Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at the Liu Family Old House at night.
• The house appears ominous and abandoned, with a missing roof tile and illegible plaque.
• Upon entering, they encounter a sudden cold wind that extinguishes their lanterns, but Shen Hui's lantern remains lit.
• The Soul-Alarm Bell at Shen Hui's waist rings, indicating supernatural activity.

Character Developments

• Chen Shou, the county magistrate's aide, is shown to be brave but also fearful, hesitant to enter the house.
• Shen Hui demonstrates his power and calmness in the face of the supernatural, reassuring the group.
• The young runner, Xiao Wu, is nervous but eager, while the old runner, Old Xu, is more experienced but still anxious.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown and supernatural.
• Courage and cowardice in the face of danger.
• The power of belief and determination, as seen in Shen Hui's ability to maintain his lantern's light.

Character Interactions

• Chen Shou and Shen Hui: Chen Shou is respectful and somewhat fearful of Shen Hui, while Shen Hui shows sympathy for Chen Shou's predicament.
• Shen Hui and Scholar Li: Scholar Li is initially reluctant to enter the house but follows Shen Hui after seeing his calm demeanor.
• The runners, Old Xu and Xiao Wu: Old Xu is more experienced and tries to reassure Xiao Wu, who is nervous but eager to please.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui and others investigate a haunted house in Qu County.
• They discover a small skeleton buried under the main hall's pillar, with signs of a ritual to create a "Living Stake."
• The house was built forty years ago, and two workers died during its construction.
• The old Taoist identifies the skeleton as a Living Stake, a malicious ritual to suppress the house's fortune using a buried, living person's soul.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui demonstrates his ability to sense yin energy and identify the source of the haunting.
• Monk Faming explains the concept of a Living Stake and its implications.
• Scholar Li reveals he has heard of Living Stakes but thought they were just rumors.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of malicious actions and their impact on the living and the dead.
• The interconnectedness of life and death, and the importance of proper burial and remembrance.
• The tension between wealth and morality, as the Liu family's fortune was built on a tragic sacrifice.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the old Taoist work together to investigate the haunting, with the old Taoist guiding Shen Hui's observations.
• Monk Faming and Scholar Li provide additional information and context to the group.
• The runners, old and young, provide local knowledge and react to the disturbing discovery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A main beam in a hall collapses, threatening those below.
• Shen Hui, a Taoist cultivator, uses his powers to divert the beam and destroy a black energy causing the destruction.
• A group of cultivators, including Shen Hui and his master, investigate a haunted residence and encounter a black energy entity.
• They successfully eliminate the entity, but it's revealed that it might have been deliberately nurtured by someone.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui demonstrates his prowess in controlling fire and using Sharp Gold Qi, impressing his master.
• Chen Shou, the county magistrate, shows relief and gratitude towards the cultivators for resolving the haunting issue.
• Scholar Li is shown to be fearful and ineffectual in the face of supernatural threats.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of supernatural entities.
• The responsibility of cultivators to protect the common people from supernatural threats.
• The importance of teamwork and coordination among cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and his master work together to eliminate the black energy entity.
• Chen Shou interacts with the cultivators, expressing his relief and gratitude for their help.
• Scholar Li is shown to be out of his depth when faced with supernatural threats, contrasting with the cultivators' abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui reveals to his master that he has cultivated all spells in the Lesser Five Elements Art.
• The Old Taoist is surprised and pleased but then goes to sleep.
• The next day, the Old Taoist expects Shen Hui to serve him, demonstrating a stark contrast to his independent nature at the Temple.
• At breakfast, the Old Taoist, now acting as Scholar Li, demands perfection and sends dishes back, causing the stationmaster to serve him like a servant.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui: Shows honesty and straightforwardness in revealing his cultivation progress. He also demonstrates understanding and patience in dealing with his master's changing behavior.
• The Old Taoist (Scholar Li): Reveals a different side outside the Temple—demanding, particular, and expecting to be served, contrasting his independent nature at the Temple.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: The Old Taoist's behavior outside the Temple contrasts with his usual demeanor, highlighting the theme of appearance versus reality.
• Aging and Change: The Old Taoist's difficulty in sleeping and his changing behavior may symbolize the challenges and changes that come with aging.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist: Their relationship evolves as Shen Hui becomes more understanding of his master's quirks, while the Old Taoist expects more service from his disciple.
• The Old Taoist and the Stationmaster: The Old Taoist, now acting as Scholar Li, treats the stationmaster, a ninth-rank official, like a servant, highlighting his demanding nature and disregard for the official's rank.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Scholar Li orders the Stationmaster around, demanding pickled cucumbers.
• Shen Hui intervenes when Scholar Li complains about the cucumbers, emphasizing the effort behind every meal.
• Scholar Li becomes angry and insults Shen Hui, leading to a tense confrontation.
• Shen Hui threatens Scholar Li, who eventually eats the cucumber and leaves in humiliation.
• Faming Monk and the Stationmaster leave the room, leaving Shen Hui alone.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui: Initially calm and collected, Shen Hui reveals a fierce side when Scholar Li disrespects the effort behind their meal. He demonstrates his power and willingness to enforce his principles.
• Scholar Li: Initially arrogant and entitled, Scholar Li is humiliated and cowed by Shen Hui's intervention. He learns a lesson about respecting the labor behind everyday items.
• Faming Monk: Initially prepared to intervene, Faming Monk hesitates and leaves the room after Shen Hui's cold gaze. His actions suggest he may have secrets or fears.

Significant Themes

• Respect for Labor: Shen Hui emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the effort behind everyday items, criticizing Scholar Li's entitlement.
• Power Dynamics: The chapter explores power dynamics, with Scholar Li initially abusing his perceived status and Shen Hui asserting his power to challenge this.
• Consequences of Actions: Scholar Li's actions have consequences, both in terms of his public humiliation and Shen Hui's threat of further action.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and Scholar Li: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Shen Hui challenging Scholar Li's entitlement and Scholar Li initially refusing to back down.
• Shen Hui and Faming Monk: Their interaction is cold and suspicious, with Shen Hui's gaze implying he knows or suspects something about Faming Monk.
• Scholar Li and the Stationmaster: Scholar Li abuses his power over the Stationmaster, who is too afraid to stand up to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist suspect Scholar Li's behavior is odd.
• Shen Hui deduces Scholar Li is feigning illness to avoid accompanying them to Zhang Family Village.
• They return to the post station to investigate Scholar Li's room, finding it empty and no signs of recent occupation.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui demonstrates keen observational skills, intuition, and strategic thinking.
• The Old Taoist shows wisdom, patience, and a calm demeanor, often letting Shen Hui take the lead.
• Scholar Li reveals cowardice and deceit, avoiding responsibility.

Significant Themes

• Deception and truth: Scholar Li's false illness and Shen Hui's strategic deception.
• Observation and intuition: Shen Hui's ability to read people and situations.
• Responsibility and duty: Scholar Li shirks his duty, while Shen Hui and the Old Taoist take it upon themselves.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist: They work together, with Shen Hui taking the lead in investigation and deduction, and the Old Taoist providing guidance and support.
• Shen Hui and Scholar Li: Shen Hui suspects and exposes Scholar Li's deceit.
• Shen Hui and Zhang Qi (the driver): Shen Hui learns about local gossip and Scholar Li's reputation through Zhang Qi's chatter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui, a Taoist disciple, uses a Paper Crane Tracking Talisman to locate Scholar Li, who had fled from the inn.
• The talisman leads them to an abandoned hut where they overhear a conversation between Scholar Li and an unknown entity, referred to as 'Celestial'.
• The conversation reveals that Scholar Li was involved in cultivating Yin Sha (ghostly entities) for nefarious purposes, including one in the Liu Family Old Residence and another in Zhang Family Village.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui: Demonstrates his skill in creating talismans, showing adaptability by using ink instead of cinnabar for the tracking talisman.
• Scholar Li: Reveals his true colors as a villain, collaborating with a sinister entity to cultivate Yin Sha for personal gain.

Significant Themes

• Good vs. Evil: Shen Hui represents the good, using his skills to protect the innocent, while Scholar Li and the 'Celestial' represent evil, exploiting supernatural forces for personal gain.
• Adaptability: Shen Hui's use of ink instead of cinnabar for the talisman shows his ability to adapt to circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist: They work together, with the old Taoist observing Shen Hui's actions and asking questions to understand his methods.
• Scholar Li and the 'Celestial': They interact as collaborators, with the 'Celestial' scolding and guiding Scholar Li, and Scholar Li showing fear and deference towards the 'Celestial'.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist observe two heretics from the Qishan Sect in a thatched hut.
• Shen Hui uses his cultivation skills to confront and eliminate the heretics.
• The heretics use evil arts and magical artifacts, but Shen Hui overpowers them with his five-element techniques.
• The surviving heretic reveals the existence of more accomplices in the Qishan Sect before being killed.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui demonstrates his Mid Qi Refining cultivation level and proficiency in five-element techniques.
• The Old Taoist shows concern for Shen Hui's safety but allows him to engage in combat for training purposes.
• The heretics display ruthlessness and desperation in their attempts to defeat Shen Hui.

Significant Themes

• The righteous path versus evil cultivation methods.
• The consequences of one's actions and the karmic retribution that follows.
• The importance of training and gaining experience in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist work together to observe and assess the heretics.
• Shen Hui confronts the heretics, showcasing his skills and determination.
• The heretics interact with each other, displaying their desperation and willingness to sacrifice for their cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist return to the courier station after dealing with the Qishan Sect cultivator.
• The County Magistrate and his officials are worried about their disappearance and are relieved to see them back.
• The Magistrate hosts a feast to apologize for his earlier rudeness and to thank them for their service.

Character Developments

• The Old Taoist shows a rare display of emotion, becoming more talkative after drinking wine.
• Shen Hui demonstrates his social skills, managing the conversation and smoothing over the Magistrate's behavior.
• The County Magistrate reveals his manipulative nature, using flattery and gifts to gain favor.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the County Magistrate and the Taoist masters.
• The manipulation of truth and appearances by the County Magistrate.
• The importance of social skills and diplomacy in Shen Hui's character.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist have a silent understanding, with Shen Hui taking the lead in social interactions.
• The County Magistrate tries to ingratiate himself with the Taoist masters, but his insincerity is evident.
• Zhang Qi, the constable, is dismissed by the Magistrate after trying to question the Taoist masters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A maidservant is sent to Shen Hui's room by the county magistrate, with the implication of offering "companionship" for the night.
• Shen Hui politely declines her advances, asking her to leave.
• Later, a young boy is sent, and Shen Hui, misunderstanding the magistrate's intentions, sends him away in anger.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui: Maintains his composure and politely declines the advances of both the maidservant and the boy, showing respect and self-control. His anger at the magistrate's perceived mockery hints at his pride and sensitivity.
• The Maidservant: Initially nervous but grows more confident and flirtatious as she interacts with Shen Hui. She leaves disappointed but not deterred.
• The Boy: Remains respectful and nervous throughout his interaction with Shen Hui, unaware of the misunderstanding.

Significant Themes

• The theme of temptation and resistance, as Shen Hui faces and declines the advances of both the maidservant and the boy.
• The theme of pride and dignity, as Shen Hui reacts strongly to what he perceives as the magistrate's mockery.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui's interactions with the maidservant and the boy highlight his politeness, self-control, and pride. His misunderstandings with the boy lead to an angry outburst, revealing his sensitive nature.
• The maidservant and the boy's interactions with Shen Hui show their initial nervousness, growing confidence (in the maidservant's case), and ultimate disappointment or misunderstanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui, a Daoist disciple, wakes up in Qu County and decides to explore Yongchang Commandery.
• He visits Fragrant Snow Book Studio to return borrowed books and rents new ones.
• He witnesses a public argument between the madam of Cloud-Staying Pavilion and her debtor, Zhang Qi, the carriage driver.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui: He shows curiosity about the world outside the mountain and takes the initiative to explore the town. He also demonstrates his responsibility by returning borrowed books and renting new ones.
• Shopkeeper of Fragrant Snow Book Studio: He is meticulous and patient in his work, ensuring the books are in good condition before accepting them back. He also handles the rental process efficiently.
• Madam of Cloud-Staying Pavilion: She is assertive and not afraid to make a scene, showing she's a formidable woman running a brothel.
• Zhang Qi: He is shown to be a penniless and cowardly man, unable to pay his debts and getting into trouble with the madam.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Exploration: Shen Hui's desire to see the world outside the mountain reflects the theme of curiosity and exploration.
• Responsibility: Shen Hui's act of returning borrowed books shows his sense of responsibility.
• Social Hierarchy and Power Dynamics: The argument between the madam and Zhang Qi highlights the power dynamics and social hierarchy in the town.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the Shopkeeper: Their interaction is polite and professional, with the shopkeeper handling the rental process efficiently, and Shen Hui showing respect for the books.
• Madam and Zhang Qi: Their interaction is confrontational, with the madam scolding and hitting Zhang Qi for not paying his debts, and Zhang Qi pleading for forgiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Qi, a letter deliveryman, is accosted by Mother Liu, the madam of Cloud-Staying Pavilion, for eating two of her pastries.
• Master Bai, a courtesan at Moon-Gazing Tower, intervenes, leading to a public argument between the two women.
• The argument escalates, with each woman trying to outdo the other in insults and taunts, drawing a crowd of onlookers.

Character Developments

• Mother Liu: Shows herself to be aggressive, quick-witted, and not afraid to use crude language. Her pride in her children is revealed, hinting at a vulnerable side.
• Master Bai: Demonstrates a calm and collected demeanor, even under provocation. She is clever and uses subtle insults to get under Mother Liu's skin. Her age and childlessness are hinted as potential insecurities.

Significant Themes

• Reputation and Social Standing: Both women are concerned with their reputations, despite their professions. They use insults to attack each other's standing in the community.
• Aging and Femininity: The women's ages are a source of tension. They both worry about their fading youth and beauty, and the impact it will have on their livelihoods.

Character Interactions

• Mother Liu vs. Master Bai: The primary interaction is between these two women. They engage in a public argument, using insults and taunts to try to one-up each other.
• Onlookers: The argument draws a crowd, who watch and laugh at the spectacle. They are entertained by the women's antics but also seem to respect their quick wit and boldness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mother Liu and Master Bai engage in a public cursing match, drawing a crowd.
• Shen Hui, a Taoist with striking features, witnesses the event.
• Mother Liu invites Shen Hui to her brothel, but he declines.
• Master Bai invites Shen Hui to her place for tea and songs, offering to host him without charge and even provide travel money.

Character Developments

• Mother Liu: Initially aggressive and foul-mouthed, she shows a softer side when dealing with Shen Hui, indicating a level of discernment.
• Master Bai: Displaying poise and charm, she uses her wit and resources to attract Shen Hui, showing ambition and cunning.
• Shen Hui: Remains calm and composed throughout the commotion, showing no interest in the brothels' advances, hinting at his integrity and self-control.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: Both Mother Liu and Master Bai initially judge Shen Hui based on his appearance, assuming he's a wealthy client.
• Materialism vs. Integrity: The characters' priorities are revealed through their interactions with Shen Hui, with some valuing wealth and appearance over integrity.

Character Interactions

• Mother Liu vs. Master Bai: The two women display their rivalry through their cursing match and attempts to attract Shen Hui.
• Shen Hui vs. Brothel Owners: Shen Hui interacts with both Mother Liu and Master Bai, remaining polite yet detached, refusing their advances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui, a Daoist from Clear Wind Temple, witnesses a fight between two women on Willow Lane Street.
• A youth approaches Shen Hui, claiming his master has been possessed and needs help. He leads Shen Hui to a secluded alley.
• The youth reveals his true intentions, and a woman in black appears, blocking Shen Hui's retreat.
• Shen Hui uses his skills to wound the youth and creates earthen walls to separate them from the woman.
• The woman reveals she can control skeletons.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui demonstrates his calm demeanor and powerful skills, using earth techniques and sharp qi attacks.
• The youth shows his deception and mediocre skills, while the woman reveals her ability to control skeletal minions.

Significant Themes

• Deception and betrayal: The youth's initial plea for help was a ruse to lure Shen Hui into a trap.
• Power dynamics: Shen Hui's skills and calm demeanor put him at an advantage against his attackers.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui interacts with the youth and the woman, revealing his identity and warning them of their impending doom.
• The youth and the woman work together to trap and attack Shen Hui, but their skills are no match for his.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui encounters two cultivators (a youth and a black-clad woman) who use earth and skeleton techniques, respectively.
• Shen Hui defeats both cultivators using his fire and earth techniques, demonstrating his superior power.
• The black-clad woman is revealed to be from the Corpse Refining Sect, White Bone Hall.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui showcases his combat prowess and strategic thinking, handling two opponents with ease.
• The Old Taoist displays his calm and composed demeanor, remaining unmoved by Shen Hui's report of the incident.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Shen Hui's strength and tactical acumen allow him to dominate the encounters.
• Faction rivalry: The Corpse Refining Sect's involvement hints at potential conflicts with other sects.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist: Their interaction is respectful and informative, with the Old Taoist providing crucial information about the enemy's identity.
• Shen Hui and the enemy cultivators: Shen Hui demonstrates his superiority, quickly defeating both opponents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Taoist reveals the history of Clear Wind Temple's past disciples.
• Shen Hui learns about his master's senior brothers and sister, their fates, and the sect's founder.
• The Old Taoist reveals that the men who troubled Shen Hui were sent by his senior uncle, who betrayed the sect and joined the Corpse Refining Sect.
• The Old Taoist shares that he will achieve Core Formation within three years.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui shows respect and concern for his master's well-being and the sect's future.
• The Old Taoist demonstrates pride in his abilities, wisdom in advising Shen Hui, and a calm acceptance of the past.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of betrayal and pride (Second Senior Brother's actions).
• The importance of steadfastness and decisiveness (Shen Hui's qualities).
• The acceptance of one's fate and the passage of time (Old Taoist's perspective).

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and the Old Taoist share a mentor-mentee bond, with Shen Hui showing deference and concern, and the Old Taoist offering guidance and trust.
• The Old Taoist entrusts Shen Hui with the Sword Box, showing confidence in his disciple's abilities and judgment.
• The Old Taoist advises Shen Hui on controlling his temperament, demonstrating his care for Shen Hui's personal growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui receives a sword from the Old Taoist and is tasked with delivering it to Zhang Family Village.
• He learns about the Ailao Barbarians' She Festival, which he coincidentally arrives in Zhang Family Village to witness.
• He observes the villagers' preparations for the festival, including the worship of the mountain god and the sacrifice of a black goat.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui shows curiosity and respect for the Ailao Barbarians' culture and customs.
• Zhang Qi displays a mix of excitement and nervousness around the Ailao women, revealing his youthful nature.

Significant Themes

• Cultural exchange and integration between the Han and the Ailao Barbarians.
• Respect for local traditions and customs.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui interacts with Zhang Qi, learning about the Ailao Barbarians' customs and observing his apprentice's behavior around women.
• Shen Hui observes the villagers preparing for the She Festival, showing interest in their rituals and practices.

Plot Points and Events

• The chapter describes the She Festival, a traditional event in the village, involving a goat sacrifice, wrestling, feasting on She Festival Rice, and various performances, including Illusionist Art and courtship rituals.
• Shen Hui, the main character, attends the festival, observing and participating in the events.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui shows interest and respect for the local customs, engaging with the villagers and enjoying the festival.
• He displays a sense of humor and adaptability, handling the unexpected attention from the young women with grace and humor.
• Zhang Qi, a local man, reveals his devotion to Xiao Cui, showing his sincerity and loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Cultural Exchange: Shen Hui experiences and appreciates the local customs, highlighting the theme of cultural exchange and understanding.
• Courtship and Love: The festival's courtship rituals emphasize the theme of love, relationships, and the complexities of human interactions.
• Humor and Adaptability: Shen Hui's handling of the unexpected situation with the young women showcases the theme of humor and adaptability in the face of unusual circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui interacts with various villagers, including the Ghost Master, Zhang Qi, and the young women, showcasing his friendly and approachable nature.
• Zhang Qi confides in Shen Hui about his feelings for Xiao Cui, strengthening their bond.
• The young women tease and flirt with Shen Hui, highlighting the playful and lighthearted atmosphere of the festival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hui wakes up in the banyan tree and finds the village coming to life.
• He discovers Zhang Qi with a Yi woman in his cart.
• Shen Hui and Faming Monk meet at the Village Chief's house and are led together to investigate Widow Wang's matter.
• The Village Chief reveals that Widow Wang, a famine refugee, married a sickly Yi man, Lang He, who died two years later. Their son drowned at age seven.
• After her son's death, Widow Wang became pregnant, and her in-laws beat her to death.

Character Developments

• Shen Hui: Shows understanding and empathy towards Widow Wang's tragic life.
• Faming Monk: Shows unease upon encountering Shen Hui, aware of his superior combat skills.
• Zhang Qi: Displayed infidelity by spending the night with a Yi woman.
• Village Chief: Reveals the harsh realities of Widow Wang's life and her in-laws' cruelty.

Significant Themes

• Resilience in the face of hardship and tragedy.
• Cruelty and indifference towards the vulnerable.
• The consequences of inhuman treatment.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hui and Faming Monk: Mutual understanding and tension, each aware of the other's intentions.
• Shen Hui and Zhang Qi: Shen Hui shows understanding and non-judgment towards Zhang Qi's infidelity.
• Village Chief and Shen Hui: The Village Chief reveals sensitive information about Widow Wang's life and death to Shen Hui.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at the Widow's home, where they find a coffin bound with ropes in a side room.
• The Village Chief and the Old Woman (Widow's mother-in-law) reveal that a Han Chinese scholar gave the coffin to them.
• The Village Chief mentions previous attempts to burn the coffin, which failed.
• Shen Hui demonstrates his ability to control fire, causing the coffin to shake violently.
• Shen Hui decides to open the coffin.

Character Developments

• The Village Chief shows growing respect and deference towards Shen Hui.
• The Old Man (Widow's father-in-law) displays stubbornness and hostility, guarding the coffin.
• Shen Hui remains calm and composed, displaying his magical abilities without revealing his full intentions.

Significant Themes

• The power of magical abilities and their impact on the local community.
• The struggle between tradition (burning the coffin) and innovation (opening the coffin).
• The mystery surrounding the Han Chinese scholar and his connection to the coffin.

Character Interactions

• The Village Chief and the Old Woman provide information about the coffin's origins.
• The Old Man's hostile behavior towards Shen Hui and the group.
• Zhang Qi and Faming Monk show curiosity and concern about the situation.
• Shen Hui maintains a composed and authoritative demeanor, issuing commands and making decisions.