Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen agrees to hear the Jade Emperor’s proposal for restructuring the Lottery Department, hoping the process will advance his own plans more quickly.
• Hongjun explains his realization that Qin Fen’s various treasures—the Nail-Head Seven-Arrows Book, Haotian Tower, and Demon Refining Pot—were all arranged by the Great Dao to compensate for the loss or transformation of the Treasure-Dropping Money.
• Hongjun concludes that Qin Fen’s rise has been carefully supported by the Great Dao through a long chain of events, including the Time-Space Trio, Pangu’s Creation of Heaven, the River Chart and Luo Writing, the Heavenly Book, and the acquisition of divine authority.
• Hongjun theorizes that the Great Dao is incomplete and cannot directly interfere with the Celestial Realm. It therefore needs Qin Fen to help restore itself, using the Mortal Realm—where laws are weaker—as a point of intervention.
• Determined not to be manipulated, Hongjun decides to obstruct Qin Fen’s advancement and seize part of the merit Qin Fen is expected to gain, especially from the Lottery Department reforms.
• The Jade Emperor proposes creating a special task force to manage the restructuring. Dongwang Gong will lead it, while the Jade Emperor, Ziwei, and Gouchen serve as deputies; the Queen Mother will oversee evaluations, and representatives from other departments will participate.
• The proposal gives the Jade Emperor practical control over the Lottery Department whenever Qin Fen is absent. Qin Fen recognizes the political maneuver but accepts it because opposing the plan would alienate the other officials.
• Qin Fen departs through time traversal just as the meeting concludes. The Jade Emperor crushes a scroll, signaling that his preparations are complete.
• Hongjun praises the Jade Emperor’s move, while the Heavenly Demon senses that someone’s Dao Heart has been disturbed, hinting at an impending confrontation or major development.

2. Character Developments

• Qin Fen remains pragmatic and patient. Although he understands that the Jade Emperor is seeking influence and a share of the benefits, he accepts the proposal for the sake of broader progress.
• The Jade Emperor demonstrates political intelligence, presenting a cooperative plan that appears beneficial to everyone while quietly consolidating authority over the Lottery Department and Qin Fen’s future rewards.
• Hongjun experiences a major strategic breakthrough. He believes he has finally understood the Great Dao’s plan, Qin Fen’s role in it, and the rules governing their conflict. His fear of being replaced drives him toward more aggressive opposition.
• The Great Dao is portrayed as a vast but constrained force that has secretly guided Qin Fen’s development while lacking the freedom to act openly within the Celestial Realm.
• The ministers and Star Lords become united by the promise of shared benefits, readily supporting the Jade Emperor’s proposal.

3. Significant Themes

• Fate versus manipulation: Hongjun interprets Qin Fen’s treasures and achievements as evidence of a predetermined path arranged by the Great Dao.
• Political strategy and indirect control: The Jade Emperor gains power not through open confrontation but by placing himself at the center of a seemingly cooperative administrative structure.
• The limits of omnipotence: Even the Great Dao is bound by its own laws and must work indirectly through the Mortal Realm and chosen agents.
• Merit and competing interests: Qin Fen’s potential merit becomes a source of rivalry, with Hongjun seeking to divide it and the Jade Emperor and other officials positioning themselves to benefit.
• The danger of insight: Hongjun believes that understanding the Great Dao’s scheme gives him freedom, but his certainty may itself lead him into another layer of the plan.

4. Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and the Jade Emperor interact cordially, though both understand that the proposal contains hidden political motives.
• Hongjun mentally analyzes Qin Fen, the Jade Emperor, and the Great Dao rather than confronting them openly, turning the entire meeting into part of his larger calculation.
• The Jade Emperor wins the support of Ziwei, Gouchen, the Queen Mother, and the other officials by framing his plan as a collective solution.
• Qin Fen’s acceptance prevents conflict with the assembled immortals but effectively allows the Jade Emperor to expand his influence.
• Hongjun approves of the Jade Emperor’s maneuver, believing it will help him resist the Great Dao and interfere with Qin Fen’s rise.

The Jade Emperor celebrated his apparent success in the reorganization, believing the Dao Ancestor had chosen him and that Qin Fen could not rival him. Qin Fen returned to the Soaring Firmament Palace and overheard the Jade Emperor boasting, leaving the Jade Emperor’s confidants scrambling to warn him.

• The Heavenly Demon sensed an immensely powerful Dao Heart fluctuating but could not locate its owner, while Primordial Lord dismissed his warning.
• Hongjun decided to follow Qin Fen’s intentions and channel his influence rather than oppose him.
• After the immortals left, the Jade Emperor celebrated with Taibai Venus and the duty star officer, convinced the Dao Ancestor’s favor would secure his future.
• Qin Fen returned to discuss the new department’s independence, leadership, and team roster, then overheard the Jade Emperor claiming to be the Dao Ancestor’s chosen one.
• The duty star officer tried to warn the Jade Emperor, but the Jade Emperor mistook his cough for agreement as Qin Fen stood behind him.

Qin Fen secretly listened as the Jade Emperor bragged about his role in the Heavenly Court’s reorganization and insulted him, while Taibai and the Star Officer on Duty tried to stop the Jade Emperor from digging himself deeper. When Qin Fen revealed he had heard everything, the Jade Emperor was left humiliated and dreading the consequences.

• Qin Fen stood silently behind the Jade Emperor while the Jade Emperor called him reckless and an idiot, leaving Taibai and the Star Officer on Duty scrambling to soften the insults.
• Taibai and the Star Officer tried to redirect the conversation, but the Jade Emperor boasted that he had secured a major share of the reorganization’s benefits.
• Qin Fen spoke from behind the Jade Emperor and confirmed that his contribution was indispensable.
• The Jade Emperor turned, saw Qin Fen, and realized he had overheard the entire conversation.
• Qin Fen explained that he had waited because the Jade Emperor had been discussing state affairs, leaving the Jade Emperor mortified and fearful that Qin Fen would retaliate.

Qin Fen discussed the new department’s independence and staffing with the Jade Emperor, who agreed while secretly arranging ways for the Heavenly Court to control it. The Jade Emperor’s appointments appeared across the Heavenly Court, and Hongjun approved of his actions.

• Qin Fen asked the Jade Emperor for a list of participants and insisted that the new department remain independent and recruit junior immortals rather than existing principal gods.
• After Qin Fen left, the Jade Emperor and Taibai speculated that he was constrained by the four demon gods and the Treasure-Dropping Money, then the Jade Emperor received confirmation that the Investiture Scroll had taken effect.
• The Jade Emperor appointed the star official on daily duty to oversee the new department and lottery, and assigned Taibai control over its logistics and supplies.
• The Jade Emperor planned to let Qin Fen handle distribution while placing the manufacturing, regional networks, and oversight under Heavenly Court factions and offices.
• The Haotian Mirror announced the Reform Leadership Working Group across the Heavenly Court, naming Qin Fen as group leader and the Jade Emperor, Ziwei, and Gouchen as deputies.
• Hongjun learned of the Heavenly Book’s changes and praised the Jade Emperor for following his plans.

Qin Fen discovered an eraser that could alter the Heavenly Book after the Jade Emperor finalized the restructuring appointments. When Qin Fen erased the new entries, the Heavenly Dao declared the entire announcement invalid and plunged the Heavenly Court into chaos.

• Immortals celebrated or lamented as the Investiture listed new restructuring positions, including Wen Zhong, Huang Feihu, Ziwei, Taibai Venus, and the star officer of the Daily Duty Department.
• The Jade Emperor basked in praise from Taibai Venus and the star officer, believing the Heavenly Book had secured his plan against Qin Fen.
• Qin Fen returned to the Queen Mother and discovered that his Treasure-Dropping Money was missing, though he had acquired an unfamiliar eraser.
• Qin Fen found the Jade Emperor's Investiture recorded in the Heavenly Book and erased its entries with the eraser.
• The Heavenly Dao announced that everything just announced was invalid, throwing the Heavenly Court into chaos.

Chapter Summary: “Who Said the Investiture of the Gods Couldn’t Be Altered?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Heavenly Dao unexpectedly retracts its proclamation concerning the Investiture of the Gods. The list of selected members fades from the sky, proving that the decree has been invalidated.
• The Celestial Realm is thrown into confusion. The Jade Emperor, Hongjun, Lord Lao, Tongtian, Li Jing, and the star officials cannot understand how a Heavenly Dao proclamation—normally irreversible—could be overturned.
• Hongjun checks the Heavenly Dao’s “backend” and discovers that the system has issued a vague command: “Update required!” He angrily blames Qin Fen, believing Qin Fen has somehow disrupted his carefully prepared plan.
• The Jade Emperor is humiliated and furious because his attempt to use the Investiture Scroll to establish a restructuring scheme has failed. Spirit Mountain and the Heavenly Court also descend into disorder, though Tathagata is relieved that Buddhism is not directly involved.
• Qin Fen reveals his actual restructuring plan to Queen Mother. Rather than making the Lottery Group a subordinate Heavenly Court department, he wants to:
  • Separate government administration from enterprise management.
  • Make the Lottery Group independently responsible for its profits and losses.
  • Reward performance with greater earnings, Merit, and advancement.
  • Open the organization to mortals and members of the Demon Tribe.
  • Replace the immortals’ sense of superiority with a public-service mentality.
• Qin Fen’s proposal would create a broader market-based reform throughout the Celestial Realm. Other institutions, such as Weaver Girl’s Manufacturing Bureau, could also become independent organizations rather than relying on Heavenly Court resources.
• The new system would require beings to earn Merit through productive work and good deeds, creating a self-sustaining cycle of service and virtue.
• The Heavenly Dao approves Qin Fen’s plan: “Government and enterprise separated. The Lottery Group shall operate independently! Step Three of the Heavenly Court restructuring has been approved! The Investiture of the Gods is void!”
• The Jade Emperor realizes he has been outmaneuvered and accuses Qin Fen of setting him up. The immortals mistakenly praise Hongjun as fair, assuming he is responsible for the Heavenly Dao’s decision.
• Hongjun once again takes the blame despite not controlling the outcome. His frustration and humiliation cause a small crack to appear in his Dao Heart.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen demonstrates that his reform ambitions are much broader than the Jade Emperor anticipated. He is not merely creating another government department but attempting to transform the Celestial Realm’s economic and social structure.
• Queen Mother understands and supports Qin Fen’s vision, recognizing its similarities to large-scale state-owned enterprise reform and appreciating the depth of his strategy.
• The Jade Emperor shifts from confidence and triumph to shock, humiliation, and rage after his supposed fait accompli is erased.
• Hongjun becomes increasingly frustrated and powerless. Despite carefully planning the Investiture process, he cannot account for Qin Fen’s interference and once again becomes the target of everyone’s anger.
• Lord Lao and Tongtian are left genuinely baffled, as the Heavenly Dao’s behavior violates everything they understand about its normal procedures.
• Tathagata and the Buddhist figures react with alarm but relief, grateful that the chaos does not directly affect Spirit Mountain’s interests.

Significant Themes

• The limits of established authority: Even the supposedly absolute Heavenly Dao can be disrupted or forced to change, suggesting that no system is completely immutable.
• Reform versus political control: The Jade Emperor wants the new organization under Heavenly Court authority, while Qin Fen seeks genuine independence and structural change.
• Government efficiency and accountability: Qin Fen rejects bureaucracy, favoritism, subsidies, and complacency in favor of performance-based rewards and self-sufficiency.
• Equality and inclusion: Qin Fen challenges the traditional hierarchy separating immortals, mortals, and demons, arguing that all should be able to contribute and receive opportunities.
• Public service and moral economics: Merit becomes tied not merely to status but to useful work and good deeds, creating a cycle in which service benefits both individuals and society.
• Unpredictability and systemic instability: The Heavenly Dao’s “update” exposes the absurdity and fragility of supposedly sacred procedures, adding both political tension and comedy.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and Queen Mother: Qin Fen explains his independent, market-oriented restructuring plan, while Queen Mother recognizes its radical implications and connects it to broader institutional reform.
• Jade Emperor and the Heavenly Dao: The Jade Emperor openly demands an explanation after his decree is erased, but receives only the frustratingly vague response, “Update required!”
• Hongjun and the Heavenly Dao System: Hongjun attempts to control and appeal the process, only to discover that the system has invalidated his entire arrangement.
• Hongjun and Qin Fen: Hongjun angrily blames Qin Fen for derailing his plan, while Qin Fen’s reforms effectively outmaneuver Hongjun’s attempt to seize the initiative.
• The immortals and Hongjun: Believing Hongjun is responsible for the supposedly fair decision, the immortals praise him, unintentionally worsening his frustration because he knows he is not truly in control.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Hongjun’s carefully planned scheme collapses after Qin Fen unexpectedly counters the Investiture of the Gods. Although Hongjun had used Lu Ya to test Qin Fen’s fate and manipulated events involving Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang and the Jade Emperor, Qin Fen’s actions invalidate the Investiture scroll.
• The Jade Emperor consequently breaks away from Hongjun, causing Hongjun to lose influence within the Heavenly Court. The failure and accumulated humiliations destabilize Hongjun’s Dao Heart, creating a dangerous crack in it.
• The Heavenly Demon detects the damaged Dao Heart and becomes excited, hoping to exploit it. He initially suspects the source may be Yuanshi Tianzun, Tongtian, or another powerful figure in the Outer Thirty-Three Heavens.
• Yuanshi denies having any Dao Heart problems and cleverly persuades the Heavenly Demon to stop confronting him and instead report to Qin Fen, his new superior. Yuanshi also warns that the Celestial Realm has become unpredictable and that even Saints may be in danger.
• Meanwhile, Qin Fen investigates the strange notebook and Treasure-Dropping Money. He suspects the Treasure-Dropping Money functions like an eraser and realizes that the notebook can contain words despite having no visible writing instrument.
• A news notification announces that the Jade Emperor has carried out the Investiture of the Gods—but also that it has been invalidated. Qin Fen and the Queen Mother realize that the announcement corresponds exactly to their earlier discussion.
• Qin Fen reveals that he erased words from the notebook. He and the Queen Mother simultaneously suspect that the notebook itself may be the actual Investiture of the Gods, allowing Qin Fen to erase or alter heavenly decrees.

2. Character Developments

• Hongjun: Suffers a major strategic and political defeat. His loss of control over the Jade Emperor and the Heavenly Court causes his Dao Heart to crack, placing him at risk of collapse or demonic invasion.
• Qin Fen: Becomes increasingly aware that his seemingly ordinary objects may possess reality-altering powers. His curiosity about the phone, notebook, and Treasure-Dropping Money develops into the discovery that he may have directly erased a Heavenly Dao decree.
• Queen Mother: Moves from confusion to sharp observation, connecting the timing of Qin Fen’s actions with the invalidated announcement. She helps identify the notebook’s possible true function.
• Yuanshi Tianzun: Remains cautious and self-protective while confronting the Heavenly Demon. He manipulates the conversation to send the Demon away and warns him about the growing instability of the Celestial Realm.
• Heavenly Demon: His confidence and composure have been damaged by repeated encounters with Qin Fen. He is eager to find a broken Dao Heart but is also nervous about contacting Qin Fen, his new leader.

3. Significant Themes

• The fragility of absolute authority: Even the Heavenly Dao’s supposedly irreversible commands can be overturned, suggesting that its authority is not as inviolable as everyone believed.
• Fate versus disruption: Hongjun’s calculations repeatedly fail because Qin Fen’s unpredictable actions interfere with carefully arranged destinies.
• Bureaucracy and shifting allegiance: The Heavenly Demon’s uncertainty about whom he serves reflects the broader collapse of established power structures in the Heavenly Court.
• Dao Heart and psychological instability: The chapter presents the Dao Heart as both spiritual foundation and vulnerability; prolonged defeat and humiliation can cause even a supreme being to break.
• Ordinary objects with extraordinary power: Qin Fen’s phone, notebook, and eraser-like treasure blur the line between mundane technology and cosmic artifacts.
• Comedic subversion of mythology: Traditional events such as the Investiture of the Gods are treated like editable news announcements or digital system messages, with Qin Fen casually altering them.

4. Character Interactions

• Hongjun and Qin Fen: Though they do not confront each other directly in the chapter, Qin Fen’s unexpected counterattack destroys Hongjun’s scheme and causes his Dao Heart to fracture.
• Yuanshi Tianzun and the Heavenly Demon: Their tense confrontation is driven by mutual suspicion. Yuanshi deflects the Demon’s attention and persuades him to seek instructions from Qin Fen rather than continue challenging him.
• Qin Fen and the Queen Mother: They investigate the invalidated Investiture announcement together. Their discussion leads them to connect Qin Fen’s erasing action with the rewriting of heavenly reality.
• The Heavenly Demon and Qin Fen: Qin Fen’s influence is felt indirectly; the Demon fears and respects him after previous losses, even though he is now nominally expected to report to him.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Queen Mother realizes that Qin Fen has somehow erased words from the Investiture of the Gods, an act thought to be impossible except through supreme artifacts such as the Pangu Axe. This means Qin Fen unintentionally altered a decree that should have been absolute.
• Qin Fen discovers that the seemingly ordinary book, The Cultivation of an Imperial Lord, is actually the Investiture of the Gods. He had mistaken it for a standard diary or record belonging to the Eastern King Duke.
• Qin Fen reconsiders the nature of WeChat and its connection to the Heavenly Dao. He suspects it may be developing into an independent system—or even the embryonic form of a new Heavenly Dao—rather than simply being the “one thing that escaped” from the Great Dao.
• Since becoming the Dao Ancestor, Qin Fen worries that he may eventually be forced to undergo Dao Integration, like Hongjun. He strongly rejects the idea of losing his individuality and living alone for eternity.
• The Primordial Heavenly Demon contacts Qin Fen through WeChat. Because the Heavenly Demon can sense Qin Fen’s true identity as the Dao Ancestor, he is both terrified and thrilled when Qin Fen immediately replies.
• Qin Fen and the Heavenly Demon exchange their usual irreverent banter. The Heavenly Demon nervously calls himself “Little Demon” and apologizes for failing to complete an earlier task involving the Primordial Lord.
• When the Heavenly Demon asks whether he may pursue a new mission that follows the rules, Qin Fen casually approves it. His decision appears to concern Hongjun, who inexplicably sneezes twice and suspects someone is speaking about him.

Character developments

• Qin Fen: Gains a deeper understanding of his status and powers after realizing he controls the Investiture of the Gods. He becomes more serious about the possibility that WeChat is connected to a larger cosmic transformation and fears being absorbed into the Dao. Despite his elevated status, he remains casual, sarcastic, and unaware of how others interpret his actions.
• Queen Mother: Becomes increasingly awed by Qin Fen’s true identity as the Dao Ancestor. She is also embarrassed and jealous during his exchanges with the Heavenly Demon, especially when the Demon calls Qin Fen “Father.”
• Heavenly Demon: Shifts from fear to excitement after Qin Fen responds instantly. He begins treating Qin Fen like an approachable supreme ruler while remaining terrified of displeasing him. His desperation leads him to flatter Qin Fen and adopt the name “Little Demon.”
• Hongjun: Though absent from the main interaction, he is indirectly affected by Qin Fen’s decisions and senses that something is wrong, suggesting he may soon become involved.

Significant themes

• Power and misunderstanding: Qin Fen’s casual actions have enormous consequences because he does not initially understand the true nature of the objects and powers he possesses.
• Identity and cosmic destiny: Qin Fen questions whether becoming the Dao Ancestor means surrendering himself through Dao Integration, creating tension between ultimate power and personal freedom.
• Transformation of the Heavenly Dao: WeChat may represent the formation of a new cosmic order or Heavenly Dao, suggesting that the existing structure of reality is evolving.
• Humor amid immense power: The chapter contrasts grand cosmic revelations with mundane texting etiquette, banter, jealousy, and awkward social interactions.
• Hierarchy and fear: The Heavenly Demon’s behavior shows how drastically Qin Fen’s elevation changes their relationship, even though Qin Fen continues treating him as an old acquaintance.

Character interactions

• Queen Mother confronts Qin Fen about pretending not to know he could alter the Investiture of the Gods, while Qin Fen insists he genuinely did not realize its significance.
• Queen Mother affectionately admires Qin Fen but becomes visibly jealous and uncomfortable when he jokes with the Heavenly Demon.
• Qin Fen casually commands and reassures the Heavenly Demon, while the latter alternates between reverence, fear, flattery, and excitement.
• Qin Fen authorizes the Heavenly Demon’s new mission without realizing that the decision may directly affect Hongjun, whose mysterious sneezing hints at an unseen connection.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hongjun attempts to divine Qin Fen’s plans but fails completely. Because Hongjun can normally calculate everything under Heaven, this inability confirms that Qin Fen is preparing another unpredictable scheme beyond abolishing the Investiture of the Gods.
• Hongjun reflects on why Qin Fen is impossible to predict: although Qin Fen is only a mortal, his actions are full of uncontrolled variables, and even the Great Dao has been unable to account for the chaos he causes.
• Meanwhile, Qin Fen speaks with the Heavenly Demon, who has become his subordinate. The Heavenly Demon praises Qin Fen’s supposed wisdom but hesitates to confront Primordial Lord because he lacks confidence.
• Qin Fen correctly realizes that the Heavenly Demon wants help dealing with Primordial Lord, a powerful enemy who obstructs Qin Fen’s own plans.
• Rather than giving him a real treasure, Qin Fen sends the Heavenly Demon a “Good Person Card” through the system. The card appears to possess immense power and is presented as a divine gift from the Dao Ancestor.
• Qin Fen deceptively claims that the card grants the protection of Merit and Primordial Yellow Qi, making its bearer immune to laws and evil—essentially suggesting that it is comparable to a supreme defensive treasure.
• The Heavenly Demon is deeply moved not only by the apparent treasure but also by Qin Fen’s declaration that he is fundamentally a “good person.” Since the Heavenly Demon has always been forced to work in darkness and viewed as a villain, this affirmation touches his deepest desire.
• Qin Fen promises that, if the Heavenly Demon performs well, he may eventually be allowed to change jobs and live openly in the light. Inspired, the Heavenly Demon leaves determined to defeat his enemy.
• Queen Mother witnesses the exchange and questions whether Qin Fen should really deceive the Heavenly Demon so blatantly.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen: Demonstrates his usual improvisational cunning. He recognizes the Heavenly Demon’s emotional weakness and uses encouragement, flattery, and deception to motivate him. He also sees the Heavenly Demon as a potential weapon against Primordial Lord.
• Hongjun: Despite being the incarnation of the Heavenly Dao and possessing unmatched experience, he is frustrated and unsettled by his inability to predict Qin Fen. Qin Fen represents a unique blind spot in the cosmic order.
• The Heavenly Demon: Develops strong loyalty toward Qin Fen. He begins to view Qin Fen not merely as a superior but as someone who understands and validates him. His desire to escape his villainous role gives him renewed confidence and ambition.
• Queen Mother: Acts as the skeptical observer, recognizing that Qin Fen’s encouragement is actually manipulation and deception.

Significant Themes

• Chaos versus destiny: Qin Fen’s unpredictable behavior disrupts the calculations of Hongjun and even the Great Dao, suggesting that individual action can destabilize supposedly fixed cosmic order.
• Manipulation through hope: Qin Fen motivates the Heavenly Demon not through genuine power, but by appealing to his desire for recognition, redemption, and a better identity.
• Good and evil as social roles: The Heavenly Demon believes he is treated as evil because of the role forced upon him, not because of his nature. The chapter questions whether morality is determined by one’s actions, position, or the expectations of others.
• Appearance versus reality: The “Good Person Card” may be worthless or different from Qin Fen’s description, but the Heavenly Demon’s belief in it gives him confidence. Qin Fen’s bluff becomes powerful because others accept it as truth.
• Cosmic beings and comic absurdity: Grand entities such as Hongjun, the Heavenly Demon, and the Dao Ancestor are placed in humorous situations involving chat messages, gifts, and exaggerated misunderstandings.

Character Interactions

• Hongjun and Qin Fen: Their relationship is defined by suspicion and frustration. Hongjun views Qin Fen as the one being he cannot calculate or control.
• Qin Fen and the Heavenly Demon: Qin Fen acts as a deceptive mentor and superior, while the Heavenly Demon responds with growing reverence and loyalty. Their exchange mixes strategic manipulation with genuine emotional encouragement.
• Qin Fen and Primordial Lord: Though Primordial Lord does not appear directly, he is revealed as a major obstacle and enemy whom Qin Fen wants the Heavenly Demon to restrain.
• Qin Fen and Queen Mother: Queen Mother serves as a witness and critic, openly challenging Qin Fen’s dishonest treatment of his new subordinate.

Chapter Summary: “Heavenly Demon and Hongjun: That Awkward Moment!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen gives the Heavenly Demon a Good Person Card, which costs him 3,000 Merit. Though Qin Fen is improvising, the card genuinely contains Primordial Yellow Qi of Merit, a force especially effective against Heart Demons.
• The Heavenly Demon is immediately impressed and grateful, believing the card to be a powerful magical treasure created by the Dao Ancestor.
• When asked how to activate it, Qin Fen invents an absurd ritual:
  • Recite, “For love and justice, I am a good person, punishing the tyrant!”
  • Perform exaggerated hand movements modeled after magical-girl and superhero transformations.
• The Heavenly Demon initially performs the ritual halfheartedly because of embarrassment. Qin Fen claims the card requires sincerity, faith, and a loud voice.
• After repeating the ritual with full force, the Heavenly Demon successfully activates the card and receives a powerful blessing. Qin Fen secretly sends him an additional “666” gift, further boosting his confidence.
• Believing he has received the Dao Ancestor’s approval, the Heavenly Demon teleports away to confront his target.
• However, he mistakenly arrives before Hongjun, rather than Tongtian. He loudly announces his self-proclaimed mission to punish a tyrant, causing Hongjun to spit out his tea in disbelief.
• Hongjun recognizes the visitor as the Heavenly Demon and is completely baffled by both the strange slogan and the unexpected intrusion. The Heavenly Demon also realizes that something has gone terribly wrong.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen continues to demonstrate his talent for improvisation and deception. Although he does not understand the card’s mechanics, he successfully convinces the Heavenly Demon that the ridiculous ritual is essential.
• The Heavenly Demon becomes increasingly devoted to Qin Fen, interpreting the Good Person Card as proof of the Dao Ancestor’s trust and support. His embarrassment gives way to fanatic determination, and he eagerly accepts his “mission.”
• Queen Mother sees through Qin Fen’s nonsense and is openly amused and disdainful, though she plays along. She finds the ritual too humiliating to perform herself.
• Hongjun is introduced as cautious and calculating, but his composure collapses when the Heavenly Demon abruptly appears and delivers the ridiculous declaration.

Significant Themes

• Deception and improvisation: Qin Fen turns ignorance into authority by confidently inventing explanations and rituals.
• Faith and self-fulfilling belief: The Heavenly Demon’s belief in the card and Qin Fen’s instructions helps produce real results, showing how conviction can amplify power.
• Comedy through contrast: The Heavenly Demon’s frightening, powerful appearance clashes with his childish superhero pose and slogan.
• Authority and blind loyalty: The Heavenly Demon accepts Qin Fen’s claims without question because he regards him as the Dao Ancestor.
• Unintended consequences: Qin Fen’s scheme works, but the Heavenly Demon’s misunderstanding leads him to confront the wrong person.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and Queen Mother share silent amusement as they watch the Heavenly Demon perform the humiliating ritual.
• Qin Fen encourages the Heavenly Demon with grand explanations about justice and maintaining cosmic balance, reframing demonic actions as noble work.
• The Heavenly Demon expresses complete loyalty and promises not to disappoint Qin Fen.
• Upon arriving before Hongjun, the Heavenly Demon confidently declares himself a “punishing tyrant,” while Hongjun responds with shock, confusion, and repeated disbelief.
• The chapter ends on the awkward realization that the Heavenly Demon has appeared in the wrong place and that neither he nor Hongjun understands how to respond.

Heavenly Demon arrived at Hongjun’s residence and tried to conceal that Qin Fen had sent him to investigate Hongjun’s unstable Dao Heart. Hongjun saw through his lies, and Heavenly Demon left after pledging to work for Hongjun by contacting Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang.

• Heavenly Demon realized he had landed in Hongjun’s domain and hurriedly switched from boasting to ingratiating himself with Hongjun.
• Hongjun asked why Qin Fen had sent him, and Heavenly Demon first claimed Qin Fen wanted to invite Hongjun to dinner.
• Heavenly Demon admitted Qin Fen had sent him to investigate Hongjun and test whether he was secretly supporting Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang.
• Heavenly Demon offered to leave Qin Fen’s side and contact Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang on Hongjun’s behalf.
• Hongjun accepted Heavenly Demon’s offer, and after he vanished, Hongjun reflected that Qin Fen had several unstable elements around him.

Chapter Summary: “Three Women Make a Show”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen and the Queen Mother discuss sending the Heavenly Demon to trouble the Primordial Lord under the guise of a mission. Qin Fen insists this is merely strategy, while the Queen Mother mockingly calls him wicked.
• Their playful conversation becomes increasingly flirtatious, embarrassing both of them. The Queen Mother leaves to check on Sun Yujie and prepare food.
• The hidden companions beneath the bed emerge. Hongjun watches events with amusement, while Myna considers sneaking out. Nian remains suspicious of Xi.
• The Heavenly Demon survives and returns, but is now terrified because he has effectively become a spy caught between Qin Fen and Hongjun. He vanishes before Qin Fen can discover him.
• The Mountain Demon and Chameleon arrive at the hotel in disguise, accompanied by a poodle. They plan to regroup with their missing companions and destroy Treasure-Dropping Money.
• Yan Bing also comes to the hotel, intending to steal the Luminous Pearl. Unknown to him, Xu Lang is following and planning to reclaim everything he lost.
• Qin Fen discovers Sun Yujie’s sister preparing scallop and crab congee. Their close, teasing interaction becomes awkwardly suggestive.
• Female Hooligan suddenly appears and catches Qin Fen standing intimately close to the younger woman. Jealous and amused, she confronts him, creating a tense but comedic situation involving the three women.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen remains scheming and self-confident, viewing his manipulation of the Heavenly Demon as clever strategy rather than cruelty. However, he becomes easily flustered by flirtatious women and the increasingly complicated romantic atmosphere.
• The Queen Mother shows a more playful, teasing side. Though powerful and dignified, she becomes shy after provoking Qin Fen and retreats under the pretense of checking on Sun Yujie.
• The Heavenly Demon shifts from reluctant participant to terrified double agent. He realizes that both sides may punish him and becomes increasingly desperate to avoid discovery.
• Hongjun is portrayed as an amused observer who enjoys watching the conflict unfold rather than intervening directly.
• Female Hooligan/Sun Yating displays jealousy and boldness, deliberately intimidating Qin Fen after seeing him with her younger sister.
• Sun Yujie’s younger sister acts flirtatiously toward Qin Fen, apparently testing his reactions and adding to the romantic confusion.
• Mountain Demon and Chameleon continue operating as a dysfunctional but committed team, with Chameleon suffering the indignity of disguising himself as a woman.
• Yan Bing and Xu Lang both advance their own hidden agendas, establishing a layered pursuit in which each hunter is unaware of another threat behind him.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Qin Fen’s scheme involving the Heavenly Demon, the demons’ disguises, and the competing plans of Yan Bing and Xu Lang all emphasize hidden motives and strategic betrayal.
• The observer versus the participant: Hongjun and the hidden companions treat events like entertainment, while the Heavenly Demon experiences them as a life-threatening crisis.
• Romantic and comedic tension: Flirtation, jealousy, embarrassment, and misunderstandings dominate Qin Fen’s interactions with the women.
• Predator and prey dynamics: The “mantis and oriole” imagery reflects the chapter’s chain of characters spying on, pursuing, and manipulating one another.
• Chaos beneath apparent calm: Although the palace and hotel seem quiet, multiple factions are converging, turning an ordinary morning into the center of several competing schemes.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and the Queen Mother exchange teasing insults that reveal growing familiarity and mutual attraction.
• The Heavenly Demon remains anxious about Qin Fen and Hongjun, fearing that either may uncover his betrayal.
• Nian watches Xi suspiciously, while Myna wants to escape and explore, showing differing attitudes among the hidden companions.
• Mountain Demon and Chameleon argue over their disguise while cooperating on their mission.
• Yan Bing pursues Qin Fen’s pearl, unaware that Xu Lang is stalking him from a distance.
• Qin Fen’s playful closeness with Sun Yujie’s sister is interrupted by Female Hooligan, whose jealousy produces a humorous confrontation and leaves Qin Fen trapped between three provocative women.

Chapter Summary: “Discovering the Chat Group, the Gathered Demon Spirits”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Fen notices that Yao Chi is missing from the hotel. Sun Yating assumes she has gone out to buy breakfast, since Yao Chi cannot cook.
• Sun Yating and her younger sister arrive to support Qin Fen before his final Robot Competition match. They insist that he must win, though Qin Fen modestly says he will only do his best.
• Qin Fen checks his phone and discovers a nearby group chat named “Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang,” the four demon spirits’ group. Curious, he applies to join and is accepted instantly because the group has no real administrator—the demons communicate through divine sense.
• Meanwhile, the four demon spirits are gathering around the hotel to locate Qin Fen and determine what happened to Little Four. Big Brother enters through the emergency stairs, while Second Brother and Third Brother—disguised as Wang Zhiqiang and Chameleon—approach the front desk.
• Yan Bing spots Chameleon with Wang Zhiqiang and becomes suspicious, believing she may be betraying him or working for another employer.
• The disguised demons struggle to behave naturally in their assumed identities. Third Brother’s awkward attempt to act like a seductive woman attracts widespread attention and causes the hotel staff and guests to mistake them for an indecent couple.
• Second Brother cleverly books a room on Qin Fen’s floor after the receptionist refuses to reveal Qin Fen’s room number directly.
• The demons worry that Little Four may have been captured or harmed by Dongwang Gong’s forces. They also remain cautious because the Treasure-Dropping Money has not yet been destroyed, restricting their power.
• Qin Fen secretly listens through the newly joined group chat and realizes the demon spirits are preparing to act. He casually suggests having breakfast, but Third Brother angrily responds, “Eat my ass!”—unaware that Qin Fen is present in the chat.

Character Developments

• Qin Fen becomes more observant and proactive. Instead of merely searching for information, he takes advantage of the nearby chat group to infiltrate the demons’ communications.
• Sun Yating shows strong support and affection for Qin Fen, encouraging him forcefully to win his competition.
• Yao Chi’s absence creates uncertainty and hints that she may be involved in a separate event or errand.
• Yan Bing grows suspicious and jealous after seeing Chameleon near Qin Fen, revealing his distrust and possessive concerns.
• The four demon spirits demonstrate caution and teamwork, but their disguises expose their difficulty adapting to Mortal Realm behavior. Their anxiety about Little Four also shows their loyalty to one another.
• Third Brother is especially frustrated by having to maintain a female disguise, leading to exaggerated and socially disastrous behavior.
• Qin Fen gains an important advantage by secretly observing the demon spirits without their knowledge.

Significant Themes

• Surveillance and deception: Multiple characters spy on or attempt to locate one another, while disguises and hidden identities drive the tension.
• Culture clash and disguise: The demon spirits’ unfamiliarity with ordinary human customs creates humor and exposes the difficulty of blending into Mortal Realm society.
• Teamwork and loyalty: The demons coordinate carefully and worry about Little Four’s disappearance, emphasizing their dependence on and concern for each other.
• Curiosity and manipulation: Qin Fen uses the group chat to turn the demons’ own communication system against them.
• Jealousy and mistrust: Yan Bing’s suspicion of Chameleon introduces interpersonal tension and raises questions about her loyalties.
• Comedy amid danger: The serious search for Little Four and fear of Dongwang Gong are contrasted with the demons’ awkward disguises and the hotel guests’ humorous misinterpretations.

Character Interactions

• Qin Fen and Sun Yating discuss Yao Chi’s absence and Qin Fen’s upcoming match, with Sun Yating pressuring him to win.
• Yan Bing watches Chameleon and Wang Zhiqiang from a distance, suspecting betrayal.
• Second Brother and Third Brother communicate secretly while trying to locate Qin Fen’s room and monitor possible enemies.
• Big Brother coordinates the demons’ search from the emergency stairwell and urges patience.
• The demons debate whether to wait, search, or eat, revealing their impatience and differing temperaments.
• Qin Fen secretly joins their conversation, but the demons fail to realize he is listening, allowing him to discover their plans and concerns.

Wang Zhiqiang and Wraith Demon’s attempt to keep a low profile fell apart, while Yan Bing suspected Chameleon of betraying him and pursued him. Meanwhile, Xi considered siding with Hongjun, and Heavenly Demon tried to recruit Mountain Demon against Qin Fen before Mountain Demon ran into the Queen Mother.

• The third sibling’s angry muttering about eating a dick was overheard, drawing stares and embarrassing him and Wang Zhiqiang at the hotel.
• Wraith Demon took the stairs toward the ninth floor, while Yan Bing stopped Wang Zhiqiang and Xu Lang followed Chameleon into the stairwell.
• Xi resolved to help Hongjun oppose Qin Fen in exchange for a chance to become an auspicious beast.
• Heavenly Demon spotted Mountain Demon disguised as a dog and falsely claimed that Hongjun had sent others to help deal with Qin Fen.
• Heavenly Demon instructed Mountain Demon to sneak inside and wag his tail as a signal, but the Queen Mother spotted Mountain Demon and asked whether he was lost.

Chapter Summary: Infiltration: The Heavenly Demon Really Had an Insider

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Queen Mother returns to the hotel with soup dumplings and encounters Mountain Demon disguised as a lost, pitiful little dog.
• Mountain Demon uses the opportunity to gain her sympathy and successfully infiltrates Qin Fen’s group by following her back to the room.
• The Heavenly Demon encourages Mountain Demon from outside but continues to bluff about being his ally, leaving Mountain Demon to believe he has meaningful support.
• Once inside, Mountain Demon observes Qin Fen and the others, trying to determine Qin Fen’s true identity and uncover his weaknesses.
• Qin Fen agrees to let the group keep the dog temporarily and register it with the hotel in case its owner appears.
• Mountain Demon begins exploring the room and identifies a tightly closed door that he assumes belongs to Qin Fen.
• Upon entering, he discovers several animal companions—Myna, Xi, Sui, Nian, Little Bean, and Shorty—and realizes that there truly is an “insider” among them.
• Mountain Demon announces that he is one of them. Because the animals can understand one another, he is delighted to find potential allies, especially after noticing the female dog Little Bean.

Character Developments

• Mountain Demon: Shows considerable cunning and theatrical skill, successfully disguising himself as a stray dog and infiltrating the group. However, his confidence and assumptions also make him vulnerable to misunderstanding the situation. He remains uncertain about Qin Fen’s real identity and begins investigating him cautiously.
• Heavenly Demon: Demonstrates his manipulative and opportunistic nature. He appears to encourage Mountain Demon but provides no genuine assistance, relying entirely on bluffing while remaining safely outside.
• Queen Mother: Displays compassion and a softer, more innocent side by taking in the stray dog. Her dignified public persona contrasts with her willingness to care for a vulnerable animal.
• Qin Fen: Continues to appear ordinary and unassuming, eating casually and behaving like an average person. This mundane exterior makes Mountain Demon even more suspicious, as Qin Fen’s apparent normality conflicts with the possibility that he is actually the Dao Ancestor or another extraordinary being.
• Sun Yujie: Readily supports keeping the dog, partly because she has always wanted a pet.
• The animal companions: Their reactions reveal distinct personalities, particularly Little Bean’s territorial suspicion and Shorty’s enthusiastic interest in the newcomer.

Significant Themes

• Deception and disguise: Mountain Demon’s infiltration depends on exploiting others’ assumptions about harmless animals. His disguise allows him to enter a heavily protected environment without suspicion.
• Appearance versus reality: Qin Fen looks like an ordinary mortal despite possibly possessing an identity of immense cosmic importance. Similarly, the harmless-looking dog is actually a powerful Demon God.
• Manipulation and unreliable alliances: The Heavenly Demon’s encouragement is deliberately deceptive, showing that villains and supposed allies cannot necessarily trust one another.
• Comic contrast and absurdity: Grand cosmic figures scheme and infiltrate while disguised as dogs, cats, and other animals, creating humor through the contrast between their true power and their ridiculous appearances.
• The growing mystery around Qin Fen: Mountain Demon’s observations reinforce the uncertainty surrounding Qin Fen’s identity and why Hongjun considers him such a dangerous variable.
• Foreshadowing and narrative complexity: The author’s note indicates that the various Mortal Realm, Heavenly Court, and Sea-Calming Divine Pearl storylines are converging toward the ending, increasing the importance of the current infiltration plot.

Character Interactions

• The Queen Mother mistakes Mountain Demon’s performance of helplessness for genuine distress and adopts him.
• Mountain Demon and the Heavenly Demon silently communicate, each pretending that the other is offering meaningful support while privately acting in his own interest.
• Qin Fen welcomes the Queen Mother back and agrees with the others that the dog should be cared for rather than abandoned.
• Mountain Demon carefully observes Qin Fen and the three women, trying to assess their relationships and determine who might pose a threat.
• After entering the closed room, Mountain Demon meets the animal group and enthusiastically identifies himself as an ally.
• His arrival alarms Little Bean, who sees him as an intruder, while Shorty immediately reacts with interest, suggesting that the new dog may disrupt the existing dynamics.

Mountain Demon mistook Shorty's eagerness for a fellow conspirator's welcome, while Shorty believed he had found a mate. After leading Mountain Demon outside, Shorty attacked him, leaving Mountain Demon shocked and protesting that they were allies.

• Mountain Demon recognized Shorty as a possible ally, and Shorty mistook his attention for romantic interest.
• Mountain Demon and Shorty agreed that Qin Fen's other pets were dangerous and went outside to talk privately.
• Qin Fen reassured the Queen Mother that Little Bean could look after Mountain Demon, then planned to visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with the women.
• Shorty marked his territory and made suggestive remarks, while Mountain Demon tried to get useful information from him.
• Shorty pounced on Mountain Demon and pinned him down, despite Mountain Demon's protests that they were on the same side.

Heavenly Demon betrayed Mountain Demon, devoured him, and gained power while Hongjun’s Dao Heart cracked further. Meanwhile, Qin Fen used WeChat to send a Brickbat at Chameleon, who was beaten by the system’s attackers and fled as Xu Lang arrived.

• Little Bean subdued Mountain Demon while Heavenly Demon watched and considered devouring him.
• Heavenly Demon turned on Mountain Demon, absorbed his soul, and grew more powerful, causing another crack in Hongjun’s Dao Heart.
• Qin Fen impersonated Mountain Demon in a group chat and learned that Number Three was preparing to act against him.
• Qin Fen sent Number Three a Brickbat, and system-generated men in black attacked Chameleon in the stairwell.
• Chameleon fled when another group of attackers appeared, and Xu Lang froze as he followed behind her.

Qin Fen used Brickbat to ambush Enchanter Demon and Wang Zhiqiang with mysterious men in black, leaving Heavenly Demon shaken by their impossible appearance and strength. Heavenly Demon suspected Qin Fen was behind the attack and resolved to avoid becoming their next target.

• Qin Fen realized Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang could possess people and worried about the humans around him.
• Heavenly Demon approached Enchanter Demon and proposed joining forces against Dongwang Gong, while concealing his own ambitions to absorb the Demon Gods.
• Enchanter Demon suspected Yan Bing was connected to Qin Fen and prepared to attack him.
• Qin Fen tapped Brickbat, and a crowd of men in black appeared and beat Enchanter Demon before dragging Wang Zhiqiang into the stairwell for a second round.
• Heavenly Demon failed to detect or probe the attackers and suspected Dao Ancestor Qin Fen had sent them.

Wang Zhiqiang and Chameleon reunited after being beaten and blamed Dongwang Gong, while Heavenly Demon urged them to confront their enemies. Xi contacted Heavenly Demon with Hongjun’s proposal, and the two agreed to work together, forming the Anti-Qin Fen God-Demon Alliance.

• Wang Zhiqiang and Chameleon compared their injuries and concluded that Dongwang Gong had exposed them and beaten them twice.
• Heavenly Demon persuaded the two demon gods to act first and volunteered to steal the Treasure-Dropping Money from their eldest brother.
• Xi secretly contacted Heavenly Demon while Qin Fen waited in the living room, and said Hongjun wanted him to help Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang deal with Qin Fen.
• Heavenly Demon demanded concrete benefits and accused Xi of hiding Hongjun’s promised rewards, including a transfer to the post of Ruler of Punishment.
• Heavenly Demon and Xi shook hands and formed the Anti-Qin Fen God-Demon Alliance with Hongjun at its core and the four demon gods as its foundation.

Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang believed the Treasure-Dropping Money had disappeared and planned to ambush Qin Fen, while Qin Fen learned of their scheme and worried they would target Female Hooligan and her sister. He provoked the Demon Gods into a furious exchange, and Heavenly Demon quietly led them toward an attack as he mocked them for being fools.

• Xi told Heavenly Demon that the Treasure-Dropping Money had disappeared, and Heavenly Demon passed the news to Wang Zhiqiang and Chameleon.
• Wang Zhiqiang and Wraith Demon decided to force their way in and ambush Qin Fen, believing the missing treasure left him vulnerable.
• Qin Fen read the group chat while impersonating Mountain Demon and realized Chi-Mei-Wang-Liang planned to threaten him through the people around him.
• Qin Fen worried about Female Hooligan and her sister, then argued with himself over which magical treasures and powers he could use to defend them.
• Qin Fen revealed his identity in the chat and taunted Wang Zhiqiang and Chameleon until they lost their tempers.
• Heavenly Demon told Wang Zhiqiang that Qin Fen was about to go out, while secretly calling him and Chameleon idiots.