Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Zeng Family, at Ningzi's instruction, begins preparing to remove the Gu insects.
• Master Jiang examines Ningzi's sword, the Evil-Slaying Flowing Cloud Sword, and is intrigued by its Tong inscription.
• The group discovers that Second Brave and his grandmother had a dispute with a man from Gui City a week prior, which could be the cause of their Gu insect infestation.
• Second Brave drinks virgin boy's urine to expel the Gu worms from his body.

Character Developments

• Ningzi demonstrates responsibility and leadership by organizing the Zeng Family's actions and questioning Second Brave about his past disputes.
• Master Jiang shows curiosity and interest in Ningzi's sword, particularly its Tong inscription.
• Second Brave shows reluctance but ultimately drinks the virgin boy's urine to remove the Gu worms, demonstrating his willingness to endure for his family's sake.

Significant Themes

• The power of curses and their potential consequences, as seen through the Gu insect infestation.
• The importance of family and caring for one another, shown through the Zeng Family's actions and Second Brave's parents' concern for him.
• The potential danger of trivial disputes, as the argument over a vegetable stall may have led to the severe Gu insect infestation.

Character Interactions

• Ningzi interacts with Master Jiang, showing deference but also asserting her knowledge about her sword's consecration.
• Ningzi, Mao Jing, and Zhang Yuchen work together to question Second Brave and his family about their recent disputes, demonstrating teamwork and shared purpose.
• Second Brave's parents show deep concern for their son, encouraging him to drink the virgin boy's urine to remove the Gu worms and urging him to do so quickly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Second Brave expels a white, mucus-covered mother worm from his throat, assisted by Jiang Ning and others.
• Jiang Ning and Zhang Yuchen kill the worm, ensuring it's completely dead.
• Mao Jing removes threadworms from Second Brave's tear ducts.
• Second Brave's parents comfort him after the ordeal.
• Jiang Ning and team discuss the possible origin of the Gu worm and its planter.

Character Developments

• Second Brave: Overcomes his fear and vomiting to expel the worm, shows resilience.
• Jiang Ning: Demonstrates medical knowledge and calm under pressure, comforts Second Brave.
• Zhang Yuchen: Shows analytical skills, suggests the Gu worm planter could be related to the Southern Miao Huang Family.
• Mao Jing: Displays logical thinking, suggests the Gu worm could have been transmitted via cash.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming fear and adversity (Second Brave, Jiang Ning)
• Teamwork and support (Jiang Ning, Zhang Yuchen, Mao Jing)
• The danger and mystery of Gu sorcery and its practitioners

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning comforts Second Brave and explains his recovery plan.
• Second Brave's parents comfort him, highlighting the importance of family love and support.
• Jiang Ning, Zhang Yuchen, and Mao Jing discuss the Gu worm's origin and planter, showcasing their teamwork and complementary skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Zeng Family brings necessary ingredients to create a medicine to kill the Rice Gu Worm.
• Jiang Ning prepares the medicine and administers it to Second Brave and Grandma Zeng, successfully curing them.
• The Zeng Family rewards Jiang Ning with a substantial red envelope and requests Peace Talismans.
• Black Emperor, Jiang Ning's dog, is seen leaving the Zeng Family's courtyard, sparking curiosity.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning demonstrates his expertise in medicine, saving the Zeng Family.
• Black Emperor's unusual behavior and vitality hint at his potential as a spirit creature.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and reciprocity: The Zeng Family expresses their gratitude to Jiang Ning for saving their family.
• Potential and destiny: Mao Jing discusses Black Emperor's potential as a spirit creature, raising questions about the dog's future.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and the Zeng Family: Polite and respectful, with a clear power dynamic favoring Jiang Ning due to his expertise.
• Jiang Ning and Black Emperor: A casual, affectionate relationship, with Black Emperor exhibiting independent behavior.
• Jiang Ning, Mao Jing, and Zhang Yuchen: They discuss Black Emperor's potential, showing camaraderie and shared curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discusses Black Emperor, their family's dog, who seems to have demon blood and has lived exceptionally long.
• They speculate about the existence of demons in the mountains and the possibility of animals gaining intelligence.
• They return home and share their earnings from the mission, totaling several thousand yuan.
• Grandpa reveals his knowledge of Apotropaic Art, an ancient practice for warding off evil spirits, and mentions having an old book about it.

Character Developments

• The protagonist and his friends reflect on their experiences and earnings in their line of work, considering the risks and rewards.
• Grandpa shows a deeper understanding of ancient practices and his acceptance of his grandson's chosen path.

Significant Themes

• The existence of supernatural entities and their potential to gain intelligence.
• The dual nature of ancient arts: while some are dangerous (like witchcraft and gu poisons), others can bring blessings (like Apotropaic Art).
• The risks and rewards of the protagonists' chosen profession.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist, his friends (Zhang Yuchen and Mao Jing), and Grandpa engage in conversations about their experiences, speculations, and reflections.
• The group shares their earnings and expresses their thoughts on their line of work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grandpa Jiang reveals he has a book on Curse-Suppression Art, a heterodox and feared technique.
• The group discusses the power and rarity of Curse-Suppression Art, with examples from history.
• Grandpa agrees to show them the book after they finish their wine.

Character Developments

• Grandpa Jiang: Reveals a surprising secret about his past and his possession of a rare, powerful art.
• Mao Jing, Jiang Chen, and Zhang Yuchen: Show excitement and disbelief at the prospect of seeing the Curse-Suppression Art manual.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of heterodox arts.
• The origin and evolution of witchcraft-based techniques.
• The anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the reveal of the Curse-Suppression Art manual.

Character Interactions

• Grandpa Jiang and the three friends: Share a meal and conversation, with Grandpa revealing a secret and the friends expressing excitement and disbelief.
• Mao Jing, Jiang Chen, and Zhang Yuchen: Discuss the possibility and implications of Grandpa's claim, with Mao Jing being the most optimistic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grandpa finds an old, tattered booklet in his possession, which he believes might be relevant to the protagonists' interest in Apotropaic Art.
• The protagonists (Jiang Ou, Mao Jing, and Zhang Yuchen) inspect the booklet and discover it contains the Soft Bone Qi-Stripping Technique, a genuine Apotropaic Art method.
• Grandpa reveals he found the booklet along with other items in a wooden box salvaged from a flooded river years ago.
• Jiang Ou asks about a bronze oil lamp mentioned by Grandpa, which is later revealed to be the required ritual implement (Witch Lamp) for the Soft Bone Qi-Stripping Technique.

Character Developments

• Grandpa: Shows wisdom in keeping the old booklet despite not understanding it initially. He displays affection for the protagonists and shares his past experiences.
• Jiang Ou: Demonstrates excitement and eagerness upon discovering the genuine Apotropaic Art technique. He also shows respect for his grandfather's feelings by changing the subject when Grandpa mentions his late son.
• Mao Jing and Zhang Yuchen: Both show excitement and disbelief at finding a real Apotropaic Art technique. Mao Jing reads the traditional characters aloud, while Zhang Yuchen expresses shock and awe at the discovery.

Significant Themes

• The power of Apotropaic Art and its techniques, such as the Soft Bone Qi-Stripping Technique.
• The importance of preserving and passing down knowledge and artifacts, as shown by Grandpa keeping the booklet and the bronze oil lamp.
• The bond between family members, as seen in Grandpa's affection for the protagonists and Jiang Ou's consideration for his grandfather's feelings.

Character Interactions

• Grandpa interacts with the protagonists warmly, sharing his past experiences and the discovery of the booklet.
• The protagonists interact with each other, expressing their excitement and disbelief at finding a genuine Apotropaic Art technique. They also help each other understand the contents of the booklet.
• Jiang Ou and Grandpa have a brief moment of emotional connection when Grandpa mentions Jiang Ou's late father, but Jiang Ou swiftly changes the subject to avoid upsetting his grandfather.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist discovers that an old bronze oil lamp, nearly discarded by his grandfather, is actually a valuable artifact related to the Curse-Suppression Art book.
• The group examines the lamp and realizes its patterns form a Five Elements diagram, suggesting it's a 'Witch Lamp' mentioned in the book.
• Grandpa decides to give the lamp to the protagonist, who plans to study the Curse-Suppression Art with his team.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows maturity and wisdom in handling the artifact and involving his team.
• Grandpa reveals his nonchalant attitude towards wealth and his trust in the protagonist's team.
• Mao Jing demonstrates his knowledge and excitement about discovering the lamp's significance.
• Zhang Yuchen shows hesitation but ultimately agrees to join the study of the Curse-Suppression Art.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Teamwork: The protagonist's decision to involve his team in studying the art emphasizes the importance of trust and unity.
• Value Beyond Material Wealth: Grandpa's indifference to the lamp's potential monetary value highlights the theme of true value lying in knowledge and skills.
• Respect for Ancestral Knowledge: The discovery of the lamp and the booklet underscores the respect for ancient knowledge and practices.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with his grandfather, showing respect and affection while also demonstrating his leadership and decision-making skills.
• Mao Jing and Zhang Yuchen interact with the protagonist, showing deference to his leadership while also contributing their knowledge and opinions.
• Grandpa interacts with the group, showing trust and support for their decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning shares the Soft Bone Qi-Stripping Technique from the Apotropaic Art book with his friends, Zhang Yuchen and Mao Jing, under his grandfather's approval.
• They spend New Year's Eve drinking Grandpa's potent medicinal osmanthus wine, which has remarkable healing and invigorating properties.
• On New Year's Day, Jiang Ning wakes up feeling refreshed and strong, with his blood and qi significantly improved. He suspects the wine's effects.
• Mao Jing and Zhang Yuchen also wake up feeling invigorated and notice the wine's powerful medicinal properties.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning shows generosity and trust in sharing his grandfather's Apotropaic Art book with his friends.
• Grandpa reveals his hatred for evil and his deep connection with Zhang Yuchen's and Mao Jing's families.
• Mao Jing and Zhang Yuchen demonstrate their eagerness to learn and their respect for Jiang Ning's grandfather.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and trust among Jiang Ning, Zhang Yuchen, and Mao Jing.
• The power of traditional medicine and its potential to heal and strengthen the body.
• The importance of family connections and history, as shown through Grandpa's stories.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and his friends bond over learning the Apotropaic Art technique and drinking Grandpa's wine.
• Grandpa shares stories about his past with Jiang Ning and his friends, fostering a sense of connection and respect.
• Jiang Ning, Mao Jing, and Zhang Yuchen discuss the wine's effects on their bodies the next morning, highlighting their camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group enjoys Grandpa's potent medicinal wine.
• Second Brave and his little uncle-in-law visit, seeking Peace Talismans.
• Second Brave's little uncle-in-law shares a friend's unusual medical issue.
• Grandpa returns with a large grass carp, revealing his impressive hunting skills.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning (Ningzi) shows maturity and responsibility in handling the Peace Talismans and the unusual medical case.
• Grandpa demonstrates his expertise in Chinese medicine and hunting.
• Second Brave and his little uncle-in-law show respect and trust in Jiang Ning's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of Chinese medicine and its potential to heal and invigorate.
• Trust and respect earned through proven abilities.
• The importance of family and community during the New Year holiday.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning, Mao Jing, and Zhang Yuchen bond over their shared experience with the medicinal wine.
• Jiang Ning interacts respectfully with Second Brave and his little uncle-in-law, addressing them appropriately by seniority.
• Grandpa shares his knowledge and skills with Jiang Ning, Mao Jing, and Zhang Yuchen, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Second Brave and his little uncle-in-law seek Jiang Ning's help for their friend, demonstrating their trust in his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist and his grandfather have lunch, with five fish dishes and infused liquor.
• The protagonist learns new things about his grandfather's past, including his knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, gu poison, and the Curse-Suppression Art.
• The grandfather demonstrates exceptional strength by knocking over a large fish with a single stone.
• The protagonist starts questioning if his grandfather is 'in the know' about the supernatural world.

Character Developments

• The protagonist's view of his grandfather changes as he learns about his past experiences and knowledge.
• The grandfather is revealed to be more capable and knowledgeable than initially thought, but he keeps this hidden.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and the ordinary coexisting.
• The hidden depths of one's family history and the discovery of secrets.
• The struggle between believing in the extraordinary and maintaining a rational perspective.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and his grandfather share a meal and conversation, leading to the protagonist's introspection about his grandfather's true nature.
• The grandfather remains enigmatic and unreadable, providing reasonable explanations for his actions but revealing little about himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist (Xiao Hei) questions his grandfather about his past involvement in Feng Shui, suspecting he knows more than he lets on.
• Grandpa denies any special knowledge but admits to having some interest in Feng Shui in his youth.
• Zhang Yuchen and Mao Jing share their own connections to Feng Shui.
• Xiao Hei, Mao Jing, and Zhang Yuchen go to Bountiful City to buy phones and see Zhang Yuchen and Mao Jing off.
• Xiao Hei offers to buy a house in the city for him and Grandpa, but Grandpa prefers to stay in the village.
• Upon returning, Xiao Hei is greeted warmly by villagers and asked for advice on various matters.
• Xiao Hei contacts Luo Jianhua to report the gu curse case.
• Xiao Hei begins studying the Apotropaic Art and the Soft Bone Qi-Stripping Technique.

Character Developments

• Xiao Hei continues to grapple with his suspicions about Grandpa's past.
• Grandpa maintains his calm and collected demeanor, giving no indication of hiding anything.
• Zhang Yuchen and Mao Jing reveal more about their backgrounds and connections to Feng Shui.
• Xiao Hei shows responsibility and initiative in reporting the gu curse case.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hidden knowledge and secrets continues, with Xiao Hei trying to uncover Grandpa's past.
• The importance of family and roots is emphasized through Grandpa's preference to stay in the village.
• The power of fate and destiny is discussed in the context of entering the Feng Shui world.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Hei questions Grandpa about his past, trying to read his reactions.
• Zhang Yuchen and Mao Jing share their own stories, creating a sense of camaraderie.
• Xiao Hei helps Mao Jing and Zhang Yuchen, showing a willingness to assist others.
• Xiao Hei and Grandpa have a heart-to-heart conversation about living arrangements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist spends his holiday studying the Apotropaic Art, with brief interruptions.
• A matchmaker visits, trying to set him up with a girlfriend, which he declines.
• He struggles to learn the art, estimating it may take one to two months to master.
• On the last day of his holiday, he prepares to leave and questions his grandfather about Feng Shui.
• Grandpa's evasive response hints at his unusual nature, leaving the protagonist suspicious.

Character Developments

• The protagonist becomes more determined to master the Apotropaic Art.
• Grandpa's mysterious nature is further hinted at, suggesting he has secrets related to their line of work.

Significant Themes

• The power and difficulty of the Apotropaic Art.
• The protagonist's growing suspicion and curiosity about his grandfather's true nature.
• The theme of secrets and hidden truths.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts minimally with his family and the matchmaker, declining a potential relationship.
• He shares his study progress with Grandpa, who shows interest in meeting his girlfriend.
• The protagonist's final conversation with Grandpa reveals the latter's evasiveness, fueling the protagonist's suspicions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist realizes that his grandfather and his dog, Black Emperor, are not ordinary.
• He speculates about his grandfather's hidden identity and the Black Dog Demon they encountered in Dagong Village, which might be connected to Black Emperor.
• The protagonist returns to the city, keeps his grandfather's secret, and resumes work at the hospital.
• He receives a call from Ai Yousheng, Second Brave's uncle-in-law, seeking help for a friend with a black mole on his waist.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows maturity and understanding in accepting his grandfather's secret, demonstrating growth in trust and respect for his grandfather's decisions.
• Ai Yousheng is introduced as a concerned individual seeking medical help for his friend.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and Trust: The theme of secrets and trust is explored as the protagonist accepts his grandfather's hidden identity and decides not to reveal it to others.
• Growth and Responsibility: The protagonist's return to work at the hospital signifies his commitment to his responsibilities and growth as a professional.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with his grandfather and Black Emperor, leading to the revelation of his grandfather's secret.
• He communicates with Master via WeChat, receiving guidance and updates on Master's whereabouts.
• The protagonist interacts with Ai Yousheng over the phone, agreeing to help his friend with a medical issue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ai Yousheng, Second Brave's uncle-in-law, calls Jiang Ning, seeking help for his friend, Yang, who believes he's possessed, not mentally ill.
• Yang is admitted to Jiang's hospital; Jiang agrees to assess him.
• Yang is agitated and refuses medication, claiming he's not mentally ill but possessed.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning remains calm and composed, handling the situation professionally.
• Yang is desperate for help, believing he's possessed.
• Yang's wife is anxious and concerned about her husband's condition.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between belief in the supernatural and mental illness.
• The importance of professional medical help.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning interacts with Ai Yousheng, Yang, and Yang's wife, trying to assess Yang's condition.
• Li Ru, a nurse, is resentful towards Jiang Ning for not replying to her messages.
• Jiang Ning feels embarrassed about Li Ru's pursuit of him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dr. Li Wenzu examines a patient, Yang Zhong, who has a rapidly growing, hairy mole on his waist.
• The mole's hair resembles soft, smooth fox fur, and Yang Zhong reports strange sensations and sounds coming from it.
• Dr. Li uses his Heavenly Eye to reveal a fox-like human face on the mole, confirming an evil affliction.
• Dr. Li learns that Yang Zhong has recently lost a significant amount of weight and has been in contact with fox pelts for his clothing business.

Character Developments

• Dr. Li Wenzu: Demonstrates his medical expertise and use of supernatural abilities (Heavenly Eye) to diagnose an unusual case.
• Yang Zhong: Struggles with a mysterious affliction, experiences weight loss, and exhibits fear and agitation when discussing his symptoms.
• Yang Zhong's wife: Shows concern for her husband's health but initially questions Dr. Li's line of inquiry.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and its intersection with the physical world (fox curse causing physical symptoms).
• The importance of thorough examination and questioning in diagnosis.
• The power dynamic between patient and doctor, and the trust placed in medical professionals.

Character Interactions

• Dr. Li Wenzu and Yang Zhong: Dr. Li examines and questions Yang Zhong, while Yang Zhong cooperates and shares his experiences.
• Yang Zhong and his wife: They display a tense dynamic; Yang Zhong snaps at his wife when she interrupts Dr. Li, while she shows deference to Dr. Li's authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Zhong's skin tumor is identified as a result of a fox evil possessing him.
• Yang Zhong reveals he has a fox and mink breeding farm on Goddess Mountain.
• Jiang, the protagonist, attempts to remove the fox evil by pinching the mole, causing Yang Zhong immense pain.
• The fox evil, now visible as a fox-like human face, glares at Jiang before closing its eyes, temporarily ceasing its torment of Yang Zhong.
• Yang Zhong experiences auditory hallucinations of crying inside his body, causing him to panic.

Character Developments

• Yang Zhong: Struggles with pain and fear due to the fox evil's presence, becomes agitated and fearful.
• Yang Zhong's wife: Initially concerned for her husband, becomes angry and dismissive of his claims about a ghost.
• Jiang: Demonstrates knowledge of fox evils and their connection to breeding farms, attempts to remove the fox evil but faces challenges due to its fusion with Yang Zhong's body.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of exploitation and cruelty towards animals (in this case, foxes and minks bred for their fur).
• The struggle between disbelief and acceptance of supernatural phenomena (Yang Zhong's wife vs. Jiang and Yang Zhong).
• The difficulty of treating possessed individuals without harming them.

Character Interactions

• Jiang and Yang Zhong: Jiang attempts to help Yang Zhong by removing the fox evil, while Yang Zhong struggles with fear and pain.
• Yang Zhong and his wife: They argue over Yang Zhong's claims of a ghost and his hallucinations, leading to tension between them.
• Jiang and Yang Zhong's wife: Jiang tries to explain the supernatural nature of Yang Zhong's condition, while Yang Zhong's wife initially dismisses it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Chen (Master Jiang) reveals his dual identity as a doctor and a Daoist to Yang Zhong and Ai Yousheng.
• Yang Zhong's wife, who is prejudiced against Daoists due to her parents' past experience, becomes angry and hostile towards Jiang Chen.
• Jiang Chen uses the Soul-Settling Technique to temporarily incapacitate Yang Zhong's wife to prevent her from interfering with his treatment.
• Jiang Chen explains that Yang Zhong's condition is likely due to the resentment of fox souls from his fur business, which have not been properly sent on.

Character Developments

• Yang Zhong: Struggles with guilt over his fur business and its potential consequences on his health and well-being. He is a legitimate businessman who cares for his employees and makes amends through donations.
• Yang Zhong's wife: Reveals her prejudice against Daoists due to her parents' past experience. She is protective of her husband and becomes hostile when she believes Jiang Chen has an ulterior motive.
• Jiang Chen (Master Jiang): Remains calm and composed despite Yang Zhong's wife's hostility. He uses his skills to help Yang Zhong, demonstrating his commitment to his patients.

Significant Themes

• Prejudice and Misunderstanding: Yang Zhong's wife's prejudice against Daoists leads her to mistrust Jiang Chen, despite his genuine desire to help her husband.
• Consequences of Actions: Yang Zhong's fur business, while legal and compliant, has unintended consequences in the form of the fox souls haunting him.
• The Complexity of Morality: The chapter explores the moral complexities of the fur business, with Jiang Chen acknowledging that while killing is part of life, abusing living creatures is wrong.

Character Interactions

• Yang Zhong and Jiang Chen: Yang Zhong seeks Jiang Chen's help for his condition, and Jiang Chen agrees to assist him, despite the challenges posed by Yang Zhong's wife.
• Yang Zhong's wife and Jiang Chen: Yang Zhong's wife is initially hostile towards Jiang Chen, but her anger is ultimately futile as Jiang Chen uses the Soul-Settling Technique to incapacitate her temporarily.
• Yang Zhong, Ai Yousheng, and Jiang Chen: The three discuss Yang Zhong's condition and the potential reasons behind it, with Jiang Chen providing insight into the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Zhong, a fur businessman, is possessed by a fox spirit manifesting as a black mole, with only half a month to live.
• Lin Jiang plans to communicate with the fox spirit and persuade it to leave, using a mirror and talismans.
• If the fox spirit refuses, Lin Jiang will use the Soul-Seizing Art to force it out, risking harm to Yang Zhong's body and soul.
• Lin Jiang seeks advice from his master, who approves of his plan but suggests offering something to tempt the fox spirit for a peaceful send-off.

Character Developments

• Lin Jiang: Shows professionalism and care in handling Yang Zhong's case, prioritizing a peaceful resolution to avoid harming the host.
• Yang Zhong: Desperate for a solution, he agrees to Lin Jiang's plan and is willing to make concessions to the fox spirit.
• Master: Provides guidance to Lin Jiang, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution and offering suggestions to increase the chances of success.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a peaceful resolution in exorcism to minimize harm and karmic debt.
• The consequences of forcing a spirit out, which can cause harm to the host and create karmic debt for both the exorcist and the host.
• The role of sincerity and offering temptations to increase the likelihood of a peaceful send-off.

Character Interactions

• Lin Jiang and Yang Zhong: Lin Jiang reassures Yang Zhong and outlines his plan, while Yang Zhong eagerly agrees to Lin Jiang's terms.
• Lin Jiang and Li Ru: Li Ru expresses concern about Yang Zhong's case and asks Lin Jiang about the potential consequences if the fox spirit cannot be sent away peacefully.
• Lin Jiang and Master: Lin Jiang seeks his master's advice on handling Yang Zhong's case, and the master provides guidance and suggestions to increase the chances of success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Master provides detailed instructions for a peaceful exorcism, involving Longevity Fruits, incense, candles, and an Appeal Talisman.
• The protagonist is tasked with acquiring Longevity Fruits from the Cloud White Shop on Pine and Crane Mountain.
• Master reveals a backup plan for a forcible send-off, involving summoning Yin souls to extract the fox evil spirit and minimizing karmic debt.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates careful planning and consideration, showing growth in their exorcism skills and experience.
• Master displays extensive knowledge and foresight, providing a comprehensive plan for various scenarios.

Significant Themes

• The importance of thorough preparation and contingency planning in exorcism.
• The concept of karmic debt and the consequences of killing evil spirits.
• The use of Yin goods and medicine to appease and control ghostly entities.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist consults with Master, seeking guidance and clarifying details about the exorcism process.
• The protagonist communicates with Ai Yousheng, updating him on the plan and preparing Yang Zhong for the late-night exorcism.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning leaves the hospital, buys chickens, and heads to White Stone Funeral Home to trade for rat tails with Grey Master.
• He plans to perform a ritual to invite ghosts to drive away the fox evil at Cloud White Shop.
• He arrives at White Stone Funeral Home, meets the security guard, and waits for Grey Master.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning demonstrates his resourcefulness in buying chickens and his determination to handle the fox evil matter.
• Grey Master is shown to be respected and feared, with rats not approaching vehicles parked in his designated space.

Significant Themes

• The theme of dealing with evil spirits and their consequences is further explored, with Jiang Ning considering both peaceful and forceful send-offs.
• The importance of karma and its consequences is emphasized, with Jiang Ning weighing the risks and benefits of his actions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning interacts with the security guard at White Stone Funeral Home, showing respect and offering a cigarette, which the guard accepts.
• Jiang Ning waits for Grey Master, reflecting their professional relationship and Grey Master's status in the funeral home.