So, a few things for those who might be confused:
[ol]1. The tapestry that was the focus of the Xia scene in Ch 40 originally had a crow on it. Same crow that's dying on the cover of that chapter. It can be seen in Ch 31, as well. Apparently after the crow dissipated, the hall lit on fire, which makes sense since the sign above the tapestry said "Arrogant Sun Hall" or "Blazing Sun Hall".
2. Xia McRibcage that the cat killed was still the city lord. He's the guy the Beast Transformation Sect cultivator said "went into seclusion without warning". He did it so the Soul Controlling Sect couldn't follow him, due to the prohibition.
3. About the prohibition: between our 3 translators, 2 say that it is only above Foundation Establishment, the other says it includes it. It makes no sense (to me, personally) if it doesn't because that would mean it only prohibits Golden Core and up, but Golden Core is really strong in this setting. If it didn't then the Soul Controlling Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators would've just followed the dude into the wilderness and killed him.
4. You'll find out what a "medical garden" is later.
5. More conflicting information about the "force possession" thing, but the general consensus is that Mo believes the cat should've forcefully possessed him to kill Xia. The cat was waiting for Mo's soul to be damaged, then he would've forced it and stolen his body. Mo activated the possession on his own before his soul was damaged.
6. You may think that cat's speech reads like he's just playing along with Mo's idea that he's an evil being trying to steal his body, but is actually just teaching him to be strong by playing the role of his enemy. You're probably right. Or are you?[/ol]