Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que examines and memorizes Shu Yunying's skills using the [Spirit Descent Technique].
• He decides to teach Shu Yunying artifact forging and raises her cultivation to the fourth level of [Scissor Hell].
• He also raises Ku Lan and Nian Nu's cultivations to the fourth and third levels of [Scissor Hell] respectively.
• Zheng Que considers turning Linghu Yuniang into a ghost servant but decides to investigate her first.
• He puts the other ghost servants away and sleeps, only to be tricked by Ku Lan.
• Meanwhile, Mu Xiangu tries to replace Gao Yinxia's skin while she sleeps but is caught.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more confident in his abilities and plans to teach Shu Yunying artifact forging.
• Ku Lan shows cunning and deceit, tricking Zheng Que into sleeping with her.
• Mu Xiangu demonstrates her obsession with human skin and attempts to replace Gao Yinxia's without her consent.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between master and servant, with Ku Lan showing initiative and deceit.
• The obsession with perfection and beauty, as seen in Mu Xiangu's desire for human skin.
• The exploration of new abilities and skills, as Zheng Que learns about Shu Yunying's techniques.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his ghost servants, raising their cultivations and teaching them new skills.
• Ku Lan deceives Zheng Que, showing a level of independence and cunning.
• Mu Xiangu interacts with Gao Yinxia, attempting to replace her skin without her knowledge or consent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu uses [Dream Binding] on Gao Yinxia, causing her to wake up.
• Mu Xiangu claims to be making a Dharma robe for Gao Yinxia to measure her.
• Gao Yinxia realizes that Mu Xiangu has helped her disperse Yin Energy from her body.
• Gao Yinxia offers to help Mu Xiangu obtain any item she desires at an upcoming auction.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu: Shows kindness and helpfulness towards Gao Yinxia, using her new Yin Profession to assist her.
• Gao Yinxia: Realizes Mu Xiangu's good intentions and is grateful for her help.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and gratitude: Mu Xiangu's actions towards Gao Yinxia highlight the theme of kindness and the importance of reciprocity, as Gao Yinxia offers to help Mu Xiangu in return.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia: Their interaction shows mutual respect and gratitude, with Mu Xiangu helping Gao Yinxia and Gao Yinxia offering to assist Mu Xiangu in return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que wakes up in the Spirit Sea Cave Abode and explores the prefectural city.
• He buys artifact-forging materials, talismans, Jade Slips, and books.
• He returns to the cave abode and sets up the artifact-forging room.
• He gives Shu Yunying a Jade Slip containing the [Sound Transmission Technique] and asks her to forge a magical robe.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows consideration for Shu Yunying by wanting to buy her magical robes.
• Shu Yunying displays her arrogance and expectation of being served, initially refusing to forge the robe herself.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between the wealthy and powerful wards (Stability Ward and Xuanyuan Ward) and the rest of the city.
• The importance of magical robes and artifacts in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Shu Yunying's interaction shows Zheng Que's growing understanding of Shu Yunying's expectations and her willingness to help when it suits her.
• Zheng Que's actions show his growing resourcefulness and consideration for Shu Yunying's needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que cultivates until afternoon, then visits Lu Maohong to discuss the Immortal Examination.
• Lu Maohong reveals that the Immortal Examination has no fixed duration, minimum requirements (late Qi Refining, under 100 bone age, letter of recommendation), and rankings with generous rewards.
• He warns that cultivators with deep backgrounds bring powerful external items like Ghost Servants, Corpse Puppets, and magical artifacts.
• An auction at Crane Cry Tower in four days is mentioned, where high-quality items will be sold.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que has broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining, surprising Lu Maohong.
• Lu Maohong, initially skeptical of Zheng Que's cultivation speed, now believes the Commissioner helped him with pills.

Significant Themes

• The Immortal Examination tests not only cultivation but also strength and wealth.
• Deep backgrounds and resources can provide cultivators with powerful external items.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que seeks Lu Maohong's advice on the Immortal Examination.
• Lu Maohong shares his knowledge and warns Zheng Que about the challenges ahead.
• They discuss the upcoming auction at Crane Cry Tower.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que receives an invitation to the Xuanyuan Ward auction from Linghu Yuniang.
• Lu Maohong advises Zheng Que to prepare more Spirit Stones for the auction.
• Zheng Que plans to sell a batch of high-quality Ghost Servants to raise Spirit Stones.
• Lu Maohong shares information about the Immortal Examination, mentioning Shang Zhaozu from Hengshui County.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows ambition and resourcefulness in preparing for the auction and Immortal Examination.
• Lu Maohong demonstrates his willingness to help Zheng Que, expecting benefits if Zheng Que passes the examination.
• Shang Zhaozu is introduced as a competitor in the Immortal Examination.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Spirit Stones in the cultivation world, especially for auctions and examinations.
• The value of information and intelligence in the cultivation world.
• The significance of the Immortal Examination for cultivators' careers and futures.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong discuss the auction and Immortal Examination, with Lu Maohong providing valuable advice and information.
• Zheng Que expresses gratitude towards Lu Maohong for his help, offering to compensate him for the information he gathered.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que acquires a [Sound Transmission Talisman] from Lu Maohong to stay connected within Qingrao Prefecture.
• He returns to the Spirit Sea Cave Abode and summons ten ghost creatures from the Soul-Calling Banner.
• Zheng Que enslaves the ten ghosts using the [Ghost Controlling Technique] and begins cultivating the [Life Planting Technique].
• He enters Tongue-Pulling Hell, selects and annihilates ghosts using the Jingtang Wood, absorbing their Yin Energy.
• Back in the Wide Hall, Zheng Que uses the [Ghost Controlling Technique] to release the ten Ghost Servants and begins enhancing one of them using the Command Character.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his ability to control and enhance ghosts, showing his power and knowledge in ghost cultivation.
• Lu Maohong is shown to be helpful, providing Zheng Que with a useful talisman.

Significant Themes

• The power and control over ghosts, with Zheng Que using both the [Ghost Controlling Technique] and the Command Character to enslave and enhance ghosts.
• The hierarchy among ghosts, with Tongue-Pulling Hell ghosts being less powerful than those in Scissor Hell.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with Lu Maohong, receiving the [Sound Transmission Talisman].
• Zheng Que interacts with the ten Ghost Servants, enslaving and enhancing them using his powers.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que raises the cultivation of ten ghost creatures, granting them intelligence.
• He uses the Jingtang Wood to strip the ghosts of their intelligence, preventing them from leaking information.
• Zheng Que tests the ghosts' strength in the spell testing room and decides to sell them.
• He plans to attend the Xuanyuan Ward auction in four days.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his ruthlessness and caution in dealing with the ghost servants, ensuring they pose no threat to him.
• Ku Lan, Qing Li, and Nian Nu remain as they were, showing no significant changes.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Zheng Que's actions emphasize his desire for power and control, both over the ghosts and his own destiny.
• Caution and Precaution: Zheng Que's actions show his cautious nature, always taking precautions to minimize risks.
• The Price of Power: The ghosts' loss of intelligence after gaining power serves as a commentary on the price one pays for power.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the ghost servants, testing their strength and deciding their fate.
• There is no interaction with other characters in this chapter.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu, frustrated with her failed attempt to create a human skin replica of Gao Yinxia, decides to find a better quality skin.
• Zheng Que, after two days of cultivation, plans to boost Ku Lan's cultivation and sells Ghost Servants to Lu Maohong.
• Lu Maohong tests Zheng Que's Ghost Servants, finding them stronger than expected despite their lack of vicious aura.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu's obsession with Gao Yinxia's skin grows, leading her to consider stealing from other ghosts to avoid Underworld punishment.
• Zheng Que's cultivation progresses, and he becomes more confident in his Ghost Servants' strength.
• Lu Maohong reevaluates Zheng Que's Ghost Servants after witnessing their power.

Significant Themes

• Obsession and its consequences (Mu Xiangu's fixation on Gao Yinxia's skin)
• The value of appearances versus substance (Lu Maohong's initial underestimation of Zheng Que's Ghost Servants)
• The power of cultivation and its effects on one's status (Zheng Que's growth and Lu Maohong's interest in his Ghost Servants)

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia: Mu Xiangu's cold and dismissive attitude towards Gao Yinxia, who remains respectful and obedient.
• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong: Zheng Que's confident presentation of his Ghost Servants and Lu Maohong's initial underestimation followed by impressed reassessment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong visit Crane Cry Tower to appraise Zheng Que's batch of Ghost Servants.
• Lu Maohong introduces the tower's background and its manager, Ren Duanwen.
• Ren Duanwen uses a magical artifact to identify the Ghost Servants' abilities.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows caution and secrecy about his Ghost Servants' origin.
• Lu Maohong: Demonstrates his knowledge of the tower and its manager, acting as a guide for Zheng Que.
• Ren Duanwen: Reveals his expertise in ghostly beings and his use of a magical artifact for appraisal.

Significant Themes

• The value and rarity of high-quality Ghost Servants.
• The importance of secrecy and discretion in handling valuable assets.
• The use of magical artifacts for appraisal and identification.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong: Zheng Que follows Lu Maohong's lead, showing deference and trust in his guidance.
• Lu Maohong and Ren Duanwen: Lu Maohong shows respect and familiarity with Ren Duanwen, highlighting his experience in dealing with such matters.
• Zheng Que and Ren Duanwen: Zheng Que remains cautious and observant during their interaction, revealing little about himself or his Ghost Servants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong bring ten Ghost Servants to Crane Cry Tower for consignment.
• Manager Ren Duanwen tests the Ghost Servants' strength and intelligence.
• The Ghost Servants are found to be powerful but lack intelligence.
• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong agree to consign the Ghost Servants for 20% commission, with the option to use the sale proceeds to buy items at the upcoming auction.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows his business acumen and willingness to negotiate.
• Lu Maohong demonstrates his shrewdness and ability to make decisions.
• Ren Duanwen reveals his calm and composed demeanor, even when injured.

Significant Themes

• The value of intelligence in Ghost Servants, despite their physical prowess.
• The importance of negotiation and business acumen in transactions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong work together, with Zheng Que providing the Ghost Servants and Lu Maohong handling the negotiations.
• Ren Duanwen interacts professionally with Zheng Que and Lu Maohong, maintaining his composure despite being injured.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong leave Crane Cry Tower, discussing their plan to make Crane Cry Tower believe the Ghost Servants came from the imperial court.
• Zheng Que learns that Crane Cry Tower wouldn't suspect him due to his low cultivation level and the Prefectural Judge's favor.
• Ren Duanwen, a manager of Crane Cry Tower, brings the Ghost Servants to Senior Mist Vine for examination, fearing they might have issues that could harm the upcoming auction.
• Senior Mist Vine examines the Ghost Servants, and something goes awry, causing her to scream in terror.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Realizes the implications of his actions and understands that Crane Cry Tower is unlikely to suspect him.
• Ren Duanwen: Shows initiative in handling the Ghost Servants issue, seeking Senior Mist Vine's opinion to ensure Crane Cry Tower's reputation.
• Senior Mist Vine: Reveals her presence and involvement in Crane Cry Tower, displaying expertise in examining Ghost Servants.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Zheng Que and Lu Maohong use misdirection to shift blame onto the imperial court.
• Power dynamics: The Prefectural Judge's influence is enough to deter Crane Cry Tower from investigating Zheng Que too deeply.
• Trust and loyalty: Ren Duanwen's actions show his commitment to Crane Cry Tower's reputation and his willingness to seek guidance from higher authorities.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Lu Maohong: Discuss their plan and Zheng Que's cultivation difficulties, deciding to seek the Prefectural Judge's guidance.
• Ren Duanwen and Senior Mist Vine: Ren Duanwen brings the Ghost Servants to Senior Mist Vine for examination, leading to an unexpected reaction from her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que visit the yamen, but Assistant Prefect Ren Duanwen is not present.
• Lu Maohong gives Zheng Que a consignment certificate and invitation cards for the auction.
• Zheng Que meets Mu Xiangu in disguise, who asks him to kill female Foundation Establishment cultivators for their skin or lend her Ghost Servants with spiritual intelligence.
• Zheng Que refuses to kill cultivators but offers to give Mu Xiangu Imperial Edicts to awaken spiritual intelligence in ghosts.
• They go to Zheng Que's cave abode, where Mu Xiangu believes Ghost Servants are refining yin artifacts.
• Zheng Que learns that Gao Yinxia will also attend the auction in three days.

Character Developments

• Lu Maohong: Shows increased respect and deference from yamen runners due to Zheng Que's favor with Assistant Prefect Ren Duanwen. He decides not to attend the auction and focuses on preparing for Foundation Establishment.
• Zheng Que: Gains more confidence and assertiveness, refusing Mu Xiangu's unreasonable demands. He also shows consideration for Gao Yinxia's feelings by inviting Mu Xiangu to attend the auction with her.
• Mu Xiangu (in disguise): Reveals her true intentions, asking Zheng Que to commit crimes. She shows interest in Ghost Servants with spiritual intelligence and Imperial Edicts.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and respect: Lu Maohong gains respect due to Zheng Que's connection with Assistant Prefect Ren Duanwen.
• Trust and manipulation: Mu Xiangu tries to manipulate Zheng Que into committing crimes, but he refuses, showing his growing awareness of her true intentions.
• Consequences of actions: Zheng Que considers the potential consequences of his actions, such as the presence of Golden Core Realm cultivators in the city.

Character Interactions

• Lu Maohong and Zheng Que: Their relationship deepens as Lu Maohong shows trust in Zheng Que by giving him the consignment certificate and invitation cards. Zheng Que, in turn, wishes Lu Maohong a smooth journey on the Dao and early Foundation Establishment.
• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu: Zheng Que refuses Mu Xiangu's demands, showing assertiveness and consideration for potential consequences. Mu Xiangu, however, remains cold and demanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que gives Mu Xiangu ten Imperial Edicts to help him recruit subordinates.
• Mu Xiangu is tasked with keeping an eye on Gao Yinxia and smoothing things over between her and Zheng Que.
• Gao Yinxia escapes from the Flower Path cave abode, leaving a note and her Storage Bag behind.
• Mu Xiangu pursues Gao Yinxia but fails to catch her, returning to the Flower Path cave abode in anger.
• Zheng Que continues cultivating in the Spirit Sea Cave Abode, preparing to visit Gao Yinxia the next day.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu receives ten Imperial Edicts, allowing her to recruit subordinates as a Soul-Hooking Envoy.
• Mu Xiangu's priorities shift, focusing more on her own benefits and less on Zheng Que's orders.
• Gao Yinxia demonstrates her cunning by escaping and leaving a note to mislead Mu Xiangu.
• Zheng Que remains focused on his cultivation, unaware of Mu Xiangu's and Gao Yinxia's actions.

Significant Themes

• The cunning and deception of humans are emphasized, with both Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia displaying these traits.
• The power dynamics between Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu shift, with Mu Xiangu becoming more independent and less obedient.
• The importance of cultivating one's own strength is highlighted, as Zheng Que continues to focus on his cultivation despite the events unfolding around him.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu interact briefly, with Zheng Que giving Mu Xiangu Imperial Edicts and tasking her with watching Gao Yinxia.
• Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia do not interact directly, but Mu Xiangu's pursuit of Gao Yinxia and her anger upon returning to the Flower Path cave abode indicate their indirect conflict.
• Zheng Que's actions are independent of the other characters, as he focuses on his cultivation and is unaware of the events involving Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que travels to Flower Path Cave Abode using the jade pendant carriage guided by a bouquet of flowers.
• Mu Xiangu meets Zheng Que at the entrance and reveals that Gao Yinxia is inside.
• Zheng Que insists on Mu Xiangu accompanying him, but she leaves after assuring him that Gao Yinxia will cooperate.
• Zheng Que enters the cave abode to meet Gao Yinxia.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows determination in resolving his past grievances with Gao Yinxia and building rapport with her.
• Mu Xiangu, despite her initial reluctance, agrees to help Zheng Que, showing her commitment to her promise to help him achieve a heaven-grade Foundation Establishment.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: Zheng Que's Foundation Establishment is connected to his romantic fate, and he is determined to follow his own 'rule.'
• Trust and Cooperation: Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu discuss the importance of trust and cooperation in achieving their goals.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu have a tense conversation about the details of Zheng Que's Foundation Establishment plan and Mu Xiangu's discussion with Gao Yinxia.
• Zheng Que enters the cave abode to meet Gao Yinxia, unaware that Mu Xiangu has taken on Gao Yinxia's appearance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que visits Gao Yinxia, a disciple of the Heavenly Artifact Sect, seeking help for Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment.
• Gao Yinxia agrees to help, and they proceed to dual cultivate in her cave abode.
• Zheng Que discovers that his "Law" has the power to attract women for cultivation, as predicted by Law Ghost in an illusion.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Realizes the power of his "Law" and becomes more confident in his cultivation journey.
• Gao Yinxia: Shows willingness to help Zheng Que, despite her initial icy demeanor, and agrees to dual cultivate with him.

Significant Themes

• The power of "Law" and its influence on Zheng Que's cultivation and relationships.
• The concept of dual cultivation and its role in cultivators' growth.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Gao Yinxia: Their interaction is initially tense, but they soon engage in dual cultivation, with Zheng Que taking the lead despite Gao Yinxia's initial reluctance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que returns to the Underworld and finds himself at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refinement after cultivating with Gao Yinxia, who had Yin Energy due to Mu Xiangu's influence.
• He decides to ask Mu Xiangu to remove the method used on Gao Yinxia to prevent hindering his cultivation progress.
• In the Heavenly Artifact Sect, Gao Yinxia and Fu Qingge are summoned back, and an enormous Corpse Puppet approaches the sect, carrying three figures on its palm.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Realizes the quickening of his cultivation progress due to the 'Law' and decides to ask Mu Xiangu for help.
• Gao Yinxia: Returns to the Heavenly Artifact Sect and witnesses the arrival of the Corpse Puppet.
• Fu Qingge: Returns to the sect and shares information with Gao Yinxia about the possible reason for their summoning.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation progress and its obstacles.
• The power dynamics between sects and the threat posed by external forces.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu: Zheng Que plans to ask Mu Xiangu for help regarding his cultivation with Gao Yinxia.
• Gao Yinxia and Fu Qingge: Gao Yinxia seeks information from Fu Qingge about their summoning to the sect.
• Heavenly Artifact Sect and the Corpse Puppet: The sect faces a potential threat from the Corpse Puppet and its occupants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Daoist Qu, a renowned figure from one of the six great sects, arrives at the Heavenly Artifact Sect with two disciples.
• The Heavenly Artifact Sect attempts to recruit Daoist Qu and his disciples, offering favorable terms.
• Zheng Que, after cultivating with Fu Qingge, asks Mu Xiangu to help him borrow more Spirit Stones for an upcoming auction.

Character Developments

• Daoist Qu remains indifferent and unreadable, showing no interest in the Heavenly Artifact Sect's recruitment efforts.
• Zheng Que demonstrates ambition and strategic thinking by planning ahead for the auction and seeking Mu Xiangu's help.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The six great sects' influence and competition are evident in their attempts to recruit Daoist Qu.
• Cultivation and Growth: Zheng Que's cultivation reaches the peak of Qi Refinement, and he begins preparing for Foundation Establishment.

Character Interactions

• The Heavenly Artifact Sect cultivators show deference to Daoist Qu, highlighting his status and influence.
• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu maintain their secretive relationship, with Mu Xiangu assisting Zheng Que despite her annoyance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns about Foundation Establishment, requiring a Dao Foundation within the Qi Sea and materials like Foundation Establishment Pills, ghost inner cores, or special heavenly treasures.
• He considers his options, deciding against using a Foundation Establishment Pill due to its lack of benefits for techniques.
• Zheng Que plans to look for a suitable ghost inner core at the Crane Cry Tower auction or with the Ghost Bride's help.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows strategic thinking in choosing the best material for his Foundation Establishment, considering both benefits and drawbacks.
• He demonstrates responsibility by instructing his Ghost Servants to guard him while he practices spells.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation Progression: The chapter focuses on the next stage of cultivation after the Qi Refining Realm, highlighting the importance of Foundation Establishment.
• Resource Acquisition: Zheng Que's search for suitable materials emphasizes the role of resources in cultivation progression, especially for Rogue Cultivators like him.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his Ghost Servants, giving them instructions and relying on their protection while he practices.
• Though not present, Xiang Songnian is mentioned as a potential source of help for Zheng Que's Foundation Establishment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que leaves for Crane Cry Tower's auction, stopping by the Flower Path Cave Abode first.
• Mu Xiangu, the cave abode's owner, tells Zheng Que that Gao Yinxia is in seclusion and can't attend the auction.
• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu attend the auction separately, with Mu Xiangu posing as a Heavenly Artifact Sect disciple.
• Zheng Que meets the Hengshui County trio at the auction. They reveal they're also participating in the upcoming Immortal Examination and seek Zheng Que's guidance.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows strategic thinking by bringing Mu Xiangu to the auction for potential trading opportunities. He also maintains his composure when approached by the Hengshui County trio, hinting at his growing political acumen.
• Mu Xiangu: Shows cooperation with Zheng Que, agreeing to attend the auction with him. She also reveals she made clothes for Gao Yinxia, implying a growing relationship with her.
• Song Faping (Hengshui County's representative): Shows eagerness to gain information about the Immortal Examination, revealing the county's desperation to secure a spot.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Rivalries: The Hengshui County trio's approach to Zheng Que highlights the complex relationships between counties, with alliances and rivalries forming based on shared interests and competition.
• Preparation and Ambition: The auction and the upcoming Immortal Examination emphasize the characters' ambition and their efforts to prepare for future challenges.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu: They work together, with Zheng Que using Mu Xiangu's presence to potentially secure better deals at the auction.
• Zheng Que and the Hengshui County trio: Zheng Que maintains a calm and collected demeanor when approached by the trio, showing neither eagerness nor disdain, keeping his options open.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and three Hengshui County cultivators attend an auction at Crane Cry Tower.
• The auction is lavishly decorated, with cultivators seated in a semicircular hall and sect cultivators in private rooms above.
• The auction's highlight is a 'Law' fragment, which can only be obtained by surviving against other examinees.
• Rumors circulate about a Foundation Establishment Pill and high-quality Ghost Servants up for auction.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que remains calm and collected, revealing information about the 'Law' fragment to the Hengshui County cultivators.
• Mu Xiangu, disguised as Fu Qingge, is expected to be in a private room, viewing auction items in advance.

Significant Themes

• Competition and Survival: The 'Law' fragment can only be obtained by surviving against other examinees, highlighting the cutthroat nature of the cultivation world.
• Wealth and Power: Sect cultivators have significant advantages due to their wealth and resources, as seen in their private rooms and ability to view auction items beforehand.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the Hengshui County cultivators, sharing information and strategizing about the auction.
• Mu Xiangu communicates with Zheng Que, revealing her location in a private room.
• Cultivators around Zheng Que discuss the auction items, revealing their desires and expectations.