In this chapter, we learn that Caixin's great uncle, the doctor, has come to visit the family. Caixin is shocked to learn that his uncle is the veteran doctor. The doctor explains that the golden needles that seal his meridian are made from bones of his kind, and that they restrain specific walking corpses. He tells Caixin that corpse herding is an ancient Chinese practice, in which the clan gathers the dead and brings them back to the respective hometowns so they can rest in peace. He warns Caixin to be careful of the imperial guards, as corpse herding takes place "secretly" in xiangxi, the ancient Chinese language. The elder Caixin tells his son that he has not intended to kill him, but for his friends, he must. He apologizes to Caixin for killing his father too late. He says that he just wants his father back.