Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qi Fei is invited to join Absolute City's Witch Duel club, but she declines due to her current focus on research and incomplete Abyssal Boundless set.
• Lilith announces the establishment of a new club in South City to cultivate higher-level dueling witches.
• Qi Fei attends a ball hosted by Alice, where she dances with various witches, including Lin Zhaojun and Alice.

Character Developments

• Qi Fei remains focused on her research and isn't interested in immediate competition.
• Lin Zhaojun is determined to pass the A3 exam this year.
• Alice continues to expand her influence in South City, including establishing a new club with Lilith and Kraken.

Significant Themes

• The importance of personal growth and timing in one's career (Qi Fei's decision to focus on research).
• The competitive nature of the Witch Duel scene and the pressure on top-tier witches (Lin Zhaojun's determination to pass the A3 exam).

Character Interactions

• Qi Fei interacts with various witches, including Lin Zhaojun, Alice, and the Absolute City Team members.
• Alice and Lilith work together to establish a new club in South City.
• Qi Fei and Alice share a comfortable dance due to their similar heights and builds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Xiao Clan becomes the de facto hegemon of Wutan City due to their association with a Dou Wang and abundant medicinal pills.
• Qi Fei goes into seclusion to switch cultivation techniques and train his strength, while Xiao Yan begins intense training under Yao Lao's guidance.
• Qi Fei decides to head to the Magical Beast Mountain Range to practice Dou Techniques and invites Xiao Yan and Yao Lao to join him.

Character Developments

• Qi Fei successfully adjusts his cultivation technique and improves his physical strength, ready to take on a Dou Zong.
• Xiao Yan makes significant progress in his Dou Qi Stage under Yao Lao's guidance, reaching the sixth stage.
• Yao Lao expresses satisfaction with Xiao Yan's willpower and determination.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and improvement of Dou Qi and Dou Techniques.
• The importance of willpower and determination in cultivation.
• The power dynamics within the Xiao Clan and Wutan City.

Character Interactions

• Qi Fei and Xiao Yan: Qi Fei encourages Xiao Yan to push his limits, and they decide to train together in the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
• Qi Fei and Yao Lao: They discuss Qi Fei's progress and plan for the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
• Xiao Yan and Yao Lao: Yao Lao guides Xiao Yan's training and expresses pride in his progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan, having forgotten about his fiancée Nalan Yanran, is reminded by Qi Fei.
• Xiao Yan decides to visit the Nalan Clan and write a letter, but Qi Fei suggests they go directly to Jia Ma City.
• Xiao Yan is teased by Yao Lao and Qi Fei about his relationship with Xiao Xun'er.
• Xiao Yan successfully avoids the teasing by claiming he needs to use the bathroom.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan: Realizes he has forgotten about his fiancée and is embarrassed about it. Shows concern for Xiao Xun'er's feelings.
• Qi Fei: Teases Xiao Yan about his relationships. Shows concern for Xiao Yan's well-being and progress in cultivation.
• Yao Lao: Teases Xiao Yan and shows concern for his well-being. Acknowledges Xiao Xun'er's strong aptitude in cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Forgetfulness and embarrassment: Xiao Yan's forgetfulness about his fiancée leads to embarrassment when reminded.
• Teasing and concern: Yao Lao and Qi Fei tease Xiao Yan but also show genuine concern for his well-being and progress.
• Cultivation and aptitude: Xiao Xun'er's strong aptitude in cultivation is acknowledged, and Xiao Yan is encouraged to work harder.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Qi Fei: Qi Fei teases Xiao Yan about his relationships and shows concern for his well-being.
• Xiao Yan and Yao Lao: Yao Lao teases Xiao Yan and shows concern for his well-being and progress in cultivation.
• Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er: Xiao Yan expresses concern for Xiao Xun'er's feelings and acknowledges her strong aptitude in cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan bids farewell to his family and departs with Qi Fei to visit Nalan Yanran.
• Qi Fei and Xiao Yan meet Jia Xingtian, the guardian of the Jia Ma Empire, who offers to guide them to the Nalan Clan.
• Jia Xingtian hints at tension between the Nalan Clan and the Cloud Mist Sect due to Nalan Yanran's engagement.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan: Struggles with leaving his family but remains determined to pursue his cultivation goals.
• Qi Fei: Continues to act casual and playful, but shows concern for Xiao Yan's well-being.
• Jia Xingtian: Reveals his knowledge of the political landscape and subtly hints at the potential issues with Nalan Yanran's engagement.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of cultivation and personal goals versus family obligations.
• The political intricacies and power dynamics within the Jia Ma Empire.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Qi Fei: Their dynamic continues, with Qi Fei teasing Xiao Yan and Xiao Yan trying to maintain his composure.
• Qi Fei and Jia Xingtian: They engage in a polite exchange, with Jia Xingtian subtly trying to gauge Qi Fei's intentions and Qi Fei playing along, showing interest in the political situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jia Xingtian provokes Qi Fei (disguised as Han Li) by insinuating that Nalan Yanran wants to annul her engagement with Xiao Yan.
• Qi Fei and Xiao Yan visit the Nalan Clan, where they are received by a steward while Nalan Su is absent.
• Qi Fei reveals that the Jia Ma Imperial Family will likely send their princess to meet Xiao Yan soon.

Character Developments

• Jia Xingtian shows his cunning and manipulative nature, trying to sow discord between the Nalan Clan and the Cloud Mist Sect.
• Qi Fei demonstrates his powerful Dou Qi control, creating shaved ice for himself and Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Yan shows his adaptability and curiosity, eager to try the shaved ice despite his initial dizziness.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the Jia Ma Empire, with clans vying for influence and the imperial family seeking to maintain control.
• The impact of rumors and gossip on relationships and reputations, as seen in the spread of news about Nalan Yanran's intentions.

Character Interactions

• Jia Xingtian and Qi Fei's interaction is marked by tension and provocation, with Jia Xingtian trying to goad Qi Fei into action.
• Qi Fei and Xiao Yan's interaction is friendly and casual, with Qi Fei using his Dou Qi to create shaved ice for them to enjoy together.
• The steward of the Nalan Clan shows deference and respect toward Qi Fei and Xiao Yan, treating them as honored guests despite Nalan Su's absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan and Qi Fei (Yao Lao in disguise) visit the Nalan Clan.
• Nalan Su, the clan head, meets them, and they discuss the engagement between Xiao Yan and the Nalan Clan's princess.
• Qi Fei insists on meeting Nalan Jie, the clan elder, who is in seclusion due to a severe Brand Poison.
• Nalan Jie, despite his critical condition, is treated by Yao Lao using the Bone Chilling Flame, which expels the Brand Poison.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan: Remains calm and collected throughout the meeting, showing respect to the Nalan Clan but also assertiveness in his engagement.
• Qi Fei/Yao Lao: Displays his power as a Dou Huang and demonstrates the Heavenly Flame's ability to treat the Brand Poison, earning respect from the Nalan Clan.
• Nalan Su: Shows deference to Qi Fei and Yao Lao, understanding the importance of their presence and the need to please them.
• Nalan Jie: Despite his dire condition, maintains his dignity and composure, showing gratitude to Yao Lao after his recovery.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Nalan Clan's deference to Qi Fei and Yao Lao highlights the importance of power and status in their world.
• Family and Loyalty: Nalan Jie's determination to recover and Nalan Su's dedication to his father reflect the importance of family and loyalty in their culture.
• Heavenly Flames: The unique power of Heavenly Flames is emphasized, showing their rarity and importance in treating severe conditions like the Brand Poison.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Qi Fei/Yao Lao: Xiao Yan remains cautious, while Qi Fei/Yao Lao uses his power to intimidate and impress the Nalan Clan.
• Nalan Su and Nalan Jie: Their interaction shows a strong bond between father and son, with Nalan Su prioritizing his father's recovery and Nalan Jie expressing gratitude for his son's efforts.
• Nalan Clan and Qi Fei/Yao Lao: The Nalan Clan shows deference to Qi Fei/Yao Lao, understanding the value of his power and the Heavenly Flame in treating Nalan Jie's poison.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalan Jie gifts Qi Fei the Seven Illusion Green Spirit Saliva to help Yao Lao.
• Qi Fei, Xiao Yan, and Nalan Jie have a drinking session; Xiao Yan and Nalan Su get drunk, while Qi Fei and Nalan Jie remain sober.
• Nalan Jie expresses regret for not helping Xiao Lin earlier and pride in Xiao Yan's talent.
• Qi Fei reveals that Xiao Yan will enter the Magical Beast Mountain Range for training, which concerns Nalan Jie.
• Nalan Jie invites Qi Fei and Xiao Yan to stay at the Nalan Clan while waiting for Nalan Yanran's return.

Character Developments

• Nalan Jie shows nostalgia for his past and pride in his drinking abilities.
• Qi Fei maintains his composure and sobriety throughout the drinking session, demonstrating his control and respect for Nalan Jie.
• Xiao Yan and Nalan Su get drunk, showing their inexperience and lack of control.

Significant Themes

• The importance of maintaining composure and control, as seen in Qi Fei's behavior.
• The regret and pride of the older generation, as seen in Nalan Jie's reminiscing.
• The concern for the younger generation's safety and well-being, as seen in Nalan Jie's reaction to Xiao Yan's plans.

Character Interactions

• Qi Fei and Nalan Jie bond over drinking, with Nalan Jie addressing Qi Fei as 'brother' and sharing stories from his past.
• Nalan Jie expresses concern and advice regarding Xiao Yan's plans to enter the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
• Qi Fei and Nalan Jie discuss Nalan Yanran's objections to the engagement and agree to let the two spend time together to see if they can get along.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan wakes up hungover and wants to cultivate, but Qi Fei encourages him to drink more.
• Xiao Yan goes out to find water and encounters Nalan Yanran, accidentally groping her due to his drunken state.
• Nalan Yanran slaps Xiao Yan in response.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan: Despite being hungover, he still wants to cultivate, showing his dedication. His drunken state leads to an embarrassing encounter with Nalan Yanran.
• Nalan Yanran: She maintains her composure despite the embarrassing situation, showing maturity and restraint.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of excessive drinking: Xiao Yan's drunken state leads to an embarrassing and potentially harmful situation.
• Misunderstandings and their impact: Xiao Yan's actions, though unintentional, lead to a tense situation with Nalan Yanran.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran: Their interaction is awkward and embarrassing due to Xiao Yan's drunken state, leading to a misunderstanding.
• Qi Fei and Yao Lao: They watch the scene unfold, with Yao Lao splitting a wisp of his soul power into Qi Fei to observe the events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan is confronted by the Cloud Mist Sect Sect Leader, Yun Yun, for his inappropriate behavior with Nalan Yanran.
• Yun Yun tests Xiao Yan's character and willpower by applying increasing pressure, mimicking a Dou Wang's aura.
• Xiao Yan withstands the pressure of an eight-star Dou Wang and even briefly touches the limit of a nine-star Dou Wang, impressing Yun Yun.
• Yun Yun gifts Xiao Yan a White Cloud Ginseng as compensation and apology.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan demonstrates exceptional willpower and resilience, proving his innocence and earning Yun Yun's respect.
• Yun Yun shows fairness and a sense of proportion, giving face to Nalan Jie and the unknown Dou Huang (Yao Lao).
• Nalan Yanran and Nalan Jie reassess Xiao Yan's abilities and potential.

Significant Themes

• Willpower and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Fairness and impartiality in judgment.
• The power dynamics and hierarchies within the Dou Qi Continent's sects and clans.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Yun Yun: Xiao Yan proves his innocence and earns Yun Yun's respect through his resilience.
• Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan: Nalan Yanran's initial disdain for Xiao Yan shifts to a grudging respect after witnessing his endurance.
• Nalan Jie and Xiao Yan: Nalan Jie defends Xiao Yan and later reassesses his abilities and potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yao Lao successfully fuses the medicinal liquids, creating a seven-colored sphere.
• The pill emits a powerful, intoxicating fragrance that soothes and strengthens those who smell it.
• News of the pill fragrance spreads, attracting attention from major factions in Jia Ma City.
• After a few hours, the pill fragrance vanishes, and dark clouds gather in the sky, signaling the arrival of Pill Thunder.

Character Developments

• Yao Lao demonstrates his high-level alchemy skills by successfully refining a high-grade pill in a short time.
• Nalan Jie and Yun Yun recognize the significance of the Pill Thunder, realizing that the alchemist (Yao Lao) is likely of top-tier eighth-grade or even ninth-grade level.

Significant Themes

• The power and rarity of high-grade pills and alchemists.
• The impact of a powerful figure (Yao Lao) o

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qi Fei successfully withstands and absorbs the Pill Thunder, even provoking it to increase its power.
• Qi Fei uses the Forest White Fire Lotus to temporarily detain and study the Pill Thunder.
• Xiao Yan tries to dissuade Yun Yun from challenging Qi Fei, but she insists on waiting for Qi Fei to finish refining the pill.

Character Developments

• Qi Fei demonstrates his immense power and control over lightning, further solidifying his status as a formidable opponent.
• Xiao Yan shows concern for Qi Fei's well-being and tries to protect him from Yun Yun's challenge, revealing his loyalty as a friend.
• Yun Yun exhibits her determination and ambition, eager to challenge Qi Fei to improve her cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its attraction, as seen through Yun Yun's eagerness to challenge Qi Fei.
• The theme of friendship and loyalty, as shown by Xiao Yan's attempts to protect Qi Fei.

Character Interactions

• Qi Fei and Xiao Yan: Qi Fei's actions cause Xiao Yan to worry about his safety, leading to Xiao Yan's attempts to dissuade Yun Yun.
• Yun Yun and Xiao Yan: Yun Yun is determined to challenge Qi Fei, while Xiao Yan tries to convince her to wait, leading to a tense interaction.
• Qi Fei and the Pill Thunder: Qi Fei provokes the Pill Thunder, showing his control and understanding of lightning.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Xianchen demonstrates a powerful, energy-consuming technique, swallowing the Pill Thunder.
• The Alchemist Guild arrives en masse to visit Han Xianchen, led by President Fa Ma.
• The alchemists engage in a chaotic brawl for the chance to meet Han Xianchen.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan is in awe of Han Xianchen's abilities and feels the gap between them.
• Nalan Jie shows concern for Xiao Yan's feelings and comforts him.
• Fa Ma reveals his eagerness to meet Han Xianchen and understands the significance of his alchemical skill.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and recognition in the alchemical world.
• The struggle and competition among alchemists for limited opportunities.
• The awe and respect for exceptional talent and skill.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Nalan Jie share a moment of understanding and camaraderie.
• Fa Ma and Nalan Jie discuss the possibility of meeting Han Xianchen, with Fa Ma showing deference to Nalan Jie's connection.
• The alchemists engage in a fierce, albeit comedic, battle for the chance to meet Han Xianchen, showcasing their desperation and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qi Fei retrieves Yao Lao and attempts to secure the Pill Thunder using time and space powers.
• Xiao Yan returns, and Qi Fei urges him to go find Nalan Yanran and Yun Yun immediately, claiming it's crucial for his path to the Dao.
• Xiao Yan enters Nalan Yanran's courtyard, announcing his presence while she's bathing, leading to a misunderstanding.

Character Developments

• Qi Fei: Shows proficiency in time and space powers, claims to have a unique talent, and exhibits a mysterious understanding of fate.
• Xiao Yan: Becomes increasingly entangled in romantic misunderstandings, but remains determined to help Qi Fei.
• Nalan Yanran: Misunderstands Xiao Yan's intentions and scolds him for being a lecher.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Qi Fei's actions and Xiao Yan's entanglements hint at an unseen force guiding their actions.
• Misunderstandings and their consequences: Xiao Yan's actions lead to misunderstandings that could have severe consequences.

Character Interactions

• Qi Fei and Xiao Yan: Qi Fei manipulates Xiao Yan's actions, claiming it's crucial for his path to the Dao.
• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran: Xiao Yan's actions lead to a misunderstanding, causing Nalan Yanran to scold him.
• Yao Lao: Plays a supporting role, helping Qi Fei and Xiao Yan as needed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan goes to Nalan Yanran's courtyard to discuss something with her.
• Nalan Yanran, upset from her previous encounter, initially refuses to see Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Yan persists, and Nalan Yanran agrees to meet him outside, with Chunlan as a supervisor.
• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran decide to spar, with Xiao Yan provoking Nalan Yanran into agreeing.

Character Developments

• Nalan Yanran: Struggles with her feelings for Xiao Yan and is emotionally vulnerable after her previous encounter.
• Xiao Yan: Shows determination and persistence in pursuing his goals, even when faced with Nalan Yanran's hostility.

Significant Themes

• Emotional vulnerability and coping mechanisms (Nalan Yanran's reaction to her previous encounter).
• Persistence and determination in the face of adversity (Xiao Yan's pursuit of his goals).

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran: Xiao Yan uses provocation and persistence to engage Nalan Yanran, leading to a sparring agreement.
• Xiao Yan and Yao Lao: Xiao Yan communicates with Yao Lao about the situation and receives guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran find Yun Yun amidst a fierce battle between alchemists.
• Xiao Yan challenges Nalan Yanran to a duel, with Yun Yun as the referee.
• The duel takes place on the Nalan Clan's Martial Arts Arena.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan shows confidence in his abilities, despite the vast difference in power level with Nalan Yanran.
• Nalan Yanran demonstrates her strength and skill, using Gale Wind to create a powerful attack.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and overconfidence in one's abilities.
• The gap in power between characters and the challenges it presents.
• The use of strategy and tactics in combat.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's rivalry intensifies as they prepare to duel.
• Xiao Yan seeks Yun Yun's help as a referee, excluding Nalan Jie from the duel.
• Fa Ma, the president of the Alchemist Guild, tries to curry favor with Xiao Yan by offering gifts, hoping to be introduced to Xiao Yan's senior brother (Yao Lao).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran engage in a sparring match to determine the winner of the competition.
• Xiao Yan uses a combination of strategy, feints, and a hidden Dou Technique to secure two points in one round.
• Despite Xiao Yan's injuries, he insists on continuing the match, aiming to reach a 2:2 tie and secure a win in the final round.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan demonstrates his strategic thinking, adaptability, and determination to win.
• Nalan Yanran shows her physical prowess, determination, and willingness to learn from her mistakes.
• Yun Yun, as a Dou Huang, displays her wisdom, patience, and concern for her disciples' well-being.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and adaptability in battle.
• The willingness to learn and grow from mistakes.
• The determination and perseverance required to achieve one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's interaction is marked by mutual respect and a growing understanding of each other's strengths and strategies.
• Yun Yun's interaction with her disciples is characterized by her concern for their well-being and her desire to help them grow as individuals.
• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's relationship evolves from initial hostility to a grudging respect and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist decides to take a day off from their usual routine to realign their sleep schedule.
• They spend the day relaxing, napping, and engaging in leisure activities.
• No major external events occur; the focus is on the protagonist's internal process.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows self-awareness and prioritizes self-care by taking a day off to address their sleep schedule.
• They exhibit patience and commitment to improving their health, as they spend the day deliberately relaxing rather than engaging in usual activities.

Significant Themes

• Self-Care: The protagonist prioritizes their well-being by taking a day off to improve their sleep schedule.
• Patience: They demonstrate patience in allowing their body to adjust and heal at its own pace.
• Balance: The day off highlights the importance of balance between work and rest in maintaining overall health.

Character Interactions

• There are no significant interactions with other characters in this chapter, as the focus is solely on the protagonist's introspective journey.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yan's Thread of Fate intersects with Nalan Yanran's, revealing a power distinct from Linley's Black Hole of Fate.
• The power from Battle Through the Heavens is more complex and grandiose than the Script.
• The Qi Fei observe the power's influence on the characters' fates, including Xiao Yan, Nalan Yanran, and Yun Yun.
• Linley continues his cultivation, unaware of the events unfolding around him.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yan's fate becomes increasingly intertwined with Nalan Yanran's, with Yun Yun's fate also entangled in theirs.
• Linley's main wife, Delia, starts to like Linley, and her Thread of Fate begins to fluctuate.

Significant Themes

• The power from Battle Through the Heavens influences the characters' fates, demonstrating the unpredictability and chaos of fate.
• The Qi Fei compare the powers from both worlds, using the Dou Po power to aid in comprehending the Thread of Fate.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's relationship develops, with Yun Yun becoming entangled in their fate.
• The Qi Fei decide to bring Linley's main wife, Delia, into contact with Linley to observe any changes in their Thread of Fate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qi Fei's Thread of Fate manifests traces of the power of the Script, accelerating his comprehension of the Thread of Fate.
• Qi Fei severs his connection with other Qi Fei and exits the Shared Space to begin his ascension to godhood.
• Qi Fei successfully condenses a God Spark and becomes a god, splitting his soul and merging with the God Spark.
• Qi Fei's Fate God Clone is created, and he greets Qi Fei.

Character Developments

• Qi Fei: He successfully comprehends the Laws/Rules to become a god, demonstrating his extraordinary talent and dedication to his cultivation.
• Linley: Witnesses Qi Fei's ascension to godhood, deepening his understanding of the power of gods.

Significant Themes

• The power of fate and its influence on one's life and cultivation.
• The difficulty and importance of comprehending laws to become a god.
• The distinction between becoming a god independently and refining a God Spark.

Character Interactions

• Qi Fei and Linley: Linley steadies Delia when Qi Fei's fate manipulation causes her to stumble, and later, Linley witnesses Qi Fei's ascension to godhood.
• Qi Fei and the Coiling Dragon Qi Fei: The group of Qi Fei in the Shared Space supports Coiling Dragon Qi Fei as he exits to become a god.
• Qi Fei and his Fate God Clone: After becoming a god, Qi Fei interacts with his newly created Fate God Clone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qi Fei merges with his God Clone and absorbs soul essence and divine power.
• He successfully reaches the limit of the Saint Realm.
• Qi Fei shares his experience and power with other versions of himself in the Shared Space.
• Each Qi Fei gains a clone and makes significant advancements in their cultivation.
• Swallowing Qi Fei's clone is unique and doesn't require mental power for control.

Character Developments

• Qi Fei's clones demonstrate their individual strengths and weaknesses.
• Swallowing Qi Fei's clone shows exceptional independence and potential for rebirth.

Significant Themes

• The power of sharing and cooperation among different versions of Qi Fei.
• The unique characteristics and limitations of each clone.
• The vast differences in cultivation levels and breakthrough requirements among the Qi Feis.

Character Interactions

• The Qi Feis interact and share information about their clones.
• They express envy towards Swallowing Qi Fei's clone and decide to give him special treatment.