Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan is pulled into a void river after activating the Heaven Stealing Cloth.
• He ends up in the North Underworld Sea on the Barren Moon Continent, outside the Three Realms.
• Li Yan spends two days confirming his location and exploring the area.

Character Developments

• Li Yan's body is severely damaged but quickly regenerates using healing pills.
• Li Yan remains calm and composed, even after discovering he's outside the Three Realms.

Significant Themes

• The River Leading to Heaven, a legendary space outside the Three Realms, is introduced.
• The theme of Li Yan's power and destiny is explored as he finds himself in an unexpected location.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan doesn't interact with Mei Hongyu, who is still in the Storage Ring, indicating his focus on understanding his new environment.
• Li Yan doesn't encounter any other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu are trapped in a cyan light space, possibly near the legendary "Heavenly River."
• Li Yan speculates that they might be near the void river, causing him to feel powerless and uncertain about their return.
• The Heaven Stealing Cloth inexplicably teleports Li Yan out of the cyan light space, injuring him severely.
• Li Yan discovers he's on the Barren Moon Continent, specifically at the North Underworld Sea, near the Pure Land Sect.
• Mei Hongyu is finally released and is shocked to find they're near her sect.

Character Developments

• Li Yan remains calm and analytical, trying to understand their situation and find a way out. He also shows concern for Mei Hongyu's mental state.
• Mei Hongyu is initially disbelieving and shocked upon seeing her sect, but she hasn't shown any significant emotional outburst yet.

Significant Themes

• The uncertainty and danger of exploring the unknown, represented by the void river and the cyan light space.
• The power of unknown or ancient artifacts, like the Heaven Stealing Cloth, and their potential dangers.
• The importance of companionship and mutual support in facing adversity, as shown by Li Yan's desire not to be alone in the void.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan explains their situation to Mei Hongyu, showing consideration for her feelings and trying to reassure her.
• Mei Hongyu is initially stunned and disbelieving, but she hasn't yet reacted strongly to Li Yan's presence or his explanation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mei Hongyu returns to the Barren Moon Continent, the place she left hundreds of years ago to seek immortality.
• Li Yan offers Mei Hongyu a stable ascension node to the Immortal Spirit Realm, suggesting they ascend together with his senior brothers and sisters.
• Mei Hongyu reveals she has a destination in the Zhu Dao Realm after ascending.

Character Developments

• Mei Hongyu: Reflects on her past, feels a mix of emotions upon returning to her homeland, and decides to ascend with Li Yan.
• Li Yan: Offers help to Mei Hongyu, showing kindness and consideration for her well-being.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Mei Hongyu believes her return to the Barren Moon Continent is a result of fate.
• Ascension: The desire to ascend to the Immortal Spirit Realm is a driving force for both characters.
• Trust and friendship: Mei Hongyu trusts Li Yan and is willing to ascend with him after their shared experiences.

Character Interactions

• Mei Hongyu and Li Yan: They discuss ascension nodes, plans for the future, and Mei Hongyu's destination after ascending. Their bond deepens due to their shared experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan discovers he doesn't have a node to the Zhu Dao Realm, only to the Cang Xuan Realm.
• Mei Hongyu expresses her intention to ascend with Li Yan, but he explains the dangers and difficulties of crossing realms in the upper realm.
• Mei Hongyu decides not to ascend with Li Yan and plans to find ascension nodes in the lower realms by inquiring with powerful sects.

Character Developments

• Li Yan: Shows concern for Mei Hongyu's safety and explains the challenges of crossing realms in the upper realm.
• Mei Hongyu: Realizes the vastness and dangers of the upper realm, decides not to ascend with Li Yan, and forms a new plan to find ascension nodes.

Significant Themes

• The vastness and dangers of the upper realm.
• The challenges and uncertainties of cultivation and ascension.
• The importance of reliable information and connections in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu: Li Yan explains the realities of the upper realm to Mei Hongyu, who then decides not to ascend with him and forms a new plan. Their interaction shows mutual respect and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan decides to help Mei Hongyu ascend to the Cang Xuan Realm and send her to the inter-realm teleportation array, as he plans to go to Luogu City anyway.
• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu set off for the Netherworld Sect.

Character Developments

• Li Yan shows gratitude and willingness to help Mei Hongyu, despite having his own pressing matters to attend to.
• Mei Hongyu is touched by Li Yan's help and swears to repay his kindness, despite not being able to do so immediately.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and kindness: Li Yan helps Mei Hongyu out of gratitude for her saving him earlier.
• Debt and repayment: Mei Hongyu feels indebted to Li Yan and swears to repay him in the future.
• Destiny: Li Yan mentions that he and Mei Hongyu are destined to be together, implying a connection between them.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu: Li Yan offers to help Mei Hongyu ascend and send her to the Zhu Dao Realm. Mei Hongyu is grateful and swears to repay Li Yan's kindness.
• The woman in white gauze (from the Heaven's Mandate Mountain sect) and the little girl (her disciple): The woman guides the little girl in cultivating introductory techniques to help her eliminate tribulations in her third life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu approach the Netherworld Sect, where Li Yan senses changes and the absence of two auras from Small Bamboo Peak.
• Li Yan meets Feng Yu, an Elder and the new Chimera Envoy, who arrives in his Avatar form.
• Feng Yu reveals that Gu Jiuqi took Li Yan's senior brothers and sisters away twenty years ago, relieving Li Yan's concerns.

Character Developments

• Mei Hongyu: She is cultivating diligently, aware of her weakness compared to Li Yan, and waits outside the sect.
• Li Yan: He shows respect and politeness to Feng Yu, understanding the importance of maintaining relationships with high-ranking sect members.
• Feng Yu: He demonstrates amiability and openness, willing to share information and clarify his identity to Li Yan.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Mei Hongyu's dedication to improving her cultivation, Li Yan's concern for his senior brothers and sisters' ascension.
• Relationships and alliances: Li Yan's respect for Feng Yu, Feng Yu's willingness to share information, highlighting the importance of maintaining good relationships within the sect.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu: They have a cordial but brief interaction, with Mei Hongyu waiting outside the sect while Li Yan meets with Feng Yu.
• Li Yan and Feng Yu: They exchange greetings and information, with Feng Yu clarifying his identity and Li Yan expressing gratitude for the updates on his senior brothers and sisters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan meets Feng Yu, the new Chimera Envoy, in disguise as a disciple.
• The Netherworld Sect is wary of the Yin-Yang Chaos Sect and is investigating the Ghost Domain incident.
• Li Yan learns that the Upper Realm sect hasn't made a decision yet and that Feng Yu can't reveal more information.
• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu leave the Netherworld Sect, with Li Yan deciding not to return to the Mortal Realm again.

Character Developments

• Feng Yu: Revealed to be the new Chimera Envoy, cautious and secretive.
• Li Yan: Realizes the changes in the Netherworld Sect and decides not to return to the Mortal Realm.
• Mei Hongyu: Feels relieved after the departure of Li Yan's Senior Brother and Senior Sister, enjoys the increased spiritual energy density in the Immortal Spirit Realm.

Significant Themes

• Change and growth: The Netherworld Sect has changed, and Li Yan has grown and decided not to return to his past.
• Cultivation and ascension: Mei Hongyu gains insights during ascension, and Li Yan plans to help her integrate with the upper realm's Heavenly Dao rules.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan and Feng Yu: They discuss the Netherworld Sect's situation and the Yin-Yang Chaos Sect's involvement in the Ghost Domain incident.
• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu: They decide to leave the Netherworld Sect together, with Li Yan planning to help Mei Hongyu integrate into the upper realm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mei Hongyu, a rogue cultivator, ascends to the Immortal Realm and adapts to its Heavenly Dao rules.
• Li Yan helps Mei Hongyu with her ascension and sends her to the inter-realm formation.
• Li Yan travels to the Ghost Domain to dissolve his Blood Contract with the Blood-Eyed Toad, Sima Zimo.
• Li Yan learns that the Netherworld Sect and Extinction Sect are strengthening their ties and preparing for war.
• Li Yan decides not to return to the Netherworld Sect to avoid being drawn into the conflict.

Character Developments

• Mei Hongyu: Shows determination and adaptability in the Immortal Realm.
• Li Yan: Demonstrates responsibility and resourcefulness in helping Mei Hongyu and dissolving his Blood Contract.
• Sima Zimo: Reveals his true identity and offers Li Yan a way to contact him in the future.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation: Mei Hongyu's struggle to adapt to the Immortal Realm's Heavenly Dao rules.
• Responsibility: Li Yan's commitment to helping Mei Hongyu and dissolving his Blood Contract.
• Consequences of Actions: Li Yan's decision not to return to the Netherworld Sect to avoid potential danger.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan and Mei Hongyu: Li Yan helps Mei Hongyu ascend and arranges for her to wait in his Spirit Storage Bag.
• Li Yan and Sima Zimo: They discuss the Dao of Poison, exchange information, and agree to stay in touch.
• The Three Sects: The Netherworld Sect, Extinction Sect, and Yin-Yang Chaos Sect are shown to be preparing for war, with the first two imprisoning Fa Nan and his companions for information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan, after leaving Xiqi Market, flies towards Luogu City Sect to plan his next move.
• He learns that Luogu City Sect has not exposed his news about the Five Immortals Sect, giving him hope.
• Li Yan infiltrates Xiqi Market, gathering information about Luogu City Sect's past actions and current strength.
• He discovers that Luogu City Sect destroyed the teleportation array to cover up the truth and deter other forces.

Character Developments

• Li Yan demonstrates his strategic thinking and analytical skills, piecing together information to understand Luogu City Sect's motives.
• Zhu Hongyi and Yan He, the two Body Integration Realm experts of Luogu City Sect, are introduced.

Significant Themes

• Information control and manipulation: Luogu City Sect manipulates information to serve their interests.
• Strategic thinking: Li Yan uses his intelligence to outmaneuver his opponents.
• Power dynamics: Luogu City Sect uses its strength to maintain control over Xiqi Market and deter other forces.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan interacts with various shopkeepers and cultivators in Xiqi Market, gathering information under the guise of casual conversation.
• Li Yan's past actions in Xiqi Market are discussed among the locals, serving as a point of reference for current events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan investigates and confirms that Zhu Hongyi and Yan He, along with a seventh-rank Golden-Eyed Flying Squirrel, are the ones who attacked him on the Forgotten Continent.
• Li Yan deduces that the Golden-Eyed Flying Squirrel was left in Luogu City Sect to guard it, as Zhu Hongyi and Yan He went to the Mortal Realm together.
• Li Yan plans to confirm his deductions and then implement his next step.

Character Developments

• Li Yan demonstrates his analytical abilities, quickly deducing the truth behind the events.
• Zhu Hongyi, though not present, is shown to be a powerful cultivator with a strong companion Spirit Beast, the Golden-Eyed Flying Squirrel.
• Yuan Zhen, the Golden-Eyed Flying Squirrel, is revealed to be a skilled alchemist, having spent eight years refining the Silken Eye Pill.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators and their Spirit Beasts, with the master's cultivation level often being higher than the beast's to prevent role reversal.
• The risks and dangers of facing a powerful sect, as Li Yan plans to deal with Luogu City Sect.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan's thoughts and deductions about Zhu Hongyi, Yan He, and the Golden-Eyed Flying Squirrel.
• Yuan Zhen's interaction with the Silken Eye Pill, showing his dedication to improving his innate divine ability.
• Li Yan's internal debate about his plans and the risks involved in dealing with Luogu City Sect.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Zhen considers sending a message to Zhu Hongyi and Yan He through a designated merchant in the Mortal Realm, as they haven't returned from their mission in the Lower Realm.
• Li Yan, disguised, observes the cultivators guarding Xiqi Market, planning to obtain information from them.
• A Daoist named Ding visits the cultivators at midnight, providing Li Yan an unexpected opportunity to infiltrate the courtyard.

Character Developments

• Yuan Zhen shows concern for his friends' well-being and progress in the Lower Realm.
• Li Yan demonstrates patience and caution in his infiltration plans, weighing the risks and benefits of using the "Heaven Stealing Cloth."

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Friendship: Yuan Zhen's worry for his friends reflects the importance of loyalty and friendship in the cultivation world.
• Risk and Caution: Li Yan's careful consideration of the risks involved in his plan highlights the theme of calculated risk-taking in achieving one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Zhen's internal monologue about Zhu Hongyi and Yan He reveals his close friendship with them.
• Li Yan's observation of the Daoist Ding's visit to the cultivators guarding Xiqi Market presents an unexpected opportunity for Li Yan to infiltrate the courtyard, potentially leading to further interactions with the cultivators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan infiltrates Luogu City Sect and poisons Lin Chaoming, a Void Refinement Realm cultivator, to extract information.
• Li Yan learns that the two Grand Elders of Luogu City Sect are not in the sect and haven't returned yet.
• He discovers that Luogu City Sect doesn't have Soul Lamps for their disciples, relieving him of worry about being tracked.
• Li Yan finds out that the Grand Elders left to find the real culprit behind the sect's recent troubles and that they have some clues.
• He learns that three out of four search teams have returned with no significant findings.

Character Developments

• Li Yan demonstrates his stealth and assassination skills, successfully infiltrating the sect and obtaining crucial information.
• Lin Chaoming, the sect's Void Refinement Realm cultivator, is portrayed as naive and unsuspecting, falling victim to Li Yan's plot.
• The Grand Elders of Luogu City Sect are shown to be secretive and manipulative, hiding information from their subordinates.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and manipulation is prominent, with Li Yan using his cunning to outwit his enemies, and the Grand Elders hiding information from their subordinates.
• The importance of information and intelligence gathering is highlighted, as Li Yan's successful infiltration and information extraction prove crucial to his plans.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan interacts with Lin Chaoming only through the latter's memories, as he poisons and searches his soul without direct confrontation.
• Li Yan's interaction with the Grand Elders is indirect, as he learns about their actions and secrets through Lin Chaoming's memories.
• Li Yan's past encounter with Amur is mentioned, revealing the animosity between them and the reason behind the sect's troubles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan learns through Soul Searching that Amur and the other three cultivators he killed are indeed dead.
• He realizes that either Amur left clues or Luogu City Sect has a time-tracing ability.
• Li Yan captures and interrogates Elder Zhang, discovering that Luogu City Sect's secret art, "Sword Spirit Connects Sun and Moon," can trace back past events.
• He deduces that Zhu Hongyi might have seen him through this technique and plans to infiltrate Luogu City Sect to deal with the Golden-Eyed Flying Squirrel.

Character Developments

• Li Yan becomes more cautious and strategic, realizing the severity of his situation and the need to adapt his plans.
• Elder Zhang's deeper thoughts and speculations are revealed, showing his intelligence and perceptiveness.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and information in cultivation, as Li Yan uses his understanding of the situation to outmaneuver his enemies.
• The importance of adaptability and strategy in facing adversity, as Li Yan adjusts his plans based on new information.
• The consequences of one's actions, as Li Yan's past deeds catch up with him.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan manipulates and captures Elder Zhang, showcasing his skill and cunning.
• Li Yan's thoughts reveal his respect for the power of Luogu City Sect's secret art and his concern about Zhu Hongyi's potential return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan devises a risky but high-success-rate plan.
• Yuan Zhen receives news of an attack on Luogu City Sect's stationed cultivators in Xiqi Market, resulting in one death and one injury.
• Yuan Zhen and a Void Refinement Realm Elder rush to Xiqi Market to investigate.

Character Developments

• Li Yan: Shows strategic thinking and risk-taking in planning.
• Yuan Zhen: Demonstrates leadership and concern for the Sect's safety and strength.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and retaliation: The attack on Xiqi Market is suspected to be retaliation by the Five Immortals Sect.
• Strength and power: The loss of Void Refinement Realm cultivators significantly impacts the Sect's overall strength.
• Precaution and preparedness: The teleportation warning system and Yuan Zhen's Divine Sense outside the Sect show their preparedness for potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Zhen and the Void Refinement Realm Elder: They work together to respond to the crisis, showing a hierarchical and cooperative relationship within the Sect.
• Yuan Zhen and the injured Elder Lin: Yuan Zhen's immediate action to visit Elder Lin indicates his concern for the injured cultivator and his desire to gather more information about the attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A murder and destruction occur in Xiqi Market, with the victim being an elder of Luogu City Sect.
• The market is isolated, and investigations reveal sophisticated methods used by the assassin, who also destroyed warning formations and the courtyard.
• Yuan Zhen, a powerful cultivator, arrives to investigate and discovers that the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is chaotic, hinting at the involvement of the Five Immortals Sect.
• Yuan Zhen tracks the assassins but finds no clues. He orders the temporary closure of the market and the verification of identities.
• Yuan Zhen visits Elder Lin, who was severely injured in the attack, to gather firsthand information.

Character Developments

• Elder Hong: Struggles to find clues but fails, showing his limitations.
• Yuan Zhen: Demonstrates his power and sharp intellect, taking charge of the investigation and making strategic decisions.
• Elder Lin: Survives a severe attack and is recovering, showing resilience. He provides crucial information to Yuan Zhen.

Significant Themes

• The power and sophistication of the Five Immortals Sect's methods.
• The importance of gathering and verifying information in investigations.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies.

Character Interactions

• Elder Hong and Yuan Zhen: Elder Hong defers to Yuan Zhen's authority and expertise.
• Yuan Zhen and Elder Lin: Yuan Zhen seeks information from Elder Lin, who provides it despite his injuries and the interruption to his recovery.
• Yuan Zhen and the market inhabitants: Yuan Zhen orders the temporary closure of the market and the verification of identities, showing his authority and decisiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Elder Lin was ambushed in his room by three cultivators, resulting in his injuries and Elder Zhang's death.
• Yuan Zhen returns and probes Elder Lin, confirming his injuries are real.
• Elder Lin recounts the attack, describing the cultivators' attributes and techniques.
• Yuan Zhen examines Elder Lin's damaged Flying Swords, discovering pure water-based Mana on them.

Character Developments

• Elder Lin: Injured and resentful, but provides detailed information about the attack.
• Yuan Zhen: Cautious and thorough in his investigation, discovers pure water-based Mana on the Flying Swords.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and resentment (Elder Lin's desire for revenge against the attackers).
• Caution and thoroughness (Yuan Zhen's approach to the investigation).
• Power and purity (the pure water-based Mana on the Flying Swords).

Character Interactions

• Yuan Zhen and Elder Lin: Yuan Zhen probes Elder Lin, then questions him about the attack. Elder Lin cooperates, providing details about the incident.

Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Zhen, a cultivator from Luogu City Sect, inspects Elder Lin's flying swords, discovering black water droplets and green crystal lights, indicating attacks with pure water and wood-based spiritual power.
• Yuan Zhen deduces that at least two cultivators from the group have Saint Spirit Roots, which allows them to combine the Five Elements.
• Li Yan, disguised as Elder Lin, uses a Soul Severing Slash to attack Yuan Zhen's soul, followed by a pink mist that separates Yuan Zhen's physical body and soul.
• Li Yan's plan involves killing Elder Zhang, luring Yuan Zhen to the market, and ambushing him, aiming to capture or kill him.

Character Developments

• Yuan Zhen shows his analytical skills and deductive reasoning, guessing the attributes of the cultivators' Spirit Roots.
• Li Yan demonstrates his cunning and strategic thinking, devising a complex plan to deal with Yuan Zhen and the Luogu City Sect cultivators.

Significant Themes

• The power of Saint Spirit Roots and their ability to combine the Five Elements.
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in combat situations.
• The danger of underestimating one's opponent and the need for caution in dealing with powerful enemies.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Zhen and Li Yan (disguised as Elder Lin) have a tense interaction, with Yuan Zhen trying to gather information and Li Yan attempting to deceive and eliminate him.
• Li Yan's Avatars work together to create a distraction at the market entrance/exit, allowing Li Yan to execute his plan without interference.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yan successfully lures and defeats Yuan Zhen, a seventh-order Demon Beast, using a combination of illusions, poisons, and a powerful treasure, the Rouge Pillow.
• Li Yan discovers that Zhu Hongyi, the one who initially discovered Li Yan's secret, has not returned and is likely dead.
• Li Yan learns that a team from the Luogu City Sect is missing and was exploring in the direction Li Yan came from, potentially searching for him.

Character Developments

• Li Yan demonstrates his cunning and strategic thinking in luring and defeating Yuan Zhen.
• Yuan Zhen, despite his strength, falls for Li Yan's trap and is severely weakened.

Significant Themes

• Cunning and strategy: Li Yan's use of illusions, poisons, and traps showcases his intelligence and adaptability.
• Power dynamics: The struggle between Li Yan and Yuan Zhen highlights the power imbalance between them and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan and Yuan Zhen: Their interaction is one of deception and power struggle, with Li Yan outsmarting Yuan Zhen.
• Li Yan and Zhu Hongyi (absent): Li Yan's thoughts and plans revolve around Zhu Hongyi, who is not present but plays a significant role in the narrative.

Key Plot Points

• Yuan Zhen (Li Yan) returns to Luogu City Sect and issues orders to strengthen security at Xiqi Market.
• He awaits news from the team he sent to investigate the murder of Elder Zhang.
• After two months, a young Elder reports that a Void Refinement Realm Elder from the Yin-Yang Chaos Sect wishes to visit Yuan Zhen, claiming to have information about the murdered cultivators.

Character Developments

• Li Yan, posing as Yuan Zhen, demonstrates his strategic thinking and patience in waiting for news.
• The young Elder shows loyalty and initiative in reporting important matters to Yuan Zhen.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and disguise is prominent, with Li Yan impersonating Yuan Zhen to manipulate the Sect's actions.
• The theme of investigation and pursuit of justice is also significant, as Yuan Zhen (Li Yan) is determined to find the murderers of Elder Zhang.

Character Interactions

• Li Yan (as Yuan Zhen) interacts with the young Elder, showing trust and reliance on him for important tasks.
• The young Elder interacts with Li Yan, demonstrating respect and obedience to his superior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Zhen, a cultivator from the Netherworld Sect, is shocked to learn that a team led by Feng Hefei, sent to find him, was killed by a cultivator from the Yin-Yang Chaos Sect.
• A representative from the Yin-Yang Chaos Sect, Zheng Youlin, visits the Luogu City Sect (where Yuan Zhen is hiding) to discuss cooperation in finding the Five Immortals Sect.
• Yuan Zhen decides to meet Zheng Youlin personally to discuss the matter.

Character Developments

• Yuan Zhen: Realizes the severity of the situation and the potential danger to his sect and Shizun. He decides to handle the matter personally, showing responsibility and maturity.
• Zheng Youlin: Shows patience and politeness, but harbors disdain for smaller sects. He is confident in his sect's power and his own abilities.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Yin-Yang Chaos Sect's power is acknowledged by other sects, highlighting the importance of strength in the cultivation world.
• Loyalty and Responsibility: Yuan Zhen feels responsible for the situation and is willing to face the consequences, showing loyalty to his sect and Shizun.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Zhen and Qiu Yu: Qiu Yu, a young elder, reports the news to Yuan Zhen and shows deference to his seniority. Yuan Zhen trusts Qiu Yu with the task of bringing Zheng Youlin to him.
• Yuan Zhen and Zheng Youlin: Although they haven't met yet, their initial interactions are polite and respectful, with each party showing caution and calculation.