Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Fuping, the State Preceptor, performs a rain ritual that heals the residents of Blackwater City, earning their awe and reverence.
• He gathers the soldiers' fortune (spiritual energy) into a crystal vat, intending to use it to increase the power of a State Decree (Kite Coin) for their expedition into the Coiling Dragon Desert.
• The gathered energy is insufficient, so Sun Fuping asks for a higher-ranking official's Kite Coin to boost the power.

Character Developments

• Sun Fuping: Proves his mastery by gathering and purifying water, but his true intentions are revealed as he pressures He Chunhua to risk his life for the expedition.
• He Chunhua: Initially reluctant, he eventually decides to lead the troops into the desert, showing his dedication to his duty and the well-being of his people.

Significant Themes

• Power and sacrifice: Officials must sometimes risk their lives for the greater good.
• Trust and manipulation: Sun Fuping manipulates the situation to pressure He Chunhua into action.

Character Interactions

• He Chunhua and He Lingchuan: The father-son duo has a tense moment as He Chunhua considers risking his life, but they ultimately stand united.
• Nian Songyu: He taunts the He brothers, showing his disdain for their situation and willingness to put them in harm's way.
• Sun Fuping and He Chunhua: Sun Fuping pressures He Chunhua into leading the troops, revealing his true intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Chunhua, the State Preceptor, decides to lead an expedition into the Coiling Dragon Desert to find the legendary treasure, despite knowing it's a trap set by the Governor.
• He Chunhua insists that his eldest son, He Lingchuan, accompany him on the mission, trapping him into participating.
• He Lingchuan is forced to join the expedition, leaving his younger brother, He Yue, in charge of the prefecture's affairs in his absence.

Character Developments

• He Chunhua: Reveals his strategic and risk-taking nature, prioritizing the He family's future over his own safety. He believes in He Lingchuan's luck and martial prowess, wanting him by his side for the mission.
• He Lingchuan: Initially reluctant, he is forced to join the expedition. He begins to question his father's affection and the depth of his "lucky charm" status.
• He Yue: Shows concern for his father and brother, warning He Lingchuan about the potential dangers on the road.

Significant Themes

• Family and Loyalty: The He family's dynamics and He Chunhua's expectations for his sons.
• Risk and Reward: The expedition into the Coiling Dragon Desert, knowing it's a trap but potentially leading to great rewards.
• Trust and Betrayal: He Lingchuan's growing doubts about his father's true feelings and intentions.

Character Interactions

• He Chunhua and He Lingchuan: The father-son relationship is strained as He Chunhua forces He Lingchuan into the dangerous mission, leading to He Lingchuan's doubts and resentment.
• He Yue and He Lingchuan: The brothers share a close bond, with He Yue warning He Lingchuan about the dangers ahead.
• He Lingchuan and Nian Songyu: Their animosity is evident, with He Lingchuan envying Nian Songyu's exclusion from the expedition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at the "Immortal's Slash," a unique half-peak with a smooth, unnatural fracture.
• They find two hanged corpses of Donglai Manor guards, with tags reading "Courtesy" and "Reciprocity," along the road.
• Nian Songyu and Sun Fuping recognize the corpses as missing guards from their assignment, and Nian is enraged by their torture and death.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan: Shows no remorse for killing the guards, displaying his ruthlessness and desire for revenge against Nian Songyu.
• He Chunhua: Realizes his excessive caution has hindered his son's growth and decides to be more decisive.
• Nian Songyu: Becomes more determined to take revenge on He Lingchuan after discovering the guards' fate.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and retaliation: Both He Lingchuan and Nian Songyu seek revenge for perceived wrongs, leading to a cycle of violence.
• Caution vs. boldness: He Chunhua grapples with whether to be cautious or bold, ultimately deciding to support his son's more daring actions.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua: The father-son duo has a heart-to-heart conversation, with He Chunhua acknowledging his past mistakes and encouraging He Lingchuan's boldness.
• Nian Songyu and He Lingchuan: Tensions rise between the two as Nian suspects He Lingchuan of killing the guards, further fueling his desire for revenge.
• Nian Songyu and Sun Fuping: The two leaders maintain a tense alliance, with Sun advising caution to avoid infighting while pursuing the Great Square Pot.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The He family, including father He Chunhua and son He Lingchuan, are traveling back to the Great Capital, despite Lingchuan's misgivings about the Emperor's role in their family's past.
• They encounter the Red Cliff Road, a historic route filled with the remnants of past battles and a symbol of the fallen Xianyou Kingdom.
• A child chases after her pet dog, leaving the Red Cliff Road, and is attacked and devoured by a sand-dwelling monster, a 'flounder' creature.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan: He shows signs of rebellion and questioning his father's loyalty to the Emperor, hinting at potential treasonous thoughts.
• He Chunhua: He remains steadfast in his loyalty to the Great Yuan, warning his son against treasonous talk.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Rebellion: He Lingchuan's thoughts on treason contrast with his father's unwavering loyalty, raising questions about their differing views on ambition and power.
• The Past's Influence on the Present: The Red Cliff Road serves as a reminder of the past's impact on the present, with the Bell flag symbolizing the power of historical influence.

Character Interactions

• He Chunhua and He Lingchuan: Their conversation reveals their differing views on loyalty and ambition, with Lingchuan questioning his father's motives.
• The Noblewoman and the Caravan Guard: Their interaction highlights the danger of leaving the Red Cliff Road, with tragic consequences for the noblewoman and her child.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The caravan encounters a giant Yellow Flounder monster, which attacks and kills a dog, foreshadowing the dangers of the Coiling Dragon Desert.
• The team arrives at Baiyuan Station, a relay station on Red Cliff Road, where they rest and resupply.
• The group discusses their plan to enter Coiling Dragon City, acknowledging the increased dangers ahead.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan shows concern for his subordinates' well-being, buying meals for Zeng Feixiong and his men.
• Zeng Feixiong reveals his father's traumatic experience in the Coiling Dragon Ruins, hinting at the horrors that await the team.
• Sun Fuping shares new information about the fall of Coiling Dragon City, suggesting that the Red General's defeat was the turning point.

Significant Themes

• The harsh and unforgiving nature of the Coiling Dragon Desert, which corrupts even intelligent monsters.
• The power of money and influence, evident in the exorbitant prices at Baiyuan Station.
• The importance of planning and preparation for the challenges ahead.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and Zeng Feixiong bond over their shared experiences and concerns for their team's well-being.
• Sun Fuping shares his insights about the fall of Coiling Dragon City with the group, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the leaders.
• The team members discuss their plans and strategies for the upcoming journey, demonstrating their commitment to their mission and each other's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discusses the legendary Red General, who played a crucial role in defending Coiling Dragon City.
• The Red General's achievements are recounted, including his ferocious battle against two thousand Xianyou troops with only a few dozen men.
• It's revealed that the Red General left Coiling Dragon City twice, visiting Xianyou and Xiluo, but the reasons for these trips are unknown.
• The Red General's death in a massive battle and the subsequent fall of Coiling Dragon City are discussed.

Character Developments

• Sun Fuping: Shows extensive knowledge about the Red General and Coiling Dragon City's history. He believes the Red General might have been a demigod due to his extraordinary feats.
• He Chunhua: Expresses awe and admiration for the Red General's accomplishments.
• He Lingchuan: Initially skeptical of the Red General's existence, he becomes more convinced of his importance after learning about his deeds.

Significant Themes

• The power of legend and its influence on people's perceptions of history.
• The impact of extraordinary individuals on the course of events.
• The limitations of historical records and the difficulty of uncovering the truth.

Character Interactions

• Sun Fuping and He Chunhua: They engage in a conversation about the Red General, with Sun Fuping sharing his knowledge and He Chunhua expressing his admiration.
• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua: The father and son discuss the Red General's legend, with He Lingchuan initially expressing disbelief but later becoming more convinced.
• The group: They share their thoughts and theories about the Red General, his possible divinity, and his impact on Coiling Dragon City's history.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Lingchuan and his father, He Chunhua, discuss the origin of Origin Power and the reason behind their journey into the desert.
• The group encounters sand bandits on Red Cliff Road, who recognize He Chunhua and attempt to leave peacefully.
• State Preceptor Sun convinces He Chunhua to conscript the sand bandits into their army to bolster their numbers for the journey ahead.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan shows maturity and political acumen in his conversation with his father, understanding the nuances of power and politics.
• He Chunhua demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability by conscripting the sand bandits, turning potential enemies into allies.
• The sand bandit leader, Situ Han, shows reluctance and apprehension about joining the government forces but ultimately complies due to the circumstances.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and collective strength (Origin Power).
• The importance of intuition and gut feelings in decision-making.
• The fluidity of loyalty and allegiance, as seen in the sand bandits' transition from bandits to government soldiers.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua: The father-son duo shares a candid conversation about their journey and the origin of Origin Power, showcasing their close relationship and mutual respect.
• He Chunhua and the sand bandits: He Chunhua uses his authority as the governor to conscript the sand bandits, demonstrating his ability to adapt and make strategic decisions on the spot.
• State Preceptor Sun and He Chunhua: Sun Fuping influences He Chunhua's decision to conscript the sand bandits, further solidifying his position of power within the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group led by He Chunhua and He Lingchuan reaches the end of Red Cliff Road, blocked by a collapsed mountain.
• They must now traverse the Coiling Dragon Desert without the road's protection.
• Sun Fuping reveals three miniature carved boats, which he transforms into large wooden ships using Mystic Crystals.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan shows concern for the lives of the bandits, demonstrating a level of responsibility and care.
• Sun Fuping displays his resourcefulness and preparation by bringing along the miniature boats and Mystic Crystals.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: He Lingchuan's trust in Sun Fuping is tested, while Situ Han expresses his fears of betrayal.
• Luck and Fate: Madam Ying hopes for good luck for her husband and son, highlighting the theme of luck's influence on their journey.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and Situ Han: He Lingchuan reassures Situ Han of his protection, while Situ Han expresses his worries about their safety.
• He Yue and Madam Ying: He Yue comforts his mother about his father and brother's journey, showing his maturity and understanding.
• Sun Fuping and Nian Songyu: Sun Fuping demonstrates his capabilities, while Nian Songyu remains skeptical and critical.

Key Plot Points and Events

• State Preceptor Sun reveals three Walnut Boats, powered by Mystic Crystals, for their desert crossing.
• He Lingchuan reveals he possesses a high-grade Mystic Crystal.
• Nian Songyu asks the sand bandits for any useful tricks, leading to the use of Scented Dumplings to repel mutated monsters.

Character Developments

• State Preceptor Sun demonstrates his wealth and power by using Mystic Crystals casually.
• He Lingchuan shows his knowledge of various items and their uses, including the Scented Dumplings.
• Nian Songyu displays his disdain for common things and his suspicion of He Lingchuan's intentions.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and status disparity (Sun vs. He Lingchuan)
• The value and scarcity of Mystic Crystals
• The unexpected usefulness of crude methods (Scented Dumplings)

Character Interactions

• Nian Songyu and He Lingchuan's rivalry and mutual suspicion deepen.
• He Lingchuan and the sand bandits work together to repel mutated monsters.
• State Preceptor Sun shows interest in the sand bandits' methods, considering their usefulness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group waits for Situ Han's plan to lure a creature to pull their boats across the desert.
• An enormous Earth Dragon, attracted by the foul-smelling bait, surfaces and is caught with a towline.
• The Walnut Boats are successfully pulled by the Earth Dragons, allowing the group to travel quickly across the desert.

Character Developments

• Situ Han demonstrates his knowledge of the desert and its creatures, proving his worth to the group.
• Nian Songyu shows quick thinking and agility in luring and securing the Earth Dragon.
• He Lingchuan reveals his past experience with Earth Dragons, displaying his resourcefulness.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: The group must adapt to the harsh desert environment and its unique creatures to survive.
• Teamwork: The success of the Earth Dragon plan relies on the cooperation of the entire group.

Character Interactions

• Situ Han and He Lingchuan work together to execute the Earth Dragon plan, showcasing their understanding of the desert and its creatures.
• Nian Songyu and the boatmen work in tandem to lure, secure, and control the Earth Dragons, demonstrating their trust in each other's abilities.
• Sun Fuping, Zeng Feixiong, and the other soldiers follow the successful example set by Nian Songyu's group, highlighting their willingness to learn and adapt.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group travels across the sand sea in Walnut Boats, using salted meat to deter creatures.
• They reach an abandoned auxiliary city of Coiling Dragon City, entering through its shadowy gates.
• Upon entering, they encounter Three-Corpse Insects, which are attracted to their Life Fires.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan shows curiosity and courage, trying to observe others' Life Fires.
• He Chunhua demonstrates wisdom and experience, warning his men not to look back.
• Nian Songyu and Sun Fuping remain calm and pleased, expecting to find evidence of the Great Square Pot.

Significant Themes

• Life and Death: The Life Fires represent life, while the Three-Corpse Insects symbolize death and decay.
• Courage and Caution: The group must face their fears and proceed cautiously to avoid danger.
• Adaptation: The mutated creatures in the desert show how life adapts to harsh environments.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua interact, with the son showing curiosity and the father demonstrating wisdom.
• Nian Songyu and Sun Fuping work together, sharing a calm and determined attitude.
• The soldiers follow orders, showing discipline and unity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua encounter Three-Corpse Insects on their ship.
• The insects use voices to lure people into turning their heads, weakening their Life Fires and allowing possession.
• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua resist the urge to turn their heads and pass the test.
• A personal guard turns his head, gets possessed, and attacks He Chunhua.
• He Lingchuan saves his father and turns to face the chaos on the ship, where possessed people are attacking each other.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan demonstrates self-control and quick thinking, saving his father and facing the chaos on the ship.
• He Chunhua shows concern for his son's safety and determination to deal with the possessed people.

Significant Themes

• Self-control and resistance against temptation (not turning one's head despite hearing voices).
• The consequences of giving in to temptation (possession by Three-Corpse Insects).
• The importance of quick thinking and action in crisis situations.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua communicate silently using eye contact and gestures, conveying their understanding of the situation and their intentions.
• He Lingchuan saves He Chunhua from an attack by a possessed personal guard.
• He Chunhua expresses his intention to deal with the possessed people while asking He Lingchuan to turn slowly and carefully.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group is attacked by possessed companions (puppets) on board. They are forced to kill their possessed comrades to prevent further harm.
• The Walnut Boat passes through the city and into the desert. They discard the corpses to lighten the load and pick up pace as night falls.
• They encounter and fight against two massive Purple-Gold Toads, mutated monsters that attack by shooting out tongue-arrows and releasing toxic mist.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan, despite his initial hesitation, kills his possessed father's soldier, Zhao Shaogang, and feels remorse afterwards. He also shows improvement in his throwing knife skills.
• He Chunhua acknowledges He Lingchuan's growth and maturity after he saves his life and helps control the chaos on board.
• State Preceptor Sun and his men face the Purple-Gold Toads but manage to deal with them effectively.

Significant Themes

• Self-Preservation vs. Camaraderie: The group is forced to prioritize their own lives over their comrades' when they are possessed, highlighting the theme of self-preservation in extreme circumstances.
• The Cost of Survival: The journey is harsh and unforgiving, with each death weighing heavily on the survivors. They must discard the corpses to lighten the load, emphasizing the grim reality of their situation.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua: Father and son bond over their shared experiences and He Lingchuan's growth. He Chunhua acknowledges his son's improvement and feels proud of him.
• He Lingchuan and Zhao Shaogang: He Lingchuan's first kill since becoming He Lingchuan, and the remorse he feels afterwards highlights the cost of survival and the harsh reality of their situation.
• State Preceptor Sun and his men: They face the Purple-Gold Toads together, showcasing their ability to work together and overcome challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The fleet encounters monstrous attacks, with State Preceptor Sun's boat being targeted each time.
• They reach the Chipa Plateau, with its towering cliffs and the Coiling Dragon City at the mouth of a descending slope.
• The journey ends at a natural stone bridge connecting the north and south, the only path to attack Coiling Dragon City.
• Two possessed men, infested with Three-Corpse Insects, are brought to the group.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan shows concern for the soldiers' safety and awareness of potential threats.
• Sun Fuping demonstrates his knowledge of the bridge's origins and material.
• Nian Songyu reveals his familiarity with the terrain and its history.

Significant Themes

• The harsh and unforgiving nature of the desert and its creatures.
• The strategic importance of terrain in warfare.
• The lingering effects of past conflicts on the present.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and Nian Songyu discuss the bridge's origins and the potential danger of strange beasts.
• Sun Fuping, He Lingchuan, and Nian Songyu examine the bridge and share their insights.
• Zeng Feixiong expresses his astonishment at the bridge's construction and the lack of resistance from Coiling Dragon City's sentries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group crosses a bridge built with supernatural power, which was part of Coiling Dragon City's defenses.
• They discover the city's deep moat and high walls, including a unique three-wall structure with each wall higher than the last.
• The group enters the city and finds a large plaza with a Black Flood Dragon Totem and a dry pool.

Character Developments

• Sun Fuping demonstrates his knowledge of the city's history and defenses.
• He Lingchuan shows curiosity and awe at the city's unique architecture and defenses.
• Situ Han expresses frustration and admiration for the city's defenses, imagining the enemy's plight.

Significant Themes

• Defense and warfare: The chapter emphasizes the city's formidable defenses and the challenges it posed to invaders.
• History and tradition: The city's history and traditions are revealed through its architecture and practices.

Character Interactions

• Sun Fuping shares his knowledge with the group, acting as a guide and historian.
• He Lingchuan and Situ Han discuss and react to the city's defenses, showing their different perspectives and emotions.
• The group interacts with the environment, exploring and discovering the city's features together.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team discovers that Coiling Dragon City is a Double-Layer Plain, with the upper layer being fertile and water-rich.
• They set up camp in the city's marketplace, with the leaders staying in a tavern.
• Sun Fuping reveals that previous explorers, including the Baling-Xianyou coalition and Grandmaster Zhu Gen, had already searched the city thoroughly without finding the Great Square Pot.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan shows concern for the team's safety and efficiency.
• Sun Fuping demonstrates his knowledge and experience, showing confidence in his plan.
• He Chunhua exhibits observational skills by noticing the absence of Three-Corpse Insects in the city.

Significant Themes

• The importance of thorough preparation and research before embarking on a mission.
• The dangers and challenges of exploring ancient ruins.
• The value of learning from past experiences and failures.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and Nian Songyu discuss the search plan with Sun Fuping.
• He Chunhua shares his observation about the lack of Three-Corpse Insects with the group.
• Sun Fuping reveals his sources of information and his plan to narrow down the search area for the Great Square Pot.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The expedition members enjoy a sumptuous meal, showcasing the variety and quality of their provisions.
• Sun Fuping reveals that the Great Square Pot can only be found during the Furious Sand Season, which is highly dangerous.
• He Lingchuan and his father express their unwillingness to participate in such a risky endeavor.
• Nian Songyu and Sun Fuping reveal their true intentions, leading to a tense standoff.
• He Lingchuan and his father consider their options amidst the confrontation.
• Sun Fuping proposes a compromise: if they can trigger the Furious Sand Season and find the pot, he guarantees their safety; if not, they will return to Blackwater City before the real Furious Sand Season arrives.
• Situ Han, the sand bandit leader, expresses concern for the people still on Red Cliff Road.

Character Developments

• He Lingchuan: Shows impetuousness and a willingness to challenge authority, but also demonstrates strategic thinking.
• He Chunhua: Maintains a calm demeanor even in tense situations, attempting to mediate and find a solution.
• Nian Songyu: Reveals his manipulative nature and willingness to use others as pawns.
• Sun Fuping: Shows confidence in his abilities and willingness to take risks.
• Situ Han: Expresses concern for the lives of others, revealing a moral compass.

Significant Themes

• Risk vs. Reward: Characters weigh the potential gains against the dangers involved in seeking the Great Square Pot.
• Trust and Betrayal: The tension between the expedition members highlights the lack of trust and the presence of hidden agendas.
• Power Dynamics: The standoff showcases the power dynamics among the expedition members and the consequences of challenging authority.

Character Interactions

• He Lingchuan and Nian Songyu: Their mutual dislike and distrust escalate, leading to open hostility.
• He Chunhua and He Lingchuan: The father-son duo sticks together, with He Chunhua trying to protect his son and find a way out of the situation.
• Sun Fuping and Nian Songyu: Their alliance is revealed, with both aiming to use the He father and son for their own purposes.
• He Chunhua and Sun Fuping: Despite the tension, they attempt to maintain a diplomatic front, seeking a resolution that satisfies everyone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discusses the Furious Sand Season and its impact on the desert and the capital.
• Sun Fuping reveals that the timing of the Furious Sand Season can be manipulated and that it's likely the Baling Kingdom did so twenty years ago.
• They realize that Coiling Dragon City remains unaffected by the Furious Sand Season, suggesting it's the safest place in the desert during the storm.
• Sun Fuping assures the group that he has permission to use the Primal Power of the Divine Altar to aid their return.
• He Lingchuan and Nian Songyu argue, and He Lingchuan is tasked with work for the night.

Character Developments

• Sun Fuping: Shows his strategic thinking and knowledge of the desert's history, as well as his ability to keep calm under pressure.
• He Lingchuan: Demonstrates his recklessness and disregard for authority, but also his quick thinking and adaptability.
• Nian Songyu: Reveals his stern and unyielding nature, as well as his contempt for He Lingchuan.

Significant Themes

• The greater good vs. individual lives: The group grapples with the idea of sacrificing frontier lives to save the capital.
• Manipulation of nature: The discussion about the Baling Kingdom's possible influence on the Furious Sand Season's timing.
• Trust and leadership: Sun Fuping's assurance of the Primal Power's use boosts the group's morale and trust in him.

Character Interactions

• He Chunhua and Sun Fuping: They have a respectful and cooperative relationship, with He Chunhua showing deference to Sun Fuping's knowledge and experience.
• He Lingchuan and Nian Songyu: Their argument highlights their personalities and the tension between them, with He Lingchuan's recklessness clashing with Nian Songyu's sternness.
• He Lingchuan and Zeng Feixiong: He Lingchuan seeks Zeng Feixiong's protection from Nian Songyu, suggesting a friendly or at least non-adversarial relationship between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two puppets, parasitized by Three-Corpse Insects, are brought to Coiling Dragon City. They are afraid and shiver, despite not being cold.
• Sun Fuping tortures the puppets to extract information about the Great Square Pot, but only one of them speaks before dying.
• The remaining puppet attacks He Lingchuan but is killed by He Chunhua. He Lingchuan is unharmed due to residual Soul-Suppressing Powder.
• Sun Fuping and He Chunhua deduce that the Furious Sand Season in Coiling Dragon Desert might be triggered by rain.

Character Developments

• Sun Fuping: Shows expertise in interrogating and torturing the Three-Corpse Insects.
• He Lingchuan: Demonstrates quick thinking and understanding when attacked, and contributes to the deduction about the Furious Sand Season's trigger.
• He Chunhua: Protects He Lingchuan from the puppet's attack and shows concern for his safety.

Significant Themes

• The loyalty and instinctual behavior of the Three-Corpse Insects.
• The power dynamics between humans and the Three-Corpse Insects.
• The importance of water in the desert and its potential connection to the Furious Sand Season.

Character Interactions

• Sun Fuping and the Three-Corpse Insects: Sun Fuping tortures the insects to extract information, highlighting the power imbalance between humans and the insects.
• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua: They work together to deduce the trigger for the Furious Sand Season, showcasing their understanding and respect for each other's insights.
• He Chunhua and the attacking puppet: He Chunhua swiftly decapitates the puppet to protect He Lingchuan, displaying his protective instincts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• State Preceptor Sun suggests using water to irrigate specific locations in Coiling Dragon City to trigger the Furious Sand Season and reveal the Great Square Pot.
• The group splits up to search Zhong Shengguang's tomb, the Mitian Temple, the Zhong Shengguang Shrine, the Red General Shrine, and the mass grave of Coiling Dragon City using Three-Corpse Insects as guides.
• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua visit Zhong Shengguang's tomb, pay their respects, and realize that the tomb is not their target.

Character Developments

• State Preceptor Sun demonstrates his strategic thinking and meticulous planning.
• He Lingchuan shows respect for Zhong Shengguang and understands the political implications of retrieving the Great Square Pot.
• He Chunhua reveals his concern for the regional balance of power and the potential consequences of removing the Coiling Dragon Desert's protection.

Significant Themes

• The legacy of Zhong Shengguang and his impact on the region.
• The political and strategic importance of the Coiling Dragon Desert and its Furious Sand Season.
• The consequences of retrieving the Great Square Pot and the potential changes it may bring to the region.

Character Interactions

• State Preceptor Sun and Nian Songyu discuss their search strategy and the limitations of praying for rain in Coiling Dragon City.
• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua pay respects to Zhong Shengguang's tomb and discuss the potential implications of retrieving the Great Square Pot.
• He Lingchuan and He Chunhua have a private conversation about the Coiling Dragon Desert's role as a safeguard and the potential consequences of its removal.