Ngl but “My Form Empties” would actually make sense to be in Canto 8
In the book Hong Lu instead of becoming a government scholar to bring honor to the family, he became a Buddhist monk so he can see his true love again. My Form Empties is the statue of the Buddha. Also talks about how Hong Li if he didn’t complete his life and devoid himself of lust I think that he would suffer in hell which My Form Empties would make sense as the battle with it is in a hell like temple full of blood, and the main gimmick is Karma which is something in Buddhism (correct me if I’m wrong). Hong Lu would spent time trying to rid his desires and lust in the book which obviously relate to Buddhism as well, Buddhism is just removing desires to reach nirvana. And what abnormality fits Buddhism better than My Form Empties.