Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que arrives at the Flower Path Cave Abode.
• He discovers a Fate Thread connecting him to Mu Xiangu.
• Mu Xiangu takes him to see Gao Yinxia, who is now under Mu Xiangu's control.
• Zheng Que cultivates with "Gao Yinxia" to potentially form another Fate Thread.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Realizes the existence of a Fate Thread connecting him to Mu Xiangu, decides to cultivate with Gao Yinxia to potentially create another Fate Thread.
• Mu Xiangu: Shows her influence over Gao Yinxia, manipulating her to serve Zheng Que.
• Gao Yinxia (as [Rouge Baleful Intent]): Now under Mu Xiangu's control, willingly serves Zheng Que for the greater good of the ghosts' plan.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: Zheng Que's discovery of the Fate Thread connecting him to Mu Xiangu raises questions about his destiny.
• Manipulation and Control: Mu Xiangu's influence over Gao Yinxia highlights the theme of manipulation and control.
• Sacrifice for the Greater Good: Gao Yinxia's willingness to serve Zheng Que for the ghosts' future plans emphasizes the theme of sacrifice for a greater cause.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu: Zheng Que follows Mu Xiangu to see Gao Yinxia, showing trust in her guidance.
• Zheng Que and Gao Yinxia: Zheng Que cultivates with Gao Yinxia to potentially form a Fate Thread, showing his desire to strengthen his connections.
• Mu Xiangu and Gao Yinxia: Mu Xiangu manipulates Gao Yinxia to serve Zheng Que, showing her control over her subordinate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que wakes up in the underworld, finding his name at the top of the second page in the [Life and Death Book].
• He learns about two new entries: Xue Shuangzi, a ghost with the Yin Profession of Yin Messenger, and Yu Rulan, a human who died recently.
• Zheng Que summons Xue Shuangzi, who appears terrified upon seeing him.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more curious and concerned about his position in the underworld and the changes in his status.
• Xue Shuangzi, initially fierce and savage, becomes terrified upon seeing Zheng Que, indicating she recognizes his power or status.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy in the underworld.
• The consequences of Zheng Que's actions and his growing influence.
• The fear and awe that Zheng Que inspires in others.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que summons Xue Shuangzi, and she immediately recognizes his authority, kneeling and addressing him as "my lord."
• Zheng Que's interaction with Xue Shuangzi hints at his growing power and the fear he instills in others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que discovers Xue Shuangzi, a ghost, in the Underworld, wearing a red cord connected to his third fate thread.
• He realizes that the Gao Yinxia he cultivated with might have been a ghost in disguise (Mu Xiangu or Xue Shuangzi).
• Zheng Que confronts Xue Shuangzi in the Underworld, learns she was sent by Mu Xiangu, and spares her.
• Misty Vine Fairy's name appears in the [Life and Death Book].
• Zheng Que returns to Flower Path Cave Abode and learns that Gao Yinxia is currently cultivating.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows his power and authority in the Underworld, instilling fear in Xue Shuangzi.
• Xue Shuangzi demonstrates her loyalty to Mu Xiangu and her new role as a Yin Messenger.
• Zheng Que shows concern for Gao Yinxia's safety and orders Xue Shuangzi to protect him.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Underworld and the mortal world.
• The consequences of deceit and impersonation (Xue Shuangzi as Gao Yinxia).
• The mysterious nature of the [Life and Death Book] and its connection to fate and death.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi: Zheng Que shows his authority and power, while Xue Shuangzi shows fear and obedience.
• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu: Zheng Que suspects Mu Xiangu's involvement in the deception, but they do not interact directly in this chapter.
• Zheng Que and Gao Yinxia: Zheng Que expresses concern for Gao Yinxia's safety, ordering Xue Shuangzi to protect him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que discovers Mu Xiangu's lie about Gao Yinxia's cultivation status.
• Zheng Que leaves Qingrao Prefecture City and meets the Ghost Bride.
• The Ghost Bride reveals information about Du Anyong and the Six Sects Grand Competition.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more strategic in his cultivation plans, considering multiple partners.
• The Ghost Bride shows her knowledge of powerful cultivators and competitions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation and competition among cultivators.
• The power dynamics and hierarchies within the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with Mu Xiangu, Ku Lan, Nian Nu, and the Ghost Bride.
• Zheng Que and the Ghost Bride discuss Du Anyong, the Six Sects Grand Competition, and Daoist Qu.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que meets the Ghost Bride and learns about the Six Sects Grand Competition and the imperial court's Immortal Examination.
• The Ghost Bride reveals she knows about events from nearly two hundred years ago, which puzzles Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que asks the Ghost Bride about Yu Rulan's Storage Bag, and she directs him to it.
• Zheng Que plans to take the Immortal Examination and asks the Ghost Bride for advice.
• The Ghost Bride refuses to lend Zheng Que the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] for the examination.
• Dai Nanji, a cultivator from Deer Gain Temple, wakes up after the battle and finds Yu Rulan and the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] missing.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows curiosity and determination in his cultivation journey. He is willing to take risks to temper his Dao Heart and prepare for his upcoming Core Formation.
• The Ghost Bride: Reveals extensive knowledge about cultivators' cultivation, suggesting she has a long history or is connected to many cultivators. She is protective of Zheng Que's cultivation progress and refuses to lend him the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] for the Immortal Examination.
• Dai Nanji: Shows strength and determination in battle. He is concerned about the missing [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] and Yu Rulan.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Zheng Que's desire to improve his cultivation and prepare for the future is a central theme.
• Knowledge and wisdom: The Ghost Bride's extensive knowledge about cultivators' cultivation highlights the importance of understanding one's path and the experiences of others.
• Protection and responsibility: The Ghost Bride's refusal to lend Zheng Que the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] shows her concern for his cultivation progress and her sense of responsibility toward him.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the Ghost Bride: Zheng Que seeks information and advice from the Ghost Bride, while she provides guidance and protection, refusing to let him use the [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] prematurely.
• Dai Nanji and the [Scissor Hell] ghost creature: Dai Nanji demonstrates his strength by easily defeating the ghost creature, showing his determination to protect himself and his interests.
• Dai Nanji and Yu Rulan: Dai Nanji's concern for Yu Rulan and the missing [Demon-Suppressing Bronze Bell] hints at their relationship and his responsibility as a fellow sect disciple.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, now disguised as Li Li'an, encounters Dai Nanji at the site where Yu Rulan's Storage Bag fell.
• Dai Nanji, suspecting Zheng Que of having Yu Rulan's Storage Bag, attacks him.
• Zheng Que, revealing his true strength, counters Dai Nanji's attacks and uses talismans to press the advantage.
• Dai Nanji uses a talisman to transform into an ice spear, but Zheng Que blocks it with his [Golden Cicada Armor].
• Zheng Que uses [Flowing Cloud Guidance] to predict Dai Nanji's movements, making it impossible for him to dodge the incoming talismans.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his formidable combat skills and use of talismans, revealing his true strength to Dai Nanji.
• Dai Nanji, initially underestimating Zheng Que, is forced to take him seriously as the fight progresses.

Significant Themes

• The power of talismans and divine abilities in combat.
• The importance of accurate information and intuition in battle, as shown by Zheng Que's use of [Flowing Cloud Guidance].

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Dai Nanji engage in a fierce battle, with each trying to gain the upper hand.
• Zheng Que's female ghost companions, Qing Li, Ku Lan, and Nian Nu, are present but do not intervene as instructed by Zheng Que.

• Dai Nanji, an Azure Moon Cliff inner disciple, battles Zheng Que, a court cultivator.
• Dai Nanji initially gains the upper hand due to his superior combat skills and cultivation stage (Foundation Establishment Late Stage).
• Zheng Que reveals his true strength, using Foundation Establishment Realm spells like [Ghost Controlling Technique], [Yin Gathering Technique], and [Soul Explosion Technique], enhanced by his heavenly-grade Dao Foundation.
• Dai Nanji is severely injured and uses a teleportation talisman to escape, losing Zheng Que's tracking.
• Zheng Que is unable to pursue Dai Nanji further due to the loss of his mark, Flowing Cloud Guidance.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que defeats Dai Nanji and takes his storage bag.
• Zheng Que returns to Qingrao Prefecture, reflecting on his fight with Dai Nanji.
• Xiang Songnian summons Zheng Que, revealing he's registered him for the Immortal Examination.
• Xiang Songnian discovers Zheng Que has established a heaven-grade foundation.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows growth in combat strategy and self-awareness of his strengths and weaknesses.
• Xiang Songnian appreciates Zheng Que's progress and expects him to win the Immortal Examination.

Significant Themes

• Risk and opportunity: Zheng Que takes a risk to establish his foundation, but it pays off.
• Mentorship: Xiang Songnian shows concern for Zheng Que's well-being and expects great things from him.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Xiang Songnian: Zheng Que shows respect and understanding of Xiang Songnian's concerns, while Xiang Songnian appreciates Zheng Que's progress and expects great things from him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que reveals his 'Law' to Xiang Songnian, which attracts female cultivators with Dao companions for dual cultivation.
• Zheng Que gives Xiang Songnian a Storage Bag belonging to Yu Rulan, which contains a damaged tortoise shell used for divination.
• Xiang Songnian removes the restriction from the Storage Bag and deduces that the tortoise shell needs a matching copper coin to work.
• Xiang Songnian warns his wife not to come to Qingrao Prefecture and asks her to invite the Dao companions of his enemies.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows honesty and openness, revealing his 'Law' to Xiang Songnian, hoping to gain his protection.
• Xiang Songnian demonstrates his expertise in restrictions, easily removing the one on the Storage Bag.
• Xiang Songnian's wife is mentioned, showing his concern for her safety and his strategic mind.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of 'Laws' in cultivation, as Zheng Que's 'Law' can attract but also provoke female cultivators.
• The importance of connections and alliances in the cultivation world, as seen in Xiang Songnian's plan to invite his enemies' Dao companions.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Xiang Songnian: Zheng Que seeks Xiang Songnian's guidance and protection, while Xiang Songnian offers help but is cautious about Zheng Que's 'Law.'
• Xiang Songnian and his wife: Xiang Songnian expresses concern for his wife's safety and gives her instructions via a [Sound-Transmission Talisman].

Chapter Summary: “Sparring”

Key Plot Points and Events

• In the Spirit Sea Cave Abode, Zheng Que examines a worn tortoiseshell and an ancient coin purchased by Mu Xiangu. He discovers that the runes on both objects are identical, confirming that they are connected.
• Zheng Que attempts to use the coin and tortoiseshell for divination. The ritual rapidly drains all the True Essence from his Qi Sea, yet only one of the tortoiseshell’s five runes lights up. He concludes that the artifacts’ secrets are beyond his current cultivation and may require him to reach the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
• After restoring his True Essence with the Dust-Shedding Scripture, Zheng Que resumes cultivating the Heavenly Wheel Mystic Fire Art. He successfully forms the fourth Mystic Fire wheel and senses that he must reach the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage before cultivating the fifth.
• He buys Corpse Puppet heads and uses them to refine nine crimson Blood Skulls through the Blood Skull Technique. He stores them in his Soul-Nurturing Bag.
• Wanting to improve his combat experience before the Immortal Examination, Zheng Que challenges Nian Nu to a sparring match in the spell-testing room.
• Nian Nu surprises him by reacting quickly and blocking his attacks despite having a much lower cultivation level. Their close-range battle develops into a rapid exchange of blows.
• Zheng Que summons his nine Blood Skulls. Nian Nu uses the ghost skill Riding the Wind to evade them and destroys three with her claws.
• Zheng Que strengthens the remaining Blood Skulls through his Dao Foundation. When Nian Nu tears apart another skull, part of it attaches to her arm and begins burrowing into her flesh, while the remaining skulls continue their assault.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Demonstrates increasing ambition and preparation. He recognizes the limits of his current cultivation, continues advancing his techniques, and deliberately seeks practical combat experience rather than relying only on theoretical strength. His mastery of the Blood Skull Technique also reveals a more tactical and dangerous side.
• Nian Nu: Shows that her combat ability exceeds what her cultivation level suggests. Her speed, reflexes, and close-combat instincts allow her to challenge Zheng Que and evade the Blood Skulls. She also displays confidence and effectiveness under pressure.
• Qing Li and Ku Lan: Remain on guard in the cave abode while Zheng Que cultivates and prepares. Their presence emphasizes Zheng Que’s reliance on his Ghost Servants and prepared forces.

Significant Themes

• Limits of cultivation and hidden mysteries: The tortoiseshell and coin hint at a powerful secret that Zheng Que cannot yet access, reinforcing the idea that knowledge and power are gated by cultivation.
• Preparation before major trials: Zheng Que uses the days before the Immortal Examination to strengthen his abilities, refine techniques, and gain battle experience.
• Strength beyond appearances: Nian Nu’s lower cultivation does not prevent her from matching Zheng Que through superior speed and combat skill.
• Growth through experimentation: Zheng Que continually tests new abilities, including Mystic Fire and Blood Skulls, learning how they perform in actual combat.
• Dangerous, unconventional techniques: The parasitic behavior of the strengthened Blood Skull highlights the sinister and unpredictable nature of Zheng Que’s supernatural methods.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que directs Qing Li, Ku Lan, and Nian Nu to guard the cave abode while he investigates the artifacts.
• He personally invites Nian Nu to spar, treating the match as training rather than punishment or domination.
• During the battle, Nian Nu counters Zheng Que’s attacks and repeatedly exploits openings, forcing him to escalate by using and empowering the Blood Skulls.
• The chapter ends with Zheng Que’s enhanced technique beginning to affect Nian Nu directly, setting up the continuation of their dangerous sparring match.

Chapter Summary: “Battle Qing Li Again”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que finishes testing his Blood Skull Technique against Nian Nu. The incomplete blood skulls parasitize her limbs and body, weighing her down until she is unable to move.
• Zheng Que releases Nian Nu from the technique, and she respectfully admits defeat. He assesses that although Nian Nu is exceptionally strong for her cultivation level—possibly stronger than ordinary Earth-grade Foundation Establishment cultivators—she still falls short of Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment cultivators, especially those possessing combat-related Laws.
• Zheng Que summons Qing Li for another test battle. Before fighting, he spends time refining nine new blood skulls to replace those expended against Nian Nu.
• Qing Li attacks immediately and overwhelms Zheng Que with tremendous speed and relentless ghost techniques. Zheng Que is forced to repeatedly use the Phantom Escape Technique, unable to find an opening to cast spells.
• When Qing Li’s attack finally closes in, Zheng Que uses the Golden Cicada Armor to block her strike and activates his Dao Foundation to strengthen the Blood Skull Technique.
• The nine enhanced blood skulls attack Qing Li. Although she destroys them with her Jealous Finger technique, the fragments parasitize her arms and make them extremely heavy.
• Qing Li counters with Eerie Poison, dissolving the parasitic blood skulls into pus. Zheng Que then uses the Heavenly Wheel Mystic Fire Art, but Qing Li repels the flames with her Soul Wind.
• Qing Li follows up with Mass Grudge, summoning ghost hands from the floor to restrain and drag Zheng Que underground. The Golden Cicada Armor cannot defend against this technique.
• As Zheng Que is caught, Qing Li unleashes a piercing Soul Howl, leaving the battle unresolved at the chapter’s end.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Demonstrates careful battle analysis and tactical adaptation. He recognizes Qing Li as significantly more dangerous than Nian Nu and begins the fight by using his Dao Foundation, indicating that he takes her strength seriously. He also continues refining and expanding his arsenal of techniques.
• Nian Nu: Shows loyalty and humility by accepting defeat without resistance. Her strength is confirmed to be formidable, but her limited range of techniques prevents her from competing with higher-level opponents.
• Qing Li: Establishes herself as far more oppressive and versatile than Nian Nu. Her speed, physical reach, poison, wind, restraint, and soul-based attacks force Zheng Que into a purely defensive position.

Significant Themes

• Strength versus versatility: Nian Nu possesses great physical power but lacks enough techniques to overcome Zheng Que, while Qing Li’s diverse abilities allow her to dominate the battle.
• Continuous improvement and preparation: Zheng Que immediately replaces his depleted blood skulls and adjusts his tactics based on Qing Li’s superior strength.
• Limits of cultivation realms: The chapter emphasizes the gap between Earth-grade and Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment, particularly the importance of possessing a combat-related Law.
• Mutual testing through combat: The battles function as practical experiments, allowing Zheng Que to evaluate his techniques and his subordinates’ capabilities.
• Escalating danger: Qing Li’s performance reveals that each battle requires Zheng Que to use more powerful defenses and abilities.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que treats Nian Nu as a subordinate and gives her permission to rest after acknowledging her defeat.
• Nian Nu respectfully calls Zheng Que “my lord” and obeys his order to summon Qing Li.
• Qing Li remains openly disrespectful, calling Zheng Que a “human brat,” which provokes his silent determination to teach her a lesson.
• Their battle is direct and aggressive: Qing Li attacks without hesitation, while Zheng Que relies on evasion, defensive treasures, and carefully timed techniques to survive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que faces Qing Li, a powerful Female Hanging Ghost, in a spell-testing room.
• He uses his spiritual blood to counter her ghostly attacks and then deploys [Tongue-Pulling Hell] ghosts with the [Soul Explosion Technique].
• Qing Li uses the [Voice Calling Technique] to steal Zheng Que's power, but he counters with the [Yin-Draw Curse] to restrict her vision and exhaust her.
• Zheng Que defeats Qing Li after a fierce battle, leaving her weakened but alive.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his growth in power and strategic thinking, using his unique spells and techniques to counter Qing Li's strengths.
• Qing Li shows her formidable power and speed but lacks combat experience, leading to her defeat.

Significant Themes

• The importance of combat experience and adaptability in battle.
• The suppression of Yin Energy by Yang Energy, as seen in Zheng Que's spiritual blood.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and ghosts, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Qing Li engage in a intense battle, showcasing their respective powers and strategies.
• Qing Li attempts to use Zheng Que's feelings for Nian Nu against him, but he remains steadfast.
• Despite her defeat, Qing Li maintains her arrogance and claims victory based on Zheng Que's physical position.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Qing Li have a rematch. Qing Li uses underhanded tactics to win, but Zheng Que turns the tables by lecturing her on the true purpose of sparring.
• Ku Lan enters the spell-testing room to spar with Zheng Que, but she reveals that Zheng Que is under an illusion spell and tries to take advantage of his weakened state.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows growth in his understanding of cultivation and the Great Dao, demonstrating maturity and wisdom beyond his years.
• Qing Li displays her shameless and manipulative nature, but also shows she can learn from Zheng Que's words.
• Ku Lan reveals her true colors as a deceitful and opportunistic character.

Significant Themes

• The true purpose of cultivation and sparring: to gain insight into the Great Dao, solidify foundations, and prepare for future advancement.
• The dangers of narrow-mindedness and a single-minded pursuit of victory.
• The manipulative and deceptive nature of some characters.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Qing Li's interaction highlights their growing understanding and respect for each other, despite their differences.
• Zheng Que and Ku Lan's interaction reveals Ku Lan's true intentions and her attempt to exploit Zheng Que's weakness.
• Qing Li and Ku Lan's interaction shows their alliance and shared disdain for Zheng Que.

• Zheng Que discovers he can use ghost cores and heavenly treasures for Foundation Establishment, not just pills.
• He decides to research ghost creatures and visit the Administrative Judge for more information.
• Zheng Que tests his techniques in the technique-testing chamber, fighting Ku Lan to a draw.
• He finds that Ku Lan has exceptional combat experience and talent.
• Zheng Que refines more Blood Skulls and tests enhancing his techniques with his Dao Foundation.
• Techniques enhanced with the Dao Foundation include [Golden Cicada Armor], [Soul Search Technique], [Yin Gathering Technique], and [Spirit Descent Technique].

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que tests all his spells and leaves the spell-testing room.
• He seeks Xiang Songnian's advice on using a Ghost Core for Foundation Establishment, but Xiang admits he doesn't know much about it due to the madness it often causes.
• Xiang explains that using different heavenly treasures and earthly treasures for Foundation Establishment grants different effects, such as faster spellcasting or increased spell power.
• Zheng Que asks about [Soul Puppets], learning they can control weaker ghostly beings and become stronger with more controlled beings.
• He heads to the Flower Path Cave Abode, where Mu Xiangu tells him Gao Yinxia is ready for dual cultivation. Zheng Que resists the temptation, focusing on the upcoming Immortal Examination.
• He instructs Mu Xiangu to follow him during the examination and notify the Ghost Bride outside the city.
• Upon returning home, Zheng Que sees Shu Yunying emerge from the artifact-forging chamber, having successfully forged a Dharma garment.
• However, the Dharma garment is ruined and resembles a Yin garment, with holes all over it. Zheng Que praises Shu Yunying to boost her morale and they spar in the spell-testing room.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows restraint and focus on his cultivation goals, resisting the temptation of dual cultivation with Gao Yinxia.
• Shu Yunying successfully forges a Dharma garment but ruins it in the process, revealing her inexperience in artifact forging.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and unknowns of using a Ghost Core for Foundation Establishment.
• The potential benefits and drawbacks of using different heavenly treasures and earthly treasures for Foundation Establishment.
• The power dynamics and control aspects of [Soul Puppets].
• The consequences of inexperience and overconfidence in artifact forging, as seen with Shu Yunying's ruined Dharma garment.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que seeks advice from Xiang Songnian about Ghost Core Foundation Establishment.
• He interacts with Mu Xiangu at the Flower Path Cave Abode, giving her instructions for the upcoming Immortal Examination.
• Zheng Que spars with Shu Yunying in the spell-testing room after she forges a Dharma garment.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Shu Yunying engage in a sparring match. Shu Yunying wears a Yin garment, the [Startled Swan Mist-Gauze Dress], which increases Yin Energy but muddles her senses.
• Zheng Que pulls back his attack midway, but Shu Yunying, deluded by the garment, continues and injures him.
• Zheng Que removes the Yin garment, snapping Shu Yunying out of her delusion. She realizes she lost the match and scolds Zheng Que, believing he had improper thoughts towards her.
• Zheng Que suggests they continue the Shu family bloodline together, as they are the only survivors of Shu Family Fort. Shu Yunying, believing Zheng Que to be a living person due to her memory lapses, agrees.

Character Developments

• Shu Yunying: Realizes the side effects of her forged Yin garment, experiences memory lapses, and agrees to continue the family bloodline with Zheng Que, believing him to be a living person.
• Zheng Que: Shows concern for Shu Yunying's safety and the future of Shu Family Fort, takes advantage of Shu Yunying's delusion to remove her garment, and suggests they continue the family bloodline together.

Significant Themes

• Delusion vs. Reality: Shu Yunying's delusion due to the Yin garment highlights the theme of how one's perceptions can be distorted by external influences.
• Responsibility and Legacy: Zheng Que's focus on continuing the Shu family bloodline emphasizes the theme of responsibility towards one's family and ancestors.
• Memory and Identity: Shu Yunying's memory lapses raise questions about her identity and her perception of reality.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Shu Yunying's sparring match turns into a learning experience for Shu Yunying about the dangers of her Yin garment.
• Zheng Que's removal of Shu Yunying's garment, while initially misinterpreted by her, leads to a serious discussion about their future and the Shu family legacy.
• Their interaction highlights the power dynamics between a master and servant, as well as the blurring of these lines due to their unique situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que decides not to return Shu Yunying to the ruins of Shu Family Fort and instead teaches her two arts, [Soul Search Technique] and [Concealment Technique], which she transforms into ghost techniques and yin arts.
• Zheng Que learns one Shu Family Fort art, [Netherworld Finger], from Shu Yunying.
• Zheng Que cultivates his arts for two days before heading to the yamen for the Immortal Examination.
• At the yamen, he encounters Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie, who avoid him. Shang Zhaozu warns Zheng Que about them.
• Xiang Songnian and Cen Fuyi, the examiners, arrive and announce the start of the Immortal Examination.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his willingness to help Shu Yunying, teaching her arts and learning from her.
• Zheng Que's cultivation improves, though not significantly.
• Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie show fear of Zheng Que.
• Shang Zhaozu shows concern for Zheng Que's safety.
• Cen Fuyi, a new character, is introduced as an examiner and shows interest in Zheng Que.

Significant Themes

• The power of [Life Illumination] and its limitations in learning new arts.
• The fear and respect Zheng Que commands among his peers.
• The importance of the Immortal Examination and the attention it draws from powerful cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with Shu Yunying, teaching her arts and learning from her.
• Zheng Que encounters his rivals, Feng Guangchang, Mao Yanxin, Yuan Zhonghao, and Jing Zhengjie, who avoid him.
• Zheng Que has a brief exchange with Shang Zhaozu, who warns him about their rivals.
• Zheng Que meets the examiners, Xiang Songnian and Cen Fuyi, with Cen Fuyi showing particular interest in him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Songnian summons a Dharma Boat to transport Immortal Examination candidates, violating the prefectural city's no-flying rule, but allowed during the Immortal Examination.
• Cen Fuyi asks about Zheng Que, and Xiang Songnian reveals his name and origin.
• The Dharma Boat departs, followed by two mysterious figures and the Ghost Wedding Procession.
• Zheng Que is approached by Cen Fuyi in his room, who tries to recruit him to her husband's faction.
• Xiang Songnian enters, scolds Cen Fuyi, and warns Zheng Que to focus on his own cultivation.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que remains respectful and honest, revealing his background and motivations to Cen Fuyi.
• Xiang Songnian shows concern for Zheng Que's cultivation and protects him from Cen Fuyi's influence.
• Cen Fuyi demonstrates her power and ambition, trying to poach Zheng Que for her husband's faction.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivating one's own "Law" and personal growth.
• The political intrigue and competition within the imperial court and its factions.
• The significance of the Immortal Examination as a talent selection event.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Songnian and Cen Fuyi display tension and rivalry, with Cen Fuyi trying to undermine Xiang Songnian's influence over Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que interacts with both examiners, remaining respectful and honest with each, but ultimately shows more deference to Xiang Songnian.

Chapter Summary: “Can Be Mobilized”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns that the Immortal Examination will be held in Blood Pass, the homeland of the ghost [Evil Shadow Play].
• Xiang Songnian explains that Blood Pass lies beyond imperial control and is covered in blood mist filled with murderous intent. It contains valuable resources but also enormous numbers of powerful ghosts, including possible [Iron Tree Hell] entities.
• Cultivators below the Golden Core Realm are less likely to attract the attention of the strongest ghosts, though survival still depends on ability and luck.
• The journey to Blood Pass will take about half a month. Other examinees will arrive from across the empire and are likely to form regional groups.
• Xiang Songnian warns Zheng Que to prioritize his individual ranking, not the survival of fellow examinees from Qingrao Prefecture. A high ranking is more valuable to the imperial court than the number of local candidates who pass.
• Zheng Que begins cultivating aboard the Dharma Boat. During the journey, the boat is repeatedly attacked by ghosts. Xiang Songnian and Cen Fuyi repel the attackers, but apparently do not kill any [Iron Tree Hell] ghosts.
• After ten days, Zheng Que develops a second black pattern, greatly strengthening his [Golden Cicada Armor].
• Near the end of the chapter, Zheng Que checks the [Life and Death Book] and discovers that [Evil Shadow Play]’s record has changed: it is now classified as a Yin Messenger and can be dispatched.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more aware of the danger and competitive nature of the Immortal Examination. He recognizes that success will require maximizing his personal ranking rather than helping others.
• He continues cultivating the [Dust-Shedding Scripture] and strengthens his defensive divine ability, [Golden Cicada Armor].
• Zheng Que also shows increasing interest in the powers and implications of the [Life and Death Book], particularly the possibility of mobilizing powerful ghosts.
• Xiang Songnian reveals a pragmatic and ruthless attitude toward the examination, placing ranking and imperial benefit above the lives of lesser candidates.
• Cen Fuyi remains mostly in the background but assists Xiang Songnian in defending the Dharma Boat.

Significant Themes

• Survival and competition: Blood Pass is both a place of opportunity and extreme danger, where cultivators must rely on strength and fortune.
• Individual advancement versus collective loyalty: Zheng Que is explicitly told that his own achievement matters more than protecting fellow examinees.
• The dangers beyond civilization: Blood Pass represents a region outside imperial authority, where ghosts and Yin Energy exist without restraint.
• Hidden power and preparation: Zheng Que’s cultivation and the strengthening of [Golden Cicada Armor] suggest his growing readiness for the examination.
• Authority over ghosts: The transformation of [Evil Shadow Play] into a dispatchable Yin Messenger hints that Zheng Que may soon be able to use a powerful ghost as an asset.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que repeatedly questions Xiang Songnian about Blood Pass and the Immortal Examination, while Xiang Songnian provides general guidance but refuses to reveal the examination’s actual subjects.
• Zheng Que asks whether he should assist Qingrao Prefecture’s other candidates, but Xiang Songnian firmly instructs him to focus only on raising his own ranking.
• Xiang Songnian and Cen Fuyi work together to repel repeated ghost attacks on the Dharma Boat.
• Zheng Que avoids summoning Ku Lan because he suspects the meditation chamber is not private and fears Xiang Songnian or Cen Fuyi could observe them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns that [Evil Shadow Play] can now be dispatched, indicating it's near Blood Pass.
• He decides to wait for Luo Fuyu and Mu Xiangu to arrive before confronting [Evil Shadow Play].
• Zheng Que notices an increase in recorded deaths, likely due to [Evil Shadow Play]'s actions.
• The Dharma Boat stops at Blood Pass, and an announcement is made for cultivators to gather on deck.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates strategic thinking, planning to use Luo Fuyu and Mu Xiangu to contain [Evil Shadow Play].
• Zheng Que's understanding of his cultivation method, the [Dust-Shedding Scripture], deepens as he observes the formation of his third "Grievance Mark."

Significant Themes

• Pursuit and control over [Evil Shadow Play] continues to be a central focus.
• The theme of distance affecting the Underworld's control over Yin Messengers is introduced.
• The theme of cultivators' wariness and fear of Zheng Que is evident in Feng Guangchang's apology gift.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que's thoughts revolve around [Evil Shadow Play], Luo Fuyu, and Mu Xiangu, indicating his strategic planning for their interactions.
• Zheng Que's relationship with Feng Guangchang and the other three is tense, with Feng Guangchang attempting to appease Zheng Que.