Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yin Congyi begins constructing the market using talismans and formations.
• Yan Bingyi, within the smoke formation, is being threatened and assaulted by Zheng Que, who seeks to condense a Dao Heart.
• Yan Bingyi explains the process and requirements for condensing a Dao Heart, involving both 'Dao' (action) and 'Heart' (restraint).

Character Developments

• Yin Congyi demonstrates his proficiency in constructing formations and talismans.
• Yan Bingyi, despite her predicament, maintains her composure and explains the intricacies of condensing a Dao Heart.
• Zheng Que reveals his initial confusion about the purpose of the Immortal Examination and his lack of clear personal aspirations.

Significant Themes

• The path of cultivation and the importance of a clear 'Dao' (purpose) and 'Heart' (restraint) in achieving one's goals.
• The role of the imperial court's Law in guiding cultivators and providing structure for their development.

Character Interactions

• Yan Bingyi and Zheng Que: Yan Bingyi, despite her situation, patiently explains the process of condensing a Dao Heart to Zheng Que, who listens attentively and asks clarifying questions.
• Yin Congyi and Yan Bingyi: Yin Congyi focuses on his task, occasionally glancing towards Yan Bingyi's location but not interfering in her interaction with Zheng Que.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que learns that he can forge a Dao Heart by either winning the Immortal Examination, participating in the Six Sects Grand Competition, or finding his own 'true heart'.
• He decides to subdue a Ghost Servant from [Iron Tree Hell] to forge his Dao Heart, preferring a beautiful female ghost.
• Zheng Que asks Yan Bingyi to teach him powerful spells and divine abilities from the path of Ghost Controlling.
• Yan Bingyi agrees to teach him spells under the condition that Yin Congyi cannot learn of it.
• In Zheng Clan Market, Mu Xiangu punishes Zheng Que's Ghost Servants for complaining about her and asks Linghu Yuniang to spread a false narrative about her intervention.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que becomes more determined to forge his Dao Heart and seeks new methods to do so.
• Yan Bingyi, despite her initial reluctance, agrees to teach Zheng Que spells, showing a hint of vulnerability and desperation.
• Mu Xiangu shows her cunning and vengeful side, using her authority to punish Zheng Que's Ghost Servants.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and cultivation, with Zheng Que seeking new methods to forge his Dao Heart.
• Manipulation and deceit, as seen in Mu Xiangu's actions and Zheng Que's dealings with Yan Bingyi.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Yan Bingyi's interaction shows Zheng Que's determination and Yan Bingyi's desperation and vulnerability.
• Mu Xiangu and Linghu Yuniang's interaction highlights Mu Xiangu's cunning and Linghu Yuniang's timidity and compliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi cultivate together, with Zheng Que advancing significantly in his cultivation.
• Zheng Que learns five new spell arts from Yan Bingyi: [Yin Spirit Devours Resentment], [Furious Soul Seal], [United Heart Ghost Hand], [Blood-Peering Art], and [Demon Soul Substitute Puppet].

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Shows caution and wisdom by not immediately cultivating the new spell arts due to their potential danger and Yan Bingyi's enmity.
• Xue Shuangzi: Remains largely unchanged, serving as a vessel for cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Caution and wisdom in cultivation, especially when dealing with powerful, potentially dangerous techniques.
• The value of seeking external advice and validation before attempting new cultivation methods.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Xue Shuangzi: Their interaction is minimal, focused mainly on cultivation.
• Zheng Que and Yan Bingyi: Zheng Que is wary of Yan Bingyi's intentions, planning to have Luo Fuyu examine the new spell arts before cultivating them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xue Shuangzi, deceived by Ku Lan, is tasked by Mu Xiangu to impersonate Gao Yinxia to trick Zheng Que again.
• Zheng Que tasks [Evil Shadow Play] to guard and mine the Red Marrow Crystal Mine and the Ice Soul Spirit Spring, and to oversee Ku Lan's [Five Baleful Ghost-Eye Orchid].
• Zheng Que plans to contact Fu Tao of the Luan Prefecture Fu Clan once Luo Fuyu confirms the safety of Yan Bingyi's spells.

Character Developments

• Xue Shuangzi shows determination and curiosity about her strange tasks from Mu Xiangu.
• Zheng Que demonstrates strategic planning and resource management, showing trust in [Evil Shadow Play].
• Mu Xiangu remains calm and efficient, acting as Zheng Que's intermediary and assistant.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Trust: Characters use deception to achieve their goals, and trust is a recurring issue, with Zheng Que being cautious about Fu Tao and Yan Bingyi's spells.
• Resource Management: Zheng Que's focus on controlling resources highlights the importance of resources in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Xue Shuangzi interacts with Mu Xiangu, receiving a new task.
• Zheng Que interacts with Mu Xiangu, discussing tasks and plans.
• Zheng Que plans to interact with Fu Tao and Luo Fuyu, though neither is present in this chapter.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ku Lan, a ghost cultivator, forces human cultivators to gather [Five Baleful Ghost-Eye Orchids] as revenge for their past actions.
• She kills those who disobey or waste time, demonstrating her ruthlessness.
• Xue Shuangzi, a cultivator who had attempted to steal Zheng Que's destiny using the [Maiden Yang-Stealing Art] given by Ku Lan, arrives and confronts Ku Lan.

Character Developments

• Ku Lan: Shows her tyrannical nature, claiming to be merciful while demanding obedience and punishing disobedience harshly. She is confident in her yin arts and believes in their effectiveness.
• Xue Shuangzi: Realizes there might be an issue with her soul body but refuses to admit it. She is stubborn and unwilling to accept blame, but also curious about Ku Lan's new method.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and Punishment: Ku Lan seeks revenge on the human cultivators who wronged her in the past, punishing them for their actions.
• Power Dynamics: Ku Lan's strength allows her to dominate and control the human cultivators, highlighting the power imbalance between them.
• Trust and Deception: Ku Lan claims to be trustworthy and honest, but her true intentions are questionable, as she manipulates Xue Shuangzi for her own purposes.

Character Interactions

• Ku Lan and the Human Cultivators: Ku Lan intimidates and controls the human cultivators, demanding their obedience and punishing those who disobey.
• Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi: Ku Lan manipulates Xue Shuangzi, playing on her desire for revenge and offering a new method to achieve it, while hiding her true intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que orders Xue Shuangzi and Ku Lan to return to Zheng Clan Market, leaving the [Five Baleful Ghost-Eye Orchid] patch to [Evil Shadow Play] for mining.
• Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi return, and the four cultivators mining the orchid are controlled by Zheng Que using Shadow Control Threads.
• Zheng Que cultivates the [Heavenly Wheel Mystic Fire Art] to the sixth wheel, completing his current cultivation stage.
• Luo Fuyu returns and examines the five techniques given to Zheng Que by Yan Bingyi.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que advances his cultivation to the sixth wheel of mystic fire, demonstrating his rapid progress.
• Ku Lan considers joining forces with Xue Shuangzi to overthrow Zheng Que but decides against it due to his high cultivation level.
• Luo Fuyu shows her ability to quickly assess the quality and lineage of cultivation techniques.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for control between cultivators and their subordinates.
• The importance of cultivation techniques and their lineage in the cultivation world.
• The passage of time and the progress of cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que gives orders to Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi, demonstrating his authority.
• Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi interact briefly, hinting at a potential alliance.
• Zheng Que and Luo Fuyu interact, with Zheng Que seeking Luo Fuyu's expertise in evaluating the techniques he received.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que receives five spells from Yan Bingyi and asks Luo Fuyu to inspect them.
• Luo Fuyu quickly assesses the spells, finding no issues as they are Foundation Establishment Realm spells with simple materials.
• Zheng Que learns he can currently devour more 'Resentful Souls' due to his Law.
• Luo Fuyu reveals there's only one other examinee's base left nearby, which she points out.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows concern for Luo Fuyu's safety and the potential danger in the spells.
• Luo Fuyu demonstrates her confidence and expertise in spell analysis.
• Zheng Que realizes his Law's potential for growth.

Significant Themes

• The power of high-level cultivators and the simplicity of Foundation Establishment Realm spells.
• The potential danger in cultivation materials and the importance of verification.
• The growth and strength of Zheng Que's Law.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Luo Fuyu discuss the spells and her investigation findings.
• Zheng Que expresses concern for Luo Fuyu's safety, hinting at their growing bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que and Luo Fuyu discuss the recent events and the threat of Core Formation cultivators.
• Zheng Que asks Luo Fuyu about controlling "Anomalies," and she reveals she knows a method but is bound by a Dao Oath.
• Mu Xiangu appears and asks Zheng Que to make Luo Fuyu break her oath. Zheng Que decides to test a method using other ghosts first.
• Zheng Que cultivates [Furious Soul Seal] and successfully brands two ninth-level [Tongue-Pulling Hell] ghosts, causing one to explode and the other to significantly increase in power.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que shows strategic thinking and careful planning, deciding to test his method on other ghosts before using it on Luo Fuyu.
• Luo Fuyu maintains her loyalty and integrity by not revealing the method despite the Dao Oath's consequences.
• Mu Xiangu displays her impulsive and ambitious nature, offering a tempting reward to Zheng Que without considering the risks.

Significant Themes

• The importance of caution and careful planning in dealing with uncertain situations (Zheng Que's approach to testing his method).
• Loyalty and integrity in the face of adversity (Luo Fuyu's refusal to break her Dao Oath).
• Impulsiveness and ambition leading to reckless decisions (Mu Xiangu's offer to Zheng Que).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Luo Fuyu have a respectful and cooperative relationship, with Zheng Que acknowledging Luo Fuyu's capabilities and Luo Fuyu following Zheng Que's instructions.
• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu have a more complex relationship, with Zheng Que being cautious of Mu Xiangu's impulsiveness and Mu Xiangu relying on Zheng Que for her plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que uses the [Furious Soul Seal] on his Ghost Servants to temporarily boost their strength.
• He enslaves thirty ninth-level [Scissor Hell] "Resentful Souls" using the [Ghost Controlling Technique].
• Zheng Que cultivates [Yin Spirit Devours Resentment], swallowing twenty-seven "Resentful Souls" before reaching his limit.
• He refines the Yin Energy and successfully creates a "Tricky Specter," naming it "Belly Specter."

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his proficiency in using the [Furious Soul Seal] and his strategic thinking in preparing for the cultivation of [Yin Spirit Devours Resentment].
• Mu Xiangu proves to be a reliable assistant, capturing the required "Resentful Souls" and helping Zheng Que in his cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and strategic planning in cultivation, as seen in Zheng Que's careful approach to cultivating [Yin Spirit Devours Resentment].
• The power dynamics between cultivators and ghosts, with Zheng Que using his cultivation methods to control and refine the ghosts.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu work together, with Mu Xiangu assisting Zheng Que in his cultivation and Zheng Que relying on Mu Xiangu's help to capture the necessary ghosts.
• Zheng Que's interaction with his Ghost Servants and the "Resentful Souls" shows his control and manipulation of these ghost creatures.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que successfully cultivates the [Yin Spirit Devours Resentment] technique.
• He creates a powerful Belly Specter, which he can absorb and use to enhance his strength and techniques.
• Zheng Que tests the new technique's abilities, effortlessly defeating a [Scissor Hell] ghost.
• He decides to cultivate [United Heart Ghost Hand] next, choosing five female ghosts from his Soul-Calling Banner.
• Zheng Que attempts to summon Qing Li and Nian Nu but fails, suggesting something has happened to them.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que's power increases significantly after cultivating [Yin Spirit Devours Resentment], allowing him to defeat stronger ghosts more easily.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking in choosing ghosts for his next technique and notices the absence of Qing Li and Nian Nu.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and the importance of mastering new techniques.
• The consequences of neglecting one's subordinates (Qing Li and Nian Nu's absence).

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his ghosts, choosing some for cultivation and attempting to summon others.
• He does not directly interact with any other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que, after saving Xue Shuangzi, Ku Lan, and Shu Yunying, leaves Zheng Clan Market with Mu Xiangu.
• They encounter a grand array protecting two of Zheng Que's Ghost Servants, Qing Li and Nian Nu.
• Zheng Que attempts to break the array but fails, revealing that the array is laid by a Golden Core Realm cultivator connected to the earth veins.
• The cultivator inside the array, a Rogue Cultivator, reveals she is refining pills and refuses to release the Ghost Servants.
• Zheng Que decides to enter the array to confront the cultivator.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que's cultivation has not improved much, but his strength has increased significantly.
• Mu Xiangu's strength is comparable to an ordinary Iron Tree Hell ghost.
• The Rogue Cultivator inside the array is at the early Core Formation stage, with strength similar to the Shi Qi Patriarch.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Rogue Cultivators and cultivators from aristocratic clans.
• The importance of Ghost Servants and their cultivation levels.
• The resilience and strength of formations laid by Golden Core Realm cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu work together to break the array, showcasing their teamwork and mutual respect.
• Zheng Que's exchange with the Rogue Cultivator highlights his determination and fearlessness, even when facing a more powerful opponent.
• The Rogue Cultivator's resentment and envy toward the imperial court and its aristocratic families is evident in her dialogue with Zheng Que.

Chapter Summary: “Old Crone”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que uses [Yin Spirit Roaming] to pass through the [Chaotic Rock Maze Array], revealing that the technique allows him to bypass formations after someone inside has answered him.
• Mu Xiangu attempts to follow by attacking the formation with a powerful Yin-energy dragon.
• Inside the array, Zheng Que discovers that the apparent rocky maze conceals a carefully maintained cave containing:
  • A massive pill furnace,
  • An old Core Formation cultivator refining pills,
  • Qing Li and Nian Nu, who are unconscious and bound by a powerful golden-threaded magical rope.
• The old crone assumes Zheng Que belongs to an influential noble family and believes his escape technique was inherited or granted by the imperial court.
• She summons a huge army of Corpse Puppets, each at least at the level of [Scissor Hell], and sends them against Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que counters with his Soul-Calling Banner, releasing a force of Ghost Servants. Although the ghosts initially suffer heavy losses, the deaths of the weaker ghosts trigger a strengthening imprint on the survivors.
• Empowered by the flaming prison marks, the remaining ghosts reverse the battle and overwhelm the Corpse Puppets.
• Zheng Que then orders several Ghost Servants to launch themselves at the old crone and detonate using the Soul Explosion Technique.
• The old crone survives behind a defensive barrier, but the blast destroys the pill furnace’s fire and sends the furnace flying, causing her pill refinement to fail.
• The chapter ends with the enraged old woman rising and glaring fiercely at Zheng Que.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates that his recently acquired [Yin Spirit Roaming] ability is highly useful for infiltrating formations and bypassing conventional defenses.
• He reveals greater combat strength than his apparent Foundation Establishment cultivation suggests, using both the Soul-Calling Banner and coordinated sacrificial tactics.
• His willingness to sacrifice weaker Ghost Servants to empower the survivors shows his ruthlessness, tactical awareness, and mastery over his ghost forces.
• The old crone is introduced as a powerful Core Formation cultivator and skilled pill refiner. Though initially confident and dismissive of Zheng Que, she becomes surprised by his abilities and increasingly furious when he disrupts her refinement.
• Qing Li and Nian Nu remain incapacitated and restrained, establishing them as Zheng Que’s immediate rescue targets.

Significant Themes

• Hidden strength and deception: Zheng Que appears to be only a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but his actual abilities allow him to challenge a much stronger opponent.
• Tactical sacrifice and transformation: The Ghost Servants’ deaths do not merely weaken Zheng Que’s forces; they activate a power that turns defeat into victory.
• Arrogance versus underestimation: The old crone assumes Zheng Que is an insignificant junior, only to discover that his unusual techniques and forces make him dangerous.
• Interruption of cultivation and ambition: The ruined pill refinement symbolizes Zheng Que directly disrupting the old crone’s plans and provoking a more personal confrontation.
• The boundary between life and death: Ghosts, corpses, Yin Energy, and soul-based techniques dominate the conflict, reinforcing the chapter’s grim supernatural atmosphere.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que’s earlier conversation with the unseen cultivator inside the formation fulfills the condition needed for [Yin Spirit Roaming], linking dialogue directly to his infiltration ability.
• The old crone questions Zheng Que about his origins and technique, revealing her suspicion that he may be connected to powerful imperial families.
• Zheng Que and the old crone engage indirectly through summoned forces: her Corpse Puppets clash with his Ghost Servants.
• Zheng Que deliberately targets the old crone’s pill furnace rather than merely attacking her, successfully provoking her by ruining the refinement.
• The chapter concludes with the conflict escalating from a battle of summoned forces into a direct confrontation between Zheng Que and the furious old crone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que faces a Golden Core cultivator, the old crone, in a battle.
• He uses his Soul Explosion Technique, but it's blocked by the old crone's barrier.
• Zheng Que then deploys his Blood Skulls and ghosts, but the old crone counters with a powerful palm strike.
• The ghosts' auras grow stronger as they're killed, eventually stopping the old crone's attack.
• The old crone summons a powerful Corpse Puppet, killing the remaining ghosts.
• Zheng Que orders the three ghosts that killed the Corpse Puppets to explode, catching the old crone off guard.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in battle, adapting his tactics to counter the old crone's attacks.
• The old crone shows her experience and cunning, using her powerful Corpse Puppet to turn the tide of the battle.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and will, as seen in the ghosts' increased strength as they're killed.
• The strategic use of resources and tactics in battle.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the old crone engage in a battle of wits and power, each trying to gain the upper hand.
• Zheng Que's ghosts interact with the old crone's Corpse Puppets, ultimately leading to their destruction.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que uses the "Furious Soul Seal" to control three powerful ghosts against the old woman.
• The old woman's [Iron Tree Hell] Corpse Puppet battles the [Iron Tree Hell] "Fierce Soul."
• Zheng Que uses the "Belly Specter" technique, causing the old woman to flee in fear.
• Mu Xiangu arrives, destroys the [Iron Tree Hell] Corpse Puppet, and pursues the old woman.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his prowess in controlling powerful ghosts and uses new techniques like the "Belly Specter."
• The old woman, despite her Golden Core Realm cultivation, shows caution and flees when faced with an unknown threat.
• Mu Xiangu showcases her strength by effortlessly destroying the [Iron Tree Hell] Corpse Puppet.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators of different realms and the challenges faced by lower realm cultivators.
• The unpredictability and danger of unknown techniques and ghosts.
• The importance of caution and self-preservation in cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and the old woman engage in a battle of wits and power, with Zheng Que using his ghost-controlling abilities to outmaneuver her.
• Mu Xiangu arrives to support Zheng Que, showing her concern for his safety and her confidence in her own strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que uses the [Furious Soul Seal] on a "Fierce Soul" Ghost Servant, causing it to temporarily gain immense power but ultimately scatter due to its soul's inability to withstand the increased strength.
• Zheng Que attempts to free Qing Li and Nian Nu using various spells and brute force, but fails due to the magical properties of the rope binding them.
• Zheng Que uses the [Spirit Descent Technique] to possess Qing Li and Nian Nu, freeing them from the rope.
• Mu Xiangu chases after the Golden Core Rogue Cultivator.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his understanding and limitations of the [Furious Soul Seal] spell.
• Qing Li and Nian Nu regain consciousness and initially express anger and a desire for revenge, but Qing Li later suppresses her emotions upon realizing the potential consequences of her actions being exposed.

Significant Themes

• The power and limitations of spells and magical artifacts.
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of reputation and dignity, as seen through Qing Li's reaction.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Qing Li: Zheng Que uses Qing Li's fear of having her embarrassing situation exposed to control her behavior, while Qing Li suppresses her anger to maintain her dignity.
• Zheng Que and Nian Nu: Nian Nu is mentioned but does not interact significantly with Zheng Que in this chapter.

Chapter Summary: “Harvest (Second Update!)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que stores the enormous pill furnace and bright-red coffin in his Storage Bag, then follows Mu Xiangu through the blood mist.
• He finds Mu Xiangu in a scrub forest beside the remains of the Golden Core rogue cultivator. The old woman has been reduced to clean bones, while the Belly Specter that had entered her body has consumed her from within.
• With Mu Xiangu’s assistance, the Belly Specter kills the old woman and advances from the peak of Scissor Hell to the Iron Tree Hell realm.
• Concerned that the now-powerful Belly Specter might be dangerous to control, Zheng Que asks Mu Xiangu to capture another ghost. She brings him a Scissor Hell Resentful Soul.
• The Belly Specter dives into the captured ghost, allowing Zheng Que to use the Ghost Controlling Technique and seal both of them inside a new Soul-Nurturing Bag.
• Zheng Que asks Mu Xiangu to remove the golden-thread rope binding his arm, but learns that doing so would destroy the artifact. He decides to preserve it until he understands whether it can be used.
• He ends the Spirit Descent Technique, returning Qing Li and Nian Nu to their normal forms, and recalls them into the Soul-Calling Banner.
• Zheng Que discovers and retrieves the dead cultivator’s Storage Bag before returning with Mu Xiangu to Zheng Clan Market.
• The market has been lavishly decorated with wedding imagery, showing that the Ghost Bride has effectively claimed it as her territory.
• Zheng Que orders Mu Xiangu to capture as many ghosts as possible, preferably Fierce Souls with cultivation at least at Scissor Hell.
• Back in the Market Lord’s Residence, he gathers Ku Lan, Shu Yunying, Xue Shuangzi, Qing Li, and Nian Nu, preparing to cultivate United Heart Ghost Hand.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates caution and strategic thinking. Rather than immediately absorbing the newly strengthened Belly Specter, he uses another ghost as a vessel and seals it away.
• He continues accumulating resources—artifacts, ghosts, and storage items—in preparation for further cultivation.
• Mu Xiangu proves to be a powerful and reliable ally, defeating the Golden Core rogue cultivator and effortlessly capturing another ghost for Zheng Que.
• The Belly Specter undergoes a major advancement after devouring the old woman, becoming a genuine Iron Tree Hell Tricky Specter.
• Qing Li and Nian Nu are shown to be increasingly capable at the Scissor Hell level, suffering much less strain from Spirit Descent Technique than before.
• The Ghost Bride becomes more assertive, transforming Zheng Clan Market with wedding decorations as though it belongs to her.

Significant Themes

• Growth through devouring and conflict: The Belly Specter’s advancement comes directly from consuming a stronger opponent.
• Power and control: Zheng Que must balance the benefits of powerful ghosts with the danger of losing control over them.
• Preparation and resource accumulation: The collection of ghosts, artifacts, and storage items reflects Zheng Que’s methodical preparation for future challenges.
• Territory and possession: The Ghost Bride’s decorations symbolize her increasing influence over Zheng Clan Market.
• Cooperation amid danger: Zheng Que relies on Mu Xiangu’s strength while carefully managing the risks posed by his own supernatural creatures.

Important Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Mu Xiangu discuss the Golden Core cultivator’s death and determine that the Belly Specter delivered the final blow from inside her body.
• Zheng Que asks Mu Xiangu for help obtaining a ghost, and she immediately captures one for him.
• He consults Mu Xiangu about removing the golden-thread artifact, but rejects the option when he learns it would destroy the rope.
• Zheng Que gives Mu Xiangu further orders to gather powerful ghosts while he returns to cultivate with his five female ghosts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que cultivates the [United Heart Ghost Hand] art, which requires planting seals on his palm and his Ghost Servants' palms, then refining them together.
• He successfully cultivates the art, gaining immense power in his right hand.
• He uses [United Heart Ghost Hand] to break free from the golden thread rope that bound him.
• Zheng Que enters the Underworld to restore his True Essence using the [Dust-Shedding Scripture].
• In the Underworld, he discovers that the seals of his ghost-controlling arts are written in the Underworld's script.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que demonstrates his determination and capability in cultivating powerful arts, even when faced with challenging requirements.
• He shows strategic thinking in planning his next steps, such as needing Mu Xiangu to capture more Ghost Servants for him.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and cooperation, as seen in the [United Heart Ghost Hand] art, which combines the strength of Zheng Que and his Ghost Servants.
• The connection between the real world and the Underworld, with the script of the [Life and Death Book] appearing in Zheng Que's cultivated seal.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que interacts with his five Ghost Servants, giving them instructions before entering the Underworld alone.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, but Zheng Que's thoughts about needing Mu Xiangu's help foreshadows future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que plans to use the Yin Energy left by a Rogue Cultivator he killed to strengthen his Ghost Servants.
• Qing Li and Nian Nu infiltrate Zheng Que's cultivation chamber to find and destroy the recording Jade Slip that Zheng Que used to threaten Linghu Yuniang.
• Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi, two other Ghost Servants, enter the chamber, intending to frame Qing Li and Nian Nu by making it seem like they were attempting to dual cultivate with Zheng Que.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que remains focused on his cultivation, unaware of the events unfolding around him.
• Qing Li and Nian Nu display a mix of cunning and impulsiveness in their actions.
• Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi show deceitfulness and a lack of remorse in their framing attempt.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi attempt to frame Qing Li and Nian Nu to cover their own actions.
• Power dynamics: The Ghost Servants' actions are driven by their desire to gain more power and favor from Zheng Que.

Character Interactions

• Qing Li and Nian Nu work together to find the recording Jade Slip but have differing reactions to Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi's accusations.
• Ku Lan and Xue Shuangzi collaborate to frame Qing Li and Nian Nu, showcasing their willingness to deceive and manipulate their fellow Ghost Servants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xue Shuangzi, Qing Li, and Nian Nu form an alliance to harvest Zheng Que's fortune.
• They decide to impersonate Shu Yunying, [Evil Shadow Play], Shi Qi Patriarch, and Jing Zhengjie to deceive Zheng Que.
• Qing Li suddenly disappears, and Zheng Que summons her to the Underworld.

Character Developments

• Xue Shuangzi shows resourcefulness and adaptability, quickly learning the names of the marketplace ghosts to use in their plan.
• Qing Li demonstrates her loyalty and quick thinking, immediately confessing to Zheng Que to avoid punishment.
• Zheng Que shows benevolence and impartiality, raising Qing Li's cultivation despite her earlier transgressions.

Significant Themes

• Alliance and Betrayal: The female ghosts form an alliance to achieve their goal but remain wary of each other, highlighting the theme of trust and betrayal among allies.
• Loyalty and Reward: Qing Li's loyalty is rewarded by Zheng Que, despite her initial disobedience, emphasizing the theme of loyalty and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Xue Shuangzi, Qing Li, and Nian Nu work together to deceive Zheng Que, showcasing their ability to cooperate despite their individual goals.
• Zheng Que and Qing Li's interaction highlights the power dynamic between a lord and his subordinate, as well as the theme of reward and punishment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Que plans to raise the cultivation of his female ghosts to increase his [United Heart Ghost Hand]'s power.
• Ku Lan engages in dual cultivation with Zheng Que's physical body while he's in the Underworld.
• Qing Li and Nian Nu confess to stealing Zheng Que's recording Jade Slip and engaging in dual cultivation with him.
• Zheng Que realizes that all four female ghosts (Qing Li, Ku Lan, Nian Nu, and Shu Yunying) have been replenishing him.

Character Developments

• Zheng Que: Realizes the truth about his female ghosts' actions and decides to punish Ku Lan.
• Qing Li: Confesses to stealing the recording Jade Slip and engaging in dual cultivation with Zheng Que.
• Ku Lan: Engages in dual cultivation with Zheng Que's physical body while he's in the Underworld.
• Nian Nu: Confesses to everything, including her and Qing Li's plan to steal the recording Jade Slip.
• Shu Yunying: Remains loyal to Zheng Que and follows his orders.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and control within Zheng Que's harem of female ghosts.
• The consequences of keeping secrets and deceiving Zheng Que.
• The importance of honesty and loyalty in Zheng Que's eyes.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Que and Ku Lan: Ku Lan engages in dual cultivation with Zheng Que's physical body, causing him to realize the truth about his female ghosts' actions.
• Zheng Que and Qing Li: Qing Li confesses to stealing the recording Jade Slip and engaging in dual cultivation with Zheng Que.
• Qing Li and Nian Nu: Qing Li and Nian Nu work together to steal the recording Jade Slip, but Nian Nu confesses everything to Zheng Que.
• Zheng Que and his female ghosts: Zheng Que raises the cultivation of his female ghosts to increase his own power, but they also engage in dual cultivation with him without his initial knowledge.