [Scissor Hell], demonstrating her potential and Zheng Que's favor.
• Mu Xiangu: Proactively hunts and kills heinous ghosts of the same realm to increase her merit, showing initiative and determination.

Significant Themes

• The relationship between merit and cultivation, with Mu Xiangu's actions illustrating this connection.
• The power dynamics between Zheng Que and his ghost servants, with Zheng Que's ability to raise their cultivations solidifying his dominance.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Ku Lan: Zheng Que helps Ku Lan break through to the [Scissor Hell], strengthening their bond.
• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu: Zheng Que indirectly encourages Mu Xiangu's actions, and she responds by increasing her merit through killing heinous ghosts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at the prefectural city, Qingrao, after a long journey through the wilderness.
• Lu Maohong discovers an ancient bamboo lotus in his hand, which seems familiar.
• Zheng Que, within the Underworld, learns from Mu Xiangu that the Ghost Bride stole Chen Zhentao's [Three Talents Storage Bag].

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong shows concern for Zheng Que's well-being and plans to introduce him to the judicial commissioner of Qingrao Prefecture.
• Zheng Que becomes aware of the Ghost Bride's betrayal and theft of the [Three Talents Storage Bag].

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal, as seen in Zheng Que's relationship with the Ghost Bride.
• The importance of loyalty, as demonstrated by Mu Xiangu's eagerness to expose the Ghost Bride's actions.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que: Lu Maohong shows kindness and consideration towards Zheng Que, while Zheng Que is focused on his own goals and doesn't notice Lu Maohong's efforts.
• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu: Zheng Que is stern and demanding, while Mu Xiangu is eager to please and reveal the Ghost Bride's actions.
• Zheng Que and the Ghost Bride: Zheng Que is betrayed by the Ghost Bride, who stole from him without his knowledge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ghost Bride fails to deliver the Three Talents Storage Bag to Zheng Que, indicating she's not following him as planned.
• Zheng Que realizes his tribulation is approaching, and without Ghost Bride's protection, he's in danger.
• He promotes Mu Xiangu to [Iron Tree Hell] and sends her to protect a Human Race cultivator facing a tribulation that night.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Realizes the gravity of Ghost Bride's absence and acts swiftly to protect himself by sending Mu Xiangu on a critical mission.
• Mu Xiangu: Breaks through to [Iron Tree Hell], gains new attire, and expresses loyalty and gratitude to Zheng Que.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Reward: Zheng Que rewards Mu Xiangu for her service, and she expresses loyalty in return.
• Protection and Danger: Zheng Que feels vulnerable without Ghost Bride and sends Mu Xiangu to protect the cultivator facing tribulation.
• Cultivation and Advancement: Mu Xiangu's cultivation advances rapidly due to Zheng Que's intervention.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu: Zheng Que promotes Mu Xiangu and sends her on a mission, while Mu Xiangu expresses gratitude and loyalty.
• Zheng Que and Ghost Bride (implicit): Zheng Que realizes Ghost Bride's absence and feels vulnerable, highlighting their unspoken bond.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Maohong and the group reach what they believe is the prefectural city, but it turns out to be Taiping County, now overrun by ghosts.
• The human-faced ghost from [Iron Tree Hell], the "Tricky Specter," has absorbed the power of all the ghosts and anomalies they've encountered.
• The group is surrounded and attacked by ghosts at the city gate, with the "Tricky Specter" descending upon them.
• Zheng Que, in Underworld Space, realizes that he's not on the way to the prefectural city but has returned to Taiping County.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong, despite his initial shock, quickly regains his composure and tries to lead the group to safety.
• Zheng Que, in Underworld Space, uses the [Life and Death Book] to determine his approximate location.

Significant Themes

• The power of curses and their lingering effects (the "Death" slip and the "Tricky Specter").
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies (the group's return to Taiping County).

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and the group interact with each other in panic as they try to escape the ghosts.
• Zheng Que interacts with Mu Xiangu in Underworld Space, seeking information about his location.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que realizes that Lu Maohong might have been influenced by the "Tricky Specter" and led them back to Taiping County.
• Zheng Que returns to reality, finding himself in the "A"-class carriage with Nian Nu, who had used [Invasive Possession] to save him from danger in the Underworld.
• The carriage is attacked by a terrifying Yin Energy, and Ku Lan uses [Red Attire] to defend against it.
• The "Tricky Specter" breaks into the carriage, engulfing Zheng Que and rendering him motionless.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows concern for Mu Xiangu's well-being and urgency in dealing with the situation.
• Nian Nu demonstrates her willingness to protect Zheng Que by possessing him.
• Ku Lan successfully casts [Red Attire] and shows improvement in her Yin Arts.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the "Tricky Specter" and its influence on Lu Maohong.
• The struggle for survival and the threat of the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Nian Nu's relationship deepens as she protects him.
• Ku Lan shows loyalty and concern for Zheng Que's safety.
• The Ghost Bride's aggression toward Vice Prefect Xiang Songnian hints at her determination to find Zheng Que.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Songnian and the Ghost Bride engage in a fierce battle, with the Ghost Bride using the [Yin Illumination Canon] of Nether Shepherd Palace.
• The Ghost Bride leaves suddenly after sensing danger to Zheng Que in Taiping County City.
• Mu Xiangu returns to reality and heads towards Taiping County City.
• Zheng Que is attacked by countless human-faced ghosts in the "A" carriage; Ku Lan uses her blood mist to create an opening for him to move.
• Zheng Que uses the [Spirit Descent Technique] to merge with Shu Yunying and Ku Lan, just as the "A" carriage is crushed.

Character Developments

• Xiang Songnian shows his strength and determination in battle against the Ghost Bride.
• The Ghost Bride demonstrates her power and connection to Nether Shepherd Palace, revealing she's not just an ordinary ghost.
• Zheng Que shows resilience and quick thinking under pressure, using the Soul-Calling Banner and Ku Lan's assistance to buy time.
• Ku Lan proves her loyalty and resourcefulness by sacrificing her blood mist to help Zheng Que.
• Shu Yunying and Ku Lan show their willingness to aid Zheng Que by merging with him using the [Spirit Descent Technique].

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation arts and dharma artifacts, such as the [Yin Illumination Canon] and the Soul-Calling Banner.
• The importance of quick thinking and resourcefulness under pressure, shown by Zheng Que and Ku Lan.
• The theme of loyalty and camaraderie, as Shu Yunying and Ku Lan merge with Zheng Que to help him.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Songnian and the Ghost Bride engage in a tense battle, with Xiang Songnian trying to figure out her identity.
• Zheng Que, Ku Lan, and Shu Yunying work together to fend off the human-faced ghosts, showcasing their teamwork and mutual support.

Key Plot Points

• Zheng Que escapes the "A"-class carriage and finds Taiping County overrun by ghosts, including a "Tricky Specter" from [Iron Tree Hell].
• He uses his final Imperial Edict to temporarily freeze the "Tricky Specter" and flees with Lu Maohong and others.
• The Ghost Bride appears and protects them, but Zheng Que realizes the Ghost Bride and the current situation are illusions created by the "Tricky Specter" from [Iron Tree Hell].

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his resourcefulness and quick thinking in responding to the sudden crisis.
• Lu Maohong and others show their dependence on Zheng Que's power and are easily swayed by illusions.
• The "Tricky Specter" displays its immense power and ability to create illusions.

Significant Themes

• The power of illusions and their ability to manipulate emotions and perceptions.
• The importance of discerning reality from deception in critical situations.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que's group flees together, highlighting their reliance on each other for survival.
• Zheng Que and the illusory Ghost Bride interact, revealing Zheng Que's suspicion and the Ghost Bride's deceptive nature.
• Zheng Que's realization that the Ghost Bride and the situation are fake shows his ability to maintain clarity despite the illusions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The "A"-class carriage is attacked by a gigantic ghost hand, snatching it into the air.
• The cultivators, Lu Maohong and his companions, are helplessly slowed down by the dense Yin Energy.
• Several cultivators are killed and their souls corrupted, turning them into ghosts.
• Zheng Que escapes the carriage but is knocked unconscious and falls to the ground.
• The Soul-Calling Banner activates, sweeping nearby ghosts into it.
• The human-faced Tricky Specter retrieves a pale gold casket containing a fragment of wood, which all ghosts desire.
• A chaotic battle ensues among the ghosts for the wood fragment.
• Lu Maohong and Linghu Yuniang regain their normal speed and movement.
• A Heavenly Artifact Sect disciple arrives at Zheng Que's side.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong: Struggles with the slow movement caused by Yin Energy, tries to call out to Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que: Escapes the carriage but is knocked unconscious and falls, activating the Soul-Calling Banner.
• Zhang Shiwei, Dong Zhongsheng, Feng Jian, and Wei Yingjuan: Die and have their souls corrupted, turning into ghosts.
• Heavenly Artifact Sect Disciple: Arrives at Zheng Que's side to help him.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of Yin Energy on souls.
• The power of the Soul-Calling Banner.
• The desire and chaos caused by the wood fragment among the ghosts.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong tries to call out to Zheng Que for help.
• The Heavenly Artifact Sect disciple arrives to help Zheng Que.
• Ghosts fight each other for the wood fragment, disregarding the human-faced Tricky Specter's control.