Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shu Yunying successfully forges a [Startled Swan Mist-Gauze Dress] with fewer holes and in less time than her previous attempt.
• A massive ghost tide approaches Blood Pass, threatening the base.
• Shu Yunying defends the base, using her [Lesser Heaven-Supporting Hand] to slaughter incoming ghosts.
• A variety of powerful ghosts emerge from the tide, including a mountain-of-flesh ghost and blood-gathered ghosts.
• Linghu Yuniang joins the fight, but her strength is limited to ghosts below the ninth level of [Tongue-Pulling Hell].
• A cloud of pink smoke approaches the base, and Shu Yunying attacks it, scattering nearly half.

Character Developments

• Shu Yunying improves her artifact-forging skills and demonstrates her powerful combat abilities.
• Linghu Yuniang shows initiative in joining the fight but is limited by her cultivation level.

Significant Themes

• The power of Shu Yunying's laughter, which drives ghosts to attack each other.
• The relentless nature of the ghost tide and the base's struggle to defend against it.

Character Interactions

• Shu Yunying and Linghu Yuniang fight side by side to defend the base, showing a basic level of cooperation.
• Shu Yunying's attack on the pink smoke cloud suggests a lack of trust or recognition of the entity within.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que follows Xue Shuangzi through her racial talent, [Rouge Weeping Dew], to avoid detection by ghosts.
• They encounter Shu Yunying, who attacks them due to Zheng Que's concealment.
• The stronghold is under siege by a massive ghost tide, with only Shu Yunying and Linghu Yuniang defending it.
• Zheng Que uses his [Ghost Controlling Technique] and Soul-Calling Banner to temporarily halt the ghost tide's advance.
• Zheng Que and the others retreat into the stronghold, activating the grand formation to resist the ghosts.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness under pressure.
• Xue Shuangzi's [Rouge Weeping Dew] proves useful for stealth and evasion.
• Shu Yunying's strength and endurance are showcased as she holds off the ghost tide single-handedly.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and cooperation against overwhelming odds.
• The importance of strategic planning and resource management in desperate situations.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi work together to navigate the ghost-infested area.
• Zheng Que, Shu Yunying, and Linghu Yuniang defend the stronghold against the ghost tide.
• Zheng Que takes charge and issues orders to his subordinates, demonstrating his leadership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A sudden ghost tide attacks the stronghold, threatening to overwhelm its grand formation.
• Zheng Que uses the formation to its fullest, consuming vast amounts of Spirit Stones and raw ore to maintain it.
• An [Iron Tree Hell] ghost appears, causing the formation to crack, and Zheng Que orders an evacuation.
• Mu Xiangu arrives, repels the [Iron Tree Hell] ghost, and scares off the ghost tide, saving the stronghold.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in managing the formation under pressure.
• Mu Xiangu reveals his immense power, capable of repelling [Iron Tree Hell] ghosts and scattering the ghost tide.

Significant Themes

• The power of formations and their limitations, highlighting the importance of cultivators' personal strength.
• The threat posed by [Iron Tree Hell] ghosts and the fear they instill in other ghosts.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi work together to maintain the formation, showing trust and understanding between them.
• Mu Xiangu's timely arrival and intervention save Zheng Que and the stronghold, indicating a potential alliance or mentorship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive ghost tide sweeps through Blood Pass, including entities from the feared [Iron Tree Hell].
• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu decide to seek refuge in an Anomaly nearby, as the ghost tide is too powerful and unpredictable.
• Zheng Que leads the group to a wasteland marked on the map as an Anomaly, but it only allows living beings to enter.
• Zheng Que decides to enter the Anomaly alone, while Mu Xiangu and the other female ghosts wait outside.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates quick thinking and decisiveness in the face of danger, prioritizing safety over resources.
• Mu Xiangu shows concern for Zheng Que's well-being and agrees to protect him until he can enter the Anomaly.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of the ghost tide and the Anomalies.
• The importance of quick decision-making and adaptability in the Immortal Examination.
• The distinction between Anomalies that can be encountered by living beings, ghosts, or both.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu work together to ensure Zheng Que's safety during the ghost tide.
• Zheng Que prioritizes the safety of the female ghosts under his protection, even if it means leaving them behind temporarily.
• Mu Xiangu shows understanding and cooperation with Zheng Que's plan, demonstrating trust in his abilities.

Chapter Summary: “Unmanned Marketplace”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns from Mu Xiangu that the anomaly is difficult to enter because something unusual—and possibly a hidden Law Ghost—may be inside. Mu Xiangu cannot enter immediately because the enormous ghost tide is approaching, and entering or rescuing Zheng Que would take time.
• Suspecting that the anomaly may contain a powerful “Law,” Zheng Que takes precautions. He stores Shu Yunying, Xue Shuangzi, and Linghu Yuniang in his Soul-Nurturing Bag before entering.
• Mu Xiangu uses the powers of [Iron Tree Hell][Painted Skin] to clear a path through the ghost tide, allowing Zheng Que to approach the anomaly.
• Zheng Que discovers that the anomaly resists entry when certain intelligent Ghost Servants are inside his bag. After releasing Linghu Yuniang and then Shu Yunying, the resistance weakens enough for him to enter.
• Mu Xiangu withdraws from the area with Shu Yunying and Linghu Yuniang, while Zheng Que crosses into the anomaly alone.
• Inside, the wasteland transforms into an eerily orderly but completely deserted marketplace filled with shops, stalls, wine banners, and fresh spirit fruits. The setting appears normal, but the absence of people makes it unsettling.
• Zheng Que finds ten other cultivators beneath the marketplace’s archway, bringing the total to eleven. They include weak Qi Refinement cultivators, several Foundation Establishment cultivators, a distinguished young noble, and two unaffiliated cultivators.
• He realizes that the anomaly permits intelligent Ghost Servants only in limited numbers, so he summons Xue Shuangzi after confirming the restriction does not apply to ordinary ghost creatures.
• The gathered cultivators begin identifying one another. They reveal that they entered the anomaly to escape dangerous ghost creatures and the deadly competition surrounding Blood Pass.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes increasingly cautious and analytical. His past experience with Law Ghosts leads him to suspect that the anomaly may conceal a dangerous supernatural rule. He also demonstrates practical judgment by testing the entry restriction and selectively releasing his Ghost Servants.
• Mu Xiangu displays overwhelming power by forcing open a temporary path through the ghost tide with her [Iron Tree Hell][Painted Skin] aura. Despite her strength, she recognizes the danger of the anomaly and refuses to enter without sufficient time to investigate.
• Xue Shuangzi is summoned inside the anomaly and immediately presents an intimidating, cold presence, suggesting that her killing intent may affect how others perceive Zheng Que.
• Le Jingxuan, previously encountered by Zheng Que, identifies himself as a descendant of the Le clan. He recognizes the powerful young cultivator as Young Duke Yin Congyi and behaves respectfully toward him.
• Yin Congyi is introduced as a handsome, high-status cultivator at the peak of Qi Refinement, surrounded by four Foundation Establishment experts. His composure and entourage establish his elite background and influence.
• Liao Zhanbo, an old rogue cultivator rather than an Immortal Examination candidate, enters the anomaly seeking an opportunity to form a core, adding an older and more independent figure to the group.
• Three surviving Qi Refinement cultivators reveal that their companions were killed by a ghost creature from [Scissor Hell], emphasizing the lethal conditions outside the anomaly.

Significant Themes

• The danger of hidden laws and illusions: Zheng Que’s fear that a Law Ghost may inhabit the anomaly highlights how reality itself can become unreliable and deadly.
• Survival through caution and adaptability: Rather than rushing inside, Zheng Que investigates the anomaly’s restrictions and adjusts his strategy.
• The fragility of power: Even Foundation Establishment cultivators and well-equipped examinees are forced to flee from stronger ghost creatures and seek shelter.
• Social hierarchy and status: The contrast between ordinary examinees, powerful cultivators, noble figures, and rogue cultivators reflects the varied backgrounds competing in the Immortal Examination.
• False normality: The marketplace appears peaceful and prosperous, yet its complete emptiness creates an atmosphere of supernatural danger. The orderly environment may conceal unknown rules or threats.
• Competition versus cooperation: The cultivators have gathered for survival, but their differing strengths, loyalties, and social positions suggest that cooperation may be temporary.

Character Interactions

• Mu Xiangu advises Zheng Que about the anomaly and helps him escape the approaching ghost tide, while Zheng Que follows her guidance to test which Ghost Servants prevent entry.
• Zheng Que’s arrival surprises Le Jingxuan, who recognizes him from their earlier encounter while fleeing an [Iron Tree Hell] ghost creature.
• Yin Congyi questions the group and establishes himself as the most socially prominent figure present.
• The weaker examinees cautiously bond over their shared status and survival, while Le Jingxuan respectfully introduces himself to Yin Congyi.
• Le Jingxuan’s account links Zheng Que and himself through their earlier encounter with the same danger, though Zheng Que remains silent and observant.
• Liao Zhanbo independently introduces himself and explains his goal of forming a core, distinguishing himself from the examination participants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, Le Jingxuan, and Liao Zhanbo meet in an anomaly, having entered it at different times but appearing together.
• They discuss the unusual time discrepancy, with Liao Zhanbo suggesting it's due to a sensory perception error.
• Yin Congyi, a young duke, dismisses the idea of time-related rules, claiming it's common for anomalies to affect senses.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows strategic thinking and remains calm under uncertainty.
• Le Jingxuan: Reveals lack of knowledge about common cultivation concepts and seems embarrassed by it.
• Liao Zhanbo: Demonstrates understanding of anomalies and their effects on senses, despite being a Rogue Cultivator.
• Yin Congyi: Displays arrogance, dismissiveness, and a desire to explore the anomaly.

Significant Themes

• The nature of anomalies and their effects on cultivators' senses and perceptions.
• The disparity in knowledge and experience among cultivators from different backgrounds.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Liao Zhanbo: Both show understanding and acceptance of each other's insights.
• Yin Congyi and Le Jingxuan: Yin Congyi displays contempt for Le Jingxuan's lack of knowledge.
• Yin Congyi and the group: He offers to lead Zheng Que and Liao Zhanbo in exploring the anomaly, showing a desire for their cooperation.

Chapter Summary: “Teaming Up”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yin Congyi, the Young Duke, attempts to recruit Liao Zhanbo and Zheng Que into his group for protection while exploring the [Scissor Hell] Anomaly. Both men refuse.
• Yin Congyi accepts their decision and enters the marketplace with his four Foundation Establishment subordinates.
• Three Qi Refinement Level Nine cultivators from Chong Prefecture—Jiang Zhaojie, Chu Xiuping, and Bu Jianliang—try to follow Yin Congyi, but one of his subordinates violently repels them. They are left behind in fear and humiliation.
• Liao Zhanbo offers protection to the three abandoned cultivators, explaining that their low cultivation makes survival in the Anomaly unlikely without a Foundation Establishment expert. They gratefully join him.
• Liao also invites Le Jingxuan to travel with his group, but Le Jingxuan instead chooses to follow Zheng Que, whose strength and mysterious Ghost Servant, Xue Shuangzi, have impressed him.
• Zheng Que agrees to let Le Jingxuan join on the condition that he obeys.
• Liao Zhanbo and the three Qi Refinement cultivators depart to search for an exit, while Zheng Que, Xue Shuangzi, and Le Jingxuan remain behind.
• Zheng Que studies the strange marketplace, which appears perfectly maintained and fully stocked but is completely devoid of people. Recognizing the need for information, he orders the group to move forward and investigate.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates authority and caution. He accepts Le Jingxuan into his group but makes clear that obedience is required. He also quickly recognizes that the Anomaly likely contains hidden dangers and possibly valuable Laws.
• Liao Zhanbo reveals a compassionate side beneath his independent Rogue Cultivator identity. Although he refuses Yin Congyi’s invitation, he willingly protects weaker cultivators and takes responsibility for their survival.
• Yin Congyi appears confident and selective. He does not tolerate followers who lack sufficient strength, allowing his subordinate to drive away the three weaker cultivators.
• Le Jingxuan shows practical judgment by choosing Zheng Que over Liao Zhanbo. His decision is based on Zheng Que’s demonstrated power and his possession of Xue Shuangzi, a dangerous Ghost Servant formerly associated with Iron Tree Hell.
• Jiang Zhaojie, Chu Xiuping, and Bu Jianliang shift from desperate, humiliated outsiders to loyal followers of Liao Zhanbo.
• Xue Shuangzi remains silent but serves as an important indication of Zheng Que’s hidden strength and unusual accomplishments.

Significant Themes

• Strength determines survival: The Anomaly is portrayed as a place where weaker cultivators cannot survive without powerful protection.
• Trust and allegiance: Characters choose companions based on perceived strength, reliability, and personal conduct rather than status alone.
• Compassion versus hierarchy: Yin Congyi’s group values strength and rejects the weak, while Liao Zhanbo earns loyalty through generosity and protection.
• Hidden motives and ambition: Zheng Que suspects that both Yin Congyi and Liao Zhanbo entered the Anomaly with specific goals, likely related to obtaining its Law or advancing their cultivation.
• The uncanny and abandoned world: The empty yet perfectly preserved marketplace creates an atmosphere of supernatural mystery, suggesting that the Anomaly conceals a major disaster or threat.

Character Interactions

• Yin Congyi’s recruitment attempts fail with both Liao Zhanbo and Zheng Que, establishing their independence.
• Yin Congyi’s subordinate physically rejects the three Qi Refinement cultivators, highlighting the harsh social hierarchy between cultivation levels.
• Liao Zhanbo contrasts Yin Congyi’s treatment by accepting and encouraging the three weaker cultivators.
• Le Jingxuan respectfully approaches Zheng Que instead of joining Liao’s group, emphasizing his confidence in Zheng Que’s strength.
• Zheng Que’s acceptance of Le Jingxuan establishes a new three-person team: Zheng Que, Xue Shuangzi, and Le Jingxuan.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yin Congyi’s group explores an abandoned marketplace within the Blood Pass “Anomaly.” Four Foundation Establishment cultivators—two in front and two behind—protect him as they search for the Anomaly’s hidden “Law.”
• An elderly guard recognizes the marketplace and suggests it may be connected to a past Imperial Court Immortal Examination. Yin Congyi explains that the marketplace was built by cultivators sent by the court to reclaim Blood Pass. Those cultivators later disappeared overnight, causing the court to abandon its plans to control the region.
• Yin Congyi reveals that the current examination questions were based on that historical reclamation effort, though he seems to know this information without having learned it beforehand.
• As the group proceeds through the marketplace, Yin Congyi repeatedly notices inconsistencies in the number and arrangement of his companions. He briefly realizes that he may be speaking to people who are not actually present, but an inexplicable force causes him to dismiss these doubts.
• The group reaches the secluded Yuwen Estate, the former residence of the marketplace’s master. Yin Congyi senses that a fragment of the Anomaly’s “Law” lies inside.
• Just as he attempts to open the estate’s door, Yin Congyi vanishes like a bursting bubble, leaving the entrance completely empty.
• Elsewhere, Liao Zhanbo leads three ninth-level Qi Refinement examinees into a mysterious coffin shop rather than directly searching for an exit. The shop contains coffins, funeral goods, an unlit incense stick, and a vivid water-lily painting.
• Liao asks the examinees about the different types of ghosts. Chu Xiuping lists Resentful Souls, Fierce Souls, Tricky Specters, Evil Omens, Wicked Sins, and Anomalies.
• Liao rejects this classification and declares that there are fundamentally only two kinds of ghosts: those born from nature and those transformed from human beings.

Character Developments

• Yin Congyi appears calm, knowledgeable, and focused on obtaining the Law, but his confidence is undermined by the Anomaly’s ability to distort his perception and memory. He begins to glimpse the truth, yet cannot hold onto his suspicions.
• The four Foundation Establishment cultivators function as Yin Congyi’s protective escort, though the shifting descriptions of their positions suggest that some—or all—may be manifestations of the Anomaly.
• Liao Zhanbo demonstrates authority and unsettling confidence. His deliberate decision to enter the coffin shop suggests he understands the Anomaly better than the examinees and may have a hidden purpose.
• Jiang Zhaojie, Chu Xiuping, and Bu Jianliang are frightened but dependent on Liao. Chu’s explanation establishes their conventional understanding of ghostly entities, which Liao immediately challenges.

Significant Themes

• Distorted perception and unreliable reality: Yin Congyi repeatedly senses contradictions but is compelled to forget or ignore them, showing how completely the Anomaly can manipulate consciousness.
• Hidden history and suppressed knowledge: The marketplace is a remnant of a failed Imperial Court reclamation project, implying that Blood Pass conceals dangerous events even the court has not fully revealed.
• The limits of classification: The examinees’ elaborate taxonomy of ghosts is reduced by Liao’s simpler distinction between natural-born ghosts and human-transformed ghosts.
• Human ambition versus supernatural forces: The court’s attempt to exploit Blood Pass’s resources ended in disaster, while Yin Congyi now repeats that pursuit by seeking the Law.
• Death and transformation: The coffin shop, funeral objects, and discussion of ghosts emphasize the boundary between life, death, and the creation of supernatural entities.

Character Interactions

• Yin Congyi calmly explains the marketplace’s history to his guards, surprising them with knowledge they believe could only have come from leaked examination information.
• The gaunt cultivator questions Yin Congyi, unintentionally exposing the inconsistency in the group’s apparent composition.
• Yin Congyi interacts with the protective group as though they are present, despite increasingly clear signs that the Anomaly has altered his perception.
• Liao’s questioning of the three examinees establishes a teacher-subordinate dynamic: they provide the accepted doctrine, while he asserts a deeper and more disturbing interpretation.
• The chapter ends with Liao physically touching a black coffin and correcting the examinees’ understanding of ghosts, creating a major ominous revelation.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Liao Zhanbo, a seemingly ordinary Rogue Cultivator, reveals extensive knowledge about 'Anomalies' and the Heavenly Artifact Sect's experiments, surprising the other cultivators.
• Bu Jianliang attempts to leave the coffin shop but finds the door immovable, and upon turning around, discovers he's alone in the shop.
• Zheng Que, Xue Shuangzi, and Le Jingxuan enter an apothecary shop, where Zheng Que confronts the son of Silver Mountain Prefecture's magistrate, who was not initially among the examinees.
• At the marketplace entrance, Yin Congyi and his group of twelve cultivators, including the magistrate's son, gather, with Yin Congyi noting that there were no other cultivators present when they arrived.

Character Developments

• Liao Zhanbo: Reveals unexpected knowledge about 'Anomalies' and the Heavenly Artifact Sect, suggesting he's not an ordinary Rogue Cultivator.
• Bu Jianliang: Becomes increasingly suspicious and frightened by Liao Zhanbo's revelations and the strange occurrences in the coffin shop.
• Zheng Que: Recognizes the son of Silver Mountain Prefecture's magistrate but is unsure if he's human or ghost, leading to a tense standoff.
• Yin Congyi: Observes the gathering of cultivators and notes the strange circumstances surrounding their arrival at the marketplace.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Hidden Identities: Liao Zhanbo's true knowledge and intentions are hidden, as are the son of Silver Mountain Prefecture's magistrate's presence and nature in the 'Anomaly.'
• Isolation and Disorientation: Bu Jianliang's sudden isolation in the coffin shop and Le Jingxuan's disappearance reflect the disorienting and isolating effects of the 'Anomaly.'

Character Interactions

• Liao Zhanbo's interactions with the other cultivators reveal his extensive knowledge and raise suspicions about his true identity.
• Zheng Que's interaction with the son of Silver Mountain Prefecture's magistrate is tense, with both parties unsure of the other's nature and intentions.
• Yin Congyi's interaction with the other cultivators at the marketplace entrance highlights the strange circumstances surrounding their gathering.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Yan Dong meet in an apothecary within the Anomaly.
• Yan Dong reveals that there are 12 people in the Anomaly, including himself and Song Jiaoyin from Qin Prefecture, five ninth-level Qi Refinement examinees, and one Rogue Cultivator.
• Zheng Que reveals that there were 11 people when he entered, including Yin Congyi, four of his subordinates, three ninth-level Qi Refinement examinees from Chong Prefecture, and one Rogue Cultivator.
• Yan Dong hints that Yin Congyi has fallen victim to the Anomaly.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows caution and wariness, uses the [Delusion-Breaking Technique] to verify Yan Dong's identity, and reveals information about the people he encountered.
• Yan Dong: Shows interest in Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi, reveals information about the people in the Anomaly, and warns Zheng Que not to lie.

Significant Themes

• Danger and survival within the Anomaly.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and the potential threat they pose to each other.
• The importance of truth and honesty, as lying seems to have consequences within the Anomaly.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Yan Dong: Engage in a question-and-answer session, revealing information about the people in the Anomaly and their experiences. Yan Dong warns Zheng Que not to lie, hinting at potential consequences.
• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi: Zheng Que protects Xue Shuangzi, claiming her as his fated Dao companion.

Chapter Summary: “Make a Friend”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Dong reveals that when the group entered the apothecary, there were actually twelve “people,” not eleven, because the [Rouge Baleful Intent] accompanying Zheng Que is counted as a person. This hints at hidden rules or identities within the anomaly.
• Zheng Que claims to be at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, while concealing the true extent of his abilities. He explains that his combat strength is roughly equivalent to a fourth-level [Scissor Hell] Ghost Servant.
• Yan Dong refuses to exchange further information, claiming Zheng Que has no intelligence left that interests him. He implies that he discovered an important clue and will only reveal it if Zheng Que leaves and re-enters the apothecary.
• Suspicious of Yan Dong’s motives, Zheng Que threatens him with the Soul-Calling Banner and sarcastically offers trivial information as “trade.” He demands that Yan Dong reveal everything about the anomaly, even threatening soul-searching.
• Yan Dong responds by mocking Zheng Que’s low cultivation and unleashes his true strength, revealing himself to be at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, with his True Essence heavily mixed with yin energy.
• Yan Dong attacks Zheng Que, but Zheng Que blocks the palm strike with black qi. Xue Shuangzi simultaneously launches a surprise attack from behind.
• Yan Dong uses a bronze mirror to block Zheng Que’s attack and narrowly evades Xue Shuangzi. Zheng Que then uses the [Phantom Escape Technique] to close in and seize Yan Dong’s wrist.
• Zheng Que summons nine Blood Skulls to surround Yan Dong, but Yan Dong explosively breaks free and escapes through a small door.
• Zheng Que reveals that Yan Dong has been struck by his [Flowing Cloud Guidance], allowing him to track him. He pursues Yan Dong while ordering Xue Shuangzi to guard the exit.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Demonstrates increasing confidence, cunning, and aggression. Rather than accepting Yan Dong’s manipulation, he immediately challenges him and escalates the situation. His ability to fight an opponent at Foundation Establishment Late Stage shows that his actual combat power is considerably greater than his stated cultivation.
• Yan Dong: Shifts from calm information broker to threatening opponent. He appears highly knowledgeable about the anomaly and deliberately withholds information. His strength is revealed to be greater than Zheng Que’s apparent cultivation, though he is surprised by Zheng Que’s resistance and tactical abilities.
• Xue Shuangzi: Continues to act as Zheng Que’s powerful and loyal combat companion. She supports his intimidation tactics and attacks Yan Dong without hesitation, displaying strong killing intent.
• [Rouge Baleful Intent]: Its classification as a “person” introduces uncertainty about its nature and its role in the anomaly, suggesting it may be more significant than a mere enslaved entity.

Significant Themes

• Information as power: Knowledge about the anomaly is treated as a form of currency, and both sides attempt to conceal or manipulate what they know.
• Deception and hidden identities: Zheng Que hides his true strength, while Yan Dong appears to conceal important information and possibly a deeper connection to the anomaly.
• Negotiation turning into conflict: A supposedly cooperative exchange rapidly becomes a confrontation when neither side is willing to yield.
• Strength beyond appearances: Zheng Que’s low cultivation conceals formidable combat ability, while Yan Dong’s seemingly ordinary demeanor masks both his late-stage cultivation and unusual yin energy.
• Uncertainty about personhood: Yan Dong’s statement that the Rouge Baleful Intent counts as a “person” raises questions about the anomaly’s rules and the true identities of those inside it.

Character Interactions

• Yan Dong probes Zheng Que’s identity, cultivation, and abilities while offering carefully limited clues.
• Zheng Que counters Yan Dong’s questions and attempts to pressure him into revealing more information.
• Xue Shuangzi visibly supports Zheng Que, reinforcing his threats and directly attacking Yan Dong when negotiations fail.
• Zheng Que and Yan Dong exchange a brief but intense battle, with Zheng Que coordinating attacks with Xue Shuangzi and using several techniques to prevent Yan Dong’s escape.
• The chapter ends with Zheng Que pursuing Yan Dong through the small door, while Xue Shuangzi remains behind to secure the exit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi enter an apothecary to find Yan Dong, but he disappears without a trace.
• Zheng Que suspects the apothecary is related to the "Law" of the "Anomaly."
• Zheng Que decides to leave the apothecary and search elsewhere, but the doors close behind them.
• Zheng Que senses Yan Dong is still inside and decides not to re-enter to avoid potential risks.
• Zheng Que leads Xue Shuangzi to a secluded corner to cultivate and strengthen her.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more cautious and strategic, considering the potential risks and dangers within the "Anomaly."
• Xue Shuangzi remains loyal and follows Zheng Que's orders without question.
• Yan Dong's condition worsens, and he becomes more ghost-like, with two similar figures appearing in the apothecary.

Significant Themes

• The "Law" of the "Anomaly" is introduced as a significant factor that can affect the characters' actions and decisions.
• The theme of risk and caution is emphasized as Zheng Que chooses not to re-enter the apothecary despite sensing Yan Dong's presence.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi work together, with Zheng Que leading and Xue Shuangzi following his orders.
• Yan Dong and the two ghost-like figures interact in the apothecary, with Yan Dong referring to one of them as "Young Master."

Chapter Summary — Scissor Hell, Eighth Layer

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que reconstructs what happened in the apothecary and realizes that Le Jingxuan disappeared without either he or Xue Shuangzi noticing.
• He concludes that Yan Dong was aware of the disappearance and deliberately manipulated events by having Zheng Que leave and reenter the apothecary.
• Zheng Que theorizes that the apothecary’s Anomaly causes one person to vanish upon entry, possibly erasing everyone’s memories of that person. If he and Xue Shuangzi return alone, one of them may disappear next.
• He also recalls Yan Dong’s warning that Zheng Que would eventually forget the information he had revealed. Zheng Que suspects this memory loss is connected to a clue Yan Dong discovered in the apothecary.
• To reduce the danger, Zheng Que decides that he and Xue Shuangzi must return with several additional people rather than investigate alone.
• Using the Life and Death Book, Zheng Que summons Xue Shuangzi to the Underworld and rewards her with Yin Energy gathered from slain ghosts and the recent ghost tide.
• Xue Shuangzi’s cultivation rises from the seventh to the eighth layer of Scissor Hell, though much of the energy strengthens her previously weak foundation.
• Zheng Que immediately sends her back to the real world to guard his physical body, which remains vulnerable while his Main Soul is in the Underworld.
• While waiting to leave, Zheng Que considers the sudden ghost tide in Blood Pass. He suspects Ghost Bride caused it as part of her promise to make his Immortal Examination more difficult.
• He turns his attention to Evil Shadow Play, a native ghost of Blood Pass who may possess information about the Anomalies there.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more cautious and analytical, identifying the apothecary’s likely memory-erasing rule and recognizing Yan Dong’s hidden intentions.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking by deciding to bring more companions into the apothecary and by using Xue Shuangzi’s improved strength to protect his body.
• Xue Shuangzi advances to the eighth layer of Scissor Hell. Her appearance and aura become more refined and majestic, while her killing intent develops from uncontrolled viciousness into a more disciplined, authoritative presence.
• Yan Dong is revealed to have anticipated Zheng Que’s memory loss and may have intentionally provided information knowing it would later be forgotten.
• Le Jingxuan’s unexplained disappearance becomes the central mystery surrounding the apothecary.
• Ghost Bride is suspected of orchestrating or influencing the massive ghost tide in Blood Pass.

Significant Themes

• Unreliable memory and manipulated perception: The Anomaly can erase memories of vanished people, making it difficult to distinguish reality from altered recollection.
• Hidden rules and psychological danger: The apothecary’s threat lies not only in physical disappearance but also in the loss of awareness that anything has happened.
• Trust and manipulation: Yan Dong’s information may have been given for strategic reasons, while Zheng Que must question what he remembers and who benefits from his ignorance.
• Power and responsibility: Zheng Que uses accumulated Yin Energy to strengthen his allies, balancing advancement with the need to protect his physical body.
• Uncertainty within the Anomalies: The chapter emphasizes that Blood Pass contains dangers and secrets beyond Zheng Que’s current understanding.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Yan Dong: Their earlier confrontation and conversation gain new significance as Zheng Que realizes Yan Dong understood the memory-loss effect and may have exploited it.
• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi: Zheng Que summons and empowers her, while she responds with fear, reverence, and gratitude. He then orders her to return immediately to protect his body.
• Zheng Que and Le Jingxuan: Their partnership is undermined by Le Jingxuan’s unnoticed disappearance, demonstrating the apothecary’s terrifying influence.
• Zheng Que and Ghost Bride: Though Ghost Bride is absent, Zheng Que connects her earlier threat with the later ghost tide and begins investigating her possible role.
• Zheng Que and Evil Shadow Play: Zheng Que considers consulting or examining Evil Shadow Play because its origins in Blood Pass may make it a valuable source of information about the region’s Anomalies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que summons the [Evil Shadow Play] to question it about the 'Anomaly' in Blood Pass.
• The [Evil Shadow Play] reveals that the 'Anomaly' was once a marketplace established by the Great Li Dynasty and that the living people within vanished after a seal deep in Blood Pass was disturbed.
• Zheng Que learns that the seal imprisons something unknown and that a Ghost King stands guard beside it.
• The [Evil Shadow Play] mentions seeing a Nether Shepherd Palace cultivator enter an 'Anomaly' and emerge as a 'Resentful Soul.'

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his authority and power as the Lord of the Underworld, using the Jingtang Wood to subdue the [Evil Shadow Play].
• Zheng Que shows concern for his own safety and the safety of his ghosts, considering the risks involved in dealing with the Ghost King and the 'Anomalies.'

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Lord of the Underworld and the ghosts under his command.
• The dangers and mysteries of Blood Pass, including the 'Anomalies' and the seal.
• The consequences of meddling with forces beyond one's control, as seen in the fate of the marketplace and its inhabitants.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with the [Evil Shadow Play], questioning it and using the Jingtang Wood to assert his dominance.
• Zheng Que considers sending Ghost Bride and Mu Xiangu to deal with the Ghost King but ultimately decides against it due to their potential danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que discovers that a cultivator from Nether Shepherd Palace died inside an Anomaly, which is unusual as they should have become part of it.
• He uses [Evil Shadow Play] to investigate but dismisses it when it starts to fade.
• Upon returning to reality, he encounters Yin Congyi and his group, who don't recognize him and seem to have lost memories related to him.
• Zheng Que realizes that Yin Congyi's group has been inside the Anomaly more than once, with no memory of it.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows his investigative skills and quick thinking, realizing the anomaly's peculiarities and the loss of memories.
• Yin Congyi demonstrates sharp intuition and decisiveness, immediately realizing the problem with his memories and offering a cultivation art in exchange for information.

Significant Themes

• Memory loss and its consequences.
• The mysterious nature of the Anomaly and its rules.
• The struggle for information and resources within the Anomaly.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Yin Congyi engage in a tense exchange, each trying to gain information from the other.
• Yin Congyi's group shows unease and suspicion towards Zheng Que, while he seems to have lost a companion without anyone noticing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, an examinee from Qingrao Prefecture, enters the 'Anomaly' and encounters Yin Congyi's group, who have been stuck in a time loop.
• Zheng Que and Yin Congyi exchange information about the 'Anomaly,' revealing that intelligent ghosts count as 'people' within it and that time perception is distorted.
• Zheng Que learns that Yin Congyi's group has encountered the same people twice, including a Rogue Cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment, but the numbers of Qi Refinement Level Nine examinees from Chong Prefecture do not match.
• Zheng Que decides not to warn Yin Congyi about Song Jiaoyin of Qin Prefecture, who might understand the 'Anomaly' better.
• Yin Congyi decides to find the two Qi Refinement Level Nine examinees from Chong Prefecture to break the loop, while sending one of his subordinates to follow Song Jiaoyin.
• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi encounter an empty, prosperous-looking street in the market town.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows strategic thinking and patience, choosing to gather information rather than forcefully engaging with Yin Congyi's group. He understands the importance of finding allies to navigate the 'Anomaly.'
• Yin Congyi: Realizes that his group is stuck in a time loop and decides to change their plan, focusing on finding the Chong Prefecture examinees to break the cycle. He is cautious and calculated, not revealing crucial information until he understands the cause of their memory loss.

Significant Themes

• Information gathering and exchange: Both Zheng Que and Yin Congyi value information and are willing to trade it to gain an advantage within the 'Anomaly.'
• Time distortion: The 'Anomaly' interferes with the characters' perception of time, leading to confusion and the need to adapt their strategies.
• Alliances and trust: Zheng Que and Yin Congyi consider forming alliances but remain cautious due to the uncertain nature of the 'Anomaly' and the potential for betrayal.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Yin Congyi: They exchange information about the 'Anomaly' but remain wary of each other. Zheng Que withholds information about Song Jiaoyin, while Yin Congyi is cautious about revealing too much.
• Yin Congyi and his subordinates: Yin Congyi gives orders to his subordinates, demonstrating his leadership role within the group. They follow his commands without question.
• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi: Zheng Que shares his thoughts with Xue Shuangzi, indicating their close relationship and trust in each other. Xue Shuangzi asks questions to better understand Zheng Que's plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Zhanbo leads Le Jingxuan and two Qi Refining cultivators to a coffin shop instead of searching for an exit.
• Liao Zhanbo reveals that there are two kinds of ghosts: naturally born and transformed from humans.
• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi track a scar-faced subordinate of Yin Congyi but lose Xue Shuangzi in a crowded market.
• Yin Congyi, with two subordinates, finds the shop where the Chong Prefecture examinees are located, avoiding Zheng Que.

Character Developments

• Liao Zhanbo is revealed to be a ghost, seeking to transform humans into ghosts.
• Le Jingxuan shows courage and initiative in confronting Liao Zhanbo.
• Zheng Que demonstrates resourcefulness and cunning in tracking Yin Congyi's subordinate.
• Yin Congyi displays caution and wariness, avoiding Zheng Que.

Significant Themes

• The dual nature of ghosts: naturally born or transformed from humans.
• The dangers of trusting strangers in an unknown environment.
• The importance of vigilance and caution in the face of potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Liao Zhanbo manipulates Le Jingxuan and the two Qi Refining cultivators, leading them to the coffin shop.
• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi work together to track Yin Congyi's subordinate but face challenges due to the crowded market.
• Yin Congyi and his subordinates collaborate to locate the shop where the Chong Prefecture examinees are, showing a united front against potential threats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yin Congyi, an imperial cultivator, enters an 'Anomaly' shop with his subordinates, searching for missing examinees.
• Inside, they find a vast, empty space filled with Corpse Puppets' coffins and hear a mysterious voice discussing types of ghosts.
• Yin Congyi discovers his body has been replaced by an old, decaying one, and the voice speaks through him, saying he'll become a ghost.

Character Developments

• Yin Congyi: Realizes he's been possessed and his body replaced, leading to a chaotic mental state.
• Xue Shuangzi: Continues her ghostly existence, tracking cultivators, and encounters Song Jiaoyin and her group.

Significant Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: The 'Anomaly' shop distorts perceptions, making it difficult to discern reality.
• Possession: Yin Congyi's body is taken over, raising questions about identity and control.

Character Interactions

• Yin Congyi and his subordinates: They enter the shop together, but Yin Congyi's subordinate is later captured by Song Jiaoyin.
• Xue Shuangzi and Song Jiaoyin: They meet, and Xue Shuangzi plans to attack Song Jiaoyin and her group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que senses an anomaly in a bustling marketplace and stops, causing everything and everyone to freeze.
• People around Zheng Que start transforming into his likeness, causing chaos and confusion.
• Zheng Que struggles to maintain his focus and identity as the transformation spreads.
• He tries various methods to stop the transformation but fails, realizing he needs to use 'Law' against 'Law'.
• Zheng Que kisses a female cultivator to prevent her transformation and escape, leaving her in a daze.
• Inside a shop, Yin Congyi's head suddenly falls off, panicking his companion.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Struggles to maintain his identity and control in the face of the anomaly, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability.
• Yin Congyi: Shows vulnerability as his head falls off unexpectedly, highlighting the danger and unpredictability of the anomaly.
• The Female Cultivator in Peach-Pink Robes: Initially appears confident but becomes disoriented after Zheng Que's action, showing her naivety and lack of experience.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Self: Zheng Que's struggle to maintain his identity amidst the synchronizing figures raises questions about self-perception and reality.
• Danger and Adaptation: The anomaly's threat forces characters to adapt quickly, showcasing their resilience and resourcefulness.
• Unpredictability: The sudden and inexplicable events highlight the unpredictable nature of the anomaly and the world's dangers.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the Crowd: Zheng Que's interaction with the synchronizing crowd illustrates his isolation and vulnerability in the face of the anomaly.
• Yin Congyi and the Female Cultivator in Scarlet Robes: Their interaction showcases their loyalty and concern for each other, even in the face of danger.
• Zheng Que and the Female Cultivator in Peach-Pink Robes: Their interaction demonstrates Zheng Que's desperation and the female cultivator's confusion and disorientation.

Chapter Summary: “Who Is the Master? (First Update!)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Le Jingxuan successfully decapitates the strange Rogue Cultivator Liao Zhanbo with a talisman.
• However, Le Jingxuan suddenly loses control of his body. His body retrieves Liao’s severed head, places it back on his neck, and seemingly restores him completely.
• Liao Zhanbo’s supernatural power becomes clear when Le Jingxuan is compelled to gouge out his own eye and offer it to Liao, who eats it. The fate of the two nearby Chong Prefecture cultivators remains unknown, as they give no response.
• Elsewhere, Zheng Que breaks free from an illusion or anomalous influence by kissing Song Jiaoyin. The false marketplace and surrounding crowd vanish, revealing the true scene.
• Song Jiaoyin is revealed to be holding a scar-faced Foundation Establishment cultivator, accompanied by two female attendants.
• Song Jiaoyin reacts angrily to Zheng Que’s unexpected kiss, striking him and forcing him back.
• Xue Shuangzi immediately attacks Song Jiaoyin, apparently acting under instinct and murderous influence. Song Jiaoyin narrowly escapes with her attendants, though her robe is torn.
• Xue Shuangzi then attempts to kill the scar-faced cultivator, but Zheng Que orders her to stop. She obeys, confirming that Zheng Que’s control over her remains intact despite the anomaly’s effects.
• Zheng Que realizes that the anomaly had temporarily caused him—not Xue Shuangzi—to disappear from his own awareness. His personal “Law” was able to resist or oppose the anomaly’s “Law.”
• Zheng Que takes custody of the scar-faced cultivator for a future soul search and introduces himself to Song Jiaoyin, hoping to obtain information about the anomaly.
• Song Jiaoyin refuses to answer and instead asks Zheng Que, “Who is your master?”

Character Developments

• Le Jingxuan: His confidence collapses after losing control of his body. He becomes a helpless victim of Liao Zhanbo’s terrifying supernatural ability.
• Liao Zhanbo: Demonstrates that he can survive decapitation and possibly control or manipulate other people’s bodies. His grotesque consumption of Le Jingxuan’s eye emphasizes his monstrous nature.
• Zheng Que: Shows resourcefulness by using a kiss to break through the illusion. He recognizes the anomaly’s effect on his perception and confirms that his own Law can resist it. He also maintains authority over Xue Shuangzi and begins seeking alliances and information.
• Xue Shuangzi: Acts violently under confused instincts and altered memories, but still responds to Zheng Que’s command. Her obedience suggests their connection remains powerful despite the anomaly.
• Song Jiaoyin: Revealed as a powerful late-Foundation Establishment cultivator with a superior Dao foundation. She is alert, suspicious, and capable of escaping a dangerous attack, but is angered and unsettled by Zheng Que’s actions.
• The two attendants: Protect and support Song Jiaoyin, reacting with hostility toward Zheng Que.
• The scar-faced cultivator: Is captured by Zheng Que and is intended to be searched for information through his soul.

Significant Themes

• Loss of bodily autonomy: Le Jingxuan’s body becomes an instrument of Liao Zhanbo, illustrating the horror of surrendering control over oneself.
• Reality versus illusion: The market, crowds, and even personal memories are revealed to be manipulated by the anomaly.
• Conflicting Laws and powers: Zheng Que’s Law can contend with the anomaly’s Law, establishing a struggle between supernatural principles rather than merely physical combat.
• Unstable identity and memory: Xue Shuangzi cannot determine whether she acted alone or with Zheng Que, suggesting that the anomaly can alter memory and perception.
• Trust and hidden motives: Zheng Que seeks Song Jiaoyin’s knowledge, but her refusal to cooperate and her question about his master create immediate suspicion and tension.

Character Interactions

• Le Jingxuan and Liao Zhanbo: Their confrontation ends with Liao dominating completely, turning Le Jingxuan’s attack against him.
• Zheng Que and Song Jiaoyin: Their accidental or deliberate kiss frees them from the illusion, but Song Jiaoyin responds with anger and distrust.
• Xue Shuangzi and Song Jiaoyin: Xue launches a surprise killing attack, forcing Song Jiaoyin to retreat.
• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi: Zheng’s command stops Xue from killing the scar-faced cultivator, demonstrating his influence over her.
• Zheng Que and Song Jiaoyin’s group: Zheng attempts to establish communication and identify Song Jiaoyin, but the encounter ends in a tense standoff when she asks about his master instead of answering him.