Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Fei calls Shen Yang late at night to inquire about strange occurrences in Shen Family Village before its relocation.
• Shen Yang reveals incidents involving a blood-covered stone causing skin diseases and a contaminated spring leading to animal deaths.
• Jiang Fei learns that these events occurred on Chicken Head Mountain and informs his master and Uncle Yu, but his master's phone becomes unreachable.
• Jiang Fei spends a sleepless night worrying about his master and waiting for news from Mao Jing.

Character Developments

• Jiang Fei demonstrates his dedication and concern for his master's safety, showing growth in responsibility and worry.
• Shen Yang displays maturity and patience in handling Jiang Fei's late-night call, maintaining a calm demeanor throughout their conversation.

Significant Themes

• The power of nature and its potential dangers, as seen in the landslide and contaminated water.
• The importance of communication and information sharing in solving cases, as shown by Jiang Fei's efforts to gather details from Shen Yang.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Fei and Shen Yang: Despite being strangers, they maintain a polite and respectful conversation, with Shen Yang showing understanding and patience towards Jiang Fei's late-night call.
• Jiang Fei and his master: Jiang Fei's worry and anxiety for his master's safety highlight their strong master-apprentice bond.
• Jiang Fei and Mao Jing: Jiang Fei entrusts Mao Jing with delivering keys to his master and awaits his updates, showing trust in their partnership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Jiang Ling, is unable to contact Master, Mao Jing, and Uncle Yu after they went to Taihe Mountain.
• Jiang Ling speculates that either there's a signal issue or they're trapped and can't contact the outside world.
• He learns from Pan Ling that Mao Jing was supposed to visit him but never arrived.
• Jiang Ling and Pan Ling discuss the possibility of a Five-Element Fiend Corpse being involved, which is extremely dangerous.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ling: Becomes increasingly worried about his friends' safety and feels helpless due to his inability to leave the hospital.
• Mao Jing: Shows his cautious and responsible nature by promising to message Jiang Ling once he meets Master.
• Pan Ling: Demonstrates concern for her senior brother (Mao Jing) and willingness to help, despite the danger.

Significant Themes

• Uncertainty and worry about the safety of loved ones.
• The danger posed by powerful supernatural entities like the Five-Element Fiend Corpse.
• The helplessness felt when one is unable to act due to external circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ling and Pan Ling: They share information and discuss the situation, with Pan Ling offering to help despite Jiang Ling's concerns about her safety.
• Jiang Ling and Mao Jing (implied): Their close relationship is evident in Jiang Ling's worry and trust in Mao Jing's reliability.
• Jiang Ling and Master (implied): Jiang Ling's concern for his master's safety and well-being is clear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Chen is anxious about his master and friends who have been missing for hours, possibly facing a Five-Element Fiend Corpse.
• Pan Ling suggests they go to help, but Jiang Chen refuses due to the high risk.
• Jiang Chen considers two plans: summoning Xiao Yu's soul fragment or seeking help from Zhang Third Master.
• Pan Ling suggests contacting their sect, but Jiang Chen decides to seek help from Zhang Third Master instead.
• Jiang Chen instructs Pan Ling to find Zhang Third Master at their university.

Character Developments

• Jiang Chen: Struggles with anxiety and fear but remains rational, considering various plans and resources to help his master and friends.
• Pan Ling: Becomes anxious and impulsive, suggesting they go to help immediately, but also considers seeking help from their sect.

Significant Themes

• Anxiety and impulsiveness vs. rational decision-making
• The importance of seeking help and assistance from others
• The consequences of exposure and the risks involved in using powerful entities like Xiao Yu's soul fragment

Character Interactions

• Jiang Chen and Pan Ling discuss their options over the phone, with Pan Ling growing increasingly anxious and impulsive.
• Jiang Chen decides to seek help from Zhang Third Master, instructing Pan Ling to find him at their university.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Jiang, is worried about his master and Uncle Yu, who haven't returned from Shen Family Village.
• Hospital Director Peng Pengyi asks Jiang about Yu Long's absence, revealing they're online gaming rivals.
• Zhang Third Master, a renowned figure in the supernatural field, agrees to investigate the situation in Shen Family Village after Jiang's plea.
• Third Master and Pan Ling set out for Shen Family Village, and Pan Ling sends Jiang videos of their journey. They confirm the presence of corpse miasma and suspect the others are in trouble.

Character Developments

• Jiang shows concern and initiative in seeking help for his master and Uncle Yu.
• Director Pengyi is revealed to be Yu Long's online gaming rival.
• Zhang Third Master demonstrates his expertise and willingness to help, despite his initial reluctance.
• Pan Ling shows loyalty and concern for her senior brother and the others.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Concern: Jiang's worry for his master and Uncle Yu, Pan Ling's concern for her senior brother.
• Expertise and Capability: Zhang Third Master's skills in Feng Shui positioning and his reputation.
• Trouble and Danger: The mysterious and dangerous situation in Shen Family Village.

Character Interactions

• Jiang interacts with Director Pengyi, revealing Yu Long's absence and the reason behind it.
• Jiang speaks with Zhang Third Master, convincing him to intervene in Shen Family Village.
• Pan Ling keeps Jiang updated via video messages, sharing their findings and reassuring him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Doctor Jiang, watches a video showing the arrival of his team at Shen Family Village, which is shrouded in corpse miasma.
• He learns about Shen Family Village's folk customs from Doctor Shen Yang, including their annual Mid-Autumn Festival tradition of burning dou incense and inviting wandering deities.
• Doctor Jiang deduces that these customs might have been a way to suppress a corpse fiend in Chicken Head Mountain.

Character Developments

• Doctor Jiang: Shows curiosity and analytical skills in piecing together the village's customs and their possible connection to the corpse fiend.
• Doctor Shen Yang: Reminisces about his village's folk culture and shares details about their customs.

Significant Themes

• Preservation of folk traditions and their meaning.
• The connection between folk customs and supernatural elements (in this case, the corpse fiend).
• The impact of modernization and urbanization on traditional practices.

Character Interactions

• Doctor Jiang and Doctor Shen Yang discuss folk culture and customs, with Doctor Jiang asking insightful questions and making deductions based on the information provided by Doctor Shen Yang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Chen deduces that a corpse fiend is sealed in Chicken Head Mountain due to local customs and environmental factors.
• He learns about a Mountain God Cave with salt-alkali land surrounding it, reinforcing his suspicion.
• Jiang Chen contacts Pan Ling, who confirms finding traces of the corpse fiend but not their missing companions.
• Jiang Chen decides to join the investigation at Taihe Mountain, inviting Zhang Yuchen along.

Character Developments

• Jiang Chen demonstrates his analytical skills and determination to help his friends.
• Zhang Yuchen shows enthusiasm and eagerness to participate in the supernatural event.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and the unknown (corpse fiends, Mountain God Cave).
• The power of deduction and investigation in uncovering the truth.
• The importance of teamwork and support among friends.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Chen interacts with Shen Yang, gathering information about the Mountain God Cave.
• Jiang Chen communicates with Pan Ling, sharing his findings and receiving updates on the situation.
• Jiang Chen invites Zhang Yuchen to join the investigation, displaying camaraderie.
• The driver of the rideshare shares a brief conversation with Jiang Chen, highlighting his eagerness to reach Taihe Mountain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen ascend Taihe Mountain towards Shen Family Village.
• They find the village in ruins, with a strong presence of corpse miasma and no signs of life.
• Jiang decides to hide and observe the village before taking any action due to the potential danger of a Five-Element Fiend Corpse.

Character Developments

• Jiang: Demonstrates caution and strategic thinking, prioritizing safety and information gathering before acting.
• Zhang Yuchen: Shows loyalty and trust in Jiang, following his lead without question.

Significant Themes

• Danger and Caution: Jiang's careful approach highlights the potential risks and the need for prudence in their mission.
• Loyalty and Trust: Zhang Yuchen's unwavering support for Jiang's decisions emphasizes their strong bond.

Character Interactions

• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen: Their easy camaraderie and mutual respect are evident in their conversation and teamwork. Zhang Yuchen is open about his excitement for the mission but also trusts Jiang's judgment, following his lead without question.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen hide in an abandoned house, sensing an increase in corpse aura.
• They hear breathing sounds and see several corpse fiends (zombies) approaching.
• A Purple Zombie, the weakest type, approaches their hiding spot but leaves after a few minutes.

Character Developments

• Jiang remains calm and strategic, while Zhang Yuchen is restless and worried.
• Jiang demonstrates knowledge about corpse fiends, their types, and behaviors.

Significant Themes

• Danger and Caution: The heavy corpse aura and presence of corpse fiends emphasize the danger they're in, requiring caution and patience.
• Hierarchy and Power: The mention of different types of corpse fiends, with the Five-Element Fiend Corpse being the most powerful, highlights the theme of hierarchy and power within the supernatural world.

Character Interactions

• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen work together, hiding and observing the corpse fiend, and communicating silently to avoid detection.
• Jiang shares his knowledge about corpse fiends with Zhang Yuchen, showing a mentoring dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen wait at the village entrance, observing corpse fiends inside.
• After an hour, unusual activity occurs in the village: a yellow light appears, and dense corpse qi spreads.
• Pan Ling finally responds to Jiang's message, revealing she's trapped in the "Corpse Domain" with Senior Brother and Senior Yu. She instructs Jiang to light incense or a candle at a specific location at 11:30 to guide them out.

Character Developments

• Jiang remains calm and strategic, prioritizing gathering information and waiting for the right moment to act.
• Zhang Yuchen is eager to fight but follows Jiang's lead.
• Pan Ling shows concern for Jiang and the others, providing crucial information about their situation.

Significant Themes

• Patience and strategic planning in the face of uncertainty.
• The strange and dangerous nature of the Corpse Domain.
• The importance of communication and coordination among the group.

Character Interactions

• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen work together, with Jiang taking the lead in decision-making.
• Jiang and Pan Ling communicate, with Pan Ling providing vital information about their situation.
• The group's separation highlights their individual roles and the need for coordination to overcome challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang finds out that Pan Ling and others are trapped in a Corpse Domain within Shen Family Village.
• They need to light incense and candles at a broken wall at 11:30 PM to guide them out.
• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen sneak into the village to set up the incense and candles.
• Three purple stiff corpses (corpse fiends) approach them, drawn by the incense and candles.

Character Developments

• Jiang shows leadership and responsibility, prioritizing the safety of his companions.
• Zhang Yuchen demonstrates loyalty and determination, eager to protect the incense and candles.
• Both characters exhibit bravery and caution, ready to fight the corpse fiends if necessary.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Jiang feels responsible for his companions' safety and takes the initiative to guide them out.
• Loyalty: Zhang Yuchen is committed to protecting Jiang and their mission.
• Courage and Caution: Both characters show courage in facing the danger but also act with caution to avoid unnecessary risks.

Character Interactions

• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen: Their bond deepens as they work together to save their companions. Zhang Yuchen's chuuni behavior is still present but is now seen as endearing rather than annoying.
• Jiang and Pan Ling: Though not physically present, Pan Ling's call for help strengthens Jiang's resolve to save her and the others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yuchen and the protagonist encounter three purple stiff corpse fiends approaching them.
• The protagonist and Zhang Yuchen engage in battle with the corpse fiends, discovering their immense strength and tough bodies.
• The protagonist identifies the three major weak points of corpse fiends: the eyes, the mouth, and the rear passage.
• The protagonist uses an Evil-Slaying Talisman to temporarily incapacitate one of the corpse fiends, then finishes it off with his Fish Bone Sword.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates his combat skills, agility, and strategic thinking, using talismans effectively against the powerful corpse fiends.
• Zhang Yuchen shows his strength and determination but struggles against the corpse fiends' power and toughness initially.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptability is highlighted as the protagonist adjusts his strategy to counter the corpse fiends' strengths.
• The theme of teamwork is shown as Zhang Yuchen and the protagonist fight together against the common enemy.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Zhang Yuchen fight side by side, with the protagonist providing guidance and support to Zhang Yuchen.
• The protagonist and Zhang Yuchen communicate effectively during the battle, coordinating their actions and sharing information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, using his Fish Bone Sword, strikes and kills the first purple zombie, causing it to convulse and release corpse malice.
• He then uses Evil-Suppressing Talismans to repel another charging purple zombie, and later uses an Evil-Slaying Talisman to kill it.
• Zhang Yuchen, another character, is also fighting a purple zombie. The protagonist kills the remaining two purple zombies using Evil-Slaying Talismans, exploiting their weakness.
• All purple zombies are eventually killed, their bodies decaying rapidly after death.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates his skill in using talismans and swords, showing quick thinking and adaptability in combat.
• Zhang Yuchen displays his speed and agility in fighting a purple zombie.

Significant Themes

• The power of talismans against corpse malice is emphasized.
• The weakness of purple zombies (their mouth, rear, and eyes) is exploited for their defeat.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Zhang Yuchen fight separately but cooperatively against the purple zombies.
• The protagonist does not engage in conversation with Zhang Yuchen during this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Chen defeat three Purple Zombies.
• They wait for Pan Ling and the others, but the corpse energy in the area increases.
• Corpse fiends, later revealed to be Thrall Corpses, start emerging from the mist.
• There are eight Thrall Corpses, which are living people bitten by high-level zombies, now turned into "living dead."

Character Developments

• Zhang Yuchen shows confidence in his abilities but becomes nervous when facing the Thrall Corpses.
• Jiang Chen remains calm and analytical, identifying the Thrall Corpses and explaining their nature to Zhang Yuchen.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different types of corpse fiends and zombies.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding in facing supernatural threats.
• The theme of transformation and change, as living people become Thrall Corpses.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Chen work together to protect the incense and candles.
• Zhang Yuchen relies on Jiang Chen's expertise to understand the Thrall Corpses.
• Jiang Chen reassures Zhang Yuchen and provides information to help him cope with the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Chen encounter eight servant corpses in Shen Family Village.
• Zhang Yuchen confidently engages the servant corpses, killing two with ease.
• A powerful Black-Furred Zombie (Black Fiend) emerges from the mist, targeting Zhang Yuchen.
• Zhang Yuchen is overpowered by the Black Fiend and surrounded by servant corpses.
• Jiang Chen intervenes, using his Snake Bone Whip to restrain the Black Fiend.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yuchen initially shows overconfidence in his abilities but is quickly overwhelmed by the Black Fiend, demonstrating a lack of experience against powerful zombies.
• Jiang Chen maintains a calm and cautious demeanor, recognizing the threat posed by the Black Fiend and acting swiftly to save Zhang Yuchen.

Significant Themes

• The danger of underestimating enemies, as seen in Zhang Yuchen's initial overconfidence.
• The importance of teamwork and caution, as demonstrated by Jiang Chen's intervention to save Zhang Yuchen.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Chen work together against the servant corpses, but Zhang Yuchen's recklessness forces Jiang Chen to protect him from the Black Fiend.
• The Black Fiend's appearance highlights the difference in power between it and the servant corpses, as well as the danger it poses to Zhang Yuchen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yuchen underestimates the servant corpses and the black-haired zombie, but quickly realizes their threat.
• The black-haired zombie, a top-tier corpse fiend, demonstrates immense strength and speed, overwhelming Jiang Chen.
• Jiang Chen uses talismans and his Fish Bone Sword to fight the zombie, but they prove largely ineffective.
• Zhang Yuchen attempts to help but fails to injure the zombie and enrages it further.
• Jiang Chen uses his Thunder Method to prepare a powerful attack.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yuchen: Initially overconfident, he becomes terrified and struggles to harm the zombie, showing his lack of experience against powerful undead.
• Jiang Chen: Displaying his combat skills and resourcefulness, he adapts his strategies against the formidable zombie but also becomes poisoned.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of powerful undead creatures.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in combat.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Chen: Zhang Yuchen attempts to help Jiang Chen but fails, showing his inexperience. Jiang Chen, however, remains determined to defeat the zombie.
• Jiang Chen and the Black-Haired Zombie: Jiang Chen struggles against the zombie's immense strength and speed, showing the vast difference in power between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang attempts to strike the black-furred zombie with his most powerful technique, Palm Thunder, but it only wounds the zombie.
• Zhang Yuchen engages with slave corpses, while Jiang faces the black-furred zombie alone.
• They struggle to find an opening to attack the zombie's weak points, circling around it to avoid its powerful attacks.
• Zhang Yuchen prepares to use his ultimate move, a Blood-Guided Talisman.

Character Developments

• Jiang: Demonstrates his powerful Palm Thunder technique, but it's not enough to defeat the zombie. He shows resilience and strategic thinking in dodging and circling the enemy.
• Zhang Yuchen: Proves his worth by handling the slave corpses and preparing a powerful Blood-Guided Talisman as a last resort.

Significant Themes

• Power and Limitations: Both Jiang and Zhang Yuchen use their most powerful techniques, but they're not enough to defeat the black-furred zombie, highlighting the theme of power having limits.
• Teamwork and Strategy: The two fighters work together, circling the enemy and buying time, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and strategy in overcoming powerful foes.

Character Interactions

• Jiang and Zhang Yuchen fight side by side, relying on each other to survive against the powerful black-furred zombie. They communicate and coordinate their actions effectively.
• Zhang Yuchen's excitement in preparing his ultimate move shows his confidence and eagerness to contribute to the fight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Chen battles a powerful black-furred zombie, using evasive maneuvers and waiting for an opportunity to strike.
• Zhang Yuchen prepares and casts a new, powerful talisman spell, "Mystic Light Binding Technique," immobilizing the zombie.
• Jiang Chen uses an Evil-Slaying Talisman and Fish Bone Sword to severely wound the zombie, but it doesn't die.
• Zhang Yuchen delivers a final blow from behind, and Jiang Chen strikes the zombie's mouth with the Black Umbrella, killing it.

Character Developments

• Jiang Chen demonstrates strategic patience and precise timing in battle.
• Zhang Yuchen reveals a new, powerful talisman spell, showing growth in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork: Jiang Chen and Zhang Yuchen coordinate their attacks to defeat the powerful enemy.
• Patience and Timing: Jiang Chen waits for the right moment to strike, emphasizing the importance of timing in battle.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Chen and Zhang Yuchen work together, with Zhang Yuchen immobilizing the enemy and Jiang Chen delivering the final blows.
• Jiang Chen expresses admiration for Zhang Yuchen's new spell, shouting "Nice!" after their successful teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yuchen and the protagonist (Jiang Ning) defeat the black-haired zombie (Black Fiend) using a coordinated attack.
• After the Black Fiend's defeat, more corpse-like figures appear in the mist, but they turn out to be Pan Ling, Mao Jing, and Uncle Yu, who had been trapped in the Corpse Domain.
• Pan Ling explains that Zhang Third Master ventured out alone to deal with the fiendish corpse and had not returned. They had escaped using Jiang Ning's guidance via a text message.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yuchen gains confidence and boasts about his new ultimate move after defeating the Black Fiend.
• Jiang Ning reaches the Central Pivot Realm in his cultivation.
• Zhang Third Master's high cultivation level is revealed as he ventures alone into the Corpse Domain.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and coordination (Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Ning's combined effort to defeat the Black Fiend).
• Individual strength and courage (Zhang Third Master venturing alone into the Corpse Domain).
• The power of guidance and communication (Jiang Ning's role in guiding Pan Ling, Mao Jing, and Uncle Yu to safety).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Ning work together to defeat the Black Fiend, showcasing their friendship and trust.
• Pan Ling, Mao Jing, and Uncle Yu reunite with Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Ning, expressing relief and joy at their safe escape.
• Zhang Yuchen and Jiang Ning express concern for Zhang Third Master and Jiang Ning's master, who are still missing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uncle Yu retrieves an ancient mirror that once held the Spirit Illusion Corpse Domain, now shattered.
• Jiang Chen discovers he has been infected with corpse poison from the black-haired zombie.
• Uncle Yu removes the corpse poison from Jiang Chen's palm using a unique method.
• The group decides to search Chicken Head Mountain for clues about Master and Zhang Third Master's whereabouts.

Character Developments

• Uncle Yu demonstrates his expertise in corpse-related matters and his concern for Jiang Chen's well-being.
• Jiang Chen shows resilience in enduring the painful poison removal process.
• Zhang Yuchen exhibits worry for Jiang Chen's safety.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and urgency of dealing with corpse poison and fiend corpses.
• The importance of quick decision-making and action in crisis situations.
• The power of unity and cooperation among the group to face threats.

Character Interactions

• Uncle Yu and Jiang Chen: Uncle Yu takes charge of removing the corpse poison from Jiang Chen, showing a protective and authoritative figure.
• Jiang Chen and Zhang Yuchen: Zhang Yuchen expresses concern for Jiang Chen's well-being, showing a friendly and caring bond.
• The group: They work together to decide on their next course of action, demonstrating teamwork and shared purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters a dense, toxic corpse miasma at Chicken Head Mountain, preventing them from entering.
• Uncle Yu reveals he has a Yin Dish, Soul-Breaking Soup, that can ward off evil poisons like the corpse miasma.
• Uncle Yu prepares the dish using pine bark ash, hundred-grass ash, and the soup, chanting a spell as he cooks.
• The dish produces a pale green mist, which the group inhales to absorb its detoxifying effects.

Character Developments

• Uncle Yu demonstrates his extensive knowledge and skill in creating Yin Dishes, revealing his prowess in this field.
• The group, particularly the protagonist, experiences the potency and discomfort of the Soul-Breaking Soup's effects.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient knowledge and traditions, as exemplified by Uncle Yu's mastery of Yin Dishes.
• The importance of preparation and being equipped with the right tools (masks, dishes) to face challenges.

Character Interactions

• Uncle Yu takes the lead in solving the problem, demonstrating his expertise and confidence.
• The group follows Uncle Yu's instructions, showing trust in his abilities.
• The group experiences the dish's effects together, sharing a moment of discomfort and camaraderie.