The chapter begins with the return of the High Immortal after an eight-year absence. He is immediately confronted by the Grand Overseer, who requests he tries to unsheathe Nirvana, a powerful sword. The High Immortal is also asked to investigate a broken demonic object, revealed to be part of a wooden tablet. Meanwhile, other characters discuss the High Immortal's unchanged appearance, his past relationship with a woman, and the possibility of his sword exposing a demonic path he may have fallen into.