Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu arrives at the auction, and she's in a private room.
• The auction begins with the first item: the inner core of a 370-year-old 'Soul Puppet' ghost from the [Scissor Hell], which can be used for alchemy, artifact forging, or Foundation Establishment.
• Bidding starts at 10,000 lower-grade Spirit Stones, with increments of at least 1,000.
• An alchemist from East Cen County, Feng Guangchang, tries to intimidate other bidders but is warned by Tao Xiliang, the auctioneer.
• Zheng Que, determined to get the inner core for his top-grade Foundation Establishment, continues bidding against Feng Guangchang.
• An unknown voice threatens Feng Guangchang, causing him to hesitate.
• The inner core is sold to Zheng Que for 26,000 lower-grade Spirit Stones.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows determination and resolve in pursuing his goal of top-grade Foundation Establishment.
• Mu Xiangu is revealed to be in a private room but hasn't examined the list of auction items yet.
• Feng Guangchang displays his arrogance and impatience, but he's also cautious, backing down when threatened.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Resolve: Zheng Que's unwavering pursuit of his goal despite opposition.
• Power Dynamics: The interplay of power and status between cultivators, as seen in Feng Guangchang's initial intimidation and his subsequent retreat.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the cultivators from Hengshui County, who warn him against offending Feng Guangchang.
• Zheng Que and Feng Guangchang engage in a bidding war, with an unknown voice eventually intervening to threaten Feng Guangchang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que buys the "Soul Puppet" inner core for 26,000 Spirit Stones.
• A blood coffin, the "Cold Baleful Blood Coffin," is auctioned, with Feng Guangchang buying it for 30,000 Spirit Stones.
• The third item is a cage containing a female ghost from [Scissor Hell], "Rouge Baleful Intent," starting at 20,000 Spirit Stones.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows restraint in bidding, conserving his Spirit Stones.
• Feng Guangchang becomes increasingly irritated and impulsive in his bidding.
• The female ghost, "Rouge Baleful Intent," exhibits intelligence and ferocity.

Significant Themes

• The value and rarity of auction items.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and ghosts.
• The importance of self-control and strategic bidding in auctions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Feng Guangchang continue their bidding rivalry.
• Zheng Que consults Mu Xiangu about the blood coffin's capabilities.
• The female ghost interacts aggressively with the crowd.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The auction of a 'Rouge Baleful Intent' ghost creature begins.
• Cultivators question Crane Cry Tower about the creature's control and quality.
• The creature's violent behavior in the cage escalates due to the commotion.
• Tao Xiliang explains the creature's uses and sets the starting price at 20,000 low-grade Spirit Stones.
• Bidding begins, with Zheng Que, Feng Guangchang, and Mao Yanxin participating.
• Mao Yanxin raises the price to 45,000 low-grade Spirit Stones.
• Zheng Que asks Mu Xiangu for help to win the bid in the Heavenly Artifact Sect's name.
• Fu Qingge, an inner disciple of the Heavenly Artifact Sect, bids 46,000 Spirit Stones and threatens others not to raise the price further.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows interest in the 'Rouge Baleful Intent' but faces competition from Feng Guangchang and Mao Yanxin.
• Mao Yanxin reveals his cold and bloodthirsty nature, warning Zheng Que not to compete with him.
• Fu Qingge, a new character, shows arrogance and confidence, threatening others not to raise the price.

Significant Themes

• Competition and rivalry among cultivators.
• The value and uses of ghost creatures in the cultivation world.
• The power dynamics and reputation of different counties and sects.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the three cultivators from Hengshui County, seeking their advice.
• Zheng Que, Feng Guangchang, and Mao Yanxin engage in a bidding war.
• Fu Qingge enters the bidding, threatening other cultivators not to raise the price further.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu, using Fu Qingge's voice, threatens Crane Cry Tower without consequence, winning the bid for "Rouge Baleful Intent" despite breaking rules.
• "Rouge Baleful Intent" attacks Mu Xiangu but is subdued and ordered to wait for her.
• A low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill is auctioned, with several prominent cultivators bidding, including Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu displays her power and dominance, controlling "Rouge Baleful Intent" with ease.
• The three cultivators from Hengshui County show caution and restraint when bidding, revealing their wariness of powerful local figures.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the influence of sects and prominent figures in the cultivation world.
• The importance of Spirit Stones as currency and the value of cultivation resources like Foundation Establishment Pills.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu interacts with "Rouge Baleful Intent," displaying her strength and authority.
• The three cultivators from Hengshui County discuss their strategy and concerns regarding the bidding war for the Foundation Establishment Pill, revealing their awareness of local power structures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The auction of a lower-grade Foundation Establishment Pill for 150,000 lower-grade Spirit Stones.
• The auction of a "Scorched Soul" Ghost Servant, which demonstrates its ability to defeat a higher-level Ghost Servant controlled by Tao Xiliang.
• The "Scorched Soul" is revealed to be one of ten top-grade Ghost Servants, with ten racial talents, ghost techniques, and yin arts, and can be easily controlled by cultivators in early Qi Refinement.
• The bidding for the "Scorched Soul" starts at 10,000 low-grade Spirit Stones, with each raise being at least 1,000 Spirit Stones.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que, the consigner of the Ghost Servants, is pleased with the high bidding for his Ghost Servants.
• Tao Xiliang, the auctioneer, showcases the power of the "Scorched Soul" to generate interest and prove its value.

Significant Themes

• The value and power of Ghost Servants, particularly top-grade ones with multiple racial talents and easy controllability.
• The high cost of Foundation Establishment, with a single pill selling for 150,000 Spirit Stones, highlighting the inequality in cultivation resources.

Character Interactions

• The cultivators in the auction hall engage in competitive bidding for the "Scorched Soul," with some expressing admiration and others showing determination to secure the Ghost Servant.
• Mu Xiangu, from her private room, bids on the "Scorched Soul," aiming to deter further raises.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu, a Heavenly Artifact Sect disciple, raises the bid on a ghost creature consigned by Zheng Que, causing Zheng Que to intervene.
• Zheng Que bids against Mu Xiangu, leading to a tense standoff.
• Mao Yanxin of Abundant Wood County takes over the bid, buying the ghost creature for 55,000 low-grade Spirit Stones.
• Zheng Que's subsequent ghost creature sells for 60,000 low-grade Spirit Stones to Feng Guangchang of East Cen County.
• The final top-grade Ghost Servant at the ninth level of [Tongue-Pulling Hell] is auctioned, with Jing Zhengjie of Jade Bamboo County winning the bid at 65,000 low-grade Spirit Stones.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates courage and determination by bidding against Mu Xiangu, despite the potential consequences.
• Mu Xiangu shows indifference to the auction, not paying for her bid and leaving without consequence.
• Mao Yanxin and Jing Zhengjie display their wealth and determination by bidding high for the ghost creatures.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators and the potential consequences of offending powerful sects or individuals.
• The value and scarcity of high-quality ghost creatures and the competition among cultivators to acquire them.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu engage in a tense bidding war, with Zheng Que ultimately backing down.
• Mao Yanxin and Jing Zhengjie compete for the final top-grade Ghost Servant, with Jing Zhengjie prevailing.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que's Ghost Servants are auctioned, fetching a high price.
• A [Yellow Springs Vine] is auctioned, which can awaken the intelligence of ghosts.
• An ancient coin containing a strand of Sword Qi capable of harming [Iron Tree Hell] ghosts is auctioned.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes increasingly worried about the potential consequences of Crane Cry Tower's scheme.
• Yu Rulan of Deer Gain Temple shows his dominance and determination to obtain the ancient coin.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition, as cultivators vie for powerful items.
• The consequences of deception and manipulation, as Zheng Que fears the truth about his Ghost Servants coming out.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu communicate via voice transmission, with Mu Xiangu bidding on the ancient coin according to Zheng Que's instructions.
• Yu Rulan and Fu Qingge of the Heavenly Artifact Sect bid against each other for the ancient coin.
• Tao Xiliang, the auctioneer, facilitates the bidding process.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The auction reaches its grand finale with the presentation of the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell], a damaged magical treasure once used by Du Anyong, a disciple of Zheng Que's master, in the Six Sects Grand Tournament.
• Zheng Que, Yu Rulan of Deer Gain Temple, and Dai Nanji of Azure Moon Cliff engage in a bidding war for the bell, with bids quickly escalating to over a thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones each.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que realizes the significance of the bell and its connection to his master's disciples, fueling his desire to obtain it.
• Mu Xiangu, Zheng Que's proxy, spends a significant amount of Spirit Stones on an ancient coin earlier in the auction, limiting Zheng Que's resources for the bell.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between sect disciples and rogue cultivators, with sect disciples having significantly more resources.
• The importance of lineage and master-disciple relationships, as Zheng Que seeks to claim an item left behind by his senior brother.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que communicates with Mu Xiangu via voice transmission, asking if she can safely leave with the bell if they win the auction.
• Yu Rulan and Dai Nanji engage in a bidding war, each determined to outbid the other for the bell.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The auction concludes with Yu Rulan of Deer Gain Temple winning the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] for 2,500 mid-grade Spirit Stones.
• Zheng Que is invited by the Tower Master of Crane Cry Tower for a private meeting.
• Three cultivators from Hengshui County are surrounded by a group led by Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie after leaving the auction.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows caution and wariness when invited by the Tower Master, suggesting he's aware of the potential risks.
• The three cultivators from Hengshui County display excitement and pride after purchasing a top-grade Ghost Servant but are quickly humbled by the confrontation with the group led by Feng Guangchang.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating one's opponents, as seen in the encounter between the Hengshui County cultivators and the group led by Feng Guangchang.
• The allure and danger of auctions, where valuable items can be obtained but also attract unwanted attention and conflict.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Ren Duanwen: Zheng Que is cautious and suspicious, while Ren Duanwen is genial and reassuring, setting up a tense yet polite interaction.
• The Hengshui County cultivators and the group led by Feng Guangchang: The Hengshui County cultivators are initially confident but quickly become intimidated and cornered by the more powerful group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que is summoned by the Misty Vine Fairy, a Golden Core Realm cultivator, to Crane Cry Tower.
• The Misty Vine Fairy is curious about Zheng Que's identity and his connection to the Heaven's Chosen, Du Anyong.
• Zheng Que denies any connection to Du Anyong and expresses his intention to focus on the upcoming Immortal Examination.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que maintains his composure and dignity when faced with the Misty Vine Fairy's pressure and accusations.
• The Misty Vine Fairy reveals her past encounter with Du Anyong and her interest in Zheng Que's potential connection to him.

Significant Themes

• The tension between Rogue Cultivators and sect cultivators is highlighted, with the Misty Vine Fairy suspecting Zheng Que of being a hidden sect disciple.
• The importance of identity and origins is emphasized, as Zheng Que's true background is called into question.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the Misty Vine Fairy have a tense exchange, with Zheng Que trying to maintain his innocence while the Misty Vine Fairy presses him about his connection to Du Anyong.
• Zheng Que's respect for the court and his determination to focus on the Immortal Examination are emphasized, despite the Misty Vine Fairy's accusations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Rulan and Dai Nanji engage in a fierce battle in a wilderness near Qingrao Prefecture City.
• They draw the attention of nearby ghosts, which are eventually dispersed by the toll of the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell].
• Dai Nanji is severely injured and faints, while Yu Rulan is left standing.
• A bridal sedan chair emerges from the mist, carrying Misty Vine Fairy, who is Du Anyong's Dao companion.
• Zheng Que, captured by Misty Vine Fairy, reveals he knows Du Anyong, which excites her.

Character Developments

• Yu Rulan demonstrates his prowess and the power of the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell].
• Dai Nanji shows his strength but is ultimately defeated and injured.
• Misty Vine Fairy reveals her past with Du Anyong and her desire for power and control.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient magical treasures (the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell]).
• The consequences of greed and obsession (Misty Vine Fairy's pursuit of power).
• The importance of past relationships and connections (Du Anyong's influence on Misty Vine Fairy and Zheng Que).

Character Interactions

• Yu Rulan and Dai Nanji engage in a battle to the death, showcasing their skills and determination.
• Misty Vine Fairy and Zheng Que interact, with Zheng Que trying to stall for time while Misty Vine Fairy reveals her true intentions and obsession.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que meets Misty Vine Fairy, who believes him to be Du Anyong, Daoist Qu's disciple.
• Misty Vine Fairy attempts to seduce Zheng Que, hoping to gain a 'Law' through him.
• Zheng Que uses this opportunity to consume the [Soul Puppet]'s inner core and undergo Foundation Establishment.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Realizes the power dynamics between the Six Great Sects and Rogue Cultivators. Attempts to use Misty Vine Fairy's infatuation with Du Anyong to his advantage.
• Misty Vine Fairy: Reveals her obsession with Du Anyong and her desire for power. Records Zheng Que's Foundation Establishment for unknown purposes.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Zheng Que uses Misty Vine Fairy's feelings to his advantage, while she seeks power through him.
• Desire and obsession: Misty Vine Fairy's fixation on Du Anyong drives her actions.
• Transformation and growth: Zheng Que undergoes Foundation Establishment, marking a significant advancement in his cultivation journey.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Misty Vine Fairy: Their interaction is a power play, with each trying to manipulate the other for their own purposes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Four cultivators (Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie) ambush and beat three cultivators from Hengshui County (Shang Zhaozu, Li Xingyun, and Liu Yuxiang) to force information about Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que is revealed to be a candidate for the Immortal Examination from Hengshui County's Meiyou Town, with the Zheng family being his cultivation clan.
• The Ghost Bride and her procession are seen again, with Yu Rulan of Deer Gain Temple attempting to use the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] against her and failing.

Character Developments

• Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie display their ruthlessness and greed.
• Shang Zhaozu, Li Xingyun, and Liu Yuxiang show their cowardice and willingness to betray Zheng Que under pressure.
• Yu Rulan demonstrates his bravery and determination but ultimately falls to the Ghost Bride.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition (Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie)
• Cowardice and betrayal (Shang Zhaozu, Li Xingyun, and Liu Yuxiang)
• Bravery and determination (Yu Rulan)

Character Interactions

• Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie interact, sharing their grievances against Zheng Que and planning to ambush him.
• Shang Zhaozu, Li Xingyun, and Liu Yuxiang interact with the four cultivators, being beaten and forced to reveal information about Zheng Que.
• The Ghost Bride interacts with Yu Rulan, ultimately defeating him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Xiangu, disguised as Fu Qingge, returns to Qingrao Prefecture after dealing with Yu Rulan and the Ghost Bride.
• Zheng Que is seen advancing to the Foundation Establishment Realm, surprising Mu Xiangu.
• Mu Xiangu recruits [Rouge Baleful Intent] as a Yin Messenger, giving her the Yin Profession and a Service Token.
• Zheng Que successfully establishes his Foundation with Misty Vine Fairy's help, resembling Du Anyong.

Character Developments

• Mu Xiangu reveals her true identity and power to [Rouge Baleful Intent], recruiting her for her grand scheme.
• [Rouge Baleful Intent] gains a Yin Profession and a new identity as Gao Yinxia.
• Zheng Que advances to the Foundation Establishment Realm and temporarily resembles Du Anyong.

Significant Themes

• The return of the Underworld and its influence on the world.
• The power dynamics between ghosts and cultivators.
• The consequences of disrupting Mu Xiangu's grand design.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu and [Rouge Baleful Intent] interact, with Mu Xiangu recruiting and instructing the latter.
• Zheng Que and Misty Vine Fairy establish Zheng Que's Foundation, with Zheng Que temporarily resembling Du Anyong.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que successfully establishes his foundation and absorbs a ghost creature's inner core without entering the Underworld.
• He discovers he has a "Law" that allows him to form matrimonial bonds with women, enhancing his cultivation each time.
• He realizes that his "Law" connects him to Misty Vine Fairy and Gao Yinxia, strengthening his foundation.
• Zheng Que comprehends a defensive divine ability, Golden Cicada Armor, and his Dao foundation strengthens all his techniques.
• He decides to cultivate the Yin-Yang Joyous Union Secret Record with Misty Vine Fairy.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que gains control over his "Law" and understands its uses, leading to a significant boost in his cultivation.
• Misty Vine Fairy, now possessing Du's body, is initially confused but becomes cooperative as Zheng Que initiates cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The power of matrimonial fate and its connection to cultivation.
• The unique aspects of Zheng Que's Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment.
• The importance of defensive abilities in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Misty Vine Fairy interact playfully, with Zheng Que teasing her and initiating cultivation.
• Zheng Que's "Law" connects him to Misty Vine Fairy and Gao Yinxia, showing the bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Night has fallen, and Crane Cry Tower is closed for the night.
• Zheng Que has not emerged from the tower, despite waiting for several hours.
• Yuan Zhonghao uses a [Sound Transmission Talisman] to contact Manager Pang, who reveals that Zheng Que is still inside, summoned by Senior Misty Vine.
• Yuan Zhonghao agrees to pay one hundred mid-grade Spirit Stones for more information about Zheng Que's connection to Misty Vine Fairy.
• Manager Pang, after receiving the Spirit Stones, goes to Senior Misty Vine's residence but overhears her and Zheng Que through the door, indicating they are together and engaged in a secret activity.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que's mysterious connection to Senior Misty Vine is hinted at, suggesting he might have some leverage or protection.
• Manager Pang shows opportunism, willing to sell information for a high price and eavesdrop on Senior Misty Vine.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances (Zheng Que's connection to Misty Vine Fairy, Yuan Zhonghao's caution due to this connection).
• Greed and opportunism (Manager Pang's willingness to sell information and eavesdrop).

Character Interactions

• Yuan Zhonghao, Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, and Jing Zhengjie wait outside Crane Cry Tower, discussing their next move regarding Zheng Que.
• Manager Pang communicates with Yuan Zhonghao and later eavesdrops on Senior Misty Vine and Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que and Senior Misty Vine are together, engaged in a secret activity, unaware of Manager Pang's presence outside.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Misty Vine Fairy cultivate together using the Yin-Yang Joyous Union Secret Record.
• Steward Pang reports the auction's accounts outside the door while they cultivate.
• Zheng Que wakes up the next morning and asks Misty Vine Fairy about the Grand Competition of the Six Sects.
• Misty Vine Fairy gives Zheng Que a keepsake record of their encounter and threatens to expose it if he doesn't return after the Immortal Examination.
• Misty Vine Fairy receives a message that Daoist Qu will visit the Xuanyuan Pavilion with his two disciples, Wei Dingyuan and Chu Shaowei.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows initiative in cultivating with Misty Vine Fairy and asks about the Grand Competition of the Six Sects, demonstrating his ambition and curiosity.
• Misty Vine Fairy displays a playful and manipulative side, threatening Zheng Que to ensure his return after the Immortal Examination.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and the pursuit of power (Zheng Que's desire to learn about the Grand Competition of the Six Sects and his willingness to cultivate with Misty Vine Fairy).
• Manipulation and control (Misty Vine Fairy's use of the keepsake record to ensure Zheng Que's return).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Misty Vine Fairy interact intimately as they cultivate together, with Misty Vine Fairy taking the lead.
• Misty Vine Fairy communicates with someone from the Xuanyuan Pavilion via a [Sound Transmission Talisman], discussing Daoist Qu's impending visit.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Misty Vine Fairy discovers Zheng Que is not Daoist Qu's disciple and was tricked into sleeping with a fake.
• She receives a message about Elder Qu's disciple Chen Zhentao's death and is asked to investigate.
• Zheng Que collects his Spirit Stones from Crane Cry Tower and learns that people are waiting outside to deal with him.

Character Developments

• Misty Vine Fairy: Realizes Zheng Que's deception, becomes suspicious of his true identity, and decides to investigate further.
• Zheng Que: Maintains his composure, collects his Spirit Stones, and prepares to face the cultivators waiting outside.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Trust: Zheng Que's deception of Misty Vine Fairy raises questions about trust and its importance in cultivator relationships.
• Power and Consequences: Zheng Que's newfound power at the Heaven-Grade Foundation Establishment attracts unwanted attention, leading to potential conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Misty Vine Fairy and Zheng Que: Their interaction reveals Misty Vine Fairy's suspicions about Zheng Que's identity, setting the stage for future confrontations.
• Zheng Que and the waiting cultivators: Zheng Que's calm demeanor contrasts with the cultivators' eagerness to confront him, foreshadowing an upcoming conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que encounters four cultivators (Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie) who confront him due to a misunderstanding about his background and a bidding incident at an auction.
• Zheng Que easily defeats the four cultivators using his Phantom Escape Technique, demonstrating his superior strength.
• Zheng Que learns that the four cultivators possess the arts he missed at the auction (Yin-Draw Curse and Life-Burning Technique). He forces them to hand over the arts without resistance.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows his prowess and confidence in his abilities, handling the four cultivators effortlessly.
• The four cultivators reveal their weakness and lack of understanding about Zheng Que's true strength, leading to their quick defeat.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics among cultivators, with Zheng Que's strength overshadowing the four cultivators despite their higher cultivation levels.
• The importance of information and understanding one's opponent, as the four cultivators' lack of knowledge about Zheng Que's background and abilities leads to their downfall.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the four cultivators: Zheng Que's calm and assertive demeanor contrasts with the four cultivators' underestimation of him, leading to their swift defeat.
• Zheng Que and Misty Vine Fairy: Zheng Que's thoughts reveal a past relationship with Misty Vine Fairy, but he keeps it secret due to his upcoming Immortal Examination and her unpredictable temperament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que returns to the Spirit Sea Cave Abode.
• He refines the Soul-Calling Banner, gaining complete control over it.
• Zheng Que cultivates three new arts: [Flowing Cloud Guidance], [Yin-Draw Curse], and [Life-Burning Technique].
• He decides to find Mu Xiangu to retrieve the [Rouge Baleful Intent] and check on Gao Yinxia's seclusion.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que's cultivation has reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, allowing him to refine the Soul-Calling Banner and control it directly.
• He demonstrates his ability to learn and master new arts quickly.

Significant Themes

• The power and control of magical artifacts, as seen with the Soul-Calling Banner.
• The cost and benefits of cultivating arts that temporarily boost power, as seen with [Life-Burning Technique].

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his Ghost Servants, Qing Li, Nian Nu, and Ku Lan, using them to guard him while he refines the Soul-Calling Banner.
• He plans to meet with Mu Xiangu to retrieve an item and check on Gao Yinxia, showing concern for his fellow disciples.