Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ling meets Master Cao, the bus driver, who is overjoyed to hear about his progress in resolving his family's issue.
• Jiang Ling visits Uncle Yu in the hospital and accompanies him home after discharge.
• Uncle Yu asks Jiang Ling to help retrieve his phone from the Cursed House the next night.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ling gains confidence and respect from Master Cao due to his progress in resolving his master's task.
• Uncle Yu shows concern for Jiang Ling's well-being and offers him a chance to seek blessings by dealing with the old woman in the Cursed House.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Jiang Ling's encounter with Master Cao is seen as fate, and his progress is seen as destined.
• Respect and gratitude: Master Cao shows deep respect and gratitude towards Jiang Ling for helping his family.
• Risk and reward: Uncle Yu and Jiang Ling plan to retrieve Uncle Yu's phone from the Cursed House at night, knowing the risks involved.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ling and Master Cao: They reconnect, and Master Cao expresses his gratitude and excitement about Jiang Ling's progress.
• Jiang Ling and Uncle Yu: They discuss the plan to retrieve Uncle Yu's phone from the Cursed House, showing mutual respect and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uncle Yu and the protagonist return to the old residential complex to deal with the Old Crone in the Cursed House (7-3).
• Uncle Yu's electric scooter was stolen and returned by a thief after he summoned underworld ghosts for help.
• They plan to retrieve Uncle Yu's phone and obtain Fortune Blessing from the Old Ghost by tricking her into opening the door with a Yin Meal.

Character Developments

• Uncle Yu: Reveals his ability to summon underworld ghosts using Yin Dishes. He's resourceful and has connections in the underworld, but his combat abilities are weak.
• Protagonist: Shows understanding and adaptability by suggesting they summon stronger ghosts for help. He's also willing to assist Uncle Yu in dealing with the Old Crone.

Significant Themes

• The power of Yin Food: Uncle Yu uses it to suppress the Old Crone's resentment and summon underworld ghosts.
• Trust and teamwork: Uncle Yu trusts the protagonist enough to involve him in this dangerous task.
• Consequences of actions: The Old Crone's resentment persists after death due to her malicious actions in life.

Character Interactions

• Uncle Yu and the protagonist: They work together, with Uncle Yu leading the plan and the protagonist showing initiative and understanding.
• Uncle Yu and the underworld ghosts: Uncle Yu can summon and command these ghosts to do his bidding.
• The Old Crone and the neighbors: The Old Crone's malicious actions in life lead to her becoming a vengeful ghost after death, causing fear and distress among the neighbors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uncle Yu and the protagonist ascend to the seventh floor of a nearly deserted building, heading towards apartment 7-3.
• Uncle Yu gives the protagonist pomelo leaves coated with Ox Tears to cleanse his eyes, enhancing his vision in the dark.
• They reach apartment 7-3, where Uncle Yu performs a ritual with incense and fried rice, revealing heavy baleful energy.
• Uncle Yu knocks on the door, and the Old Crone (now a ghost) responds, acknowledging their previous encounter.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows willingness to learn and follow Uncle Yu's instructions.
• Uncle Yu demonstrates his experience and knowledge in dealing with supernatural entities.

Significant Themes

• The power of pomelo leaves and Ox Tears in cleansing one's vision to see supernatural entities.
• The danger and strength of baleful energy, which can transform ghosts and make them more vicious.

Character Interactions

• Uncle Yu guides and instructs the protagonist, showing a protective and mentoring role.
• The protagonist follows Uncle Yu's instructions, displaying trust and respect for his experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uncle Yu and the protagonist enter the Cursed House to confront the Old Crone Ghost.
• The house is filled with mirrors and yellow talismans, reflecting Uncle Yu and the protagonist's distorted images.
• They find three hanged ghosts in the bedroom, which Uncle Yu releases by cutting their ropes.
• The young male ghost reveals that the Old Crone Ghost is not inside the house but outside.

Character Developments

• Uncle Yu demonstrates his fearlessness and skill in dealing with ghosts, cutting the hanged ghosts' ropes without hesitation.
• The protagonist shows wariness and alertness, not letting down his guard despite the lack of immediate threat.

Significant Themes

• The theme of imprisonment and suffering after death is highlighted through the hanged ghosts, emphasizing the consequences of the Old Crone Ghost's actions.
• The use of mirrors to reflect and distort images symbolizes the characters' confrontation with their own fears and the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Uncle Yu and the protagonist work together, with Uncle Yu taking the lead in investigating the house and the protagonist providing support and asking pertinent questions.
• The young male ghost provides crucial information about the Old Crone Ghost's whereabouts, leading Uncle Yu and the protagonist to search outside the house.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonists, Uncle Yu and Xiao Jiang, enter a room filled with mirrors but find no trace of the Old Crone ghost.
• They suspect the ghost is hiding within the mirrors and start smashing them.
• The Old Crone ghost's voice echoes around the room, threatening them, and her image appears in the remaining mirrors, moving around but never physically manifesting.
• Xiao Jiang notices a white silk in a fire basin turning red as more mirrors are smashed.
• They decide to burn the silk, but Xiao Jiang's lighter won't ignite due to yin winds.
• Uncle Yu realizes that the white silk is the ghost's body and the mirrors her tomb, which she's afraid to have destroyed.
• The ghost attacks them using the red silk, but Xiao Jiang cuts it, causing the ghost to scream and the silk to turn white and moldy.
• Uncle Yu instructs Xiao Jiang to smash a specific mirror.

Character Developments

• Uncle Yu shows quick thinking and understanding of the ghost's weakness.
• Xiao Jiang demonstrates bravery and resourcefulness, quickly reacting to the ghost's attacks.

Significant Themes

• The ghost's fear of having her physical form (the white silk) destroyed, despite being invulnerable to mirror destruction.
• The importance of understanding a ghost's weakness to defeat it.

Character Interactions

• Uncle Yu and Xiao Jiang work together, communicating and acting in sync to combat the ghost.
• The Old Crone ghost interacts with them through her voice and actions within the mirrors, trying to scare and attack them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uncle Yu and Xiao Jiang (the protagonist) confront the Old Crone ghost in a room filled with mirrors.
• The ghost can travel between mirrors, leaving a trail of faint white mist.
• Xiao Jiang smashes the mirrors to force the ghost out.
• The ghost attacks Xiao Jiang, but he manages to wound it with the Fish Bone Sword.
• Uncle Yu and Xiao Jiang team up to fight the ghost, but it transforms into a fiend, releasing sinister pressure.
• The ghost uses its long tongue as a weapon, sending Uncle Yu crashing into a wall and nearly strangling Xiao Jiang.
• Xiao Jiang severs the ghost's tongue, enraging it. The ghost summons a storm of glass shards.
• Uncle Yu uses a blood talisman to prepare a counterattack.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jiang demonstrates bravery, quick thinking, and combat skills, growing more confident in his abilities.
• Uncle Yu shows his experience and knowledge in dealing with ghosts, using a powerful blood talisman against the Old Crone ghost.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity is shown through Xiao Jiang's relentless pursuit of the Old Crone ghost.
• The power of teamwork is highlighted when Uncle Yu and Xiao Jiang fight together against the ghost.

Character Interactions

• Uncle Yu and Xiao Jiang work together as a team, communicating and supporting each other during the fight against the Old Crone ghost.
• The Old Crone ghost's actions reveal her cunning and ruthlessness, making her a formidable enemy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uncle Yu draws talismans to calm the violent yin wind, revealing the Old Crone ghost.
• The Old Crone ghost, now with a forked tongue and holding glass shards, attacks Uncle Yu and Lin Jiang.
• Lin Jiang and Uncle Yu fight together, with Lin Jiang ultimately destroying the Old Crone ghost.
• The three ghosts in the house, previously controlled by the Old Crone ghost, are freed and leave.

Character Developments

• Lin Jiang demonstrates bravery, decisiveness, and skill in his first major ghost battle, impressing Uncle Yu.
• Uncle Yu shows his experience and strength but also reveals a vulnerability when caught off guard.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Lin Jiang and Uncle Yu's strength and skill are crucial in defeating the Old Crone ghost.
• Teamwork: Lin Jiang and Uncle Yu work together to overcome the Old Crone ghost's strength.
• Unnatural Deaths: Ghosts who die unnatural deaths cannot easily leave their place of death without help.

Character Interactions

• Lin Jiang and Uncle Yu fight side by side, with Lin Jiang ultimately delivering the final blow.
• The three ghosts interact with Lin Jiang, expressing their gratitude and eagerness to leave the house.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three ghosts beg Chen Ge to help them leave the Cursed House.
• Chen Ge successfully guides them out using the Incense-Guided Ghost-Delivering Method he learned from Wang Cui.
• The ghosts remember their homes but not the way to get there, highlighting the challenges of guiding unnatural deaths.
• Chen Ge sends them off with talismans and incense, instructing them to return after saying their goodbyes.
• Uncle Yu praises Chen Ge's progress and shares ghost-related knowledge but avoids discussing his conflict with Chen Ge's master.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge demonstrates growth in his abilities, successfully guiding three ghosts out of the Cursed House.
• Uncle Yu shows kindness and willingness to help Chen Ge, offering support against his master if needed.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and responsibilities of guiding ghosts, particularly those who died unnatural deaths.
• The interconnectedness of fate, affecting both Chen Ge and the ghosts he encounters.
• The complex relationship between Chen Ge's master and Uncle Yu, hinting at past conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the three ghosts, showing empathy and understanding as he helps them find their way home.
• Chen Ge and Uncle Yu bond over their shared experiences and knowledge of ghosts, with Uncle Yu offering guidance and support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang finds Xiao Yu's pitch-black coin, remembering her kindness.
• Jiang learns about receiving Grandmaster's blessing: a ritual involving worship, incense burning, walking, and waiting for a gift.
• Jiang learns his master, Song Decai, did not give him the blessing yet.
• Jiang helps Uncle Yu send three ghosts to the underworld.

Character Developments

• Jiang: Shows empathy for Xiao Yu, curiosity about the blessing ritual, and responsibility in sending ghosts to the underworld.
• Uncle Yu: Reveals details about Grandmaster's blessing ritual, shows excitement about Jiang's fate.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and empathy (Jiang's concern for Xiao Yu, ghosts' gratitude).
• Fate and destiny (Jiang's extraordinary fate, as indicated by his multiple kowtows).
• Rituals and traditions (Grandmaster's blessing ritual, sending ghosts to the underworld).

Character Interactions

• Jiang and Uncle Yu: Share stories and knowledge about their lineage and rituals.
• Jiang and the ghosts: Jiang shows respect and kindness while sending them to the underworld.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xu absorbs True Qi (Primordial Qi) from the ghosts he sends off, contrary to his initial understanding of absorbing Merit (Fortune Blessing).
• Uncle Yu explains that Li Xu's Four Calamity Fate Pattern allows him to passively absorb this Qi, giving him an advantage in cultivation.
• Li Xu decides to absorb more Qi to increase his strength and help Xiao Yu.
• Li Xu and Uncle Yu discuss the 330 Bus Line, and Uncle Yu offers to prepare Yin Food for Li Xu.
• Li Xu learns about Uncle Yu's past and his decision to help Li Xu.
• Li Xu receives messages from Master and Uncle Yu, with Master summoning Li Xu to a remote location.

Character Developments

• Li Xu gains a new understanding of his fate pattern and its benefits, leading him to consider cultivating his strength.
• Uncle Yu reveals his past, showing his lonely life after losing his family and his decision to help Li Xu.

Significant Themes

• The power of Li Xu's fate pattern and its advantages in cultivation.
• The bond between Li Xu and Uncle Yu, with Uncle Yu's decision to help Li Xu based on his past experiences.

Character Interactions

• Li Xu and Uncle Yu discuss Li Xu's fate pattern, the 330 Bus Line, and Uncle Yu's past.
• Li Xu receives messages from Master and Uncle Yu, indicating their continued involvement in Li Xu's life and training.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning receives a message from his master to go to an abandoned City God Temple in the barren mountains.
• He attends classes but is distracted, then declines an invitation to a classmate's birthday gathering due to his plans.
• He travels to the temple, arriving at night, and waits outside as instructed by his master.
• He senses an eerie presence inside the temple and sees shadows moving, feeling a strong chill.
• A figure in gray clothes emerges from the temple, inviting Jiang Ning inside, but he remains hidden and vigilant.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning shows maturity and courage, facing the supernatural presence at the temple without fear.
• He demonstrates responsibility by prioritizing his master's instructions over social invitations.
• His classmate, Li Xiaomin, is introduced as popular and friendly, but her gathering is foreshadowed as ominous.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Elements: The chapter introduces the City God Temple as a haunted location, foreshadowing a ghostly encounter.
• Responsibility vs. Social Life: Jiang Ning chooses to fulfill his master's task over attending a social event, highlighting his sense of duty.
• Foreshadowing: The chapter hints at potential danger, both at the temple and at Li Xiaomin's gathering.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning interacts with Li Xiaomin, showing a friendly but distant relationship.
• He communicates with his master, showing respect and following his instructions.
• He encounters an unknown figure at the temple, who tries to lure him inside, but Jiang Ning remains cautious and hidden.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Xiao Jiang, is at the entrance of a City God Temple, where he senses an eerie presence and sees green flames inside.
• Ghosts inside the temple try to lure him in, but he remains cautious due to his master's instructions.
• Master arrives and confronts the ghosts, demonstrating his power by easily defeating one.
• Master and Xiao Jiang enter the temple, where four ghosts beg for mercy. Master orders Xiao Jiang to kill them.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jiang shows courage and restraint, following his master's instructions despite the ghosts' attempts to lure him in.
• Master demonstrates his formidable power and ruthlessness, instilling fear in the ghosts.

Significant Themes

• The theme of courage and restraint is shown through Xiao Jiang's adherence to his master's instructions despite the ghosts' threats.
• The theme of power and its consequences is demonstrated through Master's display of strength and his order to kill the ghosts.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jiang and Master: Xiao Jiang feels relieved and delighted when Master arrives, and Master reassures him. They work together to face the ghosts.
• Xiao Jiang and the ghosts: Xiao Jiang is initially frightened by the ghosts but remains cautious and follows Master's instructions.
• Master and the ghosts: Master shows no mercy towards the ghosts, demonstrating his power and instilling fear in them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Jiang Ning (Xiao Jiang), learns from his master that ghosts can be good or bad, and the appropriate action is to send good ghosts on their way and kill evil ones.
• Xiao Jiang encounters four ghosts in the City God Temple and, without hesitation, kills them using his Fish Bone Sword.
• Master approves of Xiao Jiang's ruthlessness and teaches him a blessing ritual to receive Grandmaster's blessing, which involves walking in the direction of incense smoke, closing his eyes, and walking one hundred and eighty steps before sitting still for one hundred and eighty minutes.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jiang demonstrates his growing confidence and ruthlessness in dealing with ghosts.
• Master shows approval of Xiao Jiang's actions and continues to guide him in his training.
• Uncle Yu (Yu Long) is mentioned as having recovered from his injuries and having helped Xiao Jiang destroy an Old Crone ghost in the Cursed House.

Significant Themes

• Ruthlessness: Xiao Jiang learns the importance of being ruthless when dealing with evil ghosts, and Master approves of this approach.
• Blessing and guidance: The ritual performed by Master and Xiao Jiang emphasizes the importance of receiving blessings and guidance from higher powers (Grandmaster) in their path.

Character Interactions

• Master and Xiao Jiang: Master guides Xiao Jiang in the blessing ritual and approves of his actions against the ghosts.
• Xiao Jiang and Uncle Yu: Xiao Jiang mentions helping Uncle Yu destroy an Old Crone ghost, showing their growing partnership in dealing with supernatural threats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, blindfolded, sits in a barren mountain forest for three hours, enduring mosquito bites.
• He senses an approaching danger as the forest grows silent, followed by a strong fecal smell and animal sounds.
• A wild boar and a mountain snake approach him, one in front and one behind, while he remains blindfolded.

Character Development

• The protagonist demonstrates resilience and determination in facing his fears, adhering to the rules set by his master despite the danger.
• He shows mental fortitude, initially panicking but later calming himself with the thought that this could be a test arranged by his master.

Significant Themes

• Resilience: The protagonist's ability to endure hardship and face his fears.
• Determination: His resolve to follow the rules and face danger to achieve his goal of entering the school.
• Trust: His trust in his master's intentions, which helps him overcome his fear.

Character Interactions

• Although no human interactions occur in this chapter, the protagonist's internal dialogue and thoughts about his master illustrate his respect and trust in him.
• The protagonist's silent confrontation with the wild boar and mountain snake highlights his resolve and fear management.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist is blindfolded and surrounded by a wild boar and a snake, experiencing psychological torment.
• An unknown creature arrives, killing the boar and snake, and confronts the protagonist.
• The creature tries to persuade the protagonist to remove the blindfold, revealing its identity.
• The protagonist resists, and an alarm goes off after 180 minutes, signaling the end of the trial.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates resilience and determination in facing his fears and resisting the creature's demands.
• The protagonist's fear and panic are vividly portrayed, showing his vulnerability and humanity.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Courage: The protagonist faces his fears and maintains his resolve despite being terrified.
• Perseverance: The protagonist endures the trial, refusing to give in until the designated time is up.
• Mystery and Uncertainty: The unknown creature's identity and intentions create suspense and tension.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with the unknown creature, who tries to coerce him into removing his blindfold.
• The protagonist's internal struggle is emphasized, as he grapples with his fear and desire to survive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist wakes up in a forest, blinded by a yellow talisman. He removes it to find a grotesque, humanoid Yellow Weasel-like creature with glowing green eyes.
• The creature, seeking Petition for Ordainment, asks if it looks like a god or an immortal. The protagonist, knowing the risks, insults the creature, causing it to spit blood and attack.
• The protagonist tries to escape, but the creature blocks his path, threatening to eat him.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows courage and quick thinking, understanding the creature's intentions and insulting it to disrupt its plans.
• The creature, initially confident and threatening, becomes enraged and desperate when its plans fail.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing one's fears and acting courageously in the face of danger.
• The theme of understanding and using one's knowledge to outsmart a more powerful opponent.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and the creature interact in a tense standoff, with the protagonist trying to outwit the creature and the creature growing increasingly aggressive.
• The protagonist's mention of his master hints at a potential rescue, adding tension to the interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist (Xiao Jiang) is cornered by an old beast that demands a title from him.
• Xiao Jiang's master intervenes, saving him from the beast.
• The master uses a fishing line and hook to capture the fleeing old beast.
• The old beast is revealed to have asked for a 'death title', wishing Xiao Jiang's family's demise.
• The master kills the old beast for its transgression.

Character Developments

• Xiao Jiang: Shows courage in facing the old beast and maintains his composure despite the situation. He demonstrates knowledge of the title-asking custom and its potential consequences.
• Master: Reveals exceptional strength, skill, and dominance. He shows concern for Xiao Jiang's well-being and protects him from the old beast. He also displays a crude but effective method of capturing the beast using a fishing line and hook.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The master's presence shifts the power dynamic, allowing Xiao Jiang to escape the old beast's threat. The old beast's fear of the master highlights the importance of strength and reputation in this world.
• Cultural Knowledge: Xiao Jiang's understanding of the title-asking custom demonstrates the importance of cultural knowledge and wisdom in navigating this world.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Jiang and the Old Beast: Xiao Jiang's defiant response to the old beast's demand for a title shows his resilience and quick thinking.
• Xiao Jiang and His Master: The master's timely intervention and subsequent protection of Xiao Jiang strengthen their master-disciple bond. Their interaction also reveals the master's approval of Xiao Jiang's response to the old beast.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist encounters a weasel-like demon seeking a 'death seal' (a shortcut to power by stealing the fortune of the one who names it).
• The demon reveals its true form and attacks, but the protagonist's master intervenes, killing the demon and its soul.
• The master explains the difference between 'death seals' and 'living seals', and the consequences of granting a death seal.
• The protagonist reveals he first saw a dead snake after opening his eyes, which the master finds ominous.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates courage and caution by not recklessly granting the seal, showing growth in his cultivation journey.
• The master displays his ruthlessness and power, teaching the protagonist about the harsh realities of their line of work.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of shortcuts to power and the consequences of reckless actions.
• The importance of understanding one's role and limits in the cultivation world.
• The harshness and unpredictability of the cultivation journey, as hinted by the omen of the dead snake.

Character Interactions

• The master teaches the protagonist valuable lessons, both through words and actions.
• The protagonist shows respect and deference to his master, seeking his guidance and understanding.
• The demon shows its true nature, revealing its malevolent intentions and lack of remorse.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Master deduces the principles of mutual generation and restraint among the Five Elements from a dead snake.
• Master reveals that the pig and snake were tests sent by Grandmaster, with the snake's death and the extinguished fire signifying that the apprentice should avoid people with water-related fate.
• The apprentice takes the snake back to the shop and offers it for a day as a blessing from Grandmaster.
• Master reveals that the Blindfold Talisman Cloth was the true summoner of the snake and boar, testing the apprentice's will and affinity for learning the arts.
• Master and the apprentice return to the city, and the apprentice offers the snake corpse to Grandmaster's memorial tablet, receiving approval to learn the arts.

Character Developments

• The apprentice (Jiang Ning) demonstrates strong will and understanding of the principles taught by Master.
• Master shows wisdom and patience in guiding the apprentice, revealing information gradually and ensuring the apprentice is prepared for learning the arts.

Significant Themes

• The interconnectedness and balance of the Five Elements (mutual generation and restraint).
• Fate and destiny, as seen in the snake's death and the warning to avoid people with water-related fate.
• The importance of will and determination in learning the arts and facing challenges.

Character Interactions

• Master and the apprentice have a teacher-student relationship, with Master guiding and testing the apprentice while revealing secrets of their lineage and the supernatural world.
• The apprentice interacts with the snake and boar corpses, understanding their significance and following Master's instructions to offer them to Grandmaster.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, after a night of training, feels sore and has gastrointestinal issues. Master takes him to an upscale hotel and then to a wellness club for spa treatments, acupuncture, and massage.
• The wellness club offers various services, with Master being a regular and having a high membership level.
• The protagonist receives a massage and acupuncture from a middle-aged woman, which unblocks his meridians and relieves his discomfort.
• Master enjoys his own services with multiple therapists in a private room.

Character Developments

• The protagonist begins to appreciate Master's kindness and care, seeing him as a good master despite initially becoming his disciple out of necessity.
• Master is shown to be knowledgeable about the wellness club, enjoy its services, and be willing to spend money on them.

Significant Themes

• The importance of self-care and relaxation in maintaining physical and spiritual well-being.
• The value of traditional Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture, in treating and preventing health issues.
• The contrast between the protagonist's initial discomfort and his improved state after the treatment, highlighting the transformative power of the services offered.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Master: The master takes care of the protagonist's needs, showing kindness and concern. The protagonist begins to see Master in a more positive light.
• The protagonist and the middle-aged therapist: Despite her cold demeanor, she effectively treats the protagonist's issues, demonstrating professionalism and skill.
• Master and the wellness club staff: Master is familiar with the staff and enjoys their services, indicating a long-standing relationship and mutual respect.