Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “European Tycoon Comes in Admiration”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Jade Emperor realizes that Qin Fen’s seemingly harmless dance demonstration has spiraled completely out of control. What he initially believed was a minor dispute or a calculated distraction has become a major social phenomenon in Heaven.
• Li Jing, the Four Heavenly Kings, and many other male immortals discover that their wives have joined the female immortals dancing to “Little Apple.” Even the Queen Mother participates, causing the trend to spread rapidly.
• The female immortals are attracted not only to the dance but also to the chance to exercise, socialize, gossip, and escape the boredom of life in the Heavenly Court. The Queen Mother’s approval gives the activity official prestige.
• The Seven Fairies and the Weaver Girl join in, while tracksuits and women’s fashion become major topics of discussion. As a result, anticipation for the Queen Mother’s fashion exhibition increases dramatically before it has even begun.
• The Queen Mother is pleased with the unexpected success of her promotional strategy and even begins viewing Chang’e more favorably. Qin Fen, unaware of the full impact of his actions, would be astonished that the plan worked so well.
• The Jade Emperor becomes increasingly frustrated. He believes Natural Daoist deliberately deceived him by making him expect a confrontation involving Shaohao while secretly creating a different chain of events. However, he decides to remain on the sidelines and profit from the conflict between Qin Fen and Shaohao.
• Meanwhile, Qin Fen knows nothing about the political turmoil in Heaven. He is awakened early by Secretary Huang, who asks him to prepare lunch for an important European guest from a royal family.
• Qin Fen accepts the request and sees the meal as an opportunity to promote Chinese cuisine and culture alongside his planned work showcasing Chinese weaving traditions in Europe.
• After preparing his ingredients, Qin Fen checks WeChat and discovers hundreds of messages praising his “marketing strategy.” The immortals explain that the female immortals danced throughout the night, leaving many husbands shocked, sleepless, and miserable.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen remains unaware of the enormous consequences of his casual actions. He begins thinking more strategically about using cuisine and cultural traditions to promote China internationally.
• The Jade Emperor shifts from confidence to irritation and suspicion. He recognizes Qin Fen/Natural Daoist as a dangerous rival but chooses to wait for an opportunity to benefit from the unfolding situation.
• The Queen Mother demonstrates her political and promotional skill. By publicly joining the dance, she transforms a fad into a powerful social and commercial movement, restoring her confidence in the fashion exhibition.
• The female immortals become more socially active and enthusiastic, finding excitement and companionship in an activity that combines exercise, entertainment, and gossip.
• The male immortals are left bewildered and powerless as their wives abandon them to dance, revealing the gap between the men’s perception of the activity and the women’s enjoyment of it.
• Secretary Huang acts cautiously, understanding Qin Fen’s difficult temperament while attempting to secure his cooperation for the royal guest.
• Luban, Zhang Mingfeng, and Du Kang recognize Qin Fen’s accidental success and describe it as an extraordinary marketing triumph, though they also complain about the chaos the dance caused.

Significant Themes

• Unintended consequences: Qin Fen’s simple dance demonstration triggers a major cultural and commercial movement in Heaven.
• Marketing through social influence: The fashion exhibition gains publicity through participation, gossip, and community enthusiasm rather than conventional advertising.
• Gender and leisure: The female immortals embrace the dance as a rare outlet for exercise, socialization, and entertainment, while the men fail to understand its appeal.
• Political manipulation and rivalry: The Jade Emperor interprets the event as part of Natural Daoist’s larger scheme, highlighting the Heavenly Court’s atmosphere of suspicion and strategic maneuvering.
• Cultural exchange: Qin Fen views food, clothing, dance, and traditional crafts as ways to promote Chinese culture abroad.
• Power of women’s networks: The Queen Mother, Chang’e, the Seven Fairies, and the other female immortals collectively turn a small trend into a widespread movement.

Character Interactions

• Li Jing and the Four Heavenly Kings react with shock when they see their wives dancing.
• The Queen Mother’s participation legitimizes the activity and encourages the other female immortals to join.
• The female immortals socialize with one another through dancing, gossip, and discussions about tracksuits and fashion.
• The Jade Emperor blames Natural Daoist for deceiving him and views Shaohao as a potential source of conflict.
• Secretary Huang carefully approaches Qin Fen to arrange a meal for the European royal guest.
• Qin Fen later reads messages from Luban, Zhang Mingfeng, and Du Kang, learning that his actions have disrupted the entire Heavenly Court.

Chapter Summary: “Heavenly Court in Chaos, the Male Immortals Cursed in the Streets”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen opens a WeChat video expecting to see Chang’e and the Moon Rabbit, only to discover that the Moon Palace has become the site of a massive dance gathering.
• Thousands of female immortals, wearing matching tracksuits, perform Little Apple in synchronized choreography. The event has expanded far beyond Qin Fen’s original expectations.
• Qin realizes that the Queen Mother is responsible for the gathering’s enormous scale. Her initial jealous outburst unexpectedly transformed into a popular social event that attracted nearly every female immortal in Heaven.
• The women dance and socialize throughout the night, while the male immortals who accompanied them are forced to stand aside, listen to the music, and wait miserably.
• The Moon Palace, once quiet and deserted, becomes packed with singing, dancing, banners, drums, and crowds.
• The male immortals—including Li Jing, Lü Dongbin, Cao Guojiu, Wen Zhong, and the Four Heavenly Kings—grow increasingly resentful because their wives refuse to leave.
• The Jade Emperor considers exploiting the situation by informing husbands where their wives have spent the night, hoping to provoke conflict, but Qin Fen acts before this plan can develop.
• Qin publicly encourages everyone to keep dancing, turning the accidental gathering into a continuing entertainment event and laying the groundwork for future fashion shows and an entertainment industry.
• His declaration makes him extremely popular with the female immortals, who begin treating him as their “best friend.”
• The male immortals are devastated because Qin, as Dongwang Gong and ruler of the male immortals, has effectively allied himself with the Queen Mother, ruler of the female immortals. They realize they have no authority capable of stopping the festivities.
• The chapter ends with Shaohao glaring at Qin Fen from afar, clearly angered because of Qin’s connection to Chang’e.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen: Demonstrates opportunism and quick thinking. Rather than suppressing the chaotic event, he embraces it and turns it into a profitable and influential form of entertainment. His popularity among the female immortals rises sharply, though he becomes hated by the male immortals.
• Little Bean: Continues serving as Qin Fen’s critical observer, immediately recognizing that Qin’s latest scheme has spiraled out of control and mocking him for the consequences.
• The Queen Mother: Her jealousy and emotional reaction unexpectedly become the driving force behind the event’s expansion. She gains enormous influence over the female immortals and appears pleased with the chaos she has helped create.
• Chang’e: Enjoys the development and is visibly pleased when Qin Fen finally appears, suggesting a growing personal or romantic connection between them.
• Male immortals: Their frustration develops into collective resentment. They feel powerless, humiliated, and trapped by the alliance between Qin Fen and the Queen Mother.
• The Jade Emperor: Reveals a subtle, manipulative side by planning to spread information that could cause husbands to confront their wives, though his scheme is overshadowed by Qin Fen’s intervention.
• Shaohao: His reaction reveals jealousy or hostility toward Qin Fen, specifically because of Qin’s relationship with Chang’e.

Significant Themes

• Unintended consequences: Qin Fen’s original idea grows into a massive social movement far beyond his control.
• Gender conflict and power imbalance: The female immortals gain a rare opportunity for collective enjoyment, while the male immortals are left powerless and resentful.
• Entertainment as influence: Qin Fen recognizes that music, dance, fashion, and mass gatherings can become powerful forms of social and economic influence.
• Boredom and social release: The immortals’ lack of ordinary workdays or holidays has left them starved for excitement, allowing a single event to become wildly popular.
• Political alliances and authority: Qin Fen’s position as Dongwang Gong, combined with the Queen Mother’s authority, creates an alliance strong enough to overpower the objections of the Jade Emperor and the male immortals.
• Jealousy and rivalry: The Queen Mother’s jealousy initiates the event, while Shaohao’s anger hints at a developing rivalry over Chang’e.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and Little Bean react together to the unexpectedly enormous gathering, with Little Bean criticizing Qin’s tendency to cause trouble.
• The Queen Mother and Chang’e both respond positively to Qin’s appearance and encouragement.
• Wives openly reject their husbands’ attempts to take them home, arguing that they deserve the same freedom to socialize that their husbands enjoy.
• Li Jing, Cao Guojiu, Lü Dongbin, and other male immortals share their frustration but cannot challenge the Queen Mother and Qin Fen effectively.
• The Jade Emperor attempts to position himself strategically amid the conflict, while Qin Fen unintentionally undermines any chance of male opposition.
• Shaohao silently watches Qin Fen and Chang’e, his dark expression suggesting jealousy and impending confrontation.

Chapter Summary: “How to Screw You Over Without Even Making a Plan”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen restarts the Seven Fairies’ dance performance, impressed by their coordination and imagining they could become a successful girl group with opportunities in fashion and entertainment.
• The dance attracts increasing numbers of male and female immortals, encouraged indirectly by the Jade Emperor. The Moon Palace becomes crowded and charged with tension.
• Shaohao, prompted by the Jade Emperor and angered that his wife has joined the dancing, publicly confronts Qin Fen. He accuses him of corrupting morals and disrupting families.
• Shaohao tries to turn his personal jealousy and marital frustrations into a broader conflict between male and female immortals.
• Qin Fen recognizes the danger of the situation and admits that allowing the immortals to stay out all night was inappropriate. He proposes one final dance, followed by regular but time-limited gatherings so everyone can return to their families.
• His apology and compromise satisfy most of the immortals. Li Jing and the other men accept the explanation, while the women also gain a reasonable way to continue socializing.
• Shaohao refuses to let the matter go and continues demanding an explanation for the dance’s “indecent” movements.
• Qin Fen casually redirects attention by praising Changyi’s dancing and telling Xihe to shake harder. Shaohao then realizes that his own mother, Xihe, is dancing more enthusiastically than anyone—including his wife—leaving him humiliated and emotionally devastated.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking by recognizing the Seven Fairies’ potential as a coordinated entertainment group. He also shows maturity and responsibility by admitting his mistake and offering a practical compromise instead of clinging to authority.
• Shaohao is revealed as jealous, hypocritical, and opportunistic. Although he frames his attack as a defense of morality and family values, his real motivation is resentment over his wife’s participation and his own connection to Chang’e.
• The Jade Emperor seeks revenge against Qin Fen and is delighted when the situation appears likely to become a major scandal, though Qin Fen’s diplomatic response prevents this.
• The Queen Mother quickly understands the seriousness of the conflict and worries that it could destabilize the Heavenly Court.
• Shaohao’s wife feels unfairly blamed. She views the gathering as harmless entertainment after being neglected at home, exposing the marital problems behind Shaohao’s accusations.
• Li Jing and the other immortals shift from hostility to acceptance once Qin Fen provides them with a dignified solution.
• Xihe and Changyi unintentionally become central to the final joke, especially when Xihe’s enthusiastic dancing undermines Shaohao’s moral outrage.

Significant Themes

• Personal grudges disguised as public morality: Shaohao uses claims about corruption and family values to conceal his jealousy and marital resentment.
• Diplomacy and accountability: Qin Fen resolves the crisis by admitting fault, preserving everyone’s dignity, and proposing reasonable boundaries.
• Conflict between leisure and family duty: The chapter explores the immortals’ boredom and desire for entertainment versus their responsibilities at home.
• Hypocrisy and unintended consequences: Shaohao condemns the women’s dancing, only to discover that his own mother is participating even more enthusiastically.
• Social influence and entertainment: Qin Fen sees how a simple dance can become a cultural phenomenon, with possible commercial and social implications.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and Shaohao clash publicly, with Shaohao accusing Qin Fen of damaging families and Qin Fen dismissing the attack as a personal grudge.
• Shaohao’s wife and the female immortals push back against the men’s complaints, arguing that they deserve companionship and entertainment.
• The male immortals initially support Shaohao but quickly accept Qin Fen’s apology because it gives them both peace at home and a dignified retreat.
• The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother observe the confrontation from opposing emotional positions: the Jade Emperor hopes Qin Fen will fail, while the Queen Mother worries about the consequences.
• Qin Fen’s final remarks about Xihe and Changyi unintentionally—but decisively—humiliate Shaohao and collapse his accusation into comedy.

Chapter Summary: “The Yellow Emperor Was No Help Either”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen leads a large group of female immortals in a public-square-style dance at the Moon Palace, openly directing and criticizing their movements.
• Shaohao arrives and angrily objects, especially after realizing that both his wife and mother, Changyi, are participating.
• Qin Fen dismisses Shaohao’s protests and even scolds Xihe while praising Changyi’s dancing, humiliating Shaohao in front of the assembled immortals.
• Changyi addresses Qin Fen as “Teacher Nature,” revealing that she regards him as belonging to her generation. This makes Shaohao realize that, socially and hierarchically, he is Qin Fen’s junior.
• Changyi innocently calls Shaohao by his childhood nickname, “Little Hao,” and tells him to have his wife dance. Her enthusiastic participation makes it impossible for Shaohao to challenge Qin Fen without appearing to oppose his own mother.
• Qin Fen then orders the Queen Mother to join the dance. To everyone’s astonishment, she obeys meekly and follows his increasingly demanding instructions.
• The Queen Mother’s obedience convinces the watching immortals that Qin Fen has attained extraordinary authority, apparently placing him above even one of Heaven’s most powerful rulers.
• Zhao Gongming jokes that the situation suggests “man on top, woman underneath,” provoking alarm because it implies an improper relationship or power dynamic.
• Qin Fen is angered by the insinuation, while the other immortals grow increasingly nervous about the scandal.
• At the end of the chapter, the Yellow Emperor arrives in a dragon carriage and angrily demands to know what is happening. Shaohao is relieved by his father’s arrival, believing Qin Fen may finally face consequences.

Character Developments

• Shaohao: His confidence collapses into humiliation and helplessness. Though powerful enough to challenge Qin Fen under normal circumstances, he is completely defeated by the fact that his mother and aunt support Qin Fen’s activities. His inferiority to Qin Fen is emphasized when Changyi calls Qin Fen “Teacher Nature.”
• Qin Fen: His influence becomes increasingly apparent. He confidently commands even ancient goddesses and the Queen Mother, treating them like ordinary participants in a dance exercise. His authority appears to be recognized rather than merely imposed.
• Changyi: She is revealed as cheerful, uninhibited, and entirely supportive of Qin Fen. Her casual use of Shaohao’s childhood nickname intensifies his embarrassment.
• Queen Mother: Contrary to her usual imposing and independent image, she willingly follows Qin Fen’s instructions. Her submission shocks the entire Heavenly Court and becomes the chapter’s most important demonstration of Qin Fen’s status.
• The Yellow Emperor: His arrival introduces a potential challenge to Qin Fen and gives Shaohao hope that his father will restore order or defend him.

Significant Themes

• Humiliation and loss of status: Shaohao’s lofty position cannot protect him from embarrassment when his own family publicly undermines his objections.
• Generational hierarchy and authority: Qin Fen’s treatment as Changyi’s equal or elder places Shaohao beneath him, radically changing the perceived balance of power.
• Public spectacle and social pressure: The entire Heavenly Court becomes an audience, with the immortals suppressing laughter and interpreting every action as a reflection of status.
• Unexpected reversals of power: The Queen Mother, normally among the most formidable figures in Heaven, behaves obediently, suggesting that Qin Fen’s authority may surpass conventional political and divine power structures.
• Misinterpretation and gossip: Zhao Gongming’s joke shows how quickly the immortals interpret Qin Fen’s control over the women as something scandalous, threatening to create rumors and damage reputations.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen humiliates Shaohao by praising Changyi while criticizing Xihe and refusing to engage Shaohao directly.
• Changyi supports Qin Fen, advises Xihe to dance more boldly, and orders Shaohao to have his wife participate.
• The male immortals silently mock Shaohao, especially the Four Heavenly Kings, Lü Dongbin, Li Jing, and others observing the spectacle.
• Qin Fen commands the Queen Mother, and she complies, creating shock throughout the Heavenly Court.
• Zhao Gongming voices the crowd’s inappropriate interpretation of Qin Fen’s dominance, prompting fear and discomfort.
• The Yellow Emperor confronts the situation just as Qin Fen’s authority appears absolute, setting up a likely confrontation in the next chapter.

Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan confronted Qin Fen over the female immortals’ dancing, but Qin Fen turned the argument against him by calling on Mount Li Old Mother and the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady. The Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady exposed Xuanyuan’s past request to learn the Bedchamber Mysteries, leaving him humiliated as the Jade Emperor’s broadcast carried his laughter across the Heavenly Court.

• Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan arrived and stopped Xihe and Changyi from attacking Shaohao.
• Qin Fen called on Mount Li Old Mother to join the dancing, and she emerged from the crowd and began moving.
• Xuanyuan criticized Qin Fen for teaching an improper dance, while Chang'e offered to take responsibility and the Queen Mother claimed authority over the female immortals.
• Qin Fen challenged Xuanyuan to hear his explanation, and the Jade Emperor joined the dispute to demand an answer.
• Qin Fen called on the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady, who reminded everyone that Xuanyuan had once pestered her to teach him the Bedchamber Mysteries.
• The Jade Emperor laughed at Xuanyuan, and his broadcast carried the insult throughout the Heavenly Court.

The Jade Emperor accidentally insulted the Yellow Emperor while trying to support him, and Qin Fen turned the blunder into public praise that deepened the humiliation. Shaohao and the Yellow Emperor then lashed out at the Jade Emperor, leaving three Imperial Lords openly arguing while Qin Fen watched from the sidelines.

• The Jade Emperor accidentally broadcast his laughter and called the Yellow Emperor a dumbass, shocking the Heavenly Court.
• Qin Fen thanked the Jade Emperor for supposedly supporting him, and the Queen Mother and Mount Li Old Mother struggled to contain their laughter.
• The Yellow Emperor and the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady exchanged remarks, while Qin Fen and the immortals continued to watch the dispute spiral.
• Shaohao cursed the Jade Emperor for insulting his father, and the Yellow Emperor joined in by hurling abuse at him.
• The Jade Emperor, the Yellow Emperor, and Shaohao openly argued while Qin Fen remained a bystander.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The conflict in Heaven unexpectedly collapses into chaos among the three great emperors. The Jade Emperor accidentally uses the Mysterious Light Technique’s calling function, embarrassing himself and provoking an argument with the Yellow Emperor and Shaohao.
• Unable to risk open war with the Jade Emperor, the Yellow Emperor and Shaohao retreat in humiliation while millions of immortals watch. Their departure sparks widespread laughter, especially in the Moon Palace.
• The Queen Mother, Chang’e, and the immortals celebrate a complete victory. Little Apple’s strange dance and the fashion show have caused a sensation, while Chang’e has successfully driven Shaohao away. Qin Fen realizes that the Jade Emperor’s falling-out with the Yellow Emperor and Shaohao will create further political turmoil in Heaven.
• Qin Fen’s relief is interrupted when a heavily guarded group arrives at his home. Secretary Huang’s secretary, Xiao Zhang, explains that they are preparing a special lunch for the important foreign guest, Mr. Grant.
• Qin Fen is introduced to Captain Lu, who oversees security, and Hao Xue, Mr. Grant’s Chinese dietary consultant and a highly trained chef.
• Qin Fen plans a seemingly simple meal: Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth, braised beef brisket with potatoes, Winter Melon Bowl, and fried green peppers.
• Hao Xue is skeptical of Qin Fen’s reputation because the ingredients and kitchen tools appear ordinary. He repeatedly questions Qin Fen’s choices and implies that Qin Fen may be overrated.
• Tension escalates when Hao Xue tries to inspect Qin Fen’s ingredients and special liquor. Qin Fen, irritated by the interference, bluntly tells him to leave or cook the meal himself. Secretary Zhang intervenes to prevent the argument from disrupting the banquet preparations.
• The chapter ends with Hao Xue again demanding to inspect the liquor Qin Fen intends to use for marinating the food, leaving the confrontation unresolved.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen: Remains calm and practical during Heaven’s political upheaval but is annoyed by the intrusive and suspicious Hao Xue. His directness and confidence in his own cooking become increasingly clear.
• The Jade Emperor: Suffers a humiliating loss of authority after accidentally exposing his own foolishness and provoking conflict with his allies.
• Yellow Emperor and Shaohao: Shift from aggressors targeting Qin Fen to embarrassed retreating figures. Their humiliation damages their dignity and complicates their relationship with the Jade Emperor.
• Queen Mother and Chang’e: Gain confidence and satisfaction from the unexpected victory. Chang’e’s maneuvering successfully removes Shaohao and advances the Moon Palace’s interests.
• Hao Xue: Is introduced as a skilled but arrogant rival. His professional pride and distrust of Qin Fen make him increasingly antagonistic.
• Secretary Zhang: Acts as a cautious mediator, trying to preserve both Qin Fen’s cooperation and the visiting delegation’s confidence.

Significant Themes

• Humiliation and reversal of power: Those who appeared to hold the advantage in Heaven are suddenly embarrassed by their own actions.
• Political instability: Qin Fen’s presence disrupts the existing balance among Heaven’s rulers, creating new rivalries and alliances.
• Appearances versus true ability: Hao Xue judges Qin Fen by his ordinary tools, ingredients, and simple menu, while the chapter suggests that genuine skill does not depend on luxury or spectacle.
• Professional rivalry and pride: Hao Xue’s criticism reflects insecurity and competition between chefs.
• Chaos caused by Qin Fen’s influence: Even when Qin Fen does little directly, his arrival and actions trigger major consequences in both Heaven and the mortal world.

Character Interactions

• The Jade Emperor, Yellow Emperor, and Shaohao turn against one another after the Jade Emperor’s accidental mistake.
• The Queen Mother and Chang’e share in the Moon Palace’s triumph as the male immortals celebrate their rivals’ humiliation.
• Qin Fen cooperates with Secretary Zhang but establishes boundaries by insisting that his kitchen and belongings not be handled casually.
• Qin Fen and Hao Xue clash over cooking methods, ingredients, tools, and authority in the kitchen.
• Secretary Zhang attempts to mediate between the two chefs, while Hao Xue continues to challenge Qin Fen’s competence and control.

Chapter Summary: Your Tastes Are Really Heavy, a Tragedy Sets Sail

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen serves Jade Ice Brew, an extremely potent liquor obtained from Old Ox and used primarily to marinate meat because it is too strong for ordinary people.
• Hao Xue arrogantly insists he can handle the drink, despite Qin Fen repeatedly warning him. He downs an entire cup and immediately becomes dizzy and collapses.
• Hao Xue’s assistant carries him to a guest room. Hao Xue soon vomits on both himself and the assistant.
• To avoid embarrassment before Mr. Grant’s arrival, the assistant attempts to remove Hao Xue’s soiled clothes and leave to buy replacements.
• Before he can finish, Captain Lu and two guards enter. The assistant falls onto Hao Xue, who is lying half-undressed on the bed, creating the appearance of an intimate encounter.
• The assistant desperately tries to explain that Hao Xue was drunk and needed help changing clothes, but Hao Xue’s drunken remarks—asking for “more” of the liquor—make the situation look even more compromising.
• Captain Lu and the guards misunderstand everything, assume the two men have unusual romantic tastes, and awkwardly leave them alone.
• The assistant remains trapped in the room, mortified, while Little Bean concludes that Qin Fen’s ability to cause chaos is responsible for the entire disaster.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen reveals his mischievous and vindictive side by deliberately allowing Hao Xue to drink the powerful liquor, hoping it will silence and humiliate him.
• Hao Xue is shown to be boastful and impulsive. His claim to being a “wine immortal” collapses after one sip, though he continues praising the drink while intoxicated.
• The assistant is practical and responsible, trying to clean up Hao Xue and find him replacement clothes, but his attempt backfires catastrophically. He becomes increasingly helpless and embarrassed.
• Captain Lu and the guards are portrayed as disciplined professionals who nevertheless jump to a ridiculous conclusion based on the scene they encounter.
• Little Bean remains observant and sarcastic, recognizing Qin Fen’s role in creating the chaos.

Significant Themes

• Cause and effect: Hao Xue’s arrogance and refusal to heed warnings lead directly to his drunken collapse and humiliation.
• Misunderstanding and appearance: The guards judge the situation entirely by what they see, demonstrating how easily appearances can overpower the truth.
• Humor through escalating misfortune: Each attempt to solve the problem—drinking the liquor, moving Hao Xue, changing his clothes, and explaining the situation—only makes matters worse.
• Qin Fen’s destructive influence: The chapter emphasizes that Qin Fen’s seemingly harmless actions often produce exaggerated and chaotic consequences.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and Hao Xue continue their antagonistic relationship, with Qin Fen provoking Hao Xue and Hao Xue responding competitively.
• Secretary Zhang tries to remain neutral and avoid offending either man, recognizing that their conflict is dangerous and absurd.
• The assistant attempts to care for Hao Xue but becomes the unwilling victim of the misunderstanding.
• Captain Lu and his guards interpret the assistant’s explanation and Hao Xue’s drunken words in the worst possible way, leading to awkward avoidance rather than clarification.
• Little Bean observes the entire chain of events and silently mocks everyone involved.

Hao Xue woke after drinking Qin Fen’s liquor and faced the villa staff’s mocking misunderstandings about his drunken behavior. When a video conference connected while Hao Xue was in the bathroom, his noises and singing embarrassed everyone, and Qin Fen unwittingly added to the confusion over the communication channel.

• Hao Xue woke with no memory of the night before and joined Secretary Zhang, Captain Lu, and Qin Fen in the living room, where their awkward reactions hinted at rumors about him.
• Hao Xue blamed his exhaustion on late nights and claimed he was naturally gifted, deepening the guards’ misunderstanding while his assistant suffered their stares.
• Captain Lu gave Hao Xue and Qin Fen microphones, then went outside with Secretary Zhang as the two men discussed the liquor’s delayed effects.
• Hao Xue went to the bathroom as a video conference with Secretary Huang and Grant’s assistant connected, broadcasting his splashing, panting, and singing to the guards and officials.
• Hao Xue wondered aloud whether his kidneys were weak from overwork, and Qin Fen’s comment about serving the people and Hao Xue’s dark circles reached the channel.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen secretly observes the Queen Mother and numerous female immortals bathing. His appearance causes immediate chaos, though he is more distracted by the unattractive style of their traditional undergarments than by the situation itself.
• Chang’e transforms Qin Fen’s earlier suggestion into a broader commercial strategy: create a stage for square dancing, display fashionable clothing, and distribute calendars featuring the designs. She argues that women would spread the trend through their households, gradually changing fashion throughout the Heavenly Court.
• The Queen Mother shows interest in the plan, but Qin Fen avoids responding so he will not openly admit to spying. He leaves instructions for her to select the participants and venue while he develops the clothing and event.
• A careless remark from the Queen Mother—saying this is not the first or second time Qin Fen has watched her bathe—creates widespread misunderstanding. Everyone assumes Qin Fen has repeatedly spied on her, damaging his reputation. Qin Fen protests and accuses her of slander.
• Back at the villa, Qin Fen prepares to cook. Hao Xue, humiliated by the day’s events and resentful of Qin Fen, secretly observes his cooking and concludes that Qin Fen’s methods appear ordinary. However, Hao Xue fails to see Qin Fen’s hidden advantage: a superior, natural flour-based MSG developed with the Food God.
• Rogers returns with the elderly Zhang Mingyan, Zhang Jin’s master and Hao Xue’s former teacher. Zhang has come to observe Qin Fen’s knife skills and improve his understanding of Chinese cuisine.
• Zhang Mingyan asks to assist Qin Fen in cooking. Despite Rogers’ objection, Qin Fen agrees, assigning Zhang the carved winter melon bowl while Rogers handles the beef. The three chefs begin working together harmoniously.
• Meanwhile, Hao Xue watches from the lakeside, increasingly angry and jealous as Qin Fen gains another respected culinary collaborator.

2. Character Developments

• Qin Fen remains shamelessly playful and opportunistic, enjoying the bathhouse incident while still trying to preserve his dignified public image. As a chef, however, he shows confidence, openness, and humility by welcoming Zhang Mingyan’s participation.
• Chang’e demonstrates sharp insight and strategic intelligence. She recognizes that Qin Fen’s fashion idea can spread through social influence and household consumption, turning it into a movement too powerful for the Jade Emperor to suppress.
• The Queen Mother is interested in the fashion plan but becomes unintentionally responsible for exposing Qin Fen’s alleged history of voyeurism. Her careless statement leaves her embarrassed and subjects her to suspicious looks.
• Hao Xue grows increasingly bitter and insecure. His attempt to criticize Qin Fen’s cooking is based on incomplete observation, and his jealousy intensifies when he sees Qin Fen working with Zhang Mingyan.
• Zhang Mingyan is portrayed as humble, sincere, and devoted to the advancement of Chinese cuisine. Rather than guarding his status, he willingly treats Qin Fen as a teacher and seeks to learn through cooperation.
• Rogers remains loyal to Qin Fen and protective of his position as Qin Fen’s disciple, though he ultimately works cooperatively with Zhang.

3. Significant Themes

• Influence through culture and social trends: Chang’e’s plan illustrates how fashion can spread through families, entertainment, and everyday habits rather than through direct political action.
• Appearance versus reality: Qin Fen’s cooking appears ordinary to Hao Xue because its most important techniques and ingredients remain hidden. Likewise, Qin Fen tries to maintain an upright image despite his questionable behavior.
• Humility and continual improvement: Zhang Mingyan embodies the belief that culinary mastery has no endpoint and that even accomplished chefs should continue learning from one another.
• Jealousy and incomplete judgment: Hao Xue judges Qin Fen based on a partial view, leading him to underestimate his abilities and deepen his resentment.
• Reputation and misunderstanding: The Queen Mother’s careless words create a damaging impression of Qin Fen, showing how easily social perceptions can be shaped by suggestive comments.

4. Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and the bathers’ chaotic encounter establishes his irreverent relationship with the Queen Mother and the female immortals.
• Chang’e supports Qin Fen’s idea and impresses the other immortals by explaining its wider social and economic potential.
• The Queen Mother’s comment causes the immortals to view Qin Fen and her relationship with suspicion, while Qin Fen responds defensively.
• Hao Xue silently judges Qin Fen’s cooking and leaves in frustration, revealing his antagonistic attitude.
• Zhang Mingyan respectfully approaches Qin Fen, asks to learn from him, and is accepted as a collaborator.
• Qin Fen, Zhang Mingyan, and Rogers form a temporary cooking team, while Hao Xue observes from outside and becomes increasingly enraged.

Chapter Summary: “This Was Really Running into a Ghost”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Secretary Huang arrives at Qin Fen’s restaurant with Mr. Grant, a distinguished member of the Swiss royal family, accompanied by security personnel.
• Grant enthusiastically praises Qin Fen’s cooking, especially his famous Tofu Carving, and explains his lifelong admiration for Chinese cuisine.
• Qin Fen welcomes Grant and Secretary Huang to a prepared meal featuring several elaborate dishes.
• Rogers and Zhang Mingyan emerge from the kitchen, revealing that they are accompanying one another. Rogers is rumored to be Zhang’s disciple, while also being connected to Qin Fen.
• Grant invites both chefs to join the meal, creating a gathering of several prominent culinary figures.
• Before Qin Fen can introduce the dishes, Hao Xue takes over. He accurately identifies the ingredients and preparation methods of two versions of Boiled Water Cabbage, impressing Grant and Secretary Huang.
• Hao Xue then dismisses Qin Fen’s beef dish as an ordinary potato-braised beef brisket, causing Grant brief disappointment.
• When discussing the Winter Melon Bowl, Hao Xue attacks Qin Fen’s reputation, claiming that the knife carving is not worthy of being called “peerless under heaven.”
• He boasts that his master, Zhang Mingyan, could do better—and even claims that Hao Xue himself could surpass the displayed level.
• The situation becomes painfully awkward because the carving was actually made by Zhang Mingyan. Qin Fen knows the truth but cannot reveal it without embarrassing Zhang.
• Zhang, Rogers, and Qin Fen are internally horrified as Hao Xue unknowingly insults his own master’s work. The chapter ends with Hao Xue preparing to continue his boastful challenge.

2. Character Developments

• Qin Fen: Remains courteous and restrained despite being deliberately provoked. His concern for Zhang Mingyan’s dignity leads him to endure Hao Xue’s accusations rather than expose the truth.
• Grant: Is established as a passionate and knowledgeable food lover. He is highly respectful of Qin Fen and openly admires Chinese cuisine, while also possessing an imposing, authoritative personality.
• Hao Xue: Reveals strong culinary knowledge but also arrogance, ambition, and resentment toward Qin Fen. He attempts to undermine Qin Fen while elevating his own master’s reputation—and his own position as Zhang’s successor.
• Zhang Mingyan: Becomes increasingly embarrassed and furious as Hao Xue belittles a carving that Zhang himself created at full effort. His relationship with his disciple is shown to be strained by Hao Xue’s overconfidence and lack of awareness.
• Rogers: Understands the truth about the carving and is increasingly shocked by Hao Xue’s comments. He becomes an unwilling observer of the misunderstanding.
• Secretary Huang and Grant: Initially impressed by Hao Xue’s expertise, they are drawn into the developing culinary confrontation.

3. Significant Themes

• Pride versus humility: Hao Xue’s technical ability is undermined by his arrogance and desire for recognition, while Qin Fen’s restraint demonstrates greater emotional maturity.
• The danger of appearances and misunderstandings: Hao Xue believes he is exposing Qin Fen’s weakness, unaware that he is criticizing his own master’s work.
• Respect for mentors: Qin Fen protects Zhang Mingyan from humiliation even when doing so damages his own reputation, contrasting with Hao Xue’s self-serving use of his master’s name.
• True mastery versus reputation: The chapter questions whether culinary greatness lies only in skill and public claims, or also in judgment, character, and the ability to recognize excellence.
• Comedic dramatic irony: The audience, Qin Fen, Zhang, and Rogers know the truth, while Hao Xue confidently continues making claims that worsen his own embarrassment.

4. Character Interactions

• Grant and Qin Fen: Grant approaches Qin Fen with genuine admiration and respect, establishing a warm but formal relationship.
• Grant and Hao Xue: Grant’s interest in the dishes gives Hao Xue an opportunity to display his expertise and influence the room’s opinion.
• Hao Xue and Qin Fen: Hao Xue intentionally challenges and belittles Qin Fen, hoping to diminish his reputation before the distinguished guests.
• Hao Xue and Zhang Mingyan: Hao Xue invokes his master’s name to strengthen his own argument, unknowingly insulting Zhang’s actual achievement.
• Qin Fen and Zhang Mingyan: Qin Fen silently protects Zhang by refusing to reveal who made the carving, while Zhang internally suffers from his disciple’s claims.
• Rogers and Hao Xue: Rogers recognizes the absurdity of Hao Xue’s mistake and watches in disbelief as the situation deteriorates.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hao Xue continues criticizing the banquet dishes, first attacking the potato-braised beef for insufficient braising and poor heat control.
• Rogers reveals that he—not Qin Fen—prepared the beef. Qin Fen explains that he and Rogers collaborated, with Rogers handling most of the cooking while Qin Fen prepared the beef.
• Grant tastes the beef and is astonished by its quality, praising it as the best beef he has ever eaten.
• Grant then asks who made the Winter Melon Bowl. Hao Xue implies that Qin Fen’s master, Zhang Mingyan, should have handled the decorative carving himself. Zhang unexpectedly admits that he personally made the carvings, leaving Hao Xue embarrassed.
• Qin Fen explains the Winter Melon Bowl’s innovative preparation: a whole piece of pork is steamed inside an uncovered winter melon, allowing condensed steam to form the broth and blend the flavors naturally.
• Hao Xue next criticizes the Fried Green Peppers, claiming the peppers should have been coated in flour. Grant and Secretary Huang taste the dish and discover that the peppers remain crisp while containing tender, flavorful meat.
• Qin Fen responds with a speech defending culinary innovation. He argues that chefs should not be imprisoned by tradition or rigid techniques, but should combine inherited knowledge with new ideas to advance Chinese cuisine and make it appealing worldwide.
• Zhang Mingyan is deeply moved by Qin Fen’s philosophy and declares that the discussion has benefited him for life.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen demonstrates confidence, creativity, and strategic intelligence. Rather than merely defending himself, he allows his dishes to prove their quality and uses Hao Xue’s criticisms to showcase his originality.
• Hao Xue becomes increasingly humiliated as each criticism backfires. He recognizes that Qin Fen’s unconventional methods are deliberate and highly skilled, not mistakes.
• Rogers is frustrated when blamed for flaws in his own dish, but later takes comfort in realizing that Zhang Mingyan has also been caught in Hao Xue’s verbal “crossfire.”
• Zhang Mingyan shifts from silent embarrassment to admiration. Qin Fen’s ideas renew his confidence in the future of Chinese cuisine.
• Grant grows increasingly convinced that Qin Fen is an unparalleled chef after tasting the dishes and witnessing his inventive techniques.
• Secretary Huang enjoys the lively debate and is impressed by the originality and flavor of Qin Fen’s food.

Significant Themes

• Innovation versus rigid tradition: The chapter argues that tradition should provide a foundation, not a prison. Culinary rules can be challenged when experimentation produces better results.
• Actions proving ability: Qin Fen does not rely on boasting; the excellence of his food exposes the weakness of Hao Xue’s judgments.
• Adaptation and cultural exchange: Chinese cuisine can incorporate methods and flavors suited to foreign tastes without losing its cultural identity.
• Humility and misjudgment: Hao Xue’s overconfidence repeatedly causes him to criticize techniques he does not fully understand.
• Preserving and advancing heritage: Qin Fen views chefs as responsible for carrying Chinese culinary traditions forward by developing them creatively.

Character Interactions

• Hao Xue repeatedly clashes with Qin Fen through professional criticism, but Qin Fen counters him calmly and effectively.
• Rogers and Qin Fen’s collaboration becomes clear when Rogers accepts responsibility for the beef.
• Hao Xue’s attempt to praise Zhang Mingyan while belittling Qin Fen collapses when Zhang admits he made the carvings himself.
• Grant and Secretary Huang serve as appreciative judges, validating Qin Fen’s techniques through their enthusiastic reactions.
• Zhang Mingyan initially appears embarrassed by Hao Xue’s comments but ultimately supports Qin Fen wholeheartedly, recognizing that Qin Fen’s philosophy reflects the aspirations of Chinese chefs everywhere.

Qin Fen won over the assembled chefs with his inventive cooking and extraordinary carving, while Hao Xue conceded and fled. Grant invited Qin Fen to cater his nephew’s royal wedding in Europe, and Qin Fen began considering how to fit it into his schedule.

• Qin Fen explained how he used a Western freezing technique to make his stuffed green peppers crisp, and Zhang Mingyan praised his fusion of Chinese and Western cooking.
• Grant discovered that the apparent snow fungus in Qin Fen’s Winter Melon Bowl was an intricate internal carving, and Zhang Mingyan conceded that Qin Fen’s knife skills surpassed his own.
• Hao Xue admitted defeat and secretly left the restaurant.
• Grant invited Qin Fen to cater his nephew’s wedding in Europe next month, offering three million euros and then raising the fee to five million.
• Qin Fen considered his schedule, while Little Bean realized Grant had mistaken his hesitation for a demand for more money.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grant offers Qin Fen five million euros to prepare a wedding banquet in Europe, assuming the enormous fee will persuade him.
• Qin Fen does not immediately respond because he is actually considering the practical difficulties of catering such a large event, including whether he should bring Rogers to help.
• Everyone misinterprets Qin Fen’s hesitation as evidence of his noble character and refusal to be corrupted by money.
• Rogers, believing his teacher is reluctant to accept, tries to negotiate indirectly with Grant. He exaggerates the rarity and value of Qin Fen’s wine, Clear Spring Dew, and claims Qin Fen may not have time for the banquet.
• Qin Fen realizes Rogers is accidentally making the offer more attractive and anxiously tells him not to talk nonsense, but this only reinforces everyone’s mistaken belief that Qin Fen is politely refusing.
• Grant, convinced that Qin Fen is merely too reserved to reject him directly, raises the offer to eight million euros, adding three cases of wine and a valuable Chinese treasure.
• Qin Fen is left stunned because he had intended to accept all along. The misunderstanding makes him appear even more calculating and enhances his reputation as someone who profits from others’ assumptions.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen: Revealed to be practical rather than aloof. His hesitation comes from planning the workload and possible benefits of the trip, not from disdain for money. He becomes increasingly frustrated as others praise him for virtues he does not possess in this situation.
• Rogers: Demonstrates loyalty and initiative toward his teacher, but his attempt to protect Qin Fen’s dignity unintentionally drives up the price. He misunderstands Qin Fen’s intentions completely.
• Grant: Shows his wealth, persistence, and belief that everything—and everyone—can be won through sufficient money. He interprets indirect Chinese-style communication as polite refusal and responds by increasing his offer.
• Zhang Mingyan and Secretary Huang: Both admire Qin Fen as an incorruptible expert, projecting their own ideals onto his silence.
• Little Bean: Recognizes the absurd pattern of Qin Fen gaining advantage through accidental “assistants” who unknowingly help him manipulate situations.

Significant Themes

• Miscommunication and cultural differences: Grant interprets Qin Fen’s behavior through Western assumptions about direct acceptance and refusal, while the others frame it through Chinese ideas of modesty, relationships, and indirectness.
• Appearances versus reality: Qin Fen appears principled and uninterested in wealth, but he is actually calculating whether the opportunity is profitable and useful.
• Accidental manipulation: Qin Fen repeatedly benefits from people misunderstanding him. Even when he does nothing, others create increasingly favorable circumstances on his behalf.
• Money and value: Grant views money as the universal measure of worth, while Qin Fen’s value also comes from his extraordinary skills, divine identity, rare wine, and cultural influence.
• Comedic irony: Nearly every character believes they understand Qin Fen’s intentions, yet all of them are wrong, causing the offer to rise dramatically.

Character Interactions

• Grant and Qin Fen negotiate indirectly over the banquet, with Grant repeatedly increasing the offer.
• Rogers acts as an intermediary between his teacher and his friend Grant, unintentionally misleading Grant and inflating Qin Fen’s value.
• Zhang Mingyan and Secretary Huang praise Qin Fen’s supposed moral strength, embarrassing and frustrating him.
• Qin Fen tries to correct Rogers, but his protest is interpreted as further evidence of tact and reluctance.
• Grant concludes that Qin Fen is politely refusing and responds by offering eight million euros, additional wine, and a treasure—leaving Qin Fen and Little Bean shocked at how successfully the misunderstanding benefits him.

Chapter Summary: “When One Door Closes, Another Opens: Heavenly Court Academy Uniforms”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grant offers Qin Fen a Chinese bronze sheep head artifact, explaining that he intends to return it to China. The artifact’s historical and emotional significance shocks everyone present.
• Qin Fen realizes Grant’s real motive: he wants to use the artifact’s return as leverage to gain access to China’s political and business elite and secure approval for major investments.
• Rather than accepting the artifact personally, Qin Fen agrees on the condition that it be returned unconditionally to China. He also reveals that he will soon travel to Paris for Fashion Week.
• Secretary Huang supports the arrangement, recognizing that it benefits everyone: Grant gains political credibility, Qin Fen gains national prestige and Merit, and the country regains an important cultural treasure.
• Secretary Huang offers Qin Fen the use of a nearby lake at a symbolic lease price, further strengthening their relationship. Qin Fen reluctantly accepts, especially after Huang refers to them as “family” because of Qin Fen’s connection to Female Hooligan.
• After the guests depart, Qin Fen orders Little Bean to clean the villa. The dog complains internally but obeys because of Qin Fen’s overwhelming authority.
• Qin Fen checks his Heavenly Court Merit and realizes that his reserves are declining rapidly, partly because using Fortune and activating the Eastern Emperor Bell consume Merit.
• Searching Heavenly Court’s news feed for profitable opportunities, Qin Fen notices reports about:
  • A disturbance in the Endless Sea.
  • Thunder Duke being punished for accidentally striking ordinary people with lightning.
  • Wenchang Dijun visiting Heavenly Court Academy and recommending standardized school uniforms.
• Qin Fen receives friend requests from Thunder Duke and Shen Gongbao. He eagerly accepts them, especially because he has long been fascinated by Shen Gongbao’s infamous phrase, “Fellow Daoist, please stay.”
• Seeing an opportunity to earn Merit while promoting modern fashion, Qin Fen decides to design and supply uniforms for Heavenly Court Academy, bringing him into potential contact with Shen Gongbao.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen demonstrates political intelligence and long-term ambition. He sees the artifact not as a personal gift but as a way to increase his reputation, accumulate Merit, and strengthen his connection to the mortal world.
• He continues to treat money as insignificant compared with Fortune, Merit, and spiritual advancement.
• Qin Fen also reveals his entrepreneurial instincts by identifying academy uniforms as a chance to merge business, fashion, and cultivation-related benefits.
• Grant is shown to be a shrewd businessman. His generosity is calculated: returning the artifact will open doors for his investments while helping him obtain Qin Fen’s valuable liquor.
• Secretary Huang acts as a political intermediary. He understands the advantages of the agreement and becomes increasingly willing to support Qin Fen through official channels.
• Little Bean/Shorty remains resentful of Qin Fen’s treatment but is also excited by the prospect of witnessing Qin Fen meet Shen Gongbao, whom he regards as exceptionally dangerous and infamous.
• Rogers earns Qin Fen’s approval as a student and is allowed to return home before meeting Qin Fen again in France.

Significant Themes

• Value beyond material wealth: The bronze artifact is valuable because of its historical trauma and national symbolism, not because of its practical use or craftsmanship.
• Mutual benefit and political strategy: Grant, Qin Fen, and Secretary Huang each use the situation to advance their own interests while creating a mutually advantageous outcome.
• Merit and reputation: Qin Fen increasingly understands that public influence and moral deeds are essential to his cultivation and progress in the Mortal Realm.
• Modernity meeting mythology: Qin Fen applies contemporary business and fashion concepts to Heavenly Court, suggesting that mortal innovations can influence celestial institutions.
• Humor through cultural contrast: Qin Fen’s extraordinary cultivation makes ordinary treasures seem worthless to him, while Little Bean’s canine perspective and awe toward legendary figures add comic relief.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and Grant engage in a subtle negotiation, with Qin Fen exposing Grant’s investment agenda and ensuring that the artifact benefits China.
• Qin Fen and Secretary Huang establish a stronger political alliance, though Qin Fen is uncomfortable with Huang’s overly familiar “family” remark.
• Qin Fen maintains his domineering relationship with Little Bean by assigning him household chores despite his protests.
• Qin Fen’s anticipation of meeting Shen Gongbao creates an important setup for future interactions, especially since Shen Gongbao’s reputation contrasts sharply with Qin Fen’s confidence and scheming nature.

Shen Gongbao struggled to design uniforms for the Heavenly Court Academy until Qin Fen offered ready-made school uniforms. Shen Gongbao reacted to the short sailor-uniform skirts, while Qin Fen saw the Academy uniform plan as another step in his broader scheme.

• Shen Gongbao worried over the Academy's uniforms after Weaver Girl and Luozu were unavailable to help, and the Old Man of the South Pole gave him a two-day deadline.
• Qin Fen appeared at Shen Gongbao's office and criticized the Academy's focus on empty details instead of teaching.
• Shen Gongbao recognized Qin Fen as Dongwang Gong and wondered what scheme had brought him to the Academy.
• Qin Fen showed Shen Gongbao a sailor uniform on a video screen and offered to provide ready-made uniforms.
• Shen Gongbao said the skirt seemed short and felt strange, while Little Bean watched him darkly.

Qin Fen persuaded Shen Gongbao to use a school-uniform survey to protect his position as director of teaching affairs. Old Man of the South Pole rejected the idea and insulted the Spirit Treasure Lineage on a public video feed, leaving the Academy and Heavenly Court on the verge of a major feud.

• Qin Fen convinced Shen Gongbao that running the Academy could secure his influence and help him surpass Jiang Ziya, so Shen Gongbao agreed to present Qin Fen's uniforms to the students.
• Qin Fen created uniform samples with the Stylus, and Shen Gongbao announced that students could view them and submit feedback.
• Qin Fen opened a group video call to Chang'e and the Queen Mother, bringing Shen Gongbao and Old Man of the South Pole onto their screen.
• Old Man of the South Pole dismissed Shen Gongbao and declared that he would never approve the uniforms or allow members of the Spirit Treasure Lineage to succeed at the Academy.
• Wen Zhong's daughter and students descended from Jiejiao members reacted angrily, while viewers across the Heavenly Court and Tathagata watched the brewing dispute.
• The Jade Emperor saw the feed and, after hearing Old Man of the South Pole's remarks, realized that the old man had defied him.

Qin Fen’s plan to use a student vote to pressure Old Man of the South Pole spiraled out of control after the old immortal insulted the school uniform and called for Shen Gongbao’s resignation. As Jiejiao disciples rushed toward the Academy, Qin Fen feared the chaos would eventually be traced back to him.

• Old Man of the South Pole criticized Shen Gongbao’s uniform and demanded that he resign, while students used the Mysterious Light Technique to alert their parents.
• The Jade Emperor ordered Li Jing to prepare to go to the Academy in case the dispute turned violent.
• Wen Zhong and Zhao Gongming condemned Old Man of the South Pole, and Zhao Gongming rallied Jiejiao disciples to march on the Academy.
• The Queen Mother and Chang'e suspected that Qin Fen had made the uniform, while the Queen Mother warned the others to keep quiet.
• Qin Fen regretted setting events in motion as a huge crowd of immortals descended on the Academy.

Qin Fen watched as Jiejiao immortals confronted the Old Man of the South Pole, while the Jade Emperor scrambled to prevent a clash between factions. The Jade Emperor issued a decree putting Shen Gongbao in charge of a fair evaluation, leaving Qin Fen and the Queen Mother surprised by his intervention.

• Qin Fen decided to watch the confrontation first, hoping he could later use his help to win concessions from the Jade Emperor.
• The Old Man of the South Pole faced a furious crowd of Jiejiao immortals, and Li Jing arrived with heavenly troops to stop a fight.
• Zhao Gongming and Yunxiao demanded an explanation, while Yunxiao invoked the Primordial Golden Dipper and Qin Fen considered stepping in with the Eastern Emperor Bell.
• Daoist Haitian arrived carrying four swords, which the Jiejiao immortals recognized as the Four Immortal-Slaying Swords.
• Daoist Haitian read the Jade Emperor's decree ordering the immortals back to their posts and placing Shen Gongbao in charge of a fair evaluation, while forbidding the Old Man of the South Pole from acting on his own authority.

The Jade Emperor used Daoist Haitian’s intervention to curb the Old Man of the South Pole and strengthen his influence, ending the looming clash between the Jiejiao faction and the Heavenly Court. But when Li Jing discovered Natural Daoist’s school uniform was at the center of the dispute, the Jade Emperor realized he had accidentally helped Qin Fen again, while Lord Lao made an unexplained move from Tusita Palace.

• The Jade Emperor explained to Thousand-Mile Eye how Daoist Haitian’s intervention would let him balance the Jiejiao faction against the Primordial Lord’s followers and gain influence.
• Daoist Haitian’s arrival with the Immortal-Slaying Sword persuaded the Jiejiao disciples to leave, and they asked Li Jing to clear Shen Gongbao’s name.
• Li Jing took the Old Man of the South Pole and Shen Gongbao to inspect the school uniforms, then spotted a doll wearing one and realized Natural Daoist had been involved.
• The Jade Emperor saw the doll and uniform, regretted supporting the fairness-and-transparency process, and refused Thousand-Mile Eye’s suggestion to cancel it.
• A streak of light shot out of Tusita Palace as Lord Lao made an unknown move.