Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen's contact with certain gods is cut off, preventing him from crafting talismans.
• Lu Chen decides to create talismans using Sun Yourong and others under him.
• He crafts [Curse-Breaking Grievance-Resolving Talismans] and [Minor City God Five-Camp Summoning Talismans].
• Lu Chen sets up a stall outside his temple to sell these talismans, attracting a crowd.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates his business acumen by selling talismans directly to the public.
• President Zhang, a wealthy businessman, is introduced. He wants to use a talisman to reduce his father's karmic sins.

Significant Themes

• The power of talismans and their potential to influence the underworld.
• The consequences of one's actions in life affecting the afterlife.
• The intersection of the spiritual and material worlds.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with the crowd, showcasing his charisma and knowledge about his products.
• Lu Chen and President Zhang have a tense exchange, with Lu Chen implying that President Zhang's father may have committed serious sins.
• The crowd discusses the talismans, some expressing skepticism, others curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• President Zhang, the Lu Family head, is hesitant to be the first to test Lu Chen's Curse- and Grudge-Resolving Talismans due to their potential impact on his political career.
• A middle-aged woman, Xu Yu, steps forward to try the talisman, hoping to lessen her late mother's punishment in the Netherworld.
• Inside the temple, Xu Yu uses the talisman, which ignites and burns to ashes. She then prays to King Yama, and her mother's punishment in the Netherworld is reduced.
• Xu Yu runs out of the temple, crying, and confronts Lu Chen, leaving the incense visitors speculating about the talisman's success.

Character Developments

• President Zhang shows caution and consideration for his political career.
• Xu Yu demonstrates filial piety and desperation to help her late mother.
• Lu Chen remains calm and confident in his spiritual talismans.

Significant Themes

• The power of faith and divine intervention in the Underworld.
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of filial piety.
• The political implications of Lu Chen's spiritual talismans.

Character Interactions

• President Zhang and Lu Chen have a silent exchange, with Zhang considering testing the talismans but ultimately not being the first.
• Xu Yu interacts with Lu Chen, purchasing a talisman and later confronting him after using it.
• Incense visitors speculate and gossip about Xu Yu's actions and the talismans' effectiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen sells Curse-Dispelling Talismans, each reducing one-fifth of a person's karmic sins for 5,000 yuan.
• The talismans are in high demand, with people lining up to buy them.
• Lu Chen sells out and announces that more talismans will be available at the 'Blessing Black-Yellow Grand Rite' temple fair in ten days.

Character Developments

• Xu Yu, the first customer, is initially aggressive but calms down after learning about the talismans' limitations.
• Lu Chen demonstrates his business acumen and ability to handle crowds, maintaining control over the situation.

Significant Themes

• The power of faith and divine arts in the cultivation world.
• The demand for quick and easy solutions to problems (like reducing karmic sins).
• The importance of patience and waiting for the right opportunity (as seen in Lu Chen's announcement of the upcoming temple fair).

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with various worshippers, including Xu Yu and President Zhang, showcasing his charisma and ability to handle different types of people.
• Worshippers interact with each other, sharing their excitement and frustration about the talismans' scarcity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen announces he will release four spirit talismans in ten days, with a total of 2500 talismans to be given away for free to those who make offerings for at least seven days.
• He also reveals that merely attending the temple fair will grant blessings, with wishes potentially coming true.
• Zhang Tao, seeking help for his ailing father, returns and asks Lu Chen for advice, who suggests the upcoming Blessing Black-Yellow Grand Rite.
• Lu Chen is summoned by Yu Feng, who expresses concern about the power of Lu Chen's talismans and their impact on the order of offerings.
• Wang Jintao, a bounty Spirit Cultivator, plans to test the [Plague-Severing Talisman] in an A-rank dungeon ruled by a Transformed Great Demon.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates his ambition and generosity, aiming to attract more worshippers and increase his Incense Fire.
• Zhang Tao shows desperation and willingness to try anything to help his father.
• Wang Jintao exhibits caution and determination in testing the power of the talisman.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Generosity: Lu Chen's ambition is clear as he aims to grow his Incense Fire and influence. His generosity is shown through giving away the talismans and offering blessings to all attendees of the temple fair.
• Trust and Relationships: Lu Chen's relationship with Yu Feng is tested as Yu Feng expresses concern about the power of the talismans. Zhang Tao's trust in Lu Chen is evident as he seeks his help.
• Risk and Reward: Wang Jintao is willing to take a risk to test the power of the talisman, demonstrating the potential rewards and allure of the talismans.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with worshippers, showing generosity and ambition.
• Lu Chen and Zhang Tao discuss the ailing Old Master Zhang and the upcoming Blessing Black-Yellow Grand Rite.
• Lu Chen and Yu Feng discuss the power of the talismans and the potential impact on the order of offerings.
• Wang Jintao interacts with his team, planning to test the talisman's power in a dangerous dungeon.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Jintao, a Second-Grade Spirit Cultivator, takes on a high-grade mission to slay a Transformed Great Demon for a reward of several hundred thousand.
• He uses a Plague-Repelling Talisman, activated by his blood, which summons a powerful plague miasma, instantly killing the wolf demons, including the Transformed Great Demon.
• The livestream of the event goes viral, with viewers amazed by the talisman's power and eager to buy it.

Character Developments

• Wang Jintao demonstrates bravery and determination but also overconfidence, nearly leading to his death. He survives the encounter, learning a valuable lesson.
• Lu Chen, watching the livestream, shows concern for Wang Jintao's safety and relief at his survival.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and faith (Wang Jintao's belief in the talisman's power saves him).
• The consequences of overconfidence (Wang Jintao nearly dies due to underestimating his opponent).
• The allure of power and wealth (viewers are drawn to the talisman's might and the potential rewards).

Character Interactions

• Wang Jintao interacts with the transformed wolf demon, demonstrating his courage but also his vulnerability.
• Lu Chen, watching Wang Jintao's livestream, shows concern for his safety, indicating a mentorship or protective relationship.
• Viewers interact with Wang Jintao's livestream, expressing their amazement, fear, and desire to buy the talisman.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Jintao's life is saved by the 'Blood Curse Urgent Edict' talisman, which Lu Chen had prepared in case of emergencies.
• Lu Chen discovers he can manipulate fortune, a power of the City God position, and decides to use it to his advantage.
• Lu Chen plans to use the talisman buyers as 'pieces' on a chessboard to promote the Lu Clan Temple and his grand plan.

Character Developments

• Wang Jintao survives his encounter with the wolf demon and awaits rescue.
• Lu Chen learns more about the powers of the City God position and decides to study them further.
• Hu Sanniang is assigned to manage City God Street and keep an eye on major Lineages, including the Wang Family.

Significant Themes

• The power of the City God position and its influence on fortune.
• The use of strategy and manipulation to achieve goals.
• The potential of the talisman buyers as 'pieces' on a chessboard.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Hu Sanniang discuss the City God's powers and Lu Chen's plans.
• Lu Chen observes the talisman buyers' progress and aids them secretly.
• Lu Chen asks Hu Sanniang about Wang Yiming's whereabouts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen's God Temple starts selling spirit talismans, causing a sensation online.
• The talismans, priced at 5,000 each, exhibit Lingbao-grade power, summoning yin soldiers, yin generals, and even a divine ability from the Plague Department.
• Sun Xingwen, Sun Qingcang, and Sun Dechang discuss the implications of Lu Chen's actions.
• Zheng Changguo and his wife watch the videos and discuss Lu Chen's intentions and potential risks.
• Huang Yaowu, Qianjiang's City Lord, is astonished by the power of the talismans.

Character Developments

• Sun Xingwen: Realizes the extent of Lu Chen's abilities and influence.
• Sun Qingcang: Recognizes Lu Chen's potential and strategic thinking.
• Sun Dechang: Acknowledges Lu Clan Temple's future Incense Fire could rival Aristocratic Families.
• Zheng Changguo: Understands the depth of Lu Chen's relationship with the Heavenly Court.
• Huang Yaowu: Shocked by the power of Lu Clan Temple's talismans.

Significant Themes

• The power of Lu Clan Temple's talismans and their impact on the spiritual world.
• The strategic thinking behind Lu Chen's actions and his potential influence on the Great Clans.
• The relationship between Lu Chen and the Heavenly Court, and its implications for the Plague Department.

Character Interactions

• Sun Xingwen, Sun Qingcang, and Sun Dechang discuss Lu Chen's actions and their implications.
• Zheng Changguo and his wife discuss Lu Chen's intentions and the potential risks he might face.
• Huang Yaowu reacts to the power of Lu Clan Temple's talismans, highlighting the shock they cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen's talismans gain immense popularity, with people flocking to the Lu Clan Temple.
• The Wu and Qin families plot to undermine Lu Chen by offering free worship to steal his Incense Fire.
• Lu Chen returns to Jiangdu and plans to activate the Blessing Grand Ritual in eight days.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen becomes more confident in his plans and the progress of his disciples.
• Old Wu and the Qin family matriarch become more determined to stop Lu Chen.
• Lu Chen discovers that the Sin-Bearing Strongman's jade plaque records Merit.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and worship, as seen in the popularity of Lu Chen's talismans.
• The struggle for power and resources, as demonstrated by the Wu and Qin families' plot.
• The accumulation of Merit and its potential significance.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with his disciples, observing their progress.
• Old Wu and the Qin family matriarch interact, plotting against Lu Chen.
• Lu Chen interacts with the Sin-Bearing Strongman's jade plaque, discovering its function.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen discovers he has only accumulated 4,500 Merit points, despite selling Netherworld Currency for days.
• The Plague Department's Incense Fire surges dramatically due to the widespread use of Lu Chen's Plague-Repelling Talismans.
• The Plague Lord warns his disciples not to become complacent with the sudden increase in Incense Fire and to focus on cultivation.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen becomes more determined to understand and control the two separate Merit systems within him.
• The Five Plague Envoys are invigorated by the surge in Incense Fire but are reminded by their master to remain focused on cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and worship (Incense Fire) and its impact on divine beings.
• The importance of diligence and focus in cultivation, even in the face of sudden success.
• The complex relationship between Lu Chen and the Plague Lord, with the latter showing a mix of satisfaction and reflection regarding Lu Chen's actions.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with his disciples, expressing satisfaction with their progress and anticipation for the future.
• The Plague Lord interacts with his disciples, warning them against complacency and emphasizing the importance of cultivation.
• The Plague Lord has an internal monologue, seemingly communicating with an unseen entity (possibly the 'My Lady' mentioned in the chapter title), expressing his satisfaction with the current situation and claiming victory in an unspecified bet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Incense Fire at the Plague Department and Lord God of Wealth Hall suddenly surges, causing an uproar in the Heavenly Court.
• The Water Virtue Star Lord decides to help Lu Chen after learning about the Incense Fire surge.
• The Star Lord of Water Virtue visits the Fire Department, surprising the Fire Virtue Star Lord.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen's actions have significantly increased the Incense Fire at the Plague Department and Lord God of Wealth Hall, drawing attention and envy from other Heavenly Court immortals.
• The Water Virtue Star Lord shows interest in Lu Chen's actions and decides to assist him.
• The Fire Virtue Star Lord is surprised and concerned about the sudden increase in Incense Fire at the Plague Department.

Significant Themes

• The distribution of power and resources in the Heavenly Court, with a few great recipients monopolizing most of the Incense Fire.
• The impact of Lu Chen's actions on the Heavenly Court's balance of power.
• The relationship between the Water and Fire Departments, with the Water Virtue Star Lord visiting the Fire Department.

Character Interactions

• The Water Virtue Star Lord and Winnowing Basket Leopard discuss Lu Chen's actions and the Water Virtue Star Lord decides to help him.
• The Fire Virtue Star Lord is informed about the Plague Department's Incense Fire surge by the Fire-Crow General.
• The Water Virtue Star Lord visits the Fire Department, surprising the Fire Virtue Star Lord.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Star Lord of Water Virtue visits Star Lord of Fire Virtue, revealing he's aware of the upcoming 'great tide' and 'fortune rising and falling.'
• He shows scenes of Lu Chen refining a Lingbao and performing the Well Dragon King Offering Ritual, indicating Lu Chen's extraordinary abilities.
• Star Lord of Water Virtue reveals he's been secretly observing Lu Chen and wants to share in the fortune of the current situation with Star Lord of Fire Virtue.

Character Developments

• Star Lord of Water Virtue: He's strategic, observant, and ambitious. He sees Lu Chen's potential and wants to capitalize on it to ascend and attain the Dao Fruit.
• Star Lord of Fire Virtue: Initially cautious and skeptical, he becomes more serious and concerned as he learns more about Lu Chen and the potential consequences of the current situation.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power dynamics among immortals.
• The potential and danger of mortals with extraordinary abilities.
• The consequences of keeping secrets and forming factions within the Heavenly Court.

Character Interactions

• Star Lord of Water Virtue and Star Lord of Fire Virtue: They engage in a strategic conversation, with Star Lord of Water Virtue trying to persuade Star Lord of Fire Virtue to join him in sharing the fortune of the current situation. Their interaction reveals their differing views on the situation and their ambitions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Star Lord of Water Virtue visits Star Lord of Fire Virtue to discuss the upcoming temple-breaking event.
• They discuss the significance of a monkey from a thousand years ago, which is believed to be related to the current events.
• Star Lord of Water Virtue reveals that he wants Star Lord of Fire Virtue to abstain from participating in the temple-breaking to gain a better opportunity later.

Character Developments

• Star Lord of Water Virtue: He is strategic and manipulative, aiming to use the temple-breaking event to his advantage. He believes in the potential of the boy (Lu) and is willing to take risks to support him.
• Star Lord of Fire Virtue: Initially reluctant to participate in the temple-breaking, he eventually agrees not to interfere, intrigued by the possibility of gaining more power later.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering among celestial beings.
• The potential of a mortal (Lu) to disrupt the status quo and bring about significant changes.
• The interconnectedness of past and present events.

Character Interactions

• Star Lord of Water Virtue and Star Lord of Fire Virtue: They engage in a conversation filled with hidden meanings and subtle manipulations, each trying to persuade the other to their point of view.
• Star Lord of Water Virtue and Winnowing Basket Leopard: They discuss the outcome of the conversation with Star Lord of Fire Virtue, and Star Lord of Water Virtue gives instructions to inform Lu about the development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Clan Temple experiences an overwhelming surge of worshippers due to its flourishing Incense Fire, while other temples struggle.
• Lu Chen contemplates expanding Incense Fire channels and establishing a talisman system within designated temples.
• Lu Chen plans to divide talismans into four grades and link their purchase to one's Divine Service Rating.
• Lu Chen considers inviting Dipper Mother, Primordial Sovereign, for Temple-Breaking.
• Star Lord of Water Virtue persuades Star Lord of Fire Virtue to withdraw from the Temple-Breaking lineup, leaving only four main deities.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates strategic thinking by considering the expansion of Incense Fire channels and the establishment of a talisman system.
• Lu Chen shows ambition and long-term planning, aiming to rise in authority and influence.
• Star Lord of Water Virtue exhibits diplomatic skills and influence, persuading Star Lord of Fire Virtue to withdraw from Temple-Breaking.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and competition among God Temples and their deities.
• The importance of strategic planning and long-term vision in achieving success.
• The influence of Incense Fire and its distribution on the ecosystem of God Temples.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with Broom Star, discussing plans and seeking advice.
• Lu Chen reflects on the actions of Grandpa Sun and Old Wu, learning from their strategies.
• Star Lord of Water Virtue interacts with Star Lord of Fire Virtue, persuading him to withdraw from Temple-Breaking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen learns about Emperor Wenchang's literary treasure, the Jade Balance of the Literary Pivot, which governs the literary aura and fortunes of the world.
• Broom Star suggests disrupting the literary aura to prevent Emperor Wenchang from interfering in Temple-Breaking, but Lu Chen rejects the idea due to the high cost of Merit and potential backlash from the Emperor.
• Lu Chen visits Emperor Wenchang's temple to worship and recite poems, hoping to improve his Divine Service Rating, but the Emperor still does not respond.
• Upon leaving the temple, Lu Chen sees a divine message from Emperor Wenchang, "Though we meet, we know not one another; each drifts amid water and clouds," which he interprets as a sign to proceed with Temple-Breaking.
• Lu Chen returns to Jiangdu and informs City Lord Yu Feng of his decision to proceed with Temple-Breaking, targeting three families: the Qin, Zhao, and Wu clans.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen: Becomes more determined to proceed with Temple-Breaking after receiving what he interprets as a sign from Emperor Wenchang. He shows concern for the potential consequences of disrupting the literary aura and maintains his principles despite Broom Star's suggestion.
• Broom Star: Offers a plan to disrupt the literary aura but is rebuffed by Lu Chen. He does not appear to have any significant development in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• The power of literary aura and its control by Emperor Wenchang.
• The consequences of disrupting the natural order and the importance of maintaining balance.
• The potential backlash from powerful entities when one acts against their interests.
• The importance of maintaining principles and acting with caution.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Broom Star: Lu Chen rejects Broom Star's suggestion to disrupt the literary aura, showing that he values the potential consequences and the power of Emperor Wenchang.
• Lu Chen and Emperor Wenchang: Lu Chen worships Emperor Wenchang and recites poems, hoping to improve his Divine Service Rating, but the Emperor does not respond. Later, Lu Chen receives a divine message from the Emperor, which he interprets as a sign to proceed with Temple-Breaking.
• Lu Chen and Yu Feng: Lu Chen informs Yu Feng of his decision to proceed with Temple-Breaking, and Yu Feng agrees to issue the files for the three targeted families.