Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The family of three (Ren Shanshi, Ren Qing, and Yun Niang) are busy with their tasks in the courtyard, each unaware of the others' activities.
• Yun Niang washes old clothes, Ren Shanshi trains, and Ren Qing refines talismans.
• Ren Qing uses the Bear Man's corpse and bones as fertilizer for the medicinal field, making the ginseng plants and bamboo grow healthier.
• Ren Qing decides to undergo Mortal Shedding through Staff Dissolution for the Regional Examination, as it has been delayed.
• Ren Qing feeds Blood Sword Qi to the Fish Immortal and attempts the Sword-Nourishing Method again.
• The Frog Immortal Lord statue in the well provides Resting Soil for refining talisman treasures.
• Ren Qing sends the Black Rat Dao Child to help the Frog Immortal Lord transport rock and earth.
• Dou Sangu is invited by Ling Jian, a red-crowned white crane demon, onto his pleasure boat.
• Dou Sangu escapes, and Ling Jian sends demons to find him, eager to capture the cultivator who killed Black Lady.
• Ling Jian learns about the participants in the Regional Examination, including the strange wild demons, Frog Immortal Lord and Fish Immortal.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing continues to refine talismans and considers undergoing Mortal Shedding.
• Ren Shanshi trains relentlessly, aware of the dangers in the world.
• Yun Niang weaves a cape with Daoist patterns, showing her resourcefulness.
• Ling Jian, a powerful crane demon, is determined to find the cultivator who killed Black Lady to improve his chances of becoming Chief Examinee.
• Dou Sangu, though vigilant, is pursued by Ling Jian's demons.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and training for the Regional Examination.
• The pursuit of power and resources among demons.
• The consequences of killing Black Lady and the search for the cultivator responsible.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing interacts with the Fish Immortal and communicates with the Frog Immortal Lord.
• Ren Shanshi and Yun Niang are unaware of each other's activities, showing a tacit understanding.
• Ling Jian interacts with Dou Sangu, trying to invite him onto his boat, and later sends demons to find him.
• Ling Jian learns about the Regional Examination participants from his crow demon subordinate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dou Sangu, a minor demon, is pursued by other demons after revealing the existence of a great medicine.
• He arrives at the alley where the 'great medicine' is supposedly located, only to find an ordinary courtyard with no signs of the treasure.
• Ren Qing, the protagonist, is seen practicing his saber forms, whittling bamboo, and using his divine sense to infuse a bamboo staff.
• A fierce wind sweeps through the courtyard, and the Imperial Court Scroll absorbs a fourth kind of heaven-and-earth aura, completing fifty percent of its coloring.

Character Developments

• Dou Sangu's desperation and confusion grow as he realizes the truth about the 'great medicine' and his own predicament.
• Ren Qing demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in preparing for the upcoming challenges by working on Staff Dissolution.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and misinformation continues, as Dou Sangu's expectations are subverted, and he realizes the truth about the 'great medicine.'
• The theme of perseverance is shown through Ren Qing's resolve to complete Staff Dissolution despite the risks and challenges ahead.

Character Interactions

• Dou Sangu interacts with the other demons in pursuit, showcasing his desperation and fear.
• Ren Qing interacts with Ren Shanshi and Yun Niang, accepting a cucumber from Ren Shanshi, and demonstrating his power through the fierce wind that sweeps through the courtyard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing begins Staff Dissolution, leaving his body to refine his Primordial Spirit in an emerald bamboo.
• Ren Shanshi and Yun Niang experience sudden improvements in their cultivation and senses due to Ren Qing's action.
• Dou Sangu, hidden in the back courtyard, witnesses Ren Qing's death and the Black Rat Dao Children throwing Ren Shanshi and Yun Niang into the well.
• Yan Jing, a half-man, half-bird cultivator, arrives, revealing that he's been searching for Dou Sangu on Ling Jian's orders.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing: Enters Staff Dissolution, refining his Primordial Spirit.
• Ren Shanshi & Yun Niang: Experience cultivation breakthroughs and improved senses.
• Dou Sangu: Realizes something amiss in the back courtyard and fears for his life when Yan Jing arrives.
• Yan Jing: Reveals his ruthless past and obsession with finding Dou Sangu.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and its consequences.
• The dangers of underestimating one's enemies.
• The theme of transformation and change, both physical and spiritual.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing's actions indirectly benefit Ren Shanshi and Yun Niang.
• Dou Sangu's fear and confusion contrast with Yan Jing's ruthlessness and determination.
• The Black Rat Dao Children's actions hint at a mysterious connection to Ren Qing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dou Sangu discovers a decaying corpse in the coffin shop, which he believes to be an immortal.
• Yan Jing, a Demon Cultivator, arrives and threatens Dou Sangu for information about the corpse.
• Frog Immortal Lord, a giant frog cultivator, appears and confronts Yan Jing.
• Yan Jing attempts to flee but is caught and killed by Frog Immortal Lord.
• Yan Jing sends a message to other Demon Cultivators about the corpse before his death.

Character Developments

• Dou Sangu: Realizes the potential power of the corpse and considers his escape.
• Yan Jing: Shows his cowardice and desperation in the face of Frog Immortal Lord.
• Frog Immortal Lord: Demonstrates his immense strength and lack of combat experience.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and immortality.
• The consequences of greed and desperation.
• The struggle between cultivators and their limitations.

Character Interactions

• Dou Sangu and Yan Jing: Yan Jing threatens Dou Sangu for information.
• Yan Jing and Frog Immortal Lord: Yan Jing attempts to reason with Frog Immortal Lord but ultimately fails.
• Yan Jing and Ling Jian (off-screen): Yan Jing blames Ling Jian for his death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dou Sangu discovers the green fish and the ginseng plants in the medicinal field.
• Ren Qing's corpse revives, and the backyard transforms into an immortal realm.
• Ren Qing returns to his Mudball Palace and senses a demon approaching the coffin shop.
• Ren Qing decides to stay and observe, planning to dig an underground tunnel for easier access.

Character Developments

• Dou Sangu, initially hesitant and worried, becomes devoted to serving Ren Qing after witnessing his power.
• Ren Qing, now more confident in his immortal path, considers the benefits of staying in Water Mouth City.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of immortality and power.
• The consequences of one's actions and the resulting karma.
• The struggle for resources and opportunities among cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing interacts with Dou Sangu, accepting him as a servant.
• Ren Qing considers the actions of other cultivators and demons in Water Mouth City.
• Ling Jian, Canglan, Hu Nizhou, and Yin Si discuss the superior Transformation Pill and the upcoming Provincial Examination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing sorts through nature's gifts and considers the Medicine Dissolution method for his ascension.
• He detects Demon Cultivators' divine consciousness probing the area due to Yan Jing's death.
• Ren Qing inspects Yan Jing's storage pouch and finds it lacking in refinement.
• He learns about the Immortal Ascension Sect's 'legitimate businesses' and the possibility of no righteous sects in the world.
• Another divine consciousness sweep occurs, and Ren Qing asks Dou Sangu about the Regional Examination.
• Ren Qing decides to accept Dou Sangu as his disciple and starts instructing him.
• Morning rays appear, and Ren Qing senses numerous divine consciousness probes, causing him to pause Dou Sangu's instruction.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing: He continues to explore his new world, considering different ascension methods and the nature of the righteous path. He decides to accept Dou Sangu as a disciple despite his initial reservations.
• Dou Sangu: He disperses his cultivation to show sincerity to Ren Qing and is accepted as a disciple. He demonstrates his understanding of the Internal Refinement Method and shares his knowledge about the Regional Examination.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between righteous and demonic paths in cultivation.
• The value of sincerity and intent in cultivation and discipleship.
• The potential dangers and deceptions in various ascension methods.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing and Dou Sangu: They interact for the first time, with Ren Qing testing Dou Sangu's sincerity and knowledge, and eventually accepting him as a disciple.
• Ren Qing and the Black Rat Dao Children: Ren Qing observes their actions and overhears their conversations, leading to his decision regarding Dou Sangu.
• Ren Qing and the Demon Cultivators: Their divine consciousness probes indicate their interest in Ren Qing and his activities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing begins qi-feeding cultivation, drawing rosy radiance and dazzling phenomena.
• Dou Sangu, now named Mouse True Person, becomes Ren Qing's disciple and receives a Daoist robe.
• A tiger demon prefect arrives in Water Mouth City, marking the beginning of the provincial examination.
• Ren Qing decides to participate in the examination and plans to purchase items for his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing: Shows his power and wisdom, deciding to participate in the examination and prepare for further cultivation.
• Mouse True Person (formerly Dou Sangu): Becomes Ren Qing's disciple, discarding his demon name. He shows loyalty and concern for his new master's plans.
• Tiger Demon Prefect: Arrives in Water Mouth City, injured and seeking revenge against Three Incense Lady.

Significant Themes

• Immortal cultivation and its methods.
• The tension between the human and demon worlds.
• The power dynamics between immortals and demons.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing and Mouse True Person: Master and disciple relationship is established, with Ren Qing guiding Mouse True Person and bestowing him with divine power.
• Ren Qing and the Tiger Demon Prefect: Unseen confrontation, as Ren Qing observes the prefect's arrival and plans his next move.
• Ren Qing and the unknown woman: A potential encounter with a demon or human with unknown intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing encounters Hu Nizhou, a fox demon, who tries to seduce him. He sees through her disguise and beheads her with a rosy light.
• Ren Qing visits an apothecary to buy potent poisonous herbs for his Medicine Dissolution cultivation.
• He hears a woman sobbing in a residence and, upon investigating, finds Hu Nizhou in a false body, trying to lure him. He beheads her again.
• Ren Qing discovers a crack in the ground where four death-row prisoners are being squeezed, possibly for the creation of Human Root Flowers for Transformation Pills.
• He wanders the city and encounters an old man with a young girl, who he helps. The girl is revealed to be Hu Nizhou in another disguise.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing shows no interest in Hu Nizhou's seduction attempts, demonstrating his strong will and focus on his cultivation.
• Hu Nizhou, despite her cunning and ability to change forms, is unable to sway Ren Qing, showing her limitations.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between cultivation and temptation (represented by Hu Nizhou's seduction attempts).
• The consequences of evil deeds (the death-row prisoners' fate and the old man's plea for help).

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing and Hu Nizhou's interactions highlight Ren Qing's immunity to her charms and his resolve to eliminate her.
• Ren Qing's interaction with the old man and girl (Hu Nizhou in disguise) shows his kindness and compassion towards the innocent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hu Nizhou visits Yin Si at the Fuyang Escort Agency, offering him a deal to work together against Demon Cultivators and refine the superior Transformation Pill in exchange for his assistance and a share of the essence of the true disciple.
• Yin Si agrees but takes a third of Hu Nizhou's shadow, controlling her soul, and gives her a piece of Li Yao's shadow.
• Ren Qing returns to the coffin shop to find his father planning to change their line of work and has improved his martial arts skills. Ren Qing discovers that his father's body has grown due to the mist aura.
• Ren Qing visits the cavern dwelling beneath the well, where Mouse True Person and Fish Immortal reside. He decides to begin experimenting with the internal refinement method using the herbs provided.

Character Developments

• Hu Nizhou: Becomes more desperate and willing to make deals with dangerous entities like Yin Si to achieve her goals.
• Yin Si: Reveals his true nature as a demon, taking control of Hu Nizhou's soul and providing information about the prefect's situation.
• Ren Shanshi: Has improved his martial arts skills and is eager to open a martial arts school.
• Ren Qing: Continues to develop his cultivation, planning to begin the internal refinement method and perfect the Earth Escape Art (Five Elements Escape Art).

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and resources among cultivators and demons.
• The consequences of making deals with dangerous entities.
• The importance of family and personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Hu Nizhou and Yin Si: They form an uneasy alliance, with Yin Si controlling Hu Nizhou's soul and providing her with information.
• Ren Shanshi and Ren Qing: Father and son discuss business and martial arts, with Ren Shanshi expressing his desire to open a martial arts school.
• Ren Qing and his disciples (Mouse True Person and Fish Immortal): Ren Qing visits them in the cavern dwelling, expressing his value for Mouse True Person and Fish Immortal's loyalty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing recalls his previous life and decides to focus on the Five Elements Escape Art, starting with Earth Escape.
• He attempts to refine the Earth Escape method using beeswax, Resting Soil, and his own blood, but fails initially.
• Ren Qing decides to use the Internal Refinement Art to aid the process and teaches it to Frog Immortal Lord, who proves adept at pill refining.
• Frog Immortal Lord successfully refines the Earth Escape material, which Ren Qing then uses to cultivate the Earth Escape method.
• Ren Qing tests and improves his Earth Escape ability, deciding to call it the Five Elements Immortal Art.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing becomes more determined to master the orthodox methods of the Dao sects.
• Frog Immortal Lord demonstrates exceptional talent in pill refining and gains Ren Qing's favor.

Significant Themes

• Mastery of the Five Elements Escape Art and the pursuit of immortality.
• The importance of diligence and perseverance in cultivation.
• The value of talented disciples and their potential.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing interacts with Frog Immortal Lord, teaching him the Internal Refinement Art and acknowledging his talent.
• Ren Qing communicates with Mouse True Person, summoning him and the Mouse Divine Generals for further instruction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing enlightens the rat swarm, renaming them "Mouse Children" and their leader "Mouse True Person."
• He assigns Mouse True Person to expand the Mouse Children, map the underground within 100 li of Water Mouth City, and protect Ren Shanshi and Yun Niang.
• Ren Qing begins refining Medicine Dissolution pills with Frog Immortal Lord's help, sensing the heretical fiends' preparations.

Character Developments

• Mouse True Person gains confidence and ambition, becoming Ren Qing's third disciple.
• Ren Qing demonstrates his commitment to his disciples' growth and well-being.

Significant Themes

• The importance of proper cultivation and enlightenment.
• The value of diligence and hard work in achieving goals (e.g., Mouse True Person's expansion of the Mouse Children).

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing interacts with Mouse True Person, assigning him tasks and expressing his confidence in him.
• Ren Qing works with Frog Immortal Lord to refine Medicine Dissolution pills, showing trust and reliance on his disciples.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yao, desperate to find the immortal, seeks help from a Daoist priest, but it's too late as she turns into a sheet of human skin and flies away.
• Yin Si and Hu Nizhou are in the brothel, waiting for Ren Qing's arrival. They plan to refine Li Yao's skin into a false body for the immortal.
• Ren Qing arrives at the brothel, unaware of the danger. Yin Si leaves to meet Ling Jian, while Hu Nizhou prepares to refine the pill.

Character Developments

• Li Yao's desperation to live drives her to seek help, but she ultimately succumbs to her fate.
• Yin Si shows impatience and hunger for blood food, but also caution in dealing with Hu Nizhou.
• Hu Nizhou displays cunning and ruthlessness in her plans, using Li Yao and manipulating Ren Qing.
• Ren Qing remains oblivious to the true disciple's identity and the danger he's in.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and the will to live (Li Yao)
• Manipulation and control (Hu Nizhou)
• Hunger and desire (Yin Si)
• Unawareness and innocence (Ren Qing)

Character Interactions

• Li Yao and the Daoist priest: Li Yao seeks help, but it's too late.
• Yin Si and Hu Nizhou: They collaborate to refine the pill, but Yin Si is suspicious of Hu Nizhou's claims.
• Ren Qing and Hu Nizhou: Ren Qing arrives at the brothel, unaware of Hu Nizhou's plans for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing enters the brothel, revealing the demons' true forms and their feast on human limbs.
• Ren Qing confronts Hu Nizhou, a demoness, and rejects her advances, insulting her.
• Ren Qing willingly enters the white-bone pill cauldron, triggering a spell that destroys the demons in the brothel.
• Hu Nizhou is severely injured, and Yin Si, the tiger demon, leaves to deal with other Demon Cultivators.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing demonstrates his calm and composed demeanor, showing no fear despite being surrounded by demons.
• Hu Nizhou's true form is revealed, showing her as a powerful and seductive demoness.
• Yin Si shows his authority and impatience, ordering Hu Nizhou to guard the alchemy process.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the righteous path (Ren Qing) and the demonic path (Hu Nizhou, Yin Si).
• The consequences of greed and lust (demons' fate, Hu Nizhou's injury).
• The power of will and determination (Ren Qing's refusal to yield to temptation).

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing and Hu Nizhou: Ren Qing insults Hu Nizhou, leading to her intense hatred and desire for revenge.
• Hu Nizhou and Yin Si: Hu Nizhou is ordered by Yin Si to guard the alchemy process, showing his authority over her.
• Ren Qing's interaction with the demons: Ren Qing shows no fear or respect for the demons, treating them with contempt.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing enters the White Bone Cauldron for the seventh Medicine Dissolution.
• He encounters resentment from the herbs used in the Transformation Pill, which were nurtured from the bodies and souls of mortals.
• Yin Gaosong arrives to oversee the pill refinement, while Hu Nizhou becomes hysterical and is taken away.
• After three days, the pill cauldron emits a strong medicinal fragrance, and Ren Qing's physical body dies, but his consciousness remains.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing remains calm and accepting of his impending death, even finding it interesting.
• Hu Nizhou's mental state deteriorates, leading to her being confined for rest.
• Yin Gaosong shows professionalism in pill refinement and maintains composure despite the strange occurrences.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance of death and impermanence (Ren Qing's calm demeanor)
• The consequences of obsession and revenge (Hu Nizhou's mental deterioration)
• The duality of power and control (Ren Qing's consciousness surviving despite his physical body's death)

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing interacts with the demons through his consciousness, showing no fear or resistance.
• Yin Gaosong and the wolf demons discuss the pill refinement process, with Yin Gaosong maintaining authority.
• Hu Nizhou's breakdown leads to a confrontation with Yin Gaosong, who decides to confine her for her own safety.

Chapter Summary: Medicine Dissolution Complete, Immortal Body Formed

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing recites a Daoist verse, causing the Mortal Shedding talisman on his body to transform into a far more profound Immortal Talisman.
• His body begins developing the initial form of an immortal body, though it remains physically lifeless. He realizes that he must still achieve the Yin Immortal realm through the Metamorphosis Immortal Art to complete the transformation.
• Ren Qing discovers that his vitality has not vanished but has dispersed into the medicinal fragrance released by the White Bone Cauldron. He can sense and control this vitality, allowing it to return to him.
• Meanwhile, the demon cultivators surrounding the cauldron absorb the fragrance and experience extraordinary benefits: their injuries heal, cultivation improves, vitality returns, and suppressed demon forms become stronger.
• Yin Gaosong, an elderly tiger demon, benefits the most. His aging body temporarily regains its former strength, leading him to suspect that the cauldron contains something far more powerful than an ordinary Transformation Pill.
• When Ren Qing’s Medicine Dissolution is completed, the medicinal fragrance suddenly flows back into the cauldron. The demons initially believe the opportunity has merely ended, but Yin Gaosong realizes that something is terribly wrong.
• The returning fragrance drains the vitality from every demon in the room. Yin Gaosong rapidly ages, collapses, and dies, followed by the other demon cultivators, who are reduced to dried corpses.
• Hu Nizhou emerges from hiding and discovers the massacre. She attempts to flee, but Ren Qing attacks through the cauldron’s opening and vaporizes her head with the scorching light of the Sunrise Diagram.
• Ren Qing reseals the cauldron and decides not to emerge yet. He intends to complete his Yin Immortal transformation while eliminating more Demon Cultivators who might become future threats.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing: His cultivation advances dramatically as his Mortal Shedding talisman evolves into an Immortal Talisman and begins forming an unprecedented immortal body. He demonstrates increased control over vitality and remains detached, calculating, and ruthless toward potential enemies.
• Yin Gaosong: Initially grateful for the medicinal benefits, he becomes suspicious when the fragrance reverses direction. His insight allows him to recognize the cauldron as a trap, but he is unable to escape and dies after his restored vitality is reclaimed.
• The demon cultivators: They become intoxicated by the apparent “immortal opportunity,” revealing their greed and willingness to exploit the cauldron’s benefits. Their temporary gains ultimately make their deaths more devastating.
• Hu Nizhou: Her opportunistic and manipulative nature is exposed when she begs for her life and offers information or submission. Ren Qing rejects her pleas and kills her without hesitation.

Significant Themes

• Transformation through death and dissolution: Ren Qing’s immortal body is formed by absorbing vitality released through the apparent deaths of others, suggesting that transcendence is inseparable from destruction.
• Greed and false opportunity: The demons mistake the cauldron’s medicinal fragrance for a miraculous blessing, failing to recognize that its benefits are temporary and ultimately extractive.
• Immortality and identity: Ren Qing reflects on the uniqueness of immortal bodies and the difference between merely possessing an immortal form and fully achieving the immortal state.
• Detachment and ruthlessness: Ren Qing’s Daoist calm contrasts sharply with the demons’ panic. His spiritual development is accompanied by an increasingly pragmatic willingness to kill anyone who may threaten his progress.
• Hidden danger beneath apparent benevolence: The cauldron appears to grant healing and cultivation benefits, but these improvements are revealed to be borrowed vitality that will eventually return to Ren Qing.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing observes the demon cultivators indirectly through his divine sense while they discuss how to delay the young master’s return and maximize their access to the medicinal vapor.
• Yin Gaosong warns the other demons not to become greedy, yet he himself continues absorbing the fragrance because of its overwhelming benefits.
• Yin Gaosong alerts the others when he realizes the cauldron is dangerous, but his warning comes too late; the returning vitality kills everyone present.
• Hu Nizhou pleads with Ren Qing for mercy and attempts to manipulate him by claiming she knows valuable information. Ren Qing mocks her, dismisses her attempted seduction and emotional appeal, and kills her.
• Ren Qing concludes by deciding to remain inside the cauldron and use the situation to purge nearby Demon Cultivators before completing his ascension to Yin Immortality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing refines a flawless Transformation Pill, attracting numerous demons to the brothel.
• A chaotic battle ensues among the demons for the Transformation Pill.
• Ren Qing, using the Metamorphosis Immortal Art, transforms into a sword and goes on a killing spree, slaughtering the demons.
• Yin Si escapes with his life, escorted by ghoul-slaves.
• Ren Qing asks Ling Jian about the location of Canglan's Transformation Pill.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing demonstrates his power and ruthlessness, earning the title "Second Senior Brother" from the Mouse Children.
• Yin Si shows cowardice and lack of leadership, fleeing when faced with danger.
• Ling Jian reveals his desperation and fear, begging Ren Qing not to kill him.

Significant Themes

• The temptation and danger of power, as seen through the demons' desire for the Transformation Pill.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent, as demonstrated by the demons' fate.
• The importance of loyalty and unity, as shown by the Mouse Children's devotion to Ren Qing.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing and the Mouse Children: Ren Qing shows kindness and care towards the Mouse Children, while they display unwavering loyalty and respect for him.
• Ren Qing and the demons: Ren Qing shows no mercy towards the demons, viewing them as obstacles to be eliminated.
• Yin Si and the demons: Yin Si's cowardice and lack of leadership cause the demons to lose trust in him, leading to their deaths.
• Ling Jian and Ren Qing: Ling Jian begs Ren Qing for mercy, showing his fear and desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Shanshi and Yun Niang go shopping for New Year goods.
• Ren Shanshi spots a figure resembling Su Huo and chases after it.
• He finds Su Huo being attacked by a goat demon and intervenes.
• Ren Shanshi defeats the goat demon using his external martial arts.
• Su Huo asks to be buried and watered with animal blood to live.
• Ren Qing returns home and senses Frog Immortal Lord's advancement.
• Yin Qianzhang, the prefectural lord, plans to expose Three Incense Lady and her pawn.

Character Developments

• Ren Shanshi: Shows bravery and determination in saving Su Huo, demonstrating significant progress in his external martial arts.
• Su Huo: Weakened and injured, reveals his method of survival and agrees to teach Ren Shanshi more external arts.
• Ren Qing: Shows concern for his father's progress and plans to help Frog Immortal Lord advance further.
• Yin Qianzhang: Injured and vengeful, plans to expose Three Incense Lady and her pawn.

Significant Themes

• The power of martial arts: Ren Shanshi's external martial arts allow him to defeat the goat demon, challenging the notion that martial arts are useless against demons.
• Immortality and survival: Su Huo's method of survival by being buried and watered with animal blood raises questions about the nature of immortality and the lengths one might go to survive.
• Scheming and revenge: Yin Qianzhang's plans to expose Three Incense Lady and her pawn highlight the theme of scheming and revenge in the pursuit of power and vengeance.

Character Interactions

• Ren Shanshi and Yun Niang: The couple goes shopping together, showing a harmonious relationship.
• Ren Shanshi and Su Huo: Ren Shanshi risks his life to save Su Huo, leading to a renewed bond between them.
• Ren Qing and Ren Shanshi: Father and son reunite, with Ren Qing acknowledging his father's progress in martial arts.
• Yin Qianzhang and his subordinates: The prefectural lord gives orders to his subordinates, demonstrating his authority and vengeful nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing returns to the coffin shop for New Year's Eve, where he receives new clothes and shoes from his adoptive parents.
• He prepares to refine another Metamorphosis Pill and asks Mouse True Person to help with tasks.
• Yin Qianzhang, severely injured, takes over Yin Si's body and plans to use demonic energy to disrupt the Immortal Ascension Assembly.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing continues to improve his painting skills, aiming to perfect the Sunrise Diagram for his Vapor-Feeding Immortal Art.
• Yin Qianzhang's injury worsens, leading him to take desperate measures to prevent anyone from becoming an immortal.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of perfection in one's craft (Ren Qing's painting).
• The consequences of desperation and the loss of self-control (Yin Qianzhang's actions).

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing interacts with his adoptive parents, showing affection and appreciation for their care.
• Yin Qianzhang and Yin Si's relationship is strained due to Yin Qianzhang's injury and desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ren Qing uses his mist technique to conceal his presence while observing a flock of crows crashing into Water Mouth City's wall.
• He decides to start the transformation of the Sunrise Diagram into the Sun and Moon Shining Together Diagram immediately.
• Two granaries in Water Mouth City catch fire, and a middle-aged man, later revealed to be Rice Mass, is seen amidst the flames.
• Daoist Beisu, now a half-step Yin Immortal, contacts Ren Qing, warning him about Lord Food and Thousand Diners.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing demonstrates his decisiveness and adaptability in changing his plans based on new information.
• Mouse True Person shows initiative in offering to investigate the crow incident and the granary fire.
• Daoist Beisu reveals his new status as a half-step Yin Immortal and expresses concern for Three Incense Lady.

Significant Themes

• The transformation of the Sunrise Diagram reflects Ren Qing's adaptability and resourcefulness in using his surroundings to enhance his cultivation.
• The granary fires and the appearance of Rice Mass highlight the growing threat and complexity of the situation in Water Mouth City.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing and Mouse True Person work together to investigate the granary fire and communicate with Daoist Beisu.
• Daoist Beisu reaches out to Ren Qing, seeking his help in the current situation while also providing valuable information.

Key Plot Points

• The granary fire has not significantly impacted Water Mouth City due to its convenient freight routes.
• Ren Qing suspects that rice tumors might be all that's available in the future.
• Ren Qing helps his father, Ren Shanshi, and Su Huo by providing them with the breaths of heaven and earth to accumulate merit and save their lives.
• Ren Qing visits his cave residence and finds it well-maintained by Mouse True Person.
• Ren Qing discovers a betrothal letter from Thousand Diners to Hu Nizhou in the brocade box containing rice tumors.

Character Developments

• Ren Qing continues to accumulate merit and good deeds to advance in his cultivation.
• Ren Shanshi remains unaware of Ren Qing's help and continues to practice martial arts relentlessly.
• Su Huo begins his second rebirth, and Ren Qing helps him stabilize his qi and blood.
• Mouse True Person shows initiative in managing the cave residence and is rewarded by Ren Qing with immortal opportunity.
• Ren Qing refines rice tumors to create talismans for his Wood Escape Art.

Significant Themes

• The accumulation of merit and good deeds for cultivation advancement.
• The contrast between Ren Qing's kindness and the harsh reality of the world.
• The theme of immortality and the pursuit of it.

Character Interactions

• Ren Qing helps his father and Su Huo without their knowledge.
• Ren Qing rewards Mouse True Person for his diligence in managing the cave residence.
• Ren Qing discovers a connection between Hu Nizhou and Thousand Diners through a betrothal letter.