Good And Evil Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Good And Evil Synopsis
Chun Yao is guarding the Wan Chuan demons originally, due to a mistake was deported, became the king of the demons in the Bai Ling Tan. He had to take Han Sheng, the unlucky princess of the northern land, to start a journey to find the “Su Shu” to avoid the “thousand-year doom”.
Han Sheng enters the Bai Ling Tan and accidentally discovers that she is carrying the “Su Shu”, which is only available to demons, so she follows the Chun Yao to explore the mystery of “Su Shu”, and together they experience a lot and gradually fall in love with the Bai Hua Tan master who is inconsistent and arrogant……
Good And Evil Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Immortal Spring Water was tasked with guarding the River of Forget in Heaven, where numerous demons were imprisoned. For tens of thousands of years, he remained steadfast in his duty. One day, feeling lonely, he shaped his shadow into a human figure to play chess with, but the shadow remained incorporeal, without form or emotion. Si Mao, a Fallen Immortal Northern Dipper Lord imprisoned at the river's bottom, learned of Spring Water's plight.
She made a deal, lending Spring Water 108 breaths of immortality to sculpt a body of stars for the shadow. Spring Water then infused half of his own soul into it, thus creating Goddess Hantan. From then on, Immortal Spring Water was no longer solitary, spending his days playing chess and guqin with Hantan, living a leisurely life. However, Si Mao benefited greatly, absorbing the immortal spirit and dramatically increasing her power.
She forcibly broke the magic barrier, causing the River of Forget to pour down into the human world, allowing many demons to escape and wreak havoc. Spring Water and Si Mao engaged in a fierce battle, during which Si Mao transformed further into a demon. Goddess Hantan sacrificed herself to shield Spring Water from Si Mao's attack, dying in the process. The Heavenly Emperor was enraged.
He accused Spring Water of perverting the rules for personal gain and leading Si Mao to rebellion, resulting in the demons' escape. Spring Water accepted the blame. The Heavenly Emperor decreed that Goddess Hantan would be reincarnated into the human world, while Immortal Spring Water would be stripped of his celestial status, reduced to a half-demon, half-immortal, and condemned to guard the newly formed Hundred Spirits Lake for a thousand years to prevent demons from harming humans.
They were forbidden to ever see each other again, under threat of tragic ends if they defied this order. Spring Water accepted the punishment, and Hantan, before her reincarnation, promised she would be there when he returned. Nine hundred years later, the River of Forget's waters, having poured down from Heaven, had formed the Hundred Spirits Lake in the human world—a secluded habitat for spirits.
Chun Yao, the former Spring Water, now resided there, stripped of his heavenly memories, guarding the lake for over nine centuries. Goddess Hantan had undergone countless reincarnations, and in this life, she was Han Sheng, a princess of Northland, but widely believed to be cursed. In the Northland Imperial Palace, the King consulted the High Priest about Heaven's will. The Oracle advised against warring with Southland and suggested a royal marriage to foster good relations.
The King claimed to have no princesses, but the High Priest reminded him of Princess Han Sheng, who was born in a coffin on the day of Cold Dew, a birth that led to her mother's death and a three-year drought. Deeming her an ominous presence detrimental to the kingdom, the High Priest recommended sending her to Southland on the mid-July day to reverse the kingdom's ill fortune.
Palace maids gossiped about Han Sheng, calling her the "coffin-birth princess" and "unlucky" because she cast no shadow, advising others to hurry past her. Han Sheng's cat, Charcoal, led her to a spot in the garden, digging up a package of jewelry. Han Sheng believed Charcoal knew she was leaving and had gathered travel money for her. Before she could collect them, guards rushed in, accusing her of stealing lost palace valuables and catching her red-handed.
Han Sheng protested her innocence and fled, pursued by the guards. Charcoal instantly transformed into a giant cat, terrifying the guards, who fled in panic. The next day, a Nanny, unconvinced by the demon story, arrived with guards and a spell to confront the "demon cat." Han Sheng urged Charcoal to run, offering herself for punishment instead. The Nanny, wielding a whip, began to flog Han Sheng. Charcoal, distressed, bit the Nanny, who then brutally whipped Charcoal to death.
Heartbroken, Han Sheng cradled her dead cat. Charcoal's soul, no longer a mere kitten but a cocoon-like spirit, then flew towards the Hundred Spirits Lake. Meanwhile, at the Hundred Spirits Lake, Chun Yao was being dressed by his attendant, Bai Shan. He perceived Charcoal's soul returning, sensing its suffering in the human world. He gently guided the soul, transforming it into a destiny scroll, and instructed it to be placed in the Pavilion of Destinies.
The day for Han Sheng's arranged marriage to the old King of Southland approached, set for mid-July, the day when spirits roamed freely. Han Sheng understood her father was using her to pass her bad luck onto the Southland king. Determined not to marry a stranger, she tried various ways to escape her carriage, attempting to sever her bonds, then feigning hunger, thirst, and the call of nature, and finally threatening suicide.
She eventually tumbled out of the carriage to find her accompanying guards gone, with only Bai Shan present. Han Sheng pleaded for mercy. Bai Shan used her magic to free Han Sheng from her bonds, offered to help her, and requested to borrow the carriage. Han Sheng, realizing the situation, fled on foot. At the Hundred Spirits Lake, Bai Shan ventured to the Monsters and Demons Pool, a forbidden area, to mourn her deceased husband, A'Su.
There, Si Mao appeared before her, stating their acquaintance stretched back almost a thousand years, hinting she knew her before her human incarnation, which Bai Shan denied. Si Mao then revealed that Chun Yao was responsible for A'Su's death. She offered Bai Shan a way to resurrect A'Su: Bai Shan must leave the Hundred Spirits Lake on this night of mid-July. Si Mao's words implied her presence within Bai Shan: "You fool.
White Fan, I know a way to bring A'Su back to life." On the mid-July night, Chun Yao, being attended to by Bai Shan, was reminded that it was the day spirits could roam. He instructed Kong Lan, a peacock demon, to oversee the spirits' departure, ensuring they did not disturb the human world. He also reiterated that Charcoal's destiny scroll should be placed in the Pavilion of Destinies.
Chun Yao cautioned Bai Shan about the dangers of the Monsters and Demons Pool on such a night due to the heightened activity of evil beings, if she planned to visit A'Su. Bai Shan expressed her gratitude for his concern. As Kong Lan registered the spirits leaving the lake, Chun Yao discovered a Mouse Demon attempting to steal its destiny scroll to flee to the human world.
Chun Yao ordered severe punishment for the Mouse Demon, consigning it to the Fire Cauldron. Seizing this moment of distraction, Bai Shan, along with her and A'Su's destiny scrolls, managed to slip past Kong Lan and escape the Hundred Spirits Lake. Meanwhile, Han Sheng, having fled from Bai Shan, found herself inexplicably walking in circles. Terrified by the roaming spirits, she inadvertently stumbled into the entrance of the Hundred Spirits Lake.
She was captivated by the beautiful scenery, believing she had entered a fairyland. She saw Chun Yao sleeping serenely on a boat and was instantly struck by his handsome appearance. Overwhelmed by nerves and the unfamiliar surroundings, she fainted after tripping. Later, Chun Yao discovered Han Sheng. He ordered Kong Lan to investigate her identity. Kong Lan reported that she was a mortal and suggested killing her.
However, Kong Lan also revealed Bai Shan's escape with destiny scrolls and noted Bai Shan's aura on Han Sheng, indicating they had met. Chun Yao delved into Han Sheng's memories, confirming that Bai Shan had indeed used Han Sheng's carriage to escape to the human world. Concluding that Han Sheng was now useless and knowing that no mortal had ever left the Hundred Spirits Lake alive, Chun Yao moved to strangle her.
As his hand closed around her neck, Chun Yao experienced a choking sensation himself, forcing him to release her. Kong Lan then pointed out a striking similarity: Han Sheng, like Chun Yao, cast no shadow. Chun Yao pondered who this enigmatic mortal truly was.
Episode 2 Recap
Chun Yao brought Han Sheng to the Hundred Spirits Lake, immediately questioning her about her lack of a shadow. Han Sheng, identifying herself as a Northland princess, countered by asking why Chun Yao also cast no shadow. Chun Yao then noted the prominent destiny scroll mark on her hand, stating it couldn't be a common birthmark given its immense power, and recognized it as a destiny scroll mark unique to spirits of the Hundred Spirits Lake.
Han Sheng, bewildered, claimed ignorance. Chun Yao explained that a spirit's destiny scroll records their entire past, present, and future, and decided to read hers. However, the scroll appeared completely blank. Perplexed, Chun Yao took her to the Pavilion of Destinies to determine her true identity, which only resulted in all the meticulously categorized destiny scrolls being thrown into disarray. Kong Lan, dismayed by the chaos, urged Chun Yao to kill Han Sheng, calling her an inauspicious person.
Han Sheng defiantly declared she would rather be killed than humiliated, even welcoming reincarnation. Instead, Chun Yao ordered her to restore the entire Pavilion, threatening to cut off her finger if a single page was damaged. Kong Lan then made Han Sheng change her red clothing, noting Chun Yao's dislike for the color.
Outside, both Chun Yao and Kong Lan wondered how Han Sheng could hide her destiny scroll's contents, with Kong Lan suggesting she might be a being that shouldn't exist. Chun Yao found the empty destiny scroll and this ability highly unusual, deciding to thoroughly investigate her mysterious background before making any final decisions, wary that a premature killing could lead to unforeseen complications.
Chun Yao delved further into Han Sheng's origins by reviewing her travel document for her marriage to Nanyuan Kingdom, which revealed she was the "coffin-birth princess" of Northland, born on the day of Cold Dew and deemed an inauspicious person. This confirmed her human identity, yet it failed to explain the strange phenomena surrounding her, leading Chun Yao to ponder if even destiny scroll writers could make mistakes.
Suddenly, the Star Lord of Life materialized, causing a cascade of silks to fall. Chun Yao instructed him to pay for the damaged goods, but the Star Lord, in a frenzied state, instead revealed an urgent warning: Chun Yao's millennium disaster was imminent, threatening to reduce him to ashes. Chun Yao, no longer a pure immortal, dismissed the warning, stating such calamities no longer concerned him, and rebuked the Star Lord for disclosing heavenly secrets.
When pressed for details about the disaster, the Star Lord admitted he knew nothing of its nature, timing, or cause, only advising Chun Yao to be cautious of any unusual people or events in Hundred Spirits Lake. He also expressed concern that Chun Yao had not yet collected all the destiny scrolls, a task promised by the Heavenly Emperor to restore his immortal status, and perhaps his best chance to avoid the coming calamity.
Annoyed, Chun Yao warned the Star Lord that the Heavenly Emperor would punish him for his unauthorized presence on Earth, threatening to turn him back into an eight-diagram board, prompting the Star Lord to quickly depart, but not before reiterating his caution about unusual occurrences. Chun Yao visited the Monsters and Demons Pool, discovering that the Kunlun Mirror had been stolen, sparking fears of demons escaping and causing chaos in the human world.
Wu Yin explained that Bai Shan, still grieving her deceased husband Liu Yunsu (A'Su), had taken the mirror after paying homage to him, likely hoping to see him within its reflections due to her intense obsession. Chun Yao expressed grave concern that Bai Shan might be bewitched and attempting to defy fate by rewriting life.
He resolved to find Bai Shan and retrieve the mirror without delay, entrusting Kong Lan and Wu Yin with the crucial task of guarding the Hundred Spirits Lake in his absence. Meanwhile, as Han Sheng meticulously organized the chaotic destiny scrolls, she noticed that each scroll corresponded to a specific cabinet compartment. In the process, she accidentally opened the Demon Seeking Stone, which then began acting abnormally. A destiny scroll bearing her own name, "Han Sheng," then miraculously appeared.
Chun Yao, witnessing the Demon Seeking Stone's erratic reaction, accused Han Sheng of feigning mortality and threatened to kill her. To save herself, Han Sheng quickly revealed that she could now perceive Bai Shan. Chun Yao then grasped Han Sheng's wrist and also saw Bai Shan at an old woman's house, where the old woman, whose face was full of birthmarks, was willing to sacrifice ten years of her lifespan to give Bai Shan a beautiful face.
Realizing Han Sheng's unexpected ability to track Bai Shan, Chun Yao demanded her obedience, threatening her with a gruesome end at the hands of other demons if she refused. Han Sheng reluctantly agreed to cooperate, though Chun Yao vaguely implied her future freedom would depend on his mood. After pledging her loyalty, Han Sheng, driven by hunger, requested food, which Kong Lan brought her, while Han Sheng secretly plotted her escape.
Chun Yao led Han Sheng on the search for Bai Shan. Han Sheng's continuous chatter along the way grated on Chun Yao's nerves, prompting him to warn her that while he might spare her, many small demons in Hundred Spirits Lake would eagerly devour a mortal like her.
Horrified by the thought of these barbaric demons, Han Sheng seized an opportunity to escape from a restaurant after she found the live "special dishes" too disturbing to eat, deeming escape the best strategy. Chun Yao was quickly alerted to her flight by a small demon and immediately gave chase.
Han Sheng, lost in the labyrinthine alleys, unwittingly stumbled into a deceptively beautiful room, which Chun Yao identified as a highly poisonous bone-eroding butterfly trap, acutely sensitive to the scent of mortals. He reprimanded her for her recklessness and instructed her to hold her breath to avoid detection. Despite his efforts to guide her to safety, Han Sheng, a mere mortal, collapsed from lack of air and lost consciousness. Chun Yao swiftly used his immortal energy to revive her.
Upon regaining consciousness, Han Sheng misinterpreted Chun Yao's actions, slapped him, and accused him of harassment and stealing her first kiss. Enraged by her ingratitude, Chun Yao initially intended to kill her, but he controlled his anger, remembering that her unique ability was crucial to locating Bai Shan.
To prevent any further escape attempts, Chun Yao placed a "heart lock" on Han Sheng, a magical restraint forged from the very chains used to imprison evil beings in the Monsters and Demons Pool, which compelled her to remain within one to three meters of him. He then magically conjured a temporary shadow for her, which Han Sheng, ever critical, complained was too fat and not her proper length. Chun Yao then informed her that their next destination was Yuzhou City.
Episode 3 Recap
Chun Yao led Han Sheng to Yuzhou City, continuing their search for Bai Shan. Upon noticing wanted posters for herself, offering a substantial reward, Han Sheng became distressed. Chun Yao then provided her with a Skin-changing Bracelet for disguise, which Han Sheng used to appear as a sturdy butcher.
At the city gate, Han Sheng confidently described her strength to a guard, but accidentally dropped and shattered the bracelet while helping move goods, revealing her true identity as the Princess of Northland. Guards immediately surrounded her, but Chun Yao swiftly pulled her into an umbrella, evading capture. He then chastised Han Sheng for her persistent bad luck. Chun Yao initially attempted to sense Bai Shan's aura but couldn't. Han Sheng, feeling hungry, suggested they find food and rest.
Without money, they crashed a wedding banquet. Han Sheng ate without decorum, confirming Chun Yao's observation that she was far from a refined princess. During the banquet, Bufan, the eldest disciple of Master Jalan from Mount Lingtai, performed demon-exorcising magic to address rumors of grooms being haunted by a female demon. He detected a powerful demon aura on Chun Yao and attacked, but Chun Yao effortlessly blocked his sword, causing the aura to vanish.
The host's steward apologized for Bufan’s inexperience, and Bufan, though suspicious, apologized to Chun Yao. Shortly after Bufan's departure, Chun Yao detected Bai Shan's aura nearby the restaurant. Han Sheng, feeling the need to relieve herself, went to the bathroom. Peeking into a room, she saw a strikingly ugly bride. Bai Shan then appeared, offering the bride, Miss Zhao, captivating beauty in exchange for ten years of her lifespan.
Miss Zhao, who desperately wanted to win the affection of Young Master Yang, readily agreed. As Bai Shan began her spell, she noticed Han Sheng outside the room and captured her, recognizing her as Chun Yao's spiritual pet. Chun Yao arrived, trying to subdue Bai Shan, but his spiritual power was mysteriously blocked by the Book of Fate mark on Han Sheng's body, allowing Bai Shan to escape.
Confused and angered by the inexplicable restraint on his powers, Chun Yao bound Han Sheng and tried to examine her mark with a blade, but couldn't physically touch it. He then ordered her to end her own life. Han Sheng reluctantly attempted to harm herself but found she couldn't; instead, Chun Yao felt agonizing pain each time she tried.
Realizing the unique and profound connection they shared, Chun Yao abandoned his attempts and ordered Han Sheng to assist him in tracking Bai Shan, promising to uncover the truth about her unusual nature. Meanwhile, Bufan, still determined to catch a demon, searched a brothel called Fengyue Pavilion. Bai Shan, disguised as a man, had hidden there and transferred her demon aura onto an unpopular maid named Sunflower.
Bufan, sensing the aura on Sunflower, tried to take her, but the madam demanded payment. Bufan, lacking money, offered talismans instead of his precious Mind-clearing bells. The madam scoffed, ordering him thrown out. At that moment, Bai Shan revealed herself. Bufan gave chase, while Chun Yao, having arrived with Han Sheng, also pursued Bai Shan, leaving Han Sheng behind.
Bufan, seeing Han Sheng, mistakenly took her for an accomplice or a demon and tied her up, questioning her association with evil. Chun Yao confronted Bai Shan in the forest. Bai Shan passionately explained she was acting for her deceased husband, Liu Yunsu. She accused Chun Yao of killing Liu Yunsu, claiming she had personally witnessed him beg for forgiveness before Chun Yao struck him down. Unknown to Bai Shan, this scene was an illusion conjured by Si Mao.
She dismissed Chun Yao's insistence that her understanding of the events was flawed, stating that he, who had lost his memories, couldn't comprehend her love or her refusal to accept the finality of death. Declaring she couldn't wait for another life, Bai Shan launched a fierce attack against Chun Yao. However, Chun Yao chose not to kill her, instead injuring himself to release her.
As Bai Shan fled, she warned Chun Yao, the "Spring Water immortal who lost his memory by the River of Forget," that he might one day experience the same all-consuming love and despair. After Bai Shan's escape, Si Mao appeared, subtly manipulating her. He mocked her weakness compared to Chun Yao and implied that his assistance would have led to her death at Chun Yao's hand.
He then showed her Liu Yunsu in the Kunlun Mirror, portraying him as waiting for her resurrection. Seeing Liu Yunsu, Bai Shan wept, her resolve to revive him solidified. Back with Bufan, Han Sheng complained about being tied up by both humans and demons. Sunflower, still enamored with Bufan for "saving" her, pledged her service.
Bufan, however, dismissed her, declaring that he, a Taoist disciple, viewed all women as insignificant as grass, and was only using Han Sheng to find demons. Suddenly, Chun Yao reappeared, easily subduing Bufan, untying Han Sheng, and soaring away with her, leaving Bufan frustrated and bewildered.
Episode 4 Recap
After leaving the city, Chun Yao and Han Sheng roasted their catch. Han Sheng, noticing blood on Chun Yao's wound, mistakenly thought he had killed Bai Shan. Chun Yao clarified that the blood was his own, from a wound inflicted by Bai Shan. Concerned, Han Sheng helped him bandage the injury, a gesture that softened Chun Yao’s typically cold demeanor.
Han Sheng, uneasy, pressed him about when she could be released, but Chun Yao teased her, questioning if she was worried about a demon like Bai Shan. Meanwhile, Bu Fan pursued Kui'er, whom he had found at a brothel. He was puzzled by the absence of demon energy from her, though he remembered sensing it the day before.
While Bu Fan went to fetch water, a voice from a fan in Kui'er's possession lured her to a riverside, promising her heart's desire. The voice, belonging to Bai Shan, offered Kui'er beauty in exchange for ten years of her lifespan, saying that beauty was a woman's best weapon. Kui'er, yearning for affection, agreed. Bu Fan, alerted by his mind-clearing bells, arrived as Bai Shan was about to complete the transaction.
He confronted Bai Shan, who mocked his reliance on artifacts. Later, while Chun Yao and Han Sheng were eating, they overheard people discussing a haunting at the Yang Mansion and the unconscious state of Young Master Yang. Chun Yao, suspecting Bai Shan's involvement due to her lingering presence in the town, took Han Sheng to the mansion. There, they met Miss Zhao, whose face transformed into a monstrous one at midnight, reverting at dawn.
Miss Zhao, recently married to Young Master Yang, pleaded with Chun Yao, mistaking him for a master, to save her husband. Chun Yao agreed to help Young Master Yang but said that Miss Zhao's condition was the price of her dealings with a demon and could not be reversed. Miss Zhao revealed that Bai Shan frequented the Town God's Temple, targeting women wishing for beauty under the Spiritual Tree, tricking them into trading their lifespans.
Han Sheng suggested a plan: she would disguise herself as an ugly woman to lure Bai Shan out. Chun Yao, finding her "agile and plain" appearance perfect for the role, agreed, despite Han Sheng's protests. He promised to help Han Sheng look better for the role and stressed that her task was to capture Bai Shan. Disturbed by Bai Shan’s earlier illusions, Bu Fan attempted to clear his mind. However, his mind-clearing bells rang again, signaling Bai Shan's presence.
He found Bai Shan continuing her enchantment on Kui'er. Bai Shan trapped Bu Fan in an illusion showing a past memory, possibly of a woman he loved. His master’s voice reminded him to stay focused. Breaking free, Bu Fan realized he was witnessing Bai Shan's past: Bai Shan and Liu Yunsu, her beloved, who were Chun Yao’s attendants. In this memory, Bai Shan persuaded a reluctant Liu Yunsu to venture with her to the Wangliang Abyss, despite the dangers.
There, they were attacked by Si Mao, who gravely wounded Liu Yunsu and caused Bai Shan to faint, only for Chun Yao to arrive and stop the attack. Bu Fan then witnessed Bai Shan's desire to revive Liu Yunsu using human lifespans. Bu Fan tried to convince her that it was all an illusion and to abandon her destructive path, but Bai Shan cast him aside, resolute in her goal to resurrect Liu Yunsu.
Kui'er, witnessing Bu Fan's pain, expressed her unrequited love for him, but Bu Fan, explained that his focus was on catching demons, not romance, and advised her to love herself more. Following the plan, Han Sheng, disguised as an ugly woman, made her wish for beauty at the temple. Bai Shan appeared, offering the usual ten-year lifespan exchange. Just as the transaction was about to take place, Chun Yao arrived.
Bai Shan accused Chun Yao of hypocrisy, reminding him of the death of Liu Yunsu. Han Sheng overheard this accusation. Chun Yao admonished Bai Shan for attempting resurrection, urging her to return with him. Bai Shan vowed to revive Liu Yunsu or die trying. During the ensuing battle, Han Sheng rubbed the magical mark on her wrist against a stone, causing Chun Yao immense pain, which allowed Bai Shan to flee.
Han Sheng returned to Chun Yao, who lay coughing blood, and expressed concern for his injury. Chun Yao then removed the remaining trace of the mark from her hand. Han Sheng, troubled by Bai Shan’s words, asked Chun Yao whether he truly killed Liu Yunsu. Chun Yao revealed that Bai Shan and Liu Yunsu were once his attendants, serving him for nearly a thousand years.
Episode 5 Recap
Han Sheng learned from Chun Yao that Bai Shan had stolen her and Liu Yunsu's destiny scrolls from the Hundred Spirits Lake to gather human life and resurrect Liu Yunsu. Chun Yao explained that Liu Yunsu's death, which occurred while protecting Bai Shan when the barrier between the human and spirit worlds was open, prompted him to create the annual Hundred Spirits Night Walk, so spirits wouldn't be confined for too long.
Han Sheng challenged Chun Yao, accusing him of being heartless and questioning the fairness of rules that led to Liu Yunsu's death, arguing that the so-called rules of Heaven shouldn't separate lovers. Chun Yao, in turn, scoffed at Han Sheng, a "wedding evader," speaking of love, and then revealed that he had forgotten his past, stating that even if the person he once loved stood before him, he wouldn't recognize her, and perhaps she wouldn't recognize him either.
Han Sheng, feeling a pang of pity, reassured him that true lovers would always find each other. Taking advantage of her softened state, Chun Yao subtly reapplied a spirit-binding bracelet to Han Sheng’s wrist, explaining that it would take days for his current spirit-binding bracelet to wear off, then mockingly thanked her for enduring the mosquitoes with him. Han Sheng was furious at his trickery.
As Chun Yao was still injured, Han Sheng reluctantly pushed him on a cart through the town. Passersby stared and commented on Chun Yao's imposing yet seemingly sickly appearance, speculating he was disabled or dying. Embarrassed by the whispers, Chun Yao asked Han Sheng to cover him with a mat. This only made the villagers more fearful, as they now believed he was suffering from a contagious, possibly fatal, illness and scattered in alarm.
Chun Yao then, using his magic, compelled Han Sheng to fetch him tea and massage his legs, despite her protests. Han Sheng asked how long he intended to keep her captive. Chun Yao promised to release her once Bai Shan was apprehended, adding that her destiny scroll’s connection to his magic was why he was suffering. Han Sheng, however, pleaded for Bai Shan, suggesting Chun Yao turn a blind eye to her actions given her tragic loss.
Chun Yao remained resolute, reiterating that it was his duty to control spirits and Bai Shan, being from the Hundred Spirits Lake, could not be allowed to remain in the human world. When Han Sheng pointed out he hadn't shown such concern for other spirits lingering among humans, Chun Yao dismissed her to go eat. Meanwhile, Bu Fan followed Bai Shan's aura to a residence.
He confronted her, expressing sympathy for her loss but warning her that continuing to take human lives was intolerable, even for Liu Yunsu. Bai Shan flirtatiously asked if he would kill her and if he wouldn't miss her. Just then, Lady Yu, the resident, emerged, looking beautiful and asking Bai Shan if her appearance had improved.
Lady Yu tearfully begged Bu Fan not to interfere, explaining that Bai Shan was a celestial fairy sent to fulfill her dying wish to look beautiful for her husband, who was expected home soon. Lady Yu revealed she was critically ill and merely wanted to leave her husband with a lasting image of her beauty. Bu Fan was surprised to learn of Lady Yu's condition, noting Bai Shan's unexpected kindness. Using her illusionary powers, Bai Shan conjured Lady Yu's husband.
They shared a poignant farewell, with Lady Yu finding peace in seeing him one last time before she passed away. Bu Fan questioned Bai Shan why she offered false hope. Bai Shan responded that an unrequited love, or living without hope, was far more painful than death, and that infatuated individuals find no regrets in even fleeting, illusory dreams. As she spoke, Bai Shan coughed up blood, her meridians damaged and primordial spirit fading.
Bu Fan offered to heal her, but she refused and fled, with Bu Fan giving chase, concerned for her rapidly deteriorating condition. Later, Kong Lan reported to Chun Yao that resurrection spells were a form of demonic magic, notoriously dangerous and almost always ending in failure, often with a severe backlash that could reduce the caster to ashes. He suspected Bai Shan had learned such a forbidden art from the demon world.
Chun Yao confirmed he had indeed sensed a demonic aura during their last encounter. He learned that three days later, at noon, would be a rare and potent time for ghosts, which Bai Shan would undoubtedly use for her resurrection ritual.
Chun Yao declared his intent to capture Bai Shan before she could complete the ritual and return her destiny scroll to the Pavilion of Destinies at the Hundred Spirits Lake, even if she was reduced to merely a wisp of spirit. Han Sheng, returning from dinner, overheard Chun Yao’s plan through the closed door. Moved by Bai Shan's unwavering devotion and feeling that "infatuated people should have a good ending," she resolved to help the "affectionate spirit."
Bai Shan, trapped in a powerful illusion, saw Liu Yunsu. He revealed he was merely an illusion and had learned the truth by playing the "guqin" she had crafted from his destiny scroll. He urged her to stop sacrificing for him and to live a happy life without him. As Liu Yunsu faded away, Bai Shan, in deep despair, plunged further into her hallucination, surrounded by grotesque figures of the lives she had taken.
Bu Fan, having followed her, broke through the illusion, causing one of his clear-hearted bells to shatter. He warned her that her mind was breaking, and she risked losing control of her illusions and dying. Bai Shan admitted her body was already failing, and since death was inevitable, she wanted to make one final attempt at resurrection. Bu Fan realized she was being consumed by evil.
He offered her a chance at survival: if she would abandon her quest to revive Liu Yunsu, he would seek his master for the legendary Heart-cleansing Dewdrop, a powerful remedy capable of healing souls, cleansing the mind, and expelling evil. Bai Shan, skeptical but desperate, agreed to trust him. Feeling despondent over Bai Shan's plight, Han Sheng found Bu Fan by the river. Learning he intended to seek the Heart-cleansing Dewdrop from his master, she offered to accompany him.
She suggested they claim Bu Fan had accidentally injured her and needed the Dewdrop to save her life, reassuring him that helping others with their "inner devil" was also a righteous act. At Langa Garden, Bu Fan's master initially refused, claiming he was a master of the mind, not a doctor. He also noted that Han Sheng appeared perfectly healthy. Bu Fan confessed his deception, admitting he needed the Dewdrop for someone else.
The master, using the metaphor of moths flying into a flame, warned Bu Fan against his deep obsession. Bu Fan argued that he sought his own answer within that "fire," choosing to "destroy in clarity" rather than "live in innocence." Impressed by Bu Fan's unwavering commitment to his convictions, the master finally relented and gave him the precious Dewdrop, cautioning him that if he could preserve his last clear-hearted bell, he could return.
As Bu Fan and Han Sheng hurried back, Han Sheng's spirit-binding bracelet began to hum, signaling Chun Yao's approach. Realizing Chun Yao was coming to stop Bai Shan, Han Sheng urged Bu Fan to rush ahead and deliver the Heart-cleansing Dewdrop to Bai Shan while she stayed behind to intercept Chun Yao. Bu Fan hesitated, worried for her safety, but Han Sheng insisted she would be fine and reminded him of Bai Shan's promise not to harm others.
When Chun Yao appeared, he questioned Bu Fan's whereabouts and mockingly asked Han Sheng if she missed him. Han Sheng, in turn, challenged Chun Yao, asserting that her destiny scroll was linked to his power, and if he harmed Bai Shan, she would make him suffer too. Bu Fan arrived at Bai Shan's hideout to find her gravely weak.
He offered her the Heart-cleansing Dewdrop, instructing her to drink it to sever the blood spell of resurrection, restore her spirit, and return the stolen human lives. Bai Shan, asking his name, thanked him, promising to repay his kindness in a future life if fate allowed. With a final determined look, she quickly drank the entire Dewdrop, having intended to use its power to ensure the success of Liu Yunsu's resurrection. Bu Fan watched in horror, realizing her deception and shouting, "What do you want to do?"
Episode 6 Recap
Han Sheng confronted Chun Yao, stopping him from pursuing Bai Shan and declaring she would make him suffer if he insisted on harming Bai Shan. Chun Yao, exasperated, explained that Liu Yunsu's death was not his doing; Liu Yunsu was injured by an evil spirit in the Monsters and Demons Pool while protecting Bai Shan.
Nearing his last breath, Liu Yunsu had pleaded with Chun Yao not to punish Bai Shan and to keep the truth of his death a secret, as he didn't want her to live a life consumed by guilt. Chun Yao warned Han Sheng that her attempt to "save" Bai Shan by using the forbidden Resurrection technique would only harm them, as both the caster and recipient would ultimately turn to ashes.
Han Sheng then revealed that Bufan had convinced Bai Shan to abandon the Resurrection and use the Heart-cleansing Dewdrop for her own healing. Chun Yao scoffed at this, asserting that Bai Shan's obsession was too deep; she would never use the dewdrop on herself, but rather to enhance her power to revive Liu Yunsu. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Han Sheng requested to join Chun Yao to help.
As they arrived, Bai Shan, already consumed by evil, was attempting to absorb Bufan's vitality to prolong Liu Yunsu's life. Chun Yao intervened just in time, saving Bufan. Seeing Bai Shan's current state, Chun Yao broke his promise to Liu Yunsu and revealed the truth: Liu Yunsu died saving her and didn't wish to be revived, nor did he want her burdened by guilt. Bai Shan vehemently denied his words, accusing Chun Yao of killing Liu Yunsu and making excuses.
She then enveloped Chun Yao, Han Sheng, and Bufan in an illusion, determined to revive Liu Yunsu before she would rest. Chun Yao found himself in the River of Forget, recognizing it as a mere trick of the illusion. Meanwhile, Han Sheng was transported to the Royal Palace, witnessing a joyous scene with her parents, where they lovingly named her "Han Sheng."
Overwhelmed by the warmth she never experienced, she became deeply immersed, refusing to believe it was an illusion and wanting to stay with her newfound family. Bufan, on the other hand, was in his master Jalan’s dojo, listening to teachings. Jalan repeatedly urged him to kill Bai Shan, whom he called a demon, creating intense internal conflict for Bufan. Chun Yao, having broken his own illusion, realized Han Sheng was still trapped.
He located her in the palace and tried to pull her out, explaining that her mother was dead and the current scene was Bai Shan's illusion. Han Sheng clung to the fantasy, declaring she wasn't the "Coffin-birth Princess" and wanted to remain with her mother. Chun Yao forcefully reminded her of her true identity and her earlier desire to save Bai Shan, which finally jolted Han Sheng back to reality. Together, they found Bufan, still caught in his illusion.
Chun Yao advised Bufan that his inner barrier was of his own making, and he needed to understand his true Tao to break it, noting that if he killed the wrong entity in the illusion, they would all be trapped. Bufan recalled his master's past teachings about distinguishing good from evil and staying true to one's heart, but also realized that Tao could encompass love. He decided to save Bai Shan first, then confront her.
With this clarity, Bufan shattered his own illusion, and all three returned to reality. Outside the illusion, they found Bai Shan actively performing the resurrection spell, having opened the gate to the netherworld. Liu Yunsu appeared before them. Bai Shan, overjoyed, rushed to embrace him, only to be violently thrown back as her cultivation was forcibly absorbed. The "Liu Yunsu" she had revived revealed his true form: Si Mao.
He mocked her devotion, thanking her for her powerful love that had inadvertently freed him. Bufan rushed to Bai Shan's side, distraught. Despite her serious injuries, he offered to seek another Heart-cleansing Dewdrop from his master. However, Bai Shan, now gravely wounded and with all her cultivation gone, regretfully accepted her fate, realizing she had been used by the devil due to her own obsession. In a flash of insight, she witnessed Liu Yunsu's final moments.
He had been gravely injured by Si Mao's attack, which occurred because Bai Shan's reckless venture into the Monsters and Demons Pool nearly allowed Si Mao to escape. Liu Yunsu, in his dying breath, had implored Chun Yao not to tell Bai Shan the truth, fearing her overwhelming guilt. Bai Shan, filled with remorse, saw Liu Yunsu pass away, but not before Liu Yunsu made Chun Yao promise to take care of her.
After her passing, Bai Shan's spirit reunited with Liu Yunsu in the celestial realm, finally finding peace together. Back in reality, Bai Shan vanished from Bufan's arms, and one of the bells he carried broke. Bufan clutched Bai Shan's fan, heartbroken. Kui'er, who had transformed into Bai Shan's likeness, approached Bufan, hoping he would acknowledge her. Bufan, without turning, simply told her to cherish her future and live well, and to forget him.
Chun Yao handed Bufan the Cloud Comb, explaining that it and Bai Shan were intrinsically linked, and asked him to safeguard it. As Chun Yao and Han Sheng were leaving, imperial guards apprehended Han Sheng, intending to take her back to the palace. Chun Yao intervened, easily subduing the guards and rescuing Han Sheng. He then offered her some sugar-fried chestnuts he had bought for her, eliciting a smile.
Later, Chun Yao brought the spirit books of Bai Shan, Liu Yunsu, and Kui'er back to the Hundred Spirits Lake. There, he removed the heart lock from Han Sheng's wrist, telling her she was free to leave. He explained that as a true human "Coffin-birth Princess" carrying the lake's destiny scroll, her continued presence could bring disaster. He instructed her to travel south, beyond the Northland kingdom, where no one would recognize her.
Han Sheng, though initially longing for freedom, felt a pang of disappointment that he wasn't trying to keep her, and angrily departed. Watching her leave, Chun Yao remembered Bai Shan's words by the River of Forget: "The one I love is gone. What about you? You can't even remember the one you loved! Spring Demon, oh Spring Demon! Who is more pitiful between you and me?" He pondered his own lost love. Meanwhile, Han Sheng reflected on her newfound freedom, muttering about the "smelly monster" Chun Yao, but admitting that regaining her freedom felt good after all.
Episode 7 Recap
Han Sheng, still angry with Chun Yao, found herself chasing a destiny scroll that had suddenly appeared and flown out. As she pursued it, she stumbled, and the scroll, along with Han Sheng, landed directly into Chun Yao's arms, leading to an awkward moment where they almost kissed. Chun Yao, seizing the opportunity, opened the scroll.
It revealed stories of the River of Forget in Heaven, where gods had imprisoned spirits and Immortal Spring Water had served as a guard for millennia. Chun Yao questioned Han Sheng about her connection to Immortal Spring Water and the River of Forget, but she, a princess of Northland, claimed no knowledge of such spiritual matters.
Observing her peculiar destiny scroll, Chun Yao suspected Han Sheng was no ordinary individual and, despite her protests, prevented her from leaving, bringing her back to Hundred Spirits Lake. Upon her return, Chun Yao instructed Kong Lan to take Han Sheng to her room. Han Sheng initially expressed dissatisfaction with her living arrangements at Hundred Spirits Lake, complaining about meager food and an uncomfortable bed, even throwing a tantrum.
Seeing this, Chun Yao subtly used his magic to transform her room into a luxurious abode, complete with silk screens, carved lamps, and a warm bed, which instantly pleased Han Sheng. However, the satisfaction was short-lived. Wu Shang meticulously calculated the exorbitant cost of the furnishings and other expenses, including a broken bracelet and worn-out clothes.
Even if Han Sheng served as a Spirit Stone for a hundred years at a monthly salary of ten taels, she would still owe thousands of taels. Chun Yao then declared that Han Sheng would become his personal maid to pay off her immense debt, adding a reinforced heart lock on her wrist to prevent any further escape attempts, which enraged Han Sheng.
When she indignantly asked who could have possibly endured being his maid before her, Wu Shang informed her that it was Bai Shan. Alone in his chambers, Chun Yao reflected on his past. He mused over the challenges of recasting the Kunlun Mirror, which required rare components like the Five-colored Magic Lotus, Ice Fire Stone, and the heart's blood of a merfolk.
He lamented his fate, recalling how misfortunes followed him, whether guarding the River of Forget or Hundred Spirits Lake. He yearned for the simple life of a mortal. His thoughts drifted back to Han Sheng's destiny scroll, which recorded his history as Immortal Spring Water and also had the power to stifle his spiritual energy. He wondered if her past life was truly linked to his and if her scroll could foretell his own destiny.
He reached for his tea, instinctively asking why it was cold, only to remember that Bai Shan was no longer there to care for him. As he moved around the room, every corner brought back memories of Bai Shan's thoughtful gestures and soft words, filling him with a poignant sadness. He quietly wished for Bai Shan and A'Su to find peace wherever they now were.
Later, Han Sheng, having settled into her plush new room, drifted into a sleep filled with bittersweet memories. She relived her childhood in the Cold Palace, neglected and suffering from a high fever, listening to the cruel words of a nanny who wished for her death. She longed for her mother to take her away from that harsh existence. In her dream, Charcoal, her beloved cat, jumped onto the bed and comforted her.
Waking with a start, she heard a cat's meow and followed the sound outside to the Spiritual Cocoon Tree by Hundred Spirits Lake. Chun Yao was there and explained that each cocoon held a life awaiting rebirth or an eternal oath. The black cat cocoon, she learned, was preparing for a long sleep, and it was calling its loved one for a final farewell. Han Sheng realized it was Charcoal.
Tears welled in her eyes as she gently held the spirit cocoon, assuring Charcoal that she was well-cared for at Hundred Spirits Lake and would no longer suffer the indignities of the Cold Palace. She blamed herself for Charcoal's death, confessing her weakness. Chun Yao comforted her, urging her to become stronger so she could protect those she treasured, expressing hope that when Charcoal was reborn, Han Sheng would be capable of safeguarding it.
The following morning, Han Sheng, with a surprisingly good attitude, carefully combed Chun Yao's hair and helped him dress. Chun Yao noted her unexpected skill, and she explained that hairstyling was one of her favorite activities. She openly spoke of her difficult past as an abandoned "coffin girl" in the Cold Palace, where she learned to find contentment despite hardship.
Observing Chun Yao's improved mood, she seized the opportunity to request a reward for her diligent service: she wanted to learn magic for self-protection. Chun Yao, suspecting she secretly wished to escape, reminded her of the heart lock on her wrist, and, seeing her lively spiritual fire, agreed to teach her. Chun Yao demonstrated three types of magic: controlling time and space, controlling everything, and self-control.
Han Sheng, eager for freedom, chose the magic of self-control, despite Chun Yao warning her it was the most difficult. Her initial attempts were clumsy, leading her to call out for Chun Yao's help. He, however, simply set a daunting task: she must memorize all the mantras within a week, or go without dinner, all while continuing her maid duties to repay her debt. Han Sheng, exasperated, cursed him as an inhuman devil.
Later, while preparing Chun Yao's meal, a task which involved learning the names of hundreds of dishes and tasting them first as per the cook's instructions, Han Sheng came across a cloaking magic spell in her book. The text indicated it usually required 500 years of experience, but could be achieved by infusing spiritual power into an object and wearing it.
Deciding to try, she served Chun Yao his food, then wrapped herself in a blanket she had imbued with spiritual energy, believing herself invisible. Chun Yao, aware of her trick, feigned ignorance, even acting confused about a petition that had mysteriously fallen to the floor. However, as Han Sheng was about to make her escape, she tripped, revealing herself.
Chun Yao, pretending to suddenly see her, advised her to use a clean blanket next time, as he could "smell the stink" even if he couldn't see her. Mortified, Han Sheng swore there would be no next time and quickly fled. Discussing Han Sheng's magical aptitude with Kong Lan, Chun Yao remarked on her quick comprehension of spells but her poor control, attributing it to a distracted mind.
Kong Lan suggested sending her to the Chanting Valley to cultivate her focus and refine her skills. Chun Yao agreed with the plan. When Kong Lan informed Han Sheng that she was being sent to school, she protested vehemently, believing Chun Yao was simply trying to avoid teaching her.
However, the master of Chanting Valley, Wu Yin, arrived and explained that Chun Yao had specifically requested customized learning for her, praising her intelligence and emphasizing the importance of magic for self-protection. Touched by Chun Yao's unexpected concern, Han Sheng agreed to study there. Wu Yin then instructed his apprentice, Xiao Shan, to take Han Sheng to Si Tong for registration, specifically mentioning that she was "His Lordship's friend" and needed special care.
During registration, Si Tong, who could discern the origin of all spirits, found no record or origin for Han Sheng. Xiao Shan remarked that Han Sheng, like himself, seemed to come from nowhere. Han Sheng was shocked, exclaiming that it was impossible because she wasn't a spirit.
Episode 8 Recap
Han Sheng arrived at the Chanting Valley for registration, brought by Xiao Shan as instructed by Wu Yin. Si Tong, responsible for registration, questioned Han Sheng's origin. Discovering Han Sheng was a spirit of unknown species, Si Tong immediately dismissed her as unqualified to learn magic, implying she was "blue-blooded but good for nothing," just like Xiao Shan whose species was also unknown. Meanwhile, Kong Lan delivered important messages from Chun Yao to Wu Yin.
He informed Wu Yin that due to recent unrest caused by demons in Hundred Spirits Lake, Chun Yao wanted Wu Yin to train the young spirits into brave warriors. Kong Lan also revealed Chun Yao's decision to recast the Kunlun Mirror, which was essential for sealing the Monsters and Demons Pool.
He instructed Wu Yin to focus on cultivating the Five-colored Magic Lotus, an indispensable component, while Chun Yao would personally seek the other two: the Ice Fire Stone and the red-feathered merfolk's heart's blood. Wu Yin accepted these duties, acknowledging them as his responsibility. Si Tong soon learned that Han Sheng was associated with Chun Yao. Believing Chun Yao was neglecting his duties by associating with a mortal girl, Si Tong confronted Han Sheng aggressively.
Kong Qi stepped in to defend Han Sheng, but Si Tong mocked him, disparaging his father as merely Chun Yao's attendant and challenging Kong Qi to a duel. Xiao Shan encouraged Kong Qi to accept Si Tong's challenge, reminding him not to be a coward given she was defending him. Han Sheng attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Si Tong easily overpowered her, knocking her to the ground.
Wu Yin arrived and, witnessing the chaotic scene, punished them all: Xiao Shan and Kong Qi were ordered to copy incantations for the annual rite of passage, while Si Tong must copy the Mind-relieving Scriptures ten times and recite Buddhist scriptures for ten days. Later, while Han Sheng and Kong Qi were copying, Xiao Shan explained the rite of passage.
She described it as an examination where spirits must defeat a "soul beast"—a manifestation of their deepest fear—to achieve maturity and gain the freedom to leave Hundred Spirits Lake at night. Si Tong interrupted, ridiculing Kong Qi and implying he was afraid of Xiao Shan, calling him "hen-pecked." This provoked Kong Qi, who angrily left. Han Sheng, seeing Si Tong's persistent bullying, called out for Wu Yin, prompting Si Tong to hastily retreat to avoid further punishment.
Xiao Shan followed Kong Qi and found him still upset. She attempted to cheer him up by complimenting him and offering her cherished Dragon Scale Dagger as an encouragement for his upcoming exam. Kong Qi, however, desired to earn his achievements and refused charity, so Xiao Shan promised to award him the dagger if he successfully passed the rite of passage.
Han Sheng then caught up, returning scriptures Xiao Shan had left behind, and Xiao Shan hurried off to meet Wu Yin. Han Sheng mistakenly believed Kong Qi had affection for Xiao Shan, but Kong Qi, feeling misunderstood and frustrated by Xiao Shan's protective nature and lack of understanding, recounted his complicated relationship with her.
He recounted a childhood memory where his father, Kong Lan, entrusted him with caring for a "Rain God flower," which was promised to grant a wish upon blooming. He diligently nurtured it, hoping it would help him pass his exams. To his surprise, the Rain God transformed into Xiao Shan. Kong Lan then informed him that, in terms of seniority, Xiao Shan was his "Great-Grandma," and he should address her as such.
Han Sheng found the story unexpected but acknowledged Xiao Shan's genuine care for Kong Qi. Later, as Han Sheng prepared dinner for Chun Yao, the Star Lord visited Chun Yao, bringing a coffin plank. Chun Yao, troubled by the broken Kunlun Mirror, questioned the Star Lord about the demons sealed within and their connection to an impending millennial doom. The Star Lord offered cryptic warnings about the coffin and advised Chun Yao to consult ancient records for recasting the mirror.
Han Sheng arrived with food, and the Star Lord, avoiding meeting her, quickly departed, claiming he had other visitors. Han Sheng then lightheartedly joked that the coffin plank was perfectly sized for Chun Yao. As the annual rite of passage approached, Xiao Shan, acting on Chun Yao's instructions, supervised the students' magic practice, once again offering guidance to Kong Qi. Still sensitive about his perceived reliance on her, Kong Qi dismissed her help and walked away.
Si Tong again challenged Kong Qi to a magic duel, swiftly defeating him and humiliating him by conjuring small, mocking wings on his back, to the amusement of other students. Han Sheng could no longer tolerate Si Tong's cruelty. She confronted Si Tong, asserting her position as Chun Yao's disciple and challenging Si Tong's arrogant behavior.
Han Sheng then proposed a bold bet: if either she or Kong Qi successfully passed the rite, Si Tong must call Kong Qi "Dad" and Han Sheng and Xiao Shan "Grandma"; if they failed, Han Sheng would call Si Tong "Grandpa." Determined to win the bet and prove herself, Han Sheng knelt before Chun Yao, using a clever emotional appeal to convince him to teach her powerful magic for the rite of passage.
Chun Yao, despite his initial reluctance, agreed to train her, and Han Sheng diligently practiced the new spells under his guidance at night. Meanwhile, Kong Qi continued his intense practice. Xiao Shan brought him Ormosia buns. Kong Qi was exasperated by her lack of understanding regarding his desire for independence, especially when she stated she would protect him for life and called him her "grandson."
Feeling infantilized by her constant protection and her "Great-Grandma" address, he stormed off into the mountains. In the secluded wilderness, Kong Qi accidentally stumbled upon Si Tong practicing forbidden magic. To silence him, Si Tong attacked, attempting to choke him. Thinking quickly, Kong Qi bluffed that Wu Yin was approaching, causing Si Tong to release her grip. He attempted to escape but lost his footing, tumbled down a steep slope, and lost consciousness.
Episode 9 Recap
Kong Qi regained consciousness, finding Xiao Shan supporting him through the Misty Forest. He wondered how she located him in such a vast area. Xiao Shan calmly explained that she simply jumped from where he fell, and he was nearby. Noticing her injured foot, Kong Qi was deeply moved by her selflessness, realizing she had risked her life for him.
Xiao Shan then recounted her vow to protect him, remembering how he had cared for her while she was "asleep," calling her name, shielding her from the elements, and staying by her side day and night. Inspired by her devotion and his determination not to disappoint Xiao Shan or his father again, and no longer tolerate Si Tong's contempt, Kong Qi secretly went to a cave to practice forbidden magic. However, his eagerness for quick progress led to his demonization.
The next day, as the rite of passage commenced, Si Tong approached Kong Qi, threatening to kill him if he dared to speak of their prior encounter. The arrival of Chun Yao, who had been reclusive for centuries, caused a stir among the spirits, as he rarely attended the rite. Red Raccoon was the first to face her soul beast.
Confident in her beauty, she gazed into a mirror only to be horrified by a vision of an aging, ugly reflection, a stark contrast to her self-perception. Unable to accept it, she began to harm herself. Chun Yao swiftly intervened, shattering the mirror and admonishing her that youthful beauty is fleeting. He advised that true freedom and simplicity come from a pure heart and limited desires. Red Raccoon's challenge ended in failure, her inner demon of vanity proving too powerful.
Next was Han Sheng. She expected a battle but instead found herself trapped within a small, confining box. This immediately triggered deep-seated trauma, transporting her back to her past as a "coffin girl" confined in the Northland Kingdom's cold palace, where she was cruelly labeled a demon. Overwhelmed, she cried out for her mother to save her. Recognizing her plight, Chun Yao played a soothing tune on his flute from outside.
The music helped Han Sheng realize she was battling an illusion created by her inner demon. Empowered by this realization and her resolve to fight for Kong Qi and as Chun Yao's disciple, she burst free from the box, successfully passing the rite. Although Kong Lan questioned Chun Yao's indirect assistance, Chun Yao maintained that no verbal instruction was given, thus no foul occurred.
Kong Qi stepped up as the third candidate, enduring snickers and derision from the crowd, though Han Sheng and Xiao Shan offered words of encouragement. His soul beast manifested as an illusion of Xiao Shan, representing his challenge to prove he could stand independently without a woman's protection. The illusionary Xiao Shan quickly overpowered him. In a desperate move, Kong Qi produced a chicken leg, distracting his opponent who ravenously consumed it.
However, this tactic, not relying on his own strength, was deemed invalid. Driven by an intense desire to win and overcome his dependency, Kong Qi's eyes glowed red as he tapped into demonic power, fiercely attacking the illusion. He eventually defeated the phantom Xiao Shan. The real Xiao Shan appeared, urging him to stop, declaring he had already won. However, Kong Qi was in a frenzy, unresponsive to her pleas.
Chun Yao and Wuyin had to intervene, expelling the demonic energy from him. Fortunately, his possession was brief, and his primordial spirit remained intact. Chun Yao instructed Kong Lan and Wushang to leave, allowing Kong Qi to recover. He then emphasized to Wuyin that Kong Qi's demonization highlighted the urgent need to recast the Kunlun Mirror, as merely patching the existing magic barrier was no longer sufficient.
He inquired about accelerating the blooming of the Five-Color Magic Lotus, noting its prolonged growth (taking 500, 300, and 200 years for its first three petals respectively). Wuyin informed him that merfolk tears, another key component, were difficult to obtain as merfolk were believed to be extinct, and the Ice Fire Stone was a treasure of the Xiao family, guarded by his old friend.
Meanwhile, Han Sheng, having misunderstood Chun Yao's somber headshake earlier as a sign of Kong Qi's demise, grew furious. She accused Chun Yao of being cold-blooded for punishing Kong Qi's protector, Xiao Shan, and withheld tea from him. She passionately argued that Kong Qi's past failures were due to his desire to gain respect, not lack of ability, and sympathized with his plight.
Just then, Xiao Shan arrived, prostrating herself before Chun Yao and offering to take all punishment for Kong Qi, vowing to protect him for life. Chun Yao warned her that continually indulging Kong Qi with excuses of youth and ignorance would prevent him from ever fully maturing as a spirit. Angered, Chun Yao declared that Xiao Shan would accompany him out of the lake the following morning to find the magic items for recasting the Kunlun Mirror.
Han Sheng's anger quickly evaporated when Chun Yao clarified that Kong Qi was alive and well; his worry was about the recent demonic disturbances. Her demeanor instantly shifted to effusive flattery as she served him tea. Despite her eagerness to join them, Chun Yao instructed her to stay and assist Wuyin.
Later, Kong Qi awoke to a visit from Si Tong, who maliciously informed him that Xiao Shan was being punished for his actions and had been taken out of the lake by Chun Yao to find magic items for him. Si Tong implied he would never see Xiao Shan again. Desperate, Kong Qi, despite his weakened state, rushed out to find Xiao Shan. At the door, he met Han Sheng, who was bringing him food.
To calm him, Han Sheng promised to help him reunite with Xiao Shan. They both decided to set off together to find Chun Yao and Xiao Shan. News reached the Snow Wolf Tribe that Chun Yao and the awakened Princess Xiao Shan had left the Hundred Spirits Lake to seek items for recasting the Kunlun Mirror. Their King was elated.
They had previously been defeated, and the Green-feathered Emperor had erected a magic barrier around the Xiao family's domain, preventing them from acquiring the Ice Fire Stone. With "Princess" Xiao Shan now out in the open, the King saw a golden opportunity to seize the Ice Fire Stone. Kong Qi and Han Sheng traveled for three days. Han Sheng sensed Xiao Shan's destiny scroll was not far.
Kong Qi, still under the impression that Chun Yao was a tyrannical overlord, imagined Xiao Shan enduring immense suffering. He recounted a chilling story of Chun Yao brutally punishing a minor spirit. Just then, Chun Yao appeared, having overheard their "gossiping." Xiao Shan was also present and unharmed, quickly dispelling Kong Qi's fears. Realizing their misunderstanding, both Kong Qi and Han Sheng were relieved. Chun Yao invited them to rest at a tavern in a nearby town.
At the tavern, they discovered the town was celebrating a Lantern Festival, where eligible individuals wore masks and found sweethearts to light lanterns with, symbolizing blessings for a happy ending. Though Chun Yao initially imposed strict travel plans, Han Sheng, eager to join the festivities, showered him with exaggerated praise, lauding his wisdom, power, handsomeness, and divine nature. Amused, Chun Yao relented, allowing them two hours to enjoy the festival, provided they wore masks.
Han Sheng then ingeniously steered Chun Yao and Xiao Shan away, leaving Kong Qi and Xiao Shan to enjoy the festival alone. She encouraged Kong Qi to make the most of his time with Xiao Shan, promising to handle the rest. Kong Qi tried to engage Xiao Shan, but she remained oblivious to his romantic overtures, more interested in candied haws and colorful lanterns. Observing them, Han Sheng mused on her role in helping to "increase fertility" in the Hundred Spirits Lake, subtly implying her desire to foster romance between the two.
Episode 10 Recap
Han Sheng and Chun Yao were settled in a wine house, with Han Sheng remarking that Kong Qi and Xiao Shan had yet to return. Chun Yao suggested that perhaps Kong Qi and Xiao Shan were already enjoying a happy and romantic time together. Captivated by the exquisite scent of peach blossom wine brewed with millennial snow, Han Sheng decided to try a glass.
She then challenged a sleepy Chun Yao to a drinking game, confident in her skills, while Chun Yao also declared he never lost. Meanwhile, Kong Qi and Xiao Shan were delighting in the annual Lantern Festival in Snow Camel Town. Xiao Shan offered Kong Qi snacks, which he declined, before she spotted a "true love knot" prize at a lantern riddle booth and insisted Kong Qi help her win it.
Kong Qi skillfully solved two riddles, and Xiao Shan, in turn, successfully solved the final one, earning them the true love knot. Kong Qi initially assumed Xiao Shan wouldn't grasp the romantic significance of the knot, but she surprised him by explaining its meaning and then giving it to him. Kong Qi reacted with a slight blush before Xiao Shan quickly ran off.
Unbeknownst to them, two masked individuals, members of the Snow Wolf tribe, were discreetly observing their every move. As Han Sheng and Chun Yao continued their drinking game, both became quite drunk. Han Sheng teased Chun Yao, expressing a wish to be beautiful. Chun Yao rose and told her she was already beautiful, declaring he wanted to keep her by his side forever.
He then gently pushed Han Sheng onto the bed, seemingly about to kiss her, but succumbed to drunkenness and collapsed onto her. Han Sheng, lying beneath him, felt both shy and expectant, wondering if Chun Yao was deliberately playing a trick on her. Later, Kong Qi presented Xiao Shan with a string of wish stones as a reciprocal gift. Xiao Shan confessed her only wish was to understand her origins, find her family, and discover her true identity.
Kong Qi, moved by her words, told Xiao Shan he would make her wish come true once he gained more power. He then told Xiao Shan that he would now be her family and would protect her wherever she went. Just as he was about to confess his deeper feelings, Han Sheng abruptly appeared, interrupting their intimate moment. Embarrassed, Kong Qi and Xiao Shan quickly fabricated an excuse about watching fireworks, and Xiao Shan swiftly retreated to her room.
Han Sheng regretted her untimely appearance, realizing she had spoiled their moment. The next morning, Chun Yao woke up in Han Sheng's bed feeling disoriented and certain he hadn't misbehaved. However, the sight of a heart lock on his wrist made him question what had happened. He concluded that the wine must have been tainted, leading to his inexplicable state. Downstairs, at breakfast, an awkward silence hung between Chun Yao and Han Sheng.
Xiao Shan innocently asked about their activities the previous night, prompting both Chun Yao and Han Sheng to deny anything unusual had occurred, almost too quickly. Overhearing fellow diners discussing recent sightings of Snow Wolves with distinctive wolf head tattoos, Chun Yao's expression grew serious. He immediately urged his companions to finish their food quickly so they could depart. The group arrived at Xiao Palace, which was in ruins, a desolate site deserted for a millennium.
Han Sheng found the atmosphere chilling and clung close to Chun Yao. Xiao Shan, however, displayed an inexplicable familiarity with the ancient palace. She touched an ornate chair and then a weapon, which activated a hidden mechanism, revealing a secret underground room. As she touched the weapon, fragmented memories surfaced, including voices speaking of guarding the Xiao family and eradicating the Snow Wolves. Simultaneously, the Snow Wolf King received intelligence that Princess Xiao Shan had entered Xiao Palace.
Viewing this as a divine blessing, he swiftly ordered his soldiers to launch an immediate assault on the palace to seize the Ice Fire Stone, commanding them to eliminate anyone who dared to stand in their way. Inside the palace's secret chamber, Chun Yao led the group to the Green-feathered Emperor, who was seated on a grand throne, holding the Ice Fire Stone. Chun Yao instructed Xiao Shan to retrieve the stone.
Kong Qi voiced his concern for Xiao Shan's safety, but she understood that only she could acquire the sacred object. Chun Yao warned her that recovering her lost memories would bring painful recollections, but Xiao Shan, resolute in her decision to save the Hundred Spirits Lake and reclaim her past, bravely stepped forward, declaring her readiness to face any consequences. The moment Xiao Shan's hand touched the Ice Fire Stone, a torrent of memories flooded her mind.
She realized her true identity as Xiao Shan, the third princess of the Xiao Family of the Snow Camel Clan. Chun Yao then explained that Green-feathered Emperor was her husband. He recounted the devastating war between the Snow Camel Clan and the Snow Wolf Clan a thousand years ago, which had resulted in the tragic loss of her family and her own life.
The Green-feathered Emperor had preserved her essence by guarding her heart with his primordial spirit and her physical form with his wings, ultimately entrusting her to Chun Yao, who then nurtured her as the amnesiac Shan in the Hundred Spirits Lake. Chun Yao expressed his remorse, wishing she could have lived a life free from the burdens of her past, but conceded that fate had brought the Hundred Spirits Lake to the brink of disaster.
Suddenly, the Green-feathered Emperor on the throne stirred and awakened. Xiao Shan confronted him, her voice laced with bitterness as she spoke of his past deceptions. She raised her weapon, ready to strike him, but he made no attempt to defend himself. He offered a profound apology, explaining that he had lingered in that state for a thousand years to atone for his past wrongs, particularly his failure to protect her when the Snow Lotus was lost.
He declared that his life had belonged to her ever since, and he had remained to thank her for saving his life, to apologize for snubbing her, and to repay his debts throughout eternity. He then wished her a new life filled with love and cherished companionship, ensuring she would never again be alone, before his primordial spirit faded away into nothingness.
Episode 11 Recap
After the Green-feathered Emperor disappeared in a wisp of smoke before Xiao Shan's eyes, Han Sheng, bewildered, asked Chun Yao about the Snow Lotus. Chun Yao explained it was a sacred treasure of the Xiao Family, renowned for its ability to bring the dead back to life.
He also revealed that the Green-feathered Emperor had been dead all along, merely a wisp of soul clinging on to see Xiao Shan one last time; his wish fulfilled, his soul had now dissipated. Suddenly, a large number of Snow Wolves attacked the Xiao Palace. Xiao Shan, having fully recovered her memories, understood the deep-seated animosity between the Xiao family and the Snow Wolves.
Driven by a fierce desire for revenge, she declared that "Little Mountain the Feather God" was gone, and only "Xiao Shan the God of War" remained, ready to fight to the death. Despite Kong Qi's pleas to stop her, Xiao Shan rushed out to confront the invaders. Chun Yao followed, cautioning Han Sheng to stay safe in the palace before joining Xiao Shan in battle.
The Snow Wolf King appeared, taunting Xiao Shan about abandoning her family for love and marrying the Green-feathered Emperor, claiming her father and brother still called her name before they died. Enraged, Xiao Shan attacked the Snow Wolf King. After a brief struggle, the Snow Wolf King stabbed Xiao Shan with a Soul Shattering Dagger, causing her soul to shatter. The King attempted to seize the Ice Fire Stone from her, but a mysterious force repelled him.
A dark smoke then drifted in from outside, frightening the Snow Wolf King and his men into retreating. As the King fled, the dark smoke materialized into a black-clad man who stood by the hall. Kong Qi rushed to the fallen Xiao Shan, begging her not to leave him and vowing to always be her great-grandson.
Xiao Shan, knowing her end was near, lamented that she couldn't fulfill her wish to remain "Little Mountain" and love Kong Qi in this life. Her final wish was for him to live a happy and fulfilling life. She took a prayer stone from her wrist, placing it on Kong Qi's hand before she passed away. Immediately, a shimmering portal formed in the hall from the Ice Fire Stone.
Chun Yao quickly pulled Kong Qi and Han Sheng through it, with the black-clad man following close behind. Upon their arrival, they found themselves amidst a fierce conflict between the Xiao family and the Snow Wolves, where they encountered a younger Xiao Shan who did not recognize them. Chun Yao deduced that the Ice Fire Stone had brought them a millennium back to Beifutian.
Kong Qi, seeing the past Xiao Shan, was resolute in his desire to obtain the Snow Lotus there to save the future Xiao Shan. Chun Yao initially objected, fearing that interfering with the past would alter history and affect future generations. However, Kong Qi passionately argued that Chun Yao was sacrificing Xiao Shan's life by not acting, which moved Chun Yao.
He agreed that since they were there to retrieve the Ice Fire Stone, they could also take the Snow Lotus. Han Sheng quickly fabricated a story for Princess Xiao Shan, claiming they were healers who had been captured by the Snow Wolves and were fortunate to be saved by her. Impressed, Xiao Shan invited them to her family's palace. At the Xiao family palace, they witnessed preparations for Xiao Shan's wedding to the Green-feathered Emperor.
They observed an attendant handling a box containing the Snow Lotus, which Kong Qi eagerly picked up before Chun Yao's subtle cough prompted him to return it. Chun Yao discreetly marked the box. Upon learning it was part of Xiao Shan's dowry to be sent to the Feather Clan, Kong Qi became visibly distraught. Chun Yao devised a plan: he and Han Sheng would pose as healers to join the wedding convoy.
Meanwhile, Xiao Shan expressed her deep worries about the long-standing animosity between her Snow Camel Clan and the Snow Wolves. She confided that her marriage to the Green-feathered Emperor of the divine Feather Clan was a desperate measure for alliance, despite her concern that her demon clan status might make her unworthy of an immortal. Overhearing this, Kong Qi saw his opportunity.
He directly appealed to Xiao Shan, requesting to join her personal guard on the pretext of searching for his own family in Green Feather Town. Understanding his desire to return home, Xiao Shan appointed Kong Qi as her personal guard, allowing him free movement. Later, Lianyi, Xiao Shan's personal maid, delivered snacks to Chun Yao and Han Sheng. Chun Yao noticed a distinct mark on Lianyi's wrist.
She quickly covered it, claiming it was a childhood burn scar, and then hastily excused herself. Kong Qi later met with Chun Yao and Han Sheng, informing them that the Snow Lotus was stored in a warehouse near the bridal chamber. He confirmed he had marked the box, assuring them he would stand guard to avert suspicion. On the wedding night, as Xiao Shan awaited her groom, the Green-feathered Emperor entered the bridal chamber.
Upon lifting her veil, he looked at her with shock and disbelief, stating that she was not the woman he loved. He claimed a different girl had saved him when he was injured in battle and nursed him back to health, identifying herself as the Xiao family's third princess. Xiao Shan insisted that she was the one who saved him, but the Green-feathered Emperor refused to believe her, rushing out of the room.
Outside, he encountered Lianyi and immediately recognized her as the woman who had cared for him. Lianyi, tearfully, offered her blessings to the Emperor and Xiao Shan before fleeing, with the Green-feathered Emperor in close pursuit. Meanwhile, Chun Yao and Han Sheng had entered the warehouse. They found the marked box empty and saw a figure darting away. Chun Yao quickly gave chase, leaving Han Sheng behind.
A guard mistook Han Sheng for a thief, but the black-clad man suddenly appeared, knocked out the guard, and released Han Sheng. Back in the palace, Xiao Shan was furious about the stolen Snow Lotus and demanded explanations from her guards. Kong Qi reported that he had seen Lianyi entering the warehouse. Xiao Shan confronted Lianyi, pressing her to confess. Just then, the Green-feathered Emperor entered, immediately shielding Lianyi.
He asserted that Lianyi had been with him all night, making it impossible for her to have stolen the Snow Lotus. He then revealed that while he was secretly operating in the Devil World, he was severely injured in battle and fell into the snowy area. It was Lianyi who had risked her life to save him, nursing him back to health day after day.
She had even told him she was the Xiao family's third princess, which led him to propose to the Xiao family, not minding that Xiao Shan was of the Demon Clan, as he thought he was marrying Lianyi. Xiao Shan vehemently countered, insisting that "she" was the one who saved him. She implored Lianyi to tell the truth to the Green-feathered Emperor.
Instead, Lianyi knelt, confessed to impersonating Xiao Shan to hide the Green-feathered Emperor, and tearfully declared her love for him, begging Xiao Shan to grant them permission to be together. The Green-feathered Emperor sternly told Xiao Shan not to trouble Lianyi further. Overwhelmed by anger and betrayal, Xiao Shan collapsed to the ground. Kong Qi, after dismissing the stunned servants, rushed to comfort her.
Episode 12 Recap
Chun Yao advised Kong Qi not to be hasty in searching for the Snow Lotus in Green-feathered Emperor's mansion, suggesting it might be easier to act later. Kong Qi then arrived, informing them about a significant misunderstanding between Green-feathered Emperor and Xiao Shan, caused by Lianyi, who had falsely claimed to be the one who saved Green-feathered Emperor and the Xiao clan's Third Princess.
Han Sheng questioned if Lianyi could be involved in the Snow Lotus theft, but Kong Qi quickly clarified that Green-feathered Emperor had spent the entire last night with Lianyi, a fact confirmed by other servants. Chun Yao reminded Kong Qi that their primary mission was to retrieve the Ice Fire Stone from Xiao Shan, while he and Han Sheng would focus on the Snow Lotus. He advised Kong Qi to only meet them after dark to avoid drawing attention.
Later, Kong Qi brought dessert for Xiao Shan, who had not eaten all day. He found her meticulously writing military tactics, seemingly preparing to return to the battlefield. Xiao Shan explained that although the Snow Wolves had retreated, she anticipated their return and felt it was essential to prepare strategies in advance to avoid being caught off guard. Kong Qi asked if this meant she would return to the battlefield.
Xiao Shan initially claimed that, as a married woman, she no longer needed to fight and was merely writing to pass the time. Kong Qi then reviewed her tactics, questioning the placement of troops in a downwind location and the purpose of being upstream on a river beach.
Xiao Shan clarified that a downwind position in a hollow allowed for the use of poisonous smoke against the enemy, while building locks upstream during the rainy season could lead to floods that would drown them. Impressed, Kong Qi expressed interest, and Xiao Shan offered to teach him more if he genuinely desired to learn.
While Xiao Shan was asleep, Kong Qi discovered a painting in a drawer with the inscription, "On a beautiful day, I met the man I love." This triggered a flashback to years ago when Xiao Shan, leading her troops, encountered Green-feathered Emperor—the legendary God of War—unconscious and injured after a battle with the Snow Wolves.
Despite Lianyi's warning that taking him back to the palace would violate the rules, Xiao Shan insisted on bringing him to a secluded place to treat his wounds. However, her father eventually discovered her actions, reprimanded her severely, and decided to hand Green-feathered Emperor over to the Heavenly Court for judgment. Xiao Shan's pleas were in vain, and she was confined. Concerned for Green-feathered Emperor, she asked Lianyi to discreetly find out his whereabouts.
Reflecting on this past, Xiao Shan mused about being separated from the man she loved and wondered when they would meet again. Kong Qi, looking at the painting, pondered if the man depicted was Green-feathered Emperor and if this Xiao Shan was indeed the same "Little Mountain" they had come to save.
Meanwhile, Chun Yao and Han Sheng observed a man tearing a piece of paper and furtively tossing it into the river, confirming their suspicion that he was a spy. After the man left, Chun Yao used his magic to restore the shredded paper. It revealed a secret instruction from the Snow Wolves: "to drug Green-feathered Emperor and have him sleep with Lianyi." Han Sheng quickly deduced this referred to Green-feathered Emperor and Lianyi's impending wedding.
She suspected Lianyi might be a Snow Wolf spy, possibly colluding to steal the Snow Lotus and create discord between Xiao Shan and Green-feathered Emperor. Chun Yao acknowledged Lianyi's suspicious behavior but emphasized the need for concrete proof. They decided to wait for an opportunity to infiltrate the wedding chamber to uncover the truth, apprehend the real spies, and retrieve the Snow Lotus.
Kong Qi later expressed frustration that Xiao Shan seemed too weak and unwilling to fight for her own happiness, despite her feelings. Xiao Shan confessed her fear, admitting that she loved Green-feathered Emperor, but his affections lay with another, and witnessing their bond was profoundly painful, which prevented her from taking action. Soon after, Green-feathered Emperor summoned Xiao Shan to meet him in the backyard.
There, he openly displayed affection for Lianyi before informing Xiao Shan of his decision to marry Lianyi, hoping Xiao Shan would be magnanimous and agree. Kong Qi protested, but Xiao Shan quietly silenced him. As Green-feathered Emperor's official wife, Xiao Shan firmly stated that she would never permit her husband to marry another, declaring she would rather "pay with her life" if he insisted. Green-feathered Emperor, unwavering, claimed Lianyi had saved his life and he could not live without her.
He then challenged Xiao Shan to a duel: if he won, she must not interfere with his marriage to Lianyi; if she won, he would give up the idea of marrying Lianyi. Xiao Shan warned him that she would not show mercy, and they began to fight. As Green-feathered Emperor began to falter, Lianyi suddenly stepped in front of him, resulting in Xiao Shan's sword cutting a strand of Lianyi's hair.
Green-feathered Emperor, angered and heartbroken, immediately embraced Lianyi and departed. Xiao Shan, also angered by Green-feathered Emperor, acknowledged her defeat, then coughed up blood. Distraught, Kong Qi pleaded with Chun Yao for help, arguing that Green-feathered Emperor was the very "green-feathered bird" soul beast Xiao Shan had faced during her rite of passage, a symbol of her deep-seated fear, and that he should not be allowed to continue humiliating her.
Chun Yao, however, firmly reminded Kong Qi that their true mission was to rescue "Little Mountain" by securing the Ice Fire Stone and Snow Lotus, not to alter history or succumb to emotional attachments, as otherwise Little Mountain would not be able to be resurrected a thousand years later. He warned that interfering too much could prevent them from returning to their own time. Despite Kong Qi's protests, Chun Yao reiterated his command, ending the discussion.
Han Sheng then confronted Chun Yao, criticizing his cold rationality. Chun Yao defended his stance, arguing that interfering too much or succumbing to emotions could be dangerous, and that he was simply being truthful and rational. Han Sheng, exasperated, found Chun Yao's attitude unfeeling and chose to leave, finding further discussion pointless.
Later, Prime Minister Li, an envoy from Xiao Shan’s father, arrived with grim news: the Snow Wolves were about to launch a major attack on the Snow Camel Clan. He implored Xiao Shan to persuade Green-feathered Emperor to send aid. Xiao Shan assured him that her marriage was strategically formed to combat their enemies and that she had never forgotten her mission. She promised to ask her husband to dispatch troops to support the Snow Camel Clan.
Kong Qi discovered a divorce settlement that Xiao Shan had written. He attempted to take it to Green-feathered Emperor, but Xiao Shan stopped him, retrieved the document, and burned it. Kong Qi noticed that Xiao Shan's old injury had resurfaced. She dismissed his suggestion of calling a doctor, asking him to apply the herbs for her instead. Though initially unnerved by the sight of her wound, Kong Qi complied.
Xiao Shan remarked that the scar was a "medal every soldier fighting on the battlefield craves" and that the physical pain was "no big deal compared with heartache." Kong Qi questioned why she wouldn't leave if she was unhappy. Xiao Shan explained that while it might be easy for her to leave, she had a responsibility to her hundreds of thousands of people, emphasizing that protecting those she loved made it all worthwhile. Kong Qi, deeply moved, shed tears.
Xiao Shan then met with Green-feathered Emperor, who reiterated his plan to marry Lianyi in three days. Xiao Shan, calm and composed, stated that her previous jealousy had subsided. She reminded him that their marriage was meant to solidify their alliance against their enemies and urged him to discuss defensive strategies against the Snow Wolves and commit troops to support her clan.
Impressed by her courage and strategic thinking, Green-feathered Emperor agreed and extended an invitation for her to participate in future military strategy discussions. Lianyi observed their conversation and, angered, resolved to find a way to prevent their alliance. On the day of Green-feathered Emperor and Lianyi's wedding, Chun Yao and Han Sheng covertly monitored the celebration. Han Sheng suspected the cross-cupped liquor was poisoned, but Green-feathered Emperor showed no ill effects after drinking it.
Her attention then shifted to a sachet hanging above the bridal bed, which she suspected contained poison. Chun Yao used his magic to cause the sachet to burst, but no poison was released. However, the contents stained Green-feathered Emperor's clothing, prompting him and Lianyi to retire to another room so he could bathe and change. Seizing the opportunity, Chun Yao and Han Sheng entered the empty bridal chamber to search for the poison. When Lianyi unexpectedly returned to retrieve some clothes, Chun Yao quickly concealed Han Sheng inside a wardrobe, then hid himself behind it, just as Lianyi approached the wardrobe.
Episode 13 Recap
As Lianyi reached for the wardrobe door, she heard Qing Yunnong's call and quickly left. Inside the wardrobe, Han Sheng had inhaled a potent aphrodisiac powder from the clothes, leaving her disoriented and flushed. Chun Yao rushed to her, but Han Sheng, under the powder's influence, found him "cute" and kissed him passionately. Despite Chun Yao's attempts to resist and warn her not to do anything she would regret, they both tumbled into the bath, overcome by desire.
Meanwhile, Kong Qi, seeing Xiao Shan's deep sadness, brought her some red bean buns. Xiao Shan recognized the red beans as a symbol of lovesickness, recalling a girl who used to bring "her" similar buns after martial arts practice. She asked Kong Qi if he had a beloved in mind and offered to propose on his behalf.
Kong Qi confessed his profound regret for losing his beloved, admitting he was too weak to ever express his feelings for the woman who had protected him his entire life. He vowed that if he were given another chance, he would cherish, care for, and guard her with all his being. Xiao Shan, touched by his sincerity, believed they were destined to reunite.
In return for his thoughtfulness, Xiao Shan offered to teach Kong Qi martial arts so he could protect his sweetheart. During their training, Kong Qi instinctively caught Xiao Shan when she nearly fell, holding her close before they quickly separated, both flustered. Kong Qi later noticed the Ice Fire Stone on Xiao Shan's neck and heard her mumble his name, then Qing Yunnong's, in her sleep, leaving him to ponder the complexities of their affections.
To lift Xiao Shan's spirits, Kong Qi arranged a magnificent fireworks display. Xiao Shan was enchanted by the beautiful yet fleeting spectacle, reflecting on how life becomes worthwhile when love truly blooms. Qing Yunnong, while out with Lianyi, also witnessed the fireworks. Perplexed by the display, as the Feathered Clan traditionally disliked fireworks, he questioned his butler.
The butler explained that Xiao Shan, referred to as "Her Highness," had Kong Qi arrange them as a wedding blessing for Qing Yunnong and Lianyi, hoping their marriage would be as splendid as the fireworks, which held auspicious meanings in snowy regions. Qing Yunnong was impressed by Xiao Shan's thoughtful gesture. The next morning, Chun Yao awoke to find Han Sheng's hand on him.
Startled, he tried to move, only to be kicked out of bed by a bewildered Han Sheng. Realizing they had spent the night together and were in different clothes, Han Sheng angrily accused Chun Yao of being immoral and demanded he take responsibility. Chun Yao, exasperated, reminded her that she was the one who initiated the kiss while under the aphrodisiac's influence.
As memories of the previous night flooded back, Han Sheng quickly changed her story, claiming she suffered from sleepwalking and enjoyed trying on clothes at midnight. She then quickly demanded an elaborate breakfast from Chun Yao, effectively diverting the conversation and sending him away. Alone, Han Sheng, accustomed to the intrigues of the Northland Kingdom, was mortified that she had fallen prey to such a scheme and wondered how she would ever face Chun Yao again.
Later, Qing Yunnong had angelica mutton soup specially prepared for Lianyi, who he believed needed nourishment. During the serving, Lianyi was accidentally scalded. He offered to provide her with a private mansion, like other emperor's wives, to ensure her rest wasn't disturbed by his late nights due to military affairs. However, Lianyi insisted on staying by his side. Meanwhile, Chun Yao, still disguised as a doctor, and Han Sheng noticed a servant with a distinct Snow Wolf tattoo.
Connecting this to a similar mark he'd previously seen on Lianyi's hand, Chun Yao deduced that Lianyi was a Snow Wolf spy. Believing the servant was embarking on a mission, Chun Yao and Han Sheng secretly followed him as they prepared to leave Xiao Shan's residence. Separately, Qing Yunnong visited Xiao Shan to discuss military strategy. There, he found an earring on her table, which Xiao Shan confirmed was hers, explaining its unique origin as a gift from her father.
She had kept it as a cherished memento despite losing its pair years ago. Qing Yunnong later presented this same earring to Lianyi, falsely claiming she had dropped it when she saved him, expressing his hope that they would grow old together. As Lianyi was about to try it on, she suddenly fainted. A physician was summoned and diagnosed Lianyi with pregnancy, a revelation that overjoyed Qing Yunnong.
Chun Yao, still in his doctor disguise, insisted on performing his own examination, using complex medical jargon to justify the need for multiple diagnoses during a first pregnancy. Once Qing Yunnong left, Lianyi confronted Chun Yao, suspecting he was sent by Xiao Shan. Chun Yao then declared that he knew she was a Snow Wolf spy and only sought the Snow Lotus, promising to drop all other investigations once he had it.
Lianyi, claiming to be a subordinate, stated she needed to consult the Wolf King and suggested the mansion was not a suitable place for their transaction. Chun Yao agreed to await her response until the following day, warning her of dire consequences should she attempt to trick him. After Chun Yao departed, the shadowy black smoke figure reappeared, advising Lianyi not to yield to Chun Yao's demands and offering assistance.
Later, Chun Yao and Han Sheng stopped at what appeared to be an inn for a meal. Chun Yao sensed an odd atmosphere in the establishment. As their food and liquor were served, Han Sheng found the liquor delightful, but Chun Yao quickly realized they were victims of sorcery. The inn staff were actually assailants, and the black smoke figure, having taken human form, appeared and injured Chun Yao and Han Sheng, ensnaring them using soul-controlling magic.
Injured and caught in a spirit-binding net, Chun Yao and Han Sheng then saw Lianyi appear. She taunted Chun Yao for his carelessness and revealed that the "inn" was, in fact, a Snow Wolf den. Lianyi ordered her guards to imprison Chun Yao and Han Sheng in the dungeon to await the Snow Wolf King's judgment, expressing her gratitude to the black smoke figure for his helpful suggestion and promising to report his contributions to the king.
Episode 14 Recap
Xiao Shan and Kong Qi were diligently practicing sword fighting, with Kong Qi showing significant improvement under Xiao Shan's tutelage. Suddenly, Lianyi appeared, kneeling and tearfully imploring Xiao Shan to cease her pursuit of Green-feathered Emperor. Lianyi depicted herself as a simple, foolish woman, claiming that Green-feathered Emperor, despite staying with her, had long ago fallen in love with Xiao Shan's impressive civil and military skills.
She pleaded with Xiao Shan to consider their past friendship and not approach Green-feathered Emperor, emphasizing the importance of her unborn child having its father. Xiao Shan retorted that Lianyi had shown no regard for their friendship when she secretly attended to Green-feathered Emperor in Xiao Shan's name, concealed the truth, and then married him.
Xiao Shan condemned Lianyi as dishonorable, immoral, a disgrace for using a child to threaten her, and ungrateful for overlooking the ongoing wars that affected the Xiao Family who raised her. Enraged, Lianyi seized Kong Qi's sword and threatened to take her own life if Xiao Shan came any closer, accusing Xiao Shan of merely waiting for an opportunity to ruin her and refusing to give up on someone she loved.
Xiao Shan tried to calm her, offering to consider leaving. As Green-feathered Emperor arrived on the scene, Kong Qi swiftly disarmed Lianyi, knocking her down. Lianyi then dramatically collapsed, feigning a miscarriage and crying out about her baby, a calculated deception as she was not actually pregnant. Green-feathered Emperor witnessed this and immediately blamed Xiao Shan. Meanwhile, Chun Yao, severely wounded and coughing blood, was imprisoned in the Snow Wolf dungeon, his spiritual power bound by a spirit-binding net.
Han Sheng expressed deep regret, believing she was constantly endangering him, and suggested he should undertake missions alone in the future. Chun Yao, using a cat as an analogy, gently conveyed his desire to remain by her side, likening their bond to an owner's unwavering affection for their troublesome cat. Han Sheng, however, did not grasp his meaning.
A passing jailer, overhearing their conversation, confirmed Chun Yao's unspoken sentiment but scoffed at their predicament, stating they were both doomed in the heavily guarded dungeon and would soon be buried together. Chun Yao then healed Han Sheng's injured arm. Reading new content on her Destiny Scroll, he discovered that Goddess Hantan, the creator of the Destiny Scrolls, was Han Sheng in a previous life, revealing Han Sheng as his past lover.
With this revelation, Chun Yao urged Han Sheng to conserve her strength for escape, proposing he would use his remaining spiritual power to make her invisible, thereby prompting the jailer to open the cell. Han Sheng, misinterpreting his intentions, accused him of being selfish. She then accidentally touched the spirit-binding net, realizing that while it harmed spirits, it had no effect on her as she was human.
Leveraging this discovery, Han Sheng bravely smashed open the cell door, and together they escaped. Xiao Shan, deeply troubled by Lianyi's supposed condition, sent Kong Qi to gather information, but he reported that all access to Lianyi's quarters was blocked. Xiao Shan, despite a brief, regretful outburst of frustration at Kong Qi, was overwhelmed with anxiety.
Shortly after, a Snow Camel tribesman delivered an urgent message: the Snow Wolves had launched a fierce assault on the three vital passes of Cangsong, Nanxiong, and Wanchuan, pushing the Snow Camel tribe to a desperate brink. The messenger pleaded with Xiao Shan to seek military aid from Green-feathered Emperor. Setting aside their personal conflict, Xiao Shan rushed to Green-feathered Emperor's palace.
However, Green-feathered Emperor confronted her with accusations of cruelty and hatred, convinced she was responsible for Lianyi's harm and the loss of his unborn child. He recounted believing she once saved him, but now saw only her deep-seated animosity. Xiao Shan, taking responsibility for the alleged miscarriage, offered her life as atonement but desperately implored him to send troops to save her people, appealing to their families' long-standing friendship.
Consumed by grief and anger, Green-feathered Emperor dismissed her plea, accusing her of caring solely for her family and not for him, her husband. He ordered his guards to expel her, lamenting that marrying, keeping, and trusting her had been grave errors that led to his current suffering. Chun Yao and Han Sheng, while searching for the Snow Lotus, inadvertently entered the Snow Wolf King's chamber.
There, they overheard the Snow Wolf King gloating about his successful scheme to turn Green-feathered Emperor against Xiao Shan. He revealed that Green-feathered Emperor, believing Xiao Shan caused his baby's death, now hated her and refused to send aid, ensuring the Snow Camel tribe's annihilation. The Snow Wolf King also discussed the Snow Lotus, calling it his "lifesaver" and a strategy to simultaneously erode Green-feathered Emperor's trust in Xiao Shan and secure his own power.
During this, Chun Yao discreetly used a spell to take the Snow Lotus, a fact unknown to the Snow Wolf King. A guard then reported the escape of "the doctor from the Xiao Family caught yesterday," alerting the Snow Wolf King to Chun Yao and Han Sheng's presence. As guards scrambled, Chun Yao quickly cast a spell, plunging the chamber into darkness, and reassuring Han Sheng, "Don't worry. I'm here," as they made their escape.
Xiao Shan received another urgent battlefield report, indicating her tribe faced imminent destruction. Desperate to save her people, she returned to Green-feathered Emperor's palace and knelt outside in the pouring rain, accepting all blame for Lianyi's supposed miscarriage and offering her life as penance. She passionately pleaded for him to send troops, stressing the grave danger her people faced and the potential devastation of countless families.
However, Green-feathered Emperor remained unresponsive, sedated by Lianyi, who, following secret orders from the Snow Wolf tribe, had added more sedatives to his incense burner, ensuring he stayed deeply unconscious. Kong Qi, unable to bear watching Xiao Shan suffer alone, joined her in the rain. He urged her to realize that Green-feathered Emperor was no longer the idealized figure she admired, but a heartbroken father consumed by hatred.
He reminded her that her people were awaiting her leadership, not Green-feathered Emperor's. Enlightened by Kong Qi's words, Xiao Shan resolved to return to her clan to lead them in a decisive battle against the Snow Wolves, prepared for total annihilation if they failed. The next morning, Green-feathered Emperor, discovering Lianyi missing, immediately ordered a widespread search, believing her too frail to have gone far.
Chun Yao and Han Sheng then arrived, confronting him with the truth: Lianyi was a Snow Wolf spy. Chun Yao explained that the Snow Wolves had orchestrated the theft of the Snow Lotus and Lianyi's deception to sow discord between Green-feathered Emperor and Xiao Shan, isolating the Snow Camels. Green-feathered Emperor initially dismissed their claims as ridiculous, even when Han Sheng presented evidence of the incapacitating incense Lianyi used.
Chun Yao then clarified that it was Xiao Shan who had saved him, not Lianyi. He recounted that Xiao Shan had instructed Lianyi to care for him, but Lianyi had deceitfully claimed to be Princess Xiao Shan, leading him to believe his marriage to Xiao Shan was a mistake. Chun Yao also highlighted the improbability of a palace maid, who rarely left the palace, finding a severely injured man in the mountains.
Green-feathered Emperor, recalling Xiao Shan's unique sequoia resin earrings, which he had mistakenly associated with Lianyi, finally realized Xiao Shan was his true rescuer. Overwhelmed, he declared himself unworthy of her love. Chun Yao then informed him that Princess Xiao had already gone to the battlefield to fight the Snow Wolves and that without his immediate military support, she and her entire people would perish.
Chun Yao emphasized that Green-feathered Emperor was Xiao Shan's only hope, and his choice would determine his own fate. Chun Yao confided in Han Sheng, stressing the importance of preventing "Little Mountain" (Xiao Shan) from dying again, fearing she would be lost forever if it happened. On the battlefield, Xiao Shan fought valiantly against the Snow Wolves. From a hidden position, Lianyi shot Xiao Shan with an arrow.
As Xiao Shan fell, Kong Qi flew to her, catching her in his arms, revealing he had grown wings. Xiao Shan, seeing his wings, realized Kong Qi was the fated Feathered Clan member, the winged god she had been waiting for. She apologized to Kong Qi for involving him in the war. Kong Qi desperately pleaded with her to hold on, reminding her of their shared promises.
Just then, Green-feathered Emperor arrived with his reinforcements, learned Xiao Shan's location, and ordered his soldiers to annihilate the Snow Wolves. Kong Qi told Xiao Shan that reinforcements had arrived and the Xiao people had won. With a sigh of relief, Xiao Shan uttered, "We won. That's a great relief," before peacefully passing away in Kong Qi's arms. After securing victory, Green-feathered Emperor confronted Lianyi. He expressed his hurt and disbelief, realizing she had deceived him about their relationship.
Lianyi, accepting her defeat and the Snow Wolves' loss, challenged him to kill her. However, Green-feathered Emperor hesitated, unable to strike. Lianyi then explained that she was merely following orders and had no other choice, admitting her schemes were fake, driven by a desire for revenge against the Xiao Family. Yet, she maintained that one truth remained constant: her genuine affection and love for Green-feathered Emperor. Noticing his reluctance, Lianyi remarked that he did not want to kill her. She then took his sword and tragically committed suicide. Green-feathered Emperor cried out Lianyi's name in despair, collapsing in grief and repeatedly questioning, "Why?"
Episode 15 Recap
Following Princess Xiao Shan’s death at the hands of the Snow Wolf clan, Kong Qi was consumed by profound grief, lamenting that despite their efforts to change history, Xiao Shan’s tragic fate remained unaltered. He chastised himself as a failure and, in a moment of emotional breakdown, accused Qingyunong of believing Lianyi's lies, which he believed led to Xiao Shan's demise. Qingyunong himself expressed deep remorse before Xiao Shan's body, acknowledging his failure to protect her.
He then made a solemn vow, pledging that all future generations of the Green-feathered Birds would stand proudly with the Xiao Family, forging an eternal alliance as allies, family, neighbors, and friends. He promised to stay by Xiao Shan's side, guarding her tomb day and night. Chun Yao then produced a Snow Lotus, a rare artifact found in the Snow Wolves' den, known for its power to revive the dead.
He presented Kong Qi with a difficult choice: use the lotus to revive the current Xiao Shan or to go back in time and save "Little Mountain," the amnesiac version of Xiao Shan. Kong Qi, recalling Little Mountain's deepest desire to discover her family and origins, made a poignant decision.
He chose to revive the current Xiao Shan, believing that she was meant to be the brave and fearless War God, Xiao Shan, a warrior who belonged to her family and her love. He concluded that the carefree Little Mountain, who had suffered memory loss and had nothing but him, was not her true destiny, and he was merely a fleeting presence in her life.
As Chun Yao and Han Sheng journeyed back, Han Sheng expressed concern about how they would explain leaving Kong Qi with the Xiao clan to Kong Lan. Chun Yao, however, reassured her, stating that Kong Qi and Xiao Shan could visit them, and there was nothing to worry about. They then passed through a human town still vibrant with a Lantern Festival celebration. Han Sheng, captivated by the festive atmosphere, excitedly suggested they release a sky lantern together.
When Chun Yao playfully attempted to read her written wish, she shielded it, believing that wishes wouldn't materialize if revealed. Chun Yao, ever pragmatic, teased her, suggesting she make a wish to him directly, claiming it might be more effective. Han Sheng, however, explained that wishes served as a beacon of hope, a belief that sunshine would follow the rain. She then penned "Chun Han" on the lantern, inviting Chun Yao to share in the wish, finding it more cost-effective.
While Han Sheng closed her eyes in earnest prayer, Chun Yao discreetly used his magic to retrieve her wish, which expressed a heartfelt desire to meet her soulmate and stay with him forever, affirming that she had already found him and only death could separate them. Upon their return to Hundred Spirits Lake, Chun Yao successfully used the divine stone to recast the mirror’s surface.
However, the mirror still required the Five-colored Lotus as its base, and its full bloom remained an unknown. Kong Lan arrived shortly thereafter, bringing news that he had been unable to find the heart blood of the Red-feathered Merfolk, a crucial component for the mirror's base to suppress evil spirits. He explained that all Red-feathered Merfolk had vanished from the lake, perhaps getting lost during a 'night of all spirits' event.
He presented Chun Yao with a dry merfolk scale, which he reluctantly admitted was over 300 years old, rendering it useless for tracking. Chun Yao, frustrated by the lack of progress, questioned Kong Lan’s diligence. Kong Lan, flustered, confessed that his wife, Wu Shang, was displeased that Chun Yao had left Kong Qi with the Xiao clan without their consent, going so far as to consider burning Chun Yao's bedroom.
Chun Yao firmly stated that Kong Qi was an adult who had the right to make his own choices and that they should respect his decision. Later, Chun Yao discussed with Wu Yin the difficulty of locating the Red-feathered Merfolk, who were known for their powerful abilities and mastery of concealment. While out, Chun Yao observed numerous minor demons engrossed in reading.
He took a book titled "Spirits' Oath of Love," and was amused to find a section that described him as "expressionless and heartless," and fond of saying "Get lost." He immediately realized the author, "Chun Han," was Han Sheng. Han Sheng, meanwhile, was basking in her perceived literary genius, confident that selling her book would bring her immense wealth, freeing her from a life "suffering from that monster."
When confronted, she unapologetically defended her portrayal, stating it was an accurate depiction of his character and a trait admired by "fair ladies." Chun Yao then revealed a profound truth by reading from a historical text: Han Sheng was, in fact, the Goddess Hantan, the ancient deity who had recorded the Destiny Scrolls, solidifying their deep connection from a previous life as Hantan and Immortal Spring Water.
He also pointed out that she had used his priceless, millennia-lasting fragrant ink on her manuscript, which had unfortunately stained her favorite dress, sending her into a panicked rush to clean it. Later, while in a forest, Han Sheng was suddenly assailed by a surge of demonic energy. Chun Yao swiftly intervened, rescuing her from the attack. Wu Yin, upon examining Han Sheng, discovered a peculiar internal force within her.
It originated from Chun Yao's spiritual power but was paradoxically consuming her vital essence. Chun Yao confirmed he had also sensed this anomaly. Wu Yin suggested they seek out a thousand-year-old witch dwelling at the end of the Naidu River in Nan Yuan Country, renowned for her ability to foresee the destinies of all beings across the six realms, hoping she could unravel the mysterious connection between Chun Yao and Han Sheng.
Seeking further insight, Chun Yao paid a visit to the Star Lord of Life, Sima Xingjun, to inquire about Hantan's past. Sima Xingjun became visibly uncomfortable and evasive, initially attempting to dismiss Hantan as merely a fairy who had committed a minor transgression in heaven and was subsequently banished to mortal reincarnation. Chun Yao, sensing a deeper truth, pressed for more information.
Fearing that Chun Yao might recall forgotten memories, Sima Xingjun hastily reiterated that Hantan was merely a fallen fairy of no great importance. However, Chun Yao's intuition told him otherwise; he surmised that Han Sheng's hardships in this life were somehow a direct consequence of his own actions.
Despite his guardedness, Sima Xingjun provided Chun Yao with an assortment of protective artifacts, including a demon-taming stick, a demon-sealing spell, resurrection pills, and quick-acting heart-saving pills, as if anticipating a significant tribulation ahead.
Episode 16 Recap
The Southern Pool Kingdom's King, Lingjun, lay gravely ill, close to death. His twin brother entered his chamber, observing his sibling's failing state. He remarked on Lingjun's unfortunate destiny and, claiming their twin bond, decided to assume Lingjun's identity. He declared that those undeserving of life would soon pay, and what was rightfully his would eventually return to him. Meanwhile, Han Sheng, having recently recovered, sought out Chun Yao.
She playfully praised him, noting that his act of saving her had transformed him from a "smelly monster, a cold-blooded and ruthless demon king," into an "unparalleled immortal." She then offered her help, explaining that Mr. Wuyin had informed her of Chun Yao's quest for Red-Feathered Merfolk to stabilize Hundred Spirits Lake. As a human-shaped demon-locking stone, she volunteered to sense the merfolk's location. Pleased with her initiative, Chun Yao promised her ten years of wages if she succeeded.
Han Sheng quickly sensed a merfolk, and Chun Yao confirmed its presence in the Southern Pool Kingdom, instructing her to prepare for their departure the next morning. However, the mention of Southern Pool Kingdom brought back unpleasant memories for Han Sheng of a forced marriage she had once escaped there. She feigned illness, claiming shortness of breath and unsuitability for travel, but Chun Yao saw through her act, assured her she wouldn't be travel-worn, and left, despite her continued pleas.
In the Southern Pool Kingdom, the King, who had recently recovered from a severe illness (a recovery many citizens attributed to a "magical physician" who reportedly prescribed merfolk as medicine), and Princess Huai'an headed out for a merfolk hunt. The princess's recruited fishermen failed to catch any merfolk. The King dismissed them as incompetent, asserting that someone more capable would soon appear.
Just then, Shen Ci, the maidservant of Prince Xie Changye, the Northland Prince currently held as a hostage, dramatically appeared. She cast a magic net into the river. Xie Changye informed the King that Shen Ci possessed ancestral secret arts for catching Red-Feathered Merfolk. However, the King, appearing weary, postponed the hunt until the following day. Later, Shen Ci returned to the riverbank and found her magic net had indeed caught a Red-Feathered Merfolk.
Worried, she released it, urging the merfolk to flee and not return to the area, surprised to find a real merfolk in the Southern Pool Kingdom. Soon after, Princess Huai'an encountered Xie Changye by the river. She offered him a cloak and, believing him to be a man of great ambition frustrated by his captivity, proposed marriage, promising to give him everything he desired.
Xie Changye humbly declined, stating his only wish was a safe life and using the metaphor of a "blunt sword" to describe himself. As they spoke, Huai'an noticed Shen Ci releasing the merfolk. She confronted Shen Ci, accusing her of lying and freeing the creature. Shen Ci denied it, claiming Huai'an must have misseen, which infuriated the princess, who slapped her.
Xie Changye intervened, defending Shen Ci by arguing that she would not release a merfolk after publicly setting a net for the King, suggesting it might have been merely a large fish. Huai'an conceded but warned Shen Ci that if she failed to catch a merfolk the next day, neither she nor the King would spare her. Privately, Xie Changye reproached Shen Ci for her act of mercy.
Shen Ci explained that their true mission in the Southern Pool Kingdom was to assassinate the King using killers disguised as merfolk, and she had released the real merfolk to prevent their plan from being jeopardized. Xie Changye dismissed her actions as misplaced compassion. He reminded her of their previous failure and the immense stakes now—their lives were on the line.
He recalled his father's words, entrusting him with diplomatic relations after his sister's runaway marriage and warning him that any misstep could lead to his sick mother facing the blame from courtiers. He emphasized their critical need to return safely to the Northland Kingdom. Shen Ci admitted her fault. Chun Yao and Han Sheng finally reached the Southern Pool Kingdom.
As they observed the crowd gathered for merfolk fishing, Han Sheng remarked on the King's youthful and handsome appearance, teasing Chun Yao that she wouldn't have fled the marriage if she had known. The fake King, observing Han Sheng from afar, saw her as his intended "prey." He used magic to stain her dress, prompting her to go to the river to wash it. As she cleaned her garment, a dark, demonic energy engulfed her, pulling her into the water.
Simultaneously, Shen Ci’s net, cast again into the river, trapped a "merfolk." To Chun Yao's shock, the captured creature was Han Sheng, now bearing a fishtail. Shen Ci was equally bewildered, wondering where their arranged assassin had gone, and why a woman had been caught instead. Han Sheng, trapped with a fishtail, lamented Chun Yao's absence. The fake King entered her room, feigning concern. He called her a "little mermaid" and expressed regret for not intending to harm her.
Han Sheng found his voice strangely familiar but couldn't recall where she had heard it before. Just as he suggested she remain a mermaid with him, Chun Yao burst in, declaring Han Sheng his "pet" and not a merfolk. As Chun Yao dissipated the spell, Han Sheng's legs miraculously returned. The fake King, surprised by the magic, asked who Chun Yao was.
Chun Yao revealed himself as the Master of Hundred Spirits Lake, explaining that anyone caught in Shen Ci's golden silk net would temporarily transform into a merfolk, calling it a trick. He then demanded Han Sheng's release. However, the King's guards blocked their exit. The fake King insisted that if Chun Yao was truly capable, he should stay and help find a "real" Red-Feathered Merfolk as atonement. Unwilling to provoke the King further, Chun Yao reluctantly agreed.
Meanwhile, a sorrowful Shen Ci walked by the river, still troubled by Xie Changye's harsh words and his changed demeanor. She hoped to find a way to resolve his inner turmoil. Merfolk Heng appeared. It was revealed that both Shen Ci and Heng were Red-Feathered Merfolk, and Shen Ci had been living disguised as a mortal after being taken in by Xie Changye, for whom she was deeply grateful.
Heng transformed her tears into a beautiful pearl pendant, which he infused with his spiritual power. He instructed her to use it to summon him whenever she needed help. Shen Ci thanked him and introduced herself, and Heng shared his name. Unbeknownst to them, Xie Changye, who had intended to give Shen Ci a hairpin as a gift, witnessed their tender interaction and silently withdrew, his gift still in hand.
Later, Han Sheng questioned Chun Yao's decision to remain, wondering why a powerful demon king like him was so easily constrained. Chun Yao explained that Han Sheng's transformation was no ordinary spell, indicating a complex situation in the Southern Pool Kingdom. He reasoned that they needed the power of the royal family to catch merfolk and admitted to sensing something unsettling about the King's aura. Shortly after, a servant announced that the King had summoned them to dinner.
Episode 17 Recap
King Lingjun, displaying unusual warmth, invited Han Sheng and Chun Yao to dine at the palace. He showed great care towards Han Sheng, prompting Chun Yao to question why a king would dine with commoners. Lingjun explained his desire to be approachable and not distanced from his people, urging Chun Yao to eat. When Han Sheng saw Chun Yao not eating a dish, she took a piece for herself.
Lingjun quickly intervened, telling her to discard it as it was poisoned, which startled Han Sheng. Lingjun, reacting swiftly, accused the serving maid of attempted assassination and ordered her imprisonment for questioning. Internally, however, he regretted that the poison, a rare Pill of Perdition, had failed to eliminate Chun Yao and resolved to wait for another opportunity. Chun Yao, having already sensed the danger, had deliberately avoided eating the dish.
When Chun Yao later expressed his surprise at Lingjun's quick detection of poison, Lingjun feigned a tragic past, claiming years of palace intrigue had sharpened his senses. He then lamented the hardships of his royal life, professing a wish for a few happy, free days. Han Sheng, empathizing with his story, quickly befriended him, and they agreed to drop formalities and call each other by name.
Meanwhile, Princess Huai'an had Shen Ci whipped, accusing her of presenting a fake merman, which was actually Han Sheng in disguise, thereby disrespecting the royal family. Xie Changye arrived, distressed, and tried to defend Shen Ci. Huai'an, who had long harbored feelings for Xie Changye, continued the punishment, prompting Shen Ci to plead her innocence. Xie Changye then took full responsibility, claiming Shen Ci acted under his orders.
Huai'an, torn between anger and her affection for Xie Changye, finally relented, ordering the whipping to stop after one hundred lashes before leaving. Later that night, Chun Yao, observing the palace from a rooftop, confided in Han Sheng his plan to leave for a few days to find Fish Scale, a spiritual herb needed to attract merfolk. Han Sheng insisted on accompanying him, admitting that despite Lingjun's kindness, she was happier with Chun Yao.
She also playfully accused Chun Yao of being jealous when he tried to dissuade her. Xie Changye visited Shen Ci, applying ointment to her severe injuries. He told her to "wait a little more, a year at most" for their freedom, but left the full explanation unsaid, wondering if Shen Ci reciprocated his feelings. Shen Ci had not disclosed her whereabouts during the day, which left Xie Changye with some doubt.
Princess Huai'an confronted Xie Changye, chastising him for not appreciating her offer of power and wealth through marriage, instead choosing repeated assassination attempts. Xie Changye feigned ignorance, claiming to be a mere hostage focused on peace. Huai'an then revealed her own desire to remove Lingjun, whom she described as tyrannical.
She offered her help to fulfill Xie Changye's ambitions on two conditions: she must be made queen after he ascended the throne, and Shen Ci must be the one to assassinate Lingjun. Xie Changye, prioritizing his grand ambition, agreed to sacrifice Shen Ci. Lingjun, alone, recalled a past life in the immortal realm where Han Sheng, then known as Hantan or Si Mao, often visited him while he was imprisoned, bringing him food and wine.
He remembered being the one who crafted her mortal body, implying she should call him "father." Realizing Chun Yao's suspicions, Lingjun decided to stage a "bitter trick" to gain trust. The next day, as Chun Yao prepared to leave for the Fish Scale, Lingjun insisted on accompanying them, bringing many guards. Lingjun had Han Sheng travel in his carriage while Chun Yao rode a horse. Xie Changye then arrived, claiming Princess Huai'an had sent him to ensure their safety.
Han Sheng was surprised to see her "brother" in the Southern Pool Kingdom as a hostage and even more confused when he pretended not to know her. Lingjun continued to shower Han Sheng with affection, offering her cookies and wild flowers. Chun Yao, visibly irritated, warned Lingjun to stop pursuing Han Sheng, asserting that she was "his person." Han Sheng, standing by Chun Yao, affirmed that she followed him of her own free will.
A scout reported to Xie Changye that he had shot a suspicious person, who then fled. Xie Changye calmly instructed him not to pursue, prioritizing the king's protection. Later, at the river, Huai'an questioned Xie Changye about Shen Ci's readiness. She reminded him that Shen Ci knew too much and must be eliminated after the assassination. Xie Changye agreed, stating he would kill Shen Ci immediately upon their success. The merman Hen, hidden nearby, overheard their sinister plan.
He quickly found Shen Ci and warned her that Xie Changye intended to kill her. However, Shen Ci remained resolute, explaining that her life had long belonged to Xie Changye, who had once saved her. She expressed unwavering loyalty, willing to gamble her life for him, regardless of his schemes. At Celestial Cliff, Chun Yao and Xie Changye both located the Fish Scale, but Chun Yao was quicker and secured it.
Masked, Shen Ci emerged from behind the mountain, aiming an arrow at Lingjun. Lingjun, who had anticipated this (his "bitter trick"), pulled Han Sheng into his embrace as the arrow flew. Han Sheng had instinctively moved to shield Lingjun, but Lingjun quickly embraced her. The arrow, laced with Heartbreaker Grass poison, grazed Lingjun's arm. Chun Yao rushed down to seal the wound and prevent the poison from spreading. Han Sheng, deeply concerned for Lingjun, immediately returned to the palace with him, seemingly forgetting Chun Yao. Lingjun's guards then reported capturing the assassin.
Episode 18 Recap
Guards apprehended an assassin, and Princess Huai'an, expecting to find Shen Ci, was furious to discover it was a different woman. She realized she had been deceived and ordered a thorough search for any accomplices in the area. This replacement had been orchestrated by the merman Heng, who, out of concern for Shen Ci's life, had knocked her unconscious to prevent her from carrying out the assassination.
Han Sheng tenderly attended to Lingjun, expressing deep sorrow that he had been injured protecting her. Lingjun reassured her, reminding her that she, too, had saved his life, and urged her to live every moment to the fullest. Han Sheng questioned the burden of being king, constantly facing assassins, and suggested he step down. This prompted Lingjun to recall his past life as the Northern Dipper Lord.
He described himself as a talented and handsome deity who, after his twin brother's exile, grew to detest power. To escape the endless loneliness of his duties, he created a double of himself to remain in the Hall of Stars. However, his double eventually lost control, leading to a "Qi Deviation" that nearly destroyed the entire Hall of Stars. As a result, other immortals accused him of falling into demonhood and imprisoned him.
Han Sheng suggested that once he recovers, he should come with her to Hundred Spirits Lake, a place she described as a beautiful fairyland devoid of schemes. Lingjun, however, rejected the idea, claiming the lake was "filled with all sorts of evil" and that he would rather remain where he was, as long as Han Sheng was by his side. A palace servant delivered news that Lingjun had been cured by Chun Yao and imperial physicians.
The servant also reported that Xie Changye's maid, Shen Ci, was not among the apprehended assassins. Princess Huai'an was enraged, feeling that Xie Changye had deceived her once more. In her fury, she shattered a cup and ordered a palace maid to be flogged to death for a minor transgression. She then commanded that the captured female assassin's body be hung outside the city gate as a public warning.
Shen Ci regained consciousness and immediately confronted Heng, realizing he was the one who knocked her out. Despite Heng's warnings that she was the "red-feathered merfolk" they were hunting and could not escape, Shen Ci, fearing for Xie Changye's safety, rushed back to the city. Upon reaching the Red Phoenix Gate, she saw the body of the female assassin hanging for public display.
This sight, combined with her recollection of Xie Changye's stern words before the mission—that failure would lead to her abandonment—made her realize with crushing clarity that he never intended for her to survive the operation. While Han Sheng lovingly attended to the unconscious Lingjun, he murmured "Hantan" and grasped her hand. Chun Yao entered, witnessing this tender moment, and quietly instructed a maid to deliver the medicine to Lingjun, asking her not to disclose his presence.
After Chun Yao left, Lingjun awakened, expressing delight at Han Sheng's devoted care, remarking that a mortal body readily garners sympathy from a lady. Han Sheng went to fetch an imperial physician, and outside, she encountered Chun Yao, excitedly telling him of Lingjun's recovery. Chun Yao, however, dismissed her, claiming he was merely passing by. He questioned Han Sheng's strong concern for Lingjun after such a short acquaintance, sarcastically asking if she now considered him her husband.
Han Sheng insisted it was merely to repay a life debt, prompting Chun Yao to lament that despite saving her multiple times, he had never received such attentive care. He then told her to inform Lingjun that he planned to set nets in the river tomorrow to catch merfolk and requested Lingjun to block the downstream waterway. Huai'an and Xie Changye visited Lingjun to congratulate him on his miraculous recovery.
Huai'an audaciously took credit, claiming his survival was thanks to her fervent prayers. Lingjun, subtly challenging her sincerity, questioned if her prayers were truly for his well-being. Huai'an maintained her facade, praising his benevolent rule. Lingjun then turned to Xie Changye, who echoed Huai'an's sentiments, asserting Lingjun was blessed by Heaven. Han Sheng, present during this exchange, encouraged Lingjun to take his medicine and addressed Xie Changye with respect.
Lingjun, in turn, commended Xie Changye for saving his life during the assassination attempt, suggesting a promotion and advising him against using the term "hostage" to preserve diplomatic ties. Xie Changye confronted Han Sheng, reminding her that her unannounced escape from her wedding nearly led to war for the Northland Kingdom and forced him to become a hostage in the Southern Pool Kingdom.
Han Sheng apologized, explaining she only returned with Chun Yao to search for the red-feathered merfolk for the sake of Hundred Spirits Lake's inhabitants. Xie Changye dismissed her apology, emphasizing that her identity as a runaway princess, if discovered, would result in her death, and urged her to leave with Chun Yao. Han Sheng then asked if he orchestrated the recent assassination attempt on Lingjun. Xie Changye cryptically responded that those who are unimportant will be eliminated.
Chun Yao set a magical trap in the river and soon after, successfully captured the merman Heng. Heng, upon capture, defiantly cursed his captors. Lingjun, excited to finally see a real merman, jokingly suggested cooking him for a celebration banquet, but then clarified he intended to keep Heng as a divine beast for good luck. Han Sheng, however, pleaded for Heng's release. Lingjun, grateful for Han Sheng finding the merman and saving his life, offered her anything she desired.
He also promised Chun Yao a reward for fulfilling his part of the deal. Chun Yao, in turn, reminded Lingjun of his promise to let them return home. Lingjun agreed, but on the condition that both Han Sheng and Chun Yao attend his celebratory banquet the following day. Later that night, Shen Ci, disguised, infiltrated the palace to rescue Heng. She found him held in a watery cell, and he expressed relief at her arrival.
Shen Ci, having been worried about him, reproached Heng for returning knowing the dangers of being a merman. As Shen Ci helped Heng out of the water, Xie Changye suddenly appeared. He fired an arrow directly at Heng, but Shen Ci bravely intercepted it, shielding Heng. Just before the arrow could strike Shen Ci, Chun Yao, who had been secretly observing, intervened and knocked the arrow off course. Shen Ci then quickly fled with Heng.
She provided Heng with a packet of medicine for his wound and instructed him to escape through the opened downstream dam gate. Heng pleaded with Shen Ci to join him, warning that she would not be spared for his escape. Shen Ci, however, believed Xie Changye would not harm her and insisted that Heng leave immediately without looking back. After Shen Ci departed, Chun Yao appeared, having observed the entire exchange.
Heng, recognizing Chun Yao as his captor, defiantly confronted him. Chun Yao then used his magic to heal Heng's arm, much to Heng's surprise. Chun Yao revealed his true purpose, stating he only desired a single drop of red-feathered merman heart blood. Heng agreed to provide it, but on the condition that Chun Yao helped him rescue Shen Ci from the palace.
Heng explained that Shen Ci saved his life, and he was worried about her safety, especially since Xie Changye had been pressuring her to assassinate the king. Chun Yao agreed to do his best and was given a conch by Heng, which would allow Chun Yao to locate him when blown. Meanwhile, Shen Ci confronted Xie Changye, who was furious at her return, accusing her of ruining their plan by releasing Heng and defying his orders.
Shen Ci defended her actions, stating she couldn't stand by and watch Heng die, and reminded Xie Changye that he had already planned for her demise, as evidenced by the displayed body at the city gate. Xie Changye dismissed her, calling her a "warrior of sacrifice" who betrayed her oath, and asserted that her life belonged to him, and he decided when she died. Heartbroken, Shen Ci offered him to kill her if he was truly angry.
This heated conversation was overheard by Huai'an's maid, who reported it back to the princess. Huai'an, infuriated, believed Xie Changye was putting on a show, questioning why he kept Shen Ci alive despite knowing her desire for Shen Ci's death. She vehemently declared that Shen Ci must disappear, stating that what she wanted, she wanted exclusively, and she would not let Xie Changye and Shen Ci escape her wrath.
Later, while Heng awaited Chun Yao by a river, Han Sheng encountered Shen Ci as she emerged from the water. Han Sheng, realizing Shen Ci had red feathers and not fish scales, deduced that she was the true red-feathered merman. Shen Ci was initially hostile, but Han Sheng quickly assured her she wouldn't reveal her secret and, to gain trust, disclosed her own identity as Xie Changwan, the runaway Princess of the Northland Kingdom.
Recognizing Han Sheng, Shen Ci let down her guard. Han Sheng apologized for the chaos her elopement caused, which led to Xie Changye's current predicament. Shen Ci then explained that she painfully removed all her scales to disguise herself as a mortal, all for Xie Changye.
She recounted meeting him as a small red fish when he was a child, how he saved her from being caught by the Crown Prince, and how she grew up in the imperial pond, sharing secrets with him. When she was nearly sacrificed, Xie Changye secretly freed her, inspiring her to become human and devote her life to protecting him.
Episode 19 Recap
Han Sheng expressed her surprise at Shen Ci's profound history with Xie Changye, acknowledging that Xie Changye was unaware of Shen Ci's past as the little red fish and only knew her as a powerful mermaid. Shen Ci believed that things and people change, and she had forsaken her principles and freedom to repay Xie Changye's kindness, becoming a dedicated warrior.
Han Sheng realized Shen Ci was deeply in love, not just repaying a debt, and stated that Xie Changye's failure to cherish her was his own loss. Shen Ci confirmed that Xie Changye had taught her about love and hatred, trapping her with them, and despite the difficulties, she preferred to remain by his side.
Han Sheng then revealed her true purpose for coming to the Southern Pool Kingdom: to obtain a drop of Shen Ci's heart blood, which was vital for remolding the Kunlun Mirror. She explained that this would cause Shen Ci to be severely injured for three years.
Shen Ci, demonstrating her selflessness, agreed to sacrifice her heart blood for the sake of the Hundred Spirits Lake and all living beings, but requested a bit more time to resolve her own affairs first. Chun Yao agreed to wait but emphasized they could not delay for too long. Early the next morning, Lingjun confronted Chun Yao, accusing him of releasing his merman. Chun Yao retorted that Lingjun was to blame for publicly displaying the merman in the imperial garden.
Lingjun insisted Chun Yao was the only one capable of catching merfolk in the palace, and therefore, must have been the one to release him. He ordered his guards to apprehend Chun Yao. Just then, Han Sheng emerged, attempting to mediate and call it a misunderstanding. Lingjun dismissed her concerns, accusing Chun Yao of deceiving her and wanting the merman for himself, to which Chun Yao admitted he wanted Han Sheng for himself.
The argument escalated into a magical duel, with Chun Yao gaining the upper hand and injuring Lingjun. Han Sheng rushed to Lingjun's side, pleading with Chun Yao to be gentle, reminding him that Lingjun was merely a mortal. Chun Yao grew furious, questioning why Han Sheng would take Lingjun's side. As Chun Yao prepared to attack again, Han Sheng clutched her chest and fainted. Both men halted their fight, alarmed.
An imperial physician was called, but he could not diagnose Han Sheng's condition, stating her pulses were stable. He concluded that as a cultivator, she was likely suffering from Qi Deviation due to irritation, and mortal medicine would be ineffective. Chun Yao recalled a rumor about a thousand-year-old witch dwelling at the end of the Naidu River, capable of healing creatures from all six realms and predicting fortunes.
He decided to take Han Sheng to see her, with Lingjun insisting on accompanying them to protect Han Sheng. During their journey, Han Sheng regained consciousness, uneasy about the spooky atmosphere. Chun Yao reassured her he would protect her, though Lingjun interjected with a sarcastic remark about Chun Yao protecting himself first. The two men continued to bicker, with Lingjun calling Chun Yao a "ruthless, overbearing, evil demon" and Chun Yao calling Lingjun an "incompetent, tyrannical ruler."
Han Sheng, weary, begged them to stop fighting. They arrived at the witch's eerie courtyard, where a lantern guided their way. To their surprise, the legendary witch appeared as a little girl, causing Lingjun to doubt her capabilities. The witch momentarily transformed into a fearsome form, scaring them, before reverting to her child-like appearance.
She instantly recognized Han Sheng as the one needing treatment, identifying Han Sheng's "extreme Yin Qi," Chun Yao's "spirit Qi," and Lingjun's "devil Qi," explaining that rulers often carry a devilish nature. She pierced Han Sheng's neck with a needle, causing her to faint again. The witch revealed that Han Sheng's "doom was sealed" because Chun Yao had been unwittingly absorbing her energy. She warned that if this imbalance continued, Chun Yao himself could eventually be doomed.
Likening their intertwined spiritual powers to two smoke worms that poison each other, she declared that the only solution was separation. The witch then offered a thousand-year-old Lucid Ganoderma to strengthen Han Sheng's spirit and protect her for a lifetime, in exchange for one-third of Chun Yao's spiritual power. Chun Yao immediately agreed. While the witch went to retrieve the ganoderma, she invited Lingjun into a private chamber, acknowledging his hidden "devil king" identity.
Lingjun seized the opportunity to propose a deal: he asked the witch to kill Chun Yao, offering his "Quiet Spirit" as payment. The witch noted Chun Yao's immense power, making a direct attack impossible. She instead suggested poisoning Han Sheng, explaining that as their spiritual powers were intertwined, Chun Yao's spiritual power would be gradually devoured until his spirit was completely destroyed. Lingjun accepted the terms.
Later, Han Sheng woke up in the carriage, surprised to learn she had been treated by the witch. She recounted to Chun Yao that Shen Ci was the real red-feathered merman, not Heng, a revelation Chun Yao found logical. Han Sheng inquired about Lingjun, and Chun Yao explained that Lingjun had touched something without permission at the witch's dwelling and was bitten by a spider, now acting strangely.
Han Sheng went to check on Lingjun, finding him outside wildly striking a tree with a branch, his eyes ringed with dark circles, making him resemble a panda. Embarrassed by his appearance, Lingjun tried to hide his face. Meanwhile, Shen Ci had finished tidying Xie Changye's residence. Xie Changye, noticing her usual polite greetings were absent, called her back and reminded her to adhere to the rules, then instructed her to buy items for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.
Later, Shen Ci saw a plate of osmanthus cakes, her favorite, which stirred painful memories of a time when Xie Changye had affectionately watched her eat them, promising her they would be made daily. She pondered her true standing in Xie Changye's heart. Lingjun was playing Go with Chun Yao, subtly attempting to persuade Chun Yao to extend their stay in the Southern Pool Kingdom, hoping for more time with Han Sheng.
Chun Yao, seeing through his thinly veiled intentions, rebuffed the idea. Han Sheng joined them, observing their uncharacteristic peacefulness. Chun Yao attributed it to his own magnanimity, while Lingjun claimed Chun Yao had simply given up. Han Sheng, stopping their renewed bickering, took Chun Yao away to enjoy themselves. Left alone, Lingjun recalled a previous Mid-Autumn Festival when Han Sheng, in her former life as Hantan, had given him a Star-Moon Lantern to alleviate his loneliness.
He resolved to reciprocate her kindness this year, hoping she would accept his gesture. In the town, Han Sheng admired two hairpins and asked Chun Yao to choose one for her. Chun Yao, refusing to make choices for others, prompted her to decline both. The shop vendor, noting that hairpins were love tokens, advised Chun Yao that his density would not win her heart. Chun Yao, understanding, then bought both hairpins for Han Sheng.
Chun Yao and Han Sheng then sought out Shen Ci, with Chun Yao stating they could no longer wait for her heart blood, as the fate of the Hundred Spirits Lake and all living beings depended on it. Shen Ci pleaded for three more days, hoping to receive a definitive answer from Xie Changye regarding her place in his heart.
Han Sheng, recalling how Xie Changye had once helped her as a child, defended him, suggesting his apparent ruthlessness might be a facade brought on by circumstances, and that he was soft-hearted deep down. Chun Yao countered that the human heart was unpredictable, capable of turning ruthless after experiencing humiliation, ridicule, betrayal, and manipulation. However, he conceded that Han Sheng herself had never changed. Han Sheng then announced she was going to sleep, reminding Chun Yao to appreciate the moon on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Episode 20 Recap
Lingjun prepared a thousand exquisite Star-Moon Lanterns for Han Sheng, reminiscent of a special lantern someone once gave her. He led her to witness the spectacle, which illuminated the entire kingdom, proclaiming his willingness to have the whole country adorned with lanterns if she desired. He then asked if she had any other wishes he could grant.
Han Sheng reflected on her life, marked by misfortune from birth, scorned for her mother's death, and now burdened by a rare disease, leaving her uncertain of her remaining time. She confessed her singular wish for "the peace of the world." Impressed by her compassion, Lingjun then proposed that she become his queen. Before Han Sheng could fully respond, Lingjun declared his feelings and kissed her. Han Sheng immediately pushed him away, questioning his actions. Lingjun apologized for his impulsiveness.
Unseen by them, Chun Yao had arrived with a lantern he intended to give Han Sheng, but upon witnessing the kiss, he left disheartened. Upset by the encounter, Han Sheng ran back to her room, leaving Lingjun to regret his haste. Meanwhile, Shen Ci brought fresh osmanthus for Xie Changye's bath. Xie Changye requested her assistance in undressing and probed her reasons for repeatedly helping the merman Heng, asking if it was due to shared kinship or deeper romantic feelings.
He even offered to fulfill her wish if she loved Heng. Shen Ci clarified that she only felt pity for Heng, as her heart had always belonged to one person. Pressing for the identity of her beloved, Xie Changye discovered a dropped pouch with an unfinished embroidered poem that alluded to her affection for him. He directly asked if he was the one she loved. Tearfully, Shen Ci confessed her profound love, leading Xie Changye to passionately kiss her.
After her encounter with Lingjun, Han Sheng went to Chun Yao's room, calling out to him. However, Chun Yao deliberately remained silent inside, having misinterpreted her interaction with Lingjun. Lingjun, who had followed Han Sheng, observed her deep concern for Chun Yao and sadly questioned his own significance in her life. Princess Huai'an received a letter revealing Han Sheng's true identity as Xie Changwan, the long-lost Princess of the Northland Kingdom, who was betrothed to Lingjun.
Enraged by this deception, she confronted Xie Changye, accusing him of betraying her trust by concealing his sister's identity. Xie Changye admitted Han Sheng was his sister but claimed he kept it secret to protect their larger plan, pleading for forgiveness. Huai'an, feeling used as a pawn, demanded that he publicly propose to her during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, after she exposed Han Sheng's identity to Lingjun, ensuring a strengthened alliance between their nations.
Xie Changye feigned agreement but reminded her of their original pact: she could not become queen until Lingjun was dead. Huai'an then agreed to ensure Lingjun's demise. At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, Lingjun, looking pleased, allowed Princess Huai'an to announce her discovery of Xie Changwan, the Northland Princess betrothed to him. Huai'an pointed to Han Sheng as the princess, surprising many. Chun Yao quickly denied it, asserting Han Sheng was merely his maid and questioning her resemblance to royalty.
Other guests echoed his skepticism, but Huai'an defensively challenged their disbelief. Xie Changye then stepped forward, confirming Han Sheng's identity as Princess Changwan, his royal sister. He explained his previous uncertainty due to her early disappearance but stated that a distinct birthmark on her body definitively confirmed her identity. Lingjun, understanding her supposed amnesia, forgave her past actions and publicly declared his intention to marry Han Sheng, now acknowledging her as Xie Changwan.
He asked Han Sheng if she accepted his proposal. Han Sheng, contemplating the dire consequences of publicly refusing the king, hesitated. Xie Changye preemptively thanked Lingjun on her behalf. Seizing the moment, Xie Changye then requested Lingjun's permission to marry Princess Huai'an, citing their mutual affection and the new era of peace between their nations. Huai'an confirmed her love for Changye.
Lingjun, delighted, approved both unions, proclaiming it a joyous day that marked the end of wars between the two kingdoms. Disappointed by Han Sheng's apparent acceptance of the marriage, Chun Yao angrily walked away from the banquet. Han Sheng chased after him, asking what she should do. Chun Yao coldly reminded her that she agreed to marry the king in the hall, suggesting she could not have it both ways and questioning her sincerity, implying she always wanted to stay.
Han Sheng protested that Xie Changye's public revelation forced her into a dilemma. She accused Chun Yao of making all her decisions previously—keeping her at Hundred Spirits Lake, taking her as an apprentice, instructing her to stay and catch the merman with the king's help—only to now demand she make her own choice and treat her as one of "others." Chun Yao dismissed her outrage.
Han Sheng then questioned if Chun Yao was the one who revealed her identity to Huai'an, since her brother and Shen Ci wouldn't have. Chun Yao, unyielding, told her to "think whatever you want," and cruelly stated that her main value was to lure spirits, and now that the merman was found, she was "no longer useful" and a "burden." Heartbroken, Han Sheng accepted his words, agreeing they should part ways "as he wishes."
Later, Han Sheng stood alone in the rain, realizing that although Lingjun's proposal fulfilled her long-held wish for peace, the one she truly desired to spend her life with was Chun Yao. Lingjun found her and escorted her with an umbrella. Chun Yao observed them from a distance, recalling a prior conversation with Lingjun.
Lingjun had sought Chun Yao out, reiterating Ling Po's prophecy that their intertwined destinies would lead to destruction, and that Chun Yao, an immortal, and Han Sheng, a mortal, could never truly be together. Lingjun had asserted that he alone could offer Han Sheng a happy life, and then announced his intention to propose to her at the Mid-Autumn Festival, securing Chun Yao's promise to respect Han Sheng's choice.
Chun Yao then reflected that perhaps Han Sheng staying was for her own good, even if it meant he must start anew. The next morning, Princess Huai'an noticed Shen Ci's eyes were swollen from crying, clearly distraught over Xie Changye's impending marriage to Huai'an. Huai'an, angered by this display of sadness, attempted to strike Shen Ci, but Xie Changye intervened, calming Huai'an and taking her away for breakfast.
Later, Chun Yao found Shen Ci and advised her to let go of unchangeable situations, likening it to the endless task of Wu Gang cutting the osmanthus tree. He told her that if she could let go, any place could be home, and invited her to return to the Hundred Spirits Lake with him the following morning.
Shen Ci, however, turned the question back to Chun Yao, asking if he himself was capable of letting go of his deep feelings for Han Sheng, leaving him without a response. Hearing that Han Sheng had been ill for days, Chun Yao visited her room. He presented her with a "Spiritual Twin Nephrite" that he personally crafted using his spiritual power, explaining that while the material was somewhat lacking, it could still ward off evil and protect her.
Han Sheng, recalling their painful parting, questioned why he would bring her a gift now. As Chun Yao began to explain, Lingjun arrived with an array of wedding dresses and gifts, urging Han Sheng to choose one for their upcoming wedding. Lingjun then invited Chun Yao to help.
Feeling a surge of emotion, Chun Yao declared the Spiritual Twin Nephrite to be his "dowry" and "wedding gift" for them, then turned to leave, adding a callous remark about Han Sheng settling her debts to the Hundred Spirits Lake. Furious at being pushed away, Han Sheng demanded Lingjun return the "stupid Twin Nephrite" to Chun Yao. Lingjun took the jade, but his hand was instantly burned, causing him to drop it and order his guards to discard it.
Chun Yao intervened, picked up the jade, and revealed that the Spiritual Twin Nephrite, imbued with his spiritual power, would react and send a warning if any evil approaches it. He then firmly instructed Han Sheng to keep it on her at all times. Back in his quarters, Chun Yao reflected on Lingjun's suspicious reaction to the Spiritual Twin Nephrite. He sensed that since their arrival at the palace, every event had been orchestrated and controlled by Lingjun.
He recalled Ling Po's earlier assessment that Lingjun possessed "the Qi of a devil." This, combined with Lingjun's deceptive actions and elaborate schemes to win Han Sheng, solidified Chun Yao's suspicions that there was something profoundly wrong with Lingjun. He resolved to stay and uncover the truth, realizing he could not leave.
Episode 21 Recap
Chun Yao went to Lingjun's palace and sensed a powerful demonic energy. He discovered a mirror and, upon entering it, found himself in a hidden space where he found the lifeless body of the true Lingjun, confirming that the current Lingjun was an imposter, a devil.
When Chun Yao confronted him, the false Lingjun remained unfazed, revealing his true nature and warning Chun Yao that any use of spiritual power would only hasten the spread of the poison already in his system. Chun Yao realized this poison had been administered by Ling Po, an act orchestrated by the devil Lingjun.
Lingjun openly admitted his malevolent intentions, stating he needed Chun Yao's water spirit to sacrifice to Han Sheng and forbade Chun Yao from breaking the barrier, as his weakened state would lead to certain death. Meanwhile, Xie Changye summoned Shen Ci, instructing her to take Huai'an's place in their upcoming wedding to assassinate Lingjun. Shen Ci questioned the need for this, as Lingjun had seemingly agreed to peace with the Northland Kingdom.
However, Xie Changye firmly believed Lingjun was tyrannical and untrustworthy, asserting that Lingjun's demise was imperative for their kingdom's stability. He presented Shen Ci with a Soul-shattering Dagger, guaranteeing Lingjun's death regardless of his true form once stabbed. Shen Ci, though conflicted, accepted the mission, ready to sacrifice herself for Xie Changye's long-held ambition. Adding to her anguish, Xie Changye then made her ingest a Cold Jade Worm, explaining that without regular antidotes, her body would slowly freeze to death.
Feeling utterly betrayed and reduced to a mere sacrificial pawn, Shen Ci swallowed the worm, her loyalty now mixed with deep hurt. Xie Changye then ordered guards to keep a close watch on her. Unbeknownst to them, Heng, perched on the rooftop, had witnessed these events and resolved to rescue Shen Ci from her plight. Confined to her chamber, Han Sheng, distraught by Chun Yao's sudden disappearance, believed he had abandoned her.
She recalled the hairpin he had given her, sparking a realization that he must have left her for a reason. Driven by this hope, she defied Lingjun, declaring her love for Chun Yao and refusing to marry him, which only fueled Lingjun's hatred for Chun Yao. Lingjun had her guards confine her, but Han Sheng, guided by the spiritual power Chun Yao had given her, sensed his presence within the palace.
Using her magic, she made her way to Lingjun's seemingly empty chamber. She called out for Chun Yao, but he remained unseen. Just as she began to despair, thinking he was deliberately avoiding her, Chun Yao subtly used his magic on a mirror, drawing her attention. Through the mirror, they were able to connect. Chun Yao revealed he had been poisoned, his spiritual power sealed, and that Lingjun was, in fact, a devil.
He also implicated Lingjun in Bai Shan's death. As Han Sheng had just entered the mirror, Lingjun suddenly appeared, grabbing Chun Yao by the neck and silencing him. Han Sheng bravely intervened, pleading with Lingjun to spare Chun Yao's life in exchange for her hand in marriage. Lingjun accepted, his vengeful gaze fixed on Chun Yao as he declared that Chun Yao, the Immortal Spring Water, would bear witness to his beloved marrying his enemy on the morrow.
Meanwhile, after being rescued by Heng and given an antidote for the Cold Jade Worm, Shen Ci still insisted on returning to Xie Changye, convinced her deep love made any sacrifice worthwhile. Heng, however, revealed a shocking truth he had uncovered: Xie Changye's actions were part of an elaborate scheme to protect her.
Heng recounted overhearing Xie Changye instructing Xu Chengyi, a spy for Huai'an whom Xie Changye had coerced into becoming his informant by threatening his family after discovering Xu Chengyi's attempt to frame Shen Ci with Huai'an's hairpin. Xie Changye then ordered Xu Chengyi to arrange for Shen Ci's rescue via Heng, but with strict instructions that Shen Ci should never learn the truth of his protective intentions.
Xie Changye wanted her to believe he was cruel, to foster hatred in her, so she would live, free from the dangerous path he had to walk to secure his throne and country. Chun Yao, reflecting on his poisoning, surmised that Ling Po had likely placed the poisonous worm within Han Sheng, knowing their intertwined spiritual fates would effectively control him without his direct awareness.
He realized that expelling the worm from Han Sheng's body would break his own spiritual seal. He decided he would have to convey this critical information to Han Sheng during their wedding ceremony to ensure their mutual salvation. The following day, two weddings were set to take place. At Lingjun's palace, a bound Chun Yao desperately tried to signal Han Sheng about the poison as she was announced as Princess Xie Changwan.
Lingjun, sensing Chun Yao's attempts, quickly pulled Han Sheng to proceed with the ceremonial bows. Concurrently, Xie Changye's wedding to Princess Nie Huai'an was also announced. To his astonishment, the bride led into the hall was not Huai'an, but Shen Ci. Xie Changye was visibly flustered, realizing her presence had disrupted his meticulously laid plans. Shen Ci, however, stood firm, declaring her unwavering devotion: "Your A'Ci is back. I've told you, I'll go wherever you go.
Even if it's an abyss, I'll still be with you without hesitation." She added that with her wedding to him, she had no regrets, even if it meant death. Xie Changye, now resigned, simply stated they would not die. The ceremonies proceeded, sealing an alliance between the kingdoms and promising peace.
Episode 22 Recap
Xie Changye and Shen Ci confronted Lingjun, who had trapped Chun Yao and intended to marry Han Sheng. As they engaged Lingjun, Han Sheng, following Chun Yao's earlier instructions, used fire to force a poisonous worm out of her body, restoring Chun Yao's spiritual power. Despite their combined efforts, Xie Changye and Shen Ci were no match for Lingjun, with Shen Ci noting he was an extraordinary devil beyond their capabilities to kill.
Lingjun, enraged by their interference, vowed to send them to hell for ruining his wedding. At that critical moment, Han Sheng emerged and stabbed Lingjun in the chest with a dagger. Lingjun, stunned and hurt by her betrayal, demanded to know why she treated him this way, calling her "Hantan." Han Sheng retorted that she didn't believe he would ever let them go and that she, unlike Shen Ci, could harm him.
Profoundly disappointed, Lingjun declared he would transform the entire Southern Pool Kingdom into a lifeless city of devils, lamenting that the only person who ever pitied him had changed. Seeing Lingjun's escalating power, Shen Ci realized she had to act. She informed Xie Changye that the heart blood of a red-feathered merfolk could ward off evil and resist demonic beings, then revealed she was the last of her kind.
Xie Changye tried to stop her from sacrificing herself, but Shen Ci reminded him of his own philosophy about seizing a chance. She then used her heart blood to suppress Lingjun, explaining to Chun Yao that as a Heavenly Devil, Lingjun could only be restrained, not utterly destroyed. Before fully succumbing, Lingjun offered his last drop of blood to Chun Yao, fulfilling an earlier agreement to save all living beings.
Xie Changye held a dying Shen Ci, overwhelmed with sorrow and regret. Shen Ci then confessed that she was the little red fish he had saved as a child, and she had sworn to stay by his side forever after he had once injured himself defending her. She expressed no regrets about meeting him.
Xie Changye, heartbroken, carried her away, wishing for them to reunite in the next life, a wish she echoed, promising to be his red fish again while he pledged to protect her. Back at Hundred Spirits Lake, Han Sheng discussed Xie Changye and Shen Ci's tragic love with Chun Yao, musing that if Xie Changye had confessed his love earlier, he might not have lost her. Chun Yao observed that human hearts are unpredictable and one should cherish the present.
Meanwhile, Wu Yin, the Lord, instructed Kong Lan to prepare for the upcoming Laba Festival by hosting a congee banquet, adding spiritual herbs to the congee to boost everyone's spiritual power. Chun Yao visited Han Sheng, who had been sleeping since their return. As he observed her "cute face," a half-awake Han Sheng, sensing his presence, leaned in and kissed him.
Chun Yao was startled and awkwardly warned her not to do it again, joking about a "punishment" if she dared a third time. Later, Chun Yao read Han Sheng's Book of Spirits, discovering his past life as "Immortal Spring Water" and her as "Goddess Hantan." He learned that their demotion and reincarnation, and his current punishment, were linked to the "fallen immortal Si Mao" and a "flood of the River of Forget."
Chun Yao then received a visit from Beidou Xingjun, who presented him with three "coffin plates," hinting at grave consequences. Chun Yao, having learned about his past, confronted Beidou Xingjun, asking why he had hidden the truth about his and Hantan's past. Beidou Xingjun admitted he kept it secret to prevent their reunion, revealing that Han Sheng was Chun Yao's "millennium tribulation" and would bring him bad luck.
He explained that their spiritual powers were inherently incompatible, destined to repel and ultimately consume one another, with separation being the only solution. Beidou Xingjun gravely warned Chun Yao to stay away from Han Sheng, reminding him there was only "one last plate left to complete the coffin." Unaware of this dire warning, Han Sheng, seeking to understand love, asked Kong Lan about his romance with Wushang.
Kong Lan described how he had won Wushang's affection by making her Laba congee during the first snowfall of the year. He also shared a local legend: unlike the human world, it rarely snows in Hundred Spirits Lake, and if a beloved person agrees to watch the snow with you under the spiritual cocoon tree, it signifies a lifelong bond.
Learning that heavy snow was predicted for the first day of the Laba Festival, Han Sheng was overjoyed and decided to make Laba congee for Chun Yao and invite him to watch the snow. Han Sheng then found Chun Yao. Recalling Beidou Xingjun's warning, Chun Yao tried to appear distant and claimed to be busy with lake affairs. However, Han Sheng, having checked with Kong Lan, countered that he had no plans or other interests.
She insisted she would wait for him under the spiritual cocoon tree the next day until he showed up. The next morning, Han Sheng waited under the spiritual cocoon tree with her Laba congee, but Chun Yao did not appear. Kong Lan approached her and confessed that he had lied about the snow legend and that the first snow wasn't actually scheduled for that day.
Despite this, Han Sheng remained steadfast, vowing to wait until it snowed and Chun Yao still didn't come. Chun Yao, observing her from a distance, used his powers to conjure a snowfall. When Han Sheng saw the snow falling but no sign of Chun Yao, she sadly left. Later, Wu Yin encouraged Si Tong to attend the congee banquet, explaining that the Lord had added spiritual herbs to the Laba congee to aid their cultivation.
Si Tong, initially reluctant, agreed upon hearing the benefits. Meanwhile, Han Sheng returned to Chun Yao, her Laba congee now cold. She confronted him directly, demanding to know why he hadn't met her or watched the snow with her, and then, with unwavering resolve, asked him if he liked her.
Episode 23 Recap
Han Sheng confronted Chun Yao, asking why he avoided her, didn't meet her, and if he had feelings for her. Though Chun Yao secretly harbored deep affection for Han Sheng, he coldly stated that he allowed her to stay due to her mysterious identity, which was greatly important to the Hundred Spirits Lake, and because she owed him a debt. He maintained that his care for her was merely as his maid and disciple, urging her not to misunderstand.
Han Sheng questioned why he saved her on her wedding day if he had no feelings. Chun Yao explained that Si Mao had disguised himself as Lingjun, and he would have saved anyone from such a dangerous individual. Unconvinced, Han Sheng pointed to their shared experiences—catching White Fan, saving Little Mountain, and searching for Shen Ci—as evidence of his affection, claiming his eyes betrayed his true feelings.
Though Chun Yao secretly harbored deep affection for her, he then revealed the reason for his emotional distance. He explained that his spiritual power and hers were intrinsically repellent, absorbing hers and devouring her soul. He recalled how his spiritual power was suppressed whenever her destiny scroll was stabbed, and her two fainting spells (by the lake and in the Southern Pool Kingdom) led him to discover this dangerous incompatibility.
A witch later confirmed that this condition would worsen until her spiritual power was completely drained by him. Han Sheng realized this was why he had abandoned her in the Southern Pool Kingdom, a fact Chun Yao confirmed, though he regretted that she then fell into the hands of a demon king. Han Sheng passionately argued that his explanation was baseless, questioning how he could ignore their feelings due to a so-called destiny and insisting there must be a solution.
Chun Yao insisted they were not destined to be together and that she would eventually leave Hundred Spirits Lake to live a normal life. He advised her to control her feelings, asserting that the only solution was for them to stay far away from each other, as a human and a demon could never have a happy ending, even if the "repelling spiritual power" wasn't true.
He sternly warned that if she wished to remain at the lake, she should not appear before him again, and if she wished to leave, Kong Lan could assist her. Heartbroken, Han Sheng responded with a quiet "Fine, I heard you," apologized for disturbing him, and left, clutching the Laba congee she had prepared for him. Later, during the Laba Festival, Han Sheng, still distracted by her sorrow, almost ruined the congee she was helping Wushang prepare.
Wushang, along with Kong Lan, took over, their affectionate interactions further highlighting Han Sheng's loneliness. She then witnessed Si Tong snatch a bowl of Laba congee from a child. Enraged, Han Sheng tripped Si Tong, causing him to drop the congee he had intended to share with his master. Si Tong, furious, threatened to harm her, but Kong Lan and Wushang intervened and protected Han Sheng.
Passersby criticized Si Tong, calling him an ill-mannered "abandoned kid" and questioning how the righteous Wuyin could have raised such an ingrate. Kong Lan urged Si Tong to return home, lest his master worry. Si Tong limped back to Wuyin's residence, trying to sneak in, but Wuyin immediately sensed his trouble. Si Tong assumed Kong Lan had reported him, but Wuyin revealed that his injured hand had betrayed his mischief.
As Wuyin carefully treated Si Tong's hand, Si Tong confessed to stealing the congee and being called an "abandoned kid." He explained that he only wanted to share the Laba congee with Wuyin to help his master gain spiritual power. Wuyin decided it was time to reveal Si Tong's past. He recounted that 500 years ago, during a period of great chaos when numerous ghosts and evil spirits escaped from the Monsters and Demons Pool, he discovered infant Si Tong.
Si Tong's parents had sacrificed their lives protecting him, placing him on a lotus to purify the demonic Qi that had tainted his body. Wuyin then adopted and raised him. Si Tong expressed profound gratitude for Wuyin's rescue and upbringing, lamenting that he couldn't share the Laba congee with his master on such a special day. Wuyin then produced a basket containing two bowls of Laba congee, explaining they were gifts from the school children.
He advised Si Tong that things taken by force would never truly belong to him. Instead, he encouraged Si Tong to cultivate a compassionate heart, treat others kindly, and strive to dispel the demonic Qi within him, aspiring to be a person who helps others. Si Tong, however, reaffirmed that he only cared about Wuyin.
Meanwhile, Han Sheng, distraught by Chun Yao's words about their conflicting spiritual powers, unleashed a burst of magic, and shortly after, discovered an injured woman on the ground. Han Sheng quickly brought the severely wounded woman to Wuyin's pharmacy house. Wuyin speculated that the woman might have arrived by accident due to an unstable barrier. The woman awoke defensively, brandishing a dagger, but relaxed after Wuyin introduced himself, Han Sheng, and Si Tong.
Recognizing Wuyin, she dropped to her knees, pleading for his help. She introduced herself as Yueji, a scorpion demon from the desert who once supported herself by robbing camel caravans. She recounted falling in love with a man who had awoken after she drugged his caravan, only to discover he was a spirit hunter who secretly poisoned her wine.
He had told her the poison would spread and kill her after disfiguring her, prompting her desperate journey to Wuyin for healing. Si Tong immediately objected to keeping Yueji, citing her unknown identity and unverified story. Han Sheng, however, passionately argued for saving a life, reminding Si Tong of the boundless beneficence in compassion. Si Tong countered, suggesting that Han Sheng's intense care might indicate she was the one who injured Yueji.
Wuyin, agreeing to help and advising Si Tong to treat others as he wished to be treated, decided to let Yueji stay. Later, Si Tong discovered Yueji attempting to steal spiritual pills from Wuyin's pharmacy. He confronted her, branding her an evil scorpion and intending to end her life. Wuyin arrived just in time to stop him.
Yueji explained that she had learned people were unpredictable and feared Wuyin might go back on his word, so she took the pills for self-protection. Si Tong vehemently argued that her actions exposed her true nature and she should not be allowed to stay. Yueji, resigned, claimed she was dying anyway and didn't care if she was expelled or killed. Wuyin reassured her he would cure her, emphasizing that her true ailment was a heart that no longer trusted anyone.
He declared he would trust her one more time and hoped she could trust him as well. Wuyin then reminded Si Tong of his own teachings about kindness and cautioned him against judging Yueji so harshly. He explained that Yueji's "evil side" emerged because she had been hurt, calling her a "poor soul" deserving of another chance, just as Si Tong, despite being born with demonic Qi, could avoid a demonic path by consistently performing good deeds.
Feeling deeply hurt and misunderstood by the comparison, Si Tong accused Wuyin of seeing him as merely another "poor soul" and believing that Wuyin cared for him was "wishful thinking." He then ran off into the forest, where he encountered Lingjun, who took the opportunity to make his presence known and influence Si Tong.
Wuyin, left alone, later stood before the Goddess statue, pondering if he had made the right decisions in raising Si Tong, a Demonic Lotus, for centuries, still unable to fully purify his demonic Qi. After her frustrating encounter with Chun Yao, Han Sheng sought Wuyin's advice. Wuyin noticed her distress and compassionately offered solace. Han Sheng then asked him what one should do if they love someone who constantly avoids and pushes them away.
Wuyin wisely suggested that sometimes, rejection can actually be a sign of deep love. He advised her that while she couldn't control others' thoughts, she knew her own heart, and if she was in love, she should pursue it, as even a saint would. Han Sheng understood and decided to concoct medicine for Yueji, feeling guilty for her earlier injury.
She then went to Chun Yao's residence, calling out to him, expressing her disbelief that the "repelling spiritual power" excuse could fool her, and demanding he stop avoiding her. Kong Lan's voice from within Chun Yao's chamber announced that he was in closed-door cultivation after repairing the barrier and shouldn't be disturbed.
Han Sheng, frustrated by Chun Yao's continued avoidance, retorted that one could never wake a person who was only pretending to be in closed-door cultivation, declaring that he could stay inside forever and never see her again before leaving. Later, Si Tong, still disturbed by persistent "nightmares" of Lingjun, saw Han Sheng outside making medicine. Han Sheng was concocting medicine for Yueji, driven by compassion and a sense of guilt, while also waiting for Chun Yao.
Misinterpreting the situation, Si Tong concluded that Wuyin had allowed Yueji to stay only because of Han Sheng. He then maliciously tricked Han Sheng by removing firewood, prompting her to enter the woodshed to fetch more. Once she was inside, he promptly cast a lock spell to trap her. Han Sheng realized she was confined and couldn't break the spell for 24 hours, angrily vowing to confront whoever had locked her in once she got out.
Episode 24 Recap
Si Tong went to confront Yueji, who was feigning illness and claimed that even Si Tong's master, Wu Yin, was being manipulated by her. She warned Si Tong not to be hostile towards her. Angered, Si Tong attempted to strike Yueji but stopped when Wu Yin arrived. Wu Yin then instructed Si Tong to bring medicine for Yueji. However, Yueji accused Si Tong of poisoning her and challenged him to drink the medicine himself to prove his innocence.
Si Tong accepted, drank the medicine, and immediately collapsed in agony. Yueji gloated, but Wu Yin intervened, explaining that the medicine was a potent "counter-toxin" that would severely harm an ordinary person, and Si Tong had been unaware of this. He defended Si Tong, stating that his apprentice would not have consumed a poison he had knowingly administered.
Wu Yin warned Yueji that if she wished to remain under his care, she must cease harming Si Tong, and then escorted Si Tong away. Meanwhile, Han Sheng was confined in a dark room by a spell, the enclosed space triggering traumatic memories of being labeled a "coffin birth child." In desperation, she deliberately wounded the mark on her wrist, a last resort to summon Chun Yao. Sensing her distress, Chun Yao rushed to her aid.
He tried to break the spell with his spiritual power, but it caused Han Sheng immense pain due to their conflicting energies. Chun Yao immediately stopped, promising not to use his spiritual power again. He then found an axe and hacked a hole in the window, allowing Han Sheng to see the stars and find relief from her claustrophobia. Seeing Chun Yao's deep concern, Han Sheng openly confessed her love, reiterating Wu Yin's advice to pursue love wholeheartedly.
She declared her unwavering commitment to stay at Hundred Spirits Lake and spend every possible moment with him. Chun Yao, moved by her sincerity and acknowledging his own feelings, took her hand. Han Sheng, seizing the moment, transferred her spiritual power to him, allowing him to finally unlock the door. As the door opened, Han Sheng collapsed, and Chun Yao gently carried her home. Wu Yin tended to Si Tong's poisoning.
During the treatment, Si Tong unexpectedly bit Wu Yin's hand. He quickly recovered, filled with remorse, and insisted on applying medicine to his master's wound. Wu Yin reassured Si Tong, acknowledging his courage but admonishing his recklessness in risking his life, and expressed his fear of losing him.
Wu Yin then reminded Si Tong to diligently practice the secret technique he had taught him to expel the demonic Qi of the Five-colored Lotus, which was crucial for his recovery and the lotus's maturation. Despite a playful exchange about Wu Yin's nagging, Si Tong promised to practice and even playfully suggested sleeping with Wu Yin, a request his master gently refused.
Later, Chun Yao informed Kong Lan that Han Sheng had been locked up, noting a peculiar demonic Qi on the door lock, and suggested Wu Yin might be concealing something, instructing Kong Lan to investigate. Han Sheng then arrived, interrupting their discussion. Chun Yao revealed he had discovered that sealing Han Sheng's spiritual power would prevent his own from absorbing it. He then presented her with a "Vitality-strengthening Bead" he had crafted overnight.
Touched by this gesture, which confirmed Chun Yao's true affections, Han Sheng reciprocated with her own unique gift: a kiss. They shared sweet moments, reminiscing about Han Sheng's wish to be with him forever. Their romantic evening was briefly interrupted by Kong Lan, who quickly withdrew. As night deepened, Chun Yao explained to Han Sheng that despite the bead, they couldn't spend too much time together as he hadn't yet found a complete solution for the repulsion of their spirits.
He urged her to return and rest. Han Sheng expressed her reluctance, fearing their perfect day might vanish like a dream, recalling a beautiful snowfall where he wasn't present. Understanding her heartfelt concern, Chun Yao conjured a magical snowfall around them, symbolizing their enduring bond and promising they would never part. Back in her room, Han Sheng felt a pang of incompleteness, realizing they hadn't said goodnight.
At that moment, a magical flower appeared on her wrist mark, a silent goodnight from Chun Yao, bringing her peace. Meanwhile, Ling Jun, back in the Monsters and Demons Pool, gloated over his control of Si Tong and the Five-colored Lotus, knowing this prevented Chun Yao from forging the Kunlun Mirror. His plan was to manipulate Si Tong into turning against them, thereby transforming the Hundred Spirits Lake into a "living hell."
The widespread outbreak of demonic Qi from the Monsters and Demons Pool prompted Chun Yao to rush to Wu Yin, demanding the Five-colored Lotus. Despite Wu Yin's hesitation regarding its immaturity, the urgent situation compelled him to comply. Chun Yao took the lotus, intending to find a way to accelerate its blooming.
He instructed Kong Lan to ensure no one disturbed him in the Pavilion of Destinies and to keep Han Sheng confined to the Spiritual Realm Pavilion for her safety. Simultaneously, Wu Yin continued to push Si Tong to practice the secret technique to repel the demonic Qi, despite Si Tong's struggle, emphasizing the critical lack of time. Elsewhere, Yueji harbored deep resentment towards Si Tong, blaming him for alienating Wu Yin from her. Ling Jun appeared, observing her distress.
He subtly manipulated Yueji, telling her not to be upset, for people trust proximity over truth. He claimed they were "the same kind" as Si Tong, yet emphasized their race's predatory nature. Ling Jun provoked Yueji by asking if she would allow Si Tong to bully her, to which she defiantly refused. He then offered her three incense sticks, promising that anyone who inhaled their scent would mistake their dreams for reality.
Seeing Wu Yin as her last hope, Yueji accepted the incense, determined to use it to secure Wu Yin's affection and exact revenge on Si Tong. Confined in the Spiritual Realm Pavilion by Chun Yao's orders, Han Sheng grew increasingly impatient after three days without hearing from him. She worried he might isolate himself indefinitely and, despite his immortality, she felt she couldn't afford to wait. Remembering she possessed a spell, she resolved to use it to open her door and go find Chun Yao.
Episode 25 Recap
Chun Yao learned from the Book of Destinies that Wu Yin and the demonic lotus were connected to Goddess Hantan. He discovered that when the River of Forget was first formed, Hantan had purified a drop of water that, after 8,000 days and nights, became Buddha-like Wu Yin. Hantan had then presented the Five-colored Lotus to Wu Yin to suppress demonic Qi.
This lotus, though evil in nature and never bloomed for centuries, could cultivate into a spirit and breed an entity. However, the connection between Chun Yao (as the Spring Water Immortal) and Hantan remained a mystery, seemingly erased by someone. Suddenly, Han Sheng appeared before Chun Yao, having used an unblocking spell to enter the Pavilion of Destinies. She playfully kissed him, but Chun Yao, intent on his crucial research, urged her to leave.
He reminded her that breaking into the pavilion was a serious offense and that he needed to focus on accelerating the blooming of the Five-colored Lotus, a matter of life and death whose timing ultimately depended on destiny. Han Sheng, however, persisted, questioning if he was already tired of her after promising to spend their lives together. She then offered to help him, noting that Wu Yin, with his practical experience, might hold the key.
Chun Yao admitted he hadn't confronted Wu Yin yet, but shared his suspicion that Wu Yin was hiding something, especially after sensing a trace of demonic Qi on the lock when Han Sheng was trapped in the pharmacy house. Han Sheng, eager to contribute, insisted on investigating Wu Yin, arguing that as the former Princess of the Northland Kingdom now living in Hundred Spirits Lake, she should do something for its inhabitants.
She also warned that she needed to watch out for Si Tong, who was hostile towards outsiders. Reluctantly, Chun Yao agreed, but Han Sheng, ever resourceful, took extra unblocking spells, just in case Chun Yao locked her out again. Meanwhile, Yueji entered Wu Yin's room and lit some incense. Wu Yin returned and questioned her presence, but after inhaling the incense she offered, he realized too late it was an aphrodisiac, leaving him vulnerable.
Yueji confessed her love and attempted to force herself upon him, claiming it was only natural for a man and a woman to be intimate. Before she could succeed, Si Tong burst in, witnessing the scene. Enraged by Yueji's actions, Si Tong furiously attacked her. Wu Yin, weakened, tried to stop his apprentice from doing anything reckless, but Si Tong was beyond his control and chased Yueji out of the room. Han Sheng, positioned nearby, saw them leave and followed.
She witnessed Si Tong corner Yueji, who continued to taunt him, claiming she and Wu Yin were in love. Si Tong, internally battling escalating demonic urges, threw Yueji off a cliff to her death. Han Sheng, shocked, knew she had to report this to Chun Yao immediately. However, when Han Sheng returned to Chun Yao's hall, she found Wu Yin already there. He knelt before her, begging her not to tell Chun Yao about Si Tong.
Wu Yin explained that Yueji had drugged him with aphrodisiac incense, leading to Si Tong's violent outburst. He stressed that Chun Yao showed no mercy for killers and Si Tong would surely die if the truth came out. He implored Han Sheng to give Si Tong a chance, arguing that Si Tong was different from other children, born into misery. Just then, Chun Yao returned.
Before Han Sheng could speak, Wu Yin quickly interjected, informing Chun Yao that Yueji had left the lake in a hurry and asked him to convey her goodbyes, adding that Han Sheng was also aware. Han Sheng, swayed by Wu Yin's desperate plea and fearing for Si Tong's life, reluctantly corroborated the lie. Later, Chun Yao sensed Han Sheng's unease and questioned her directly, but she feigned ignorance and quickly left.
Still suspicious, Chun Yao ordered Kong Lan to secretly investigate Yueji's true whereabouts. Kong Lan soon reported back to Chun Yao that Yueji was dead. Han Sheng, pondering Wu Yin's extreme measures to protect Si Tong, reconsidered the situation. She recalled Chun Yao's earlier detection of demonic Qi on the lock when she was imprisoned, and a chilling realization dawned on her: Si Tong might have turned into a devil.
This would explain why Wu Yin was so desperate to hide the truth from Chun Yao, knowing that an execution would be inevitable. Chun Yao, connecting Yueji's death to Han Sheng's previous description of Si Tong as "hostile," began to suspect Si Tong. He ordered Kong Lan to investigate Si Tong's origins, but found no record of his entry or exit from the lake.
Chun Yao deduced that Si Tong must be a spirit born within Hundred Spirits Lake and thus must have a true body. Remembering the Five-colored Lotus's ability to breed an entity, he examined the lotus Wu Yin had given him, discovering it was a fake. This confirmed his suspicion: Si Tong was the entity bred from the Five-colored Lotus. Recognizing the grave danger, Chun Yao gathered his men, intending to personally capture Si Tong.
As Chun Yao's forces approached, Wu Yin quickly hid Si Tong in a secret passage. When Chun Yao demanded Si Tong's surrender, Wu Yin knelt, pleading for his apprentice. He revealed that Si Tong was symbiotically linked to the Five-colored Lotus, and using the lotus to forge the Kunlun Mirror would lead to Si Tong's demise. Wu Yin argued that all beings had spirits and Si Tong should not be destined to die, citing Buddha's mercy.
Chun Yao countered that if one life could save the entire world, then that life must be sacrificed, accusing Wu Yin of using mercy as an excuse for selfish motives. Seeing Wu Yin's unwavering resolve to protect Si Tong, Chun Yao became enraged. He ordered Kong Lan to inflict punishment upon Wu Yin, but Wu Yin steadfastly refused to reveal Si Tong's location.
Frustrated, Chun Yao confined Wu Yin to the pharmacy house and placed heavy guards around all exits of Hundred Spirits Lake, determined to capture Si Tong without Wu Yin's help. Returning to his chambers, Chun Yao sternly admonished Han Sheng, telling her that her "foolish kindness" had nearly led to disaster. Later, Wu Yin brought food to Si Tong in the secret passage and urged him to escape.
Si Tong, noticing Wu Yin's injuries, deduced Chun Yao was responsible and vowed to kill him for revenge. Wu Yin, weary, restrained Si Tong, telling him that their fate was over due to his escalating violence and inability to control his destructive tendencies. Si Tong, distraught, bowed to Wu Yin, acknowledging his master's importance to him, then walked out of the passage.
Outside, guards tried to intercept Si Tong, but Wu Yin intervened, striking down the guards to clear a path, ordering Si Tong to flee. Unaware of Wu Yin's sacrifice, Han Sheng tried to make amends with Chun Yao, offering him tea and snacks, but he silently ignored her attempts at reconciliation. Observing this, Kong Lan suggested putting Han Sheng in jail to teach her a lesson for her deceit.
Chun Yao quickly intervened, stopping Kong Lan and stating that he would handle Han Sheng himself to ensure she learned her lesson. He reiterated his command to Kong Lan to gather more people and intensify the search for Si Tong, but specifically instructed them not to harm him.
Episode 26 Recap
Seeking to regain Chun Yao’s favor, Han Sheng delivered a homemade lily and lotus seed soup to Kong Lan for Wushang (Chun Yao), using the opportunity to ask Kong Lan for advice. Kong Lan suggested that a sincere apology combined with catering to Chun Yao’s preferences would surely win him over. Inspired, Han Sheng rushed off to prepare a gift.
Chun Yao later found a small apology note from Han Sheng, acknowledging her mistake regarding Si Tong, which helped improve his mood. He then picked up a small bag of "tea" from a box next to the note and brewed it. After drinking two cups, Han Sheng burst in, alarmed to see him consuming the "tea." She revealed that what he had drunk were expensive orchid seeds, all her savings.
Chun Yao was initially furious that she hadn't made it clear, but Han Sheng pointed out she had drawn a small flower on the note and explained that the seeds were meant to attract thousands of butterflies once they bloomed. Miraculously, orchids began to grow on Chun Yao's head, indeed attracting many beautiful butterflies. Han Sheng complimented him, saying he looked as beautiful as the butterflies when he wasn't angry.
Chun Yao asked her to remove the flowers, claiming he couldn't use his spiritual power, but then removed them himself, asserting that she should fix her own mistakes. Han Sheng continued to apologize, and Chun Yao admitted his anger was mainly directed at himself for sending her to investigate Yueji's death, fearing he might never see her again if Si Tong had discovered her.
Han Sheng promised to always listen to him, and Chun Yao, in turn, demanded that she love him wholeheartedly. Meanwhile, Si Tong, unable to escape the sealed exits of Hundred Spirits Lake, wandered, tired and hungry. He snatched some steamed buns from a vendor, prompting a chase. The villagers recognized him as Yueji's killer and blamed him for Master Wu Yin's house arrest, intent on eliminating him.
Before they could harm him, Si Mao appeared, striking the villagers down with a burst of demonic energy before taking Si Tong away. Si Tong awoke in a mountain cave and angrily refused to associate with Si Mao, whom he recognized as a demon. Si Mao retorted that Wu Yin had brainwashed him and then forcefully extracted the Five-colored Lotus from Si Tong’s body.
Si Mao revealed that the story of Si Tong's late parents was a lie fabricated by Wu Yin to manipulate him. He explained that Si Tong was symbiotically bound to the Five-colored Lotus, an ancient demonic item Chun Yao intended to use to recast the Kunlun Mirror and suppress the demonic Qi from the Monsters and Demons Pool. When the lotus bloomed and the mirror was cast, Si Tong would die.
Si Tong refused to believe his master would betray him. Si Mao then projected an image onto the cave wall, showing Wu Yin despairingly questioning the Hantan Goddess's portrait about his predicament. Wu Yin lamented that she had only told him the lotus was for suppressing demonic Qi, not that it would transform into a human, and now he was forced to sacrifice the very person he had nurtured. Si Tong watched in horror, finally realizing his master's deception.
Feeling utterly abandoned and betrayed, Si Tong vowed to embrace his demonic side and make them regret their actions. Si Mao then unleashed a vast amount of demonic energy, seemingly from the Monsters and Demons Pool, causing widespread chaos and harm to the living beings of Hundred Spirits Lake. The distressed villagers cried out for Master Wu Yin's help.
Si Mao mockingly asked Wu Yin if he still believed letting Si Tong go was the right decision, given the lake had become a living hell. Overwhelmed by remorse and the suffering he had inadvertently caused, Wu Yin knelt before Chun Yao, admitting he had nothing to say and asked to be executed. Chun Yao, seeing the devastation, granted his wish.
Later, Si Tong walked through the streets, observing a father teaching his son to write, which brought back fond memories of his own lessons with Wu Yin, where his master had shown him kindness and patience. He pondered the authenticity of their past together. Suddenly, he overheard villagers discussing Wu Yin's impending public execution for freeing Si Tong and refusing to reveal his whereabouts, which had enraged Chun Yao. Si Tong resolved to save him.
Si Mao appeared, questioning Si Tong's resolve to save Wu Yin despite the betrayal. Si Tong maintained that Wu Yin had always protected him, and there must have been a reason for his secrecy. Si Mao warned that it was a trap set by Chun Yao, but Si Tong was undeterred, stating that if it was a trap, it gave him even more reason to rescue his master.
Si Mao watched Si Tong leave, believing that the deeper his obsession, the greater his eventual pain, and that Si Tong would eventually turn to him. At the execution ground, Kong Lan read out Wu Yin's crimes: conniving in murder, covering up for his disciple, and keeping the truth to himself. As punishment, Wu Yin's spiritual bone would be shattered, and he would be publicly executed. Kong Lan shattered Wu Yin's spiritual bone, stripping him of his spiritual power.
Chun Yao offered Wu Yin a chance to live if he revealed Si Tong's location, but Wu Yin staunchly refused, stating he regretted nothing about setting his apprentice free. As the executioner prepared to strike, Si Tong intervened, deflecting the blade with a stone and rushing to save Wu Yin. Chun Yao quickly captured Si Tong with chains, and the "Wu Yin" on the platform vanished, revealing it to be an illusion. The real Wu Yin then emerged.
Si Tong was devastated, realizing that Wu Yin and Chun Yao had conspired against him. He tearfully questioned Wu Yin's sincerity, asking if he was nothing more than a tool. Before being taken away, Si Tong requested one last hug. Wu Yin embraced him, but Si Tong used the opportunity to shatter the chains and seize Wu Yin as a hostage.
As Chun Yao moved to recapture Si Tong, Si Mao appeared, deflecting Chun Yao's attack and escaping with Si Tong. This incident was deliberately designed by Si Mao, whose purpose was to make Si Tong hate Chun Yao and Wu Yin. Back at the Spirit Realm Pavilion, Chun Yao realized Si Mao's presence in Hundred Spirits Lake indicated a significant plan, especially with the Monsters and Demons Pool being a crucial stronghold for demons.
He ordered Kong Lan to station special forces there and guard it closely. Chun Yao then admitted to Han Sheng that he had misjudged the situation, revealing that the demonic Qi that had harmed the villagers was released by Si Mao, not Si Tong. He concluded that Si Mao was hiding within the lake.
Episode 27 Recap
Wu Yin, held captive by Si Tong and Si Mao in the Monsters and Demons Pool, was consumed by Si Tong's deep-seated resentment. Si Tong added more chains to Wu Yin's restraints, accusing him of always wanting him to become a devil. He recounted being haunted by dreams where Wu Yin, despite his kind demeanor, betrayed him by stabbing him in the heart.
Si Tong confessed that while he hated many, Wu Yin was the one person he couldn't bring himself to hate, as Wu Yin was all he had. Wu Yin, acknowledging Si Tong's hatred, offered his own life if it would bring Si Tong peace. However, Si Tong refused to kill him, instead vowing to become a true devil and destroy Wu Yin's beloved Hundred Spirits Lake and the entire world, ensuring Wu Yin would have no one left but him.
Meanwhile, Si Tong's demonic cultivation, guided by Si Mao, rapidly intensified the demonic aura within the Monsters and Demons Pool, alarming Chun Yao. Chun Yao, sensing the sudden surge of demonic energy, realized the Pool had been compromised and immediately set out to confront the threat. Awakened by the overwhelming demonic energy, Wu Yin forcefully broke free from his restraints, enduring immense pain.
Si Tong continued to absorb more demonic energy, but Chun Yao and his allies arrived, confronting Si Tong. Thwarted in his attempts to draw more power, Si Tong quickly seized Han Sheng, holding her hostage to threaten Chun Yao. Si Tong challenged Chun Yao to choose between Han Sheng's life and the fate of the Hundred Spirits Lake, mocking him for his past actions and alleged manipulation.
Han Sheng bravely declared that Chun Yao had done nothing wrong and encouraged him to prioritize the world over her life. As Si Tong prepared to strike Han Sheng, Wu Yin arrived, having endured immense pain to escape his captivity. Wu Yin pleaded with Si Tong to release Han Sheng, asserting that he was the true culprit, the one who raised Si Tong, lied to him, and ultimately betrayed him, thus deserving Si Tong's wrath and death.
Si Tong, however, expressed his disbelief, questioning if Wu Yin still expected him to trust him. To prove his sincerity, Wu Yin offered his inner core as collateral, vowing to perish forever without reincarnation if he failed Si Tong. As Si Tong momentarily hesitated, Chun Yao seized the opportunity to rescue Han Sheng.
Feeling betrayed yet again, Si Tong declared that any bond between them was now broken, consumed by an all-encompassing rage and resolving to destroy the world if it refused to accept him. Chun Yao realized that Si Tong had fully succumbed to demonization. Remembering a Buddhist bead given to him by the North Star Lord, he activated the Flammule Formation, a powerful array designed to eliminate all demonic entities within its reach.
As the Flammule Formation ravaged Si Tong, Wu Yin, unable to bear his suffering, shielded Si Tong with his own weakened body, enduring the pain alongside him. This act of self-sacrifice caused Si Tong to break free from his demonic state, recalling shared memories with Wu Yin, including a moment where Wu Yin expressed a wish to "change the unchangeable one," implying Si Tong. Realizing Wu Yin's unwavering love, Si Tong apologized.
Wu Yin affectionately soothed him, asking to be master and disciple again in their next life. Si Tong promised to transform into a lotus for Wu Yin to find. Embracing each other, they transformed into a lotus cocoon, signifying their shared fate and eventual rebirth. Si Mao was subsequently captured and handed over to Chun Yao. With the demonic energy dispersed and Si Mao captured, the Hundred Spirits Lake returned to peace.
Chun Yao deemed the casting of the Kunlun Mirror unnecessary. Han Sheng, seeing the now seemingly useless mirror, asked to keep it as a souvenir because it was central to their meeting. Chun Yao, after playfully noting its power and value, consented, giving it to her to wear. Han Sheng, appreciative of the gifts Chun Yao gives her, then playfully pointed out that she has never given him any gifts in return.
Chun Yao, embracing her, declared that he only needed her as his gift, promising that for every gift he gave, she would return herself. Later, Kong Lan reported that Si Mao, now imprisoned, had been unusually quiet. Chun Yao, confident that Si Mao's demonic power was diminished from their previous battles, decided to visit him, despite Kong Lan's warnings about Si Mao's cunning nature.
During their confrontation, Chun Yao questioned Si Mao's identity and his persistent attempts to destroy the Hundred Spirits Lake. Si Mao retorted that his goal was to destroy Chun Yao himself, driven by his desire to possess Han Sheng, adding that Chun Yao's water spirit was needed to sacrifice to her. He further asserted that only one person had ever shown him pity, but she had changed, hinting at Han Sheng.
Chun Yao confirmed his belief that Si Mao's actions were "because of Han Sheng," but Si Mao insisted that Chun Yao and Han Sheng could not be together, as their union would endanger her life—a matter of destiny, not his own decision. Si Mao then offered to reveal their shared history in Heaven and the connection between Chun Yao, Han Sheng, and the Hantan Goddess in exchange for his freedom.
Chun Yao, however, dismissed the past, stating that all that mattered was his presence in Han Sheng's life now. As Chun Yao left, Si Mao confidently declared that Chun Yao would eventually return and personally release him. With peace restored, Kong Lan proposed a grand celebration for the upcoming Spring Festival Eve. Chun Yao readily agreed, deciding to combine it with Han Sheng's birthday for an even larger festivity, tasking Kong Lan with creating more elaborate fireworks boats.
Later, Chun Yao found Han Sheng precariously cleaning her room. He saved her from falling and then suggested they move in together, offering to build her a new house or redecorate her current one for comfort.
Han Sheng, though touched that her room was in the same yard as his, initially declined to live with him, but then hinted at a Northland custom where a man furnishing a girl's room signifies a marriage proposal, playfully calling Chun Yao a "wooden-headed fool." Chun Yao, in a voiceover, mused that his tribulation was over, and he was ready for a new way of living with Han Sheng.
While strolling through the market, Han Sheng noticed portraits of the Hantan Goddess, remarking that the depiction looked too masculine for a goddess. Chun Yao, questioned if he had ever met her, praised the Goddess'ss unmatched beauty, which made Han Sheng jealous.
To assuage her, Chun Yao magically altered the portrait to depict Han Sheng's own image, reinforcing his earlier praise that her beauty was indeed "unmatchable," and instructing them to draw the Hantan Goddess in Han Sheng's likeness from now on. As other vendors tried to offer Chun Yao gifts, he politely declined, stating that he would only accept gifts from Han Sheng.
Episode 28 Recap
As the eve of the Chinese New Year approaches, Wushang and Kong Lan found themselves in a playful argument about the preparations for the fireworks boats. Kong Lan, busy with crafting more boats for a grander celebration this year, hadn't yet counted the spiritual power beads needed, much to Wushang's irritation. He tried to appease her, claiming their work was intertwined, which she amusingly retorted. Han Sheng intervened, reminding them it was a joyous occasion.
Kong Lan explained that Wushang was merely teasing him. Han Sheng, seeking advice from Wushang on how to truly express her feelings to Chun Yao, confessed her desire to find a special gift—something unique that other female spirits hadn't presented him with from the hundreds of gifts he receives each year.
Wushang advised her that anything made with a genuine heart, whether it was a bowl of soup, a piece of clothing, or a fireworks boat, would be cherished by Chun Yao. Inspired, Han Sheng went to Chun Yao’s room where he appeared to be asleep. She quietly measured him for new clothes. Chun Yao, who had sensed her presence, suddenly embraced her, declaring she was "his now," which startled her.
He playfully accused her of missing him and wanting to make a move, which she denied, insisting she only wanted to hug him. She cleverly evaded his attempts to kiss her, finishing her measurements before hurrying away to begin sewing a gift, even pricking her finger in her haste. Later, Chun Yao led a blindfolded Han Sheng to a surprise he had prepared.
Han Sheng, full of anticipation, was initially puzzled to find a display of raw vegetables—scallions for wisdom, celery for diligence, lettuce for wealth, and a sacred fish for abundance, which had to be returned. She felt he hadn't put much thought into it. Chun Yao then explained that these were traditional human world omens for a birthday banquet and that he had wanted to celebrate her birthday with her on New Year’s Eve, as he realized he had forgotten it.
Han Sheng was deeply moved, tearfully revealing that a priest had once foretold she wouldn't live past 20, causing people to avoid her, and she had always spent her birthdays alone. This was the first time anyone had prepared a birthday banquet for her. She thanked him and leaned in for a kiss.
Their intimate moment was interrupted by Kong Lan, who arrived with more dishes, explaining that Chun Yao had arranged a potluck feast for Han Sheng, with all the spirits contributing her favorite homemade dishes. Wushang advised Chun Yao and Han Sheng to cherish their love and live in the moment. She warmly invited Han Sheng to stay in Hundred Spirits Lake, assuring her that she was now part of their family.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Han Sheng embraced Chun Yao, feeling a sense of belonging she had never experienced. She then presented Chun Yao with the clothes she had personally sewn, naming them "Spring Sunshine," wishing for warmth to always shine on him. Chun Yao was delighted, calling it his favorite gift in thousands of years, and immediately put it on. They exchanged New Year's greetings, and Han Sheng admired how handsome he looked in the new attire.
The sound of fireworks boats being set off drew their attention. Chun Yao explained the Hundred Spirits Lake custom: spirits create fireworks boats filled with their wishes, and when the fireworks explode and the spirit lord (Chun Yao) hears them, those wishes are granted. Han Sheng eagerly wanted to participate, insisting they go immediately, even before eating dinner. She made a wish aloud, for everyone to hear, that she wanted to spend the next New Year with Chun Yao.
Shy after her public declaration, Chun Yao sweetly promised they would. Chun Yao then led Han Sheng to the Spiritual Cocoon Tree, which he revealed was also known as the love tree in the lake. He explained that just as in the Northland Kingdom, where furnishing a woman's room signifies a marriage proposal, a promise made under the Spiritual Cocoon Tree in Hundred Spirits Lake holds the same meaning.
He proposed to Han Sheng, asking her to stay and spend the rest of her life with him. He assured her he would always cherish her, even when they grew old. Han Sheng accepted, and they tied their "marriage knot" with a spiritual cocoon on the tree, with Chun Yao vowing to find her in every one of her reincarnations. Han Sheng, full of joy, then asked about their future children, wondering if they would be human or spirit.
Chun Yao playfully suggested their child could be anything they wished, joking that he might send a proud son away for cultivation to avoid jealousy, but would raise a daughter like a princess. Han Sheng declared it the happiest day of her life. Suddenly, a massive thunderclap echoed, and a bolt of lightning struck nearby. Han Sheng cried out in pain and collapsed into Chun Yao's arms, feeling intensely cold.
A coffin lid descended from the sky, bearing a dire heavenly decree: "Immortal Spring Water and Goddess Hantan fell in love with each other, resulting in the fall of the River of Forget. All spirits ran for their lives. The Heavenly Emperor was furious and demoted Immortal Spring Water as a semi-demon, and Goddess Hantan as a human. The duo are forbidden from meeting. If they disobey the heavenly decree, serious consequences will follow.
The body or the shadow, only one can remain." Simultaneously, Simao, imprisoned in Wangliang Abyss, sensed Han Sheng's distress and struggled against his chains, angrily warning Chun Yao not to harm her further. A divine doctor was summoned to examine Han Sheng. He diagnosed her with severe Qi deficiency, caused by a deep spiritual interaction with Chun Yao, whose spiritual power had harmed her.
He explained it was a predestined outcome, and while an ordinary cure was impossible, forcibly altering fate was the only other option, though no one had ever successfully defied a heavenly decree. Chun Yao dismissed the doctor, determined to find a solution. Chun Yao then visited Simao in his prison, offering to release him in exchange for knowledge of the events that transpired a thousand years ago. Simao first inquired about Han Sheng's condition, learning she was in a coma.
Simao repeated that their union was against destiny. Chun Yao, however, insisted on knowing the truth. Simao finally revealed that Chun Yao needed to drip a drop of his blood onto Han Sheng's destiny scroll, and he would learn everything. Simao warned Chun Yao not to harm Han Sheng again, or he would return to seek vengeance. Returning to the archive, Chun Yao followed Simao's instructions and dripped his blood onto Han Sheng's destiny scroll.
A vision of a thousand years ago unfolded before him. He saw himself as Immortal Spring Water, lonely and playing chess with his own shadow, which he had created for companionship. Simao, then a fallen immortal, appeared, mocking Spring Water's solitude. Simao offered to create a tangible body for the shadow in exchange for 108 breaths of immortality. After Spring Water agreed, Simao instructed him to give half of his water spirit to the shadow.
This sacrifice would grant the shadow thoughts and a physical form, though Spring Water would lose half of his own spiritual power. Without hesitation, Immortal Spring Water complied, and his shadow transformed into Goddess Hantan, who then formally greeted him.
Episode 29 Recap
Goddess Hantan, after gaining sentience, spent her days with Immortal Spring Water, her affection for him growing profound. Observing the sad spiritual lamps, whose souls, despite having their memories erased by the River of Forget, still harbored deep obsessions, Hantan decided to write destiny scrolls for them, recording their past lives and wishes. Through these stories, she learned about love and loss.
Moved by these destinies, she eventually penned her own scroll, vowing to remain with Immortal Spring Water forever and never forget him, a sentiment that deeply touched him. Hantan expressed her desire to become someone Spring Water truly cared about. One day, Si Mao emerged from the deep pool, demanding to take Hantan. Spring Water refused, engaging in a fierce battle with Si Mao, who declared his love for Hantan and threatened to attack the Heavenly Emperor.
During the intense fight, Hantan bravely shielded Spring Water from Si Mao's attack, sacrificing herself. As she lay dying, Hantan comforted Spring Water, expressing her gratitude for the time they shared and promising to return to him regardless of future hardships. The Heavenly Emperor then convened a judgment, accusing Spring Water of breaking heavenly rules, which led to Si Mao's betrayal and the subsequent overflow of the River of Forget, causing spirits to escape.
Spring Water confessed his guilt and pleaded for Hantan's life. The Heavenly Emperor decreed that Hantan, whose creation was already against heavenly law, could avoid death by reincarnating as a human, destined to suffer for generations and never to meet Spring Water again. Spring Water himself was expelled from Heaven, demoted to a semi-demon, and condemned to guard the Hundred Spirits Lake for a thousand years.
The Heavenly Emperor explicitly forbade them from seeing each other ever again, threatening severe consequences if they disobeyed. The Star Lord of Life advised Spring Water to forget everything and await his return after his tribulation. Chun Yao, having read the destiny scroll and regained his memories of his past life as Immortal Spring Water, felt a deep understanding of his eternal connection with Han Sheng.
Confronting the Star Lord of Life, he accused him of erasing his memories, which the Star Lord admitted, believing it would spare Chun Yao pain. However, fate had defied their intervention, leading Chun Yao and Han Sheng to reunite and for their heavenly tribulation to re-emerge. The Star Lord warned that their continued relationship would only lead to disaster, as they were not meant to be together.
Watching Han Sheng's life force diminish, Chun Yao declared that he would not passively accept a fate where his beloved died before him again. He asserted his refusal to be a "manipulated pitiful soul" and expressed a willingness to die rather than see Han Sheng waste away. Recognizing Chun Yao's unwavering stubbornness, the Star Lord decided to offer a hint, presenting him with a piece of cloth.
The cloth revealed that a possible way to break their tribulation might be found in the perilous underworld, a place of extreme cold governed by the Lord of Hell, who oversees matters outside the Six Realms. With this newfound lead, Chun Yao vowed to find a solution, whether it meant traversing Heaven or Hell, promising the unconscious Han Sheng that he would find a place where they could be together, and imploring her to wait for his return.
The next day, Han Sheng awoke to find Kong Lan and Wushang tending to her. She immediately asked for Chun Yao, learning he had left the Hundred Spirits Lake on an important matter. Upset he left without a goodbye, especially after he had just proposed, she then discovered her Vitality-strengthening Bead was missing.
Kong Lan confirmed Chun Yao took it, and Wushang hastily clarified that he had gone to find treasures to fortify it, intending to make it a marriage token. Han Sheng, delighted by the thought of a betrothal present, felt a surge of happiness. Venturing outside, Han Sheng was enchanted to see numerous cherry trees blooming across the lake.
She remembered mentioning her fondness for cherries in the Southern Pool Kingdom and saving their pits, realizing Chun Yao had secretly planted them for her, filling her heart with warmth. Her joy was interrupted by the appearance of Si Mao, who urged her to accept the "cherry at hand" and come with him, implying Chun Yao's efforts would be "fruitless."
Han Sheng, initially suspecting Si Mao had captured Chun Yao, was then stunned when Si Mao revealed her true identity as Goddess Hantan from a thousand years ago, explaining that her destiny scroll chronicled her entanglement with Immortal Spring Water. The revelation allowed Han Sheng to connect the dots: Chun Yao's absence, the missing bead, and his current dangerous quest were all linked to their shared past and the heavenly tribulation.
Si Mao tried to persuade her to leave with him, promising a life as mortals free from tribulation. However, Han Sheng firmly rejected him, stating that while she considered him a friend, her heart had always belonged solely to Chun Yao. She recalled how even Si Mao's gift of three thousand lanterns had failed to stir her affections, emphasizing that her love for Chun Yao was mutual and unchangeable.
Despite Si Mao's pained confession of his thousand-year love for her, Han Sheng reiterated that Chun Yao was the only one she loved. Disguising herself as Chun Yao using his transformation spell, Han Sheng interrogated Kong Lan about Chun Yao's whereabouts. Kong Lan, completely fooled, revealed that Chun Yao had gone to the underworld to seek a way to break their tribulation. Alarmed and worried for Chun Yao's safety, Han Sheng demanded to know the exact location of the underworld.
At that moment, Si Mao appeared, having overheard their conversation. He clarified that the underworld, which borders the Six Realms, requires a personal visit, and Chun Yao would gain nothing by going alone. Despite Han Sheng's initial distrust and reiteration of her refusal to go with him, Si Mao explained he wasn't trying to abduct her. Instead, he offered to guide her to the underworld, claiming it would bring him relief if she could overcome the tribulation.
Seeing no other option, Han Sheng agreed, much to Kong Lan's dismay. Si Mao led Han Sheng to the extreme cold lands, presenting her with a compass and instructing her to follow it northward to reach the underworld. Han Sheng, touched by his gesture, expressed her hope that he would cleanse his demonic energy and embark on a new path toward becoming a true immortal. Si Mao acknowledged his millennium-long obsession for her and vowed to await her return.
Following the compass, Han Sheng soon found herself confronted by Chun Yao in an illusion. She confronted him for coming to such a dangerous place alone, but he solemnly informed her that he had met the Lord of Hell, who declared that only one of them could survive to break their tribulation. For the sake of the Hundred Spirits Lake, "Chun Yao" then cruelly stated he had to let her go and moved to strike her.
When "Chun Yao" further asserted he was a merciless demon lord, Han Sheng, heartbroken, defiantly told him to kill her. However, as he delivered the blow, she had a sudden realization: this was not the real Chun Yao, as the Chun Yao she knew would never intentionally harm her. With this insight, she struck back, causing the illusory Chun Yao to vanish. Han Sheng then truly awoke, finding herself face-to-face with the real Chun Yao.
He comforted her, explaining that she had successfully passed the "Trial of Death" illusion, which was a prerequisite for entering the underworld. Han Sheng, now also remembering her past life in full, pledged with Chun Yao that they would never be separated again. Chun Yao revealed that he too had undergone and passed the same Trial of Death, confirming that this perilous journey was the only way into the underworld.
Episode 30 Recap
Chun Yao and Han Sheng finally reached the Nine Netherworld, where they met the King. The King acknowledged their suffering and reason for coming, stating that Chun Yao, as an immortal, had a predestined fate that could not be altered. However, Han Sheng, a creature not originally meant for this world but brought into it by the Spring Water Immortal, could become a Spirit Charm beyond the control of the Six Realms and the cycles of life and death.
The King offered her a liquor that would transform her into a Spirit Charm. Han Sheng asked for clarification, as she had never heard of such a being. The King explained that Spirit Charms were immune to tribulations but endured a painful existence: they were born at night and died during the day, suffering excruciating pain with each transition between day and night, in an endless cycle of birth, death, and restlessness.
Chun Yao vehemently opposed this, arguing that such an endless cycle of suffering was far worse than death. However, Han Sheng, having faced the trial of death, was resolute. She declared that she would make this decision, as she never wanted to be separated from Chun Yao by death again and being together was enough for her.
The King then gave her the Fate-taking Liquor, advising her to drink it on a full moon night for her wish to come true and warning her not to regret it. Han Sheng affirmed she would not. After leaving the Nine Netherworld, Han Sheng, sensing Chun Yao's lingering worry, explained that once she drank the Fate-taking Liquor, their tribulation would be broken, allowing them to be together forever.
Chun Yao agreed, and they decided to marry on the full moon night, using the Fate-taking Liquor as their wedding wine. Upon returning to the Hundred Spirits Lake, Han Sheng started writing their love story, "The Spirits' Oath of Love," which quickly became a popular read among the little demons. They were curious about the details of her secret dates with their Lord, Chun Yao. Chun Yao arrived and playfully interrupted, clarifying that their relationship was no secret.
He then announced their upcoming wedding and distributed invitations to all, inviting them to celebrate their union. On their wedding day, Chun Yao and Han Sheng, dressed in ceremonial attire, were married amidst the blessings of the spirits. Back in their bridal chamber, Han Sheng, impatient and hungry, lifted her own veil, confessing she couldn't resist the delicious food laid out before her. Chun Yao had cooked all the dishes himself, knowing she would be hungry.
Han Sheng loved the food and, feeling playful, began listing many demands. She wanted to add a reading table to the Pavilion of Destinies and a swing in the yard. More importantly, she insisted that now that they were married, he must always prioritize her feelings, never be rude or critical, and involve her in all decisions, big or small.
She playfully declared that she would make him as attentive as Kong Lan was to Wu Shang, and he would be her boss in the lake. Chun Yao readily agreed to all her requests, promising that she would be his most powerful boss. As the time came to drink the cross-cupped wine, Han Sheng prompted Chun Yao.
Chun Yao explained the significance of each cup: the first symbolized their completion of each other, making Han Sheng his wife; the second represented good fortune, wishing her a life free from abandonment and heartbreak, filled with love and peace. For the third cup, Han Sheng reflected on how quickly everything had changed from her being an unlucky princess bossed around by Chun Yao to suddenly becoming his wife.
Chun Yao, in turn, expressed that their thousand-year love had seen too little time together in each life, and to him, the third cup symbolized being together forever, inseparable even by death, until the end of time. As they drank, Han Sheng remarked that the liquor from the Lord of Hell tasted good despite its terrifying effect, while Chun Yao found it bitter.
Han Sheng then expressed her hope that even through the cycle of death and rebirth, Chun Yao would always be by her side when she died and be the first person she saw when she awakened. Chun Yao promised to be there for her when she woke up the next day, and Han Sheng, feeling tired, drifted off to sleep. As Han Sheng slept, Chun Yao wept, apologizing to her and admitting his own selfishness.
He revealed that before the wedding, he had returned to the Nine Netherworld King, unwilling to let Han Sheng endure the pain of endless reincarnation. He sought something that could make her forget affection, obsession, and love—essentially, forget him. Moved by his deep love, the King gave him the Water of the Underworld, akin to Mengpo soup, which would erase her memories of him.
Chun Yao then performed a spell, extracting his own water spirit and transferring it into Han Sheng, making her whole and ensuring her safety forever, though his own lifespan was now uncertain. Soon after, Chun Yao met Si Mao outside.
Si Mao thanked Chun Yao for the elixir of immortality, which he had used to strike a deal with Huai'an, securing her willing abdication of the throne in favor of Si Mao, also known as Ling Jun, the ruler of the Southern Pool Kingdom. Chun Yao inquired about Han Sheng's well-being, to which Si Mao confirmed she was safe and stated he would take her with him the next morning.
Chun Yao, heartbroken at the thought of Han Sheng leaving, stopped Si Mao and questioned his love for her. Si Mao assured him that his love was as deep as Chun Yao's. He admitted that initially, he was disappointed that Han Sheng was no longer Hantan, believing she had forgotten him. However, after spending time with her, observing her kindness, and witnessing her risk her life to save his, he realized she hadn't changed at all.
To him, she was like a fallen star, even more captivating. Chun Yao, still pained, made one last request: if Han Sheng were to fall in love with Si Mao, he must cherish and never leave her. But if she did not, Si Mao must not force her, allowing her to find the one with whom she truly wished to spend her life.
Si Mao readily agreed, then asked Chun Yao how much longer he could live without his water spirit. Chun Yao refused to answer, simply telling Si Mao to remember his promise. The next morning, Han Sheng awoke in a carriage, feeling confused, crying, and an inexplicable sense of unease. She remembered nothing. She called for the carriage to stop and asked a guard where they were going.
The guard, identifying himself as an escort from the Northland Kingdom's imperial palace, informed her that she was being escorted to the Southern Pool Kingdom for a peace-making marriage. He explained she had been sleeping for a long time and nothing had happened. Han Sheng vaguely recalled that she was to marry the king of the Southern Pool Kingdom, but she couldn't remember anything else, feeling as though she had experienced a long dream whose details had completely vanished.
Chun Yao watched Han Sheng's carriage disappear into the distance, his heart aching. He instructed Kong Lan to change the location of the Hundred Spirits Lake, hoping to prevent Han Sheng from finding him if she ever remembered. He bid her a silent farewell, reflecting on how lucky he was to have loved her and experienced life and death with her across his previous and present lives, and thanking her for returning to him. He wished her a future filled with warmth and happiness, free from sorrow and surrounded by love.
Episode 31 Recap
Han Sheng, dressed in wedding attire, nervously sat in her room. When King Lingjun entered, she, recalling rumors of a tyrannical and ugly ruler, threatened to harm herself with a broken porcelain shard if he approached. Lingjun, far from being ugly or tyrannical, appeared easy-going and even offered his arm to be cut, which Han Sheng accidentally did. Despite the injury, Lingjun didn't blame her, instead stating that her fearlessness proved he wasn't tyrannical, otherwise she would have been executed.
He introduced himself as Lingjun, suggesting they be friends, to which Han Sheng introduced herself. He then ordered a magnificent feast for her, promising she could do anything she wished in the palace. Han Sheng, while enjoying the food, was bewildered by Lingjun's affectionate familiarity, as if he had known her for a long time. She later observed him to be quite clingy, a stark contrast to the rumors.
She confessed that after waking in the carriage, she felt she had forgotten someone important from a dream, but found Lingjun strangely familiar. Han Sheng requested to postpone the wedding, wanting more time to adjust to her new environment in the Southern Pool Kingdom, and Lingjun readily agreed to wait for as long as needed. After Han Sheng departed in the carriage, Chun Yao sadly watched her go, then instructed Konglan to change the location of the Hundred Spirits Lake.
He feared Han Sheng might remember him and return, wishing only that her future life would be free of hardship and full of happiness. Meanwhile, Chun Yao had been secluded for three days, refusing food, deeply immersed in his loneliness and love for Han Sheng. His hair had turned entirely white.
He spent his days reading the novels Han Sheng had written, envisioning her presence and hearing her voice, taunting him about regretting sending her away and asking if he could truly bear to forget her. He dismissed these thoughts, but the image of Han Sheng noted his white hair, a testament to his unspoken sorrow.
Later, playing chess with Si Ming, who lamented his eternal losing streak and the loneliness he would face after Chun Yao's impending death, Chun Yao learned he only had seven days left to live. He deemed this sufficient time to make his final arrangements. Before his demise, he challenged Si Ming, wanting to once again witness Si Ming's renowned Supreme Cloud-breaking Whisk technique, and Chun Yao emerged victorious. Konglan, upon seeing Chun Yao's white hair, was startled.
Chun Yao then explained his decision to return all the destiny scrolls to their owners, noting that the spirits now considered the Hundred Spirits Lake their home, rendering the scrolls' previous collection unnecessary. He confessed to Konglan that he had separated from his water spirit before sending Han Sheng away, which was why he only had seven days left.
Despite Konglan's sadness, Chun Yao expressed that he had lived long enough and wished to spend his remaining days fulfilling the unfinished wishes of missing spirits. He appointed Konglan and Wushang as his successors to guard the Hundred Spirits Lake. Chun Yao, having returned most of the destiny scrolls, noticed that Han Sheng's was among the few unclaimed. Taking advantage of the rabbit spirit A'Mo's wish to find his brother, Ze, Chun Yao decided to journey to the human world.
Meanwhile, Han Sheng, bored with palace life and fearing post-marriage restrictions, had secretly left the palace during the Lantern Festival, leaving a note. The palace staff, discovering her absence, frantically sent out guards with strict orders to find her before the wedding or face execution. Chun Yao arrived in the Southern Pool Kingdom, his white hair drawing comments from passersby, as he traversed the very streets where Han Sheng was wandering. They initially passed each other unnoticed at a stall.
Han Sheng, witnessing a vendor mistreating rabbits, bought them all to save them. One of these rabbits, A'Mo, who could temporarily take on a child form, transformed and called Han Sheng "Mom" and Chun Yao "Dad" upon their eventual meeting. Han Sheng was surprised, asserting she wasn't even married, and noticed Chun Yao's magic and healing powers, questioning if he was a wizard or a demon. She even complimented his good looks.
Chun Yao, who was tracking A'Mo, inquired if Han Sheng had escaped the palace, which she confirmed, claiming she wanted to enjoy the festival. Chun Yao explained A'Mo's plight of being separated from his brother and initially suggested they part ways due to the human-demon divide. However, Han Sheng insisted on helping A'Mo find his brother and chided Chun Yao for being "petty" when he hesitated to buy A'Mo snacks, taking the child herself.
At the snack shop, Han Sheng affectionately called Chun Yao "smelly monster," bringing a fleeting smile to his face as he briefly wondered if she remembered him. Their hands brushed while reaching for a snack, causing Han Sheng a sudden pang in her heart, which made Chun Yao ponder if their reunion was triggering the "soul-eating" phenomenon once more.
Guards searching for Han Sheng saw them but dismissed her as the princess, believing she was part of a family of three with Chun Yao and A'Mo. A'Mo led Chun Yao and Han Sheng back to his home, only to find his brother dead. A'Mo cried out for his brother, deeply saddened. Han Sheng comforted him, assuring him it wasn't his fault, but that of the ruthless killers.
Chun Yao took his brother's spirit cocoon, which was his destiny scroll, promising A'Mo that he would take it to the Hundred Spirits Lake, and his brother would return to him in the next life, as long as he wished to see him. Han Sheng then pondered if A'Mo and his brother would truly meet again in their next lives, and if the brother would still be a rabbit.
Chun Yao replied that destiny has no certain answer; those meant to meet will find each other regardless of form or distance, "just like you and me," he remarked, referring to their own unexpected reunion. As Han Sheng released a flower lantern for A'Mo's brother, Chun Yao watched, finding solace in the thought that Han Sheng, having forgotten everything, could still live a happy life, which he considered a validation of his painful decision.
As the Lantern Festival fireworks lit up the sky, Han Sheng, reminiscent of earlier times, made a wish. This brought back Chun Yao's memories of their shared past, where she frequently made wishes. Han Sheng, looking at Chun Yao, asked if they knew each other, sensing a familiarity she couldn't place. Chun Yao, despite his inner turmoil, denied it, maintaining they had never met.
When she pressed if they would meet again, he vaguely responded that "if fate allows," they might. Their poignant moment was interrupted by the arrival of the palace guards, who had finally tracked down Han Sheng. Despite her plea for one more hour, the guards insisted on her immediate return due to the curfew. Han Sheng reluctantly bid farewell to A'Mo.
As she walked away with the guards, leaving Chun Yao behind, she felt an inexplicable, sharp pain in her heart with every step, wondering why she felt such agony. A'Mo, turning to Chun Yao, asked if he would see his "Mom" again, to which Chun Yao, with a heavy heart, replied, "You won't."
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
Upon Han Sheng's return to the palace, Si Mao was overjoyed, having feared she wouldn't come back. He presented her with a handmade lantern, suggesting they share glutinous dumplings to celebrate the Lantern Festival. However, Han Sheng found herself constantly thinking of Chun Yao, puzzled by her persistent thoughts of him. That night, Mingge, the Star Lord of Life, appeared before Han Sheng.
He observed that she hadn't forgotten everything and offered to help her recover her lost memories, revealing that Chun Yao was her beloved. Mingge warned her that regaining her memories would bring unbearable sorrow and exact a great price, but Han Sheng declared herself willing to bear it. The next morning, Si Mao excitedly asked Han Sheng about the wedding decorations for their upcoming ceremony.
However, Han Sheng, now having remembered everything, called him by his name, surprising him since she had supposedly drunk the fate-taking liquor. She clarified that Mingge had restored her memories, not Chun Yao. Han Sheng angrily confronted Si Mao, accusing them of erasing her memory and making decisions about her life without her consent, questioning if she was merely a puppet. Si Mao tried to persuade her that this was the best outcome for her and Chun Yao's wish.
He urged her to honor Chun Yao's sacrifices and, if she had any lingering affection for him, to put on her wedding dress and meet him in the Sun Glory Hall. Si Mao waited patiently in the Sun Glory Hall all day, but Han Sheng never appeared in her wedding dress. Heartbroken, he realized she had chosen to return to Chun Yao, wondering what she could possibly do to help him given the impending heavenly tribulation.
Meanwhile, Han Sheng found Chun Yao by the spiritual cocoon tree. She tearfully accused him of abandoning her despite their vow under that very tree to be together forever. Chun Yao, visibly emotional, called her a "silly girl" and asked why she had returned. Han Sheng confessed how much she missed him and insisted that no matter how little time they had left, she wanted to be by his side. Chun Yao embraced her, agreeing to her wish.
The two spent time together, savoring every moment as if their lives were not numbered. Chun Yao expressed his simple desires: to cook, water plants, and finish writing their story with Han Sheng, concluding it with "to grow old together, to live happily ever after, until death separates us." As snow began to fall, a voice declared it a final gift of love from the Hundred Spirits Lake to them.
Han Sheng wished their idyllic moments to be an endless dream and that she could stay with Chun Yao forever. Chun Yao urged her to live every day to the fullest and to remember that she had many chances to return to life. Han Sheng agreed, believing that through countless reincarnations, they would eventually spend a lifetime together. They soon noticed blood dripping from the sky and went to investigate, finding Mingge severely wounded.
Mingge explained that he had helped Han Sheng regain her memories, going against heavenly providence, and had secretly altered the date of Chun Yao's tribulation, which the Heavenly Court discovered. He claimed it was his turn to face a doomed fate, trying to comfort Chun Yao by saying he was merely repaying Chun Yao's kindness from their time in Heaven. Before he could fully warn Chun Yao about a coffin, Mingge disintegrated into dust, reincarnating.
Enraged by Mingge's death, Chun Yao smashed a nearby coffin, proclaiming that he would die fighting Heaven rather than be treated as a pawn. The Heavenly Emperor, in a form created from a wisp of his breath, appeared, accusing Chun Yao of being misled by desire in his previous life and creating a spirit woman.
Chun Yao refused to admit fault and instead blamed the Heavenly Emperor for killing Mingge, asserting that if punishment was due, it should be directed at him. The Heavenly Emperor argued that Mingge's mistake was compounded by his status as a star lord. Chun Yao retorted that the Heavenly Court was devoid of feeling, like a graveyard.
The Heavenly Emperor then warned that with the coffin damaged, a disaster would befall all of Hundred Spirits Lake, rationalizing his actions by claiming the Way of Heaven punishes evil without partiality. Chun Yao dismissed these words as a pretense to kill him and refused to let the lives of the spirits be used as a threat, insisting that as it was his tribulation, he should be the sole target.
Suddenly, Si Mao arrived, declaring that his fate was his own, not Heaven's. The Heavenly Emperor accused him of defying Heaven again, reminding him of his past violation that turned him into a devil. Si Mao defiantly challenged the Heavenly Emperor, stating that while he might kill gods, humans, and spirits, he could not kill devils. As the battle raged, Si Mao was quickly overwhelmed. Chun Yao, holding his ground, urged Si Mao to take Han Sheng and leave.
However, Han Sheng refused to abandon him, proclaiming that Chun Yao's Hundred Spirits Lake was the true paradise, not the emotionless Heaven. She embraced and kissed Chun Yao, confessing her love, then pushed him away, choosing to face the tribulation herself. As she was drawn into the sky by the Heavenly Emperor's power, Han Sheng removed the water spirit mark from her wrist, returning her spiritual essence to Chun Yao, instantly restoring his black hair.
As she fell, Han Sheng calmly told Chun Yao not to mourn her. While acknowledging that one's death to save the world might be worthwhile, she tearfully clarified that her true desire was not to save the whole world, but only him. She implored him to take good care of their home, the Hundred Spirits Lake, before disappearing completely. Her sacrifice released all the tormented spirits in the lake, restoring them to their original forms.
Chun Yao was left with only Han Sheng's pendant, consumed by memories of their time together. Meanwhile, Si Mao, now completely de-demonized, began a new life in the human world, wondering if Han Sheng would be happy for him.
