Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• A pale-faced man enters Lead Mountain Mine, unnoticed by most, and begins refining Dao soldiers using the abundant death qi and corpse qi in the White Bone Medicine Grotto.
• The mine owners and town people focus on dividing the Cao mine's shares and exploiting the miners and mine slaves, suppressing any further unrest.
• Lead Mountain returns to its previous state, with the miners and mine slaves resuming their obedient appearances. The mine riot is gradually forgotten.
• Fang Shu successfully cultivates the Second Tribulation realm to completion and prepares to undergo the tribulation to advance to the Third Tribulation realm.
• Qin Min emerges from seclusion, having successfully passed her tribulation and advanced to the Third Tribulation realm.

Character Developments

• The pale-faced man's actions remain mysterious and unnoticed, hinting at a sinister plan.
• Fang Shu demonstrates significant progress in his cultivation, reaching a high chance of successfully undergoing the tribulation.
• Qin Min's successful tribulation advancement solidifies her status as a powerful Third Tribulation immortal.

Significant Themes

• Exploitation and resistance: The mine owners and town people exploit the miners and mine slaves, while the miners and mine slaves resist and share stories of their uprising.
• Cultivation and advancement: Fang Shu and Qin Min both make significant progress in their cultivation, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication.

Character Interactions

• The pale-faced man interacts with no one, highlighting his secretive and sinister nature.
• Fang Shu and Qin Min do not interact directly, but Fang Shu is aware of Qin Min's advancement and seeks to gain similar support from the hall.
• The miners and mine slaves interact with each other, sharing stories of their uprising and supporting one another.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Shu meets the hall master to report his progress and seek guidance for crossing tribulations.
• The hall master reveals that Fang Shu has completed the Second Tribulation earlier than expected and offers him a rare soul-nourishing medicine, Whale-Whisker Soul-Nourishing Incense, to aid in crossing the Third Tribulation.
• Fang Shu learns that the Third Tribulation focuses on refining the brain's 'brain fat' and nourishing the soul, which will help him develop spiritual radiance and eventually become a spiritual immortal.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu: Shows maturity and confidence in his cultivation progress, accepts the soul-nourishing medicine without false modesty, and expresses determination to enter the sect and refine qi.
• Hall Master: Reveals her care for Fang Shu's cultivation, offers him a precious medicine, and shares insights about the Third Tribulation and soul nourishing.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation progress and tribulation crossing.
• The importance of soul nourishing and brain fat refinement in immortal cultivation.
• The relationship between a master and disciple, and the master's investment in the disciple's cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and the Hall Master: A master-disciple interaction where the hall master assesses Fang Shu's progress, offers guidance, and provides a precious medicine to aid his cultivation.
• Qu Yan and Fu Shier: These two disciples feel envious and disheartened upon learning that Fang Shu has made significant progress and is qualified to cross tribulations. They try to seek precious medicine from the hall master but are rejected.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Shu obtains a spiritual medicine for soul nourishment but doesn't rush to use it.
• He compares it with the flesh ganoderma from the medicine grotto, finding them equally potent but with different focuses.
• Fang Shu decides to use both medicines simultaneously for his third tribulation.
• He sets up a smoke formation, lights the Whale-Whisker Soul-Nourishing Incense, and consumes the medicine all at once.
• Fang Shu successfully crosses the third tribulation, achieving the 'Three-Tribulation Essence-Refining Human Immortal' realm.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu demonstrates caution and thoroughness in his preparations, showing growth in his understanding of immortal cultivation.
• He exhibits confidence and boldness in his approach to crossing the tribulation, trusting his abilities and the protection of the Dao Register.

Significant Themes

• The importance of thorough preparation and understanding before taking significant steps in cultivation.
• The balance between caution and boldness in cultivation, with Fang Shu demonstrating both.
• The value of unique and precious medicines in aiding cultivation progress.

Character Interactions

• Although not present in this chapter, Fang Shu's interactions with the master of the Lone Hall are implied, as he follows the master's advice on using the spiritual medicine.
• Fang Shu's interaction with the Dao Register is highlighted, showing the artifact's role in monitoring his physical body and aiding his cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Shu successfully breaks through to the Third Tribulation, feeling a significant improvement in his qi and blood.
• He expels impurities from his body and practices punches to regulate his qi and blood.
• Fang Shu opens the storage bag taken from the mine owner, revealing a small hill of ores, supplies, and a quasi-Fourth Tribulation talisman artifact, the Mountain-Piercing Seal.
• He nourishes and hangs the talisman artifact at his waist for easy access.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu's cultivation advances to the Third Tribulation, solidifying his foundation and increasing his chances of condensing a soul and giving rise to true qi.
• He demonstrates patience and thoroughness in organizing the items from the storage bag, showing responsibility and care for his possessions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of solid cultivation foundation and the benefits of a breakthrough.
• The value of life-saving items and the wisdom of keeping them readily accessible.
• The convenience and utility of storage bags, even for Essence-Refining Immortals.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu interacts with the storage bag and the Mountain-Piercing Seal, demonstrating his understanding and use of these magical artifacts.
• Though not physically present, the mine owner surnamed Cao is referenced, providing context for the storage bag's contents and the Mountain-Piercing Seal's purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Shu continues cultivating after breaking through the Third Tribulation, aiming to improve his cultivation and divine consciousness before the Spring Examination.
• After several dozen days, he fails to achieve divine consciousness but significantly improves his mental capacity and physical condition.
• He receives a letter from his second uncle, Yu Le, informing him about the upcoming Spring Examination, prompting him to leave his seclusion.
• Fang Shu arrives at the Inner Court Council Hall, where Master Du is gathering disciples to discuss the Spring Examination. She announces Qin Min and Fang Shu as the hall's champions for the exam.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu: He becomes more determined and focused on his cultivation, showing resilience in the face of failure. He also demonstrates confidence and composure in the council hall.
• Qin Min: She is revealed to be a Third Tribulation Human Immortal with a spiritual root, making her a strong candidate for the Spring Examination. She shows interest and scrutiny toward Fang Shu.
• Du Yu'er: She is mentioned as another potential candidate for the Spring Examination but remains humble and unassuming.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Fang Shu's continuous cultivation and improvement in his abilities despite setbacks highlight the theme of persistent effort in cultivation.
• Ambition and Competition: The Spring Examination serves as a catalyst for ambition among the disciples, fostering a competitive atmosphere.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and Qin Min: Their interaction in the council hall is tense, with Qin Min scrutinizing Fang Shu and him addressing her directly, referencing their previous encounter.
• Fang Shu and Li Hou'er: Fang Shu's friendly gesture toward Li Hou'er boosts Li Hou'er's confidence and pride.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hall Master Du gathers disciples for guidance before the Spring Examination, including Fang Shu and Qin Min.
• Fang Shu and Qin Min are called to display their cultivation, but Hall Master Du stops them, emphasizing the importance of saving strength for the examination.
• Hall Master Du has Fang Shu and Qin Min share their insights from breaking through the Third Tribulation with the other disciples.
• Fang Shu settles his household registration with Hall Master Du's help.
• Scorched-Tail Hall's Hall Master Ling gathers disciples for training, showcasing Ling Baiquan's strength.
• Steward Xiao Hu challenges Ling Baiquan, bites him, and dies in the process, revealing his determination and the depth of his hatred.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu demonstrates maturity and obedience by following Hall Master Du's guidance and settling his household registration.
• Qin Min shows contempt for Fang Shu but ultimately complies with Hall Master Du's instructions.
• Ling Baiquan displays his formidable strength and hard-body cultivation but also shows panic and vulnerability when faced with Xiao Hu's desperate attack.
• Xiao Hu reveals his deep-seated hatred and willingness to die to take down Ling Baiquan, showing a surprising level of determination and ferocity.

Significant Themes

• The importance of saving strength and avoiding unnecessary risks before the Spring Examination.
• The depth of hatred and determination that can drive someone to make a suicidal attack.
• The power dynamics and tensions within immortal sects and their affiliated halls.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and Qin Min interact briefly, with Qin Min showing contempt for Fang Shu.
• Hall Master Du interacts with both Fang Shu and Qin Min, guiding and instructing them.
• Ling Baiquan and Xiao Hu engage in a deadly challenge, revealing their respective strengths and motivations.
• Scorched-Tail Hall disciples react with shock, sorrow, and unease to Xiao Hu's tragic act.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Hu, a medicine slave, publicly accuses Ling Baiquan, the heir of Scorched-Tail Hall, of framing him and his daughter, Xiao Lili, to cover up Ling's own crimes.
• Xiao Hu's desperate attempt to expose Ling Baiquan fails, but he successfully proves his resolve and innocence before dying.
• Ling Baiquan, exposed, is left with a temporary weak point due to Xiao Hu's attack.
• Xiao Lili, Xiao Hu's daughter, escapes Scorched-Tail Hall and seeks help from various people, but is turned away. She ends up at Solitary Gu Hall, where she begs Hall Master Du to clear her father's name and avenge him.

Character Developments

• Xiao Hu: Starts as a humble medicine slave, transforms into a determined and brave figure willing to sacrifice himself for justice and his daughter's sake.
• Ling Baiquan: Initially portrayed as a cunning and manipulative heir, his true colors are revealed, showing him to be a coward and a criminal.
• Xiao Lili: From a weak, sickly girl, she shows resilience and resourcefulness, escaping Scorched-Tail Hall and seeking help, ultimately finding her way to Solitary Gu Hall.

Significant Themes

• Innocence and Guilt: Xiao Hu and Xiao Lili's innocence is contrasted with Ling Baiquan's guilt, highlighting the theme of justice versus corruption.
• Sacrifice: Xiao Hu's willingness to sacrifice himself for his daughter and to expose the truth underscores the theme of selfless sacrifice.
• Resilience: Xiao Lili's determination to find help, despite her frail condition and repeated rejections, demonstrates her resilience.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Hu and Ling Baiquan: Their confrontation reveals Ling Baiquan's true nature and Xiao Hu's determination to expose him.
• Xiao Lili and Various People: Xiao Lili's interactions with different people in Guling Town highlight her desperation and the challenges she faces in seeking help.
• Xiao Lili and Hall Master Du: Their interaction sets the stage for potential assistance and vengeance against Ling Baiquan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Lili, seeking revenge for her father's death, visits Hall Master Du.
• Hall Master Du reveals that Xiao Lili's life hangs by a thread due to a medicinal ginseng planted in her body.
• Hall Master Du offers Xiao Lili a chance to remove the ginseng herself, suggesting she could survive if she succeeds.
• Hall Master Du tasks Fang Shu with guiding Xiao Lili through the process.

Character Developments

• Xiao Lili: Initially desperate and willing to die, she gains resolve and determination to fight for her life and avenge her father.
• Hall Master Du: Shows compassion and understanding, offering Xiao Lili a chance to survive and avenge her father, but also subtly hints at the ginseng's value to an Essence Refining immortal practitioner.
• Fang Shu: Initially reluctant to get involved, he agrees to help Xiao Lili remove the ginseng, showing a degree of compassion.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Xiao Lili's life hangs on her ability to remove the ginseng, suggesting fate is not predetermined but can be influenced by one's actions.
• Compassion and helping others: Hall Master Du and Fang Shu show compassion towards Xiao Lili, helping her despite the potential trouble it may bring.

Character Interactions

• Hall Master Du and Xiao Lili: Hall Master Du shows understanding and offers guidance to Xiao Lili, helping her see a path to survival and revenge.
• Fang Shu and Xiao Lili: Fang Shu agrees to help Xiao Lili remove the ginseng, showing compassion and understanding towards her plight.
• Hall Master Du and Fang Shu: Hall Master Du tasks Fang Shu with helping Xiao Lili, hinting at the ginseng's value to an Essence Refining immortal practitioner.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Shu accompanies Xiao Lili to a quiet chamber in the Solitary Gu Hall.
• Hall Master Du's intentions remain unclear to Fang Shu, but he interprets them as a reward rather than a test.
• Du Yu'er prepares a medicinal bath for Xiao Lili, leaving Fang Shu to assist her.
• Fang Shu examines Xiao Lili's body and discovers a crimson medicinal ginseng within her, resembling a human form with intricate roots like secret script.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu: He grapples with the potential implications of Hall Master Du's actions, ultimately deciding to help Xiao Lili without exploiting her. He also discovers a unique, script-like pattern within Xiao Lili's body, which captivates him.
• Xiao Lili: She feels shame and inferiority due to her emaciated state but remains determined to overcome her condition. She trusts Fang Shu and follows his instructions.

Significant Themes

• Reward vs. Test: Fang Shu contemplates whether Hall Master Du's actions are a reward or a test, ultimately deciding it's a reward based on the potential benefits and drawbacks.
• Sacrifice and Compassion: Fang Shu chooses to help Xiao Lili without expecting anything in return, showing compassion and understanding.
• Transformation and Discovery: Xiao Lili's body holds a secret, transformative power, and Fang Shu's discovery of the script-like pattern within her hints at hidden knowledge or potential.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and Xiao Lili: They interact professionally yet awkwardly, with Xiao Lili feeling self-conscious about her appearance. Fang Shu examines her body clinically while trying to maintain her dignity.
• Fang Shu and Hall Master Du: Fang Shu ponders his master's intentions, ultimately deciding to follow her instructions without taking advantage of the situation.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the concept of Natural Secret Scripts, which are secret script patterns formed naturally by heaven and earth, unlike those created by immortal practitioners or alchemists.
• Fang Shu, an Essence-Refining immortal practitioner, discovers a Natural Secret Script within Xiao Lili's body, which is the result of a parasitic struggle between her flesh and a medicinal ginseng inside her.
• Fang Shu decides to help Xiao Lili extract the medicinal ginseng, which has taken root deeply within her body, posing a high risk of death.
• He meticulously prepares for the procedure, using his Long-Tongue Sword, copper needles, and charcoal pencil to ensure Xiao Lili's survival.
• After three hours of feeding qi and blood to both Xiao Lili and the medicinal ginseng, Fang Shu successfully removes the ginseng, leaving only the final root embedded in Xiao Lili's heart aperture.
• Xiao Lili, displaying remarkable resilience, bites through the final root and consumes the medicinal ginseng, triggering a desperate counterattack from the ginseng and intense pain for Xiao Lili.
• Xiao Lili devours the medicinal ginseng, and they both consume each other, leading to an unusual vitality and spiritual qi rising from the bath barrel.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu: He demonstrates his skill and dedication as an immortal practitioner, going to great lengths to help Xiao Lili despite the risks. He also shows curiosity and eagerness to study the Natural Secret Script within her.
• Xiao Lili: She displays remarkable determination, resilience, and ruthlessness in her pursuit of life and freedom from her illness. She is willing to take extreme risks and endure immense pain to achieve her goal.

Significant Themes

• Life and Death: The struggle between Xiao Lili's flesh and the medicinal ginseng, as well as her determination to live despite the high risk of death, highlights the theme of life and death.
• Nature vs. Humanity: The Natural Secret Script, formed by heaven and earth, contrasts with the secret scripts created by human practitioners, emphasizing the power and beauty of natural creations.
• Resilience and Determination: Xiao Lili's unwavering resolve to overcome her illness and extract the medicinal ginseng showcases her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and Xiao Lili: Their interaction is primarily that of a skilled practitioner and his patient. Fang Shu demonstrates care and concern for Xiao Lili's well-being, while Xiao Lili trusts and relies on Fang Shu to help her. Despite the power imbalance, they form a temporary bond as Fang Shu aids Xiao Lili in her desperate quest for life.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Lili's secret script appears above the bathing tub, more intricate and lively than before.
• Fang Shu attempts to record the script but it begins to wither. He intervenes to save Xiao Lili's life.
• Xiao Lili's body is wracked with pain as the medicinal ginseng roots counterattack. Fang Shu uses the Metal-Stone Poison to suppress them.
• Xiao Lili's body begins to heal rapidly under Fang Shu's care, and her secret script transforms a third time before dissipating.
• Xiao Lili awakens and offers to serve Fang Shu, swearing an oath. Fang Shu neither accepts nor refuses.

Character Developments

• Xiao Lili: She undergoes a near-death experience and is reborn, gaining a new lease on life. She becomes deeply grateful to Fang Shu and offers to serve him.
• Fang Shu: He demonstrates his medical prowess and selflessness, saving Xiao Lili's life. He also shows a level of detachment, neither accepting nor refusing Xiao Lili's offer to serve him.

Significant Themes

• Life and Death: Xiao Lili's journey through nine deaths and one survival highlights the theme of life and death, and the will to live.
• Gratitude and Obligation: Xiao Lili's deep gratitude towards Fang Shu for saving her life leads her to offer her service to him.
• Detachment and Non-Attachment: Fang Shu's response to Xiao Lili's offer to serve him shows a level of detachment, neither accepting nor refusing, indicating his lack of attachment to the outcome.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and Xiao Lili: Their relationship evolves from strangers to Fang Shu saving Xiao Lili's life, leading her to offer her service to him. Fang Shu's detachment in response to her offer creates a level of mystery and intrigue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Shu examines Xiao Lili and finds no trace of the Natural Secret Script within her.
• Xiao Lili misunderstands Fang Shu's intentions but later realizes her mistake.
• Curator Du reveals that Xiao Lili has gained a fortuitous opportunity and planted a spirit root, offering to take her as a disciple.
• Xiao Lili accepts Curator Du as her master.
• Curator Du warns Xiao Lili about the quality of her spirit root and her current cultivation level.

Character Developments

• Xiao Lili: Misunderstands Fang Shu's intentions initially but later accepts him as her savior. Gains a spirit root and a new master, Curator Du.
• Fang Shu: Realizes the significance of the Natural Secret Script and plans to ask Curator Du about it. Shows no romantic interest in Xiao Lili, focusing on cultivation instead.
• Curator Du: Recognizes Xiao Lili's potential and takes her as a disciple. Warns Xiao Lili about the limitations of her spirit root.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation: The focus on planting a spirit root to advance from Essence Refinement to Qi Refinement.
• Opportunity vs. Limitations: Xiao Lili gains a fortuitous opportunity but is cautioned about her current cultivation level and the quality of her spirit root.
• Master-Disciple Relationship: Curator Du takes Xiao Lili as her disciple, while Fang Shu remains her disciple.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu & Xiao Lili: Fang Shu examines Xiao Lili, leading to a misunderstanding. Later, they both address each other as 'Master' and 'Fellow Daoist' in private.
• Xiao Lili & Curator Du: Xiao Lili accepts Curator Du as her master after learning about her spirit root and potential.
• Fang Shu & Curator Du: Fang Shu plans to ask Curator Du about the Natural Secret Script. She praises his methods but hints that he should not worry about Xiao Lili's gain, implying he has benefited as well.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hall Master Du reveals to Fang Shu that Xiao Lili, after extracting the medicinal ginseng, has become a 'medicine person,' influenced by the medicinal ginseng and undergoing demonization.
• Hall Master Du warns Fang Shu about the hidden dangers of using spirit roots and Gu insects, emphasizing that they must not run wild or drag the cultivator along with them.
• Hall Master Du explains that Fang Shu's qi and blood entered Xiao Lili's body during the extraction, leaving an indelible mark and creating a bond between them.
• Hall Master Du reveals that Xiao Lili will feel affinity toward Fang Shu and that her mana will be easy for him to digest, making her a 'medicine person' for him.
• Fang Shu understands that he can use Xiao Lili as a cultivation furnace, but he also realizes that using friends as medicine is akin to being a demon practitioner.
• Hall Master Du reveals that by helping Xiao Lili, Fang Shu gained a living Spirit Root Atlas, broadening his knowledge and acquiring half a method for planting spirit roots.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu: Becomes more aware of the potential dangers and benefits of using spirit roots and Gu insects. He understands that he can use Xiao Lili as a cultivation furnace but also recognizes the ethical implications.
• Hall Master Du: Demonstrates her wisdom and foresight by revealing secrets that Fang Shu would have learned later. She tests Fang Shu's understanding and moral compass.

Significant Themes

• The dual nature of power and its consequences: Spirit roots and Gu insects can bring great benefits but also carry hidden dangers and ethical dilemmas.
• The importance of self-awareness and moral judgment: Fang Shu must decide how to use the knowledge and power he gains, understanding that there are right and wrong ways to wield them.
• The mentor-student relationship: Hall Master Du guides and tests Fang Shu, helping him grow as a cultivator and a person.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and Hall Master Du: They have a mentoring session where Hall Master Du reveals crucial information and tests Fang Shu's understanding and moral compass.
• Fang Shu and Xiao Lili: Their bond deepens as a result of the extraction process, with Xiao Lili feeling affinity toward Fang Shu and becoming a 'medicine person' for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Shu asks Hall Master Du about the connection between spirit roots and natal Gu insects, leading to a discussion on artifact cultivators.
• Hall Master Du reveals that artifact cultivators take their magical artifact as their spirit root, which sparks an idea in Fang Shu.
• Fang Shu attends the Spring Examination, where he encounters his second uncle's former wife, now serving another family.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu: Becomes more curious and thoughtful about his cultivation path, considering the possibility of merging his Gu insect and spirit root.
• Second Uncle Yu Le: Struggles with his past, showing regret and longing when he sees his former wife.

Significant Themes

• The fluidity of cultivation paths and the possibility of merging different paths.
• The consequences of past actions and the struggle between regret and acceptance.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and Hall Master Du: Their conversation deepens Fang Shu's understanding of cultivation.
• Second Uncle Yu Le and his former wife: Their encounter highlights the tension between their past and present lives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three Immortal Sect envoys arrive, led by a woman named Zong, who displays arrogance and disregard for the local martial hall masters.
• Ninety-two Daoist acolytes, including Fang Shu, are present for the Spring Examination.
• The Immortal Sect envoys announce they will use the Greenfly Coin-Exchange Technique to test the examinees' cultivation and qi, weeding out unqualified candidates.

Character Developments

• The Immortal Sect envoys, particularly Zong, are introduced as powerful and arrogant figures.
• Fang Shu and the other examinees face their first challenge, demonstrating their resilience and determination.

Significant Themes

• The Immortal Sect's power and influence are emphasized, contrasting with the local martial halls.
• The Greenfly Coin-Exchange Technique highlights the Immortal Sect's unconventional methods and disregard for the examinees' well-being.

Character Interactions

• The Immortal Sect envoys interact dismissively with the local martial hall masters, showing their superiority.
• The examinees, including Fang Shu, face off against the Immortal Sect envoys, displaying their determination and willingness to endure hardship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Immortal Sect envoys use Greenfly Blood Coins to drain examinees' blood, eliminating those with weak foundations or false cultivation levels.
• After a set time, the examinees must ring a giant bell using their vital energy and blood, further weeding out those who cannot meet the Immortal Sect's standards.
• Only those who successfully ring the bell are allowed to formally enter the selection process.

Character Developments

• Fang Shu: Endures the blood-draining process, struggles to maintain his foundation, and successfully rings the bell using Flesh Lingzhi Treasure Medicine.
• Immortal Sect Envoys: Display disregard for the examinees' well-being, prioritizing the Immortal Sect's interests.
• Immortal Zong: Remains aloof and uninvolved, allowing her subordinates to handle the selection process.
• Academy Masters: Intervene secretly to advise examinees on regulating their breathing and taking medicine, but do not openly challenge the Immortal Sect envoys.

Significant Themes

• The Immortal Sect's ruthless and exploitative methods in selecting disciples.
• The importance of foundation and innate endowments in cultivation.
• The desperation and competition among examinees to enter the Immortal Sect.

Character Interactions

• Fang Shu and the Immortal Sect Envoys: Fang Shu endures the envoys' harsh methods, while they display disregard for his well-being.
• Examinees and Academy Masters: Examinees beg for medicine from each other and their academy masters, but receive little help due to the competitive nature of the selection process.
• Immortal Zong and the Immortal Sect Envoys: Immortal Zong allows her subordinates to handle the selection process, showing little concern for the examinees' welfare.

Plot Points and Events

• The Spring Examination continues with the second test, where candidates must ring a bronze bell using their qi and blood.
• A candidate, Zou'er, drinks his young mistress's blood to increase his qi and blood, successfully ringing the bell.
• Only 27 candidates pass the second test, with the last one severely injuring himself.
• The final test is announced: candidates must remain standing in an arena without any restrictions on methods or time limit.
• A mine revolt erupts in Guling Town, drawing the attention of the immortal sect envoys and candidates.
• The immortal sect envoy, Zong, decides to cancel the arena test and have candidates suppress the mine revolt instead, with the greatest merit earning passage.

Character Developments

• Zou'er: Desperate and ruthless, he drinks his young mistress's blood to pass the test, showing his willingness to do anything to succeed.
• Fang Shu: He remains calm and strategic, understanding the new test's implications and preparing accordingly.
• Immortal Sect Envoy Zong: She demonstrates her power and unpredictability by canceling the test and sending candidates to suppress the mine revolt.

Significant Themes

• Ruthlessness and desperation in pursuit of power and success.
• The consequences of exploitation and mistreatment of commoners (mine slaves).
• The unpredictability of fate and opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Zou'er and his young mistress: Their relationship is strained and exploitative, with Zou'er showing no regard for her well-being.
• Candidates: They form alliances and target certain individuals for the final test, displaying both cooperation and hostility.
• Immortal Sect Envoy Zong and candidates/hall masters: She demonstrates her authority and makes decisions that affect everyone's fates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Spring Examination concludes, and the crowd disperses from Guling Town.
• Fang Shu's former second aunt approaches Yu Le, seeking news about Fang Shu and expressing resentment towards Yu Le.
• Yu Le and the woman argue, drawing attention from bystanders, including Li Hou'er and Du Yu'er.
• Fang Shu and the hall masters reach Lead Mountain Mine, finding it eerily deserted with only corpse-skeletons present. They realize they've been lured away from Guling Market.
• The immortal sect envoys order Fang Shu and the others to suppress the dried corpses in the mine, reminding them they're still being examined.

Character Developments

• Yu Le: Shows concern for his former wife, but her resentment and accusations lead him to distance himself from her. He later gains face when Li Hou'er and others greet him respectfully.
• Fang Shu's former second aunt: Reveals her resentment towards Yu Le, accusing him of being lazy and useless. Her appearance hints at her past life and relationship with Yu Le.
• Fang Shu and the hall masters: Realize they've been tricked into leaving Guling Market unguarded. They show concern for the market's safety and determination to complete their task in the mine.

Significant Themes

• Resentment and Bitterness: The former second aunt's resentment towards Yu Le highlights the bitterness and unhappiness in her past life, contrasting with Yu Le's current situation.
• Loyalty and Duty: The hall masters' immediate response to protect Guling Market underscores their sense of duty and loyalty to their roles as guardians.

Character Interactions

• Yu Le and the former second aunt: Their argument reveals their past relationship and the resentment she harbors towards him.
• Fang Shu and the hall masters: Their interaction shows their unity and concern for each other's safety and the task at hand.
• The immortal sect envoys and Fang Shu's group: The envoys' orders to Fang Shu and the others emphasize the ongoing examination and the importance of completing their task.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An upcoming monthly-ticket bonus chapter event is announced at the start of the month.
• The bonus chapter, titled "Xiao Fang Leaves Home," is unrelated to the main plot but can be unlocked using monthly tickets without spending coins.
• Voting in other chapters will not grant access to this bonus chapter.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments occur in this chapter as it primarily serves as an announcement.

Significant Themes

• The theme of change and new beginnings is subtly introduced with Xiao Fang's departure.

Character Interactions

• No character interactions are depicted in this chapter, as it is a standalone announcement.

Plot Points and Events

• The Withered Bone Abbey immortal attempts to ambush Zong Qingxue, but she sees through his plan and confronts him.
• In Lead Mountain Mine, examinees hunt zombies and skeletons for Unchanging Bones to prove their worth and enter an immortal sect.
• Fang Shu, an examinee, encounters another examinee who tries to take his Unchanging Bones but fails.
• Fang Shu continues gathering Unchanging Bones and encounters Qin Min, an acquaintance, who is later ambushed by her companions.
• Fang Shu uses the distraction to leave the mine tunnel, deciding to submit his results and avoid further danger.

Character Developments

• The Withered Bone Abbey immortal shows arrogance and underestimates Zong Qingxue.
• Fang Shu demonstrates caution, strength, and strategic thinking in his encounters with other examinees.
• Qin Min shows her wild and arrogant nature when cornered, but ultimately fails against her companions' ambush.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and competition among examinees to enter an immortal sect.
• The dangers and risks of the Spring Examination, both from zombies and skeletons and from fellow examinees.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

Character Interactions

• Zong Qingxue and the Withered Bone Abbey immortal face off, with Zong Qingxue showing confidence and the immortal showing arrogance.
• Fang Shu encounters another examinee who tries to take his Unchanging Bones, leading to a brief fight.
• Fang Shu overhears Qin Min's conflict with her companions and uses the distraction to leave the mine tunnel.
• Qin Min's companions ambush and defeat her, showing their ruthlessness and desperation to pass the examination.