Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Jiang Xiao, shocks his master by revealing he has broken through to the Spiritual Wisdom Realm in just two months, after previously being at the Vitality Soul Realm Peak.
• Jiang Xiao's master expresses disbelief and asks for details, but Jiang Xiao only briefly mentions fighting a bloody battle for three days and nights.
• Jiang Xiao plans to return on the eighth day to attend a feast arranged by his master and Yu Long.
• Jiang Xiao spends a few days recuperating at his grandfather's place, fully recovering from his injuries.
• On the eighth day, Jiang Xiao leaves Ghost King Village and returns to the city, buying a new phone and catching up on missed messages.

Character Developments

• Jiang Xiao: Shows exceptional cultivation progress, breaking through to a higher realm in an incredibly short time. He also demonstrates maturity and responsibility in managing his personal and professional life.
• Jiang Xiao's Master: Expresses shock and admiration at Jiang Xiao's progress, showing a caring and supportive side.
• Jiang Xiao's Grandfather: Continues to provide support and care for Jiang Xiao, showing concern for his well-being.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Jiang Xiao's rapid cultivation progress highlights the theme of personal growth and improvement.
• Family and Belonging: The interactions between Jiang Xiao, his grandfather, and his master emphasize the importance of family and belonging in Jiang Xiao's life.
• Responsibility: Jiang Xiao's handling of his personal and professional commitments demonstrates a sense of responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xiao and His Master: Their conversation reveals a close, mentor-mentee relationship, with the master expressing pride and admiration for Jiang Xiao's progress.
• Jiang Xiao and His Grandfather: Their interactions show a strong, loving bond between them, with the grandfather providing support and care.
• Jiang Xiao and Black Emperor: Their brief exchange shows a playful, friendly dynamic between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist returns from seclusion and learns about a gathering organized by Uncle Yu in Mountain City.
• Two young visitors, a man and a woman, arrive at the protagonist's shop, seeking help from his master, Corpse Head Song.
• They reveal they are being haunted by a baby ghost, which they believe is the spirit of a child they aborted.

Character Developments

• The protagonist displays increased confidence in his abilities, offering to handle the couple's problem himself.
• The couple shows remorse and fear, realizing the consequences of their past actions.

Significant Themes

• Karma and consequences: The couple's past action (abortion) is now affecting their present lives (haunting).
• The protagonist's growth: He is now more capable and confident in handling supernatural incidents.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist reassures the couple, offering to help them despite their initial reluctance to share their problem with him.
• The couple opens up about their past and the current haunting, trusting the protagonist to help them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning (Daoist Du'e) meets Wu Tong and Zeng Hui, a couple haunted by a resentful spirit.
• Jiang Ning agrees to help them, charging only for travel expenses and a deposit.
• They plan to take a high-speed rail to Wan City, with Jiang Ning assuring them it's a simple task.
• Jiang Ning's master, Song, arrives but leaves without eating, telling Jiang Ning to call if needed.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: Displayed calm confidence in handling the spirit issue, showed empathy for the couple's plight, and demonstrated financial stability.
• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui: Initially skeptical of Jiang Ning's abilities, they gained confidence in him after his assurance and Master Song's appearance.
• Master Song: Showed concern for Jiang Ning's safety, making a trip to assess the situation before leaving.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and competence in one's abilities.
• Empathy and understanding towards those in need.
• The importance of communication and support between master and apprentice.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning interacted with Wu Tong and Zeng Hui, reassuring them and gaining their trust.
• Master Song interacted briefly with Jiang Ning and the couple, expressing his concern and leaving after assessing the situation.
• Jiang Ning and Master Song maintained open communication, with Jiang Ning informing his master about the trip and Master Song offering support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Master Du'e visits Wu Tong and Zeng Hui, assesses their condition, and leaves, entrusting Jiang Daoyuan to handle their case.
• Jiang Daoyuan accompanies the couple to a local restaurant, where they struggle to eat due to their weakened yang energy and psychological burden.
• Jiang Daoyuan reveals his dual identity as a Daoist priest and a doctor to the restaurant owner and the couple.
• They take a high-speed rail to Wan City, where Jiang Daoyuan checks in his Evil-Slaying Flowing Cloud Sword due to regulations.
• Upon arrival in Wan City, they buy a ceramic jar, milk, candy, and other items for the spirit of Wu Tong and Zeng Hui's aborted child.
• They reach Wu Tong's home, which is old, moldy, and lacks sunlight, providing an ideal environment for a ghost.

Character Developments

• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui begin to understand the gravity of their situation and the resentment of their aborted child's spirit.
• They feel guilty and regretful for their past actions but are comforted by Jiang Daoyuan.
• Jiang Daoyuan demonstrates his professionalism, empathy, and adaptability in handling the couple's situation.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions: Wu Tong and Zeng Hui face the resentment of their aborted child's spirit due to their past decisions.
• The importance of empathy and understanding: Jiang Daoyuan shows compassion and understanding towards the couple, helping them cope with their guilt and fear.
• The duality of Jiang Daoyuan's identity: He is both a Daoist priest and a doctor, reflecting the integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Daoist practices in his approach to spiritual illnesses.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Daoyuan reassures Wu Tong and Zeng Hui, helping them overcome their anxiety and fear.
• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui rely on each other for support, leaning against each other on the train and buying offerings together for their child's spirit.
• Jiang Daoyuan interacts with the restaurant owner, revealing his dual identity and gaining the owner's confidence in his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui invite Daoist Du'e to their home to exorcise an infant spirit.
• Du'e assures them he'll handle the spirit without any rituals or preparations.
• Both sets of parents arrive, skeptical of Du'e's youth and lack of preparation.
• Du'e confidently awaits the spirit's arrival, predicting a quick resolution.
• Less than half an hour later, an old man knocks at the door, not the expected infant spirit.

Character Developments

• Daoist Du'e: Confident in his abilities, he dismisses the need for rituals and preparations, aiming to prove his worth.
• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui: Anxious but hopeful, they trust Du'e despite their parents' skepticism.
• Wu Tong's and Zeng Hui's parents: Initially doubtful of Du'e's capabilities due to his age and lack of preparations, they remain tense and worried.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: Du'e's confidence clashes with the parents' expectations of what an exorcist should be like.
• Age and Experience: The parents' doubt in Du'e's abilities due to his youth highlights the theme of age and experience being equated with competence.

Character Interactions

• Du'e and Wu Tong/Zeng Hui: Du'e reassures the couple, while they show trust in him despite their parents' skepticism.
• Wu Tong/Zeng Hui and their parents: The couples discuss Du'e's abilities, with the parents expressing doubt and concern.
• Du'e and the parents: Du'e remains confident despite the parents' doubts, predicting a quick resolution to the problem.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Tong's parents invite a Daoist named True Dragon from Crouching Ox Mountain to help exorcise the spirit haunting their home.
• True Dragon arrives with his apprentice, dismissive of Du'e's abilities.
• True Dragon prepares a complex formation to exorcise the spirit, while Du'e observes silently.
• The spirit's presence is felt in the house, causing fear among the living.
• True Dragon sends his apprentice to open the door, revealing the spirit.

Character Developments

• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui show remorse for not trusting Du'e initially.
• Du'e remains calm and composed, showing no fear of the spirit.
• True Dragon reveals himself as an Old Southern Daoist, using grand formations but lacking genuine cultivation.
• True Dragon's apprentice shows fear but follows his master's orders.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal of trust (Wu Tong's parents inviting another Daoist despite Du'e's presence).
• The true nature of cultivation and power (Du'e's calm demeanor vs. True Dragon's grand but empty claims).
• Fear and its impact on the living (the reaction of Wu Tong, Zeng Hui, and their parents to the spirit's presence).

Character Interactions

• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui apologize to Du'e for their lack of trust.
• Du'e and True Dragon show mutual disdain, with Du'e remaining calm and True Dragon growing nervous.
• True Dragon sends his apprentice to face the spirit, revealing his cowardice and lack of genuine power.
• Du'e uses his Heavenly Eye to observe the spirit, showing his readiness to face it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A strange, scratching sound at the door signals the arrival of the infant spirit.
• Old Southern Daoist (True Dragon Daoist) attempts to exorcise the spirit using a consecrated Peachwood Sword but fails.
• The infant spirit, enraged by chicken blood, manifests and attacks Old Southern Daoist's disciple and later True Dragon Daoist himself.
• True Dragon Daoist is unable to activate his formation or effectively use his ritual sword against the infant spirit.

Character Developments

• Old Southern Daoist (True Dragon Daoist): Initially confident, he becomes terrified upon encountering the real infant spirit. His attempts to exorcise the spirit fail, and he is ultimately overpowered.
• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui: They are terrified but can hear and see the infant spirit, unlike the others.
• The Infant Spirit: It manifests as a grotesque, resentful ghost child, showing signs of becoming a vengeful spirit.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Courage: The characters display varying degrees of fear, and only Du'e Daoist remains calm.
• Powerlessness: Despite their preparations and tools, the Daoists are unable to control or exorcise the infant spirit, highlighting their powerlessness against true supernatural entities.

Character Interactions

• Wu Family and In-Laws: They huddle together in fear, relying on True Dragon Daoist for protection.
• True Dragon Daoist and His Disciple: The disciple attempts to exorcise the spirit first but fails, and True Dragon Daoist is later overpowered by the spirit.
• Du'e Daoist: He remains calm and observant, offering reassurance to the Wu family but taking no direct action against the spirit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A True Dragon Daoist, revealed to be an imposter, panics and begs for mercy when confronted by an infant ghost.
• The ghost, which is the spirit of Wu Tong's deceased child, terrorizes the family and the imposter.
• Daoist Du'e, the true exorcist, arrives calmly and easily subdues the infant ghost with a single slap.
• He advises Wu Tong and his wife to offer incense to the ghost child daily for 49 days to help it move on.

Character Developments

• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui: Realize the gravity of their mistake in abandoning their child's body and are moved by their child's spirit.
• Old Southern Daoist (True Dragon Daoist): Exposed as an imposter, he panics and begs for mercy, showing his cowardice and lack of genuine skill.

Significant Themes

• Facing Consequences: Wu Tong and Zeng Hui face the consequences of their actions, as the ghost of their child returns to haunt them.
• True Power vs. False Claims: Daoist Du'e's true power is revealed, contrasting with the imposter's false claims.

Character Interactions

• Daoist Du'e shows calm and confidence in the face of the ghost, contrasting with the panic of Wu Tong's family and the imposter.
• Wu Tong and Zeng Hui interact with their child's ghost, feeling guilt and remorse, and decide to help it move on.
• Wu Tong's family (parents and in-laws) are terrified by the ghost but are eventually moved by their blood relation to the ghost child.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zeng Hui, Wu Tong's wife, attempts to touch the ghost child, triggering an emotional response from both parents.
• The ghost child expresses hunger, prompting Wu Tong to fetch milk and candy, which improves its condition.
• The Wu family requests Daoist Du'e to give the ghost child a name, which he does, naming him Wu Yifei.
• Daoist Du'e creates a Golden Body for Wu Yifei using a ceramic doll and a Soul-Sending Talisman.
• He instructs the Wu family to break the Golden Body and burn the talisman after forty-nine days to allow Wu Yifei to leave.

Character Developments

• Zeng Hui & Wu Tong: They overcome their fear and guilt, showing compassion towards their ghost child, Wu Yifei.
• Daoist Du'e: He demonstrates his power and expertise in exorcism, gaining the Wu family's respect and trust.
• Old Southern Daoist: He acknowledges Daoist Du'e's abilities and apologizes for his earlier disbelief.

Significant Themes

• Family and Parental Love: The Wu family's initial neglect of their child's spirit leads to his haunting, but they eventually show remorse and love.
• Redemption and Second Chances: Wu Yifei is given a chance at rebirth through Daoist Du'e's intervention.
• Belief and Disbelief: Old Southern Daoist's transformation from skeptic to worshipper highlights the power of belief in supernatural forces.

Character Interactions

• Zeng Hui and Wu Yifei: Their emotional reunion leads to a cathartic release of guilt and fear.
• Wu Tong, Zeng Hui, and Wu Yifei: The family's united front in caring for Wu Yifei's spirit shows their renewed commitment to their child.
• Daoist Du'e and the Wu Family: Their initial skepticism turns into respect and gratitude as Daoist Du'e helps their family.
• Daoist Du'e and Old Southern Daoist: Old Southern Daoist's apology and worship reflect his newfound respect for Daoist Du'e's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu family invites a self-proclaimed Daoist, True Dragon Daoist, to perform an exorcism.
• Du'e, the genuine Daoist, arrives and exposes True Dragon Daoist as a fraud.
• True Dragon Daoist admits to scamming people using a genuine Peachwood Sword he found.
• Du'e forces True Dragon Daoist to donate all his ill-gotten money (over 70,000 yuan) and leaves him with the Peachwood Sword as a reminder.
• True Dragon Daoist and his disciple leave, fearing retribution from Du'e.

Character Developments

• True Dragon Daoist: Revealed as a fraud, loses all his ill-gotten money, and is scared into leaving his fraudulent ways.
• Du'e: Proves himself as a genuine and powerful Daoist, exposing the fraud and punishing him.

Significant Themes

• Exposure of fraudulence and the consequences of deceit.
• The power of genuine spiritual practitioners versus imposters.
• Karma and retribution for wrongdoings.

Character Interactions

• Du'e exposes and punishes True Dragon Daoist.
• Wu family members express anger and disappointment towards True Dragon Daoist.
• True Dragon Daoist and his disciple have a tense interaction, with the master fearing for their lives and slapping his disciple into silence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist hears a peculiar bell ringing and follows the sound to a park.
• He discovers an old man summoning ghosts using a ghost-shaking bell, a jar, incense, and an oil lamp.
• The protagonist approaches the old man, kicks him, and demands to know why he's summoning souls.
• The old man reveals he's doing this for offerings to a powerful Daoist priest named Blackstone Daoist.

Character Developments

• The protagonist displays his cultivation prowess by easily overpowering the old man and revealing his Heavenly Eye.
• The old man shows fear and desperation, revealing his cowardly nature.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between good and evil, with the protagonist representing the former and the old man the latter.
• The power of cultivation and the fear it instills in those who are weaker.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and the old man have a one-sided interaction, with the protagonist dominating the conversation and using force to extract information.
• The old man shows deference to Blackstone Daoist, hinting at the power dynamics in their world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, a cultivator, hears a bell ringing in an unusual manner, which he suspects is summoning souls.
• He follows the sound to a park, where he finds a hunchbacked man performing a soul-summoning ritual using a bell, incense, and a soul-sealing jar.
• The hunchback is summoning souls to offer to Blackstone Daoist, a powerful Daoist priest residing in Little Cloud Temple on Five-Blossom Mountain.
• The protagonist approaches the hunchback, kicks him, and demands answers about his actions.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates his cultivation level by easily overpowering the hunchback and displaying his indifference to the hunchback's threats.
• The hunchback shows fear and desperation when faced with the protagonist's threats, revealing his cowardly nature.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators and the fear they instill in others.
• The consequences of meddling with the supernatural, as shown by the hunchback's actions and his fear of Blackstone Daoist.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and the hunchback: The protagonist shows no mercy in interrogating the hunchback, while the hunchback is terrified and desperate to appease the protagonist.
• The protagonist and the summoned ghosts: The protagonist shows no fear or concern for the ghosts being summoned, indicating his power and indifference towards them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Shi Ni Die, learns about a Central Pivot Realm cultivator named Daoist Blackstone in Wan City, who is collecting ghosts.
• Shi Ni Die decides to confront Daoist Blackstone and follows Wang Hunchback, a lackey of Blackstone, to an abandoned sewage treatment plant.
• They reach the plant, and Wang Hunchback calls out to Daoist Blackstone, who appears on the second floor of the office building.

Character Developments

• Shi Ni Die demonstrates his power and confidence by flicking a cigarette butt to destroy a soul-sealing jar, instilling fear in Wang Hunchback.
• Wang Hunchback reveals his lowly status and lack of knowledge about Daoist Blackstone's plans.
• Daoist Blackstone is introduced as an older, sickly-looking cultivator with a black beard and a blue Daoist robe.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and confidence is shown through Shi Ni Die's actions, instilling fear in Wang Hunchback.
• The contrast between the protagonist's strength and the lackeys' weakness is highlighted.
• The mystery surrounding Daoist Blackstone's motives and the identity of the important person he is meeting is introduced.

Character Interactions

• Shi Ni Die interacts with Wang Hunchback, questioning him about Daoist Blackstone and revealing his power.
• Wang Hunchback leads Shi Ni Die to the abandoned factory and calls out to Daoist Blackstone.
• Daoist Blackstone appears and questions Wang Hunchback about the stranger (Shi Ni Die) accompanying him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Nide (the protagonist) arrives at a soul-collection site in Wan City, where he meets Wang Hunchback and Blackstone Daoist.
• Blackstone Daoist, a Central Pivot Realm cultivator, is initially hostile but probes Shi Nide's background before attacking.
• Wang Hunchback betrays Shi Nide and begs Blackstone Daoist for help.
• Shi Nide, revealing his immense power, defeats Blackstone Daoist with a single punch.

Character Developments

• Shi Nide: Demonstrates immense power and calm demeanor, showing no fear against a Central Pivot Realm cultivator.
• Blackstone Daoist: Initially arrogant and aggressive, but quickly defeated and humiliated by Shi Nide.
• Wang Hunchback: Betrays Shi Nide, showing cowardice and lack of loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
• Betrayal and its consequences.
• The arrogance of the powerful and their eventual downfall.

Character Interactions

• Shi Nide and Blackstone Daoist: A tense standoff that quickly turns into a one-sided fight, with Shi Nide emerging victorious.
• Shi Nide and Wang Hunchback: Wang Hunchback betrays Shi Nide, leading to his eventual humiliation and fear.
• Blackstone Daoist and Wang Hunchback: Wang Hunchback begs Blackstone Daoist for help, showing his lack of loyalty to Shi Nide.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ni Die confronts Blackstone Daoist and Wang Hunchback, killing them both.
• Blackstone Daoist's soul reveals that Little Cloud Temple has been supporting White Mist Mountain, a demonic sect, by offering living souls as tribute.
• Ni Die learns that Little Cloud Temple's actions were driven by a desire to secure a place among famous Daoist mountains and avoid being suppressed by other sects.

Character Developments

• Ni Die demonstrates her power and ruthlessness, killing the two cultivators without hesitation.
• Blackstone Daoist reveals his fear and desperation, showing remorse for his actions but unwilling to stop.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and influence within the mystical world, leading to alliances with questionable forces.
• Corruption: The temptation of power and resources leading to the corruption of a once-orthodox sect.
• Ruthlessness vs. Mercy: Ni Die's willingness to eliminate threats without hesitation, contrasted with Blackstone Daoist's pleas for mercy.

Character Interactions

• Ni Die and Blackstone Daoist: Ni Die's intimidation and interrogation lead Blackstone Daoist to reveal the truth about Little Cloud Temple's alliance with White Mist Mountain.
• Ni Die and Wang Hunchback: Ni Die's pursuit and Wang Hunchback's futile attempt to escape, leading to his death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist encounters a group of ghosts with tangled tongues, which he severs to free them from their torment.
• He then encounters two iron tanks with Ghost-Suppressing Talismans, which he breaks to release the trapped ghosts.
• A young ghost attacks the protagonist, claiming that he killed his master, Jingyangzi, and took his ritual sword (the Peachwood Sword).

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates compassion and decisiveness in freeing the ghosts, but also shows impatience when waiting for the Corpse Collector.
• The young ghost reveals a strong sense of loyalty and desire for vengeance, even against the one who freed him.

Significant Themes

• Compassion vs. Impatience: The protagonist shows kindness to the ghosts but grows impatient waiting for the Corpse Collector.
• Loyalty and Vengeance: The young ghost's loyalty to his master and his desire for vengeance are highlighted.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with the ghosts, showing empathy and helping them, but also displays irritation when the young ghost attacks him.
• The young ghost's interaction with the protagonist is driven by his desire for vengeance, leading to a misunderstanding and confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, a Daoist priest, encounters a group of tangled ghosts at a sewage treatment plant. He cuts off their tongues to free them, as their tongues are bound by an unknown force.
• He then encounters two iron tanks emitting intense ghostly energy. Breaking the talismans on the tanks, he frees more ghosts trapped inside.
• The freed ghosts gather around him, awaiting the arrival of the Corpse Collector for offerings or reincarnation through the Netherworld Bureau.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates his power and compassion by freeing the ghosts, showing he is a force for good.
• A young ghost, a disciple of Jingyangzi of Purple Serenity Temple, attacks the protagonist, revealing that the protagonist's Peachwood Sword is actually his master's ritual sword, implying that the protagonist might have been involved in Jingyangzi's death.

Significant Themes

• Freedom vs. Bondage: The ghosts are physically bound (tongues tangled) or trapped (in iron tanks), symbolizing their spiritual bondage. The protagonist's actions free them, both literally and metaphorically.
• Identity and Belonging: The young ghost's attack raises questions about the protagonist's identity and his connection to the deceased Jingyangzi.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with the ghosts, showing empathy and understanding. He helps them without expecting anything in return.
• The young ghost's attack on the protagonist highlights the complexity of their relationship and the mysteries surrounding Jingyangzi's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du'e encounters a young Daoist, Chuyang, who recognizes Du'e's ritual sword and reveals it belonged to his master.
• Du'e explains he took the sword from a swindler and tells Chuyang about his past deeds, impressing the young Daoist.
• Chuyang shares his story: he and his master were delivering invitations when they encountered a soul-devouring monster. His master sacrificed himself to let Chuyang escape, and Chuyang has been imprisoned by evil cultivators since.

Character Developments

• Du'e: Shows honesty and respect for fellow Daoists, revealing his past deeds and impressing Chuyang.
• Chuyang: Initially impulsive and accusatory, he becomes respectful and admiring of Du'e after learning about his past. He reveals his tragic past and his master's sacrifice.

Significant Themes

• Respect and honor among fellow Daoists.
• Sacrifice for the greater good (Chuyang's master).
• The power of reputation and past deeds.

Character Interactions

• Du'e and Chuyang: Initially hostile due to the sword, they develop a respectful and admiring relationship once Chuyang learns about Du'e's past.
• Du'e and the ghosts: They vouch for Du'e's honesty and goodness, helping to calm Chuyang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chuyang, a ghost, reveals his past: his master, Jingyangzi, was killed, and his ritual sword was taken. Chuyang was then killed by Blackstone Daoist.
• The events connect: Jingyangzi's sword led to Old Southern Daoist's swindling, and Chuyang's soul was imprisoned. Jiang Ning obtained Jingyangzi's sword and met Chuyang.
• Jiang Ning decides to help Chuyang and confronts the evil cultivators and demons at Five-Blossom Mountain.
• Wan City agent, Peng Laosan, arrives with Corpse Collectors. They encounter a large group of ghosts led by Jiang Ning.

Character Developments

• Chuyang: Realizes the truth about Little Cloud Temple and its connection to his master's death.
• Jiang Ning: Shows determination to help Chuyang and confront evil cultivators.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Jiang Ning and Chuyang's meeting is seen as fateful.
• Good vs. evil: Little Cloud Temple, a renowned sect, is revealed to be a nest of demons and evil cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Chuyang: Jiang Ning decides to help Chuyang, showing empathy and determination.
• Jiang Ning and Peng Laosan: They meet for the first time, with Peng Laosan initially mistaking Jiang Ning for a ghost due to the large group of ghosts accompanying him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Du'e, sends off over a hundred ghosts at once, a rare feat requiring high cultivation level.
• He writes Homecoming Guide Talismans for a dozen remaining ghosts, enabling them to return to their graves.
• All ghosts are successfully sent away, leaving only Chuyang, a young Daoist from Purple Serenity Temple.
• Du'e, Chuyang, and Peng Laosan (a third-party agent) set off towards Five-Blossom Mountain to investigate Little Cloud Temple's involvement with White Mist Mountain's demonic activities.

Character Developments

• Du'e demonstrates his advanced cultivation and skill in sending off ghosts, gaining respect from Peng Laosan and others.
• Chuyang's master, Jingyangzi, is revealed to have been murdered, likely by Little Cloud Temple and mountain demons.
• Peng Laosan is shocked and concerned about the scale and severity of the mystic world conflict he's involved in.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and its responsibilities, as shown by Du'e's ability to send off ghosts and his determination to uphold justice.
• The contrast between the ordinary world (represented by Peng Laosan) and the mystic world (represented by Du'e and the ghosts), and the impact of the latter on the former.

Character Interactions

• Du'e interacts with various ghosts, showing compassion and respect in sending them away.
• Du'e, Chuyang, and Peng Laosan form a temporary alliance to investigate Little Cloud Temple.
• The Old Ghost, a migrant worker, expresses overwhelming gratitude to Du'e, highlighting the impact of Du'e's actions on the lives of others.