Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Erhe, the missing corpse cart driver, is found alive and hidden in the old herb cellar.
• Zhao Chong, the other missing person, is also found alive in the herb cellar, trapped in an iron box with Corpse-Bone Vine.
• The herb cellar is booby-trapped with an ignition array that could burn the entire cellar if triggered.
• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe successfully save both Sun Erhe and Zhao Chong, but as they try to escape, the exit is sealed, and six masked cultivators appear, planning to ignite the array.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun: Shows bravery and quick thinking in disarming the ignition array and saving the two witnesses. He also demonstrates resilience by enduring toxic fumes to detect the array's components.
• Gu Qinghe: Displays leadership and strategic thinking in coordinating the rescue and making decisions under pressure.
• Sun Erhe: Reveals crucial information about the night's events and the bodies on the corpse cart, proving his innocence.
• Zhao Chong: Survives the ordeal and regains consciousness after receiving medical aid.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Characters face life-threatening situations but continue to act bravely and intelligently to overcome obstacles.
• Trust and Betrayal: Sun Erhe was initially suspected but later proven innocent, while the true culprits remain hidden, wearing masks to conceal their identities.
• Teamwork: Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe work together to save the witnesses and escape the herb cellar.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe: Work together as a team, with Li Sanshun focusing on disarming the traps and Gu Qinghe leading the rescue and making strategic decisions.
• Sun Erhe and Zhao Chong: Both are victims of the same plot, and their survival is crucial for uncovering the truth.
• Culprits and Victims: The masked cultivators are revealed to be the ones behind the plot, while Sun Erhe and Zhao Chong are their initial targets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The masked cultivators attempt to burn the herb cellar to collapse the water channel.
• Li Sanshun realizes the smoke from the Corpse-Bone Vines contains wood spiritual qi, which he uses to heal himself.
• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe work together to dislodge the boulder blocking the well, causing one of the masked cultivators to fall in.
• The remaining cultivators threaten to burn everyone below but are stopped by Gu Qinghe.
• Li Sanshun chases and captures one of the fleeing cultivators, while the others commit suicide by biting on hidden poison sacs.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun demonstrates his adaptability and resourcefulness by using the wood spiritual qi to heal himself and outsmarting the enemy.
• Gu Qinghe shows her determination and skill in combat, not backing down from the threat of the masked cultivators.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptability and resourcefulness is shown through Li Sanshun's actions, highlighting his ability to turn a seemingly dangerous situation to his advantage.
• The theme of determination and perseverance is demonstrated by Gu Qinghe, who refuses to back down from the enemy's threats.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe work together to defend against the masked cultivators, showcasing a level of trust and cooperation between them.
• The interaction between Li Sanshun and the captured cultivator highlights Li Sanshun's ruthlessness and determination to uncover the truth behind the attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An assassin is found dead after revealing that the target is "number fifteen."
• Zhao Chong and Sun Erhe, survivors of the North Mountain fire, reveal that the assassins were discussing "the fifteenth copy."
• Zhao Chong reveals that "the fifteenth copy" refers to a case from 21 years ago, where newborn infants were collected, each with a portrait and file, numbered from one to fifteen. Number fifteen, Li Sanshun, went missing.
• The Law Enforcement Hall receives an order to transfer Zhao Chong and Sun Erhe to the dungeon.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun discovers he is "number fifteen" from the Old Infant Case and realizes his past might be connected to the current events.
• Zhao Chong, despite his injuries, remains defiant and reveals he knows more about the case, hinting at a bigger conspiracy.

Significant Themes

• Identity and belonging: Li Sanshun's discovery of his past connects to his current identity and purpose.
• Power and corruption: The involvement of high-ranking officials in the infant case suggests a deeper conspiracy within the sect.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Zhao Chong: Li Sanshun interrogates Zhao Chong, leading to the revelation of Li Sanshun's past. Zhao Chong, in turn, seeks Li Sanshun's protection, hinting at a potential alliance.
• Gu Qinghe and Zhao Chong: Gu Qinghe, as the law enforcement officer, questions Zhao Chong and tries to protect him despite the orders to transfer him to the dungeon.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Chong, a key witness in the Old Infant Case, is in danger of being silenced by the Law Enforcement Hall.
• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun interrogate Zhao Chong, obtaining crucial information about 'Mr. Bai' and the fifteenth file.
• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun prevent Zhao Chong's transfer to the dungeon, ensuring his safety until the public trial.
• Zhao Chong reveals a medicine list related to the Old Infant Case, which Sun Erhe had hidden in the corpse cart's axle.

Character Developments

• Gu Qinghe demonstrates her determination and courage in protecting Zhao Chong and pursuing justice.
• Li Sanshun shows his strategic thinking and ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
• Zhao Chong reveals his intelligence and resourcefulness, having anticipated Mr. Bai's intentions and prepared a backup plan.
• Sun Erhe displays his fear and desperation, revealing that his family is being held captive.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of truth and justice, even in the face of powerful opposition.
• The struggle between loyalty to one's duty and fear for one's life and family.
• The use of manipulation and deception in political intrigue.

Character Interactions

• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun work together to protect Zhao Chong and extract information from him.
• Gu Qinghe stands up to Yan Song, the Law Enforcement Hall's attendant, to prevent Zhao Chong's transfer to the dungeon.
• Zhao Chong and Sun Erhe reveal crucial information about the Old Infant Case, leading to a potential breakthrough in the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Erhe, the corpse cart driver, is blackmailed into helping kidnap his own family to transport Zhao Chong.
• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe rescue Sun Erhe's family from Ding Sancang warehouse, where they were held hostage.
• They capture five kidnappers, including two who tried to escape.
• A medicine list from 21 years ago is found hidden in the corpse cart's axle, marked with half a White Cicada Wing seal.
• Li Sanshun plans to use the Breath-Closing Powder packet to lure the mole who handled it into the storeroom.

Character Developments

• Sun Erhe shows his determination to protect his family, even kneeling before Gu Qinghe to return the medicine list.
• Gu Qinghe demonstrates her strategic thinking and combat skills in the rescue mission.
• Li Sanshun displays his cunning and resourcefulness in planning to catch the mole.

Significant Themes

• Family and loyalty: Sun Erhe's unwavering devotion to his family.
• Trust and betrayal: The mole within the sect, using the Breath-Closing Powder to cover their tracks.
• Strategic planning: Li Sanshun's use of misinformation to lure the mole.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe work together to rescue Sun Erhe's family and capture the kidnappers.
• Sun Erhe and his wife reunite with their children, showing their love and relief.
• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe discuss their plan to catch the mole, showing their understanding and trust in each other's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun set a trap to lure the mole who has been leaking information and supplying Breath-Closing Powder.
• They create a fake ledger and place it in the Wu-Character Warehouse, with a warning array and hidden image-recording array.
• Cao An, a ledger clerk from the Outer Sect Dispensing Room, is caught red-handed altering the ledger and attempting to destroy evidence.
• Cao An is interrogated and confesses that Coroner Du of the Law Enforcement Hall is involved in the conspiracy.

Character Developments

• Gu Qinghe demonstrates her strategic thinking and determination in catching the mole.
• Li Sanshun showcases his keen senses and investigative skills.
• Cao An is revealed to be corrupt and involved in the conspiracy, but he is not the mastermind.
• Coroner Du is implicated as the next target in the investigation.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and abuse of power within the sect.
• The importance of evidence and thorough investigation in uncovering the truth.
• The consequences of one's actions and the struggle between loyalty and self-preservation.

Character Interactions

• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun work together, combining their skills and knowledge to catch the mole.
• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun interrogate Cao An, using evidence and psychological pressure to extract information.
• Cao An implicates Coroner Du, setting the stage for the next phase of the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Heng, the coroner, is suspected of falsifying Ma Quan's autopsy report.
• Gu Qinghe and her team discover Du Heng faking illness to avoid questioning.
• They find evidence of Du Heng's involvement in the corpse-smuggling scheme in his home.
• Du Heng confesses to his role in the scheme and provides details about 'Mr. Bai', the mastermind behind it.

Character Developments

• Du Heng: Revealed as corrupt and involved in the corpse-smuggling scheme. Initially tries to evade responsibility but eventually confesses.
• Gu Qinghe: Demonstrates her investigative skills and determination in uncovering the truth.
• Li Sanshun: Shows expertise in scent detection, helping to uncover Du Heng's deception.

Significant Themes

• Corruption: Du Heng's actions highlight the corruption within the Tai Xuan Sect's Law Enforcement Hall.
• Evidence and Truth: The importance of evidence in uncovering the truth and bringing criminals to justice is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun: Work together to investigate and gather evidence against Du Heng.
• Du Heng and Gu Qinghe: Their interaction reveals Du Heng's guilt and leads to his confession.
• Du Heng and 'Mr. Bai': Their relationship is hinted at, with Du Heng providing details about Mr. Bai's appearance and involvement in the scheme.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanshun discovers that the paper from the medicine furnace contains residue of pine resin, burnt Grey Feather Talisman Paper, and Imperial Cinnabar, matching the description of the imperial Kin-Seeking Seal.
• Du Heng confesses that Mr. Bai, who had visited the Hundred Herbs Shop, is likely the imperial cultivator Bai Chongshan.
• The Imperial Envoy Group learns about the discovery of the Kin-Seeking Seal and invites Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe to the Reception Courtyard for a blood test, demanding that they hand over the suspects.
• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe decide to hold a triple blood appraisal, inviting the Alchemy Alliance to provide instruments and witnesses, and conducting the test at the Tai Xuan Sect's Questioning Dao Platform.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun: Becomes more determined to uncover the truth and protect the Tai Xuan Sect's interests.
• Gu Qinghe: Demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness in planning the triple blood appraisal.
• Bai Chongshan: Revealed to be the imperial cultivator behind the White Wood Mask and the mastermind behind the Old Infant Case. He becomes desperate to control the blood appraisal process.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between the imperial family and the Tai Xuan Sect.
• The importance of evidence and witnesses in maintaining justice.
• The desperation of a cornered enemy.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe: Work together to plan the triple blood appraisal, demonstrating trust and understanding.
• Li Sanshun and Bai Chongshan: Engage in a game of cat and mouse, with Li Sanshun trying to expose Bai Chongshan's crimes and Bai Chongshan attempting to control the blood appraisal process.
• The Imperial Envoy Group and the Tai Xuan Sect: Tensions rise between the two parties as the envoy group tries to assert its authority and the Tai Xuan Sect seeks to protect its interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The imperial envoy group issues a formal invitation for a blood appraisal, but the Ji clan refuses to accept the Alchemy Alliance's involvement.
• Li Sanshun proposes a triple blood appraisal with the Tai Xuan Sect, the imperial envoy group, and the Alchemy Alliance, to ensure fairness and transparency.
• The imperial envoy group agrees to the triple appraisal but insists that Li Sanshun must return to the Imperial City if the result is positive.
• Li Sanshun counteroffers that if the result is positive, the Old Infant Case must be jointly investigated by the three parties, with full disclosure of relevant documents.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in ensuring a fair blood appraisal process.
• Ji Jingyao shows his resolve in pursuing the imperial bloodline and his willingness to make concessions for the imperial family's interests.
• Bai Chongshan, the imperial envoy group's blood appraisal expert, is introduced, revealing his age and a possible injury to his right hand.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Suspicion: The triple blood appraisal is a result of mutual distrust between Li Sanshun and the imperial family.
• Transparency and Fairness: Li Sanshun's insistence on a public and transparent process highlights the importance of fairness in the blood appraisal.
• Power Dynamics: The imperial family's willingness to negotiate shows their desire to maintain their power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Ji Jingyao engage in a tense negotiation, each trying to gain the upper hand.
• Li Sanshun and the Alchemy Alliance alchemists work together to ensure a fair inspection of the imperial verification disk.
• The crowd below the Questioning Dao Platform shows support for Li Sanshun's stance, reflecting the public's opinion on the matter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The imperial blood appraisal disk is suspected of tampering due to the presence of an old blood sample and a Blood-Changing Pill.
• The disk is cleaned using Spirit-Washing Water, and the old blood is removed.
• The blood appraisal process continues, with each party's disk receiving a blood vial for verification.
• The imperial disk yields a result first, identifying the blood as belonging to the direct line of the Third Prince.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun demonstrates his keen senses by detecting the faint medicinal scent of the Blood-Changing Pill and later noticing a trace of cinnabar scent in the base of the imperial disk.
• Bai Chongshan is exposed as having tampered with the imperial disk by introducing old imperial blood and a Blood-Changing Pill. He attempts to shift blame onto the guards and scribes.
• Ji Jingyao maintains a calm and authoritative demeanor throughout the process, ensuring the fairness and integrity of the blood appraisal.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion between the Tai Xuan Sect and the imperial delegation.
• The importance of fairness and transparency in the blood appraisal process.
• The consequences of tampering with evidence and the potential for exposure.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Bai Chongshan: Li Sanshun suspects and exposes Bai Chongshan's tampering with the imperial disk, while Bai Chongshan attempts to shift blame and disrupt the blood appraisal process.
• Ji Jingyao and Bai Chongshan: Ji Jingyao maintains a firm stance against Bai Chongshan's attempts to interrupt the blood appraisal and ensures the process is carried out fairly.
• The Alchemy Alliance and the Tai Xuan Sect: Both parties work together to verify the integrity of the blood appraisal process, with the Alchemy Alliance assisting in the cleaning and examination of the imperial disk.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanshun's blood appraisal yields a result claiming him as a direct descendant of the Third Prince.
• Li Sanshun suspects foul play and demands to inspect the imperial appraisal plate's base.
• A Blood-Revealing Talisman is found hidden inside the base, pre-written with Li Sanshun's lineage.
• Bai Chongshan is suspected of forging the imperial blood appraisal and is ordered to remain for investigation.
• The Tai Xuan Sect and Alchemy Alliance appraisal plates are about to yield results, which could still validate Li Sanshun's imperial bloodline.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun: Shows keen observation skills and determination to uncover the truth, even in the face of potential danger.
• Bai Chongshan: Revealed to be corrupt and willing to forge results to serve his purposes, but maintains a facade of loyalty to the imperial family.
• Ji Jingyao: Initially skeptical of Li Sanshun's claims, but becomes more involved and decisive as evidence mounts.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and abuse of power within the imperial family and their representatives.
• The importance of truth and evidence in maintaining justice.
• The potential consequences of challenging the status quo.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Bai Chongshan: Their tense exchange highlights the power dynamics and Li Sanshun's growing suspicion of Bai Chongshan.
• Li Sanshun and Ji Jingyao: Their interaction shows Ji Jingyao's growing belief in Li Sanshun's claims and her willingness to act on it.
• The crowd and the witnesses: Their reactions to the revelations underscore the significance of the events unfolding and the potential impact on the imperial family's reputation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanshun's blood verification results show he has an imperial close lineage, but the paternal line is unknown.
• Bai Chongshan tries to use this to take Li Sanshun to the Imperial City for further verification.
• The Tai Xuan Sect produces an old covenant with the Imperial Clan, stating that without a paternal Genealogy Seal, blood from the biological father, or verification by the Ancestral Temple Blood Instrument, the Imperial Clan cannot forcibly take a sect disciple.
• The Imperial Envoy Group's plan to force Li Sanshun into the Third Prince's line using a fake identity fails.
• Congratulatory gifts from the Imperial City arrive at the Tai Xuan Sect, acknowledging Li Sanshun as the Third Prince's descendant.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun: Stands his ground against Bai Chongshan's attempts to take him to the Imperial City. His status as a Tai Xuan Sect disciple is confirmed.
• Bai Chongshan: His plan to force Li Sanshun into the Third Prince's line backfires. He is exposed for sending a message to the Imperial City before the re-verification results were out.
• Ji Jingyao: Stands by the rules and the old covenant, refusing to let the Imperial Envoy Group take Li Sanshun without proper verification.
• Qi Shouxuan (Second Elder): Uses his knowledge of the old covenant to protect Li Sanshun and the Tai Xuan Sect's rights.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient covenants and rules in maintaining order and justice.
• The struggle between personal ambition (Bai Chongshan) and adherence to rules and principles (Ji Jingyao, Qi Shouxuan, Li Sanshun).

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Bai Chongshan: Their conflict comes to a head as Bai Chongshan's plans are exposed and foiled.
• Ji Jingyao and Li Sanshun: Ji Jingyao protects Li Sanshun's rights as a Tai Xuan Sect disciple, while Li Sanshun shows respect for her position and authority.
• Qi Shouxuan and Bai Chongshan: Qi Shouxuan uses his knowledge of the old covenant to counter Bai Chongshan's attempts to take Li Sanshun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Tai Xuan Sect receives various gifts from different factions, including the Third Prince's estate, Ji clan collateral branches, and unknown senders.
• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe inspect the gifts, discovering spy devices and dangerous items among them.
• A congratulatory note hints at a connection to the Ding-Character Furnace on West Mountain and the long-dead Zhou Huai.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun: Becomes more cautious and suspicious of the motives behind the gifts and the people sending them.
• Gu Qinghe: Reveals she had been hiding Zhou Huai's death and invites Li Sanshun to visit his residence for further information.

Significant Themes

• Deception and hidden agendas: The gifts and their senders represent various factions with their own interests, leading to mistrust and suspicion.
• Power struggles: The Third Prince's estate and the Ji clan branches are vying for influence and control over Li Sanshun's potential role in the royal family.
• Secrets and past connections: Gu Qinghe's revelation about Zhou Huai's death and his residence hints at a deeper mystery and potential clues to the Old Infant Case.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe: Their partnership grows as they work together to uncover the truth behind the gifts and the Old Infant Case.
• Li Sanshun and Bai Chongshan: Their conflict escalates as Li Sanshun refuses to acknowledge the Third Prince's claim and Bai Chongshan continues to evade responsibility for the forged blood verification results.
• Li Sanshun and Feng Jing (Third Prince's envoy): Their interaction highlights the political intrigue and manipulation surrounding Li Sanshun's potential role in the royal family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe investigate Zhou Huai's residence, finding it recently entered by someone using Grey Feather Talisman Paper.
• They discover a hidden compartment in Zhou Huai's identity badge containing a map of West Mountain Old Mine tunnels, with a note pointing to a ledger hidden beneath the cliff where Zhou Huai fell.
• An imperial document official goes missing, having requisitioned a West Mountain Old Mine Access Token before disappearing.

Character Developments

• Gu Qinghe reveals she has been secretly investigating Zhou Huai's death, suspecting her father's involvement.
• Li Sanshun shows understanding and acceptance of Gu Qinghe's hidden agenda, demonstrating trust and mutual respect.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Gu Qinghe's suspicion of her father and Zhou Huai's warning not to trust him highlight the theme of trust being broken.
• Secrets and hidden truths: The hidden compartment in Zhou Huai's badge and the ledger hidden beneath the cliff emphasize the theme of secrets and hidden truths coming to light.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe work together, sharing information and respecting each other's past actions, fostering a sense of partnership and understanding.
• Gu Qinghe's interaction with her subordinates, Zhao Rui and the North Mountain disciples, shows her authority and their loyalty to her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe discover that Zhou Huai's map was tampered with, leading them to the old mine on West Mountain.
• They find evidence that someone took source-matched black iron from the Ding-Character Furnace six years ago and that Gu Changyue ordered Zhou Huai to investigate it.
• They find an iron box hidden in the cliff, containing a ledger revealing that Gu Changyue didn't requisition the black iron and ordered Zhou Huai to investigate. The ledger also hints that someone forged a cliff-fall case file to close the matter.
• They follow a blood trail leading to a collapsed area with a stone door sealed with Spirit-Fixing Powder. Someone behind the door knocks, pleading for help and warning that Xu Zhenchuan is coming back to silence them.

Character Developments

• Gu Qinghe: Becomes more determined to uncover the truth about her father's involvement and Zhou Huai's death.
• Li Sanshun: Demonstrates his keen observation and analytical skills, helping Gu Qinghe piece together the events from six years ago.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: The ledger reveals that someone close to Gu Changyue betrayed him, using his seal to requisition the black iron.
• The consequences of secrets: The hidden account and the people sealed behind the stone door show the long-lasting effects of the secrets from six years ago.

Character Interactions

• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun: They work together to uncover the truth, with Li Sanshun providing crucial insights and support to Gu Qinghe.
• Gu Qinghe and the unknown people behind the stone door: They share a tense moment of communication through the door, with the people behind it pleading for help and warning Gu Qinghe about Xu Zhenchuan's return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe discover three miners trapped behind a collapsed mine tunnel.
• They find that the tunnel is sealed with a Pulse-Locking Array, set by Bai Cheng, which will cause a mine ceiling collapse in half an hour.
• The miners reveal that Xu Zhenchuan is planning to destroy something at the bottom of the Ding-Character Furnace.
• Li Sanshun breaks through the collapsed tunnel to rescue the miners.
• They learn that the miners are bound by a Fire Contract, preventing them from leaving the Ding-Character Furnace's vicinity.
• The miners reveal that Xu Zhenchuan forged Gu Changyue's seal six years ago and used them to cast Blood Tokens, including one with the serial number of the Imperial Old Infant Case, Number Fifteen.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun demonstrates his strength and resourcefulness by breaking through the collapsed tunnel to save the miners.
• Gu Qinghe shows her medical skills by treating Luo Dashan's injury.
• The miners, especially Chen Jiumu and Yuan Fu, reveal their resilience and determination to survive after being imprisoned for six years.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and Betrayal: Xu Zhenchuan's actions highlight the theme of corruption within the law enforcement halls, as he abuses his position for personal gain.
• Survival and Resilience: The miners' ability to endure and survive their imprisonment despite harsh conditions underscores the theme of human resilience.
• Justice and Truth: The discovery of the miners and their testimony bring the reader back to the central theme of seeking justice and truth, as the real culprit behind the cliff-fall case is revealed.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe work together to rescue the miners, demonstrating their growing partnership and trust.
• The miners, particularly Chen Jiumu and Yuan Fu, share their experiences and knowledge with Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
• The chapter hints at potential tension between Gu Qinghe and the miners, as they question her loyalty to the law enforcement halls due to her connection to Gu Changyue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun discover the Ding-Character Furnace, where Xu Zhenchuan forged fifteen counterfeit tokens using blood from the missing imperial infants.
• The fifteenth token, suspected to belong to Li Sanshun, is retrieved from the furnace.
• Bai Cheng, Xu Zhenchuan's subordinate, attempts to stop them but is captured.
• News arrives that Xu Zhenchuan has taken a confession from Gu Changyue, implicating him in the Old Infant Case.

Character Developments

• Gu Qinghe demonstrates her determination and skill in retrieving the evidence.
• Li Sanshun showcases his strength and earth-element energy control, risking his life to retrieve the fifteenth token.
• Bai Cheng reveals his loyalty to Xu Zhenchuan and his disregard for the Gu family's innocence.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of truth and justice, despite personal risks and political pressures.
• The consequences of corruption and abuse of power, as seen in Xu Zhenchuan's actions.
• The importance of evidence and proof in upholding justice, as demonstrated by the retrieval of the fifteenth token.

Character Interactions

• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun work together to retrieve the evidence, showcasing their trust and teamwork.
• Bai Cheng's interaction with Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun reveals his allegiance to Xu Zhenchuan and his disregard for the Gu family's plight.
• The miners, Chen Jiumu, Yuan Fu, and Luo Dashan, provide crucial information and face the consequences of their past actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Cheng's attempt to send a message is thwarted by Li Sanshun.
• The group retrieves evidence from the Ding-Character Furnace, including a confession, ledger, and control token.
• They confront Gu Changyue with the evidence in the Deliberation Hall, leading to the exposure of Xu Zhenchuan's forgery.
• A plan is devised to lure Xu Zhenchuan using Gu Changyue's suspension and the public announcement of Zhao Chong's confession.

Character Developments

• Gu Changyue maintains his composure and cooperates with the plan, showing he's not guilty and willing to clear his name.
• Gu Qinghe shows understanding and support for her father, acknowledging his innocence.
• Li Sanshun demonstrates his investigative skills and strategic thinking in planning the trap for Xu Zhenchuan.

Significant Themes

• The theme of truth and deception is prominent, with Xu Zhenchuan's forgery being exposed, and the real evidence coming to light.
• The theme of family dynamics is explored through Gu Qinghe's realization of her father's innocence and their reconciliation.

Character Interactions

• Gu Qinghe and Gu Changyue's relationship improves as they work together to clear his name.
• Li Sanshun and Gu Qinghe continue to collaborate, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Xu Zhenchuan's absence and his actions through intermediaries highlight his cowardice and desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A messenger arrives at the Cold Prison with a fake summons order, bearing a counterfeit main peak seal, to silence Zhao Chong.
• The Cold Prison's staff stall him, but he uses a Soul-Severing Bell to 'kill' the Mountain-Moving Puppet posing as Zhao Chong.
• The intruder is captured after trying to escape the Mountain-Locking Array.

Character Developments

• Li Sanshun, Gu Qinghe, and Xiong Baichuan work together to capture the intruder, showcasing their teamwork and skills.
• Fang Shao, the captured messenger, is revealed to be alive after being declared dead six years ago, indicating a deeper conspiracy involving Xu Zhenchuan.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: The fake summons order and seal highlight the theme of trust and its betrayal, as the intruder exploited the trust in official seals and orders.
• Power dynamics: The use of the Soul-Severing Bell and the Mountain-Locking Array emphasizes the power dynamics between the intruder and the Cold Prison's staff.

Character Interactions

• Li Sanshun, Gu Qinghe, and Xiong Baichuan work together seamlessly, demonstrating their understanding and coordination in handling the situation.
• Fang Shao's interaction with Gu Qinghe reveals his bitterness and resentment, hinting at a deeper connection between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Shao, the captured assassin, dies from a soul-devouring restriction when captured.
• A fragment of Gu Qinghe's old sword and a message talisman are found on Fang Shao's corpse.
• The message talisman contains instructions to assassinate Zhao Chong and commit suicide, with Gu Qinghe's seal on it.
• Gu Qinghe enters the Quiet Room for investigation.
• The sword fragment is found to match a broken sword from the Law Enforcement Peak's Armory, which had Gu Qinghe's name on it.
• The Armory is searched, revealing that the middle part of the sword is missing, and the records show it was taken within the last three hours.

Character Developments

• Gu Qinghe: She remains calm and composed, even when framed. She enters the Quiet Room to clear her name and follows the rules despite the trap set for her.
• Xu Zhenchuan: Implicated as the mastermind behind the assassination attempt and framing Gu Qinghe. He had planned Fang Shao's death years ago with the soul-devouring restriction.
• Fang Shao: The assassin who was used as a pawn and ultimately died from the restriction Xu Zhenchuan had placed on him.

Significant Themes

• Framing and manipulation: Xu Zhenchuan uses Fang Shao and the evidence planted on him to frame Gu Qinghe.
• Trust and loyalty: Gu Qinghe's colleagues, such as Zhao Rui and Li Sanshun, trust her and work to clear her name.
• Following the rules: Despite the trap set for her, Gu Qinghe adheres to the rules and procedures to maintain her innocence and expose the truth.

Character Interactions

• Gu Qinghe and Zhao Rui: Zhao Rui is protective of Gu Qinghe and questions the evidence against her, showing loyalty and trust in her.
• Gu Qinghe and Li Sanshun: Li Sanshun works alongside Zhao Rui to investigate the case and clear Gu Qinghe's name, demonstrating their trust in her.
• Gu Qinghe and Qi Shouxuan: Qi Shouxuan, as the Sect Master, ensures Gu Qinghe's safety and impartiality in the investigation by personally sealing the Quiet Room and transferring the case to the Main Peak.