Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu, a Yin Messenger, fights a massive ghost creature parasitized by the [Nine Nether Relic].
• The Ghost Bride, now a Soul-Hooking Envoy, suggests letting the [Nine Nether Relic] parasitize Mu Xiangu to weaken the ghost creature.
• Mu Xiangu agrees, and the [Nine Nether Relic] enters her brow, boosting her power but causing her pain.
• The Ghost Bride uses her [Soul Seizing] ability to pull Mu Xiangu into a towering gate, absorbing the [Nine Nether Relic] and defeating the ghost creature.
• In the Underworld, Zheng Que, the Underworld King, struggles with the [Nine Nether Relic]'s influence, but the [Life and Death Book] and Jingtang Wood save him temporarily.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu: Shows bravery and selflessness by allowing the [Nine Nether Relic] to parasitize her to help the Ghost Bride.
• Ghost Bride: Demonstrates strategic thinking and powerful abilities as a Soul-Hooking Envoy.
• Zheng Que: Struggles with the [Nine Nether Relic]'s influence, showing resilience and determination to maintain control.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice for the greater good (Mu Xiangu's decision to let the [Nine Nether Relic] parasitize her)
• Power and its consequences (the [Nine Nether Relic]'s influence on the ghost creature and Zheng Que)
• The struggle against external influences (Zheng Que's fight against the [Nine Nether Relic])

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu and Ghost Bride: They work together to defeat the ghost creature, with Mu Xiangu trusting the Ghost Bride's plan despite the risk.
• Zheng Que and the [Nine Nether Relic]: Zheng Que battles against the [Nine Nether Relic]'s influence, trying to maintain control over his body and the Underworld.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que suppresses his urge to intervene personally, recognizing that the splintered wood is a powerful Nine Nether Relic and part of his tribulation.
• The Ghost Bride and newly appointed Soul-Hooking Envoy struggle to contain the relic. Mu Xiangu ultimately succeeds after Zheng Que raises her cultivation to the second level of Iron Tree Hell.
• Once Mu Xiangu and the relic return to the Underworld, the relic becomes completely docile, suggesting that Zheng Que’s authority—or merely his presence—suppresses it.
• Zheng Que orders Mu Xiangu to present the relic. Although she is terrified by the immense pressure near the Imperial Dais, she raises it toward him.
• Zheng Que extends his hand and retrieves the relic. From Mu Xiangu’s perspective, this appears as a terrifying manifestation of Zheng Que’s gigantic hand emerging from his sleeve, reinforcing her belief in his overwhelming power.
• After taking the relic, Zheng Que discovers that the black qi within him has intensified and that the relic’s energy has transformed into Yin Energy.
• The Life and Death Book records that his remaining lifespan has increased by seven months, confirming that he has successfully survived his tribulation.
• Zheng Que praises Mu Xiangu and promises a future reward once the human cultivator involved in the wider affair is safe. Mu Xiangu then withdraws.
• Alone, Zheng Que plans rewards for both women: further cultivation and advancement of the Ghost Bride’s Yin Profession, and both a profession upgrade and cultivation restoration for Mu Xiangu.
• The chapter ends with Zheng Que examining the broken relic against the legs of the damaged Grandmaster Chair, apparently considering whether it can be used as a replacement.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Demonstrates caution despite his immense authority, refusing to act recklessly against the Nine Nether Relic. His successful absorption of its power allows him to overcome his tribulation and extend his lifespan. He also shows fairness and responsibility by immediately considering appropriate rewards for his subordinates.
• Mu Xiangu: Successfully completes the dangerous mission but remains fearful and deferential toward Zheng Que. She briefly attempts to claim sole credit, omitting the Ghost Bride’s contribution, but quickly submits when Zheng Que commands her to present the relic. Her cultivation falls from the second to the first level of Iron Tree Hell after the struggle.
• Ghost Bride: Though she does not appear directly in the latter part of the chapter, her earlier assistance is acknowledged. She has advanced to the Soul-Hooking Envoy profession and is positioned to receive another cultivation increase as a reward.

Significant Themes

• Authority and perception: Zheng Que’s restrained actions appear divine and terrifying to Mu Xiangu, highlighting the vast difference between his true limitations and how he is perceived by those beneath him.
• Tribulation and survival: The Nine Nether Relic represents a deadly trial, and Zheng Que’s increased lifespan confirms that enduring it has brought him closer to overcoming his larger fate.
• Reward and hierarchy: Zheng Que maintains the structure of the Underworld by recognizing service, assigning punishments or rewards, and reinforcing the importance of loyalty and obedience.
• Power through symbolism: The Imperial Dais, black qi, Karmic Fire, and Zheng Que’s seemingly colossal hand all contribute to the image of an incomprehensibly powerful ruler.
• Transformation of danger into utility: Once subdued and brought into the Underworld, the terrifying relic becomes a source of Yin Energy—and possibly material for repairing Zheng Que’s chair.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que commands Mu Xiangu to present the relic, and she obeys despite her fear that touching it again will damage her cultivation.
• Mu Xiangu’s awe and terror intensify as she approaches the Imperial Dais, while Zheng Que remains cautious and practical.
• Zheng Que acknowledges Mu Xiangu’s success but also privately recognizes the Ghost Bride’s contribution, planning rewards for both.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que's body is examined by Nian Nu under Ku Lan's guidance, using the yin art [Maiden Yang-Stealing Art] to potentially reveal internal issues.
• Nian Nu struggles to remove Gao Yinxia's ritual robes, leading Ku Lan to suggest using her mouth to proceed.
• Zheng Que, back in the Wide Hall, fits a wooden fragment into his lame Grandmaster Chair, strengthening his control over the hall.
• He summons Gao Yinxia and a servant boy ghost from Tongue-Pulling Hell, gaining access to their information.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows increased control over the Underworld, successfully summoning souls and accessing their information.
• Nian Nu: Follows Ku Lan's instructions without question, demonstrating obedience and a lack of initiative.
• Ku Lan: Reveals knowledge of yin arts and exhibits a seductive, manipulative demeanor.
• Gao Yinxia (as a vessel for Nian Nu): Physically examined and manipulated by Nian Nu.
• Servant Boy Ghost: Summoned by Zheng Que, showing no resistance or awareness.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Zheng Que's growing influence over the Underworld and its inhabitants.
• Manipulation and Obedience: Ku Lan's control over Nian Nu and Nian Nu's control over Gao Yinxia's body.
• Knowledge and Information: Ku Lan's knowledge of yin arts and Zheng Que's access to souls' information.

Character Interactions

• Ku Lan and Nian Nu: Ku Lan guides Nian Nu, who follows her instructions without question.
• Zheng Que and the Summoned Souls: Zheng Que summons and accesses information from Gao Yinxia and the servant boy ghost.
• Zheng Que and the Grandmaster Chair: Zheng Que interacts with his chair, strengthening his control over the Underworld.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que discovers he can see every ability of ghosts in detail while sitting in the Grandmaster Chair.
• He learns about the Ghost Bride's subordinates' abilities and their "Law" fragments.
• He tests his command on a living person, Gao Yinxia, successfully dismissing her.
• Zheng Que experiences Ku Lan's "harvesting and replenishing" sensation again but is interrupted.
• He summons the Ghost Bride, Luo Fuyu, to discuss the tribulation.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que's understanding of his abilities and the Underworld grows.
• The Ghost Bride, Luo Fuyu, is shown to be fierce and powerful after a recent battle.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Underworld and its laws.
• The relationship between the Lord of the Underworld and his Ghost Servants.
• The consequences of interfering with the natural order of life and death.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the Ghost Bride, Luo Fuyu, giving her orders and seeking information.
• Zheng Que's thoughts reveal his plans for Ku Lan and the Ghost Servant who interrupted her.
• Zheng Que's relationship with Gao Yinxia is briefly explored through his test of his command.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ghost Bride, now a Soul-Hooking Envoy, reports to Zheng Que, revealing her new authorities and abilities.
• She recounts her mission, including battles with the prefectural judicial commissioner, a "Tricky Specter," and a [Nine Nether Relic].
• Zheng Que learns about the [Nine Nether Relic]'s abilities and the danger he faced during his tribulation.

Character Developments

• The Ghost Bride shows growth and competence in her new role, impressing Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que demonstrates wisdom and foresight, understanding the true danger he faced during his tribulation.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchies within the Underworld.
• The importance of intelligence and strategy in combat, as seen in the Ghost Bride's approach to her battles.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents, as seen in Zheng Que's realization of the [Nine Nether Relic]'s true threat.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que praises and encourages the Ghost Bride, showing approval of her actions and growth.
• The Ghost Bride and Mu Xiangu work together to defeat their enemies, demonstrating teamwork and camaraderie.
• Zheng Que and the Ghost Bride engage in a mentor-mentee dynamic, with Zheng Que guiding and rewarding the Ghost Bride for her accomplishments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A new imperial edict is issued, leading to a surge of new names in the [Life and Death Book], including those who died in Taiping County Town.
• Zheng Que discovers that the [Life and Death Book] now records all deaths caused by the [Nine Nether Relic].
• He enters Tongue-Pulling Hell and decides to dismantle Shu Family Fort and make the hell more terrifying.
• Zheng Que plans to visit the prefectural city to find information about his master, Daoist Qu, and the six sects in the region.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his growing power and understanding of the [Life and Death Book] and the Underworld.
• He shows compassion towards Linghu Yuniang, deciding to help her cultivate.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchy within the Underworld.
• The consequences of death and the afterlife.
• Zheng Que's growing responsibility and decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the lingering souls and ghosts in Tongue-Pulling Hell, absorbing their information.
• He summons Ghost Bride's former subordinates and considers their future.
• Zheng Que's thoughts reveal his plans for the future, including visiting the prefectural city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que is cultivating and regaining his strength.
• Nian Nu, controlling Gao Yinxia's body, attempts to absorb yang energy from Zheng Que but is thwarted by Gao Yinxia's returning soul.
• Gao Yinxia is captured and humiliated by Shu Yunying, Ku Lan, and Nian Nu, who try to strip her to make her more vulnerable to the Soul-Calling Banner.
• Mu Xiangu and the Ghost Bride arrive, and the Ghost Bride initiates her wedding procession.
• Zheng Que awakens and stops Shu Yunying from further humiliating Gao Yinxia. He then decides to go to the prefectural city.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que regains consciousness and displays authority over Shu Yunying and the Ghost Servants.
• Gao Yinxia, despite her predicament, maintains her dignity and defiance.
• Shu Yunying shows eagerness to possess Gao Yinxia's magical robes, hinting at her greed and desire for power.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and control, as seen in Zheng Que's relationship with the Ghost Servants and Gao Yinxia.
• Humiliation and dignity, explored through Gao Yinxia's treatment and her response to it.
• Greed and desire, evident in Shu Yunying's fixation on Gao Yinxia's magical robes.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que asserts his dominance over Shu Yunying and the Ghost Servants, showing he is the one in charge.
• Gao Yinxia's defiance and humiliation at the hands of the Ghost Servants highlight the power imbalance between them.
• The Ghost Bride's arrival and initiation of her wedding procession introduce a new dynamic, with Zheng Que choosing to follow her to the prefectural city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and the Ghost Bride travel in a sedan chair, with Zheng Que learning about Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment.
• Zheng Que realizes the root of his tribulation was the incomplete 'Law' stolen by the 'Tricky Specter' in Myriad Goodness Abbey.
• The Ghost Bride explains that the tribulation's root cannot be explained simply and uses fate tribulations as an example.
• She reveals that Zheng Que's tribulation was a causality tribulation, and he missed finding its root, leading to unexpected circumstances.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que gains a deeper understanding of tribulations and their roots.
• The Ghost Bride demonstrates extensive cultivation knowledge and provides crucial insights into Zheng Que's tribulation.

Significant Themes

• The inevitability of tribulations and the importance of finding their root.
• The concept of causality and how it affects tribulations.
• The role of variables in changing the outcome of tribulations.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the Ghost Bride engage in a detailed conversation about tribulations, with the Ghost Bride providing valuable guidance.
• Zheng Que reflects on the events leading up to his tribulation and realizes the significance of the 'Anomalies' he encountered.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que reflects on his past actions and their consequences.
• Ghost Bride reveals that Zheng Que's heavy karma is connected to the [Nine Nether Relic].
• Zheng Que examines Chen Zhentao's Storage Bag, finding three Jade Slips and an iron ruler.
• He learns the [Vital Essence Withering-Prospering Art], a dangerous spell for brief power boosts.
• He also learns the [Soul Search Technique] and the [Heavenly Wheel Mystic Fire Art].

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows regret for past decisions and a willingness to learn from them.
• Ghost Bride demonstrates her knowledge of cultivation and the Underworld.

Significant Themes

• Karma and its consequences.
• The power and danger of cultivation techniques.
• The importance of learning from past mistakes.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Ghost Bride interact briefly, with Ghost Bride leaving to "tidy up" dowry.
• Zheng Que's thoughts reveal his internal struggle and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que finds artifact-forging blueprints in Gao Yinxia's Storage Bag.
• He discovers that all the Jade Slips contain artifact-forging blueprints, not cultivation methods or techniques.
• He finds over a dozen boxes filled with women's clothes and accessories, all Gao Yinxia's.
• The Ghost Bride informs him that he cannot use any of the magical artifacts from Gao Yinxia's or Chen Zhentao's Storage Bags due to ownership restrictions.
• The Ghost Bride stops the procession at Qingrao Prefecture and decides to stay at the outskirts, leaving Zheng Que to continue alone.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows interest in artifact forging but realizes he lacks time for it.
• The Ghost Bride demonstrates knowledge about magical artifacts and their restrictions.

Significant Themes

• The value and scarcity of cultivation methods and techniques.
• The importance and limitations of magical artifacts.
• The Ghost Bride's role as a guide and ally, but not a permanent companion.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the Ghost Bride, asking about the magical artifacts and receiving guidance.
• The Ghost Bride makes decisions independently, such as stopping the procession and leaving Zheng Que.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que is thrown out of the Ghost Bride's sedan chair and the Ghost Wedding Procession leaves.
• Mu Xiangu appears and offers to take Zheng Que into the city.
• Mu Xiangu disguises herself as a Heavenly Artifact Sect disciple named Fu Qingge and rescues Gao Yinxia, restoring her cultivation.
• They decide to enter Qingrao Prefecture together.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu demonstrates her ability to disguise herself perfectly as a living person, including her cultivation level and aura.
• Zheng Que realizes the extent of Mu Xiangu's power and her usefulness in his plans.
• Gao Yinxia is overjoyed to be rescued and restored to her full strength.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and deception: Mu Xiangu's ability to transform herself highlights the theme of deception and the dangers of underestimating one's enemies.
• Power dynamics: Zheng Que's reliance on Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia's gratitude towards Mu Xiangu illustrate the power dynamics at play.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu and Zheng Que: Mu Xiangu continues to assist Zheng Que, showing her loyalty and commitment to their alliance.
• Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia: Mu Xiangu rescues Gao Yinxia, demonstrating her power and earning Gao Yinxia's trust and gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu, disguised as Fu Yuning, leads Gao Yinxia and the others to Qingrao Prefecture.
• Mu Xiangu fabricates a story about saving them from Ghost Bride to maintain her cover.
• Gao Yinxia asks Mu Xiangu about Zheng Que's relationship with Daoist Qu and his connection to Ghost Bride.
• Mu Xiangu and Zheng Que communicate through subtle gestures and voice transmissions to deceive Gao Yinxia.
• Zheng Que explains the true events behind the 'Tricky Specter' and Ghost Bride to Lu Maohong.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu demonstrates her quick thinking and adaptability in maintaining her disguise.
• Zheng Que shows resourcefulness in communicating with Mu Xiangu and protecting his secrets.
• Gao Yinxia remains oblivious to Mu Xiangu's true identity, showing naivety in her reverence for the Heavenly Artifact Sect.
• Lu Maohong displays understanding and discretion in keeping the Heavenly Artifact Sect's involvement a secret.

Significant Themes

• Deception and trust: Mu Xiangu and Zheng Que deceive Gao Yinxia to protect their secrets, highlighting the theme of trust and its fragility.
• Power dynamics: The Heavenly Artifact Sect's reputation and power are used to manipulate Gao Yinxia, emphasizing the influence of power structures.
• Identity and belonging: Zheng Que's relationship with Daoist Qu and his connection to Ghost Bride are questioned, exploring the theme of identity and where one belongs.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu and Zheng Que work together to deceive Gao Yinxia, forming a temporary alliance.
• Gao Yinxia and Mu Xiangu interact through voice transmissions, with Gao Yinxia showing reverence and Mu Xiangu maintaining her disguise.
• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong discuss the true events behind their capture, displaying a level of trust and understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cultivators arrive at Qingrao Prefecture, noting its grandeur and the presence of a formation at the city gate that detects ghost creatures.
• A possessed mortal is detected and eliminated by cultivators at the gate.
• Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia enter the city without triggering the formation, while Zheng Que and Lu Maohong follow.
• Lu Maohong leads Zheng Que to meet the Judicial Commissioner, but they encounter Gao Yinxia again, who demands her Storage Bag back from Zheng Que.
• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que proceed to the government office to meet the Assistant Prefect.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu's disguise as a Heavenly Artifact Sect disciple deceives the detection formation at the city gate.
• Gao Yinxia's hostility towards Zheng Que persists, but she doesn't cause further trouble after he returns her Storage Bag.
• Lu Maohong reveals his seniority and status as an offering of the Taiping County Town City Lord's Manor, showing deference to the Assistant Prefect.

Significant Themes

• The threat of ghost creatures and the measures taken to detect and eliminate them.
• The hierarchy and power dynamics within the cultivation world, as seen through Lu Maohong's deference to the Assistant Prefect.
• The importance of seniority and status in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia interact briefly, with Gao Yinxia demanding her Storage Bag back from Zheng Que.
• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que interact, with Lu Maohong leading Zheng Que to meet the Assistant Prefect and warning him not to speak too much.
• Lu Maohong interacts with the yamen runners, showing deference and requesting an audience with the Assistant Prefect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que arrive at the yamen to report the loss of the tax shipment.
• They encounter cultivators from Hengshui County who also lost half of their taxes and face severe punishment.
• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que are finally called in after waiting for some time.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong remains calm and composed throughout the wait, showing patience and understanding of the hierarchy among county towns.
• Zheng Que initially shows impatience but later follows Lu Maohong's advice to summon his intelligent Ghost Servants, displaying adaptability.

Significant Themes

• Hierarchy and power dynamics among county towns and officials.
• The severe punishment for losing taxes, highlighting the importance of tax collection.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que interact with cultivators from Hengshui County, learning about their severe punishment despite only losing half of their taxes.
• Lu Maohong advises Zheng Que to summon his intelligent Ghost Servants to impress the Judicial Commissioner.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que report to the Prefectural Judge about the destruction of Taiping County Town and the loss of taxes.
• The Prefectural Judge rewards Lu Maohong for his service and offers him a chance to undergo Foundation Establishment.
• Vice Prefect Xiang Songnian offers Zheng Que a cultivation technique and suggests he take the Immortal Examination.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong shows loyalty and concern for Zheng Que, taking responsibility for the events in Taiping County.
• Zheng Que demonstrates his potential and is recognized by Vice Prefect Xiang Songnian.
• Xiang Songnian shows wisdom and foresight in recognizing Zheng Que's talent and offering him guidance.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and responsibility (Lu Maohong's actions)
• Recognition of talent and potential (Xiang Songnian's actions towards Zheng Que)
• The importance of cultivation techniques and resources (Zheng Que's opportunity to change his cultivation method)

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que: Master-disciple relationship, with Lu Maohong showing concern and care for Zheng Que's future.
• Xiang Songnian and Zheng Que: Mentor-student relationship, with Xiang Songnian recognizing Zheng Que's talent and offering guidance.
• The Prefectural Judge and Lu Maohong: Superior-subordinate relationship, with the Prefectural Judge rewarding Lu Maohong for his service.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que meets Assistant Prefect Xiang Songnian, who is impressed by Zheng Que's strength and offers him protection and guidance.
• Zheng Que decides to take the Immortal Examination, hoping it will improve his cultivation and provide court protection.
• Xiang Songnian provides Zheng Que with cultivation resources, a place to stay, and a communication talisman.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows maturity and wisdom in his decisions, understanding the benefits of joining the court and taking the Immortal Examination.
• Xiang Songnian demonstrates his value for talent and potential, offering assistance to Zheng Que without immediate demands.

Significant Themes

• The importance of talent and potential in the cultivation world.
• The benefits and protection offered by the imperial court to those who join its ranks.
• The significance of the Immortal Examination in cultivator growth and advancement.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Xiang Songnian: Zheng Que impresses Xiang Songnian with his strength and wisdom, leading to Xiang Songnian's offer of support and resources.
• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong: Lu Maohong's earlier words prove true as Xiang Songnian values Zheng Que's talent, leading to Lu Maohong's delight and satisfaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que decides to take the Immortal Examination at Lord Xiang's request.
• Lu Maohong reveals that the Immortal Examination has a high mortality rate for cultivators from Hengshui County.
• Zheng Que is given a cave abode in Xuanyuan Pavilion by Lord Xiang.
• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong visit the Xuanyuan Pavilion cave abode, where Zheng Que learns about the various grades of Dao Foundations.
• Zheng Que enters his new cave abode using a jade pendant key.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows determination and ambition in pursuing cultivation, even in the face of potential danger.
• Lu Maohong reveals his past as a Rogue Cultivator and expresses envy of Zheng Que's opportunities.
• Zheng Que demonstrates respect and appreciation for Lu Maohong's guidance.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of cultivation and power.
• The risks and rewards of taking the Immortal Examination.
• The importance of resources and opportunities in cultivation.
• The contrast between the lives of cultivators and mortals.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong form a mentor-like relationship, with Lu Maohong providing guidance and information to Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que shows deference to Lu Maohong's experience and knowledge.
• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong work together to gather information about the Immortal Examination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que arrives at a grand cave abode, greeted by a vast space with a central cauldron, various rooms, and a luxurious living area.
• He finds two Jade Slips containing the court's cultivation method (Dust-Shedding Scripture) and basic spells.
• Zheng Que begins cultivating the spells and methods, mastering several in quick succession.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his rapid learning and cultivation abilities, mastering spells quickly and easily.
• Ku Lan shows loyalty and dedication by standing beside Zheng Que.
• Qing Li and Nian Nu exhibit their playful and independent nature by hanging upside down from a crossbeam.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation methods and spells in the cultivation world.
• Zheng Que's exceptional talent and rapid progress in cultivation.
• The luxurious and grand lifestyle of high-ranking officials in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his Ghost Servants, Ku Lan, Qing Li, and Nian Nu, showing a level of comfort and familiarity with them.
• Shu Yunying, though not present in this chapter, is implied to consider herself the mistress of the place.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que cultivates the [Dust-Shedding Scripture] and gains a physical body pattern, but it's inefficient for entering the Underworld.
• He rewards the Ghost Bride and Mu Xiangu for their help in the previous tribulation. The Ghost Bride's cultivation reaches the peak of the second level of [Iron Tree Hell], while Mu Xiangu's cultivation is yet to be revealed.
• Zheng Que discovers he can see and control the total amount of Yin Energy allocated to ghosts.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more aware of his powers and the limits of his rewards.
• The Ghost Bride's loyalty and gratitude towards Zheng Que deepen.
• Mu Xiangu's true abilities and racial talents are revealed, showing she's more powerful than initially thought.

Significant Themes

• The importance of balance in rewards and punishments, as seen in Zheng Que's careful distribution of Yin Energy.
• The consequences of over-rewarding, with Zheng Que realizing he can prevent ghosts from advancing too quickly to ensure fair future rewards.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with both the Ghost Bride and Mu Xiangu, rewarding them for their service and acknowledging their contributions.
• The Ghost Bride expresses her gratitude and devotion to Zheng Que, while Mu Xiangu shows respect and obedience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que rewards Mu Xiangu with a Soul-Hooking Envoy Imperial Edict, elevating her yin profession and cultivation to the second level of [Iron Tree Hell].
• He then uses the remaining yin energy from [Nine Nether Relic] to raise Qing Li's cultivation to the fourth level of [Scissor Hell].
• Zheng Que decides not to elevate Qing Li's yin profession immediately to maintain Ghost Bride and Mu Xiangu's superiority.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu's yin profession is elevated to Soul-Hooking Envoy, and her cultivation returns to the second level of [Iron Tree Hell].
• Qing Li's cultivation significantly improves, reaching the fourth level of [Scissor Hell].
• Zheng Que demonstrates his thoughtfulness and strategic planning in managing his subordinates' cultivations and motivations.

Significant Themes

• Rewards and recognition for service and contributions.
• The importance of maintaining a balance of power and status among subordinates.
• The challenges and limitations of cultivation at higher levels.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que rewards and interacts with Mu Xiangu and Qing Li, demonstrating his authority and generosity.
• Mu Xiangu expresses her gratitude and loyalty to Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que considers the feelings and motivations of his subordinates, showing a level of understanding and care.