Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Wu, a ten-year-old rabbit spirit master, is sold to a human auction house.
• She is locked in a dark, damp room, starved, and isolated to break her spirit.
• Director Wang, the house's director, is interested in Xiao Wu due to her Soft Bone Charm Rabbit spirit and innate Full Soul Power.
• Xiao Wu is offered food in exchange for obedience but refuses, leading to her being locked alone in a pitch-black room for conditioning.

Character Developments

• Xiao Wu: Struggles with fear and loneliness in isolation, begins to question her brother Tang San's promise to protect her.
• Director Wang: Shows patience and calculation in breaking Xiao Wu's spirit, using isolation and starvation as tools.

Significant Themes

• Human Nature: Xiao Wu experiences the darker side of human nature, feeling betrayed and helpless.
• Confinement and Isolation: The psychological effects of being locked in a dark room are explored, highlighting the fear and desperation Xiao Wu feels.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Wu and Director Wang: Xiao Wu defies Director Wang, who remains calm and determined to break her spirit.
• Xiao Wu and Other Girls: Xiao Wu ignores the other girls' attempts to comfort her, focusing on her own despair.
• Xiao Wu and Tang San: Xiao Wu's thoughts repeatedly turn to Tang San, questioning his promise to protect her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Heaven Dou Royal Auction House is surrounded and raided by the Black Armor Army.
• Director Wang is captured, and the auction house staff, nobles, and domesticated women are separated and detained.
• Xiao Wu is rescued by Li Pu after being held captive in a cramped space for days.

Character Developments

• Director Wang shows arrogance and ignorance of the situation, leading to his capture.
• Xiao Wu experiences fear, helplessness, and desperation during her captivity, but regains hope and determination after being rescued.
• Li Pu demonstrates a calm and indifferent demeanor, manipulating Xiao Wu's emotions and trust.

Significant Themes

• The corrupt and power-hungry nature of the nobility.
• The consequences of naivety and trusting others too easily.
• Manipulation and control of emotions for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Director Wang's defiance and threats are met with disregard and violence from the Black Armor Army.
• Xiao Wu's fear and desperation lead her to cling to Li Pu, seeking protection and companionship.
• Li Pu manipulates Xiao Wu's emotions, playing the role of a savior while subtly controlling her actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Pu, a member of the royal family, seizes control of the Heaven Dou Auction House, surprising the nobles present.
• He announces new rules, including the abolition of the slave trade, which shocks the nobles.
• Li Pu reveals that the slave trade involves the nobility, the royal family, and powerful organizations like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Character Developments

• Li Pu demonstrates his determination and power, showing that he is not just a child but a force to be reckoned with.
• Director Wang, representing the old guard, is defiant but ultimately killed for her resistance to change.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and wealth on society, as seen in the slave trade.
• The struggle between old and new systems, with Li Pu representing change and Director Wang representing the status quo.
• The harsh consequences of defying the new order, as demonstrated by Director Wang's death.

Character Interactions

• Li Pu asserts his authority over the nobles, using the Black Family Army to enforce his will.
• The nobles initially challenge Li Pu but back down when faced with his determination and the threat of violence.
• Li Pu and Xiao Wu are seen together, leading the nobles to assume he is acting on her behalf, but Li Pu clarifies that her presence is incidental.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Pu takes over the auction house, arrests the corrupt nobles, and plans to free the enslaved girls.
• He explains the dark reality of the slave trade and the girls' tragic backgrounds.
• Xiao Wu, who has been sheltered, learns about the harsh world and the true nature of some of her Shrek companions.

Character Developments

• Li Pu: Shows his power and influence, revealing his plans to reform the empire's treatment of slaves and women.
• Xiao Wu: Experiences the harsh reality of the world, leading to a shift in her perspective and values. She begins to question her relationships with certain Shrek companions.

Significant Themes

• Power and Corruption: The nobles' abuse of power and the corruption within the empire.
• Exploitation of the Weak: The dark side of society, where the weak are exploited and treated as resources rather than people.
• Reality vs. Illusion: Xiao Wu's realization that the world is not as beautiful as she imagined, and that there is a dark side she had not seen before.

Character Interactions

• Li Pu and Xiao Wu: Li Pu guides Xiao Wu through this harsh reality, causing her to question her perceptions and values.
• Xiao Wu and Her Shrek Companions: Xiao Wu begins to see her male companions in a new light, realizing their misogynistic attitudes and deciding to distance herself from them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Wu leaves the group, believing Tang San no longer cares for her.
• Tang San realizes Xiao Wu is missing and panics, fearing for her safety.
• The group decides to search for Xiao Wu in Heaven Dou City.
• Xiao Wu is with Li Pu, who is indifferent to her and warns her about the dangers of the human world.

Character Developments

• Tang San: Realizes his feelings for Xiao Wu and becomes determined to find her.
• Xiao Wu: Experiences the world outside the Shrek Academy, learns about its dangers, and begins to question her companions' true intentions.
• Li Pu: Reveals his indifference towards Xiao Wu and the manipulative nature of the human world.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of the human world and the importance of caution.
• The complexity of human relationships and the potential for deception.
• The consequences of rebirth and the loss of memories.

Character Interactions

• Tang San and his companions: Express concern for Xiao Wu and decide to search for her together.
• Xiao Wu and Li Pu: Xiao Wu follows Li Pu, but he remains indifferent and warns her about the dangers of the human world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Wu is mistakenly thought to be a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, causing her to be cautious.
• Tang San and his friends find Xiao Wu after two days, only to see her with Li Pu, who has stripped and beaten Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Tang San as a lesson.
• Li Pu leaves after giving them a warning, and Zhu Zhuqing finds the beaten trio.

Character Developments

• Xiao Wu: Realizes the danger of revealing her true identity as a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast.
• Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun: Suffer humiliation and physical pain, leading to a desire for revenge against Li Pu.
• Li Pu: Demonstrates immense control over the Blue Silver Emperor, hinting at his true identity as Tang Rat's wife's reincarnation.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Li Pu warns Xiao Wu about trusting others too easily, while Tang San and his friends initially mistrust Li Pu.
• Humiliation and revenge: The beaten trio feel humiliated and vow to take revenge on Li Pu.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Wu and Li Pu: They interact cautiously, with Li Pu giving her advice and protecting her.
• Tang San and his friends vs. Li Pu: The friends initially attack Li Pu, leading to their humiliation and punishment.
• Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai: Zhu Zhuqing expresses concern for Dai Mubai's well-being after he is beaten.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Zhuyun, Zhu Zhuqing's elder sister, arrives in place of Zhu Zhuqing.
• Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuyun consider annulling her engagement with Dai Weisi and becoming a couple.
• Dai Mubai decides this is feasible, as the Star Luo Imperial Family has tacitly approved.

Character Developments

• Dai Mubai: Becomes more determined to win the competition and secure his position as the heir.
• Zhu Zhuyun: Shows a more approachable and gentle demeanor compared to Zhu Zhuqing, hinting at her own plans.

Significant Themes

• The coldness and pragmatism of the Star Luo Imperial Family in their pursuit of power and benefits.
• The impact of the competition on the characters' relationships and personal lives.

Character Interactions

• Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuyun: Consider a potential relationship, with Dai Mubai seeing it as a strategic advantage.
• Ma Hongjun: Envious of Dai Mubai's potential relationship with Zhu Zhuyun, he encourages the pairing.
• Zhu Zhuyun and the group: She joins their group, potentially replacing Zhu Zhuqing, and they accept her presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Wu is influenced by Li Pu's views on women's rights and equality.
• The group discusses the legitimacy of brothels and the status of women.
• Xiao Wu questions Tang San and Ning Rongrong about their views on women's equality.

Character Developments

• Xiao Wu: Becomes more aware of social injustices, particularly against women, and challenges the status quo.
• Tang San: Struggles with accepting women's equality, revealing his internalized misogyny.
• Ning Rongrong: Shows initial resistance to acknowledging women's rights but later supports Xiao Wu.

Significant Themes

• Women's Rights and Equality: The chapter explores the characters' views on women's rights and their status in society.
• Social Inequality: The discussion highlights the disparities in power and status between men and women.
• Challenging the Status Quo: Xiao Wu's newfound awareness challenges the accepted norms, causing discomfort among her peers.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Wu vs. Tang San & Ning Rongrong: Xiao Wu confronts Tang San and Ning Rongrong about their views on women's equality, leading to tension and disagreement.
• Xiao Wu vs. Shrek Members: The rest of the Shrek members struggle to accept that other women could be equal to Xiao Wu, revealing their internalized misogyny.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xue Qinghe ascends the throne and faces immediate pressure to take a consort.
• He announces his intention to abolish slavery, causing uproar among ministers.
• He presents a transition plan for the abolition of slavery, leading some ministers to resign.

Character Developments

• Xue Qinghe demonstrates his resolve and decisiveness as a ruler, willing to challenge the status quo.
• Ministers show their self-interest and resistance to change, while some support Xue Qinghe's reforms.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between tradition and reform, with Xue Qinghe advocating for change and ministers resistant to it.
• The power dynamics between the emperor and his ministers, with Xue Qinghe asserting his authority.

Character Interactions

• Xue Qinghe clashes with ministers over the abolition of slavery, showing his determination.
• Ning Fengzhi, as Xue Qinghe's teacher, is pivotal in supporting the reforms and convincing ministers.
• Zhao Tele, a mustached man, strongly supports Xue Qinghe's anti-slavery bill.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Xue Qinghe implements sweeping reforms, including abolishing slavery, military restructuring, and banning brothels and gambling dens.
• He consolidates imperial power, leading to a rebellion by discontented nobles, which is swiftly suppressed.
• The reforms proceed smoothly, with minimal obstruction.

Character Developments

• Xue Qinghe shows himself to be a decisive and iron-fisted ruler, committed to reforming the empire's corrupt systems.
• Ning Fengzhi realizes the extent of Martial Soul Hall's infiltration into the Heaven Dou Empire.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle between the throne and nobility.
• The impact of societal reforms on the common people and the resistance from entrenched interests.
• The exploitation and persecution of women in ancient brothels.

Character Interactions

• Xue Qinghe interacts with his ministers, issuing decrees and showing no mercy to those who oppose his reforms.
• Ning Fengzhi observes Xue Qinghe's actions and realizes the extent of Martial Soul Hall's influence in the empire.
• The common people, while not directly involved in the political maneuverings, benefit from the reforms and the banning of illicit establishments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Fengzhi discovers the depth of Martial Soul Hall's infiltration in the Heaven Dou Empire.
• The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect maintains a neutral stance to avoid hostility with Martial Soul Hall.
• Xue Qinghe's anti-vice campaign begins, targeting brothels and pleasure houses.
• Women in brothels are freed, given their indentures back, and offered jobs in new-era factories.

Character Developments

• Ning Fengzhi: Realizes the severity of Martial Soul Hall's influence and decides to maintain neutrality for the sect's independence.
• Xue Qinghe: Shows compassion and progressive thinking by abolishing brothels, freeing women, and providing them with new opportunities.
• Li Pu: Continues his mission to change society, transitioning it from agrarian to industrial, and providing medical treatment and job opportunities for freed women.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering (Ning Fengzhi's neutrality, Xue Qinghe's reforms).
• Social change and progress (abolition of brothels, women's empowerment, industrialization).
• Compassion and empathy (Xue Qinghe's and Li Pu's actions to help marginalized women).

Character Interactions

• Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe: The sect leader and the emperor maintain a superficial partnership, with the sect leader acknowledging the emperor's reforms while trying to protect the sect's independence.
• Freed women and soldiers: The women, initially disbelieving and bewildered, express gratitude and hope towards the soldiers and the emperor for their newfound freedom and opportunities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Pu introduces the concepts of the Industrial Revolution, steam engines, and thermal weapons to Lou Gao, leading to technological advancements and increased productivity.
• Li Pu's plans focus on technological superiority and productivity to dominate the low-martial world.
• Commoner Academies are established to educate commoners in various fields, funded by confiscating wealth from nobles.
• Xue Qinghe, with Li Pu's guidance, raids the homes of nobles and those with titles to fund major engineering projects.
• Nobles rebel against Xue Qinghe's rule, but Li Pu deploys artillery, firearms, and loyal troops to suppress the rebellion.
• Some nobles consider resigning and leaving the Heaven Dou Empire, but Li Pu prevents them from taking their ill-gotten wealth with them.

Character Developments

• Li Pu: Demonstrates his strategic and innovative thinking, driving technological advancements and social reforms.
• Xue Qinghe: Becomes more assertive and tyrannical in his rule, carrying out Li Pu's plans to raid noble homes and suppress rebellions.
• Qian Renxue: Witnesses Li Pu's plans and expresses disbelief at his ideas.

Significant Themes

• Technological advancement and its impact on society.
• The struggle between the ruling class (nobles) and the commoners.
• The role of education in societal change.
• The consequences of unchecked power and corruption.

Character Interactions

• Li Pu and Lou Gao: Li Pu provides concepts and blueprints, while Lou Gao realizes them through his craftsmanship.
• Li Pu and Qian Renxue: Qian Renxue is surprised and somewhat disbelieving of Li Pu's plans and ideas.
• Xue Qinghe and the nobles: Tensions rise between Xue Qinghe and the nobles as he raids their homes and suppresses rebellions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter discusses the importance of land and grain in feudal societies, and how control over them shapes the lives of common people and the stability of dynasties.
• Li Pu, a character, proposes radical land reform to address the exploitation of commoners by the nobility.
• Qian Renxue, another character, reacts to Li Pu's ideas with disbelief and concern.

Character Developments

• Li Pu is revealed to be a progressive thinker, advocating for land reform to improve the lives of common people.
• Qian Renxue is shown to be pragmatic and aware of the potential consequences of Li Pu's ideas, questioning their feasibility and the likely backlash.

Significant Themes

• Exploitation and Oppression: The nobility's control over land and grain leads to the exploitation and oppression of commoners.
• Land Reform: Li Pu's proposal challenges the status quo and raises questions about the potential consequences and feasibility of such reforms.
• Power Dynamics: The control over resources (land and grain) translates into political power, with the nobility wielding significant influence.

Character Interactions

• Li Pu shares his radical ideas with Qian Renxue, who responds with skepticism and concern.
• Their interaction highlights the tension between idealism (Li Pu's vision for land reform) and pragmatism (Qian Renxue's awareness of the potential consequences).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qian Renxue (disguised as Xue Qinghe) discusses the idea of "everyone being like a dragon" with Li Pu, suggesting equality and empowerment for all.
• Qian Renxue announces a policy to abolish private land ownership, causing uproar among the ministers.
• The ministers strongly oppose the policy, fearing chaos and rebellion from the nobility.
• Xue Qinghe remains resolute, threatening to use force if necessary.

Character Developments

• Qian Renxue/Xue Qinghe: Shows determination to implement progressive policies, even in the face of strong opposition.
• Li Pu: Supports Qian Renxue's vision but declines to take the throne himself.
• Ministers: Reveal their vested interests and fear of change, demonstrating their resistance to progress.

Significant Themes

• Social Inequality: The rigid hierarchy and feudal system create a vast gap between the nobility and commoners.
• Power Dynamics: Qian Renxue's use of force to impose her will highlights the power struggle between the Emperor and the nobility.
• Progress vs. Tradition: The ministers' resistance to change illustrates the tension between preserving traditional values and embracing progress.

Character Interactions

• Qian Renxue and Li Pu: Their conversation reveals their shared vision for a better society, with Qian Renxue as the driving force.
• Qian Renxue and the Ministers: Their interaction showcases the stark contrast between Qian Renxue's progressive ideals and the ministers' self-serving interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emperor Xue Qinghe announces support for a new economic system, abolishing private land ownership and redistributing land to the state.
• Minister Ning Fengzhi supports the policy after seeing the potential of new factories and transportation systems.
• The ministers express concern about the high cost of building roads and the abolition of private land ownership.
• Xue Qinghe explains the benefits of the new economic system and the importance of road infrastructure for economic development.
• The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan opposes the land reform policy, leading to a gathering of nobles to discuss rebellion.

Character Developments

• Emperor Xue Qinghe demonstrates his determination to implement reforms, even in the face of opposition from nobles.
• Minister Ning Fengzhi shows his forward-thinking approach by supporting the new economic system after understanding its potential.
• The ministers reveal their reluctance to change and their adherence to traditional feudal constraints.

Significant Themes

• Economic development and reform
• The importance of infrastructure (roads)
• The struggle between traditional feudal constraints and progressive ideas
• The power dynamics between the imperial family and powerful noble clans

Character Interactions

• Xue Qinghe interacts with his ministers, presenting his policies and addressing their concerns.
• Minister Ning Fengzhi discusses the new economic system with Xue Qinghe and the other ministers.
• The nobles gather to discuss rebellion against Xue Qinghe's policies, with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan playing a central role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nobles approach Sect Master Yu, proposing he become the new emperor to overthrow Xue Qinghe.
• Yu Yuanzhen initially refuses, but the nobles persist, preparing a dragon robe and throne.
• Yu Yuanzhen is carried to the sect's main hall and placed on the throne, accepting the title of emperor.

Character Developments

• Yu Yuanzhen: Initially hesitant but ultimately accepts the title of emperor, driven by ambition and the nobles' support.
• Nobles: United in their desire to overthrow Xue Qinghe and place Yu Yuanzhen on the throne to protect their interests.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Yu Yuanzhen's desire for dominance and the nobles' thirst for control drive the plot.
• Class struggle: The nobles' fear of losing their status and power to commoners influences their actions.
• Manipulation and deception: Yu Yuanzhen uses the nobles' desperation to his advantage, accepting the throne after initially refusing.

Character Interactions

• Yu Yuanzhen and the nobles: Yu Yuanzhen plays coy, initially refusing the throne but ultimately accepting it after the nobles persist and prepare the necessary symbols of power.
• Yu Leiming and the nobles: Yu Leiming understands his father's intentions and acts as a go-between, ensuring the nobles provide a public excuse for Yu Yuanzhen's ascension.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Yuanzhen, with noble support, plans to depose the Xue Clan, the current rulers of the Heaven Dou Empire.
• The Heaven Dou Empire's military strength is discussed, focusing on the Royal Knights, an elite force composed mostly of ordinary people, and their limitations against Spirit Masters.
• Yu Yuanzhen visits the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to persuade Sect Master Ning Fengzhi to abandon the Xue imperial family and support the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan instead, offering the position of emperor to the sect.

Character Developments

• Yu Yuanzhen demonstrates his political acumen and ambition by rallying nobles and attempting to sway the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to his side.
• Ning Fengzhi is torn between supporting Yu Yuanzhen and maintaining the balance of power or sticking with the Xue imperial family, knowing the consequences of each decision.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power between the imperial family, nobles, and sects is a central theme, with Spirit Masters being the primary force.
• Class Stratification: The rigid class system in the Heaven Dou Empire is highlighted, with Spirit Masters viewed as a threat by the nobles and ordinary people having little upward mobility.
• Loyalty and Ambition: Characters grapple with their loyalties and ambitions, with some willing to sacrifice for their goals and others torn between different paths.

Character Interactions

• Yu Yuanzhen and Ning Fengzhi engage in a political negotiation, with Yu Yuanzhen attempting to persuade Ning Fengzhi to switch allegiances, while Ning Fengzhi considers the implications of each choice.
• The conversation between these two powerful figures highlights their understanding of the political landscape and their respective sects' positions within it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sect Master Ning reveals future events to Sect Master Yu, including Martial Soul Hall's infiltration of the Heaven Dou Empire.
• Sect Master Yu refuses to believe in the future events and decides to seize the imperial throne, despite Sect Master Ning's warnings.
• Tang San, upon hearing the situation, decides not to intervene, stating that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is seeking their own destruction.

Character Developments

• Sect Master Yu: Becomes more ambitious and stubborn, refusing to believe in the future events and determined to seize the throne.
• Tang San: Shows indifference to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's fate, focusing only on his ultimate goal.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Wisdom: Sect Master Yu's ambition blinds him to the potential consequences of his actions, while Sect Master Ning and Tang San demonstrate wisdom in their caution and long-term planning.
• Belief and Conviction: The disbelief in future events highlights the importance of personal conviction and evidence in accepting extraordinary claims.

Character Interactions

• Sect Master Ning and Sect Master Yu: Their interaction showcases the tension between ambition and caution, with Sect Master Yu refusing to heed Sect Master Ning's warnings.
• Tang San and Sect Master Ning: Their conversation reveals Tang San's indifference to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's fate and his focus on his ultimate goal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan prepares to rebel against Emperor Xue Qinghe, with the support of major nobles and even Marshal Ge Long.
• The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Sect Master, Yu Yuanzhen, plans to infiltrate the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, believing it to be weakly guarded due to the absence of Dugu Bo and the Frost Douluo.

Character Developments

• Yu Yuanzhen: Shows his ambition and confidence, believing his clan's strength is unmatched and that the Xue Clan is no threat.
• Ning Fengzhi: Refuses to intervene, fearing Tang San's retaliation and the acceleration of Martial Soul Hall's unification plans.
• Chen Xin: Voices concern for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan but accepts Ning Fengzhi's decision not to intervene.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Yu Yuanzhen's desire for power and his belief in his clan's strength drive the rebellion.
• Alliances and Betrayals: The shifting alliances between clans and the potential for betrayal, as seen in Ning Fengzhi's suspicions about Li Pu.
• Consequences of Actions: The potential repercussions of disrupting the original course of events, as discussed by Ning Fengzhi.

Character Interactions

• Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luoguan: The Sect Master's confidence clashes with the Second Elder's caution, highlighting the differing views within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
• Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin: Their conversation reveals the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's stance on the rebellion and their fears regarding Martial Soul Hall and Tang San.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Yuanzhen leads a rebellion of nobles against Emperor Xue Qinghe.
• They encounter a surprise ambush by Li Pu's men.
• Upon reaching the palace plaza, they find Xue Qinghe waiting, supported by nobles and Luo Yang's men armed with new weapons (Aka of Equality for All Living Things).
• Xue Qinghe refuses to abdicate, and a battle ensues. Luo Yang's men use Bun Bombs and the new weapons, decimating the rebels.

Character Developments

• Yu Yuanzhen shows overconfidence and underestimates Xue Qinghe's forces.
• Xue Qinghe remains calm and composed, refusing to abdicate.
• Luo Yang demonstrates loyalty to Xue Qinghe and proves his worth as a general.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue.
• The introduction of new technology (hot weapons) and its impact on warfare.
• Loyalty and betrayal among nobles.

Character Interactions

• Yu Yuanzhen and the nobles underestimate Xue Qinghe's forces.
• Xue Qinghe and Ge Long have a tense exchange, with Ge Long urging Xue Qinghe to abdicate.
• Luo Yang and Xue Qinghe share a moment of understanding and loyalty.